BusinessVoice News Network

You can make your medicine cabinet safer and easier to use. Toss out expired over-the-counter meds and dried-out makeup and prioritize the shelves to put the items you use most often on the lowest one. And forget the name and move all medicines to a cool, dry shelf in a closet or cabinet outside of your bathroom. Source Link 

Keeping a gratitude journal could be a key to better health. Research has shown that people who count their blessings tend to sleep better, feel less stress and improve interpersonal relationships. You don’t have to focus on the big things because finding small everyday joys can be just as helpful. Source Link 

For many couples, talking about money is difficult for one of you, but there are ways you can team up. Start small and review your bank accounts or automated bill payments and take time once every three months to talk about your financial goals. But don’t force the issue – remember your partner doesn’t need to take on everything in order to participate. Source Link

Here’s a good reason to eat a good breakfast and not skimp on lunch. People who front-loaded their daily calorie intake were able to lose weight compared to those who ate more later in the day. Earlier eating could change your body’s systems to promote weight loss while eating later might adversely affect the hormones that regulate your hunger. Source Link

There are ways to boost the curb appeal of your home other than giving the front door a pop of color. A storm door is far less inviting, so consider removing it, and trim overgrown bushes or fill up those empty planters. And if you rarely enter through the front door, check to see that there’s a clear walkable path for visitors. Source Link 

Easing off on the gas pedal could ease some of the sting of high gasoline prices. Gas mileage often declines dramatically at speeds of more than 50 miles per hour. Studies have shown that every 5 miles per hour beyond 50 is equivalent to paying 30 to 40 cents more per gallon of gas and that can really add up with every fill-up. Source Link 

Summer driving means more kids in the car and there are some simple ways to keep them safe. Make sure your young children are in the right size of car seat or booster seat and that teens are using seat belts. And remember that children inside a parked car can be at risk for heat stroke whenever outside temperatures are above 80 degrees. Source Link 

You can create a will to settle your estate after you die, but what about dealing with your virtual life? You can designate a Facebook legacy contact person who will update your profile and cover photo and create a pinned post as a farewell message. And a Google trusted contact can have access to your Google Drive, Photos and Gmail after you die. Source Link

Getting crystal clear water in your pool has its limits. Too much chlorine can cause skin rashes, coughing, nose or throat pain, eye irritation and even asthma attacks. Always follow label directions for pool chemicals and have swimmers shower off after taking a dip to prevent skin reactions from chlorine. Source Link 

Up to half of young children can be picky eaters, and if you have one, there are ways to make mealtime less stressful. Don’t force them to eat because that associates food with anxiety, and make eating fun by serving food in different shapes and colors. And try to have meals as a family with everyone eating the same food, including one favorite item for that picky eater. Source Link

You found a tube of sunscreen from last summer, but should you worry about it being expired? Probably not. Sunscreen can start to lose its potency after two or three years but the bigger problem is that people don’t use enough. You should apply the equivalent of a shot glass full of sunscreen and re-apply every few hours. Source Link

When the thermostat in your office is set on “Arctic” there are ways to stay warm without packing the parka. Take a cue from your winter wardrobe and wear shirts with thumb holes or slide into some fingerless gloves. Eating spicy foods can warm you up from the inside and a heating pad can turn your chair into a warm oasis in all that frigid AC air. Source Link

Packing the right accessories can keep your phone powered-up all through your vacation. Bring along a backup battery and three power cables – one to keep at the hotel, one with the backup battery and another to charge the battery pack. And use a multi-port charger so you can top-up the phone and backup battery at the same time. Source Link

Full-time caregivers need to take care of themselves to give the best to their loved one. Besides getting enough rest, exercise and healthy eating, refresh your mind with yoga, meditation or deep breathing. Be adaptable and positive, deal with what you can control and set realistic goals. And share your feelings by talking about your stress to help relieve it. Source Link

With prices what they are today, you can save money simply by not overspending on these items. Try private-label brand pantry staples or cleaning supplies, generic brands of makeup or cookware that’s sturdy but without the name-brand price tag. And see if using a TV antenna can get you the local stations that cost plenty in a cable bundle. Source Link

Peanuts and potato chips might be a tasty nighttime snack but your bladder would beg to differ. In a study, people who cut down on salt had half the number of nighttime trips to the bathroom. Those who consumed more salt had twice the average in overnight potty breaks. Source Link

Having a cell phone can take a big chunk out of your budget but there are ways to save money. Most carriers offer a discount for paperless billing and autopay and you could skip the insurance and buy a good phone case instead. And ask yourself if you really need a phone priced over $1,000 when a mid-range model will do, or look for a pre-owned phone for even more savings. Source Link

Natural disasters strike in every season and being prepared year-round can help when the worst happens. Have a supply of shelf-stable food and water, along with a flashlight with fresh batteries. You’ll also want some cash in case ATM’s and credit card readers are down. Create a folder with copies of insurance policies and ID’s and pack a whistle to attract help. Source Link