BusinessVoice News Network

One important part of a good night’s sleep needs to be replaced every year or two. A pillow past its prime loses firmness and that can cause neck and shoulder pain. To test yours, hold out your arm and drape the pillow across it. If it hangs down on each side, it’s time for a new one. Source Link

They’re dark purple and wrinkled and could be the perfect snack when you’re watching your weight. In one study, eating prunes helped people control appetite better to consume fewer calories and lose more weight. Nutrient-rich prunes may be better than other snacks because they can make you feel full faster. Source Link

When you’re overweight you might avoid seeing your body in a mirror but that may be one way to help you lose those extra pounds. Researchers found that looking in the mirror encouraged overweight people to engage in more healthy activities. They say looking at your reflection seems to reduce anxiety and body dissatisfaction, while improving self-awareness. Source Link

Baby wipes are great for more than cleaning those little bottoms. A baby wipe does wonders on a dirty keyboard or light switch plate, leather furniture, latex paint on your hands, a whiteboard, or your car’s interior. A baby wipe can also remove your makeup gently and clean makeup stains from clothing. Source Link

Here are some of the warning signs that you can’t afford your home mortgage. You aren’t able to save money for retirement, travel, education, or a rainy day fund. You might have high credit card bills to cover purchases that don’t fit into a too-tight budget. Or you’re deferring necessary home maintenance because the money isn’t there to pay for it. Source Link 

People who are battling high blood sugar may have another weapon. Researchers found that meditation, yoga and mindfulness exercises to deal with daily stress have also helped those with type-2 diabetes lower their average blood sugar levels. The improvement could be as much as some people see by using medications. Source Link

You probably don’t need prescription pain relievers after a visit to the dentist. A study found that over-the-counter medications like Advil, Motrin or Tylenol were more effective at relieving dental pain than opioids such as Vicodin or Oxycontin. Unused narcotics have been blamed for fueling the nation’s opioid epidemic. Source Link

With voice cloning becoming easier, getting a fake call from a child or grandchild needing money for an emergency is a common scam, and you can fight back with one word. Create a unique family code word and ask for that if you get such a call. If they don’t say the word, hang up. You can make it even safer by using a common word but mispronouncing it as the code word. Source Link

We’ve all had times when you can’t fall asleep because your mind is racing. You might overcome this by listening to soothing sounds or a calming meditation on your phone. You can also try rhythmic breathing like the 4-7-8 exercise, with a four-second inhale, a seven-second hold and an eight-second exhale. Source Link

Should yoga be part of the curriculum for your elementary student? A study found that third graders who began the school day with breathing exercises, guided relaxation and several simple yoga poses were less anxious in class, especially when taking tests. Third grade is often the year when school work becomes more complex for kids. Source Link

You can battle spring allergies with some unique weapons. The herb butterbur is a natural antihistamine. Green tea can reduce sneezing and itchy eyes, and spicy food can help clear nasal congestion. Or add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of steaming water to breathe in a natural remedy for allergies caused by inflammation. Source Link

Road rage is all too common and you can help yourself from becoming that person who’s always angry at other drivers. Don’t drive if you’re upset and keep the car comfortable with the right air temperature and some soothing music. And give other drivers some grace and the benefit of the doubt if you get cut off. Remember times when you’ve done the same thing without thinking. Source Link

Using an air fryer can save time and make meals with less oil, but is it an economical choice for cooking? The power bill to run an air fryer might be only half of what you’d pay for natural gas or electricity to cook the same dish. And there’s more savings because you don’t have to use energy to preheat an air fryer before cooking. Source Link

When packing for that next trip, think about what to carry with you on your phone. You can download content from services like Spotify or Netflix to enjoy music or movies when you don’t have a data connection. GPS won’t work without the internet but you can download directions and maps from Google Maps for offline use. Source Link

The window in an oven door gets grimy, but there’s an easy way to clean it. Make a paste using baking soda and water and add a few drops of a grease-cutting dish detergent. Spread this on the glass and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and wipe with paper towels or a microfiber cloth. Source Link

Good posture can help reduce neck and back pain and you don’t need to balance a book on your head to improve. A few times a day, sit with your feet flat on the floor or stand up tall. Look straight ahead, bring your shoulders back and down, and slightly tuck in your chin. Now hold this position for a count of five. Source Link

Sooner or later many of us will interview for a job through a screen rather than face-to-face and here’s how to shine in that remote setting. Before the meeting, double-check your internet for adequate speed, close anything other than the meeting app and have a backup plan if the connection is lost, And don’t assume it’s audio-only – always dress as if you were in the office. Source Link 

There are some simple steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of online scammers. Beware of opening document files attached to emails that might include hidden hacker code and keep your router’s firmware updated for the latest protections. And consider using a virtual credit card that generates a one-time-use number for every online purchase. Source Link