Common causes of shortness of breath
health

Common causes of shortness of breath

Shortness of breath occurs when the lungs are not able to absorb oxygen to support vital organs and functions that rely on fresh air. It is one of the most commonly observed discomforts of known health complications that affect respiration. The intensity of breathlessness varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the triggers. Here are the most common causes of shortness of breath that can affect young children, men, and women. Existing diseases and disorders Shortness of breath is one of the primary noticeable discomforts triggered by health complications that affect respiration. These could range from a panic attack to pneumonia, and even serious asthma flareups. In addition, seasonal allergies causing inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even chronic respiratory failure can worsen breathlessness. The severity of the symptom will vary depending on the underlying disease. Pollution Exposure to polluted air can also trigger shortness of breath due to the particulate matter irritating the respiratory tract. Carbon monoxide is one of the more dangerous gases that affects breathing and impairs respiratory function. It’s a common pollutant in the atmosphere released during forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and even lightning strikes. Carbon monoxide is also an industrial pollutant that is released due to burning of fossil fuels for powering vehicles and machinery.
5 easy home improvement hacks to save time and effort
home and garden

5 easy home improvement hacks to save time and effort

When it comes to home improvement, many find the task challenging. But there are several ways one can cut down on the extra effort. There is a wide range of tips and tricks that can make things easier for you to carry out your remodeling projects without hassle. Check out a few home improvement hacks that will save you time and money without causing any mess around your home space. Stretch a rubber band over a paint container When you take up a painting project for your home, you may not think about the extra paint spillage that can happen from your brush. It can make the painting uneven when applied over any surface, such as walls, floors, or furniture. To tackle this, pop an elastic band over the paint can. After each dip of the brush, just gently glide it over the band to remove any extra paint and reduce wastage. Use a balloon to remove stripped screws It is tough to remove screws with heads worn out since a drill cannot reach them. An incredible hack that you can use to remove such stripped screws is by using a balloon. You should place the balloon right on top of the stripped screw.
6 eco-friendly ways to clean bathrooms
Home & Garden

6 eco-friendly ways to clean bathrooms

Bathroom cleaning is a necessary chore, but it need not be an uncomfortable task if you use the right products and tools. Further, instead of popular store-bought products that are laced with chemicals and release toxic fumes, you can try DIY cleaning products using basic ingredients available in your kitchen. The ingredients required here are usually safe. Here are six ways you can clean the bathroom in an eco-friendly manner: Use vinegar Vinegar offers the acidity required for a thorough cleanup, especially when used on metal surfaces like showerheads and taps. You can remove the showerhead attachment and soak it in vinegar overnight. The liquid will gently erode the layer of dirt and grime accumulated on the attachment, leaving it spotless and clean. Try a baking soda paste Mix organic dish soap with baking soda to create a powerful cleaning agent. This homemade paste can help remove soap scum residue on the tiles, the door, and walls. The best part is that the paste will not leave an odor or stain the tiles. Use a homemade drain cleaner One part baking soda mixed with two parts vinegar is a potent cleaning solution that can get rid of stains easily. You can pour this solution into a clogged drain to dissolve the gunk that has accumulated over time.
Safe and economical DIY detergents
Home & Garden

Safe and economical DIY detergents

Using packaged detergents is a very convenient and easy option for doing laundry, but they also come with so many chemicals that can be harmful to humans and the environment as well. Constant use of these harsh chemicals can also lead to various skin problems, so it is always a good idea to explore some DIY options at home. Here are some safe-to-use DIY detergents that are effective and also economical. Fragrant liquid laundry detergent A very easy and efficient way to make your own laundry detergent, this only needs ingredients like washing soda, baking soda, castile soap, and your favorite essential oil. Here’s what you need to do: Take a 2-gallon bucket. Add half a cup of washing soda to this bucket. After this, add hot water to the soda, just enough to cover the whole ingredient. Make sure to mix it thoroughly to help it dissolve. Only once, when it has dissolved, move on to the next step. Add half a cup of baking soda and mix till it dissolves too. Now, fill the bucket with hot water again and leave just enough space at the top – around an inch. Now add the castile soap – three-fourth cups of it, followed by 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil.
Toxic ingredients of cleaning products to avoid for better lung health
health

Toxic ingredients of cleaning products to avoid for better lung health

A recent study suggests that people exposed to spray cleaning chemicals, like industry workers or cleaning personnel, were more likely to see a decline in lung function over time than those who weren’t. Besides causing health concerns in humans, some of the cleaning products’ ingredients can alter the water’s PH balance and affect aquatic animals. Keep reading to learn about chemicals commonly found in cleaning products that are best avoided for optimal lung function. Impact of chemicals in cleaning products on the body Some disinfectants, degreasers, and other cleaning products containing bleach and other harmful chemicals get absorbed through the skin or enter the body through inhalation. These chemicals may trigger allergic reactions in people who are continually exposed to them. They may also lead to lung injuries, asthma, and reactive airway symptoms. Patients with rhinitis, sinusitis, COPD, asthma, and other chronic lung disorders should exercise caution while handling these products. Harmful chemicals in cleaning products to avoid Sodium hydroxide Also known as caustic soda or lye, sodium hydroxide dissolves in water and produces a strongly alkaline solution. The ingredient is used in drains, toilet cleaners, oven cleaners, dyes, and bleach. Long-term exposure to sodium hydroxide can cause severe burns in one’s eyes, skin, or lungs.
5 laundry secrets from 5-star hotels to make life easy
Home & Garden

5 laundry secrets from 5-star hotels to make life easy

Doing the laundry is an essential chore but also the most disliked one. Who loves to wait for the washing and drying cycles to end, fold the laundry, and take everything to be arranged in their respective closets? While doing your laundry can be quite a drab job, it can be made exciting and easy with a few hacks, tips, and tricks. Here are a few laundry secrets from 5-star hotels for awesome results. Use vinegar to make your sheets soft Give your bedsheets instant brightness and softness with this quick and easy hack. Just add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to the washing machine and run a cycle. Besides cleaning your sheets, it will eliminate lingering odors from them. Chalk up those grease stains Since chalk is superabsorbent, you can use it as an effective grease stain remover. Just rub it well over oily stains on fabrics. It will absorb most of the grease, making it easier to clean the fabric when you put it to wash in your next laundry cycle. Use a towel to dry clothes faster Want your clothes to dry faster? Throw a fluffy towel into the washing machine and keep it there for about 15 minutes.
4 mistakes to avoid while maintaining a swimming pool
Home & Garden

4 mistakes to avoid while maintaining a swimming pool

Most people with a backyard pool tend to have at least half their summer plans involving pool parties, lounging by the pool, late-night swimming, and so on. However, swimming pools can get filthy and algae-infested if not taken care of, and your friends and family will need to give any pool parties at your place a miss. To avoid that from happening, here are some costly mistakes to avoid when maintaining a swimming pool. 4 basic pool care mistakes that can prove costly Not cleaning the pool after pet use While pets are a part of the family, they also run the risk of carrying a high level of contaminants. In most cases, an average-sized dog carries three times more contaminants than humans. Furthermore, leaving pet hair or dander inside the pool can cause changes in the chemical level of the pool and even clog the filters. Hence, experts suggest treating the pool with water clarifiers after pet use. This can help break down the oils and pollutants in the water and ensure a clean pool. Not brushing the pool regularly In addition to vacuuming the pool regularly to avoid gunk and scum build-up, one must also brush it clean.
7 common toilet cleaning mistakes to avoid
home and garden

7 common toilet cleaning mistakes to avoid

Keeping the washroom clean is a hands-on task. But it’s necessary to wipe down all surfaces, use quality disinfectants, and sanitize the area regularly to maintain good hygiene. Doing so will prevent transferring bacteria and germs from the toilet to other areas of the house. Cleaning the toilet seems straightforward enough. But here are 7 mistakes you might be making involuntarily and should avoid the next time you tackle this task. Forgetting to clean the toilet brush The tool designed to scrape off grime, gunk, and all the funky discoloration in a toilet also needs to be cleaned thoroughly after regular use. Not cleaning the brush leaves bacteria and viruses to harbor and transfer over to your hands the next time you pick it up. Wiping down surfaces immediately When you use a chemical base toilet cleaner, it is important to spray and allow the product to sit on the surface while the formula activates and does its job. Never wipe down the surface immediately after spraying it with the cleaning solution, as it will not be as effective. Using too many cleaning products Mixing cleaning products or repeatedly using them on the surface can cause the toilet bowl layer to erode and become discolored.
6 period products women must know about
health

6 period products women must know about

Between the ages of 13 and 50, most people with a uterus experience a monthly menstrual cycle, which causes 3-7 days of bleeding. This totals approximately 450 periods over their lifetime. One can end up spending upwards of $1000 on period products over time. With the high costs involved, it is best to learn about the various products available for one to manage their periods and make an informed choice. Read this article to learn more about it. Sanitary pads These are the most popularly used sanitary products worldwide and have evolved in the past few decades to become more comfortable and absorbent. Generally made of cotton, rayon, and plastic, pads are stuck to the inner side of one’s underwear to collect blood flow. However, they are disposable and need to be changed every four to six hours, which can make them an environmental burden. Reusable cloth pads These products work like sanitary pads but are washable and reusable, making them cost-effective and eco-friendly. The only drawback with purchasing reusable pads is their initial cost, which may vary between $20 to $30. Tampons Another top-rated sanitary product, tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. They are inserted using an applicator or one’s fingers and can absorb blood flow for 4-8 hours.
4 unhealthy habits that damage your teeth
health

4 unhealthy habits that damage your teeth

Everyone wants a set of bright, healthy teeth, but maintaining them requires more than cleaning and flossing. It’s important to avoid activities that are bad for your teeth’s overall health and condition. Proper oral hygiene is more than avoiding cavities and brushing your teeth twice. Additionally, it’s about guarding your enamel, taking good care of your gums, and lessening bacterial buildup. Below are the top four habits that can damage your teeth profusely. Four bad habits that can damage teeth Brushing excessively Most people need to be made aware they have the undesirable habit of brushing their teeth excessively hard. Since it erodes your enamel, using a lot of pressure while brushing will harm them. Instead, use moderate circular strokes and clean your teeth with a tiny touch using the bristles. Avoid brushing with an old toothbrush, as doing so will only worsen your teeth’s condition. Consuming excess sugar It’s a universal fact that sugar is terrible for the teeth. It turns into acids by the microorganisms in your mouth. Over time, this acid starts eroding and eventually lead to tooth decay. This is why sugary and sticky meals are the worst food items since they cling to your teeth for a long time.

Top Articles

Top 8 employee evaluation software for your business
software

Top 8 employee evaluation software for your business

One of the toughest tasks for any organization is the process of evaluating its employees every year to determine their performance. This where an employee evaluation software can make the process simpler and more systematic for the Human Resources (HR) department. Here’s is a list of the best software providers for employee assessment. BambooHR It is a human resources information system that makes the role of the HR team more effective. This cloud-based software offers a great range of employee information management options, which will help to keep an eye on their performance. This is an affordable software and ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. Engagedly When it comes to employee evaluation, today’s business needs a modern approach, and that is exactly what this employee evaluation software offers. It engages employees in the process of performance evaluation, making it possible for the system to be more simplified and save a lot of time. UltiPro This Cloud-based software offers a range of amazing features that make employee evaluation more effective. UltiPro comes with features like feedback, compensation management, evaluation history, development plans for individual employees, rating scale with customization options, on-going tracking of performance, goal-setting, skill assessment, and peer appraisal. Workday This employee evaluation software helps with the growth of your business by offering more insight into the workforce.
Top 3 Android smartphones for business
smartphone

Top 3 Android smartphones for business

An ideal smartphone for business is one that pleases you, delivers phenomenal value for the money, and on-the-go processing capabilities. It might not be easy for you to judge the usability of the handset simply by browsing the Internet. So, to help you, we have come up with a list of some of the best android smartphones that you can invest in right away. A good business smartphone is one that is capable of running all the latest apps that can help you with your business. So, from helping you connect with your business phone service to privacy services and PDF apps, a good business smartphone is capable of doing it all. Blackberry Key 2 Blackberry might not be the number one in the smartphone market, but the company still develops some of the finest business smartphones. Blackberry Key 2 is an Android run smartphone that was marketed as “an icon reborn,” primarily because Blackberry retained its classic keyword but improved it by adding a speed key button and increasing the size of the keys by 20%. Features of Blackberry Key 2 Long battery life, lasting you two days Qualcomm 660 processor A newer larger and more intelligent keyboard BlackBerry DTEK app that makes it incredibly secure Photos and files can be secured with the BlackBerry Locker The option of storage space of 64 GB and 256 GB 6 GB RAM Samsung Galaxy S20 If you need the best android smartphone that’s great for your business and is affordable at the same time, this 5G phone from Samsung should be your preferred choice.
A quick look at the iPhone X series models
software

A quick look at the iPhone X series models

The iPhone brand has been the father of smartphones since its inception. The first iPhone was introduced by Steve Jobs in 2007, which changed the game for smartphones with its multi-touch and camera capabilities. Since then, there’s no stopping Apple. In 2017, on its 10th Anniversary, Apple revamped the game again with the introduction of the iPhone X. This revolutionary iPhone paved the way for subsequent future iPhones as well, let’s have a look.   iPhone X This was the first iPhone in which the Home Button was replaced by clever software gestures. It had a 5.8-inch edge-to-edge high-resolution OLED display panel a better notch-superior than the previous generation’s LCD panel. The advantage of OLED is that color reproduction is way better, and it is certainly more power-efficient than the past models. As for the security, Apple ditched Touch ID and replaced it with the new biometric, Face ID. The front selfie camera, that was embedded in the notch of the iPhone X, was an added style plus. It created a 3D model of the user and worked in low-light with an infrared camera. In this model, there were two camera sensors on the rear with one telephoto lens and one wide lens.
Top destination travel options in Asia
travel

Top destination travel options in Asia

Asia is a beautiful continent and is home to some of the most exciting destination travel options. With so many exquisite countries to visit, the task of picking the best once can be a bit overwhelming. Well, fret not! Given the availability of affordable flights in-between prime hubs of Asia, you can certainly visit a couple of top destinations in Asia on a single trip. You can pick any one of the listed destinations below for your next destination travel trip. Chiang Mai, Thailand A lot of travelers visiting Thailand prefer its northern capital over Bangkok. The Old City of Chiang Mai is bustling with tourist activity all year round. The most beautiful thing that you’ll witness here is the welcoming and calming smile of monks. Happening night markets, a multitude of cultural festivals, beautiful temples, and sprawling mountains for trekking– Chiang Mai has something for every type of traveler. Every year the city gets a footfall of more than a million travelers that leave the destination enriched with hope and satisfaction. When in Chiang Mia, make sure that you take a tour of the magnificent riverside village, Pai, which is located only a few hours north of the city. Penang, Malaysia If you are looking for a destination travel trip where you can relax, unwind, and experience mouth-watering cuisine, then Penang in Malaysia is the right destination for you.
Top payroll software for small businesses
software

Top payroll software for small businesses

If you run a small business, payroll software can help you manage all the particulars and activities regarding your employee workforce. If you have 50 to 100 employees, it can get a little difficult to keep track of all the payslips, tax files, and other important employee details. That’s where payroll software for small businesses come in. Let’s look at the top software options you can choose from: Gusto Hailed as one of the best payroll software for small businesses, Gusto offers a comprehensive system with intuitive software that can help you handle a variety of employee-related matters. These include employee pay stubs and tax forms, benefits and payroll reports, health insurance, state and federal unemployment insurance, PTO tracking, direct deposit facilities, wage garnishments, automated tax filings, and unlimited payroll runs in all 50 states. The interface is easy-to-use, and the brand offers a free demo as well. Unlike other software, Gusto does not charge extra for features like automated billing, health benefits, online estimates, and workers’ compensation. ADP This software can take HR and payroll off your hands, easing your burden if you’re managing a small business. It handles all the time-consuming tasks for you, ranging from managing employees’ 401(k) accounts to filing payroll taxes, and it also takes over tasks like onboarding, hiring, and recruiting.
Business class flights and its features
travel

Business class flights and its features

All of us have daydreamed about traveling business class when we make a steady shuffle from business class to economy. Yes, it lures us with its spacious cabins, and luxe and cushy comforts. So, is it worth flying in a first-class or business class flight? Let’s discuss some of the best business class flight features that will prove that it is worth every penny. Priority check-in For travelers traveling business class, the check-in process is a lot more convenient and easier. You don’t need to stand in the long queue to finish your check-in procedure. Go ahead and sit down at the waiting room seat while the staff handles the check-in for you. Extra baggage allowed Now, this completely depends on the policy of the airline. However, irrespective of the airline you are traveling with, the permissible baggage allowance for a business class is certainly more than economy class travelers. So, if you are a shopaholic, it could be a huge plus. Access to the special lounge Ahead of the boarding time, business class travelers can wait in the exclusive lounge dedicated to them. Again, it might vary from airline to airline and airport to airport, but in most lounges across the globe, you’ll get scrumptious snacks and food.