BusinessVoice News Network

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

Hitting your weight loss goal is great but it’s only half the battle. To keep that weight off, experts say don’t ease off on exercise, choose a forever diet and increase food intake very gradually. And maintain the support network of friends, family or health professionals who helped you achieve your weight loss goal. Source Link

Be sure to include these things when packing for that next trip. Dryer sheets can deodorize smelly shoes and a quick-dry towel gets the job done without staying damp. Pack some baby wipes to use when you’re grabbing those high-touch areas and bring a packable backpack for convenience and to hold essentials or extra souvenirs. Source Link

The solution for killing weeds without harsh chemicals may be in your kitchen pantry. Mix a gallon of white vinegar and a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap in an ordinary garden sprayer. This will kill weeds but be careful not to get it on grass. You can keep a spot weed-free for good by adding two cups of ordinary table salt that penetrates into the soil. Source Link

When kids are swimming in the backyard pool, these two things are the ultimate safety devices. You need a pair of adult eyes watching young swimmers at all times because drowning can happen in an instant. And that adult supervisor must not be distracted with their cellphone, or a phone call inside the house, or a conversation with another adult. Source Link

Forget these food safety myths. You can’t tell if food is good by looking at it, and the “five-second rule” doesn’t protect you from microorganisms that can transfer to food immediately when you drop it. And food poisoning doesn’t always happen within hours because you can get sick from food you ate up to three days ago. Source Link

July is National Ice Cream Month and a few scoops are a great way to top off a summertime meal. An industry survey found that chocolate and cookies n’ cream were the most popular flavors, followed by vanilla, strawberry and chocolate chip. Pecans are the favorite dry topping and chocolate sauce beats caramel, and waffle cones are preferred over sugar cones nearly three-to-one. Source Link