BusinessVoice News Network

Why is chicken noodle soup a superfood for when you’re sick? The clear warm broth hydrates and can soothe a sore throat, and those noodles provide carbs to fuel your body. Chicken is high in protein, and carrots, celery and onions that are rich in vitamins and minerals can boost immunity and help with digestion. Source Link

Here’s a simple three-step question with an answer that might help you save money. Before you buy something, ask yourself whether you “need it, love it, like it or want it.” Purchase what you need and love, and skip the things you only like or want, because you’re probably just buying them for instant gratification. Source Link

A will isn’t just for distributing physical assets because your digital life also needs to be dealt with after you’re gone. Create a list of all social media, email, cloud photo storage and other online accounts you use and include usernames and passwords. A password manager is an easy way to do this and you can give the manager’s master password to your digital executor. Source Link

How does shoveling snow increase the risk of heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest? Shoveling is mostly arm work and that’s more taxing on the heart and many people hold their breath while lifting heavy snow, which raises your heart rate and blood pressure. When you’re shoveling snow, start gradually and pace yourself, cover your mouth and nose to warm the air you breathe and push or sweep snow rather than lifting and throwing it. Source Link

You can raise kids who are smart about money by starting early. Point out prices on a menu or on sales receipts at the supermarket and explain the costs of living like paying for a house, a car, and utilities. And use that magic word “no” to teach budgeting and demonstrate the difference between wants and needs. Source Link

It might seem at odds with common sense, but it’s better to brush your teeth before you eat first thing in the morning. That’s because the acid in foods can soften tooth enamel and you could damage that enamel by brushing too soon. If you want to eat before you brush, wait at least 30 minutes to do it. Source Link

Staying light on your feet could help keep your body in shape and your brain sharp as you age. Studies have shown that physical activity like dancing helps people remain independent as they age. Dancing requires balance, strength, endurance, concentration and memory for choreography and all of that can be good for mind and body. Source Link

History can affect your homeowners insurance costs in several ways. The age of your home makes a difference, especially if you have things like original wiring or an older roof. A history of previous insurance claims could increase the premium. Your credit history may also be a factor, because those with a lower credit rating could be paying more for home insurance. Source Link

There are lots of approaches to starting a conversation the right way. Begin with a simple icebreaker about the place or event you’re attending, or mention the weather. You can also ask a question to give the other person an opportunity to be helpful. Avoid any topic that’s offensive, controversial or uncomfortable and truly listen and express interest in what the other person is saying. Source Link

You’re buying home security cameras, but where should they go? Install cameras at your ground-level doors inside and out, high in the corner of a room and high up outdoors for the best look at any intruders. And don’t worry about hiding them because seeing a security camera could be a great deterrent for a thief. Source Link

There are ways to spot “shrinkflation” when food companies give you a little less but for the same price. Focus on cost per ounce or number of items in a package, like paper towel sheets. Don’t be fooled by labeling like, “new and improved” or “family-size” and be willing to shop for sales at other stores or switch to store brands to get the most from your grocery dollar. Source Link

If you’re a night owl, you may be prone to what researchers are calling “midnight mind.” The wee hours are when the brain is tuned for sleep and that makes it more difficult to manage behavioral problems like unhealthy eating, overthinking and obsession, risk-taking and even substance abuse that can happen when we’re up late. Source Link 

You’ve decided to spend less time online and here’s how to begin the log off. Treat your internet use like intermittent fasting by going online only during set hours and not every day. If you’re doom scrolling, ask yourself if it makes you feel good or more angry or anxious. And use a free service like Pocket to save articles for later reading to free you up from having to see it right now. Source Link

There’s a lot you hear that’s not true, so let’s debunk some common myths about organ donation. You will not pay a fee to donate an organ and a doctor won’t fail to resuscitate a donor just to have an organ to harvest. And your lifespan won’t automatically be shorter because you’ve donated a kidney or part of your liver. Source Link

A simple shift in the way you look at your money might help you stop living from paycheck to paycheck. Make a savings account the first thing you fund instead of the last after all your bills are paid. Any use zero-based budgeting that allocates every dollar to savings, paying bills or for spending money. Source Link 

Making fitness a habit takes some lifestyle changes. Decide what you’ll cut back on, like TV watching or scrolling online, to make the time to exercise. If you go to a gym or workout at home look at what time of day fits best for you. And find ways to add exercise to everyday life, such as walking with the whole family. Source Link

The old adage, “ask and you shall receive” can work when you want to lower some of your bills. In a study, three out of four credit card holders who requested a lower annual percentage rate got a reduction that averaged more than six percent. Phone plans, cable and internet costs and even medical charges are worth some haggling to get a discount on that bill. Source Link

Here are a few simple hacks to get the most cleaning power from your dishwasher. Keep large pans and dishes away from the door because these can block detergent from dispensing. Spatulas and serving spoons go in the top rack where they’re less likely to fall down and block a spraying arm. And before starting a cycle, check the floor of the dishwasher for any fallen utensils or leftover food that might gum up the works. Source Link