BusinessVoice News Network

Memory loss is just one of many symptoms of dementia. Look for early warning signs like difficulty with problem-solving, confusion of time and place, decreased or poor judgment, withdrawal from social interactions, and mood and personality changes. And be on the lookout for increased aggression or difficulty with speech or writing. Source Link

You can teach kids good money habits at any age. Explain to youngsters under 5 how money is used to support everyday activities. Kids ages 6 to 11 can earn chore money and make decisions on how to spend it on things or experiences. And teens can learn about payroll taxes and experience investing with a custodial brokerage account. Source Link

What you don’t know about health insurance could be hazardous to your financial wellbeing. Half of the people surveyed weren’t sure if their health care policy would cover them if they got sick or injured in a foreign country. And seven out of ten Medicare recipients were not informed by their plan when a doctor left their network, which could trigger higher out-of-pocket costs. Source Link

You can turn that messy kitchen into a clean scene in just 15 minutes with these tips. Load the dishwasher and throw a wet sponge into the microwave for one minute on high to create steam that will loosen gunk. Wipe down the sink, counters, and stovetop with disinfectant wipes, use that sponge to wipe the inside of the microwave, and then sweep and mop. Source Link

The price of gasoline makes it smart for anyone to take a few steps to get the most out of every fill-up. Start by getting junk out of your trunk that adds extra weight and use a hitch-mounted rack instead of one on the roof that slows you down. And don’t waste gas by letting your car idle for more than 10 seconds when you start it up Source Link 

If you’re in the habit of flushing your used contact lenses down the toilet, it’s time to stop. Disposable contact lenses don’t dissolve and can absorb contaminants and make it through a sewage treatment plant and into waterways where those tiny bits of plastic can threaten the health of marine life. Source Link 

Having a dog may keep you healthy and able for longer in life. Researchers found that older adults who were dog owners were only half as likely to have a disability as were non-dog owners. Exercise with dog walks and companionship were among the contributing factors. Cat ownership was not connected to any difference in disability risk. Source Link 

You can take a stand against the effects of binge watching without giving up that streaming marathon. Stand up and take a few minutes between episodes to move or walk a bit. This will improve blood flow to your legs to reduce the risk of blood clots and make it easier for your heart to do its work. Source Link 

Stronger muscles in a count of three might be possible with an intense and super-short workout. Study participants who contracted their arm muscles as tight as possible for three seconds every day for a month increased their bicep strength by up to 12 percent. Like other high-intensity short exercise, tightening muscles might trigger a biological response that leads to better fitness. Source Link

Pop quiz – what’s the germiest place in most bathrooms? Here’s a hint — you don’t sit on it. That shower curtain stays moist and is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, yeast and mold. Wipe down a plastic shower curtain with an antibacterial cleaner or wash a cloth one in hot water once a week and crack a window or open the door during a shower to help the bathroom dry out better. Source Link 

Online is fun, but more social connections in real life can help you live a happier life. Joining a club can foster a sense of belonging and protect against loneliness and isolation. And socializing with colleagues outside of work can build friendships and make work time more productive with people whose company you enjoy in and out of the office. Source Link 

There are some ways to be frugal that can end up backfiring on you. Avoiding the cost of preventative care like dental checkups or oil changes can cause more-expensive problems later. Signing up for a store credit card for a one-time deal could leave you on the hook for high interest charges later and don’t lose track of free trials that become regular monthly bills. Source Link 

People who’ve gone on a water fast claim it’s a great way to lose weight, but is it safe? Researchers say “yes” and they found that a water fast can trigger significant weight loss, but the benefits are often short-lived. For many people the weight returns within three months, unless they follow their water fast with a diet that restricts calories. Source Link

Those photos of homes that we love to browse on Zillow, Redfin and Realtor.com are also popular with burglars who can use them to spot vulnerabilities and scope out security systems, so it’s best to get your home offline unless you’re selling. Real estate websites let you claim ownership and request that any home photos be taken down. Source Link

Now that you’re back to packing school lunches, why not make them healthier? Try using whole grain bread, lean meats and fresh lettuce and tomato in sandwiches. Pack raw vegetables with a low fat-low sugar dipping sauce and favorite fruits for snacks. And when kids buy lunch at school, remind them that hot dogs or mac and cheese should only be occasional meals. Source Link 

Here’s how to prepare your digital life for after you’re gone. Set up a password manager for all accounts and apps, share that master password with a trusted contact and designate a legacy contact for your Facebook page, or ask Facebook to delete your account after you die. Your next-of-kin can also memorialize your Instagram account after providing proof of death. Source Link

Don’t be that passenger who makes things miserable for the airline flight crew. Don’t get up to use the bathroom during service and make a flight attendant move the cart for you. Don’t ask for water while passengers are still boarding and don’t hand off trash to the flight attendant who’s serving drinks or ask for a drink when they’re collecting garbage. Source Link

When health care isn’t an urgent need, take time to explore all the options. Look for information from trusted sources like websites of medical organizations and have a thorough discussion with your doctor about what’s best for you. And remember there’s nothing wrong with getting a second or even third opinion about how to proceed with treatment. Source Link