General

Pretty much anyone who owns a dog is going to need to travel with them at some point. Whether you’re moving to a new home or going on vacation, taking your dog with you is a big responsibility. You have to care for another creature on-the-go. That means packing enough food and water to get them through the trip, taking into account their health, and checking all the laws for the areas that you’re traveling through. To help your trip go off without a hitch, here are some tips to keep in mind when traveling with your pet. 

Ensure Your Pet’s Vaccinations Are Up-To-Date

Whether you’re traveling by plane or car, it is essential that your pet has all their necessary vaccines. Many airplane companies will require your dog’s vaccination record before they let them on the plane. Most states have laws for vaccination as well, especially concerning the rabies shots. Even if you’re only passing through a state, you can encounter problems if your dog isn’t properly vaccinated. Besides just the legal problem though, vaccinating your dog keeps them from getting sick. Because they will encounter more germs when out traveling around, getting them vaccinated is essential. During your vet visit, you can also discuss sedation, though this has been shown in studies not to affect a dog stress level substantially while flying. 

Feeding and Watering On-The-Go

While your pet obviously needs food and water to remain comfortable, providing them with these things on a road trip can be troublesome. If you’re traveling by car, be sure to purchase travel bowls for your pet to they can eat whenever they get hungry. Feed your dog the high-quality dog food they are used to. Consider bringing some healthy treats as well. 

During air travel provide a small pouch of dry food with your dog’s kennel so that airline personal can feed them if necessary. You should also freeze a small bowl of water for your dog, which will prevent the water from spilling while they’re being loaded but also provide water should they get thirsty. 

Carry Identification for Your Pet

If you’re traveling by plane, you should ensure that your dog’s USDA-approved shipping crate is marked with your contact information in case you and your pet get separated. Write “live animal” on the outside of the crate as well. 

No matter how you’re traveling, you should also keep a picture of your dog on you at all times. If you’re traveling by plane, this can prevent potential mix-ups during the pick up. If your traveling by car, this gives you a reference in case you get separated from your pet. You should also microchip your pooch and carry their health certificate with you. These are essential for traveling any sort of long-distance. 

Tell Everyone That You’re Traveling with Your Pet

Don’t assume people working for the same airline or hotel are going to share that you’re traveling with a pet. Tell every employee that you meet that you have a dog with you. Don’t assume that just because you told the staff at check-in that everyone will be informed. 

This is especially important when flying, when staff members may need to check on your dog in the cargo hold while traveling. However, it is also good practice at a hotel. You want the cleaning service to know that a pet is staying in your room to prevent an accidental escape. 

Check Laws Regarding Crates and Pet Restraints

All dogs traveling on an airplane are required to ride in a USDA-approved shipping crate. This crate should be big enough for your dog to sit, stand, lie down, and turn around in. 

If you’re traveling by car, things are a little more complicated. Many states have laws that require your pet to be restrained when riding in a car. Otherwise, you can get a reckless driving ticket. However, this does not necessarily mean that your pet has to be in a crate. Instead, you could use a dog seatbelt, which hooks to your dog’s collar and snaps into your female seatbelt hole. 

Bring a Piece of Home

No matter how you’re traveling, consider bringing your dog’s favorite blanket or toys with you. In an airplane, these pieces of home can be very comforting for your pet. They work wonders to prevent anxiety, especially when they smell familiar. When you get to wherever you’re going, these blankets and toys can be helpful at calming your pet and helping them settle in. If your dog doesn’t sleep on a blanket, consider bringing one of your old shirts for them to use as a comfort item. If your dog is particularly prone to car sickness or anxiety, consider purchasing a pheromone collar for them to wear while traveling. 

Be Sure Where You’re Staying Accepts Dogs

There are many rentals and hotels that accept dogs, but there are also many that do not. Be sure wherever you’re planning to stay accepts pets and that your canine meets any requirements they might have. Similarly, some airlines don’t accept certain dogs, like bulldogs, for health reasons. Check before you make a reservation. 

Furthermore, even if they do accept pets, you should ensure that they can accommodate your pet appropriately. A Great Dane might not be able to fit into a small, pet-friendly hotel room or a small plane, for example. Small dogs like terriers are going to be easier to fit into hotel rooms than larger dogs. 

Traveling with Your Pet

When you travel with a pet you add a whole new level of complexity to your trip planning. You have to ensure they have the right pet carrier, plan your hotel stays at pet-friendly hotels only, and carry around your pet’s health information. 

Luckily though, as a well informed dog owner, if you plan appropriately, traveling with your dog is not at all difficult. Just ensure that you have everything you need, including food, water, comfort items, and health documentation. Research state and local laws in the areas you’re planning on traveling through and be sure that the places you’re staying at accept dogs. 

Whether you are updating an old home or you have just moved into a property there is always a considerable amount of money involved. We like to keep the budget down but as buying a property or renovating a space can result in a major investment it’s important to understand the big problems before you undertake any massive renovation work. Renovating a property is an investment which is why it costs so much upfront. But it’s far better for you to know what the issues are in any recently bought property so you can prepare ahead. Here are some common problems to look for when buying a new old home.

Source – CC0 Licence

Insufficient Heating Or Cooling

It’s a fine balance to get right and while is it important to contact an AC repair company so you are starting with the best possible chance of keeping your space adequately heated or cooled it’s important that you make the appropriate adjustments. This means you should look at the dampers in the system but also take the time to balance the heating and cooling systems so the rooms are at the temperature you like. Once this is done you should mark the damper settings on the heating and cooling system. As we all like our homes at a certain temperature it’s important to mark this out early on.

Excessive Dampness is a common problem with new old homes.

Dampness or moisture is one of the biggest annoyances in any property, and is a common problems when buying a new old home. This can highlight inadequate drainage from the roof or poorly maintained walls. When there’s something like condensation in the windows it’s important to check that the window panes are adequately sealed. But if there’s wet in the basement or the crawl space you have to look at the drainage and see if the downspouts are secure enough. It may very well be the case that the house is quite old which means that it’s all about fixing the drainage so the water goes away from the property. But when you look at condensation, especially during cold winter months, you’ve got to look at the concrete work as well as the plaster and drywall. It may very well be a case of opening a window to ventilate the room. This is something you need to observe over a few months to get a proper idea. If you have major concerns contacting a specialist to examine the property is the next port of call.

Wear And Tear

Every home has its fair share of wear and tear and this means that when you move into a property, however old or new it is, there could be a few things that need changing. In newer builds, it may very well be the case that a lot of the appliances have been put in purely for cost-cutting measures. You could sit there and see how long these appliances will work for and start to save up for new appliances ready for when they break down or you could take the initiative and install a new one. Nobody likes to invest so much money on these appliances but it’s a case of discussing with a contractor to see see what state these items are in.

Nobody likes to spend a lot of money renovating a property but when you are starting your new life it’s important to keep an eye out for these common problems in new old homes. 

The importance of nutrition begins to take center stage as we age when it comes to boosting energy and increasing overall well-being. Proper nutrition matters at any age, but seniors, in particular, need to take their dietary choices seriously if they want to enjoy optimal health as they age. Despite the importance of nutrition as we get older, lots of seniors aren’t getting all the nutrients they need to thrive and feel their best. In fact, malnutrition is a common issue among the elderly, especially those who live in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Whether you’re getting older yourself and want to stay healthy for as long as possible, or if you have an elderly loved one whom you want to help stay nourished, there are a lot of important factors to keep in mind. Read on to learn everything you need to know nutrition for seniors.

 

Elderly Nutrition Needs

Why is nutrition important for senior citizens? Well, as we age, our nutrition requirements change.
Older adults are at a greater risk of certain nutrient deficiencies, which can make them more vulnerable to lifestyle and diet-related health conditions (this includes things like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer).
The following are some of the most common nutrient deficiencies that seniors may deal with as they get older:
Calcium

As we get older, our risk of osteoporosis (a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle) increases. This, in turn, increases our risk of experiencing fractures when we fall.
To minimize the risk, it’s important for seniors to consume adequate amounts of calcium. Calcium is a mineral that promotes strong, healthy bones. It is found in dairy products, as well as leafy greens, almonds, and canned fish like sardines and salmon.

Vitamin D

In addition to calcium, it’s important for seniors to consume enough vitamin D, too. Vitamin D is necessary for proper calcium absorption. It also promotes a strong immune system and can help to improve one’s mood.
The best source of vitamin D is direct sunlight, something that seniors often don’t get in sufficient amounts (especially when they live in nursing homes or retirement communities). It’s also found in foods like salmon and egg yolks.

Fiber

Fiber plays an important role in proper digestion. It helps to keep people regular and reduces one’s risk of experiencing digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea.
Eating adequate amounts of fiber has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer as well. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber, as are whole grains.

Vitamin B12

Many seniors aren’t getting enough vitamin B12. A deficiency in this vitamin, which plays a key role in proper blood cell health and function, can lead to anemia, fatigue, and memory problems. Red meat is a great source of vitamin B12, as are other animal protein sources like chicken and fish.

Potassium

Without enough potassium, seniors may be more prone to high blood pressure. This is especially true if their sodium intake is elevated beyond what’s considered healthy (around 1,500-2,300mg per day). Potassium is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, including bananas and potatoes. Beans are a good source as well.

Proper Nutrition for Seniors

When it comes to eating healthfully as we get older, there are lots of steps that seniors can take to ensure they’re meeting their specific nutrition needs. Here are some tips seniors (as well as those who care for them) ought to remember when planning meals:

Focus on Fruits and Vegetables

Seniors (and everyone, for that matter) should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. High fruit and vegetable consumption will provide them with the fiber they need for proper digestion, as well as nutrients in which they might be deficient. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of antioxidants, too, which can help to protect the body against oxidative stress and cell damage.

Eat Enough Protein

Proper protein consumption is essential for seniors, too. Without eating enough protein, seniors will be more prone to muscle loss (sarcopenia). This, in turn, can cause them to lose strength and make them more prone to injuries.

Drink Enough Water

Dehydration is a common issue among senior citizens. This is because their sense of thirst tends to become reduced and, as a result, they often don’t realize how little water they’re drinking. To combat this, seniors should try to have a glass or two of water with each meal. They might need to set alarms to act as reminders as well.

Minimize Sugar and Processed Food

Seniors should minimize their consumption of sugar and processed food as much as possible. Sugar-rich and processed foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients. They’re especially not recommended for seniors who are dealing with other health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Enjoy Healthy Fats

Healthy fats promote proper brain function and are essential for good overall health. Great fat sources include extra virgin olive oil, avocados, and fish like salmon.

Supplement with Care

For seniors who aren’t able to get all the nutrients they need from food alone, supplementation can be useful. Seniors might need to take vitamin B12 supplements, for example, or calcium supplements. Herbal supplements can be beneficial as well, to encourage proper organ function. For example, as the article, “6 Herbs to Enhance Kidney and Liver Function“, from Microbe Formulas teaches, Milk Thistle is an herb that releases antioxidants that help cleanse the kidneys.

Start Focusing on the Importance of Nutrition for Seniors

When it comes to meeting seniors’ nutrition needs, there’s a lot to keep in mind. If you want to live well into old age (or help your elderly loved one continue feeling their best), you need to remember the importance of nutrition for older adults, though.

Follow the guidelines outlined above and it’ll be much easier for you to ensure that you (or your loved one) are able to get all the nutrients you need.
If you’re looking for more nutrition advice for seniors, don’t forget to check out the Health section of our site. We’ve got lots of other great resources here, including tons of delicious and nutritious recipe ideas.

Winter can be the most challenging season for both car and owner. The extreme low temperatures put extra strain on both the mechanical and the electrical components of the car. There are however, some methods these problems can be avoided. Here are some helpful tips for dealing with the extreme winter climate and enjoying a safer driving experience. It’s time to winterize your car.

Winter tires

These are a must for winter driving. Even though you might live in an area where it does not snow a lot, or the streets are kept free of snow, there is still the issue of optimal tire temperature. Summer tires lose adherence once the temperatures reach freezing point and thus, the tire has less grip on the road which affects both braking distances and cornering stability. All season tires are a compromise between summer and winter tires, and although they perform better than summer tires in winter, they fall behind dedicated winter tires. Unless you’re on a tight budget, avoid all season tires. Tire chains should be kept at hand if there is the risk of encountering thick snow. Tire chains should be installed on the “traction” wheels.

Battery

During sub-zero temperatures, the car’s battery is put under extra strain. First of all, the battery has a tendency to go bad under below freezing temperatures if the car is not driven often. To make matters worse, when starting a car in a cold winter morning, more cranking amps are required since the car’s electric starter motor has to overcome the initial viscosity of the cold engine oil. That’s why it’s advisable to take the battery to a battery shop to get it load tested at the beginning of the cold season and determine it’s condition. The battery shop’s specialists will tell you if it’s time for a new battery. The condition of the battery can also be assessed by the owner. If the initial starting crank up tends to feel slower than it did in the past and if measuring the “cold” battery with a portable Volt-meter yields less than 12,2 Volts the battery might be going bad. It’s advisable though to double-check with a specialist before replacing the battery. Taking your car to your dealership for winterizing is a good idea if you don’t know how to check these things yourself. 

Antifreeze

Coolant is vital to an engine even in winter time. However, in winter there is also the danger of coolant freezing up inside the engine and damaging the cooling system. Thus, it’s vital to have the proper anti-freeze mix inside the engine. Antifreeze is a form of alcohol and must be mixed with distilled water according to the directions on the label. The more antifreeze is in the mixture, the lower the temperatures the mixture will withstand. Plan your mixture carefully, allowing for the lowest temperatures that your car might encounter. Antifreeze should be always be kept within the limits marked in the engine compartment or in the car’s owner’s manual. If the level of antifreeze goes down while driving, there might be a leak in the engine cooling system. Seek the help of a professional mechanic at your auto dealership in this case. Also, antifreeze should be changed each two years. The windshield washer system should also be replenished with proper cold-resistant washing fluid.  

Oil

Winter time means hard time for both the engine and transmission oil. It’s advisable to change the engine oil before the arrival of the cold season, according to the car’s user manual or an knowledgeable mechanic. Internet forums dedicated to your particular car make and model usually have good advice on this matter. As a rule of thumb, the lower the temperatures the more the viscosity of the oil increases, and thus, the lubrication properties of the oil are diminished, translating in more engine wear and bad fuel economy. To combat this problem a “thinner” oil is required. This is also true for the transmission oil, but on modern cars usually this matter is best to be left to specialists. 

Defogger and heating system

The defogging system of the car is vital to ensure optimal visibility during winter driving. Also, the heating system must be in top condition, to provide both comfort for the occupants and melt the ice forming on the windshield, rear and side glass. Check the functionality of those in preparation for the cold season. If these systems do not work on your car refer to a dealership mechanic. In emergency, fogging on the windows can be prevented either by leaving the windows down an inch or two or by wiping them with a mixture of 50% alcohol and 50% household windows cleaning detergent. It might be a good idea to get a car alarm with the remote starting of the engine feature. That way, you can start the engine from the comfort of your own house a couple of minutes before and find the car already warmed up. For those living in extreme winter areas, there are also auxiliary gas heaters available, which do an excellent job of heating up the interior of the car, and even the engine coolant to aid the initial start up. These heaters are expensive, though.

Winter accessories

There are a couple of things everybody should keep in their car during the cold season. Things such as a small portable shovel for digging up fresh snow, a flashlight, an ice scraper for cleaning the windshield and windows, a “de-icer” spray available in most auto stores and chain stores, tire chains and a spare pair of gloves and warm sweater, just in case. 

These are just some of the basic measures that can be taken during the cold season driving. With these in mind, and common sense winter driving becomes less challenging and it can even be enjoyable on it’s own.

 

 

During the holidays, there are so many things to look forward too. People are walking around singing and smiling. Everywhere you go, you see lights and decorations. More importantly, you get to see family. The best moments during the holidays happen at grandma’s house. Your grandma’s house has everything you need and love during the holidays. It doesn’t officially feel like the holidays if you don’t go to grandma’s house.

Treats

Your grandma’s job is to spoil everyone. As soon as you walk in, you can smell all the delicious treats waiting for you. During the holidays, it is multiplied by three. The kitchen and house will be filled with different holiday cookies and cakes. Grandma makes the holidays extra special with holiday drinks that she creates every year. She will whip out her holiday recipes to make her holiday famous drinks. Holiday Joy Mocha is a holiday favorite made with:

• ¹⁄₄ oz. Monin Coconut Syrup
• ¹⁄₂ oz. Monin Dark Chocolate Sauce
• steamed milk
• 1 shot(s) espresso
• ¹⁄₄ oz. Monin Almond (Orgeat) Syrup

Combine ingredients, except milk, in a serving cup. Stir and set aside. Steam milk in a pitcher. Pour steamed milk into serving cup, stirring gently. Garnish.

Anything made with flavoured syrup is a must during this time of year.

Gifts at Grandma’s House

You can always count on grandma to have gifts waiting for you at her house. If you don’t get gifts from anyone during the holidays, grandma will always get you something. You don’t always get what you want from her, but you always get something you need. You don’t have to tell her you need it, she just always knows. One of the many reasons that make grandma’s house one of the places you have to go for the holidays is because she will never disappoint you.

Decorations

Grandma’s house always has the best decorations. You can see the biggest and boldest lights in many different places. None of those lights have anything on grandma’s house. Her lights and decorations are always old fashion and comforting. You look forward to going to her house to see what she has up her sleeve this year. The decorations are a part of your holiday. Going to grandma’s house and seeing no decorations will feel like a part of your holiday is missing. The decorations put you in the holiday spirit. That is the reason she puts them up every year.

Food

When you go to other people’s houses, you have to try their food and see if you will like it. It’s new to you and most of the time you won’t like everything they have. At grandma’s, you don’t worry about that. She has your favorite meals waiting for you at the door. As soon as you walk in, you smell her famous macaroni and cheese. She makes all her dishes special for everyone. She knows who doesn’t eat what and who is allergic to what. She has a dish to accommodate everyone’s taste. That’s what makes her and coming to her house special.

To Go or Not to Go

When this time comes around, the questions always come up, “Do you stay at home with your family? Do you go somewhere different?” The holidays are a fun time to travel. There are always events and fun that are only available during the holidays. These places are full of new adventures. People take this time to take their kids on vacation and spend the holidays with just them. You will still feel like you are with family this way. These places are nice, but they won’t have half of the things that your grandma’s house will. The holidays are a time for family.

Grandma’s House Is The Best Place to Be

The bottom line is this—there is no other place to be during the holidays. There is no other place you can go and get spoiled rotten. There’s no other place you can go and no have to tell your host what kind of food you like. There’s no other place you can go and feel a year of happiness and comfort. There’s no other place you can go and feel at home. The only place that will give you all of this is grandma’s house.

Many of us think there is a time limit when it comes to investing. The truth is, anyone can start investing at any age. We see young kids using their computers and absorbing online research to where they are making big money. There are some adults who’ve never considered the stock market and probably never will. However, if you do get the itch to invest, do it wisely. It is never too late to start investing. Here are a few ideas to consider when thinking about investing.

Real Estate

Real estate is always a great place to start. However, the goal here is to step into this world slow and smart. We can’t make any excuses anymore with so much information on the internet. This means you have a plethora of sources to learn from. Take the time to study the market and understand the terminology. Consider the home rental arena where people are making a great passive income. Getting a few homes that you can properly manage could turn your world around in terms of money. With enough research, you can figure out the overall benefits of first-time buyer programs or discovering how someone else is being successful.

Dividend Stocks

Dividend stocks are becoming an exciting new way for newcomers to get into the market. Not all of us have the time to read long portfolios on every business selling a service. However, there are large companies that will always bring a return. Further, the opportunities to get these dividend stocks have changed. Today, some applications allow you to link a checking account and buy one or two shares. Dividend stocks will payout by financial monthly quarters. Depending on how many shares you purchase, you can expect a decent quarterly return. Consider the best healthcare stocks on the market as well.

It Is Never Too Late To Invest In Government Bonds

Government bonds can also be a lucrative source for investment, but it may take a while. These are mutual funds where the investment is within debt securities. The U.S. government and its agencies are responsible for issuing them to the public. The direct investments lie among T-notes, T-bills, T-bonds and various mortgage-backed securities that have a sponsored government relationship to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. These are perfect if you want to start small and grow big. They are low-risk to the newcomer who doesn’t want to empty their wallet on their first investment.

High-Yield Savings Account

A high-yield savings account isn’t your average savings account. However, the difference is that this type of account will bring you more of a return. Its high-interest rate makes it ideal for you to put more money into it as it only makes the return higher. Most of us have a savings account that’s doing next to nothing each month. This means you might find a few pennies coming back to you in the form of earnings. High-yield accounts with interest rates that are 2 to 4% make more sense. This investment is safe, but like every investment, there are risks to learn about. Even so, it is never too late to start investing.

Industry Funds

With technology changing the game for products and services, you should find an industry to follow and invest in it. It’s exciting to see the transformation of what’s happening in areas such as fast food or with medical surgery. Pick a stock or business you can research to see how they are changing the world. Follow their success that probably resonates with your tastes. 

You might already use their products in your personal life or with your family. New industries are emerging as well. In a few years, we might see a completely different type of money to buy goods. The point is to find an investment you can relate to. It helps when you are spending your hard-earned money.

These are a few ideas on how to start investing when you think its too late. Real estate is a great choice as you could rack up a few rental homes for more of a monthly income. Find one of the big businesses where you can purchase stocks and get dividend money each quarter. Government bonds have a little risk, but they are safe when you don’t know what you’re doing. Consider moving your savings to a high-yield savings account that gives you a bigger return. Look into industry stocks or businesses that cater to your interests and are worthy of your investment money.