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Month: March 2019

  • Foods to Fight Acid Reflux: Get Relief

    Foods to Fight Acid Reflux: Get Relief

    No one loves having heartburn or acid reflux. It’s a surefire way to ruin a night with friends getting a nice dinner. If you’re looking to find foods that can help you stay on the comfortable side of heartburn, we’re here to help.

    Today we’re looking at the top foods that help fight acid reflux. Let’s find you some relief.

    Foods to Fight Acid Reflux

    Before We Begin…

    Before we begin we’d like to offer a bit of advice. When it comes to heartburn, one of the most important things you can do is eat less food, and eat it slower. Don’t chow down on a huge meal late at night and then try to lay down for bed. That’s a sure way to trigger a bout of heartburn, whether you eat the right foods or not.

    Likewise, consider taking antacids if your acid reflux is bad enough. These medications can help settle an upset stomach and take some of the bite off of heartburn. You likely already knew this, but it never hurts to have a reminder. There’s more than just dietary ways to fight acid reflux, after all.

    Low-Acid Foods

    Ideally, you want to stick to low acid foods. This goes double if you’re not already taking antacids, but it’s a good idea in any event. Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid most fruits, as they tend to have a very high acid content. This doesn’t apply to bananas or melons, though, both of which are low in acid and high in nutrients. They also both make great snacks!

    Another good low-acid food is oatmeal. The consistency and high fiber of oatmeal make it great for calming heartburn. As such, a good breakfast for frequent acid reflux sufferers is oatmeal and bananas, with a bit of cantaloupe. Yum!

    Dinner Foods

    If you’re going out to a late dinner with friends, you’re likely looking to keep the food light and acid-free. The best way to do that without looking like you’re avoiding “real food” is just to order the right stuff! Fish is very low in acid, and it’ll likely keep your stomach from becoming upset. The same goes for potatoes, though we’d advise you stay away from fries.

    Fried food, in general, is a surefire way to upset your acid reflux. As such, we’d recommend staying away from fish and chips. Instead, get a grilled salmon with a baked potato! It’s good for you and it won’t upset your stomach.

  • Pixel Slate: Why Can’t Google Get Tablets?

    Pixel Slate: Why Can’t Google Get Tablets?

    Google’s been fighting to make a name for themselves as a hardware manufacturer. Scattered successes, like the Google Pixel smartphone, have been tempered by oddball releases like Google Home and Google Wi-Fi.

    One notable failure for the company, however, has been the sure-fire winner Pixel Slate, which has failed to make an impact.

    Pixel Slate

    Trying to be Apple

    Google’s hardware initiatives have largely seen them following closely in the footsteps of Apple. Where Apple has the iPhone, Google has the Pixel. Where Apple has the Apple Watch, Google will release a Pixel Watch. It only follows that Apple’s iPad must be met by a Pixel Slate tablet.

    The Pixel smartphone has been doing a pretty good job of emulating the iPhone’s success, just for Android. As such, it would make sense to see the Pixel Slate performing like the iPad did for the Android crowd. Why did it miss so badly?

    Tablets and Laptops

    A lot of people who bought the iPad, it would seem, weren’t terribly tech-inclined. Apple’s made quite the name for themselves by catering high-tech goodies to people who aren’t terribly bothered by the nitty-gritty of their tech.

    As such, it makes sense that the iPad sold as well as it did: most Apple fans probably didn’t have laptops, or, if they did, they didn’t use them like they would a tablet. Laying around reading from a tablet is much more natural than doing so on a laptop.

    Android fans, on the other hand, are more likely to be dialed-in to existing tech. As such, their laptops are likely already playing the role that a tablet might otherwise be taking. Essentially, they already have technology pulling the job that a Pixel Slate would.

    Changing Markets

    It’s also worth noting that the iPad itself largely created the tablet-style of tech. In so doing, it shifted the laptop market around itself. Modern laptops usually have tablet-like features, including touch-screens and OS modes that cater to touch-screen only users.

    Two-in-one laptops with detachable keyboards are also a huge portion of the modern laptop landscape. When the iPad launched, it was the only piece of technology operating in the space of “large smartphone-like computer for home use.”

    Google is insistent in their drive to take over the world. As such, it’s always strange, if slightly reassuring, to see them miss the mark. In the case of the Pixel Slate, it appears that Google’s desire to be Apple, but with a search engine, led them astray.

  • Health Benefits to Probiotics

    Health Benefits to Probiotics

    Probiotics are microorganisms that are often ingested from fermented foods. These little microorganisms aren’t disease-causing like some of their cousins, though.

    No, instead, probiotics are wonderful for you and can confer many health benefits!

    Probiotics and Health Benefits

    Probiotics Sources

    It’s not hard to get more probiotics into your diet. The main way to do this, of course, is just by eating fermented foods. Saerkraut, kimchi, kombucha and the like are all fine examples of such fermented goods. There are also supplements you can take to get probiotics into your diet.

    What Probiotics Do

    Probiotics are, generally speaking, bacteria or microorganisms that promote the natural bacteria that live in your gastrointestinal system. If the thought of a lot of microorganisms calling your body home seems weird, don’t sweat it! They’re supposed to be there and they have a symbiotic relationship with you.

    Without these bacteria, you simply wouldn’t be able to eat the foods you do. These bacteria help you to break down and digest certain foods, and they just take a little for themselves. Take heart: you’re an ecosystem for millions of tiny lives. How cool is that?

    Health Benefits

    Probiotics have a number of purported health benefits. Clinical testing is still underway, but preliminary findings are quite positive. It seems as though probiotics encourage your body in a number of ways and can have numerous health benefits, mainly in the gastrointestinal tract.

    Namely, probiotics have been linked with increased digestive help, soothing upset stomachs and making digestion easier. People with digestive issues often take probiotic supplements or drink kombucha to help with their digestion.

    Weight Loss

    Some have remarked on the weight-loss potential found in probiotics. Thanks to the digestion-increasing properties of these microorganisms, they can also play a role in helping someone to lose weight. Including probiotics into a healthy diet with exercise is highly recommended.

    Keep in mind, of course, that are are no magic solutions to weight loss. While probiotics can help your weight loss journey, they’re not going to do the heavy lifting for you. A good diet, with the right mix of nutrients, has to be kept up. Additionally, staying in shape involves fitness, exercise and determination.

    Bottom Line

    While studies have shown that there are more tests to be run on the effects of probiotics, they’re not bad for you. In fact, early findings have shown they may even increase heart and digestive health, and that they can help you lose weight and can even help your immune system.

  • 5G Smartphones: What Phones Will Use the New 5G Tech?

    5G Smartphones: What Phones Will Use the New 5G Tech?

    5G technology is on the horizon, and we can expect to see the first phones using the new tech by the end of the year. Many people have wondered what the first phones using the tech will be.

    Today we’re going to delve a bit deeper into 5G technology and the smartphones we can expect to take advantage of it.

    5G Smartphones

    5G Technology

    5G technology, for the uninformed, is the next step in wireless connections. If you remember back when 3G was phased out in favor of 4G LTE, you’re familiar with what this process looks like. Originally, 4G was only available in large metro areas and only on the newest and best smartphones.

    The roll-out of 5G tech is likely to track quite similarly. Much like 4G LTE, 5G is a huge step up in terms of speed and accuracy. It will likely first be rolled out to primarily large cities where it can service the largest numbers of users. Over time, it will be rolled out nationwide.

    The Phones

    Most phones that are on the market today will not have 5G compatibility, so this likely won’t even affect you until you upgrade. You won’t need to upgrade for a bit unless you’re living in an early-access area like New York or LA, though.

    If you’re interested in future-proofing, you can pick up one of these 5G-enabled phones in the coming months as they become available.

    Samsung Galaxy S10 5G

    Samsung will be coming out of the gate strong with a 5G version of their Galaxy S10. What can we say about the Galaxy S10 that hasn’t already been said? It’s a great phone with a great suite of useful features, a beautiful display and a stellar processor. Add lightning-fast 5G speeds to that and you’ve got a real winner.

    iPhone 12

    We know what you’re thinking: iPhone 12? They haven’t even released the 11 yet! Well, rumor has it that Apple likely won’t be rolling out 5G integration on this year’s upgrade. Given the slow roll-out of 5G nationally, Apple’s focus won’t be on that tech until 2020, with the eventual launch of the iPhone 12.

    Huawei Mate X

    If you don’t mind importing, or dealing with a somewhat shady company, the Huawei Mate X will be releasing later this year. This folding, 5G-ready phone looks like a sci-fi device. The Chinese smartphone maker Huawei has been in hot water recently over some scandals, but they still make great phones.

  • Top Health and Fitness Apps: Get Active, Stay Active

    Top Health and Fitness Apps: Get Active, Stay Active

    It’s getting warm outside and you’re thinking about getting in shape in time for summer. That’s cool, and a really reasonable pursuit. Maybe you’re not sure how to get fit, though.

    Today we’re going to break down some of the best health and fitness apps. It’s time to get active and stay active!

    Top Health and Fitness Apps

    Fitbit Coach

    If you’re getting into app fitness, you might have a smartwatch. If your smartwatch is the Fitbit tracker, then Fitbit Coach is for you. This app offers guided workouts via both audio and video, helping show you the best ways to tackle your fitness.

    There are workouts for the gym, for outside and for at home. That makes the Fitbit Coach app one of the most flexible fitness apps, allowing you to tailor your workout routine to your work and home life. Remember, getting fit doesn’t have to make you change your schedule!

    Aaptive

    There’s a lot to love about Aaptive. This fitness app is audio-based and gives you access to fitness trainers and fitness programs that are top-notch. If you want an app version of a top-level fitness program then this is for you.

    Aaptive is great for those who want to be able to have an instructor and a gym-like program but can’t afford the time or money for a gym membership. There’s no compromise with Aaptive: it’s the full gym experience, just delivered to your phone and available at home.

    ROMWOD

    ROMWOD is an app that gives you access to tons of great stretches and cooldown exercises. If you often exercise but feel yourself being stiff and tight afterward, you could use this app. Its numerous features are all available through the iPhone app, so you can start stretching and keeping your muscles limber right away from your phone.

    Jefit

    There are a ton of exercises out there, and they all target different parts of the body. With all these muscles to try to tone and all the various exercises, how do you keep track of everything? That’s where Jefit comes in. This app functions like a fitness library.

    There are tons of exercises for various muscles and muscle groups that you can access, and you can even store your workouts for later reading. There’s a large social aspect, too, where you can share your exercises with your friends and with the Jefit community. This is a great app for fitness nerds who love the science of getting into shape!

  • Could a Job as a Truck Driver be Right for You?

    Could a Job as a Truck Driver be Right for You?

    Maybe you’ve been looking into a job as a semi-truck driver and thinking about what it would mean for you. What kind of money do truck drivers make? What kind of hours do they work?

    In short, you’re wondering if a job as a truck driver would be right for you. Let’s look into that very question.

    Truck Driver Jobs

    Requirements

    First, before you can even be a professional truck driver, you need to get licensed to drive a semi-truck. The license you need is called a CDL, and usually, you want a Class A. Sometimes you have to get your license yourself, but some companies will sponsor you while you get your license.

    Aside from having the right license, there aren’t really any other requirements for becoming a truck driver. Companies usually prefer people with high school diplomas, though even that isn’t set in stone. A GED would work just as well as a diploma for most prospective drivers.

    Job Responsibilities

    Depending on the company and type of work you’re getting into, your job responsibilities could vary. However, generally, the responsibilities of a truck driver include hauling cargo from one place to another. Some drivers will work in smaller areas and could even go home every night after their route.

    Other drivers do “long-hauls,” staying on the road for days at a time to carry cargo cross-country. These drivers tend to get several days in a row off when they return home. On some occasions, these drivers will pick up hauls at their own discretion.

    Generally speaking, truck drivers don’t sweat the loading and unloading of cargo into their vehicle. The hard part of their job is all the time spent out on the road.

    Average Salaries

    Truck driving pays relatively well for what could be considered a blue-collar job. On average, student drivers make $41,000 per year. CDL drivers, who are licensed and more experienced, make an average of $66,000 per year.

    OTR CDL drivers, who have a ton of experience and complex licenses, make an average of $82,000 per year, making their job position a desirable one for drivers.

    Bottom Line

    A job as a truck driver could be right for you if you don’t mind being alone, on the road and far from home more often than not. If you can handle that, then there’s quite a bit of money to be made for an experienced driver with good endurance.

  • Common Nasal Spray Side Effects: What to Look Out For

    Common Nasal Spray Side Effects: What to Look Out For

    It’s that time of year again: pollen season. Soon, runny, stuffy noses and sneezing will be the rule of the day. If you’re often battling seasonal allergies, maybe you’re considering using a nasal spray to keep the runny, stuffy nose from occurring.

    Do you know about some of the common side effects of nasal sprays?

    Common Nasal Spray Side Effects

    Common Nasal Sprays

    Common types of nasal spray, like Flonase, work by reducing the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose. Typically, they are synthetic steroids of the glucocorticoid family of drugs. They are commonly prescribed for rhinitis or a stuffed-up nose.

    These sprays are usually taken once daily, with one spray in each nostril. Occasionally nasal sprays can be taken twice daily. They typically include a number of side effects, but the severity can change depending on the person and the type of nasal spray.

    Common Side Effects

    There are a number of potential side effects with nasal sprays like Flonase. Notably, patients who take these types of nasal sprays often note that headaches and back pain can accompany them shortly after applying the medication. Sore throat and sneezing can also occur shortly after application, due to the nature of the medicine being taken.

    Typically, a cough will accompany sore throat side effects. When paired with a headache, the side effects of a nasal spray can mimic feeling sick with a cold or flu. These are just the most common side effects, though others can occur.

    Other sinus problems, such as soreness and nosebleeds, can also occur.

    Other Side Effects

    Other side effects that are rarer could include nausea, vomiting and loss of interest in sex. These side effects occur less commonly but are still a consideration. Some patients report getting white sores in their mouths or around their noses as a side effect, as well.

    Some women also note menstrual problems as a side effect of some nasal sprays.

    Alternatives

    Nasal sprays are a common medication for allergy season, though they’re not the only way to deal with congestion. If you find that the side effects of nasal sprays effect you harshly, then you could consider some alternatives.

    There are decongestant versions of some common allergy medicines, for instance. Allegra, Benadryl and other brand-name allergy medicines all have decongestant variants that can help with a stuffy nose. Keep in mind that these medications also have side effects, and make sure to never mix different decongestants together.

  • Weight Loss Pills: Do They Work? Are They Safe?

    Weight Loss Pills: Do They Work? Are They Safe?

    People often wonder about weight loss pills. They seem too good to be true. A pill that can help you lose weight just by taking it? Could such a thing be real, let alone safe to take?

    Today we’re going to look at those questions and answer whether weight loss pills are the real thing or a bunch of snake oil.

    Weight Loss Pills

    How They Work

    The most common forms of weight loss pills work using one of three mechanisms. Primarily, they reduce your appetite, making it less likely you’ll overeat. Additionally, these pills will often include compounds that make your body absorb fewer calories. This results in your food giving you fewer calories per meal.

    The third and final way that common weight loss pills tend to work is by making your body burn calories more quickly. Essentially, these pills target your metabolism and make it work overtime. How effective these strategies depend a lot on the person.

    Are They Safe?

    Generally speaking, commercially available weight loss pills aren’t dangerous. Many of them do have some pretty notable side-effects, though. Jitteriness and shakes from the high caffeine content of some pills are often reported. Likewise, digestive problems of many varieties are reported by people who take these pills.

    Problems ranging from nausea, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea have all been reported of various popular weight loss pills. Caffeine is a major component of most, if not all, weight loss pills, so keep that in mind if you have caffeine sensitivities.

    Do They Work?

    We’ve discussed how these pills work and what their side effects are. Given the numerous side effects, it sounds like these would be a product to avoid. They sound too good to be true, after all. But do they actually work? Can you take a few pills and watch the fat burn off?

    In short, no, of course not. If such a pill existed, it would be the highest-selling medication in the history of the human race. Caffeine is a very common psychoactive substance, and resistance to its effects develops rapidly. Similarly, the other functions of weight loss pills are dubious at best and disputed by most scientists.

    Bottom Line

    There is no magic pill to burn off fat. If you want to lose weight, then you should just try to eat healthily and exercise. There’s no secret to how to get fit, it just requires a little bit of hard work. Don’t buy into the hype!

  • Bacterial Pneumonia: What to Know, and How to Treat

    Bacterial Pneumonia: What to Know, and How to Treat

    Pneumonia can be caused by a number of outside factors. Today we’re going to look at bacterial pneumonia, what you should know about it, and how it is treated.

    If you’re experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, speak to your doctor about ways to diagnose what type it is and how you should treat it.

    Bacterial Pneumonia

    Description

    Pneumonia is described as any inflammation of the lungs that can impede breathing and may result in a persistent cough. Bacterial pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs caused bacterial infection. Pneumonia could also be caused by factors such as fungi, viruses, parasites and even inorganic compounds.

    Causes

    Bacterial pneumonia, by definition, is caused by a bacterial infection in one or both lungs. A major cause of such infections in the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease occurs in roughly 900,000 people in the US every year, and of them, nearly half become hospitalized.

    Of the 400,000 or so people hospitalized by pneumococcal disease, roughly 6 percent of people die from complications due to the disease.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms that could be related to pneumonia of any type include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, chills and a fever. Bacterial pneumonia could also have symptoms including a cough that produces yellow or green mucus.

    Remember: determining the exact causes of a case of pneumonia can be quite difficult, as most forms of pneumonia have similar symptoms. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should visit your doctor so they can diagnose the causes of your condition.

    Diagnosis

    A doctor will usually listen to the sound of your breathing to determine if your lungs sound abnormal. Then, if they determine you have pneumonia, they will give you a chest X-ray to see what areas in the lungs are inflamed. Other tests could include arterial blood gas tests, or even a bronchoscopy.

    Once they have determined whether your pneumonia is bacterial, or some other type, they’ll discuss treatment.

    Treatment

    For a bacterial infection, the most straightforward treatment is a round of antibiotics. These antibiotics are typically specific to the type of bacteria at play in your system. In some cases, doctors will also prescribe medication to help ease breathing if you’re experiencing difficulty catching your breath.

    Other medications could include over-the-counter medications to combat aches and pains your pneumonia could be causing you. Typically, patients are recommended to go home, get some rest, drink plenty of fluids and just generally take it easy as the antibiotics do their work.

  • Nissan Rogue: Is it the Right SUV for You?

    Nissan Rogue: Is it the Right SUV for You?

    The Nissan Rogue has a big reputation for being a great compact SUV. Is it the right SUV for you and your family? To help you answer that question, we’re taking an in-depth look at the 2019 Nissan Rogue and giving you our take.

    Between the new features, returning favorites and price tag, is the Nissan Rogue the right car for you?

    2019 Nissan Rogue

    Design

    As a compact SUV, the Nissan Rogue doesn’t pack a lot of surprises into its design. Largely, it looks like every other compact SUV, with a few notes of Nissan flair to set it apart. The angular front grille is noteworthy, giving the vehicle a somewhat sporty and “mean” appearance.

    This is offset by the smooth curves and soft lines elsewhere in the body. Largely, the Rogue is an SUV that manages to look both responsible and somewhat cool, a line that most compact SUVs are doing a good job of walking today.

    Engine

    The 2019 Nissan Rogue sports a respectable fuel economy of 26 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway. The trade-off is the somewhat wimpy engine, coming in at 170 horsepower. At higher speeds, the engine struggles noisily to maintain its pace. If you’re a fan of a fun drive, the Rogue is probably not the right car for you.

    It’s worth noting that the handling is middle-of-the-road, behaving neither sluggishly nor with agility. The powertrain is rather noisy, as well, making what would be an otherwise luxurious cabin somewhat grating. In short, the Rogue is a poor pick for those who are often on the highway.

    Interior

    The interior is high-quality and very well-made. The materials are premium and the cabin feels nice to ride in. There’s plenty of room in the cargo area, making it easy to carry all of your stuff with you. There’s ample room for passengers, too. However, the Rogue, as a compact SUV, only seats 5.

    There are tons of standard safety features to keep you and your family safe. Automatic emergency braking, lane-assist and blind spot monitoring are all available and help you with peace of mind.

    Bottom Line

    The Rogue is a fine vehicle for those who want an upscale interior and don’t mind a weak, noisy powertrain. If you’re often on the highway, the Rogue is a poor pick. For getting the family back and forth to school and the grocery store, however, it makes a fine vehicle.

    The 2019 Nissan Rogue starts at $24,920, and options can get that price as high as $32,740.