Progress Hacks

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Reduce Identity Theft

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theftHopefully you never have to go through this situation.  Unfortunately, you cannot entirely control whether you will become a victim of identity theft.  However, there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk.

  • Limit the number of credit cards and debit cards you carry in your wallet.  You should carry no more than two cards.
  • Do not use debit cards for telephone or online purchases.
  • Always take your credit card and debit card receipts with you. Never toss them in a public trash can.
  • Never write your social security or drivers license number on your checks.
  • Memorize your social security number and don’t carry the card in your wallet.
  • Keep your wallet and/or purse secure at all times.
  • Use a locked mailbox for mail delivery.
  • Watch thte mail when you expect important financial items like a new credit card or new checks.
  • Guard your personal information.  You should NEVER provide your social security number to anyone unless its good reason.
  • Be suspicious of telephone solicitors. Never provide your personal information to anyone.
  • Delete without replying to any suspicious email requests.
  • Use online banking to pay bills whenever possible.
  • Shred all personal and financial information.

Fixed Rate or Adjustable? Which is Right for You?

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ratesTwo popular mortgage products are the Adjustable-Rate Mortgate (ARM) and the Fixed-Rate Mortgage. Consider the good and bad of each before choosing one:

The GOOD –  

Adjustable-rate mortgages have lower rates and payments early in the loan., making them more affordable.  ARMS make sense for people who expect their income to rise or to sell their home in the near future.

Fixed-rate mortgages promise stability despite inflation, allowing borrowers to manage their money better.

The BAD –

ARM rates and payments can rise sharply at the end of the introductory term.

When interest rates are high, fixed-rate loans may call for a monthly payment that is too expensive for some borrowers’ budgets.

 

 

 

Benefits of Having a Credit Card

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There are many benefits of having a credit card.  Credit cards offer the option to pay over time or pay your balance in full every month.  When used correctly, they can act as an expense managemecreditcnt tool and aid monthly budgeting.  Having a credit card helps build credit history and establish credit ratings which you need to make big purchases such as a car or home.  And the best benefit is they are available for emergencies.

You should have a credit card because it is a convenient financial tool and a secure way to shop.  Some credit cards offer rewards that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise or even cash back.  There are many offers to choose from.  Always review your options and see what is best for you and your financial situation.

 

 

How To Cut A Garlic

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garlic

Did you know that there are three ways to use garlic in cooking:

  1. For a mild garlic taste, use it whole.  Smack it with the flat side of a knife to open it up and put it in the oil.  Some fish the clove out before serving the dish.
  2. For a medium garlic taste such as in sauteing, slice it razor thin.  You do not need to use a razor, buy you get the idea.
  3. For maximum garlic flavor, finely chop it so that it disperses throughout the food.

Two final points:  Avoid garlic presses.  Avoid dried garlic powder…save that for your pizza.

Do You Know What is in Your Deodorant?

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deodorant

So we all want to smell good and stay dry. Yes, we all use some sort of antiperspirant  or deodorant.  They come in all different ways, solids, gels, sprays, etc.. but do we really know what we are putting on our bodies?

yellowstar Tip – Put on deodorant before bedtime.  It will absorb better at night and last longer for the next day.

Lets break down what exactly is in each type of deodorant:

SOLIDS – Contain a mix of silicone based waxes that do not melt away.  They leave a white, silky powdery surface behind.

GELS –  Typically go on clear and do not have as many waxes.  They leave a wet look and feel. It doesn’t leave a white stain on your clothing.

SPRAYS – Contain gases in them such as the gas that is in lighters called butane and hydrofluoro carbon. The pros to sprays is they are safe and dry very quickly.

 

yellowstarTIP – Do not use aluminum based antiperspirant. Studies have shown a possible cause to Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer.

What the color of your pills can tell you

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Pill Color Identifier Chart
Pill Color Identifier Chart

Many studies have shown that colors can influence your perception. Certain colors can change your perception of taste of foods, or medication to get better results when using them. Certain colored pills influence how you feel after taking them.
 

 
 

 

We found the most popular colors to show you what pills get better results.

Red and Orange pills are generally used as stimulants.

White pills are generally used for treating pain (painkillers).

Green colored pills are used for reducing anxiety.

Yellow pills are used generally for depression medication.

Blue pills are mostly used for sedatives (other than the other blue pill).

 

Tip: Some studies have shown taking medication in multiple doses are superior. Four times a day placebos provided more relief than those taken twice daily, telling us the brain thinks more must be better.

 

Caution: This is for advice and informational only, always consult a Doctor for more information.

 

 

What Reduces Thyroid Disease?

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What Reduces Thyroid Disease?

thyroid  First of all a thyroid is a small gland at the base of your neck that makes thyroid hormone. this hormone controls the activities in your body including how much calories you burn and/or your heart rate. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism which is when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.

But you do you know what can reduce thyroid disease?  According to Greek study published in the European Journal of Public Health, drinking chamomlile tea is the key. Drinking the tea on a regular basis reduces risk for benign thyroid diseases and cancer. After intense research  is was concluded that drinking the tea between two and six times a week for 30 years, reduced the risk by nearly 80 percent.

 

How to get rid of mice?

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How to get rid of mice?

mouseA mouse is a small rodent which has a pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail and a high breeding rate. The best known mouse species is the common house mouse.  If you see one mouse, guess what…they are not alone.  There is always more than one.  Inspect the area and check to see if there are any openings.  Remember, mice can squeeze into any small hole due to their body structure.   Look for mice tracks or mice droppings.  Get rid of all human and pet food that the mice may be feeding on.   Set mouse traps or place mouse bait all around.  If you can’t seem to control the problem, call an expert.

yellowstar TIP: Put your trash cans as far away as possible from your home. Mice smell it and get attracted to your house.

A few steps which the EPA recommends are:
Seal cracks and holes in the house that can allow mice to enter.
Remove food sources that may attract them, such as trash, pet food or fallen fruit from trees.
Get a housecat.
Capture mice with live traps and move them far from the home.
Use snap traps with sensitive triggers that are more likely to kill quickly.
Glue traps are unlikely to kill mice quickly, but can be effective. Keep them in place for at least five days so mice become accustomed to them.
Repellent sound devices may or may not work, but are designed to annoy mice with a high-frequency sound that humans can’t hear.
Poison bait boxes can be used as a last resort.

How to get rid of bed bugs?

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How to get rid of bed bugs?

bedbg

Bed bugs  feed exclusively on blood. Cimex lectularius, the common bed bug, is the best known, as it prefers to feed on human blood.

Getting rid of bed bugs is NOT an easy job and cannot be done 1-2-3.   According to the EPA, bed bugs are challenging pests to get rid of, since they hide so well and reproduce so quickly. Plus, the egg stage is resistant to many forms of treatment, so a single attempt may not be sufficient to complete the job.   It can take weeks to a month to get the situation under control.

First, you need to investigate and find out the extent of the bed bugs.  Collect one and make sure you are indeed dealing with bed bugs.  If it is positive call someone who is trained in this type of procedure.  If you live in an apartment, call your landlord right away.

Second, keep the Bed Bugs from spreading.  What this means is remove everything from the room and place in a sealed plastic bag to be treated.  Items that cannot be treated should still be placed in a sealed bag and left for a period of time.   If you cannot treat your furniture, discard and destroy it right away so no one will bring it home.  Rip covers/remove stuffing, etc. and call the garbage company right away to pick up.

 

Killing Bed Begs – Always make sure your  methods are safe.  Heat treatment using a clothes dryer on high heat or cold treatment can also be succesful.  Leave the itmes in the freezer for four days. Reducing the number of bed beds is a given but getting rid entirely is unlikely.

Look for EPA registered pesticides.

Rent out your Car for Cash

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Rent out your Car for Cash

rentcar

If you needs some extra cash and are ok with a stranger using your car then you should try RelayRides.
You must have a 2006 model or newer and have less than 100,000 miles on the odometer.

There are other services like RelayRides, but they are the largest with 2500 cities.
RelayRides has online profiles you can check on and are pre-screened by the company.

How much can you make with RelayRides?
The higher the demand in your city the more you can make (not avail. in New York City).
Most users of this service average 500 a month.

Always visit RelayRides website for more information.

How to Get Rid of Acne?

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How to Get Rid of Acne?

acne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No one likes to get pimples.  They are ugly and hurt and simply get on our nerves.  There are many ways to treat acne but the number one thing to remember is use only oil-free based products for your skin.  This includes face washes, makeup foundation, oil-free SPF.  Again, the key word here people is OIL-FREE ! 

                        yellowstar TIP: In a pinch, top your pimple with a white opaque toothpaste. This will help dry it out quicker. 

Changing your lifestyle can also help with acne.  Yes, it can.  Exercising, drinking 8 glasses of water a day, and getting plenty of rest is key to an acne free life.  Relax your body. Wash your face and exfoliate. Treat your current acne with benzoyl peroxide.  Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of bacteria and causing the skin to dry and peel.

 

What is appropriate to wear to a funeral or wake?

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What is appropriate to wear to a funeral or wake?

funeral

 

A wake or a funeral is an occasion where people show respect to the deceased and their family and friends.

So what things should you consider when visiting a wake or attending a funeral?

yellowstarTIP: An easy way to remember what to wear is dress how you would when going to church.

 

  1. Wear something conservative.  Most western cultures wear black, but navy and often dark colors can be just as tasteful and neutral.
  2. Always cover shoulders and knees.  No tank tops and shorts.
  3. Do not wear flip flops, boots or sporting gear.
  4. Make sure you show respect by wearing polished shoes, no scuff marks please.
  5. Avoid sundresses.  Wear what you would if you going on a job interview.
  6. Do not wear loud colors like neon green or yellow.
yellowstar Extra Tip: What to Say?  Nothing you will say will bring their love one back but you can simply say “I’m sorry”; “I’m sorry for your loss”; “My condolences”

 

For Men – Again you can dress as if you are going to church or going to a job interview.  You can wear black, grey or navy blue suit with a white shirt and tie.  Sports jacket with pants or navy sweater and pants.

For Women – Dress as you are going to church or going for a job interview.  Conservative, professional and tasteful. Some women prefer to wear a suit, dress or skirt and a blouse. Some colors apply for woman too such as black, grey and navy.

For Children – The rules for children can be applied the same.  Children should feel comfortable and dressed also in dark colors.  Always bring a change of clothes for infants in case of spit up or food stains.

 

 

How to Prevent and Treat the Flu

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flubug

 
Questions about the Flu, How to Treat and Prevent it.

The Flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. If you have ever had the Flu (influenza) it can be one of the toughest fights your body must combat against. Most people that get the Flu and experience its effects tend to get the Flu vaccine to prevent this sickness again.

Who is at risk for the Flu?

At risk are younger children, pregnant women, people with health conditions like asthma.
People with diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older. Also children that
are too young to be vaccinated are at risk.

 

Here are ways to prevent the Flu.

  1. First get a flu shot, it will slash your chances of getting sick.
  2. Then wash your hands often and keep them away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
  3. avoid close contact with sick people.
  4. While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
  5. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours
Here is how to treat the Flu:
1. According to the CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses
2. Antiviral drugs are effective way to treat the Flu.  Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics, they are prescription medicines and are not available over-the-counter.
Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

With the flu each person can experience symptoms differently. Some people can be affected with several, or all, of the following symptoms:

  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sneezing at times
  • Cough, often becoming severe
  • Severe aches and pains
  • Fatigue for several weeks
  • Sometimes a sore throat
  • Extreme exhaustion
Visit the CDC for more information on the most common types, vaccines, and treatments for the flu.

This is for advice only, please consult your Doctor for more information.

How to Cure Bad Breath

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How to Cure Bad Breath

badbreath

No one wants bad breath!  Bad breath is caused by bacteria buildup in your mouth.  Its very important to always keep your mouth clean.  You should brush your teeth twice a day. Once in the morning and once before you go to bed at night.  And, after every meal you should also brush and rinse with mouthwash.  This gets the food particles out of your mouth.  Brushing your tongue is also important.

Smoking is not good for your health or your breath.  Quit Now.

Visit your dentist for your yearly appointments.  Every 6 months is ideal when scheduling an appointment.

 

Always drink lots of water.  Water is good for you skin, your body, your mouth and your breath.  It cleans out bacteria.

 

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