One’s outdoor space, whether a backyard or a simple garden, offers a delightful setting for relaxation and communing with nature. But this experience can take a nosedive if mosquitoes invade the area. The constant buzzing and bites can quickly spoil any outdoor gathering. While applying mosquito repellent to one’s skin can provide temporary relief, it’s wiser to address the root cause. Here are some things to avoid and strategies to implement to control mosquitoes. Things to avoid to repel mosquitoes Letting the water stagnate Mosquitoes are notorious for breeding in areas where water remains stagnant or still. These potential breeding grounds include ponds, puddles, clogged gutters, rainwater-filled buckets, waterlogged potted plants, pet bowls, or swimming pools. The problem can worsen if there are algae on these water bodies. So, one should remove stagnant water from one’s garden or yard. It’s important to note that mosquitoes cannot lay their eggs in flowing water. So, if one is looking to have water outdoors and also maintain a mosquito-free environment, a fountain or other water features with continuous water movement are relatively safe options. Blocking the sunlight In addition to dampness, mosquitoes thrive in areas that are cool and dark. So, it’s advisable to trim one’s overgrown bushes or shrubs and allow sunlight to penetrate the foliage.

A runny nose is a discomforting symptom that can have various causes, such as allergies, a cold, or other respiratory issues. In most cases, one can make use of home remedies to fight off a simple cold. For example, the right food choices play a crucial role in helping the body fight off infections. However, certain foods may also worsen a runny nose, leading to increased mucus production and other issues. 7 foods that can worsen a runny nose Tomatoes This is a common ingredient in food for several cultures. While they taste great and add great flavor, tomatoes also have inflammatory properties, which can worsen a running nose. Also, some people may also be allergic to tomatoes, and the allergy, while rare, affects the sinuses and airways and can even lead to a runny nose, congestion, or sneezing. So, keeping this ingredient away during a cold or allergy flare-up is best to avoid any more complications. Yogurt This contains a compound called casein in high amounts. While yogurt makes for a great source of protein and probiotics, it should be avoided when it comes to a cold and runny nose. In fact, if one typically opts for yogurt as a snack, one can try eating some chia pudding to feel full and get the required nutrients.

A sore throat can result from viral or bacterial infections, exposure to environmental irritants, allergies, dry air, and excessive shouting for extended periods. The condition is easily curable, but when it strikes, it can make eating, talking, or swallowing painful and impact one’s daily life. However, there are several ways to alleviate the discomfort, and food plays a major role in recovery. Here are some foods that worsen the condition and some that help heal a sore throat. Foods to avoid for sore throat Spicy foods Spicy foods and seasonings, such as hot sauces and chili peppers, can irritate an already sensitive throat. They should be avoided until the soreness subsides. Acidic fruits Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, grapes, and pineapples are high in acidity, which can exacerbate throat pain. It’s best to avoid these fruits when dealing with a sore throat. Hard and crunchy snacks Foods like chips and crackers can be abrasive on a sore throat and may cause further irritation. One should instead opt for softer, more easily digestible options. Fried and fatty foods High-fat, fried foods can promote inflammation in the body, which may intensify the discomfort of a sore throat. Fatty foods are also known to suppress one’s immunity, and the body also finds it difficult to digest these foods easily, which can further slow down the healing process.

International couriers are much simpler, faster, and more efficient today. This is because international customs authorities, shipping companies, and courier service providers have all contributed to making the process as customer-friendly as possible. With service providers’ core focus being ease of use, sending a courier no longer requires clients to spend days in uncertainty once their package has gone for shipping. Even then, one must consider certain vital things while sending couriers abroad, including: Being mindful of sending prohibited items to other nations Not every object shipped internationally will be legally welcomed by the country where it is being sent. Specific items are banned in certain countries. One must be aware of the regulations and limitations on the types of goods sent to a particular country. To know more, one can visit the postal website of the destination country before sending their parcel in order to avoid sending banned goods. Being mindful of the customs clearance process Parcels delivered internationally need to go through customs clearance. This process is needed for senders to obtain clearance from their chosen shipping carrier and ensure the delivery is executed successfully. While the process was extensively paper-driven and time-consuming in the past, today, clients can access clearance guidelines from shipping carriers by checking their websites.

For a dog parent, their beloved pooches are a source of joy and contentment. Thus, they leave no stone unturned to ensure their pets receive nutritious food and plenty of exercise. In addition to providing them with nutrient-rich foods, dog parents should also know about the hidden dangers of certain seemingly innocuous foods that dogs may ingest when they can access them. Here are 11 human foods that can be toxic to dogs: Grapes and raisins Grapes and raisins can be highly toxic to dogs, although the exact cause of their toxicity is unknown. Ingesting grapes or raisins, even in small quantities, can cause kidney failure and even death among dogs. Therefore, it is important to keep grapes and raisins out of a dog’s reach. Mushrooms Although only a few types of mushrooms are poisonous to dogs, the poisonous ones can prove lethal. Moreover, it is difficult to distinguish the harmful mushrooms from the safe ones. Hence, to err on the side of caution, it is advisable to avoid feeding mushrooms to dogs. Xylitol This artificial sweetener is increasingly used as a sugar substitute and is harmless to humans. However, even small quantities of xylitol are dangerous for dogs. In humans, this sweetener does not cause the pancreas to release insulin.

Medicare is a federal insurance program that helps those aged 65 and above meet their healthcare expenses. Divided into two parts, Part A and Part B, it covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, preventive services, medical equipment, and several other costs. However, the plan is not all-encompassing, so individuals are usually advised to purchase supplemental insurance to be on the safer side. Here are six things Medicare does not cover. Routine dental care Both Medicare Part A and Part B do not pay for routine dental care, including the costs for dental checkups, routine cleaning, or other dental maintenance services. The program also does not cover X-rays, fillings, root canals, and dentures. However, in some instances, Medicare may include dental surgery or X-rays. This is especially true during accidents, dental exams needed before kidney or heart surgery, or treatment for mouth cancer. Several Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) may provide routine dental coverage as an extra benefit over Part A and Part B. However, people must purchase these plans from a Medicare-approved private company and pay an additional monthly premium. Routine vision care Medicare does not cover routine vision care. So, despite enrolling in the program, members must pay for eye exams (performed to determine if new prescription eyewear is needed) out of their pocket.

The thought of hopping into bed after a long day at work is wonderful. But a mattress gets dirty over time and will require proper cleaning with the help of dedicated cleaning solutions, such as a vacuum and other detergents. However, despite following a hygiene protocol, one may still find that their mattress is flush with mites, fungal spores, and bacteria. The spread of such infestations might occur due to the following unhealthy habits. Eating in bed It’s normal for everyone to want to eat comfort food in bed, such as popcorn and pizza, while tuning in to their favorite shows on television. The “breakfast in bed” trend had become popular a couple of years back. However, this is one of the unhealthiest habits one could have when maintaining mattress hygiene. When one eats food in bed, remnants of crumbs and spills usually lurk between the sheets and go unnoticed, which attracts hazardous critters. While one might be extra precautious to reduce food crumbs, one should avoid this habit completely. Putting bags on the bed Several people dump their bags onto the bed after coming home from a long day. However, this is a common mistake that can make the bed dirty.

One of the most common things people lose during a burglary is precious jewelry. Burglary is known to be a crime of opportunity since robbers are always looking for places where they can grab valuables without getting caught. Once inside a house, they usually pick up things of value that are easily found in obvious places. The following spots are some of the worst and unsafe places to hide jewelry and other valuables at home. Inside the freezer People often keep their jewelry in the freezer, either wrapped in foil or in a plastic box. Most people assume that no one would look for valuables in a place with food, but the freezer or refrigerator is one of the most evident places burglars will look. Also, since these appliances are easily accessible, anyone can open them and look through everything inside. Under a mattress or bed Burglars search for valuables in places commonly used for storage, such as under the bed or mattress. It is a common belief that these places provide excellent hiding spots for items such as jewelry since they are out of sight. However, this is not the case, as such places have become predictable hiding spots and are easily accessible to burglars.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for producing and utilizing white blood cells to protect the body against infections. There are two main types of lymphomas—Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The symptoms of both these conditions can be vague and vary greatly from person to person. Nevertheless, here are a few silent signs of lymphoma one should recognize: 1. Swollen lymph nodes Lymphoma mainly affects the lymphocytes, i.e., the white blood cells in the bone marrow and lymph nodes—parts of the immune system located in the neck, groin, armpit, and spleen areas. The growth of cancer can cause the lymph nodes to swell or become enlarged. So, one can feel lumps under the skin that may not cause pain or discomfort in most cases. 2. Pain The initial stages of lymphoma are often painless. However, as the condition progresses, some may experience severe pain in certain parts of the body. This symptom generally develops when lymphoma has affected one or more organs. To rule out any serious disease or illness, any unexplained pain lasting longer than 4 days must prompt one to consult a medical professional for a thorough examination.

Tick infestation is a grave concern that endangers humans and their furry companions. A single tick in one’s home could signal the beginning of a severe infestation. While commercial sprays and chemicals effectively keep ticks at bay and prevent an infestation, natural and eco-friendly alternatives exist. One of the most efficient natural solutions is cultivating specific fragrant plants that naturally repel these pests. Here are some that stand out as effective tick repellents. Lavender Lavender is a plant that is aesthetically pleasing and has a sweet, soothing fragrance. However, ticks do not particularly love this fragrance, which keeps them away, as the scent of lavender is a natural repellent. One can grow lavender in their garden or indoors in a pot. While lavender thrives in hot and dry climates, it can grow in slightly low temperatures. Along with cultivating lavender plants, one can also use lavender essential oil for repelling ticks. Mint Mint is an herb widely loved for its fragrance and aroma. Owing to its strong aroma, it is popularly used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages and for making essential oils. However, ticks despise this strong scent and prefer staying away. Mint is relatively easy to grow in pots and open gardens.