When it comes to elder care, there are several options available—and it can be tricky to figure out which one is right for you or your loved one. Let's go over a few common types of elder care: in-home care, assisted living, and nursing homes. In-Home Care In-home care allows seniors to continue in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, and it can be less expensive than nursing home care. It also affords one-on-one attention from a caregiver and is less disruptive to the senior's routine. Services vary, but they typically include meal preparation and cleanup, housekeeping, laundry, monitored bathing and grooming, running errands, and light exercise routines. Seniors can also expect help with eating and moving around…

If you love the feeling of gathering around a fire in the evenings to relax with friends and family, share stories, or roast marshmallows, a backyard firepit might be just what you need. But should you go with a wood or gas firepit? Let's go over a few things you need to know before choosing which type to buy. Wood Firepits Wood-fueled firepits are typically simpler, cheaper, and easier to install than gas firepits. However, since wood fires release sparks, ash, and other debris into the air, it is especially important to place the firepit in a safe place away from combustible or flammable items. Wood burns bigger and hotter than gas, making wood firepits better for cooking—and all you need is a supply of firewood, something to…

Vitamins and supplements can play a major role in your overall health and well-being. A regimented intake can help keep your body feeling great and your mind feeling clear. Read on to learn about five common vitamins and supplements that you might want to consider taking regularly. 1. Vitamin D Vitamin D is one of the most popular vitamin supplements, and for good reason. It is essential for maintaining bone health and preventing or slowing the development of conditions like osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps prevent depression, autoimmune diseases, type 1 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. The best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D is from exposure to sunlight, but many people don’t get enough sun exposure through…

Nannying and babysitting both involve taking care of children, but there are some key differences between the two occupations. Let's discuss them! What Is a Nanny? Nannies are professional caregivers who typically work full-time for one family. They are responsible for all aspects of the child's care, from feeding and dressing them to taking them to appointments and helping with their homework. Nannies often become like members of the extended family. Nannies are usually certified in CPR and first aid. Some hold associate degrees in early childhood education or child development. Nannies' services are more expensive than those of babysitters due to their level of experience and larger sphere of responsibilities. What Is a B…

If you're considering filing bankruptcy, you're not alone. More people in the United States are filing for bankruptcy than you may think. While filing for bankruptcy might seem like an overwhelming decision or process, there are a few reasons why bankruptcy could be a wise financial choice. You Need to Pay for Medical Expenses The American Journal of Public Health published a study in 2019 that revealed that 66.5% of U.S. bankruptcies occurred because of medical debt. Many individuals were unable to pay medical bills due to having to take time from work to heal from an injury or surgery or manage a chronic condition. Americans with health insurance can still be overwhelmed with medical debt, even if their policy offers copays and…

The signs of poor air quality in your home can range in severity, from frequent sniffling to excessive coughing, sneezing, or asthma attacks from the people in your home. Whether or not these signs are already starting to show, there are a few steps you can take now to better the quality of the air in your home. 1. Clean Dirty HVAC Units Dust and dirt lined up on your air conditioners or heating vents can cause serious problems. As the air blows to make the house more comfortable, this filth is actually being spread around your home. One simple way to improve your home's indoor air quality is to clean these spaces on a regular basis or have them cleaned by a professional. 2. Upgrade Appliances If your home has been using th…

When your child is stressed or anxious, their feelings may manifest in ways that are different than those of adults. Some of these signs will be similar to those your child experiences on a typical day, so they can be difficult to detect. Here are a few clues that might tell you your child is anxious or stressed. Infants Your baby may show signs of stress and anxiety if they cry more than usual or have trouble sleeping. Your child may break down when you leave them with a caregiver, babysitter, or in a daycare center. Your infant may also be fussy, irritable, and have trouble feeding. Toddlers Physical symptoms, such as sweating or trembling, can be signs of anxiety or stress. Your toddler may act apprehensive, be withdraw…

Long daily commutes by car or public transit can quickly become boring or frustrating, but luckily there are ways to make the time more enjoyable (and even productive). Let's go over a few suggestions. Learn Something New During a long commute, you can use your time to learn a new skill or expand your knowledge. If you drive yourself in your car, you can listen to audiobooks or podcasts about subjects you're interested in, such as history, finances, or cooking. Another great option is to start learning another language through an audio-based program or listen to new music from an artist you enjoy. If you take public transportation, you can use your traveling time to read a book, put together a shopping list, manage personal t…

Having area rugs in your home can bring many benefits, like adding aesthetic appeal, defining a space, retaining heat in a room, and providing traction on slippery floors. However, these rugs can become stained over time (especially in high-traffic areas of your home), so you should know how to clean area rugs to keep them looking their best. Basic Cleaning 101 First, you should know the material of your rug. This will let you know which cleaning agents or methods you should use to maintain the integrity of the rug. Typically, you can find the material listed on the manufacturer's label. If this tag has worn off, you may also be able to check online with the manufacturer. For daily cleaning, you can vacuum a large area rug the…

If you suffer from allergies, you know they can make you miserable. Sneezing, coughing, sniffling, and itching can make it difficult to concentrate at work or enjoy time with friends and family. Some people try to combat their allergies by taking over-the-counter medications, but sometimes this is not enough. If you have tried seemingly every medication out there and still find yourself suffering from allergy symptoms, you may want to consider allergy shots. What Are Allergy Shots? Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are a type of treatment that can help to reduce your symptoms and allergy attacks by increasing your tolerance to the allergens that trigger them. Allergy shots work by injecting you with small amounts of the…

Antifreeze is a liquid that helps to keep your car running at its best, but do you know how it actually works? Learn more about what it does and why it's important. What Is Antifreeze? Often referred to as coolant, antifreeze is a liquid that has a much lower freezing point and a much higher boiling point than water. This makes it very useful for controlling temperatures within the extreme environment of a combustion engine. Typically, antifreeze is sold as a bright green or blue liquid, but it can also be orange, pink, or red. What Is the Purpose of Antifreeze? Ethylene glycol was first used commercially as antifreeze in the 1920s after mainly being used for explosives. In a car engine, antifreeze regulates and main…

Banks and credit unions offer similar financial services, but there are a few key differences between them. Let's take a look at what sets these two types of institutions apart. For-Profit vs. Not-For-Profit: Why It Matters Banks are for-profit institutions, which means their goal is to generate income for their shareholders. Credit unions, on the other hand, are not-for-profits that work for the public good and use their profits to benefit their members. Credit unions are owned by their members and focus on providing affordable banking services to their communities. While they tend to lack the financial leverage of banks, their not-for-profit status grants them tax exemptions and other benefits. Since banks are for-profit …

When hiring professionals for a painting project, there are a few things you will want to consider before choosing the company you want to work with. Let's go over a few do's and don'ts of hiring a professional painting service. Do: 1. Consult your builder or contractor If you are working with a builder or contractor on your home improvement project, they likely have firsthand experience with several trustworthy painting companies that they recommend. It is typically a good idea to consult with them first before making any decisions. 2. Ask for references Ask around for references from people you know and trust. You will likely learn more information about which painting companies your friends do (and don't) recommend in…

When it comes to exercise, many people picture going to the gym, becoming a runner, or taking a fitness class. While those are great options for some people, others might have a difficult time finding the motivation to go. Luckily, there are many other ways to get exercise! Let's discuss six slightly unconventional ways to be active. Determined woman practicing rock climbing in fitness studio Hula Hooping Believe it or not, hula hooping can be a fun way to exercise your abdomen! If you've never tried it before, there are plenty of tutorials online to get you started. Once you get the hang of it, hula hooping can be a great workout that can be done from the comfort of your living room. Rock Climbing Rock climbing is another …

Spring cleaning season is among us, which means it's time to figure out what to do with your unwanted items. Instead of letting your items pile up in storage or be thrown away, you should consider donating them to a local thrift store. If your items are desirable and still in good condition, there are many benefits to donating. Let's go over three of them! Your Items Will Be Given a Second Chance Donating to a local thrift store is a great way to "reduce, reuse, recycle" your unwanted items and give someone in your community a chance to use and love them just as much as you did at one point. Many people rely on thrift stores for clothing, furniture, appliances, and other household items, so be sure to only donate things that you …

Living in or moving into a home with a small kitchen can be frustrating when it comes to storage space (or lack of it). However, there are many affordable ways to increase your storage without investing in expensive installations or remodels. Let's go over eleven savvy storage ideas for small kitchens that will help you maximize your space. 1. Shelf Risers Utilizing shelf risers is a great way to create more dedicated spaces in a small kitchen. They are especially useful for cabinets, pantries, and even countertops that have extra vertical space. 2. Drawer Dividers Drawer dividers and removable bins are perfect for organizing kitchen utensils, silverware, and other small kitchen items. Not only do they help to maximize draw…

There are several different types of headaches, but two of the main types are tension headaches and migraines. Tension-type headaches are often described as pressure or tightness in the head. They are usually on both sides of the head, but they are not limited to just these regions. They may or may not be accompanied by pain in other areas such as the neck, shoulders, and back. These headaches are usually caused by muscle tension. A migraine is a different type of headache where you may experience additional symptoms like visual disturbances called "auras," nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. If you suffer from headaches, no matter the type, you know the worst thing about them—the pain never seems to end…

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, moving can be equal parts stressful and exciting. There's a lot of planning, packing, and heavy lifting to do—and sometimes within a short period of time. One of the best ways to ensure that your belongings get from Point A to Point B in one piece is to turn the logistics (and labor) to the professionals. Let's get into how to find a reputable moving company that is safe and within your budget. Why Is It So Important to Choose the Right Mover? One of the main reasons people use professional movers is the convenience. Packing your belongings correctly is the best way to transport them safely. By making sure your items are packed well in boxes and in the moving vehicle, you…

Small businesses tend to be on tight budgets. No matter how tight your budget, however, you need to make sure to set funds aside for digital marketing. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stick to a budget with your digital marketing strategy. The following tips should help you do just that. 1. Make Your Free Google Business Profile Google Business Profiles are completely free and are essential to digital marketing. Once you claim your free listing, you will ensure that your company shows up when people search for you on Google. Your business will also show up on Google Maps. Take this to the next level by optimizing your Business Profile. This will help ensure your Business Profile shows up higher on the search results page.…

Whether you've been working remotely for a while or have just started working from home (WFH), having a dedicated desk or office space can make a huge difference in your WFH life. Here are a few tips to consider when setting up (or rearranging) your home office. Choose a Good Location The first step is selecting the best area for your home office. The best location to choose usually depends on your home size and structure. For instance, if you have a spare bedroom in your home, consider using it for an office space. You may also be able to utilize a window nook or second living area if you have the space. Or, if you don't have a dedicated room, you could rearrange furniture as needed in order to fit a desk and office chair. Regar…

"Runner's high" is a term used to describe a rush of satisfaction and adrenaline that occurs after a long run or workout. Some people may notice a decrease in pain and tension throughout the workout as well. Although many people connect the feeling with running, many other types of cardiovascular exercise, such as rowing, swimming, and cycling, can provide their own version of runner's high. Let's get into the causes and advantages of this sensation! Causes of Runner's High A runner's high is caused by the brain releasing particular brain chemicals and hormones. Endorphins were long thought to be responsible for the runner's high, but a recent study has found another class of hormones, endocannabinoids, might be the actual cau…