BusinessVoice News Network

It’s an old debate in the world of recycling – do you really need to rinse out items? Probably not. Typically, a quick water rinse or just a shake and a wipe with a paper towel works fine. If you recycle paper, cans and jars together make sure any leftover food isn’t dripping on the paper. Source Link

You probably know the average body temperature as 98.6 degrees, but science says it’s changing. That standard dates back over 150 years and improved lifestyles since then have led to an average that’s now about 97.9 degrees. Average body temperature readings can vary depending on the time of day, and your age, medications and health conditions. Source Link 

Keeping your family connected in a weather emergency or natural disaster takes some planning and a few simple tips. Enter key contacts into the phones of all your household members and have a point of contact outside of your family that everyone can reach. And in a public emergency, send a text rather than calling to have a better chance at connecting. Source Link 

How can you “clearly” improve the look of your refrigerator and maybe your waistline too? Put small items like yogurt cups in clear plastic bins so they don’t get lost in the back of a shelf. And keep fresh fruit and raw vegetables up front in a clear container so you can see your way to healthy snacking. Source Link

Making a car last 200,000 miles or more isn’t hard if you stick to these care tips. Heed the owner’s manual and perform routine maintenance, including recommended oil changes. Keep the gas tank fuller to avoid sediment build-up and avoid jackrabbit starts and stops that are hard on the drivetrain. And find a good mechanic and stick with them to get the best service for the long haul. Source Link 

Follow these steps to check your internet speed and see if you’re getting what you’re paying for. Close down Zoom or any streaming audio or video websites or apps and stop any downloading. Run tests at different times of the day for an average and remember that home internet speeds are only guaranteed at the router because WiFi quality can vary widely. Source Link

A dishwasher tablet can be a miracle cleaner all across your home. Dissolve one in a toilet and clean it or dip a tablet in warm water and use it to scrub a dirty oven door. A wet dishwasher tablet can also clean plastic patio furniture, dried refrigerator spills, and oil stains on a driveway. And toss a few tablets into the washing machine on a hot water cycle to get it clean. Source Link

Beware of thieves that may want to steal parts of your car. Use a locking gas cap to safeguard that expensive fuel and add anti-theft security lug nuts to prevent tires and wheels from being stolen. And park in a well-lit area and avoid leaving your vehicle in the same spot for days or weeks because that can tell a thief that no one is watching. Source Link 

You could be a month away from a decluttered home. In the 30-Day Minimalism Game the day of the month equals the number of items to remove, so one on the 1st, 10 on the tenth, and so on. Lower numbered days can be big items while the last days of the month is time to clean out a large closet or a garage. Source Link

Save time and money on laundry by not over washing some of the clothes you wear. Think about the number of times you’ve worn it rather than how long since it was last washed. Undergarments and socks may need washing after every use but outerwear can be worn two or three times. And try to avoid washing jeans because every laundry cycle can damage denim. Source Link

Is it a bad habit or a secret to better comprehension? Doodling can keep your mind active when you’re listening to something that’s boring. In a study, people who doodled while hearing a boring phone message remembered 29 percent more than those who sat still and listened. Source Link

You can cut clutter by identifying things you don’t use and there’s an easy way to do that with a roll of masking tape. Put a piece of tape on each item and take it off the next time you use it. After six months, anything that still has tape on it probably can be sold, donated or recycled. Source Link

There’s a right way to make your morning routine work for mind and body. Instead of jumping out of bed, first bring your knees to your chest to warm up muscles and then drink a glass of water to rehydrate your body. And don’t check your cell phone immediately because that list of notifications can mean a stressful start to the day. Source Link

With the cost of airfare these days, who wouldn’t want a free ticket? Scammers are using email to entice you to give up personal information. The bogus offers include a so-called “refund” on a previous ticket or free round-trip tickets. They claim to be from an airline, but don’t click on any links. Instead, check your account from the airline’s website or app. Source Link

How you set up an air purifier in your home can determine how well it works. Get the right size for the area of the room and pick a firm, level and flat spot with 18 to 24 inches of space around it. Close doors and windows in the room for the best results and follow manufacturers recommendations for regular maintenance and cleaning. Source Link

Sometimes you may be sick of going to the gym, but when are you too sick to exercise? If your cold symptoms are only from the neck up you’re probably OK for an easy workout, but body achiness like you get with the flu is a stop sign for your exercise plan. It’s also good for others because you can easily spread cold germs at the gym. Source Link

There’s pet health insurance and travel insurance and a combination of the two. Your fur baby can get coverage for medical expenses incurred while away from home. Some plans will pay for additional expenses, like if you’re delayed returning home and have additional pet boarding fees. And travel insurance can include trip interruption coverage if your pet gets ill or dies before you leave home. Source Link 

Eating more and feeling full but with fewer calories? It’s called “volume eating” when you choose foods that are high in water and fiber, like leafy greens, cucumbers, celery, broccoli and peppers, or whole fruits such as berries, tomatoes and pears. You can do this by making vegetables the focus of a meal, eating raw produce and avoiding caloric beverages like fruit juice. Source Link