Protein is a vital nutrient that the body uses to build and repair tissues and boost immunity. While meat is a common source of protein, many other delicious foods are also high in this nutrient. Here are six protein-packed foods to add to your meals. 1. Beans Beans are a delicious and versatile food you can incorporate into many meals. They are a rich source of protein, providing all the vital amino acids your body requires. In addition, beans are high in fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. This combination of nutrients makes them an excellent food for overall health. 2. Chickpeas Chickpeas—also known as garbanzo beans—are a great source of plant-based protein and can be used in a variety of meals. They are an excellent mea…

Do you ever feel like you’re struggling to remember things? You’re not alone. Memory skills tend to decline with age, but there are things we can do to improve memory and keep our brains healthy. Let’s discuss a few tips and tools for better memory! Exercise Your Brain Like the rest of your body, your brain needs exercise to stay healthy and active. Challenging your mind with mentally stimulating activities can help improve memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Games such as word puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, brain-training mobile apps, and even the classic Memory game can offer mental stimulation and improve memory skills. Learn a New Skill When you learn a new skill or start a new hobby, your brain is being chal…

Are you looking for a way to improve your gardening experience this year? If so, you might want to put raised garden beds at the top of your gardening essentials list. There are many benefits to using raised beds over in-ground gardens, so let’s go through a few of them. 1. More Control Over Soil Type and Quality Gardening in raised beds means you have much more control over the type and quality of your soil. Depending on the climate where you live and what your native soil is like, in-ground gardens are often affected by less-than-ideal soil conditions. Existing soil may be too shallow, rocky, dry, or even contaminated with pesticides. Raised beds give you the option to choose a quality soil that is rich in nutrients, the r…

Social media marketing can be a whole new world of marketing for many people. There are things that seem easy to understand and other areas that seem more complicated. Giveaways frequently fall into the latter category. Here are a few reasons you should consider doing a giveaway on social media. Grow Your Followers One of the biggest reasons to initiate a giveaway is to grow your follower base. You use your giveaways to build new audiences on other social media channels as well. Get More Email Subscribers You can easily use a giveaway as a means to get more email addresses. Just use a lead capture form or require people to sign up for your newsletter to participate. Build a Community When done properly, you can use a g…

Do you have a new puppy at home? Puppies are adorable and exciting and have the potential to be your family’s best friend for life. However, as with any new addition to your family, they can come with a unique set of challenges as each of you adjusts to life together—especially in the early days. One such challenge you may not expect is known as “the puppy blues.” Let’s discuss what this term means, what causes it, and how to manage the symptoms. What are the Puppy Blues? When preparing to bring your new puppy or dog home, you’re likely thinking of all the fun activities you’ll be able to do together as they learn and grow. However, there are a few growing pains you (and your puppy) will likely have to go through be…

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is a condition that creates pressure in the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma can cause irreversible loss of vision around the edge of the eye. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It affects an estimated 3 million Americans of all ages. Unfortunately, about 50% of these individuals are unaware they are living with glaucoma. If it is left untreated, glaucoma can lead to total blindness. When treatment is received in enough time, it can halt the progression of the disease. Signs of Glaucoma Glaucoma causes peripheral vision loss. The first thing a person may notice is dark patches around the edge of their eyes. Those with a later stage …

Winter can be a critical time for your garden. Although it may be tempting to let things slide until the weather warms up, taking a little time now to perform some essential tasks will pay off come spring. Here are four winter garden tasks to help keep your garden in tip-top shape. 1. Prune Dead or Dying Branches From Trees and Shrubs Most gardeners know it's important to prune dead or dying branches from trees and shrubs. Not only does this help to improve the plant's appearance, but it also helps to encourage new growth. However, pruning can also be beneficial in other ways. For example, pruning can help to increase air circulation, which can prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, pruning can help to reduce the risk of da…

In a perfect world, every business owner would have an unlimited budget that would buy them access to the top talent they needed. In reality, budget constraints mean that often, small business owners and their employees have to be versatile and knowledgeable in a number of areas. The CEO may be running the marketing department. HR and bookkeeping could be one person’s purview. The sales manager may be asked to throw a staff-appreciation party. Even in organizations where roles are more narrowly defined, there is always more to learn. New technology, methodologies, and better understanding of human psychology change the way we run businesses all the time. In our hyper-connected world, there’s no need to shell out for a pricey d…

If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t think about the filters in your car until they start to cause problems. But it’s important to know about the different types of filters and what they do, because if one of them isn’t working properly, it can affect your car’s performance and even its safety. Let’s go over the four types of car filters and why it’s important to change them when the time comes. Oil Filter The oil filter is responsible for trapping dirt and debris as the motor oil circulates through your car’s engine, which helps to keep the oil clean and the engine lubricated. When you regularly change your oil or get it changed at your local auto shop, you’ll likely need to change out the oil filter…

Are you looking for a fitness club or gym to join but don't know where to start? Maybe you're overwhelmed by all of the choices out there. Finding the right one for your budget and needs can be tough. Here are a few tips to help you choose the center that is perfect for you. 1. Determine Your Goals Before you search for a fitness club, it is important to take a step back and determine your goals. Are you looking to get daily exercise, improve your fitness level, learn a skill, join a community, or train for a specific event? Do you prefer group classes or one-on-one instruction? Answering these questions will help to narrow your options and make it easier to find a club that is the right fit for you. 2. Do Your Research The…

If you’re not already using mouthwash as part of your regular dental hygiene routine, you could be missing out on a few oral health benefits in addition to regular brushing and flossing. Here are 5 benefits of using mouthwash regularly. 1. Cleans Hard-to-Reach Areas Mouthwash can help to clean the areas of your mouth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and dental floss, like between your teeth and along your gum line. By swishing for 30-60 seconds after brushing and flossing, mouthwash can help loosen and dislodge left-behind pieces of food, plaque, and bacteria that would otherwise stay in your mouth and cause problems over time. 2. Reduces Plaque Because mouthwash gets into those hard-to-reach spaces, it can …

There's no avoiding negative comments online. That's just the reality of operating in the digital space. While social media can be particularly toxic for individuals, brands are not immune to negativity online, either. Whether it's warranted or unwarranted, people have an opinion and the internet makes it easy for them to express it. Preserving brand equity online can be a challenge if there’s an onslaught of negative comments regarding the brand’s products and services. It can snowball rather quickly since the vast majority of customers look for reviews online before they decide to open their wallets. If the brand doesn’t nip the problem in the bud, it risks ruining its reputation for good. That’s one of the reasons why it�…

Windows are one of the most important features of a home when it comes to energy efficiency. They can play a huge role in how much energy your home uses and how much money you could save on your monthly energy bill. Let’s go over five ways your windows can affect the energy efficiency of your home. Proper Installation The first way windows can affect the energy efficiency of your home is by how well they have been installed. If windows aren’t properly installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, they won’t be as efficient at keeping cold air out and heat inside—and vice versa. When replacing or repairing your windows, make sure to hire or consult a professional to install them for you so you know they are don…

If you’ve spent any amount of time online, you probably know how frustrating it is to create a secure password. It can feel like nothing you enter will ever be good enough, except for a random string of letters and numbers that no one can possibly remember. And yet, strong passwords are a must if you do any business online. Creating a strong password can actually be easier than people think. Here are some tips that might help. Use the Proper Password Length Most experts believe that a strong password that is still easy to remember should be between 12 and 14 characters long. It’s tough for someone else to correctly guess a password that long, but it’s also not so long that you’ll forget it. Then again, if you can come up with…

Did you know that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month? This is a great time to learn more about cervical cancer and how to reduce your risk of developing it. Here are some key facts about cervical cancer that you should know. Symptoms Include Abnormal Bleeding Cervical cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages because it often does not cause any symptoms. However, some warning signs that women should be aware of include abnormal bleeding. This can occur during sex, after sex, or in between periods. Other symptoms include pain during sex, vaginal discharge that is heavy or has a foul odor, and pelvic pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor immediately. Early Detection Is Key …

Home remodeling can be expensive, especially when it comes to the kitchen. Fortunately, there are many small ways to add new life to your kitchen without breaking the bank! Let’s go over 5 budget-friendly kitchen remodeling ideas to refresh your space. Fresh Coat of Paint One of the best ways to freshen up your kitchen is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. A new color on the walls or cabinets (or touching up the current paint job) has the potential of making your kitchen feel bright and new. The best part about painting is that it can be as big or as small of a project as your budget allows—from painting the whole kitchen to just painting one small accent wall. Updated Cabinets and/or Hardware If your cabinets and draw…

With so much technology available, it can be tempting for kids to turn to screens for entertainment. However, there are many fun alternatives that can reduce your child's screen time. Here are six ideas for creative indoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. 1. Build Forts One of the most classic indoor activities, building forts, is a great way to keep kids entertained. All you need are some blankets and chairs to create a space that's all their own. Once the fort is built, they can use it to play, read, or even nap. 2. Have a Dance Party Get everyone up and moving with a dance party. Not only is it a great way to burn off energy, but it's also a lot of fun for kids. To get started, clear some space in an open room…

Every small business should at least consider video marketing. Videos are an incredibly popular form of consuming content. If you don’t create videos, you are missing out on a large segment of your potential audience. You can share your videos on your website, YouTube, and social media channels. But one of the challenges with video marketing is coming up with new ideas. After all, you want to continue creating content to attract more customers. The following video ideas will help you avoid running out of ideas for this part of your digital marketing—at least for the time being. 1. Tell Your Brand Story One of the most compelling types of videos to make is one about your brand story. This humanizes your small business, showing …

An increased loss in vision often sneaks up on someone. Like many others, you probably unconsciously compensate in ways like squinting or moving closer to something to read it. But as the effort to see becomes more noticeable or inconvenient, you may start wondering if you need glasses. Only an exam by an eye doctor can give you a definite answer. The exam usually starts with measuring how clearly you can see, and additional testing includes checking your peripheral vision and the overall health of your eyes. There are a few common indicators that often mean you should visit an eye doctor. Your Eyes Feel Strained Squinting or straining to see can overwork the muscles in your eyes. This muscle tension can be a source of frequen…

With new advances in technology, many industries are changing—including real estate. Even with all of these brand-new technologies, however, there are still reasons you should work with a real estate agent if you’re trying to find a home. It might seem like it’s easy to do your own home search. There are many real estate listing websites where you can browse properties like a catalog. Also, because of the broker fees, many individuals consider going it alone when trying to find a home. You should work with an agent because of the following reasons. Access to the MLS The MLS stands for multiple listing service. Only licensed real estate agents are allowed to view this database and interact with it. The MLS makes it much e…

It is important to stay vigilant of the condition and age of your roof to ensure that it is safe and secure. Many factors, such as weather damage and general wear and tear, can affect a roof's lifespan. To determine when it is time to replace your roof, consider the following factors. 1. Age The age of a roof can be one indicator that it is time to replace it. Most roofs have a lifespan of between 20 and 25 years, depending on the material and the quality of construction. If your roof is older than that, it may be time to consider a replacement. Moreover, if you are unsure of the age of your roof, a roofing professional can assess it and provide a more accurate estimate. 2. Shingles It is essential to check the condition of…