5 things to avoid doing before bedtime for quality sleep

5 things to avoid doing before bedtime for quality sleep

Sleep is crucial for good health. It refreshes the body and mind and provides energy to carry out daily tasks. But unfortunately, many people find it hard to get quality sleep, which affects their overall health. Several factors, such as ongoing treatment or underlying health conditions, can affect a person’s sleep. But for some people, an unhealthy pre-sleep routine is the cause. Here are five things to avoid doing before bedtime for sound sleep: Staring at a screen If you stare at your mobile, TV, or laptop screens before bedtime, you might struggle to sleep well. LED screens of digital devices emit blue and white light that lower a particular hormone released by the brain called melatonin. This hormone is required to feel drowsy and fall asleep. When the release of melatonin is reduced, sleep quality is hampered, and you cannot fall asleep quickly. Research says that exposure to any light before bedtime is unhealthy, but blue light has the most harmful effects on sleep. So, avoid it as much as possible before bedtime. Exercising Heavy exercises just before bedtime can harm your sleep quality. When our body prepares for bedtime, the temperature starts to fall, heart rate reduces, and the brain slows down. But exercising interferes with these biological processes. It causes the heartbeat to increase, body temperature to rise, and the brain to become active. These conditions are not conducive to sleeping. If you wish to exercise, do so at least three hours before bedtime. A heavy meal This is another big mistake to be avoided before going to sleep. While light meals and healthy snacks before bedtime is okay, a big meal is a strict no-no. The digestive process slows down once you go to bed. And if your belly is full, it can lead to indigestion, causing problems that could disrupt sleep.
8 Early Bird Cyber Monday Deals to Expect in 2023

8 Early Bird Cyber Monday Deals to Expect in 2023

The holiday season is set to come early this year, thanks to the enticing early bird Cyber Monday discounts. With unbeatable savings across electronics, fashion, home essentials, and beyond, retailers may announce discounts weeks and months before the sale day. Certain deals from last year can help predict upcoming early bird offers for this shopping season. So, here is a look at the early bird Cyber Monday deals to expect this shopping season: 1. Dell XPS 13 The sleek Dell XPS 13 laptop comes with a 13.4-inch screen, a 12th-Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a spacious 512GB SSD. With an initial price tag just shy of $1,000, Dell’s Cyber Monday offer last year was a steal deal, with the laptop selling for $800. 2. Asus Zephyrus G14 Gaming laptops, like the Asus Zephyrus G14, can be quite expensive, so it is definitely worth waiting for deals on Cyber Monday to get these powerful gadgets. Last year, this powerful laptop belonging to the Asus ROG series, which originally sold for $1,400, was being offered at Best Buy for less than $900. The Asus Zephyrus G14 is among the highest-rated gaming laptops. The features that make it so powerful are an RTX 3060 graphics card, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a Ryzen 7-5800HS processor. What’s more? Its sleek design and easy portability make it an excellent pick. 3. Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds Last Cyber Monday, Sony earbuds saw a price drop of over $100. Initially priced at $280, these earbuds were available for just $178 at Best Buy. These earbuds come with robust noise-canceling capabilities, thanks to the Integrated Processor V1 and the LDAC codec, enhancing the user’s listening experience. These early bird deals from last year can give shoppers insights into this year’s Cyber Monday early bird discounts.
8 thoughtful gifts for someone who is hard to buy for

8 thoughtful gifts for someone who is hard to buy for

Arguably, the most challenging thing to do is guess what a hard-to-gift person would think about a present one is planning to give them. Will this person love a leather handbag? Or will they be reviled because it is leather? Will they like this perfume? Or will they find its overpowering scent obnoxious? Such questions are tricky. With that in mind, we listed eight thoughtful gift ideas for people who are hard to buy for: Belt bags Belt bags are among the most convenient bags for those who travel a lot. One does not have to carry these bags as they can neatly be attached to their belt. More than anything, belt bags are a highly versatile and convenient solution to pack daily essentials like smartphones, keys, wallets, hand sanitizers, writing pads, pens, and markers. They eliminate students’ need to carry a bulky backpack to store and move all their essentials. For these reasons and many more, belt bags are almost guaranteed to click with someone hard to gift. Stove bonfire If the person receiving the present is a camper or travel enthusiast, they will love the idea of a stove bonfire as a holiday gift. Unlike traditional bonfires, stove bonfires are portable and do not emit fumes. Campers need a bonfire to settle down, eat food, have fun outdoor bonding sessions, and take in its heat. People cannot carry logs and flintstones everywhere, so a portable bonfire is a brilliant gift idea for anyone. Bamboo sheet set Homeowners will appreciate the idea of receiving bamboo sheet sets as a gift. Bamboo bedsheets are ultra-soft and breathable. They are perfect for people who like their sheets thread-less and silk-like. Bamboo sheets also do not contain or trap dust particles easily, making them useful for those with particle allergies and asthma.
10 things to avoid when attending a funeral

10 things to avoid when attending a funeral

Funerals are a place to be quiet and respectful. While most people understand this, every funeral has different traditions and customs that one may not know. As a result, a guest may unintentionally offend someone else, including the host. Therefore, individuals must always keep a few points in mind when attending these occasions. The things one should not do at a funeral are straightforward for people to understand and remember. Arriving late Being on time or early is a golden rule when attending a funeral. One should arrive early to settle in before the service begins. Being late would mean interrupting the proceedings by having to look for a seat. If a person does turn up late, they should enter discreetly and quietly and look for a seat in the back to avoid disturbing the funeral setting. Dressing inappropriately Funerals are sad and serious occasions. Therefore, guests should not experiment with dress codes and styles. The most accepted attire at such an event is black. One should wear dark neutrals if they do not have black, but avoid dressing in business casual and steer clear of jeans and flip-flops. Wearing something suited for the event, such as formal attire, is advisable to ensure one does not offend anyone at the funeral home. Being rude to the family While this one might seem obvious, it is easy to forget when at a funeral. One should remember that a family is going through a challenging time during a funeral and may need the love and support of their family members and friends. So, people should be nice to the family and not say anything rude. One should offer their condolences to the bereaved, then move out and let them speak with the other guests at the venue. Taking photos or videos Many people take photos and videos of the funeral service.
Top 9 alternative uses for trash bags

Top 9 alternative uses for trash bags

Trash bags are one of the most common things one will find in a person’s house. These bags help get rid of garbage like stale food and debris efficiently. But that’s not the only purpose they serve. The compact, lightweight, and cost-effective nature of trash bags lets us use them for other reasons too. These nine uses for trash bags other than getting rid of trash from the house are truly amazing. To collect items One of the most basic roles of a trash bag is to collect waste in a single place. But one could also use it to collect other items in their home, such as stored vegetables, cans, bottles, or fruits. Small items like old toys, blankets, and backup appliances could also be kept safe in a plastic bag. However, people should not forget to cover any sharp edges as this could tear the bag and cause the items to fall. Protection against the rain If it’s pouring on a day someone needs to travel, they could always use a trash bag to keep important things dry. It could be anything, like food, clothes, documentation, and electronics that are sensitive to water. A person could also seal important belongings in a trash bag if they ever need to cross a river while camping. Further, people can keep their shoes and feet dry in rainy weather or a wet region by stepping into trash bags and tying them shut against their shins. Ponchos Even if someone has an umbrella with them, harsh weather may wet their clothes. A trash bag could help in this situation. All one needs to do is take a large trash bag, cut holes for their head and arms, and wear it like a shirt. This temporary raincoat should help protect the individual against wet weather.
Top 10 kitchen remodeling errors to avoid

Top 10 kitchen remodeling errors to avoid

Kitchen renovation is an exciting prospect, as it can make the space more functional and visually appealing. The project could involve major changes like knocking down walls, changing countertops, and adding other elements like a breakfast bar and more cabinets. One may also consider changing the backsplash, flooring, and appliances. So, remodeling the kitchen can be a huge undertaking. To ensure it goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few mistakes to avoid: 1. Skipping planning Proper planning is one of the most overlooked aspects of a home improvement project. But, for a successful renovation, one needs to have a vision and a definite end goal, preferably on paper. The vision needs to go beyond just how the space would look and take into account how the new kitchen will serve the inhabitants. Would the kitchen be only used for cooking, or will it also serve as a hangout spot and a breakfast or dining nook? One should assess their requirements and list them, set a budget, and list goals before purchasing materials, hiring contractors, and knocking down the existing structure. 2. Underestimating costs Another huge mistake is setting the wrong budget. One doesn’t need to know the exact expenses beforehand, but they should have an estimate of the cost and leave a little room for the budget to stretch. The wiggle room will ensure that the project is not left unfinished in case of unexpected expenses. This is because, more often than not, one may end up spending more than their initial renovation budget. So, one should set a budget only after checking the prices of countertops, cabinets, flooring, appliances, and other necessities. 3. Selecting appliances after cabinets One may put off choosing appliances for the kitchen until after they get the kitchen cabinets installed. This is a problem.
4 useful tips for managing migraines

4 useful tips for managing migraines

Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches. The treatment has a combination of compounds that work to relieve the symptoms. The side effects include skin reactions and liver damage. QULIPTA QULIPTA is recommended for patients with more frequent migraine episodes. The treatment helps reduce the frequency of migraines by blocking a particular protein that triggers them. Its most common side effects are fatigue, constipation, and nausea. Follow a healthy meal plan Certain foods help alleviate the symptoms, while others aggravate them. So patients must choose wisely. The best foods are: Walnuts Studies have shown that migraine patients usually have low magnesium levels, a nutrient that can relieve pain.
4 useful ways to manage Parkinson’s disease

4 useful ways to manage Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s is a nervous system disorder that affects around seven to ten million people worldwide. It occurs due to damage to specific nerve cells in the brain. The condition inhibits movement and leads to symptoms like tremors, stiffness, balance problems, and slurred or soft speech. These emerge gradually and may not be noticeable at the start. While the disease has no cure, the following treatments, meal plans, lifestyle tips, and therapies help manage Parkinson’s symptoms: Treatment options Treatment is necessary to manage the condition and must be started immediately after diagnosis. The popular options are: RYTARY RYTARY helps manage Parkinson’s symptoms like difficulty moving, shakiness, and stiffness. It contains two compounds: carbidopa and levodopa. Levodopa increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, a hormone necessary for normal brain function. On the other hand, carbidopa prevents levodopa   breakdown. It also helps lower levodopa side effects ,  like vomiting and nausea. The dosage of RYTARY is usually thrice a day, but one must consult a doctor before using it. It should not be chewed or crushed but swallowed as a whole to lower the risks of side effects. ONGENTYS ONGENTYS is an oral treatment usually used once daily at bedtime or as the doctor recommends. It has a substance called opicapone that improves the effects of levodopa and allows the brain to get more of it. Healthcare professionals recommend a dosage according to the patient’s condition. One should not eat anything for an hour before and after the dose .  The side effects of opicapone include severe muscle stiffness, fever, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, and uncontrolled or unwanted movements. Those who experience these must contact a doctor immediately. Foods to eat and avoid There is no specific meal plan for Parkinson’s disease, but certain foods help manage the condition. Doctors recommend brightly colored and dark fruits and vegetables like blueberries, spinach, and carrots as these have flavonoids and antioxidants that boost brain health.
Follow these eating habits and other tips to manage osteoporosis

Follow these eating habits and other tips to manage osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens the bones, causing them to turn brittle and fracture. About 10 million individuals in the country suffer from osteoporosis. The deterioration of bones occurs in one of five men. In women, the probability is higher with osteoporosis affecting one in three individuals. Doctors prefer various prescription methods to cope with the condition and may also recommend some food tips. Here we have a few tips for managing osteoporosis: Eat foods to improve bone health One way to avoid osteoporosis is by eating foods to improve bone health. Introducing foods rich in calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk, can nourish the body with calcium. The element is a vital nutrient for the formation and maintenance of the skeleton. Foods rich in vitamin C, E, K, and B also help in improving bone health. A few foods rich in these vitamins are collards, kale, spinach, arugula, swiss chard, and beet greens. Adding these edibles to meals can also introduce minerals like magnesium, selenium, and manganese to improve the quality of bones. Furthermore, eating foods abundant in omega-3, such as salmon and eggs, nourish the bones and promote rigidity. The fatty acid can also curb inflammation that may relieve any pain a person feels in their joints. On the flip side, several foods are also bad for bones. These foods can trigger inflammation and also lead to other complications. Sodium is an element that can drastically impact bone health. A few foods rich in sodium include processed meats, deli turkey, hot dogs, and ham. The element is coupled with other nitrates and nitrites to preserve these foods and enhance their flavor. Other foods such as burgers, tacos, and pizzas also contain excessive salts. Drinking caffeinated products like energy drinks, beverages, and coffee are other unhealthy foods that can trigger osteoporosis.
3 tips to combat cold and flu attacks

3 tips to combat cold and flu attacks

The common cold and flu are both viral infections that affect the respiratory tract. While the symptoms of the conditions are the same, the flu is more severe. Patients experience sore throats, congestion, coughing, chest pain, headaches, sneezing, and high fevers. Although the conditions are common, they can be fatal if not managed. Thankfully, there are many ways to control the symptoms of a cold and the flu. The top three ways are: Begin the treatment Once the symptoms start to show, you must consult with a certified health practitioner and start your treatment. Fever, aches, and chills are pretty common symptoms of the cold and flu. Two common treatments prescribed by the doctor, in this case, are XOFLUZA® and TAMIFLU®.    XOFLUZA® It is a prescription treatment that is advised for people aged over 12 years. It is advised for people exhibiting the symptoms for not more than 48 hours. It is also prescribed for people aged 12 years and older who have been in touch with someone suffering from a cold or flu since the virus is highly contagious. Doctors do not prescribe this treatment for children below 12 years of age as it is still unknown if it is effective for kids in this age group.   TAMIFLU® It is an antiviral treatment that fights the virus in the body, stopping it from multiplying. Though it is not a substitute for the flu vaccination, the treatment is effective for kids aged two weeks and older suffering from influenza. It is also advised for people aged one year and older to prevent cold and flu.  Foods to have to manage cold and flu Being down and under the weather with the cold and the flu can leave you feeling fatigued and uninterested in food. But, to recover fast and effectively, you must consume the right food.
9 Early Signs of Dementia Explained

9 Early Signs of Dementia Explained

Dementia is a neurological disorder that progressively impairs cognitive functions affecting one’s analytical, reasoning, and memory skills. There is no cure for the condition, and it is only possible to improve the quality of life with suggested treatments, changes in nutrition, and daily lifestyle. For this, one must be able to learn and identify early dementia signs for a thorough diagnosis. Here are 9 noticeable signs and symptoms of the neurological disorder to help promptly diagnose the condition. Trouble with memory Dementia primarily affects the brain’s ability to retain information, impacting short-term and long-term memory. Note that there is no consistent or recognizable pattern here. A person who develops dementia will struggle with memory loss and reduced cognitive, analytical, and reasoning skills, impacting daily routine. Memory lapses can start with isolated events where one struggles to recall important things or remember them later in the day. Confusion Lapses in retaining information will also create a lot of confusion. One might forget how to do a familiar task or swiftly adapt to a familiar situation. A person might even ask queries and repeat the question, forgetting it has already been answered. These are all early signs of cognitive decline, and the severity of these symptoms will vary from person to person. Increased disorientation Dementia progressively impacts a person’s ability to navigate, even if one is accustomed to the location. Disorientation can happen at home or outside with symptoms like forgetting the way home from the supermarket or losing a general sense of direction. As the condition worsens, one might struggle to follow or remember simple instructions for navigating. It is also possible to experience trouble adjusting and adapting to the surroundings in general as one loses general awareness. Even gauging distance can become difficult due to reduced awareness. Repetition Repetition is a common sign of developing cognitive problems.
Avoid these 7 common mistakes when buying an EV

Avoid these 7 common mistakes when buying an EV

The popularity of electric vehicles (EV) has been steadily rising over the past few years. Due to high consumer demand, many leading automakers have launched new lineups of electric cars. As a result, there are options available for consumers to choose from in their preferred segment. While this has made purchasing an EV easier, it has also increased the likelihood of making buying mistakes that may lead to financial loss. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a satisfying purchase experience. Forgetting to learn about the incentives Buying an electric car is a smart and responsible decision for both the environment and the wallet. The federal government offers incentives to electric car buyers, with clean vehicle tax credits of up to $7,500 available for eligible vehicles. However, this is only applicable to the first few thousand electric vehicles each carmaker sells in the market. So, it’s important to research which car manufacturers are eligible and whether they have exceeded the sales threshold before making a purchase decision. Additionally, check with the state to see if they offer any incentive programs. Taking advantage of this incentive can make owning an electric car more beneficial. Ignoring driving habits and requirements This is another common mistake that can be easily avoided when buying an electric vehicle. Many EV buyers forget to take into consideration their driving habits and the specific purpose for which they plan to buy a car. Some people opt for an EV for occasional short trips, while others may require it for daily commutes or longer trips. It’s essential to ascertain the purpose because electric cars have certain limitations in terms of charging time and range. Thus, for those planning to buy an EV for longer commutes or road trips, a plug-in hybrid or hybrid vehicle with both gasoline and electric features may be a better choice than a fully electric vehicle.