BusinessVoice News Network

Walking can be good exercise, but you need to remember some basics. A good arm swing is key, but make sure you’re pumping forward and back, not side-to-side, and keep those elbows in. Have your shoulders back and head up and don’t make your stride too long, because that can lead to pulled muscles in your leg. Source Link

An age-old rule for laundry day doesn’t wash with today’s clothes. With a few exceptions, you don’t need to separate whites and colors because most fabrics today are made to be colorfast. But do run a separate load and even use a special detergent for athletic wear that’s breathable or moisture wicking because these items are often treated to be water repellent. Source Link

Keeping your kitchen healthy means more than tossing out those mystery leftovers in the back of the fridge. You should change your cleaning sponge often because even microwaving it won’t kill all of the germs. And throw away a cutting board that has lots of cracks where bacteria can survive a good cleaning. Source Link 

So, how do you properly clean a kitchen counter? It depends on what it’s made of. Avoid abrasive and acidic cleaners with quartz and don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals on granite or laminate. And if soap and water doesn’t work on your marble countertop, use a specialized cleaner that’s made for natural stone. Source Link

Keeping a tick bite from making you ill takes some fast steps after it happens. Check for ticks right after any hike. You’re usually okay if you remove a tick within 24 hours, but after that see a doctor about testing or treatment. You can avoid tick bites by wearing long sleeves and long pants tucked into your socks and spraying clothing with the insecticide permethrin. Source Link

You can avoid being ripped off at the auto shop by doing a little work before your car needs it. Shop around for a mechanic by asking friends or checking online reviews and take your car in for a small service to see if you’re comfortable there. And don’t be afraid to have your car towed somewhere else if you feel like you’re being cheated. Source Link 

Getting rid of car clutter is easy with these simple tips. Keep an envelope in the glove box to quickly stash receipts and check it once a week to see what you need to keep. A silicone muffin tin liner can protect a cup holder from dirt and spills and use empty tissue box as a trash container. Attach Velcro strips and stick it to the carpeting near the passenger seat. Source Link

Your kids can give back to the community and maybe help themselves, too. Researchers found that kids who volunteer are often thriving, physically and mentally. And if volunteering gets kids off their devices and into the world that promotes social engagement. The results might point to using volunteering as a public health measure. Source Link

You’ve found the perfect pair of jeans and here’s how to make them last longer. Wash rarely. Instead, spot-treat any spills or stains when they happen. And when you launder those jeans, always use cold water and air dry by hanging them from the ankles indoors to avoid damage from the sun or heat from a dryer. Source Link

The dog days of summer are a good time for a refresher on skin safety in the sun. Wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above and reapply every two hours when outdoors. Avoid the sun during peak mid-day hours and wear a hat that covers your face. And keep a sun shirt or jacket in your car for protection if you suddenly decide to spend time outdoors. Source Link

Canceled flights are becoming the new normal, but what are you owed if you’re left at the gate? You’re entitled to a full refund if you choose not to re-book a canceled flight. A significant delay, like six hours or more could also entitle you to a full refund, but not if you accept any airline compensation and proceed with your trip. Source Link

The garbage can is not the place to put coffee grounds because they can be used in many ways. Coffee grounds in an open jar can deodorize a fridge or a gym bag when tied up in a sock. Coffee grounds can scrub off caked-on food in pots and pans, and you can use them in the garden as fertilizer or to attract worms to make healthier soil. Source Link

‘Tis the season to know the signs of heat-related illness. Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, headache, lightheadedness or weakness are early warnings and muscle spasms in the legs or stomach can be a sign of heat cramps. A good starting treatment is to move to a cool place and give small amounts of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks. Source Link

The old advice to, “fake it till you make it” might apply if you slap on a fake smile when you have a case of the blues. Researchers found that people who smiled when they were low were better able to overcome sad feelings. But the technique isn’t effective for someone who’s suffering from serious sadness like depression. Source Link 

If a long workout isn’t your thing, how about an activity snack? Researchers found that taking a quick walk or doing squats after you eat may help retain muscle mass as you age because moving helps you use the food you’ve eaten to build muscle. The small spurts of activity should be in addition to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Source Link

Preparations to send a child off to college should include some straight talk before moving day. Discuss what decisions you expect them to tackle on their own and when to ask for help. Talk about academic priorities and healthy ways to manage stress and plan for weekly video chats or occasional visits to look for any worrisome changes. Source Link

Here are some things to consider when you’re ready to hit “mute” on your social media habit. If the posts make you feel bad it’s time to get them out of your feed. Also cut back if your social media usage gets in the way of real life experiences, and ask yourself what else you could be doing instead of instinctively grabbing your phone to scroll that feed and pass the time. Source Link

How can you be sure if the vitamins or supplements really have what you need? Look for third-party verification labels like USP or NSF for vitamins or IFOS for fish oil. And check for expiration dates because supplements that are past their “use by” date may not be effective and could even be harmful. Source Link