With the Black Friday shopping season approaching, getting a caffeine fix became more affordable. Several brands are gearing up to offer hefty discounts on their coffee machines, making this a great time to shop for a coffee maker for oneself or give it as a gift to loved ones. Based on last year’s offerings, here are the top 10 coffee maker deals to look forward to during Black Friday this year: Drip coffee makers Drip coffee makers are the most popular coffee machines found in most households. Their popularity can be attributed to their user-friendliness, affordability, durability, and performance speed. Some of the best deals on drip coffee makers on Black Friday last year included: 1. Buyers could get 17% off the Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville (typically $179.) This sleek, compact coffee maker comes with two programmable cup sizes, a high-pressure pump, a fast-heat up system, eco-mode, and more, so users can get perfectly brewed coffee each time. 2. The CuisinArt coffee machine with a 12-cup carafe and 3-single size brewers (originally $229.95) was also discounted by 40%. This stunning brewing machine has a 40-ounce removable reservoir for fuss-free morning coffee. Other notable features include an energy-saving mode, remaining automatic, and a ready alert. Espresso machines Home espresso machines are ideal for those willing to pay for cafe-like coffee at home. While these machines typically cost more and can be labor-intensive, they are brilliant at extracting a delicious brew shot, making them a coffee lover’s delight. Last year, top deals on espresso machines included: 3. Mr. Coffee’s Espresso and Cappuccino Machine was discounted by 20% (typically $249.99). This stunning semi-automatic coffee maker boasts an automatic milk frother, intuitive panel control, and step-by-step instructions so users can extract the perfect shot of espresso each time. 4. The espresso machine by Galanz was also discounted by 29% (originally $169.99).

Smartwatch technology has transformed dramatically in the last few years. Users can now carry out most smartphone functions without having to touch their phones. The Apple Watch has been instrumental in leading this revolution, and the latest Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 are a testament to this. This article enlists 15 hidden Apple Watch features and hacks many people still do not know about so they can make the most of their purchase. 1. Turn on Focus mode The Apple Watch is equipped with a special Focus mode that silences all notifications or distractions that may hamper one’s productivity or sleep. This can be activated from the Settings menu on the watch. Scroll down to open the ‘Focus’ app and set up ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘Sleep’ profiles. These can also be mirrored on one’s iPhone. 2. Cover to Mute This feature may be extremely helpful for users who have enabled voice/sound notifications on their watch. One can cover the display with their palm to mute or silence notifications. This can be set up via the Apple Watch app on one’s iPhone. Go to My Watch, and look for Sounds & Haptics. Then, select Cover to Mute. 3. Hide watch apps Users can also hide third-party apps from their watch. To do so: Go to My Watch section on the Apple Watch app on the iPhone. There, scroll to the section “Installed on Apple Watch.” Toggle the buttons to the off position for apps that need to be deleted/hidden on the watch. Please note that these applications will continue to be visible on one’s phone. 4. Find the connected iPhone using the watch The Apple watch can also be used to find one’s phone. Simply go to the Control Center and click on “Ping iPhone’. Here, tapping on the option in blue will make the iPhone make a loud noise, so one may find it easily.

Veterans or those on active duty can avail of VA loans for any financing purposes. The federal government guarantees these loans. However, to get them, there are specific steps to be followed for successful application. These steps include everything from looking for the best VA loan lenders to maintaining a stable credit score. Here are a few easy steps to make a successful loan application for veterans. 1. Get preapproval for the VA loan With preapproval, you can determine your budget. This process involves telling your VA loan lender about your homebuying goals, employment history, and military service. Some documents required during this process include copies of your driver’s license, DD-214 or Guard/Reserve points statements, recent pay stubs, and bank statements. 2. Look for VA-approved loan lenders Always shop for a lender who is an active participant in the VA loan program. The best VA loan lenders would offer several options and deals. The deals generally differ based on discount points, interest rates, and VA closing costs. If you face any difficulty, a loan officer can help you find the right VA loan lender. 3. Get an eligibility certificate A certificate of eligibility or COE is proof that you have met all the eligibility criteria for the VA loan. You can obtain the COE directly through the government’s online portal for VA. However, VA loan lenders also offer ways of applying for a COE. 4. Get a contract or purchase agreement signed A purchase agreement or contract is essential to get ahead with the VA loan process. This contract encompasses multiple contingencies, such as assurance of home inspection, the process of handling repair requests, the number of days for the buyer to secure the finances, and so on. A loan officer and real agent can assist you in preparing a robust contract.

A timeshare is shared ownership of a property, wherein multiple individuals own a “share” of a particular home or property in return for its access for a stipulated period, typically once a year. Investors may sometimes wish to sell their timeshare for various reasons, like the inability to pay for travel or illness. If you want a release from your timeshare ownership, you must consider a few things to sell it fast and safe. 1. Determine the value Owning a timeshare means you have essentially paid for a set number of vacation days upfront. A timeshare’s value decreases over time, unlike real estate, so it should not be purchased as an investment. Additionally, you need to have realistic expectations while reselling it. It is quite likely that the resale value will be lower than the price you paid while originally buying the timeshare. Some owners simply return their timeshares to the property managers without asking for any money, but if you wish to get back at least something, you can determine the value of a timeshare by researching the resort it is located in and checking the prices of similar timeshares currently up for sale. The valuation depends on the location, maintenance, and how long you have owned it. 2. Pay the maintenance Ensure that you pay the maintenance fees before listing your timeshare for resale. This is important if you’re wondering how to sell a timeshare fast, as it prevents repossession and gives your timeshare value. 3. Choose a selling option One of the most reliable ways to sell a timeshare is to contact the property manager and ask for their help. Another option is to run advertisements in the real estate or travel section of a local newspaper. You can also list your timeshare on websites like Craigslist, RedWeek, Timeshare Users Group, or eBay.

Nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of lung cancer and the correct kind of nourishment can help speed up recovery. To strengthen a compromised immune system and support treatment, the right kind of food is required. There are some foods that need to be avoided and some that need to be cooked with care to prevent food poisoning and illness. Here is a list of some such foods. Eggs Avoid eating eggs unless absolutely sure that they haven’t been unrefrigerated or cracked. Home-cooked is safest because eggs could carry salmonella that cause food poisoning and sometimes even death. Uncooked yolks are a complete no-no, and definitely do not eat foods that could have raw eggs in the final product. This includes even some salad dressings. Cured meats Processed and uncooked meat like cold cuts can carry the listeria bacteria that could cause food poisoning. Cheese Not all cheese, but some soft ones like Brie and feta that could be made from unpasteurized milk should be off-limits. In fact, any milk or dairy products including cream or custard-filled sweets that could be made from unpasteurized milk should be avoided because raw milk can contain bacteria like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella that may cause food poisoning. Sprouts and leafy greens Bacteria grow well in warm moist conditions and so do raw vegetable sprouts. Don’t eat these uncooked. Leafy greens are healthy but hard to clean. Avoid adding these to an eating regime to reduce the risk of illness. Sushi Shellfish that are raw or undercooked can carry the Hepatitis A virus. Lightly cooked fish and sashimi can have bacteria that can make one ill. Well-cooked fish (some types) can also have high levels of mercury. Caffeine Avoid caffeinated drinks as these can cause constipation brought on by loss of fluids.

Lungs, an integral part of the respiratory system, hold oxygen which is then supplied to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. It is essential to keep the lungs healthy to maintain optimum oxygen intake. However, there can be things in the environment that can trigger lung damage. This article lists five such household factors that can trigger lung damage, which can, in turn, cause diseases. Let’s check them out. Mold Mold is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces and corners. It is common in houses with issues of leaking pipes. The fungus releases spores in the air and can trigger a severe reaction in those allergic to mold. The response is relatively severe in people with lung damage and diseases like asthma and COPD. Carpet Carpets add to the allure and warmth of our homes. But there are some other harmful things that they add. Carpets can act as a storage space for dust mites, cockroach droppings, mold, dander, pet hair, and other allergens. These are released back into the air often. As a result, it is advisable to clean and vacuum carpets multiple times a week to ensure they do not work as carriers for lung-damaging components. Flour Baker’s asthma is a common condition among bakery workers. It is caused by the dust and flour particles that saturate the air and are transported with humans as vectors. Those who suffer from this have a difficult time breathing. Baker’s asthma can also be detected in people who live close to bakers, including their family and friends. Candles Candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum-based product. When lit, candles release chemical-fueled fumes into the environment that can trigger allergic reactions in people. This reaction is enhanced in people with pre-existing conditions like COPD, asthma, allergies, and low immunity.

Asthma is a respiratory condition where the airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. These factors make it difficult for the person to breathe and trigger wheezing and coughing. Apart from treatment and home remedies, people with asthma tend to eat foods that can boost their recovery. But not all foods are suitable, and some may even worsen the condition. Here are seven such foods that may trigger severe respiratory symptoms. Eggs Eggs contain healthy nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals. However, asthma patients prone to egg allergies should avoid them. Egg allergies generally lead to reactions on the skin, such as hives. Eating eggs can also cause inflammation in the respiratory tract and lead to an asthma attack. Soda Soda produces gas, which may apply pressure on the diaphragm. The excessive pressure may make it difficult to breathe, worsening the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory disorders. Bread Bread is a wheat-based product that may also cause allergic reactions because of its gluten content. Those allergic to gluten are likely sensitive to albumin and globulin. These are amino acids that lead to inflammation in the respiratory tract and subsequently cause an asthma attack. Dried fruits Despite their healthy nature, people with asthma must avoid dried fruits. They contain sulfites that keep the food fresh. However, such preservatives may worsen respiratory symptoms in people with asthma. Milk People with asthma should avoid milk or milk-based products. Studies show that milk increases mucus production in the body. Since people with asthma already produce excess mucus in the lungs, milk will only increase their chances of severe respiratory symptoms. Shrimp Shellfish are likely to increase the risk of asthma attacks in people allergic to seafood. Shrimp contains sulfites, a property to which many asthma patients are sensitive. Other seafood options people with asthma should stay away from include clams and oysters.

Bleeding disorders can be quite dangerous and can lead to fatal consequences if neglected. In some instances, such as those with hemophilia, it is vital to know about the right diagnosis and treatment options available to ensure one’s safety and prevent accidents from occurring. This article discusses some tips on keeping a check on the symptoms of a bleeding disorder. These tips help manage the condition daily and prevent complications. Tips to prevent complications from a bleeding disorder Frequent check-ups It is vital to get frequent check-ups done every year, including checking the joints, muscles, and bones. Physical therapy is necessary to prevent any joint pain, and consider visiting a dentist every six months to a year. Get X-rays of the joints to eliminate any other hidden complications. Blood tests Getting a factor level check every once in a while is advisable as it will help with blood clotting function. Ensure to check for inhibitors as well, which can be done every year. Liver tests, complete blood count, and an immune system check are essential to ensure all the vitals are good. Additionally, check for Hepatitis A, B, and C, and if you aren’t vaccinated yet, get the vaccine if the results are negative. Education and awareness Staying aware of the preventive measures and educating those around you regarding bleeding disorders is another step in ensuring mishaps are kept to a minimum. Staying informed about basic treatment options and products as prescribed by the doctors, keeping factor at home during emergencies, maintaining dental hygiene, planning your medical insurance and finances to ensure treatments can be availed, and also keeping the family informed are some of the measures to be taken. While traveling, it is important to ensure that the doctor’s note, diagnosis, and treatment procedure are charted in the documents you carry to ensure the health professional in charge knows what to do in the case of an emergency.

Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses a multitude of symptoms and health conditions. It can impact a patient’s memory and cognitive functioning. Statistics provided by the World Health Organization suggest that there are more than 55 million dementia patients worldwide. Symptoms can differ from one patient to another; however, some warning signs of dementia remain common irrespective of its cause. It is more commonly seen in patients above 60 years. Short-term memory changes Issues with one’s memory are the most common and noticeable signs of dementia. These subtle changes observed in patients are often associated with their short-term memory. These changes include forgetting their tasks and the placement of items. Problem finding the right words Problem with communication of thoughts or the inability to find the right words to express one’s thoughts is a common sign of dementia. This can lead to stopping in the middle of a sentence. Conversing with dementia patients, therefore, takes a longer time. Mood change The slightest of things can cause mood changes in dementia patients. Differences in their surroundings, disruption of routine, inability to find items, and more can make them anxious, upset, agitated, or give rise to other emotions. It is one of the early warning signs of dementia. Confusion Dementia patients are prone to confusion. Their poor memory causes them to forget landmarks, people, events of the day, and more. The loss of their belongings and the inability to recognize their surroundings are some of the many reasons that can give rise to confusion. Problem completing tasks Change in the person’s ability to carry or complete a task can also be a warning sign for dementia. These can involve day-to-day tasks that were once easily accomplished. New activities can be daunting for the patient. Difficulty accepting change A typical early sign observed in patients with dementia is their inability to accept change.

Dementia is incredibly common, with more than 10 million new cases registered every year globally. People with this mental health condition suffer from a gradual weakening of brain functionality. This results in a host of issues, such as difficulty memorizing things, struggle with simple movements, and an inability to communicate thoughts. Certain silent signs can help doctors diagnose this condition in its initial stages. Some of these early signs are: Frequent mood shifts Abrupt mood shifts are one of the early signs of dementia. A person with the condition may go from extremely irritated to happy in a matter of minutes. Identifying such mood shifts may be hard for the patient, but those around are likely to notice them. Misplacing things Forgetfulness is another early indicator. Individuals with dementia may misplace their belongings more frequently and in unusual areas. For instance, one may place a spoon inside their wallet, a set of house keys inside a sugar bowl, or an iron inside the refrigerator. Speech and language problems While speaking, it is common for everyone to sometimes struggle to find the right words. However, people with dementia often use incorrect words, or words with a different meaning and context, in any situation. For instance, someone with the condition may utter something like “My reclamation is complete” when they intend to say that they have finished a particular task. Confusion about time and place This is one of the most evident early signs. Dementia patients frequently inquire about the place they are in, even though they have been there several times before. Losing sense of the time of the day is also common. Repetition People with dementia may repeat specific sentences or phrases over and over again during a conversation. They may also repeat daily tasks, such as brushing their teeth, forgetting they have already done it.

Breathing is an essential function that occurs naturally and effortlessly. It is automatically monitored and regulated by the body and does not require constant intervention. However, many significant circulatory and metabolic functions depend on respiration. So, one must occasionally analyze how they breathe and look for irregularities. Experts have identified a few mistakes people make that affect their breathing and respiratory function. Individuals should avoid these breathing mistakes as far as possible. Breathing through the mouth It is common for people to inhale from their mouths without even realizing it. However, experts suggest breathing using the nasal passage. This passage has filters that clear out debris and allergens and humidify the air before it enters the lungs. Getting anxious about breathing Some people closely monitor every breath they take. Respiration is a process closely regulated by the body and requires no major intervention. Therefore, breathing should be monitored only when one experiences respiratory problems like shortness of breath or chest pain. Not using the diaphragm The best way to absorb oxygen is by using the diaphragm muscle located above the stomach. The American Lung Association recommends this technique as it creates negative pressure in the chest and enhances airflow. With training, it is possible to use the diaphragm for regular breathing. Not exhaling properly The body absorbs oxygen and also releases carbon dioxide. So, it is crucial to exhale just as properly to maintain balanced respiration. Balancing inhalation and exhalation is even more important while working out, jogging, running, or performing strenuous activities. Improper breathing can result in muscle spasms and cramps as the tissue expands and contracts. Breathing with a poor posture Poor posture affects the diaphragm and compresses the chest, affecting regular breathing function. One should never sit or stand for long periods in positions that limit the lungs’ range of motion.

For many of us, going on a safari is a dream. Making the ideal safari holiday a reality requires a lot of preparation, budgeting, and research on the part of the traveler. Some find it exciting because of the thrill safaris present, while others are invested in experiencing mother nature in its true form. However, it is important to consider the responsibility this excitement brings and try to avoid some common mistakes. Overpacking Safaris are one of those instances where less is considered more. Avoid overpacking at all costs. And while you are at it, make sure you are avoiding the types and colors of clothing that are unsafe for safaris. Not to mention overpacking can make the trip an uncomfortable experience. Therefore, pack just the essentials and avoid all that can be left behind. Ignoring safety protocols Safaris come with a set of safety protocols for a reason. You must always follow the guide’s instructions and avoid venturing into the wild on your own. Do not exit the vehicle without permission, and don’t try to go too close to the animals. Remember that you are on forest territory, and it is home to numerous wild animals. Not preparing the right way Safaris are day-long expeditions into the wild, often in scorching temperatures or pouring rain. Equip yourself with safety equipment and dress according to the weather to prepare yourself for the safari. Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses on a hot summer day. And make sure you wear waterproof footwear and cover up with a rain jacket if it is pouring. It is important to be prepared for whatever weather you may encounter during the day. Being focused on snapping These days capturing a moment is touted as more important as opposed to living in the moment itself.