BusinessVoice News Network

If you’re prone to dialing calls with your derriere, you might blame it on the voice that runs your smartphone. Using helpers like Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant can make a butt dial more likely, so check the sensitivity settings. And be sure to set your lock screen to trigger immediately before you slip that phone into your hip pocket. Source Link

Setting up for tomorrow the night before can give you more time to make the morning start right. When you lay out tomorrow’s clothes, set a timer for that pot of coffee and get out the pan to cook your eggs, you have fewer decisions to make first thing in the morning. And that gives you time to make your bed and create a calm, uncluttered setting when you come home from work. Source Link

Skin cancer is the most common type and you can stay on-guard by remembering your A-B-Cs and D-E-Fs. Look for a mole that’s asymmetrical, has a border with ragged edges, a color that’s uneven, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser or is elevated or raised. If you see any of these in a monthly self-check then it’s time to visit a dermatologist. Source Link 

There are some telltale signs that you might be a victim of identity theft. If a merchant refuses your check or that monthly bill you’re expecting never comes in the mail, or you get a credit card you didn’t open, your personal information may be compromised. Experts say keeping a close eye on bank statements and bills is the best defense. Source Link

Here’s the right way to use the crisper drawers in your fridge. Set one for low humidity for items like apples, avocados, ripe bananas, melons and mangoes. The high humidity drawer will keep leafy produce fresh, along with broccoli, carrots, peppers, strawberries and watermelon. And try to keep each drawer at least two-thirds full to get the best performance from it. Source Link

How about a diet that can take off pounds and maybe add more years to your life? Studies have shown that low-fat diets in general can help prevent heart attacks and premature deaths, but one stands above the rest. The Mediterranean diet that’s heavy on fish, vegetables and good fats from olive oil and nuts may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Source Link

You don’t need to hover over the volume control for your TV to avoid when the sound gets too loud in a movie or TV show. You might have a “night mode” setting on the TV to reduce the difference between loud and softer parts of the soundtrack. And with a three-channel sound bar or set of speakers you can adjust the volume of the center channel that carries most of the dialogue. Source Link

There are some things you should never do on a work computer in the office or at home. Assume that all of your activity can be monitored by the boss, so don’t use desktop folders or work accounts like email or Google Docs to keep personal records. The same is true for personal passwords and don’t try to remove any security software. Source Link

A potato can be mashed, baked, cut into fries, or kept with other household cleaners. A sliced raw potato rubbed on clothing can be a stain remover, or dip the cut side into baking soda or dish soap to clean away rust. Soak tarnished silverware in water that was used to boil potatoes or rub a piece of raw potato on hands that are stained by beets or berries. Source Link 

These tech upgrades can increase your home’s value and improve your life. Installing a doorbell with a built-in security camera or a WiFi programmable thermostat are projects that most DIY’ers can handle. Adding smart outlets lets you program individual lights, or go with a full system of automated devices that use Amazon Echo or Google Assistant. Source Link 

The old standard of an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles doesn’t fit for today’s cars that use synthetic oil, but how often do you need to change it? Your owner’s manual gives you a precise number, but typically it’s between 6,000 and 10,000 miles. And many cars take the guesswork out of it with a warning light on the dash that tells you it’s time for an oil change. Source Link

Who’s a good candidate for an FDA-approved hearing aid sold in stores? You might benefit if you have mild to moderate hearing loss, where speech seems muffled; if you struggle to understand TV or phone calls, or ask people to speak louder. But see an audiologist if you have sudden hearing loss, ringing in both ears, or pain or dizziness. Source Link

How do you celebrate July Fourth with a bang but without the danger? Leave fireworks displays to the pros. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there’s been a steady annual increase in people who were treated for fireworks injuries and about one out of three fireworks that were tested had problems such as bad fuses or too much explosive materials. Source Link

Summer is salad time but make sure you’re having one that’s good for you. A taco salad can pack as much fat as a cheeseburger and a chef’s salad is often loaded with processed meats with nitrates and cheese that’s high in saturated fat. And that Caesar salad is topped with a heavy, creamy high-calorie dressing, so order it on the side and use it sparingly. Source Link

A stress headache can be your body triggering the natural “fight or flight” reaction but you can stop that cycle. Try deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and mind-body exercises like tai chi or restorative yoga. A quick trip to the outdoors is another option because 10 minutes in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve well-being. Source Link

Do you want your credit card to be a rewarding experience or a real deal? It depends on how you use it. Rewards credit cards are good for people who pay off their balance each month and those who carry a balance are better off with the lowest interest rate. A survey found that nearly
half of Americans don’t understand the basics of credit cards. Source Link

Most of us don’t know how to look for signs of oral cancer, but it can be as simple as saying, “Ahhh.” White or gray batches in your mouth or throat that you can’t scrape away could be a warning sign, just like a sore on your lips or mouth that doesn’t heal within a few weeks. Difficulty swallowing and new hoarseness in your voice should also be checked out by a dentist. Source Link

Remember these numbers to build a better to-do list – one, three, five. Pick the biggest job of the day and put that number-one on the list. Then choose three smaller, but still important tasks, and complete the list with five small items that you can finish easily. This technique lets you avoid the need to sort your to-do list by time or urgency. Source Link