As a pet parent, you probably pet-proofed your home before getting a dog or a cat. You ensure that the animals have no access to the chocolates, the antifreeze, the repellents, and even put all the hazardous toys out of their reach. But, most of us forget about plants. Read on to know how those seemingly safe and aesthetic potted plants in your home or yard can be toxic for your pet dog: 6 household plants to keep way from your dogs Sago palm The sago palm plant is a very common sight in households worldwide. Its leafy green aesthetic makes it the perfect addition to your indoor plant collection. It is also effortless to care for, making it a popular plant choice for homes. But, you may want to remove it or steer clear of it if you have a dog. This is simply because sago palm is toxic to dogs. It contains an element known as cycasin, which, if consumed, can lead to a wide range of symptoms or be fatal. If your dog has ingested this plant, you may note symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, loss of balance, and even seizures. In worse cases, consuming the sago palm plant can also lead to liver failure or death. Note that every part of this plant is toxic to dogs. Aloe vera The gel found in the aloe vera plant leaves has tons of health properties and works wonders for the skin. Not to mention, it is very low maintenance, which makes them the perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor decoration. But, what many do not know is aloe vera is toxic to dogs. The gel in the plant contains two toxic components: saponins and anthraquinones. These can prove harmful to your pet if ingested. Typical signs of aloe vera ingestion in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, and lethargy.

With increasing sensitivity to allergens and rising pollution levels, air purifiers have become essential appliances. According to Bloomberg, the air purifier market will likely exceed $7 billion by 2032. This is not surprising at all, given how polluted the indoor environment can be, with the principal sources being dust, fires, car emissions, and cooking. Today you can find all kinds of purifiers, so here is all you need to know before buying one:  Top air purifiers Here are some of the best options for your home: Levoit LV-H132 One of the top-rated purifiers, the LV H132 by Levoit, is compact and small, with a capacity for filtering up to 129 square feet. It has a HEPA filter (or high-efficiency particulate air filter) capable of eliminating 99.97% of pollen, dust, odor, smoke, pet dander, and mold spores. It promises an outstanding performance backed by features like a three-stage filtration arrangement consisting of a HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, and a pre-filter. Additionally, it comes with three fan settings, allowing you to control the purifier’s volume and speed. Furthermore, it is so tiny that you can easily place it on your desk. Levoit VeSync Core 400S Smart air purifier While most top purifiers on this list effectively eliminate pollutants from the air, the VeSync Core 400S by Levoit goes one step further and allows you to check the air quality indoors as well as outdoors. It has a VeSync app that provides real-time data about your home’s air quality, and you can also synchronize the unit with voice assistants. Besides that, it has an Auto Mode that conserves a lot of energy by automatically adjusting the fan speed according to the current air quality. Apart from these high-tech capabilities, the VeSync Core 400S possesses all the necessary features of a purifier, including a HEPA filter, and it can circulate air 5 times per hour with a wide cleaning radius of up to 403 square feet.

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.

Migraine is a type of headache that may result from a neurological condition. It causes severe pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. If you regularly have migraine attacks, consult a neurologist who can treat your chronic migraine. The doctor will help you identify the factors that trigger your headaches and treat the pain accordingly. A person’s age, family history, sex, and hormones make them more prone to migraines. Migraine triggers Though the deep-rooted cause of migraines remains unknown, specific triggers can cause the onset of migraines. Some of them are: Food and food additives Particular food and chemical additives may set off migraine attacks. Fasting is another meal-related trigger that is responsible for this h ealth  condition. Caffeine, chocolate, cheese, pickled, fermented, and cured foods are associated with a migraine attack. Also, it has been found that food items containing more Tyramine may cause this condition. It has also been reported that Migraines may also be triggered by aspartame, an artificial sweetener, and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), the flavor enhancer. Many people believe in this rational finding, while the experiments have led to conflicting results for aspartame. Hunger and dehydration Hunger or skipping meals is another factor that triggers this  health  condition. This results in lower glucose levels that can cause migraines. Dehydration is another factor that may contribute to this type of headache. Low hydration levels are the cause in forty percent of people. It also affects the overall body and leads to confusion and dizziness. Therefore, there is a need to stay properly hydrated. Strong and unusual smells Certain people have reported that migraine gets triggered by certain strong, unusual, and odd smells. Various smells, like the fragrance of perfumes, colognes, chemicals, and food odors, can cause the condition to set in. These triggers may lead to a migraine attack or worsen an existing one.

Bringing home a newborn baby is a nerve-racking ordeal for first-time parents. They are worried about everything that is necessary to plan and follow. Even with all the help and guidance provided by friends and family members, new parents can forget about a few things that are necessary for taking good care of their child. Here are ten mistakes to avoid while taking care of the toddler at home. Not buying a car seat It is mandatory and required by law in many states to install a baby car seat. So have the seat installed weeks in advance and take the car for a few trial runs to see if everything works for the car seat as advertised. This is a critical piece of upgrade that ensures total safety. Car seats are not only comfortable but specially designed to ensure the baby stays secure and doesn’t sway too much when the car is moving. Panicking unnecessarily Newborns will cry, and they will fuss about every single thing at home. The infant is getting used to everything in and around the new home. So, it’s perfectly okay for the baby to make a fuss. And first-time parents don’t have to be anxious or nervous around their baby all the time. Worrying when there is no need will create an atmosphere of anxiety and urgency around the household that’ll only make things more stressful. In fact, doctors suggest the baby cries it out, even incessantly. Unless there is some physical indication of discomfort or obvious baby problems, it’s okay for the baby to cry it out naturally. Don’t fret over the small things. Overstimulating their senses A lot of times, first-time parents make the mistake of buying too many toys and installing accessories around the crib to keep the baby distracted. But this kind of overstimulation actually does more harm than good.

Long-term exposure to daily-use cleaners, dishwashing soaps, air fresheners, and other aerosol products harms lung health, mainly because these products contain irritants and volatile organic compounds that cause allergies in the lungs. There is a potential risk of lung disease, asthma, MAC disease, and common chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developing due to long-term exposure. So, it’s crucial to check the label of the following household items before buying them and practice caution while using them. Air fresheners Room and air fresheners are not just used in homes but also in offices, malls, and many other public places, which means one can be continually exposed to the product in and outside their living space. While the purpose of air fresheners is to keep odor at bay, several ingredients in the air freshener can cause harm to health. Fresheners are known to have volatile organic compounds and release harmful gasses in the air that are eventually inhaled by people in the room, increasing their risk of developing respiratory issues. Some of the known chemicals in such products include formaldehyde, benzene, and phthalates which can cause issues like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing when inhaled. Here is a list of ingredients that one will usually find in air fresheners and a look at how they can potentially harm the lungs: Solvents: They contain chemicals like glycol and ethanol used for diluting the other ingredients in the air freshener can. When these chemicals are inhaled, they cause irritation in the lungs. Aldehydes: This is a compound that develops with the natural chemical process taking place inside the bottle as the ingredients keep mixing together over time. This compound, when inhaled, can also be responsible for causing not just irritation but also cancer. Propellants: The ingredient is responsible for creating the mist when an air freshener is sprayed.

One can almost hear the jingling Christmas bells and see the twinkling fairy lights with Christmas not that far away. With it comes the exchange of gifts—an indispensable part of Christmas celebrations. Choosing a gift is about understanding what the receiver wants and likes and combining visual appeal with utility. To help one narrow down the best options, here are a few gifts that are often returned and, thus, should be avoided: 1. Video games Although buying a video game is a good idea for gamers, if one does not have access to the receiver’s game collection, they may end up gifting a game that the receiver already has. Moreover, if one does not have a fair idea about video games, they may end up buying the wrong game, which may not be useful for the recipient. So, it is a good idea to avoid buying a video game if one is unsure of the exact game the recipient wants. 2. Shoes Few things are more pleasant for fashionable individuals than being gifted a pair of elegant shoes. However, buying the right pair of shoes involves many considerations. First, one would have to ensure that the type and design of shoes are in accordance with the recipient’s preferences. Further, one shoe size definitely does not fit all, so shoes of the wrong size would be returned as a Christmas present. 3. Scented candles Scented candles are perhaps among the most popular Christmas gifts. But candles with an overwhelmingly strong fragrance or those with a scent the recipient does not like can make the gift stay unused. Alternatively, one can consider gifting a loved one a scent diffuser for Christmas, as they can add the fragrance of their choice to it. 4. Clothes Gifting clothes is usually risky, as one would have to consider factors like the size of the receiver, the type of clothing they like, and whether they already have similar options.

The Black Friday shopping season is here to enthrall you. Are you waiting for it eagerly to shop for your favorite items with the best deals? Also, there are plenty of Black Friday furniture sales to impress you and help you upgrade your home. Some amazing deals and discounts were available last year; listed below are a few. This list will give you an idea of what’s on offer this year. Here is a list of some amazing Black Friday deals that were offered last year: Last year there was $182 off on the Walnew four-piece outdoor patio furniture. You could get up to 80% off on rugs at Wayfair. Another great deal was the $135 off on the Gymax Patio Outdoor Rattan Furniture set (3 pieces) plus free shipping. Another outstanding offer at Walnew was the $76 off on pre-assembled modern dining chairs, a set of four, plus free shipping. You could enjoy up to 50% off on living room furniture plus free shipping at Walmart. You could enjoy your meals or entertain family and friends with the Canyon five-piece dining set with a large dining table. This was available at a discounted price last year, and you could also look for bigger and better furniture deals on Black Friday this year. Looking for deals on branded furniture? Then Amazon offered up to 15 % off on brands, including its own, and free shipping. You should not miss the 40% off on recliners and massage chairs at HomeDepot. This was offered last year too. Office furniture and chairs were as low as $99 with various retailers. You can also get up to 30% off on select furniture pieces at Amazon. Deals and discounts were also available on branded armchairs. This included 40-50% off on accent chairs. Look for discounts on Madison Park Furniture, as this was available at 30-40% off last year.

On the sale bonanza day of Black Friday, even internet service providers do not hold back from offering the discounts you wish for. From 5G internet to exciting gift cards, you can find what you want and more. In this write-up, you will be made aware of some of the best internet deals that you can expect on Black Friday this year. Like every year, this year, the deals will be rewarding, too. AT&T Internet Like every year, this internet service provider will be loaded with exciting offers on Black Friday. You can expect gift cards worth $100 or $50 when you make a purchase of a certain amount. These offers are for both new and current customers. If you are a new customer of AT&T Internet, then you could get a $10 discount on the home Wi-Fi and various internet plans. Spectrum Spectrum could be a good choice if you want to find a new internet service provider. You can sign up for Spectrum online this Black Friday and get a cheaper deal than usual. They are also known for providing free equipment and activation services. Xfinity Xfinity is an internet service provider known for offering the best deals to new customers on Black Friday. This year, a new customer that opts for an Xfinity internet plan and an Xfinity mobile connection could receive a gift card worth around $300. Verizon Fios If you love cool freebies, then Verizon Fios will have a ton of those for you this Black Friday. If you sign up for their home unlimited internet services, then you could win goodies such as a PlayStation. HughesNet HughesNet is an internet service provider available in almost all parts of the country. This service provider also offers various deals and discounts that could reduce internet charges.

About 80% of women worldwide suffer from menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea. Women can have period pain right from their teens and continue till menopause. However, in around 5 to 10% of women, menstrual cramps are painful enough to disrupt their daily lives. These cramping pains are intense throbbing sensations in the lower abdomen experienced during the menstrual period. This pain can radiate to the thighs and the lower back as well.  The menstrual pain begins 1 to 3 days before the period starts, peaks on the second day of the menstrual cycle, and usually subsides after the third day. Some women may also have headaches, nausea, loose stools, dizziness, and painful menstruation. How to deal with menstrual cramps? If the cramps are mild or moderately painful, certain home remedies can help relieve the pain. However, if it is debilitating and disrupts your daily life, you may need to see a doctor. For pain that is not too severe,  there are some home remedies that you can try. They include: Hot water bags Hot water bags or compresses applied to the lower back and abdomen can help soothe the period pain Exercise Some studies suggest that light exercises like yoga and mild cardio can reduce period cramps. Massage Massaging the abdomen and back gently can help lessen the ache. In addition to home remedies, some foods can also help alleviate menstrual cramps. Cruciferous and leafy vegetables Cruciferous vegetables are from the plant genus Brassica, and they include kale, watercress, collard greens, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, arugula, etc. They are nutrient-rich and contain calcium, magnesium, fiber, carotenoids, folate, and vitamins E, C, and K. They help relieve period pain and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, lettuce, micro greens, etc., contain iron and help combat body pain, dizziness, and fatigue.

Children lead an active lifestyle. So naturally, they work up an appetite and crave foods to satiate these hunger pangs. But you wouldn’t want your children to eat too much of foods that are excessive in added sugar, vegetable oil, and preservatives and trigger their allergies. To avoid this, you can pack healthy lunches that include the following wholesome and allergy-free snacks that they will love to enjoy during breaks. Popcorn Kids can munch on this tasty, filling, and allergy-free snack all day long. Popcorn is low in calories and rich in nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body. It is a whole grain, so the corn kernels are filled with fiber that helps curb hunger pangs and keeps kids satiated throughout the day. Baked nachos Baked nachos are gluten-free and contain essential fibers, and are delicious snacks that kids can munch on. You can even make some homemade salsa dips with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. You can also whip up some fresh guacamole with avocados to pair it with nachos. Homemade fries Instead of potato fries, why not make sweet potato fries that are healthier and allergy-free? You can even use an air fryer or bake the chips in the oven to make them oil-free and retain nutrients. The best part is that these chips also have a good shelf life, so you can bake a big batch and hand out the snacks every other day. Pretzels Pretzels are absolutely popular among kids. You can make the baked kind, as a little indulgence never hurts anyone. You can even consider store-bought options for packing a school snack. Pita chips Kids who are not allergic to gluten can enjoy some delicious pita chips bought from the supermarket. You can even make some homemade dips and condiments that go well with these chips for a hassle-free snack option.

Black Friday shoppers have always been drawn to the tech category, which saw a staggering increase of almost 221% in sales compared to previous years. With Black Friday 2023 approaching, it’s time to buckle up to grab one’s favorite tech product before they go out of stock. To know what to expect in the upcoming sale, it helps to look back at the top game-changing deals and discounts that were offered last year.  Smartphones Android, as well as Apple smartphones, have been on sale year after year with some irresistible deals on offer. With cutting-edge technology and sleek design, Apple iPhones have been the most sought-after tech products during the holiday sale period. Many major phone service providers offer trade-in deals with the overall price deducted, such as up to $800 off. Some service providers offer discounts as high as $500 off the retail price when shoppers sign up for their plans. From gift cards with the purchase to free Apple Watch or iPad, there are several amazing deals that shoppers have access to. Also, older refurbished iPhones go on sale through Apple stores. Known for reliable performance and high processing speeds, Android phones are a hit among buyers of every budget. All major Android phone brands go for sale during Black Friday. Last year saw some great free trade-in deals with unlimited data from several phone service providers. In addition, major retailers offered gift cards on phone purchases. Smartwatches Since their introduction in the tech market, these have been among the highest-selling gadgets during every sale season. Everyone from major brands to retailers has been offering some good discounts ranging between 10% to 15% on the retail price of smartwatches. Laptop Last year saw deals on laptops for every type of user. Here are some of the popular categories of laptops and the bargains that were offered by big retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Newegg.