Lawn care and gardening can be hands-on jobs. It is not enough to simply plant some seeds, water the lawn a few times, and expect the best results. You can maintain a lush green lawn, but you need to be patient. Right from the first day of planting the grass to pursuing regular mowing, weed trimming, and every other activity, you need to put in the work. Here are a few useful tips to make lawn care easier for you. Seeds or sod, both work! You can buy grass seeds that are bioengineered to suit a particular climate. For the best results, consider using seasonal seeds. However, this is a time-consuming process. It takes a couple of months to grow a full lush green lawn. A quicker alternative is to consider a more expensive but quick sod plantation. You can also install pre-grown garden patches to quickly transform the layout. Either way, you end up with a lush green garden. Leaves cleanup and weed trimming Go easy on the cleanup, as natural leaves can help the soil fertilize and retain nutrients to improve grass quality. Get rid of unwanted debris and dried leaves with a mower instead of using a heavy rake. But be aggressive with weeds, as it can become difficult to uproot them once the roots grow strong. Consider applying pre-emergent herbicides to counter weed growth in the hotter months. If the saplings continue to mature by spring, it’s time to switch to weed killers, which can be applied evenly across the lawn. Water early in the morning Flooding the lawn will force the soil to retain more water and the grass to burrow its roots deeply. But sparsely watering the lawn can force the grass to go dry and not root into the soil before the sapling even matures.

From cleaning supplies to food storage containers, did you know that many daily-use household items have been linked with cancer? However, it can be challenging to avoid these products, making it essential to consider the compounds they comprise, know the potential risk factors, and steps to be taken for safety. To begin with, it is vital to acquaint yourself with this list of household items that have been linked with cancer to avoid adverse effects. Cleaning products Benzene and formaldehyde are common compounds in cleaning products and these have also often been linked with cancer. They can be present in household items like disinfectants, bleach, and air fresheners. Pesticides Pesticides are commonly used in gardens and on houseplants to control the activity of pests. However, pesticides contain chemicals like glyphosate. It is important to either use natural alternatives or use these chemicals with caution to avoid the harmful effects of this carcinogenic compound. Canned foods Bisphenol-A or BPA is a commonly found chemical in canned goods. This compound that lines most canned foods is associated with cancer. It is advised that people choose frozen or fresh produce instead of canned ones. If that is not possible, look for canned foods with a BPA-free label on them. These are considered safer alternatives to cans that might increase cancer risk. Plastic containers Like canned foods, most plastic containers also contain BPA in them. They can release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures on heating or after being exposed to sunlight. It is best to use stainless steel or glass containers to store food as much as possible. Non-stick cookware Perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, is a primary compound found in the coating present on non-stick cookware. This has often been linked to cancer. It is therefore recommended to stick with safer cooking utensils like stainless steel or cast iron that are free of such carcinogenic compounds.

Dogs love smelling things. They want to put their snout on anything that comes across their path, be it garbage on the sidewalk or blossoming flowers in a park or garden. While some things are downright disgusting, other items can be toxic to your dog’s health. Certain plants can cause diarrhea and other serious issues like liver damage. Hence, it’s important to keep your dog away from the plants mentioned below. Sago palms These popular indoor ornamental palms are found in warmer climates. Every part of this plant is toxic to your dog. If consumed, it can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and seizures. Aloe vera Aloe vera is another common household plant grown mainly because of its many beneficial properties. However, its gooey gel contains some components that are toxic for dogs. It can cause lethargy, stomach problems, vomiting, and diarrhea. Elephant’s ear Elephant’s ear is a beautiful plant commonly found in warm climates. This plant can be harmful to dogs as it contains glass-like insoluble oxalate crystals, which can result in severe irritation, swelling in the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Azaleas All parts of the azalea plant, including the flower, leaves, seeds, and honey made from its nectar, are toxic to dogs. Signs of ingestion include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, eye problems, slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart arrhythmia, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse. In some cases, it can even cause death. Ivy Some of the most common types of ivy are the English ivy and Devil’s ivy, also known as Golden Pothos. All of them are toxic to your furry pet. If consumed, it can lead to mouth and stomach irritation, foaming, excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs. Snake plant Snake plants are one of the most common household plants in the world since they require little maintenance.

Cholesterol is a condition that is mostly seen among people over the age of 50. But with unhealthy food and lifestyle habits, younger people today are prone to it as well. High levels of cholesterol mean there’s a higher risk of premature heart attacks and complications. Moreover, stats claim that over 1 million adults have an inherited risk for cholesterol. This article highlights some lifestyle tips and ways that help manage cholesterol levels: Treatment There are medications to clear the cholesterol from the system. LIVALO (pitavastatin) is used to lower bad cholesterol in patients who have abnormally high levels of it. This oral prescription can be had daily, but the dosage can vary depending on the advancement of the disease. Repatha® is another prescription to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Food habits Foods play a huge role in the development of cholesterol. People should generally avoid greasy options like fries, deep-fried snacks, and frozen dinners. Moreover, foods like cheese and butter should be eaten in moderation. Packaged foods like chips, canned foods, and ready-to-make dinners should also be avoided, as they are high in sodium and preservatives, which also contribute to complications related to the heart. Instead, choose to cook fresh meals from scratch and include more vegetables and fruits in one’s meal plans. Try to include more salads, as it’s the easiest way to stay healthy and away from carbs. Lifestyle changes Make time for a good run, walk, or practice yoga. Alternatively, take up gardening as a hobby or join a fitness club that practices varied activities. This is an ideal way to combine workouts and fun. The easiest way to keep oneself motivated is by enjoying workouts, making them more interesting, and finding good company. Keeping active is one of the most rewarding things to do for the mind and body.

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.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a health condition where the bones become weak and susceptible to unprecedented fractures. This health condition affects around 10 million people aged 50 or above. There are treatments and lifestyle changes to cope with the condition. Several osteoporosis symptoms go undetected until a later stage, often until a fracture. Therefore, learning about these uncommon, rarely noticed signs of osteoporosis may help one fight the condition effectively. Receding gums The teeth in the human body are linked to the jawbone. So if someone is affected by osteoporosis, they might start losing bones, thus causing the gums to recede. The loss of bone density can also make it easier for bacteria to penetrate and affect the bone, thus leading to gum disease. Weak, brittle fingernails Weak or brittle fingernails may develop because of several factors, including regular gardening, swimming, and other activities. However, people with OP may also develop brittle or weak nails. Genetics Sometimes people with a family history of osteoporosis are also likely to develop the condition. The risk is higher if the mother or father has fractured a hip due to low bone density. Loss of height An individual may start losing a little height as they age. However, when osteoporosis advances to a later stage, it may lead to excessive loss of height. It happens when there is a vertebral fracture due to the phenomenon of weakened bones. Loss of grip strength Postmenopausal women sometimes develop weaker handgrip strength. This symptom is linked to the development of osteoporosis. It also occurs because of other contributing factors, such as smaller, thinner bones in women and reduced estrogen when menopause begins. Therapy Several methods of treating osteoporosis exist. Two prescriptions often recommended by healthcare experts include: Evenity® This prescription helps treat OP in women after menopause who are at high risk of fracture or cannot use another OP prescription.

Like humans, dogs, too, tend to develop certain rashes, allergies, and skin problems. While getting veterinary help is essential, minor problems can always be resolved with an effective home remedy. So, if you look to eliminate itchiness, discomfort, and redness in dogs, here are a few effective natural remedies to try out. Oat baths When it comes to doggy allergies, an oat bath is an excellent remedy. It washes away any allergens stuck on the dog’s coat and reduces inflammation. One must never use it during a yeast infection, as it can make it worse. To make an oat bath, one has to grind sugar-free, organic oats into a fine powder and then boil it with water. Using this to bathe the dog will provide them with relief. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent. It can be used to clean a dog’s paws, ears and even fight off yeast infections. All one needs to do is take a clean spray bottle and add apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and spray it on the dog’s itchy spots for relief. Nonetheless, one must not spray it on wounds or bites. Baking soda Baking soda is an easily available and effective way to provide relief to itching caused by dog allergies. Create a simple paste using baking soda and water, and apply it to the dog’s itchy spots to alleviate itchiness and redness. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly. One can also add a little coconut oil to provide the dog with some moisturizing goodness. Aloe vera Aloe vera gel contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat several problems. It reduces redness and discomfort, treats burns and itchiness, and provides cooling. Its application is simple:

Be it for college visits, business travel, love for history and art, or the delicious food, several thousands of people visit Boston annually. Now, the good thing about Boston is that, much like most of the other aspects, the city has some of the finest range of hotels. Of course, you can find a hotel to cater to your budget, but if luxury is what you seek, our selection of the top four luxury hotels in Boston will certainly excite you. Four Seasons Hotel Known for its incredible health club, phenomenal service, a beautiful park-front location, clean pool, 273 spacious and luxurious rooms, and an iconic restaurant serving lip-smacking delicacies, the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston attains a well-deserved number one spot in this list. The guest room bathrooms are also great, superior to the ones you’ll find in some other top-notch hotels of Boston. Nonetheless, the service you get is unprecedented. The hotel staff pays attention to the minutest details and is proactively helpful. Furthermore, the iconic location of the hotel, right next to the city’s Public Garden, only adds to its charm and beauty. Mandarin Oriental Founded in the year 2008, the beautiful Mandarin Oriental is rightfully a close second on this list. With an aim to do everything better and bigger, the hotel has fairly lived up to its own dream. From fine dining to the luxurious rooms, and the spa, everything about the hotel is much ahead of its time. Its contemporary guest rooms are by far the largest in Boston. The hotel has deep tubs, luxury fittings, 42-inch LED TVs, and marble showers. Additionally, the spa of the hotel is the most luxurious and the largest in Boston. The hotel staff is helpful, and the service that you get here is fantastic. It has two of the best dining places in the city – French L’Espalier and Asana restaurant.

This autoimmune disease is characterized as an inflammatory disease that attacks the lining of the joints in the body. The inflammation around the joints causes swelling, tenderness, and pain. This chronic disease may affect one or multiple joints at once. Over a period, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. Given the seriousness of this long-term illness, we have enlisted things that can worsen rheumatoid arthritis. Too much rest is not a good idea Moving around with rheumatoid arthritis could get challenging, but adopting an active lifestyle is instead a smarter thing to do. Doing daily chores, going for a stroll, and picking hobbies like gardening keeps. An active lifestyle rewards the body in the long run. After all, working out is one of the most important ways to lessen the disability associated with this condition. Exercise regularly can improve strength and flexibility in those with rheumatoid arthritis. Stronger muscles can support the joints well; on the other hand, better flexibility can aid joint function. Skipping treatment It’s not wise to stop treatment or avoid taking the prescribed tablets for the condition. If a dose is missed, it’s advised to have it as soon as possible. Most people stop physiotherapy or taking tablets after they feel better. Avoid strenuous physical activity Avoid lifting heavy groceries or stuff around the house or at work. This can put immense pressure on the inflamed joints and lead to faster bone erosion. Avoid eating packaged foods Any disease is treated with medical intervention in combination with a healthy food regime. Avoid packaged foods, frozen dinners, and sugary juices available in cartons. These commercially available foods come with tons of additives, preservatives, sugar, and salt to increase their shelf life. Most of these food products contain empty calories and are addictive.

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland and spreads to other body parts. There are about 268,490 new cases of prostate cancer each year. Each person experiences varied symptoms, but erectile dysfunction and bone pain are two of the significant signs of the condition. If detected early, it is possible to slow the progression. Here are a few treatment options, food habits and lifestyle tips that may help manage the symptoms of prostate cancer: Chalk out a treatment plan with your doctors Once the cancer is diagnosed, it is imperative to start the treatment process immediately. Here are two prescriptions that may be recommended by the doctor to treat prostate cancer. Xofigo® (radium Ra 223 dichloride) It is administered as an injection to treat prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormonal or surgical treatment for testosterone reduction. Xofigo® is further given to individuals where prostate cancer and its symptoms have spread to the bone but not yet reached other parts of the body. XTANDI® (enzalutamide) XTANDI® is administered orally to patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and those with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). XTANDI® must be given once a day as per the doctor’s prescription. Erleada® Erleada® is an FDA-approved prescription suggested for managing prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body post metastasis. It is also prescribed for patients whose cancer has not spread beyond the prostate but who remain unresponsive to surgical treatments done for lowering cancer risk. 5 foods to eat Garlic Allium foods like garlic are rich in cancer-combating compounds like allicin, flavonoids, selenium, and allyl sulfides. These plant compounds together promote antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory responses to lower cancer risk. Berries Cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries are loaded with rich antioxidants that help fight free radical damage caused by cancer cells.

Buying a vacuum cleaner is not a straightforward task. There are multiple reasons for such a difficulty, but the biggest one is that every household is different. Each vacuum cleaner has its own type of design, due to which there’s no guarantee that one model will work for every house. So, instead of looking for the best vacuum cleaner, we think it is better to go with the one that suits your home. Here are our five best picks: Shark® APEX® Upright Vacuum This vacuum cleaner is a good choice against dust particles stuck on stairs, behind furniture, and in corners. This cleaner is also well sealed, which prevents dust from creeping out. The Shark® APEX® Upright Vacuum doesn’t make too much noise and has been tested to perform well on both carpets and bare floors. Dyson V15 Detect™ Absolute This cleaner lasts up to 60 minutes on battery, which is ideal if you have a big house. It also has an LCD screen that shows the remaining run-time and where blockages are located, which ensures thorough cleaning. The laser-totting head and a High Torque cleaning head work well for both hard floors as well as carpets. Dyson Cyclone V10™ Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Unlike many vacuum cleaners in the market, the Cyclone V10 is easy to maneuver. It is really slim and lightweight, so it can find a way in tight spaces without causing trouble. The stick comes with two heads—one for carpets and one for bare floors— and three modes. You also get a mini soft dusting brush and a mini motorized tool with a rotating brush, for cleaning fabric and carpeted stairs, along with this vacuum cleaner. LG CordZero™ A9 Kompressor Stick Vacuum This is one of LG’s most powerful vacuum cleaners. It can run up to 60 minutes on a single charge, and performed well on hard floors and carpets during tests.

When a person is down with the flu, they may not feel like eating much. However, healthy food is essential to keep the bug down. Fevers, body aches, colds, and cough take a toll on the body, leading to added weakness. Foods that are high in nutrients add to the body’s defense and make the immune system stronger to fight the illness. Here’s a list of foods and home remedies for flu relief. Foods for Relief from Flu Chicken soup Chicken soup contains vitamins, minerals, calories, and proteins, which are required when you’re down with flu. It is packed with amino acid cysteine, which is known to have antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, chicken soup is a complete meal that boosts immunity and opens up blocked nasal passages. Broths Any kind of broth is a rich source of fluids, nutrients, and electrolytes. It is easy to digest, rich in collagen, and reduces dehydration, promoting faster recovery from the flu. Most broths also contain amino acids, which are an essential source of protein. Consider making or buying a low-salt broth if you are watching your sodium intake. Hot tea After chicken soup, hot tea is a popular remedy for cold and flu. Be it green, oolong, or black, hot teas help relieve nasal congestion. But make sure your tea does not contain caffeine as it can cause dehydration. Teas are also rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants and polyphenols. Home Remedies for Relief from Flu Saltwater gargles Gargling with lukewarm salt water can treat upper respiratory infections by loosening the phlegm and mucus virus. The salt in the water also helps with throat pain and nasal congestion. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and swish it around your mouth and then spit. Warm baths Taking a warm water bath may reduce the symptoms of a cold and flu.