Unknown to you, several carcinogenic substances could be hiding within your home. A carcinogen can be anything that causes cancer. It can be present in the air, in a regular product, in beverages and foods, or it can be released from several appliances, furniture, and other items in your home. Being exposed to these substances doesn’t necessarily mean you will have cancer. However, prolonged exposure can increase the risk of the condition. Household items that can increase cancer risk Carpets In most cases, carpets are made from synthetic fibers. These fibers are usually chemically treated and recess gases over time. These gases can contain toxic substances that increase the risk of hormonal imbalance, respiratory problems, and cancer. Also, you may have observed a distinct smell when you bring home a brand-new carpet. Although most people attribute this smell to the newness of the carpet, these smells are actually from chemical compounds linked to several health disorders. Sofas If your sofa was manufactured before 2013, it’s time to get rid of it. This is because, before 2013, several cushioned household items, such as sofas, love seats, and so on, were treated with TDCIPP. It is a chemical that works as a flame-retardant. That is, it helps to prevent burning or slows down the spread of fire. While this is a great advantage, TDICPP is also a carcinogenic substance. It can be absorbed by the body and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of cancer. Leather recliner Chromium (VI) is often used for tanning of leather to stabilize the material. It is also used in wood furniture, cement, and a few pigments and dyes in textiles. While it has industrial benefits, chromium is a known carcinogenic substance. Tanned leather that has been treated with chromium has about 4% to 5% chromium residue.

Every year, Black Friday comes with some of the most exciting deals. This day is meant to make everyone happy, both shoppers and retailers. Shoppers through the amazing deals available and retailers by the increased footfall and sales. From furniture to smart home devices, the list of products offered is endless. If you are considering buying some of the latest smart home devices on sale this Black Friday, then the following list might help you. Amazon Echo One of the most talked about smart home devices is the Amazon Echo. Alexa guides you through endless recipes and other instructional videos on voice command. The camera shutter gives privacy, and an entire home can be controlled by just one device. This product is likely to be on sale this Black Friday. Arlo Security Camera An indoor and outdoor security camera is almost necessary for a smart home. The features are endless as it streams at a 2K resolution and is fully weatherproof. The Arlo Security Camera is more suitable than other 1080p cameras. There is two-way audio that lets you see and communicate clearly with people before you let them into your home. On this sale extravaganza day, you can avail yourself of this device as it could be offered at a reasonable rate. LIFX Color Bulb If you wish to use lighting in a particular room depending on the activity or work you do, like gaming or sleeping, the LIFX color bulbs can be of great use. These lights can give you the ambiance you have longed for in your smart home. You just have to buy it at a pocket-friendly amount from Amazon on Black Friday 2022. Level Lock Deadbolt The Level Lock Touch Edition deadbolt is a great smart home device that could be perfect to keep the security of your home intact.

Black Friday brings a lot of excitement to shoppers every year. Retailers advertise tempting discounts to help you save some extra bucks. People flock to stores and visit their favorite brands’ websites to get those items that were on their list for a long time but did not fit their budget. However, the day can be a disaster if you do not plan. Here are some mistakes to avoid to maximize your savings. Spending more than the stipulated budget This is among the most common mistakes people make during the Black Friday sale. Gripped by the fear of missing out on big discounts, many resort to impulse buying and exceed their budget. Such overspending could result in financial distress during the holiday season. As some shops offer deals and sales multiple times a year, you should avoid exceeding your planned budget and purchasing everything at once. Shopping without planning Getting the most out of the holiday season sales requires creating a shopping list before venturing out. A thorough list will enable you to buy products you really need and not things that are cheap but useless. Planning also helps allocate funds to different products to achieve the most from your budget and enjoy as many deals, discounts, and price drops as possible. Further, it aids in avoiding crowds and focusing on sections of the store with the necessary products. Falling for marketing gimmicks During Black Friday, the internet is flooded with advertisements by most brands to attract customers. But, not all of them are profitable. So, you must do your research. Analyze customer reviews and shortlist deals that offer lower prices but also quality products. Spending a few extra bucks on products that have better quality might prove beneficial in the long run and provide better value for money. And although various deals and discounts are offered during the holiday season, you need not rush to buy something that can wait.

Black Friday is not just the time to shop for furniture, electronics, clothes, or gifts for friends and family. You can also save a lot of money on food for your pet cat. Black Friday brings the best deals and discounts on cat foods from various top brands, and you must take full advantage of that. Make this sale extravaganza useful by ensuring your cat gets the best nutrition and taste at a pocket-friendly expenditure. Purina Pro Plan The Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is one of the top cat foods that can be perfect for pets with food allergies and intolerances. It is a kibble that safely and strategically neutralizes Fel D 1 with a key protein from eggs. Fel D 1 is a cat allergen found in their saliva. If you wish to safeguard your little furry friend from allergies, then Amazon, on Black Friday, is giving you the Purina Pro Plan at a great discount. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Nutro Wholesome Essentials is a kibble that can nourish your cat with the nutrients it needs while also being full of flavor and easy to digest. It is made with non-GMO ingredients and is free of all sorts of artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. It is a healthy and tasty meal, and you can expect this item to be available on Amazon on Black Friday at quite a good discount. Tiki Cat Tiki Cat is a brand of canned cat food that is grain-free. Felines can have this option as a full meal or even in small amounts as a snack. It is delicious and nutritious enough to keep your cat healthy. This Black Friday, you might be able to get it for $16.56 instead of $18.48. Wellness Wellness has three ranges for cats, Core, Core Digestive Health, and Complete Health.

Vacuum cleaners are one of the most reliable home cleaning appliances. With the help of the machine, cordless or corded, one can get rid of dirt, cobwebs, and allergens found around the house. The device is used for cleaning purposes, therefore, it is vital to handle the vacuum cleaner correctly for optimal usage. That said, not everyone knows how to use a vacuum cleaner efficiently. Below are the common mistakes made while using them: Failing to empty or clean dust bags and filters It is important to empty and clean vacuum dust bags regularly. Failing to do so can affect the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. Despite vacuuming, if you still notice dust stains on the carpet or the floor, it’s an indicator to empty the dust bag. Another tell-tale sign for the removal of dust bag is when your vacuum cleaner seems to be losing its suction power. The frequency of emptying the vacuum bags will depend on how often you use the device. A full vacuum dust bag will lead to an accumulation of dust and the breeding of bacteria and germs in the bag. Many latest models are equipped with disposable bags that are much more convenient. You need not waste time and energy emptying or cleaning the dust bags.  Similar to dust bags, vacuum filters also need to be cleaned on a regular basis. While some models will have washable filters, others may have disposable ones. You will also need to pull out hair or thin strings from the brush rolls at intervals. Using the wrong attachments Every vacuum cleaner comes with multiple attachments designed for a different purpose. If you keep using one or two attachments to clean everything, you are not fully utilizing its available functions. Usually, there will be two different brushes or tools for various surfaces – hard floors, upholstery and carpets.

Keeping your surroundings clean and free of dust and germs is essential. Most people undertake cleaning rituals as a part of their daily chores. However, without realizing it, they may be doing more harm than good while going about the cleaning tasks. These common cleaning mistakes we often make leave behind a trail of dirt, allergens, and grime. Here’s a list of eight things to avoid doing when cleaning your home: Reusing sponges without disinfecting Most of us reach out for the sponge without even thinking twice, especially when wiping kitchen countertops and bathroom sink tops. Sponges are good absorbers of grime, but they are also perfect for facilitating the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms. When you repeatedly use the same sponge, it is easy for the bacterial growth to get transferred to your kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Such a mistake is common but one that can prove to be enormously costly. The solution is to use microfiber clothes to wipe these commonly exposed surfaces instead of a sponge. But if you love the sponge, make sure that you disinfect it from time to time. Also, ensure that you change the sponge or the microfiber cloth every month. Ignoring common touchpoints Every house has common touchpoints, like the door knobs or the taps. While dusting, cleaning, and mopping, we usually forget these points, leaving them open for breeding germs. The ideal solution is to use a disinfectant spray and a clean cloth to wipe and dry them. This way, you keep them away from germs. Putting chopping boards in dishwashers The dishwasher has made our lives easy and comfortable. But certain items should not be placed in the machine because they will not be cleaned properly. One such item is the cutting and chopping board. This board should not be ideally cleaned using a bar of dish soap and water.

Hemophilia is a health condition in which the patient’s blood fails to clot normally due to the absence of clotting factors like Factor VIII and Factor IX. In most cases, this disease is genetically passed through generations, mainly affecting males. In patients with low clotting factors, spontaneous and injury-related bleeding can have fatal results. According to CDC, 12 people per 100,000 males in the country have hemophilia A. Here are four ways to manage the disease:   Effective trea tment options Even though this condition is non-curable, there are ways to minimize symptoms and keep it under control. The treatment varies as per the type of disease detected in the patient. It is important to remember that the main purpose of the treatment is to reduce bleeding and promote blood clotting.    Hemlibra, Recombinant Factor Concentrates, and Kovaltry  are three different types of treatment advised for patients suffering from this kind of blood disorder.    Hemlibra This is prophylaxis that needs to be prescribed by a practicing health professional. It is given to patients suffering from Hemophilia A, and its main objective is to reduce bleeding in the patient. It is prescribed for newborns, kids of all ages, and adults alike. Recombinant Factor Concentrates These are derived from animal cells that use the human gene to make the factor protein. Recombinant factors 8,9, and 7A have been in use since the 1990s. Doctors advise these concentrates for patients with hemophilia with an inhibitor against Factor 8 or 9.    Kovaltry It is a treatment offered to patients suffering from Hemophilia A and is used to replace clotting Factor VIII. It is recommended for adults and kids. Regular usage as prophylaxis, this treatment can effectively lessen bleeding episodes.   These treatments should not be self-prescribed. You need to speak to a healthcare provider and inform them of all your symptoms before starting these treatments.   Good food habits – What to eat      Increase fruit and vegetable intake Since blood loss is the main problem in hemophilia patients, they are advised to eat lots of green leafy veggies and fruits rich in iron.

The Black Friday season brings discounts on big-ticket products like appliances, furniture, and electronics, as well as lesser-known categories like internet services. Whether looking to switch providers or upgrade an existing plan, one can snag many unbeatable bargains during this time. These deals lead to significant savings, which can be used for other purposes. Here are the popular types of internet service deals providers are expected to offer during Black Friday 2023. Discounts on internet plans Several internet service providers roll out irresistible discounts on select plans every Black Friday. These discounts lower the prices by $20/month or more. This year, too, consumers can hope to save big on their internet bills. The holiday season sale is the perfect time to get a high-speed 5G internet plan, switch to an unlimited internet plan at low prices, upgrade the current service, or switch to another internet service provider. Free modem or router upgrade deals Many customers are forced to purchase modems and routers while buying internet plans, which often have a high price tag. Luckily, during the holiday sale season, many service providers offer free router or modem upgrades as part of their Black Friday deals. Shoppers can take home the latest high-speed modem or 5G-enabled home Wi-Fi equipment without breaking the bank. Free reward cards and devices These kinds of deals sell out quickly, so one should act fast when the sale begins. Many providers offer reward cards to existing as well as new customers when they sign up for select plans. Last year, reward cards worth $100 to $200 were rolled out! What’s more? Some customers got free smart home devices like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub with premium internet plans. Free months of service Several leading internet providers are known to offer a few months of free service every year during the Black Friday sale.

During times of charitable giving, such as in the holiday season, it is common to look for ways to give back to the community while reaping some tax benefits. One effective option is to make tax-deductible charity donations. These donations not only support charitable causes but also reduce one’s tax liabilities. This invariably helps in making the donations more impactful on the personal front as well as in communities one wishes to support. Cash donations One can make  monetary donations to public charities, which are eligible for tax deductions under 501(c)(3). These donations can be made through checks, credit cards, or payroll deductions through their employer. If the donor itemizes their deductions, they can receive deductions of up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) in a year for gifts of cash to qualified public charitable organizations. If they choose to donate to private charities, such as a family foundation, the annual limit of deductions is approximately 30% of their AGI. However, the donated amount must be substantial to avail of this deduction. Another option is to bunch together several small donations into a single year. Charitable gift funds One can also set up donor-advised funds. These are accounts that offer the flexibility of charitable giving to multiple organizations. The process of opening an account is simple and cost-effective compared to donating to private charities. One can recommend grants to specific charities through this account. At the same time, one can also avail of immediate tax benefits. Appreciated assets like stocks or securities Donating appreciated assets such as securities and stocks can bring in dual benefits. For instance, publicly traded stocks, bonds, mutual funds, securities, or any type of asset that has the potential to appreciate in value can attract a substantial capital gains tax whenever one decides to sell them.

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica. This prescription kills Deer ticks and helps prevent infections that may cause Lyme disease. Such an option must be given to your pet once a month and has lasting effects for up to 35 days. It is suitable for dogs six months or older and weighing at least 2.8 pounds. Other than the Deer tick, Simparica helps kill the lone star, Gulf Coast, American dog, and brown dog ticks. Bayer K9 Advantix II Bayer’s K9 Advantix II is a topical solution for dogs made from a combination of imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen, and permethrin. The formula is effective in exterminating and preventing fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and lice.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Here, cancerous cells begin accumulating in the bone marrow and outnumber the healthy cells. This leads to huge amounts of unwanted proteins rather than helpful antibodies. About 34,000 adults in the country are estimated to be affected by this condition in 2022. However, the disease can be managed through the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Multiple myeloma does not have a permanent cure, but the disease and its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy to treat this blood-related condition.  Immunotherapy This is a treatment method that empowers the patient’s immune system to fight cancerous cells. It is a biological therapy where certain substances derived from living beings are used for the treatment. Here are a few options: CAR T-cell therapy: This is a form of immunotherapy prescribed for multiple myeloma patients. This works on the T-cells (a white blood cell type), stimulating them to fight cancerous growth. The therapy involves drawing blood from the patient and adding chimeric antigen receptors (or CARs) to the blood, helping the T-cells target certain cancerous cell antigens. The CAR T-cells are then infused into the blood of the patient. Doctors can recommend BCMA-targeted immunotherapy for patients to enter remission. The B-cell maturation antigen or BCMA helps regulate the growth and survival of B cells, and it is heavily present in myeloma cells. Targeting BCMA to kill cancer cells can slow the progression of the disease. BCMA-targeted treatment is a form of CAR T-cell therapy. Monoclonal antibodies: These are synthetic or man-made antibodies that attack the proteins on the myeloma cell surface. The antibodies attach to the CD38 protein on the myeloma cells, killing them and strengthening the immune system to attack the cancerous cells.

No matter how sophisticated or modern your house is, a little TLC now and then is necessary to maintain the property and ensure all its occupants are safe. You can ideally schedule a thorough home inspection where professionals point out some of the more glaring problems to tackle. But, even without that, some obvious signs of damage in and around the house will likely indicate the urgent need for a full home renovation. Water damage Water damage is a major sign of trouble that you should not ignore. A leak will result in additional problems, including growing mold, rotten materials, and rust. Water damage is common along the sidewalls and the roof, where the materials are constantly exposed to the weather, and major issues like roof leaks can result in costly repairs. If you spot a small leak in any of these areas, call a handyperson to assess its severity. Often, spotting a problem early eliminates the need for expensive repairs. The floor space is compromised The foundation of the house tends to weaken over time due to the weight and pressure on it. If you notice some of your furniture looking out of place or angled, check the floorboard underneath for damage. Also, if there is a basement underneath, you must ensure that the boards don’t cave in by replacing these panels at the earliest. Delaying repairs only increases the pressure on the foundation. Plus, some homes in areas prone to flooding are built on elevated stilts, exposing the foundation boards to more damage. Ensure you schedule regular home safety inspections where an expert checks and certifies the living spaces safe for residential purposes. Old windows and doors Loose window joints or cracked frames are some of the most obvious signs of internal wood damage. As the wooden elements are exposed to the weather outside and temperature changes indoors, these changes force the wood to expand and contract multiple times.