BusinessVoice News Network

Halloween could be hazardous to your health if you’re not careful when carving that pumpkin. Thousands of people go to the ER each year with pumpkin carving injuries and a leading cause was using a knife that’s not made for thick pumpkin skin. Instead of carving, a safer alternative that kids can enjoy is to decorate a pumpkin by painting it. Source Link 

Can the order in which you eat the food in your meal make a difference for health? Researchers found that eating fiber-rich vegetables or lean proteins first, rather than bread or carbs may help to lower blood sugar levels. This may also help you eat less because it causes your body to secrete higher levels of the hormone that gives you the feeling of fullness. Source Link

Using over-the-counter CBD products should be on the list of supplements you share with your doctor. That’s because the active ingredient in CBD may interact with prescription medications. Antidepressants, sedatives and blood thinners are some of the drugs that could be adversely affected by CBD. Source Link

If you’ve always dreamed of a backyard free of flying pests using a bug zapper, it’s time to wake up to reality. Testing has shown that bug zappers almost always kill insects that don’t bite, including some that prey on mosquitoes. Even if a bug zapper does attract mosquitoes, they’re more likely to move their attention to the person sitting nearby. Source Link

That blue dish soap you keep in the kitchen can do a great job cleaning things all over your home. Add a teaspoon of dish soap to two cups of cold water to clean tile, cement and vinyl floors, degrease countertops or as a spot cleaner for fabric stains. When mixed with distilled water, blue dish soap makes a great glass cleaner and a few drops can be used to clean the toilet bowl. Source Link

You can build a home gym around the kinds of activities that you enjoy. If that’s walking or running, try a treadmill or elliptical trainer. A rowing machine is great if you like cross-country skiing. A thick, washable mat is a must for floor exercises and strength training can use a simple set of resistance bands, dumbbells and free weights or a multi-station home weight machine. Source Link

Smudges and dirt make it hard to see a phone or tablet screen but don’t make it worse by cleaning the wrong way. Power down and use a microfiber cloth that you can dampen with distilled water. Never use a tissue, paper towel or all-purpose or glass cleaner. Wipe lightly in a “Z” pattern and then use a fresh microfiber cloth to dry the screen. Source Link

You can support a long-distance loved one or friend who needs help with activities of daily living. Sign them up for a food delivery service, lawn care or house cleaning. Consider hiring a part-time caregiver or ask for help from nearby family members or friends. And stay in touch with video calling tools or digital photo frame to share your life with them. Source Link 

Snagging a better seat on your next airline flight at a lower price might take some patience. Experienced flyers suggest that you buy an economy ticket. Resist the airline’s follow-up offers and ask for an upgrade when you’re at the airport. If the plane has empty seats or you’re a loyalty program member you might get that upgrade to business class at no charge. Source Link 

You don’t need to have a little one at home to put baby wipes to good use. They’re great for cleaning computer keyboards, removing makeup and wiping away excess nail polish, cleaning switch plates, removing latex paint from your hands, and cleaning stains from clothing and carpet.. A baby wipe can even sub for a Swiffer sheet the next time you sweep. Source Link

Could people who suffer with anxiety and depression get a boost by being kind to others? Those who started adding small acts of kindness into their day showed an improvement in symptoms and better feelings of social connection. Being kind to others may help people with mental health symptoms stop being preoccupied with suffering. Source Link

When you’re aiming to reorganize and reduce the stuff in your home, don’t purchase these things before you purge. Baskets, bins and dividers are great for organization but don’t buy new ones until after you’ve sorted. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself filling those new containers with things that should be going. Source Link

Making meals that are affordable and healthy requires some planning that includes checking the calendar. Incorporate fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables that often cost less. You can even stock-up on these and freeze them for use later. And always plan your meals using a shopping list to avoid impulse buying at the grocery store. Source Link

Staying on top of your credit is easier than ever with a permanent change to the rules about getting a free credit report. All three national credit reporting agencies are allowing you to receive a new report every week. The offer of free weekly reports began as an emergency measure during the pandemic. Source Link

Cold season is coming soon but don’t be quick to give a young child some medicine for that coughing and sneezing. Experts say over-the-counter cough and cold remedies should not be given to children younger than 6 because there’s no evidence they help and store-bought medicines carry potentially dangerous side-effects for kids. Source Link 

Time and temperature are two factors that can help you save on energy costs on laundry day. Always choose a cold water setting for washing because today’s detergents are made to work best in cold water. And set your dryer temperature lower and run it longer to use less energy and still get your clothes dry. Source Link

Flying with babies is challenging enough but there are ways to make the flight easier when it comes to choosing seats. If you’re flying with an infant, look for a seat in the first row of the coach section. These bulkhead seats may accommodate a bassinet provided by the airline for free that attaches to the bulkhead wall. Source Link

If eating out is showing up on your waistline there are ways to beat that bulge. Choose a restaurant with healthier fare, like Asian cuisine or Greek or Spanish that feature fish, grilled lean meat and vegetables. Look for online menus and know what you’ll have before you arrive. And instead of an entree try sharing several appetizers and have one dessert for all. Source Link