Category: Advice

Tips To Choose Your Next Book

November 14, 2024Megan HerrenAdvice

Avid readers are always seeking new material to whet their literary appetites. Reading can be an immensely enjoyable activity, and one with notable benefits. According to Basmo, a reading tracker app, a couple hundred thousand books are published each year. The sheer volume of material to choose from can make it challenging to find a good book.

Readers can pursue many avenues to find new books. The following are just a few ways to find the next book you won’t want to put down.

Visit the Library

With so much content at your fingertips, it may be tempting to turn to the internet to find a new read. Instead, go back to where many people first fall in love with reading. The local library has many great offerings and personnel who can help you find something that will prove a good match.

Visit a Local Bookstore

If you’d rather purchase a book, your local bookstore is an ideal place to get feedback on books. Whether it’s a chain store or an independent retailer, many bookstores employ individuals who are book lovers themselves. Ask for recommendations.

Try an App

Options like Whichbook enable you to find your next book based on various qualifiers, such as emotion, geography or type of character.

Go with a Classic

Browse a list of classics and find books that you haven’t read yet or even ones you may want to reread now that you are older. There are reasons these books have withstood the test of time.

Ask Family and Friends

Query the people in your life who love to read and find out what they are reading. You may be introduced to an author that you weren’t familiar with or a book series that is right up your alley.

Join a Book Club

A book club will expose you to a rotation of new books for as long as you are a member. Since books tend to be suggested by members each go-round, you won’t fall in the trap of only choosing one genre or “safe” titles that you are used to.

Go with Authors’ Recommendations

If you like a particular author, research who he or she is reading. Some authors recommend others in the industry. While some of these recommendations may be for compensation or publicity, many are legitimate suggestions.

Let Your Reading History Dictate

Reading services like Amazon’s Kindle will recommend new titles based on your reading habits; otherwise, search for “books like (name title)” online to discover books that have a similar theme or style.

Reading is a popular pastime that can strengthen the brain and relax the body. There are many ways to find new books to read to keep one’s library fully stocked.

8 Ways To Honor Veterans

November 7, 2024Megan HerrenAdvice, Holidays, Veterans

Millions of people make considerable sacrifices to protect the freedoms of their fellow citizens. According to the Pew Research Center and data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently more than 18 million living veterans in the United States. The 2021 Census counted 461,240 veterans in Canada, according to Veterans Affairs Canada.

The term “veteran” refers to a person who served in the active military, naval, air service, or space service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. In the U.S., there are actually five types of protected veterans, according to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, or Armed Forces service medal veteran.

Veterans deserve respect and admiration all year long, but also get their own holiday each November. Veterans Day celebrates veterans’ patriotism and willingness to sacrifice and serve. This Veterans Day, people can consider these eight unique ways to honor the veterans in their community.

1. Attend events. Organize or participate in local Veterans Day celebrations, such as parades and ceremonial events.

2. Get involved with veterans’ affairs. Support veterans by volunteering with organizations that assist them, such as the VA, local veteran’s groups, VA hospitals, or charities dedicated to veteran services.

3. Petition for veteran speakers. Reach out to schools, scout troops or other groups and arrange opportunities for veterans to share their stories and contributions. Learning about the sacrifices these men and women made can heighten individuals’ appreciation for veterans.

4. Support the families of veterans. Reach out to veterans’ families, who also must make sacrifices and concessions. Anything from shopping, babysitting, doing chores, or making a meal can help the families of veterans.

5. Make a donation. If finances allow, make contributions to reputable charities that provide services for veterans like those that offer mental health counseling or job placement services. If there isn’t a charity that fits with your vision, begin one.

6. Hire veterans to work. If you are a business owner or hiring manager, consider hiring veterans for open positions at your company. It can be challenging to re-enter the workforce after service, so make it known that your firm welcomes veterans.

7. Offer personal acknowledgements. Take the time to speak to veterans and thank them for their service. If possible, when dining out, ask the server if you can pay for the meal of a veteran who also is dining that day.

8. Don’t forget the fallen veterans. Although Memorial Day is designed to honor those who lost their lives through military service, people still can honor the fallen veterans on Veterans Day by sharing stories or placing flags at veteran cemeteries.

Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11, marking an opportunity to express one’s gratitude and support for the scores of veterans who have served honorably.

Raise The Stakes Of Family Game Night

October 31, 2024Megan HerrenAdvice, Family

Getting the entire family together can take a little effort. There is no shortage of activities that pull family members apart most days of the week, from work obligations to sports practices to school events. The United Kingdom-based media provider Independent reported in 2023 on a study of 2,000 parents with children at home. The study found families are only spending six hours a week together, which is less than an hour each day. Furthermore, they only eat meals as a household four days out of seven.

Eking out more time for family may be as easy as scheduling activities that everyone can rally behind. Family game nights give everyone an excuse to gather at least once a week. These tips can make family game night a can’t-miss activity.

Start with Simple Games and Branch Out

The first step to a successful family game night is choosing the right game to engage all participants. This can be challenging when there are young children, teenagers, middle-aged adults, and even seniors participating. Visit an independently owned toy and games store and pick the brain of the proprietor. He or she will likely have some suggestions to get you started. As participants become more comfortable, you can branch out with games.

Make It A Recurring Event

Set a firm day of the week for the game night. This way participants will block out that date and time and make every attempt to attend. Treat game night like any other important appointment.

Consider Games With Movement

Game night doesn’t have to mean sitting around a board game, which young children who have trouble sitting still may characterize as a “bored” game. Games that get people moving, whether it’s charades, drawing games or a game such as Twister® can be more engaging. Game night also can take activities to a golf driving range or an arcade.

Gather For The Right Reasons

Game night should focus on having the entire family together laughing and competing in a good-natured way. It should not be a strict competition where winning is the only goal. Avoid the potential for sore losers who can sour game nights in a flash by letting everyone know that fun is the foremost priority of the night.

Offer Prizes

Encourage participation with the lure of prizes at the end. Prizes will not just go to the overall winner. There can be humorous awards, such as the player who messed up trivia questions the most, or the one who rolled matching pairs of the dice most frequently. You can customize the winning categories depending on the game played so everyone gets a fighting chance at a prize. Keep awards simple, like candy bars or other appealing treats.

Identify A “Game Master”

Every game night should feature a game master who presides over the rules of the game. The rules can be the ones strictly off of the information sheet, or the ones you customize for your own fun. The game master’s job is to make sure the rules are enforced, but also to determine when it’s alright to let things slide.

Family game nights are a vital way to bring everyone together at least once a week in a manner that is entertaining and fosters solid family relationships.

Safe Trick-or-Treating Tips

October 24, 2024Megan HerrenAdvice, Halloween

Halloween is enjoyed by people of all ages, but few get a bigger kick out of the holiday than children. There are costumes to be worn, time spent with friends and the opportunity to collect free candy and other treats.

Although Halloween can be a fun time, the Children’s Safety Network warns that it’s also a time when accidents can happen. According to the CSN, the most dangerous day for child pedestrians is Halloween, with two times as many child pedestrians dying on Halloween compared to other days. It is essential to prioritize safety on Halloween, and following these guidelines can help.

Make Sure Costumes are Short

Costumes that drag on the floor are tripping hazards, which can lead to injury. Be sure that costumes do not cover the feet or drag on the ground.

Trick-or-Treat in Groups

Children are safer in numbers due to the increased visibility of a crowd and because, if something happens, others can call for help. Parents can use their discretion on what age they feel is mature enough to let children go out alone. Until then, children should be accompanied by adults.

Improve Visibility

It’s important to be seen while trick-or-treating, and that can be achieved by making sure costumes and trick-or-treat bags feature reflective tape. Trick-or-treaters also can carry flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility, and stick to areas with streetlights if going out after dark.

Stay on Sidewalks

Whenever possible, trick-or-treaters should stick to the sidewalks and avoid walking on the roads. This may not always be possible in neighborhoods without sidewalks, where parents and youngsters must be especially careful.

Eat Before Trick-or-Treating

A meal or snack before trick-or-treating can reduce the tendency to fill up on candy while out and about. All candy and other treats should be inspected by an adult before it is eaten.

Keep Pets Locked Away

Animals can become skittish when there are many people loitering outside of homes or ringing doorbells. Keep pets in a quiet room away from the action to prevent them from getting loose, injured or scared enough to bite or scratch someone.

Avoid Masks That Obstruct Vision

It can be hard to see peripherally with a mask on, so avoid costumes with masks that compromise vision.

Test Out Makeup Beforehand

All makeup used for costumes should be tested for allergic reactions prior to use. Heed the warnings on packaging and avoid putting makeup too close to the eyes or lips.

These are some safety strategies designed to keep Halloween fun and incident-free this year.

The Benefits of Home Security Cameras

October 10, 2024Megan HerrenAdvice, Safety

Homeowners go to great lengths to make their properties comfortable places to call home. Whether it’s new interior furnishings or renovated outdoor living areas or the installation of various smart home technologies, there’s no shortage of ways to upgrade a home with comfort in mind.

When homeowners renovate a home in an effort to make spaces more relaxing and welcoming, it’s important they recognize the relationship between comfort and safety. A home is only as comfortable as it is safe, as residents might struggle to relax if they’re concerned about their safety. Security cameras can help quell such concerns, which is one of a handful of reasons homeowners should consider these increasingly popular safety features for their homes.

· Security cameras can help to deter criminals. Property crimes may not garner the same level of news coverage as violent crimes, but a recent report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicated that there were still nearly 900,000 burglary offenses in the United States in 2022. That figure represents a decline of more than 50 percent since 2012, when FBI data indicates more than 1.8 million such offenses were committed. A host of variables undoubtedly contributed to that decline, and the greater availability and increased affordability of security cameras has made it easier than ever for homeowners to make their homes less appealing to prospective burglars.

· Security cameras may help to lower insurance premiums. Exterior security cameras can help individuals lower the cost of their homeowners insurance policies. The extent of those savings may depend on the type of cameras homeowners install and whether or not the cameras are integrated into a whole-home security system. The Insurance Information Institute notes that whole home security systems can save homeowners anywhere from 2 to 15 percent on their homeowners insurance policies. More advanced systems, such as those which feature alarms and exterior cameras, can earn homeowners greater savings on their policies.

· Security cameras provide peace of mind while traveling. Modern security camera systems now provide remote access through smartphone apps. That can give homeowners peace of mind when traveling, as they can monitor their properties when they’re away from home and potentially alert local authorities if they notice anything suspicious on their remote feeds.

· Security cameras can give parents peace of mind. Much like security cameras help travelers keep an eye on their property while they’re away, parents also may find that access to real-time video footage of their homes can calm their nerves when children are in the house. Parents can utilize cameras to keep tabs on youngsters playing in the yard and monitor feeds to see what older kids are up to while Mom and Dad are at work or away from the home for other reasons.

Home security cameras are a worthwhile investment that can save homeowners money and provide peace of mind that they’re doing everything possible to make their homes comfortable, safe spaces to live.

How To Protect Your Hearing Over The Long Haul

October 3, 2024Megan HerrenAdvice, Lifestyle

Hearing loss is often seen as an inevitable part of aging. However, data from the National Institutes of Health indicates one in two people over the age of 85 has hearing loss, which suggests half of all individuals in that age bracket have no such issue. That should be encouraging to individuals concerned by the prospect of losing their hearing in their golden years.

The American Academy of Audiology notes that age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis. Presbycusis can develop due to a combination of variables, including changes to blood flow and the structures of the inner ear as the body ages and shifts in how the brain processes speech and sounds. Certain medications and medical issues, including diabetes and poor circulation, also can exacerbate age-related hearing loss.

Though some hearing loss as individuals grow older may be related to age, Father Time cannot bear all the blame when individuals begin to lose their hearing. In fact, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, using data from the 2015-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, notes that roughly 5 percent of adults between the ages of 45 and 54 have disabling hearing loss. Such losses are unlikely to be a byproduct of aging, and more likely indicative that individual behaviors can affect the degree to which a person loses or maintains his or her hearing.

Preventive health care is vital to protecting the body long-term, and such maintenance can include steps to safeguard hearing over the long haul. The Hearing Health Foundation notes the following are some simple ways individuals can protect their hearing in the years to come.

Keep The Volume Down

The HHF advises individuals listen to personal audio devices at 50 to 60 percent of maximum audio level. Some smartphones are pre-programmed to alert users when they attempt to exceed these levels, and users are urged to heed these warnings when adjusting the volume on their devices.

Lower The Volume The Longer You Listen

Prolonged listening at high volumes can be especially harmful to hearing, even if users are listening at 50 to 60 percent of the maximum audio level. If you intend to listen for a long period of time, lower the volume even further.

Take Listening Breaks

The HHF recommends routine listening breaks from personal audio devices. Individuals who listen to personal devices throughout a workday are urged to take breaks at least once every hour.

Wear Over-The-Ear Headphones

The HHF recommends individuals choose over-the-ear, noise-cancelling headphones over earbuds. Over-the-ear headphones are more effective at creating a seal that blocks out ambient sounds, which means users are less likely to turn up the volume on their headphones than they might be when using earbuds.

Routine hearing examinations are an effective way to monitor hearing, and individuals are urged to make them part of their preventive health care regimen. When measures are taken to protect long-term hearing, individuals may find it easier to manage age-related hearing loss if they experience it.

How To Make Renovation Projects Go Smoothly

September 19, 2024Megan HerrenAdvice, Home Improvement

Homeowners are spending big bucks on home renovations. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, home improvement project spending continues to increase. It’s predicted to go from $472 billion spent in 2022 to $485 billion in 2024.

Those targeting a specific home renovation likely know there is much that goes into the process from start to finish. Patience is a requisite virtue with any remodel, as even a thoroughly conceptualized plan can encounter a few bumps along the way. Although there is no way to completely remove renovation-related obstacles, there are ways to make projects go more smoothly.

Establish A Clear Plan From The Beginning

Now is not the time to be on the fence about details. A vision for the renovation is essential, and should include details about layout, materials, colors, and design.

Manage Your Expectations

Again, this speaks to a need for patience with a project but also involves flexibility. Being too rigid when choosing materials can require waiting for back-ordered supplies to come in. Wanting contractors to bend to your schedule can delay the project even further. Creativity and flexibility are key.

Establish A Budget

It can be easy to spend beyond one’s means, especially when issues crop up. Black House Real Estate stresses the importance of creating a budget before starting a renovation, which may involve working with a local professional to help. Houzz advises preparing for worst-case scenarios by adding anywhere from 1 percent to 20 percent to the budget. Commit to sticking to the budget no matter what comes down the pike.

Assemble A Good Team

Thoroughly research all contractors who will be involved with the renovation. These include designers, architects, builders, and more. Be sure they come highly recommended and research online reviews. A good team removes some stress from the project because you’ll know the work is in experienced hands.

Prepare The Space For The Remodel

Any work you can do will help save on labor costs and make it easier for the team to get started on the project. Clear out clutter and personal items. Ask if it would be helpful for you to handle some demolition, whether that’s pulling up old tile, removing drywall or another task.

Have An Escape Hatch At The Ready

Home renovations can cause upheaval to daily life, and that can mean stress on top of already chaotic schedules. If money and situation allow, plan a getaway during a particularly tough stretch of the project so the noise, mess, and disruptions will not induce headaches. Consider spending a few nights at a hotel or a friend or relative’s house to escape the constant grind of the project.

Home renovation projects add value and functionality to homes. Such undertakings can go more smoothly with some sound planning.

Study Tips For A Strong Start In School

September 12, 2024Megan HerrenAdvice, School

Studying is vital to academic performance. At the dawn of a new school year, students get a fresh start to improve upon or continue strong their study habits. Teachers will be rolling out their curricula, and that may feel overwhelming. However, optimizing study skills can boost confidence in school and in areas outside of the classroom. These study tips can put students on a path for success.

Find Your Optimal Study Space

The ideal study spot varies from student to student. Some need a quiet nook in the library, while others may prefer the sounds of nature while seated on a park bench. There’s no one-size-fits-all study location, so students may need to experiment with what works best for them. Also, The Princeton Review says that a student doesn’t need just one study space. He or she may find a change of scenery can prompt the brain to retain information better.

Devise A Study Plan

Setting goals and a plan of attack allows students to space out their studying over several days. This can reduce stress and make the task seem less cumbersome.

Avoid Cram Sessions

Devising a study plan is better than cramming the night before a test. The American Psychological Association says students may perform well on a test for which they’ve crammed, but that doesn’t mean they’ve truly learned the material. Studying with a goal of retaining the material long-term is important.

Learn How To Actively Study

Some students think that studying requires reading over the material or highlighting text. Active studying involves engaging with the material and constructing meaning from the text. One way to engage with the material is to try acting as the teacher and explaining concepts to another person. Creating a study guide or even concept maps also helps one actively study.

Balance Intensity with Laid-Back Study Approaches

Students may procrastinate with their studying because they don’t want to devote a lot of time to the task. Instead, they can do shorter sessions mixed with longer sessions of studying. In fact, The Learning Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill says shorter, intensive study time can be more effective than drawn-out studying.

Ask For Help

Asking a teacher or another student for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a good strategy to develop early on. The longer one waits, the more difficult it may be to catch up on material. Asking for help goes hand-in-hand with setting up a buddy system for studying. Study groups enable students to go over material together, which can provide different perspectives and help the material resonate more effectively.

Students will spend a lot of time studying while in school. Learning how to do it effectively is vital to fulfilling one’s academic potential.

Enjoy A Safe Labor Day

August 29, 2024Megan HerrenAdvice, Summer

Labor Day provides an opportunity to enjoy one last long weekend with fun in the sun, barbecues, pool parties, and vacations. Although summer officially ends on Sunday, September 22, 2024, Labor Day typically marks the unofficial close of the summer entertaining and recreation season. As individuals and families prepare to fire up the grill or float in the pool one last time, they are reminded to heed key tips to stay safe and healthy.

· Fireworks may have been components of celebrations all summer long, but it is always best to leave fireworks displays to the professionals. Also, sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures (approximately 2,000 F) which is hot enough to melt some metals. They’re are not recommended for children to handle.

· Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be a recipe for injuries or fatalities. Remember, just because it may be legal in some areas to use recreational marijuana, doesn’t mean it is legal to drive under the influence of it. Individuals should leave the driving to a designated driver or a taxi or rideshare service if they plan to imbibe or use marijuana.

· Water-related injuries and deaths are highest among young children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says drownings continue to be the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4. Extreme caution should be used in and around pools and other bodies of water whenever children are present. When swimming publicly, swim only where lifeguards are on duty.

· Even though summer is winding down, the risk for skin cancer remains elevated. Continue to apply sunscreen when heading outdoors for Labor

Day fun.

· No one wants to leave a Labor Day barbecue with food poisoning. All party hosts should remember to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold while entertaining and to remember to cook foods to the correct internal temperature. Even if a grilled steak looks charred on the outside, that does not necessarily mean it is well-done in the middle. Verify temperatures with a meat thermometer.

· Even the most well-behaved pets may become skittish on holidays like Labor Day, when there are many loud noises and unfamiliar sights and smells. It is best to have a pet microchipped in the event he or she gets out of the home or yard when fireworks, thunder or loud crowds scare them off. Shelters or veterinarians can scan the chip to identify the pet’s owner.

Labor Day closes out the summer season with a bang. It is important to continue to be safe while enjoying one last hurrah.

Tips To Clean Your Grill

July 25, 2024Megan HerrenAdvice, Grilling, Summer

Millions of people across the globe have a passion for grilling. Cooking over an open flame imparts a unique flavor to a variety of foods, and that profile can be augmented with marinades, wood chips and a host of other tweaks that help to create a delicious finished product.

Though many people grill throughout the year, this particular method of cooking is most popular in summer, when welcoming temperatures compel cooks to prepare meals outdoors. As grilling season kicks into high gear, grillmasters can embrace these strategies to ensure their grills remain clean.

Clean After Each Use

Once food is cooked, cooks’ minds immediately shift to eating. But cleaning a grill immediately after each use can make it easier to remove all the debris that can gather as foods cook. Fat, grease, melted cheese, marinades, and other substances can accumulate on the grill over time. Though grillmasters can eat before cleaning their grills, keep the fire going until after eating (vents can be slightly closed to reduce the heat somewhat), then scrape food and other debris off the grill. Grates that are still warm are easier to clean, but use heat-proof grilling gloves when cleaning warm or hot grates to reduce burn risk.

Oil The Grates Before Cooking

A light coating of oil brushed onto the grill grates prior to cooking can reduce the likelihood that food sticks to the grill while it’s being cooked. Food stuck to a grill can be difficult to remove, but the oil can reduce the likelihood that ground beef from burgers or chicken breasts will stick to the cooking surface.

Deep Clean The Grill Every So Often

Grill grates may not need a deep clean after each use, particularly when only preparing food for a handful of people. However, a deep cleaning every so often, and after heavy usage during backyard barbecues, can remove debris that can accumulate and pose a health risk over time. Follow the grill manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning the grill. Some might suggest traditional dish soap like Palmolive is safe to use, while others might recommend particular soaps that can protect the long-term life of the grill. Cast-iron grill grates generally should not air dry, so dry these parts off immediately after cleaning.

Use The Right Tools

Steel grill brushes are popular, but these cleaning tools can be unsafe. Steel brush bristles can break off during vigorous cleaning sessions, and they may get stuck on the grill during the cleaning process. If stuck on the grill, steel bristles can easily attach to food. The cooking experts at Epicurious note that steel brush bristles can cause throat and/or abdominal issues if consumed. Alternatives to steel bristle grill brushes are widely available, but grillmasters should know that some, including nylon brushes, should not be applied to a grill until its grates have cooled off.

Clean All Components

Grease traps, ash pans and the interior of the grill, including its sides and the inside of lids, can be periodically cleaned to reduce grease buildup and the risk of exposure to germs.

Grilling is a wildly popular summer pastime. Ensuring grills are clean prior to cooking can make foods more flavorful and decrease the risk of illness.