Fleas and ticks are probably the most annoying things one has to deal with as a pet parent. If a rash seems a bit suspicious and one that could be caused by ticks or fleas, the best thing to do is search for a vet and get meds that could help ease the discomfort the pet might be feeling. Another way to deal with this issue is to grow plants that repel ticks and fleas. Some of these plants are – Sage Many use sage leaves to enhance the taste of food. Interestingly, the plant is also great at repelling ticks and protecting your pets. So, consider growing sage indoors to prevent infestations. Lemongrass As the name suggests, this plant smells like lemon. While the fragrance may be appealing to you, it repels parasites. Many prefer growing this plant to repel ticks as it requires little maintenance. Lavender While this plant is known for its calming properties, insects would beg to disagree. Lavender is an effective repellent against moths, mosquitoes, and ever-annoying ticks. Its color, as well as its scent, are unappealing to the blood-feeding parasites. Garlic Ticks find the scent of garlic abhorrent. So, if you are looking up for plants that repel ticks from your household, grow this one in your outdoor and indoor garden. Rosemary This herb has a long list of benefits, and repelling parasites is one worth mentioning. Brushing the leaves of the rosemary plant releases fragrance and oil, which protects against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other pests. Your pet may need treatment in case of a severe tick or flea infestation. Here are a few options: Simparica Trio These are available as chewables to be used once a month. The effect of a single chewable can last for weeks, protecting against fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

Who wouldn’t want clean, bright, and white teeth? However, certain DIY teeth whitening techniques and home remedies may do more harm than good if one doesn’t exercise caution. This is why one should always consult a dentist and opt for professional teeth whitening procedures and avoid doing it without expert supervision. So, here are a few risks of at-home teeth whitening that one should consider before opting for DIY techniques: Weakening the enamel This is a common risk involved with teeth whitening techniques. The enamel is a thin but tough outer layer on the tooth that protects it from decay or cavities. However, frequent at-home whitening solutions can weaken or even erode the enamel, especially if extremely abrasive options are used. Certain harsh products or ingredients can chip away at the enamel, leaving the tooth bare—a huge reason why teeth whitening at home may be a bad idea. Uneven whitening There is a clear difference between professional teeth whitening and at-home solutions. Not following precise instructions or overdoing the procedure can lead to unsatisfactory results like uneven whitening, defeating the whole purpose of the process. While uneven whitening may not indicate any effects on oral health, DIY procedures may not do a thorough job of giving one sparkly white teeth. In fact, the procedure may make the stains more visible at times, making a visit to the dentist inevitable. Increased tooth sensitivity Excessive use of unsuitable home remedies can lead to side effects like enamel erosion, which results in other complications like increased tooth sensitivity. Without the protection of enamel, a layer called dentin is now exposed to food and drinks. Dentin becomes the only layer shielding the innermost section of the tooth, which has all the nerves making it sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. As the enamel erodes further, the sensitivity will worsen.

Traveling across the country in an RV opens up endless possibilities for adventures and making memories for a lifetime. With a wide range of experiences in the country, from hills and valleys to national parks and riversides, there is a lot you can explore in the comfort of your RV. If you are confused about your next travel destination, here are six places that rank at the top of most RV drivers’ lists: Florida Keys If you are looking for a tropical road trip, the Florida Overseas Highway spans over 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West. This scenic drive also has a lot of exciting activities to offer, such as snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and exploring state parks and museums. Alabama Coast Start in Mobile and head down the picturesque Route 98 for an exciting cultural experience with Creole, French, and Spanish heritage. For those with a fascination for history, this coastline also features World War II battleships, submarines, and mansions. Grand Canyon National Park Visit the Grand Canyon National Park in the spring, and experience the gorgeous wildflowers in bloom. With an RV campground right outside the park, you can take up little treks and explore the area at your own pace. Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone is known for its breathtaking views and proximity to wildlife. Visit this national park in the spring to witness wilderness at its peak, with animals coming out of hibernation and baby animals in their natural habitats. The park has access to various campgrounds, so you can park your RV and move around comfortably. Historic New England If you are moved by history, take a trip around New England, covering the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. These areas carry gorgeous glimpses of nature and elegant pieces of history through historic colonial sites.

There is so much advice floating around us when it comes to skincare. From online trends to old lores, it is important to filter this information and create a skincare routine that will get you closer to achieving your skin goals. However, while searching for the right products and foods, several bad habits can wreak havoc on your skin and slow down your progress. Here are five skincare habits that can worsen skin health: Not wearing sunscreen around the year Many of us assume that the sun isn’t bright or visible enough to affect our skin during the winter months. But, the sun’s UV rays still percolate to the ground and can affect your skin. To prevent photodamage from this exposure, wearing sunscreen all year round is important. Not removing your makeup before bed Washing your face before going to bed is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to several things, such as makeup, dust, dirt, and grime. Washing your face at the end of the day will help you remove these from the surface of your skin so they do not clog your pores and lead to more breakouts. Exfoliating too much Exfoliating once in a while can help remove dead skin cells and impurities from the skin. However, engaging in this practice too often can strip the skin of its essential oils and cause frequent acne flares. Using comedogenic products Some makeup, skincare, and haircare products contain oils that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. When shopping, look for products labeled ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘won’t clog pores,’ as they can help you avoid breakouts. Additionally, do not share your makeup applicators or brushes with others, as cross-contamination can also lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Drying your skin too much Sometimes, you may feel tempted to dry your skin using products for oily skin or astringents to avoid breakouts.

The intake of excessive sugar is associated with multiple health complications, including cancer. The cells in the body, including cancerous ones, use glucose to survive, grow and spread. Glucose may not be directly responsible for the onset of cancer. However, having sugar in excessive amounts may increase the risk of the disease and worsen its symptoms. So, here is a look at how high sugar intake can worsen common symptoms of cancer: Fatigue Sugar can help temporarily boost energy levels. The pancreas produces enough insulin to break down food into simple sugars, which are then utilized by cells to stay energized. However, sometimes the pancreas may not be able to produce enough insulin, which could lead to excessive sugar in the blood, causing fatigue and weakness. Further, if one is at risk for cancer or is affected by the disease, the body needs more energy to fight the abnormal cells. So, fatigue is a common sign of cancer that can worsen when dealing with high blood sugar. Frequent infections If one is dealing with cancer, the weakened immune system is already prone to frequent infections. The immune system requires balanced nutrition, such as healthy amounts of minerals and vitamins, to thrive and fight diseases, including cancer. However, when cancerous cells spread, they may prevent the immune system from absorbing these nutrients. Further, sugar encourages the production of inflammatory proteins, making one more susceptible to illnesses. Frequent pain One may usually experience pain for reasons including strenuous exercises or injuries. However, the symptom is an early sign of cancer. Cancerous developments may often press against the nerves across areas of the body, which could lead to pain. Further, sugar can worsen the pain by triggering inflammation. So, when experiencing persistent pain, one should consult a doctor to determine the underlying causes and if limiting sugar intake might be the solution.

Sugar is one of the most commonly used condiments in daily cooking. In fact, most processed foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain some form of artificial sweetener added to enhance the taste. One example is the variety of carbonated beverages, flavored sodas, and fruit juices sold. A 12-ounce can of soda contains 10 teaspoons or 39 grams of sugar. Consuming sugary beverages affects one’s health in the following ways. Triggers type 2 diabetes Sodas are laced with artificial sweeteners that rapidly increase blood sugar levels in the body. Frequently consuming these sugary beverages causes healthy cells to become less resistant to natural insulin produced by the body. Insulin resistance combined with increased blood sugar severely increases the risk of diabetes. Leads to joint problems Fructose, a form of sugar, is one of the known risk factors linked to certain types of arthritis, mainly gout. It leads to the build-up of uric acid crystals in the big toe. Consistently consuming excessive amounts of sugar can trigger flare-ups associated with gout and worsen the pain. Causes dental problems Sugar left behind in the crevices of the teeth and healthy gums triggers problems like cavities and infections. That’s because the bacteria feed off excess sugar left behind after consuming sweetened juices, flavored sodas, and carbonated beverages. Also, most of these beverages are highly acidic and cause the enamel or outer layer of the teeth to wear out prematurely. Can lead to heart disease Excess sugar consumption is harmful to cardiovascular health. Increased blood glucose levels further trigger cholesterol-related complications and affect metabolic activities. These imbalances lower immunity and increase the chances of a heart attack, even for adults who are not at risk of developing cardiovascular problems. Triggers cognitive decline Studies suggest excess sugar consumption leads to early cognitive decline.

Healthy lips are one of the major indicators of overall well-being. When one does not care for their lips, it leads to uncomfortable dryness and chapping. Luckily, lip care is not complicated. Simple lifestyle changes like moisturization and eating healthy foods can help individuals maintain soft, supple lips. At the same time, one should avoid a few common mistakes while going about their day that could make the lips dry and damaged. Not drinking enough water Water plays an important role in maintaining the health and appearance of one’s lips. When the body gets less water, it first nourishes vital organs and systems, leaving the lips dry. So, it’s no surprise that dry and chapped lips are often the first signs of dehydration. Choosing the wrong lip care products Many lip care products contain harsh ingredients like menthol and camphor, which can lead to further dryness. That’s why one should buy balms and glosses with natural moisturizers like beeswax or shea butter. These ingredients help retain moisture and do not strip the lips of natural oils. Being harsh during exfoliation The skin on the lips is much thinner and more delicate than the rest of the body, making it more susceptible to damage. So, one should be gentle during exfoliation. Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells without stripping away the essential moisture barrier that protects one’s lips. On the other hand, excessive scrubbing removes the lips’ natural moisture barrier, causing dryness and increased sensitivity. Experts say one should gently exfoliate once a week with products that contain soft, natural ingredients for the best outcome. Exposing the lips to harsh weather Exposure to extreme weather conditions can severely impact lip health. During the harsh winter, one should protect their lips with a more substantial lip balm and cover them with a scarf if necessary.

Asthma is a lung-related disease that causes the inflammation of airways, leading to troubled breathing. Chronic asthma can make it difficult for one to talk or be active. Asthma has no specific diagnosis or treatment, and therefore, identifying the causes will help better understand the symptoms. Various allergies, consumption of tobacco, environmental factors, stress, tension, obesity, and even genetics can result in developing asthma symptoms. There are a few visual indicators to identify the cause. Here are some easy home remedies you can incorporate into your daily food regime to help manage asthma. Parsley leaf When it comes to herbal remedies, nothing beats parsley. Tea made from parley leaves will help soothe your throat and take care of any congestion that is causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Simple and very easy to make, parsley tea is a great remedy for respiratory symptoms of asthma. Milk and olive oil The combination of warm milk mixed with olive oil might not sound very appealing on the first onset; however, this has proven to be an effective natural remedy. A few garlic cloves added to this combination will open up blocked passageways without much effort or time invested. Herbal tea Two distinct ways of preparing herbal tea, one involves the use of licorice root, and the other is a combination of lime juice, crushed ginger, and herbal tea. Both will help tackle some of the moderate asthma symptoms, though the licorice recipe might taste a bit odd. Bitter gourd juice A tasty paste made by crushing basil leaves and mixing it with honey, incorporated into freshly extracted bitter gourd juice proves to be an effective remedy for people who are suffering from recurrent asthmatic attacks. Soup Soup not only is comfort food but also has time and time proven to be an effective remedy for asthma symptoms.

Palatable meals can help you stick to any diet plan. If you’re on the keto diet, you’ll be happy to hear that there are many tasty recipes you can whip up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But, if you are specifically looking for delicious keto dinner ideas, you’re in the right place. Herein, we’ve rounded up some of the best keto recipes that make for a satisfying supper. Keto butter chicken Perhaps the best thing about keto is that you’re encouraged to feast on food high in fats. So, don’t miss the opportunity to try the keto version of the spicy and famous Indian dish — butter chicken. Traditionally, butter chicken is made using ghee or clarified butter. Ghee tastes almost like butter but has a slightly roasted, nutty flavor, and offers more nutritional benefits. Creamy Tuscan garlic chicken Featuring heavy cream and parmesan cheese, there is nothing not to dislike in this Italian-inspired dish. The best part is that it’s easy to make and requires ingredients that you likely already have. First, you need to prepare a little spicy and creamy sauce that requires heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Then add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cooked chicken. That’s all! Pepperoni pizza with fathead crust Craving a pizza? Try this thin-crust fathead pizza tonight! Though low in carbs and keto-friendly, this recipe is delicious, and everyone in your family can enjoy it. The pizza dough is made from almond flour, but add some yeast for bread-like flavor. For pizza sauce or marinara sauce, make sure to choose no-sugar-added varieties. And, if you’re using mozzarella cheese for topping, shred it at home as the packaged one doesn’t melt well. Keto beef stew If you’re a fan of stew, here’s another delicious keto dinner idea you’ll love — a beef stew.

It is important for children of all ages to learn something productive so that their growth is progressive. Magazines can play a key role in this process. Descriptive and colorful magazines for children can help them learn various daily life lessons. These can also facilitate learning at school. So, if you’re looking to educate your child through some magazines, here are some Highlights magazines subscriptions. Hello Magazine Best for toddlers aged 0-2, Hello Magazine is best for educating your kids about different themes around them like sounds, foods, farm animals, and much more. This can help them get a sense of the world around them, making them aware at an early age. The magazine is filled with colorful images of animals and the sounds they make. It also contains read-aloud stories and poems that will make your toddler giggle and laugh, while helping them learn. One year subscription (12 issues) of the magazine costs around $39, a two-year subscription (24 issues) costs around $60, and a three year subscription offers more than 50% discount, priced at around $82. High Five If your kid is between two to six years old, then this Highlights magazine subscription will certainly help them with their growth. The High Five Magazine is ideal for kindergartners and preschoolers as it encourages their curiosity with the world around them. The magazine contains simple puzzles and quizzes, which makes learning fun for kids. For instance, the magazine contains hidden pictures to develop their visual acuity. The matching games can help them boost their memory, and easy recipes and crafts can help develop their self-confidence. The subscription cost of the magazine is the same as that for Hello Magazine . The High Five Bilingüe Magazine is the same magazine but in Spanish. This can help form an early foundation for your kids’ multilingual proficiency.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes the airways to become restricted due to inflammation, which then triggers excess mucous production. 1 in 13 people are affected by this condition every year. There is no cure for asthma, but individuals can manage it to the point where symptoms become negligible. Given below are some useful tips on nutrition habits, lifestyle changes, preventive care, and effective prescriptions for asthma management: Treatment for asthma Prescriptions are the first line of treatment for asthma. Xolair® prevents common allergens from triggering asthma symptoms in patients who don’t respond positively to inhaled corticosteroids. Nucala® and Fasenra® both belong to a class of biologics designed to inhibit certain internal responses that trigger inflammation. Tezelpelumab, marketed under the brand name Tezspire™, specifically targets alarmins released by the lungs that trigger inflammation and lead to an asthma attack. Zyrtec® is an antihistamine that provides relief from indoor and outdoor allergies, which may aggravate asthma symptoms. Suggested nutrition for asthma Studies indicate that vitamins A, C, D, and E help lower the risk of asthma flareups. Egg yolks and salmon are excellent sources of vitamin D. Also, an apple a day can certainly keep asthma symptoms at bay. The fruit contains selenium, an anti-inflammatory compound shown to ease swelling in the airways. Cantaloupes and carrots are good sources of vitamin A and help promote healthy lung function. In addition, foods rich in antioxidants prevent cell damage and promote better respiratory functions. Assorted berries, dark greens, and leafy vegetables are a must-have to better manage asthma. Effective lifestyle changes Not getting adequate rest also increases the risk of infections and common allergies. A proper sleep routine plays a crucial role in boosting immunity. Daily exercise can help keep inflammation under control. In fact, any form of physical activity will promote better lung function.

A significant percentage of our body is made up of water, so there’s no denying that it is essential to our overall health. While most people understand that they must drink approximately eight glasses every day, they don’t know that there are certain times when the habit can be more helpful. So, understand when to drink water for maximum benefits instead of chugging multiple glasses whenever you feel like it. Immediately after waking up Drink a glass or two of water first thing in the morning. Supplying H2O to your body on an empty stomach has numerous benefits. It helps cleanse the bowels, flush toxins, boost energy levels, improve skin health, and even strengthen the immune system, among other things. Before and during meals A glass of water before a meal enhances the feeling of fullness and curbs the tendency to overeat. On the other hand, drinking water during a meal helps with digestion, especially if you’re eating high-fiber foods like beans, lentils, and oatmeal. That said, don’t drink too much, as it may dilute the natural juices that aid digestion. Before and after exercise For moderate-intensity daily workouts, drink a glass or two of water about 30 minutes before starting. The body loses both water and electrolytes through sweat. So, sip on another glass or two after exercising and an electrolyte drink to replenish the lost reserves. Midafternoon If you lack energy midafternoon, don’t reach out for coffee. While it can give an instant energy boost, coffee may disrupt sleep at night. You need to address the root cause of the midafternoon slump: dehydration. Drink a glass of water or more to fight fatigue and boost your energy and mood. Before bedtime Don’t hit the bed in a dehydrated state. Hydration before bedtime can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.