Acid reflux, commonly referred to as heartburn, is a discomfort that most adults experience on a regular basis. The stomach holds digestive juices that break down the foods and beverages consumed before moving them along the digestive tract. When these juices flow back up the esophagus, the resulting burning sensation and discomfort is called acid reflux. Here are some known causes, triggers, and habits that may inadvertently worsen the condition. Having a large meal The body can only absorb and process a certain amount of nutrients from foods and beverages consumed daily. Overeating only adds extra calories that remain unprocessed and adds to the body mass index, triggering the risk of high body fat, among other complications. Putting pressure on the stomach forces the gastric foods back up the esophagus. This happens as the esophageal sphincter relaxes, opening the valve connecting the end of the esophagus with the top of the stomach. The acidity content of these gastric juices is extremely high, and the upwards regurgitation is what triggers painful heartburn. Instead of having a large meal, doctors advise splitting up the same food into smaller portions and having smaller meals every couple of hours. Wearing clothing that presses against the stomach Wearing tight fitting clothes may be a stylish fashion choice, but this habit can trigger heartburn. Tight pants, jeans, or wearing tight accessories like belts and waistbands press against the stomach. Even if you don’t consume heavy meals and avoid beverages that lead to acidity, this extra pressure from tight fitting clothing pushes the stomach acids upwards. The added pressure also leaves the esophageal sphincter open, resulting in acid reflux. Taking a nap after having food One of the worst and severely underrated triggers of acid reflux is taking a nap immediately after having a small or large meal.

People usually shower in the morning or right before bed. As it is an everyday activity, one probably does not think too much about showering. After all, it is a pretty simple process. Nevertheless, one needs to follow key steps and avoid lapses to ensure that the skin is completely clean and is not damaged or dry after a shower. So, here are a few common mistakes to avoid while showering: Spending a lot of time in the shower One of the most common causes of dry and itchy skin is taking hot showers for a long time. It may feel relaxing to spend a lot of time in the steam of hot showers. But this can damage the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making the skin unable to lock in enough hydration leading to dryness. So, when taking a hot shower, one should make it as brief as possible. Spending about 5 minutes is more than enough. Showering too often every day For those living in humid climates, taking a shower twice a day can help regulate the body temperature and deal with excessive sweating. Unless one is grimy or sweating, such as after a workout, showering once a day is enough under normal circumstances. Showering too often will have the same side effect as spending too much time in a warm shower. It will strip the skin of its natural oils and damage the natural moisture barrier, causing dryness and itching. In addition, the skin will become more prone to infections. Not replacing loofah or washcloth regularly Loofahs and washcloths are breeding grounds for a lot of germs and bacteria. So it is important to put the washcloth in the laundry after using it about three to four times a week. One should wash them in hot water with liquid soap to get rid of the musty smell, soap buildup, and accumulation of bacteria.

Buying a new phone doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. With the used phone market having great options, buying a handset with good value for money is easy and safe. Although these phone models are older, their performance is excellent, and you can get it all for a fraction of the price. So, whether you want an inexpensive new phone or a spare one, here is a list of top used phones to buy. Apple iPhone 12 Pro The iPhone 12 Pro was launched back in 2020, but it is still a favored phone among buyers. The reason for its popularity is the phone’s several unrivaled features. These include the powerful A14 Bionic chip, impressive camera capabilities, and excellent software support from Apple. In addition, its display is vibrant as well as durable. Overall, the phone has a very sleek design and is a visual delight. It’s a powerful phone that gives a premium user experience., making it a good option for those looking for a used phone for under $600. Samsung Galaxy S22 Powered by the reputed Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is a good phone to have, either new or refurbished. Its dynamic 6.1-inch AMOLED display allows for an incredible user experience. The high-resolution and high-clarity 50 MP rear camera means that this is a good choice to have for those looking for a reliable camera phone. Moreover, it is equipped with a great battery capacity that runs long. A refurbished S22 with 256GB storage will cost around $350, while the S22 Ultra with 512GB or 1TB will be around $500 or more. Google Pixel 6 Pro Known for its exceptional camera capabilities, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is a favorite among those who prioritize clicking good-quality photos. Also, the in-house Tensor chipset offers a clean Android user interface and seamless performance.

Teeth staining can happen for several reasons, such as aging, poor eating habits, and an unhealthy lifestyle. To combat this, one could follow good oral hygiene, periodic dental cleaning, and professional tooth whitening to improve the color of the teeth. But apart from these measures, individuals could also make certain lifestyle choices, such as eating healthy foods. Below is a list of eleven foods that should be part of one’s meal regime for brighter teeth. Strawberries Eating strawberries could benefit one’s teeth, especially its color. The berry is rich in malic acid concentration, a property used in many toothpaste formulas. The acid works like a natural astringent and helps remove the tooth surface discoloration. One should note that strawberries are also abundant in citric acid, which may weaken the enamel. Therefore, each individual must wait at least 30 minutes to brush their teeth after consuming strawberries or other acidic foods. One could also rinse their mouth with water to negate the effects of citric acid after eating the berry. Onions Many are unaware of the health benefits associated with onions regarding oral hygiene. While the vegetable might cause bad breath, eating it in small amounts may benefit the teeth. The food contains antibacterial sulfur compounds that may prevent plaque from forming on the teeth. One could include onions on sandwiches and in salads when they can. Another food with similar sulfur compounds is garlic, which could prevent plaque and reduce the risk of yellowing teeth. Apples The fruit has several beneficial properties, including those associated with the teeth. Apples are crunchy. Therefore, its texture is a natural abrasive scrub, which helps clean the teeth when chewing on them. Furthermore, apples have a high malic acid concentration that could promote extra saliva and positively affect the teeth’ color. Pineapple The teeth are covered with a pellicle or a layer of salivary proteins.

As the holiday season draws near, many shoppers search for the finest bargains on appliances to enhance their homes. Similarly, Black Friday sales feature significant discounts on everything, from cutting-edge refrigerators to high-powered cooking ranges. However, specific categories of appliances are more in demand than others, and these products are offered mainly at unbeatable prices. Here are a few of the top appliances in demand for this year’s Black Friday. Refrigerators Wayfair, Home Depot, and Amazon offer significant discounts on high-priced items. In the previous year, customers could save nearly $1,000 on top-brand refrigerators. Top-freezer refrigerators: This classic style of refrigerator is commonly preferred by consumers. It’s a perfect no-frills option for those looking for a basic fridge. Bottom-freezer refrigerators: Adding a bottom-freezer refrigerator to the kitchen can be a convenient choice, regardless of the size or style. Unlike top freezer refrigerators that keep frozen foods at eye level, bottom freezer refrigerators are perfect for those who mainly cook with fresh ingredients. Additionally, they are more affordable than other options, and with Black Friday sales, the prices are even more reduced. Side-by-side refrigerators give easy access to the freezer and fridge. Moreover, the doors of these refrigerators are narrower compared to others. These are suitable for kitchens with space constraints. Vacuum cleaners From premium models to budget ones, vacuum cleaners of every price range go on sale during the Thanksgiving sale period. Last year saw significant retailers offering steep discounts on different types of vacuum cleaners. For example, Target offered a massive 50% off on original retail prices. These included robot, handheld, and upright vacuums from top-selling brands. Washers & dryers Many major stores such as Best Buy, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s have offered incredible deals on washers and dryers, usually pricier during the non-sale period. In previous years, the discounts ranged from 30% to a massive 55% on these popular types of washers and dryers.

One of the most important considerations to make while creating travel plans is picking the right hotel for your stay. Cramped hotel rooms, undesirable locations, and bad views are some of the factors that could make your trip miserable. Even if booking a room is an easy process, there are still many factors to consider. Some of the common mistakes that might ruin a person’s travel experience are listed below. Non-refundable hotel reservations Hotels with non-refundable options are frequently less expensive than those with refundable costs. While it may appear that you are saving enough money for the vacation by considering a low-cost hotel room, the hotelier benefits because it ensures the room won’t be vacant. Nobody will want the trip they have been planning to get delayed, canceled, or in any other way interfered with. But one cannot deny the possibility of last-minute cancellations of travel plans due to any issue. Therefore, carefully understand the hotel’s cancellation policy while booking a reservation. It is advised to book refundable stays in anticipation of the worst. Many of the hotels in Vegas offer refundable bookings, so if you plan to stay in Nevada, you can consider those hotels. Not using a credit card While bank transfers and debit cards are acceptable options, credit cards may offer multiple advantages when making travel arrangements. Although the offers vary from card to card, many credit cards provide fantastic discounts you may take advantage of while making hotel reservations. For several reasons, booking a hotel room with a debit card is not a good idea. Many of us may not have enough cash in our accounts to cover the cost of the hotel, taxes, and the incidental temporary deposit; in such cases, credit card payment is the safe option. It might save you from high travel costs in several ways, like getting discounts or even free services.

Schizophrenia is a prevalent mental health condition that affects a person’s cognitive abilities and overall functioning. Its symptoms range from unusual behavior and distorted thinking to severe episodes of delusions, hallucinations, and emotional disconnect. Although the disorder is chronic with no cure, an early diagnosis and timely treatment can help improve the patient’s quality of life. The following are some healthy foods for schizophrenia that can help manage the condition better. Foods rich in omega-3 Healthy fats help counter inflammation that triggers cognitive symptoms and discomforts in people with schizophrenia. Omega-3 is among the most popular healthy fats experts recommend patients include in their meal plans to manage the condition. It helps slow down the progression of the disease to a reasonable extent and prevents oxidative stress from harming healthy brain cells. Fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, black cod, and sardines are the best sources of omega-3, which the brain easily absorbs. Vegetarians looking to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids can eat avocados. Besides anti-inflammatory properties, the fruit has fiber, which keeps a person feeling full. This, in turn, curbs unnecessary hunger pangs, lowering the risk of overeating associated with schizophrenia. Assorted nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are also suitable omega-3 sources for vegetarians. However, one should consume fatty acids carefully to boost anti-inflammatory responses and prevent cognitive functions from declining. Healthy probiotics Research studies suggest gut health can affect cognitive functions like thinking and memory. So, people with schizophrenia should consider foods and beverages that help boost healthy gut bacteria and preserve them in the digestive tract. Yogurt is one of the top choices among dairy products that help increase probiotic intake. It is also easy to digest and helps reduce stress. Nutritionists further suggest including fermented pickled vegetables in the meal plan to boost probiotic intake naturally.

A credit score reflects your ability to pay off the debt on time. So, your score is impacted when you charge something to your credit card or avail yourself of a new loan with the linked bank account. Today, digital banking payments and system innovations allow you to use apps that help you build credit and improve your score. We’ve compiled a list of our top picks available for download on Android and iOS platforms. Credit building is indeed a straightforward process. And with innovative apps available for download, everyone can access these services today. So how do these apps work? Here are how they work: Some apps help monitor When you use a credit card to make payments and consolidate the bills at the end of the cycle, a report is sent to the primary credit bureaus, including Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Credit monitoring apps can track all these transactions and build on the information to improve our score. Some apps offer loans Banks and financial institutions also offer small loans where you periodically make payments over a fixed tenure. The bureaus track these payments, and meeting deadlines improves your creditworthiness, thus reflecting your final ability to pay back debt. This, in turn, automatically improves your credit score. Some apps report services Experian Boost offers services via their in-house app to help improve bad credit scores by reporting your purchases to the credit bureaus. The service tracks all your utility and rent bill payments to provide a consolidated report. This information directly impacts your credit score and helps rebuild your creditworthiness. Here are a few must-have apps to improve a bad credit score: Experian Boost Experian, one of the premier credit card bureaus in the country, has also developed an in-house monitoring module that helps boost your credit score.

Your resume is a critical tool for presenting your professional background and skills to potential employers. A poorly constructed resume can land your application in the rejection pile. This is why it’s crucial to avoid common resume mistakes that can undermine your candidacy. This article explores the most notorious resume blunders and equips you with the knowledge and insights to create a standout resume that grabs the attention of hiring managers. Here are a few resume mistakes you must avoid: Generic cookie-cutter resumes Resumes that need more personalization and fail to highlight your unique qualifications are a surefire way to get lost in the sea of applicants. Avoid the temptation to use a generic template and instead tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Customize your summary, skills, and work experience sections to align with the requirements and keywords mentioned in the job description. Doing so demonstrates a genuine interest in the position and shows that you possess the skills and experience the employer seeks. Excessive typos and grammar mistakes Nothing screams unprofessionalism more than a resume riddled with typos and grammatical errors. Poor spelling and grammar reflect poorly on your attention to detail and raise doubts about your communication skills. Always proofread your resume carefully, and consider using online tools or enlisting the help of a trusted friend or family member to catch any mistakes you may have missed. Remember, a well-crafted resume showcases your professionalism and sets you apart from the competition. Vague and overused buzzwords Steer clear of generic buzzwords and clichés that have lost their impact in the eyes of hiring managers. Phrases like “team player,” “detail-oriented,” and “excellent communication skills” are overused and fail to provide meaningful insights into your capabilities. Instead, focus on specific achievements and quantify your impact whenever possible.

Cleaning the bathroom is an arduous chore most people would rather avoid. Yet, it’s necessary to maintain a hygienic and pleasant living environment. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when washing the bathroom. These mistakes complicate the job and even reduce cleaning efficiency, increasing the risk of spreading infections and diseases. This comprehensive guide lists these common mistakes and provides a few practical solutions to avoid repeating them in the future. Neglecting regular cleaning Maintaining good hygiene is a continuous task, especially when multiple family members share a washroom. These areas accumulate dirt, grime, and bacteria quickly with repeated use. Failing to sanitize them regularly allows common contaminants to build up, making cleaning more challenging in the long run. The best solution is to follow a cleaning schedule and tackle bathroom cleaning at least once a week. Not ventilating properly Bathrooms should have proper ventilation to prevent gases and odors from accumulating when one uses the facility. Improper ventilation can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, pathogens that thrive in unclean, humid environments. The spores released by these tiny organisms can harm one’s health. Persistent growth can also leave the bathroom surfaces discolored. One should switch on the bathroom fan or open a window after using the facility to prevent moisture and gases from accumulating. It’s also a good idea to leave the bathroom door open briefly to air out the space. Using harsh chemicals Bathroom tiles and fittings are made with materials that are not very resistant to harsh cleaning compounds. While it’s essential to use cleaning products to maintain hygiene, harsh solutions can erode surfaces and release fumes that pose health risks. Common mistakes include using bleach on colored grout or mixing different cleaning products. It’s better to opt for a mild, eco-friendly cleaner that is safe for regular use.

Owning a washer and dryer helps one better control over their laundry cycle. These machines, however, can be rather expensive. That said, with Black Friday around the corner, many brands are gearing up to host exciting deals on their appliances. Now may be the perfect time to invest in a laundry solution to upgrade the home. Inspired by last year’s sales, here are 10 deals on washers and dryers to expect on Black Friday 2023. Front-load washing machines Front-load washing machines have a door at the front of the unit, and a horizontal drum. In case of restricted space, it can easily be stacked on top of a front-load drying unit. Top deals on front-load washing machines on Black Friday 2022 included: 1. Samsung’s high-efficiency stackable steam cycle front-load washer hosted a whopping 35% discount, bringing its price down to $648. It can easily clean a 15-pound load and is equipped with an allergen cycle to kill germs and dust mites. 2. LG also offered a 33% discount on its stackable smart washer. Originally $1199, customers could get it for just $798 on Black Friday. The model has 10 different wash cycles, with one that is equipped to clean clothes in just 15 minutes. Top-load washing machines As the name suggests, top-load washing machines have a door on top of the unit that can be used to load or unload the machine. It has a vertical drum that is capable of deep water washing and soaking. They tend to be cheaper in comparison to front-load washing machines. However, they cannot be stacked on top of a dryer. Last year, these brands offered significant discounts on their top-load washing machines: 3. GE’s high-efficiency Impeller Top-load washer was offered at a 35% discount, bringing its price down to $848. The appliance has a luxurious finish and is equipped with a unique automatic detergent dispenser that can hold up to 50 lbs of detergent.

Tires are one of the crucial components of an automobile that demand your attention. The reason is apparent. They are the most exposed and hardworking parts regularly subjected to the ravages of weather. Using the right tires is crucial for sufficient grip on the road, and you cannot compromise. However, buying the right set is not easy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing new tires: Size of the tires A lot depends on the tire size you choose for your vehicle. When you finally visit a shop after deciding to get new tires, the first questions the dealer will ask you will be about your vehicle’s model, structure, and age. Based on that, you will be recommended different tire sizes. You can choose large tires that fill your car’s wheels well or smaller ones at an economical cost. Speed and load rating Irrespective of the size you choose, ensure the tires have the correct speed rating. It is a rating that indicates how much speed they can handle. Choose ones that can tolerate your vehicle’s designated highest speed. Also, check their load rating or whether the tires can absorb your vehicle’s weight. When doing so, account for the weight of cargo and maximum passengers. You will find the speed and load rating in the sidewalls of the tires. If not, go through the owner’s print. Capability The right speed and load ratings ensure the tires can handle the speed and weight of the car. But these ratings cannot determine whether the tires can bear the ravages of rough roads with ever-fluctuating weather conditions. For that, you must consider their capability. This involves checking the tires’ performance, longevity, and handling on different surfaces. Despite sharing the same round shape and rubbery material, not all are made equal.