BusinessVoice News Network

Tracking down who called from that anonymous or blocked phone number is easy when you remember these three-button fixes. Hitting *69 will trace the call back and show you the number even if it’s anonymous or blocked. And *57 goes a step further because the information is passed along to authorities in case you’re being criminally harassed. Source Link 

Many popular vacation spots have a hefty price tag but you might get the same experience elsewhere for a lower cost. Try Philadelphia instead of New York City for great restaurants and a theater scene, or Oregon wine country versus Napa Valley. And the Cedar Point theme park in Ohio has over 150 rides, shows and attractions for a fraction of the cost of visiting Disney World. Source Link

Are you fibbing to your physician about those bad habits? You’re not alone. Studies have found that many people often lie to their doctors about certain behaviors like not eating right or not exercising or forgetting to take medication as directed. Bit it’s hard for your doctor to provide the right care if you’re not being honest with them. Source Link

How long will your current cell phone be supported with updates from the manufacturer? It varies. With iPhones and Samsung and Google Pixel models, you’ll get between 3 and 8 years of product support. You can find out how long any brand or model of phone will be supported by visiting the website EndOfLife.date. Source Link

When you want to clear a stuffy nose, be sure to use an over-the-counter product that’s effective. The FDA says the ingredient phenylephrine that’s found in many cold products is safe but doesn’t help with congestion. Antihistamine ingredients in products like Claratin, Zyrtec and Benadryl could be an alternative, as well as nasal saline spray. Source Link

Why don’t we send more thank-you cards? Often because we’re worried about how they’ll be received. A study found that people underestimated how much others appreciate a written “Thank You” and they worried about finding the right words to express their gratitude. It’s a loss for both sides because sending a thank-you card can make you feel happier. Source Link 

How can you make that long weekend feel like a real vacation? Plan ahead for what you want to do so you don’t waste time making choices and try something new rather than that same activity. Don’t check email or do any job work and unplug from social media to focus on what’s happening now. Source Link

Night blindness while driving occurs when you have trouble seeing beyond the glare of oncoming headlights. There are things that can help, like turning your head more to look from side to side and slowing your driving speed. Be sure your contact lens or glasses prescription is up-to-date and remember that thicker and wider frames can get in the way of peripheral vision. Source Link

QR code scams are on the rise, so follow these tips to avoid becoming a victim. Don’t scan a code unless you’re sure who it’s for and never from an email or a sign on the street. An iPhone can show you the web address and Google Lens does the same thing. And don’t use a third-party QR scanner app because these can be malware designed to infect your phone. Source Link

More people say they’re lonely, but what can you do about it if that’s you? First, acknowledge that what you’re feeling is loneliness, and take steps like writing down happy memories, walking in nature, phoning a friend you haven’t seen for a while, or listening to happy music or watching something funny. You can also focus outside of yourself by volunteering to help others. Source Link 

The way you charge your smartphone could limit the life of the battery. Don’t use cheap power cables, wall plugs or wireless chargers that may damage your phone. Don’t let the battery charge drop to zero and avoid keeping a phone on and charging overnight because both can be bad. Your battery works best when it’s charged between 20 and 80 percent. Source Link

Scammers who impersonate someone else are the number-one source of fraud but you can fight back. Remember that government agencies will never contact you to ask for your Medicare or Social Security number or a password, and don’t click links in emails or texts that look official. Visit the agency’s website separately. And use free spam blocking apps offered by wireless carriers to limit junk calls. Source Link

Ultra processed foods may be linked to a number of health problems but finding swaps can be easy. Try making overnight oats instead of eating boxed cereal for breakfast or consider a fresh meal service to replace a few takeout stops each week. The goal is to get up to 80 percent of your diet from whole foods. Source Link

What are some alternatives to staring at a screen for kids cooped up inside because of winter? Play an exciting board game or organize an indoor treasure hunt. Try real-life high-energy activities such as dancing, exercise or an indoor obstacle course or challenge them to learn a new skill. Source Link

Deep breathing may ease anxiety and it’s easier to do when you remember two shapes. Box breathing has you breathe in, hold, breathe out and hold again for four seconds in each step.. Triangle breathing does the same in three steps and visualizing a box or a triangle as you breathe can help set a good rhythm. Source Link

Getting enough vitamin D every day can be a challenge when winter weather blocks the most natural source of it. Instead of depending on exposure to sunshine, try eating more foods high in Vitamin D, like fatty fish, egg yolks and foods that add vitamin D. If you use a supplement, choose Vitamin D3 that’s absorbed more easily by your body. Source Link

When you ask, “How was your day?” your child may only say, “Fine” or “Okay”, so try these other questions. For young children, ask about stories they read in class or something they learned today. Tweens and teens might respond to, “What’s the most unexpected thing that happened?” and most kids can probably tell you what was their favorite part of the day. Source Link

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits and vegetables all make meal preparations easy. And fruits, vegetables and whole grains provide you with nutrients and dietary fiber that can help lower your risk of developing cancer. To eat more of these, start by filling at least half of your dinner plate with fruits or vegetables. Source Link