BusinessVoice News Network

Plan to start your spring cleaning in the medicine cabinet by disposing of old prescription drugs that could be dangerous for children. Over-the-counter pills can be used beyond an expiration date but may be less effective. And liquid medications like cough syrup should be thrown out after the expiration date. Source Link

A simple hardware swap or modifying new low-cost cabinetry can give your kitchen a fresh look for a lot less. New basic IKEA cabinets can be customized with door fronts and brass or matte black handles and pulls. Or use that same new hardware and some paint to refresh your current cabinets. Source Link

One new habit could help you start the day with more energy. Waking up at the same time every day can stabilize the body’s circadian rhythm governing the release of hormones that wake you up in the morning and get you to sleep at night. Keep your wake-up time within the same 30-minute window each day and try to use that snooze button only once. Source Link

Besides losing an hour of sleep, how does the jump to Daylight Saving Time affect people? Studies have shown that the time shift may be responsible for more heart attacks, more workplace injuries and even more headaches. But there’s not a lot of evidence to support the claim that “springing forward” leads to more traffic accidents. Source Link

Ever wonder what it would take to undo the calories that you add with a trip to the fast food drive-thru? A Big Mac and fries would cost you about 90 minutes on an elliptical machine, while that three-piece KFC meal clocks-in at about an hour in the gym. A slice of pizza isn’t much better, requiring about 59 minutes of cardio or even more weightlifting. Source Link

You can tackle big cleanups around the house by taking on the task in small bites. Micro decluttering means focusing on a medicine chest instead of the whole bathroom, or cleaning out the fridge instead of the entire kitchen. Create a schedule to do at least one micro section of a room per day to see the benefits without the burnout. Source Link

The window in an oven door gets grimy, but there’s an easy way to clean it. Make a paste using baking soda and water and add a few drops of a grease-cutting dish detergent. Spread this on the glass and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and wipe with paper towels or a microfiber cloth. Source Link

With voice cloning becoming easier, getting a fake call from a child or grandchild needing money for an emergency is a common scam, and you can fight back with one word. Create a unique family code word and ask for that if you get such a call. If they don’t say the word, hang up. You can make it even safer by using a common word but mispronouncing it as the code word. Source Link

We’ve all had times when you can’t fall asleep because your mind is racing. You might overcome this by listening to soothing sounds or a calming meditation on your phone. You can also try rhythmic breathing like the 4-7-8 exercise, with a four-second inhale, a seven-second hold and an eight-second exhale. Source Link

Living a happier life goes hand in hand with good health habits. Start by eating a satisfying breakfast every day with more protein and less sweets and fats. Being physically active will improve your ability to do everyday tasks and building meaningful friendships can fend off loneliness. And cut the critical self-talk by imagining what you’d say to a friend with the same problem. Source Link

Seniors don’t need to be afraid of the weight room because resistance training pays big dividends as we age. Consult with your doctor and a personal trainer and start with free weights that can build muscles and help with balance. Weight training can help the heart learn to pump harder to avoid fatigue. Source Link

The blue spray that keeps your windows clean can do wonders all around the home. Try it as a stain remover on non-silk washable fabrics or a kitchen degreaser for cooktops, cabinet door handles and stainless steel appliances. It’s ideal for cleaning your car’s dashboard and steering wheel and will work on most surfaces in the bathroom. Source Link

Most of us know you don’t give chocolate to a dog, but what other common foods are a no-no for Fido? Grapes and raisins can damage their kidneys and garlic and onions are also poisonous. The same is true for macadamia nuts and avocados and alcoholic drinks are also dangerous for dogs. Source Link

How can having more credit improve your credit score? A big part of that number is based on how much of your available credit you’re using. You can have a lower percentage of utilization by opening a new credit card or asking for an increase in credit limit for a current card, just don’t use that extra credit for additional spending. Source Link

Here are two fast ways to remove an old sticker on something. Scrubbing with a damp Magic Eraser sponge can quickly get rid of a price sticker or label. You can also grab a hair dryer and use a blast of hot air to loosen an edge and make the sticker easy to peel off. Source Link

Can your old toothbrush reinfect you after a cold has cleared up? Experts say you can’t get the same cold virus again, but it’s still a good idea to change your toothbrush every three months. Things like towels, bar soap, bedding, lip balm and even makeup applicators can spread germs to others who share them. Source Link

You can make home DIY more affordable by tackling those small tasks that make a bigger impact. Painting an accent color on the back of a built-in bookcase, retiling a fireplace and painting the mantle, or replacing a light fixture can make a real design difference. And wallpapering a small space such as a bathroom or laundry room is an affordable DIY project. Source Link

When you need to evacuate your home fast you want your important documents ready to go. Use a fireproof home safe you can carry to store Social Security cards, birth certificates, driver’s licenses, passports, marriage licenses and divorce decrees. Or keep the originals in a bank safe deposit box. Source Link