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…

Winter driving can be hazardous when the weather conditions include ice, snow, or freezing rain. To prepare for winter driving conditions, it’s important to take a few safety precautions with your vehicle. 1. Inspect Your Tires A good place to start your preparations is by checking the condition of your tires. This includes checking your tread and your air pressure. Tire traction is extremely important in snowy and icy conditions, so you may want to get them rotated or replaced if needed. Additionally, maintaining the correct tire pressure can improve your handling in slippery situations. 2. Test Your Battery Another key thing to check before the weather gets too bad is your battery. Cold weather tends to put additional stra…

You may think that you need a high-quality camera to take photos for your business. The good news is that you don’t need to invest in a camera. As long as you have at least a mid-range smartphone, you can likely take very good pictures with it. If you have a high-end smartphone, there is no question about it. Your phone is more than capable of taking high-quality images that will catch your customers’ attention. But saying you can use your smartphone to take photos for digital marketing is one thing. Doing so well can be intimidating. The following tips will help you overcome that intimidation and take great photos. 1. Clean the Lens Before you do anything else, take a second to clean your smartphone’s lens. Given how mu…

Dental flossing is an essential part of a regular dental hygiene routine, but many people tend to skip it on a regular basis. However, flossing remains one of the best ways to remove food and plaque from between your teeth and promote good oral health. Let’s discuss the importance of flossing regularly in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. 1. Prevent Gum Disease If you’ve ever avoided flossing by using the excuse that your gums hurt or bleed each time, it’s actually a sign that you need to floss more. The buildup of plaque and bacteria on your teeth can cause inflammation and irritation, which can cause your gums to bleed and lead to gum disease. Gum disease can damage your gum tissue and underlying bone, which may r…

Painting over dark walls with a lighter color is a common home improvement project that many people choose to do in their homes. It can seem daunting, but painting over dark walls doesn’t have to be hard. Let’s go over a few tips that will make this project a little easier. Gather the Best Tools When painting over a dark wall, you’ll want to make sure you have the best tools for the job. The right painting supplies can make a huge difference when tackling a project like this. For example, using a high-quality roller can result in thicker coverage and smoother application—saving you time and energy you might otherwise lose when using a low-quality roller. Prep Your Surface Prepping the wall(s) you’re about to prime…

If you are an avid reader, you likely enjoy spending as much quiet time as possible wrapped up in a good book. Reading doesn't have to be only a solitary pleasure, though. Starting a book club can be a great way to combine your love of reading with insightful social interaction. Here are some of the benefits of launching your own book club and tips for organizing one. 1. Book Clubs Help You Engage Deeper in Reading Those who read a lot often breeze through their reading material and quickly move on to the next book. If you start or join a book club, you get the opportunity to slow down and actually discuss the book with other people who are reading it. This also gives you the chance to get new perspectives that you hadn't conside…

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, it's important to seek professional help. But when it comes to choosing a mental health provider, there are a lot of factors to consider. Here are some important questions to ask when making your decision. 1. What are the provider's qualifications and experience in treating mental health conditions? When selecting a qualified provider to help treat mental health conditions, individuals should look for someone who is qualified and accredited. A qualified provider will have received an appropriate degree in the field, such as psychology or social work. They may also have additional related qualifications or certifications to prove their expertise in a certain specialty. A…

Google’s ranking algorithms have progressed significantly in the past few years. While it was possible to obtain high rankings for your content through strategic keyword placement and link building in the past, that’s no longer the case. They’re still crucial elements for any SEO strategy but Google now takes into account a lot more before deciding how to rank content on the results page. In recent years, the internet search giant has made a considerable shift to give more weight to the intent of the search. The simple way to understand search intent is to put yourself in the users' position. Consider all of the factors behind why they are making this search. Is it because they want to purchase a product or they just want to learn…

Sitting all day can build tension in the body. Not only can it cause physical health issues, but it can also affect people’s energy and level and mood. Increase Flexibility Through Stretching 1. Thoracic Extension The thoracic spine refers to the section of the upper back that sits between the cervical area of the neck and the lumbar spine. To use the stretch, clasp both hands behind the top of your head, and slowly, pull backward. This is a gentle stretch to help alleviate upper back and neck pain. 2. Back-bend For lower back pain in the lumbar spine, back-bend stretches can help. To ease spinal tension, stand with both feet together. Press your hands behind your hips, and gaze at the ceiling. As you exhale, slowly …

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers both control the level of humidity in your home. Specifically, humidifiers increase your humidity by putting more moisture in the air, while dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air to lower your humidity. Both can be incredibly useful tools to have in your home, especially if you live someplace where the humidity outside fluctuates. Here are just a few reasons why. Improve Your Health Having dry air in your home can cause issues such as dry skin, irritated eyes, a sore throat, and even irritated lungs. This is especially the case during the winter when the air becomes particularly dry, or if you live in a dry desert climate. Having a humidifier in your home can help alleviate many of these issues.…

This year (and every year) we are thankful for YOU!   Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at WhirLocal.