Category: Lifestyle

  • Best Adjustable Beds

    Best Adjustable Beds

    Sleeping is my favorite hobbies and activity. By a far margin, I love to sleep. I can plop down anywhere and just snooze. However as we get older sleeping becomes more difficult, time and wear take there toll and you need the right mattress to recharge your body. The answer is an adjustable beds

    The term ‘adjustable bed’ refers to any bed base that can be raised or lowered to create different sleeping positions. Adjustable beds were first used in hospitals to accommodate patients with injuries that required an angled sleep surface. They also promote circulation and help reduce pain and swelling, making them optimal for people recovering from medical procedures.

    In the past, adjustable beds were found almost exclusively in places like hospitals. But now, more and more people are opting to use them at home. If you’re among them, you might be wondering about the top adjustable bed frame brands. What are they—and will buying one of these highly rated models yield a noticeable improvement in your sleep? Lets look at the 3 best adjustable beds for seniors.

    Prodigy 2.0

    Prodigy 2.0 from Leggett & Platt. This adjustable bed frame offers a host of features to keep sleepers comfortable throughout the night. These include a full-body massage option, which alleviates pain and pressure points using light waves on the surface of the bed. Owners can also adjust the leg height to create a higher or lower profile, while the adjustable pillow tilt is ideal for people who snore, as well as those who read or watch television in bed.

    Lucid L300

    The L300  from Lucid is our Best Value Bed because its price-point is far below that of the average adjustable bed, yet it offers plenty of features and functions to improve sleep quality and duration for most. These include head and foot elevation, as well as dual adjustment for couples with different angle preferences.

    The bed also offers a zero-gravity preset. This position, which elevates the legs higher than the head, is linked to high levels of pain and pressure relief. It is also beneficial for sleepers with high blood pressure. Some of the bed’s other high-tech features include dual USB ports, a wireless remote with a built-in flashlight, and one programmable memory position.

    Reverie

    Reverie Adjustable Beds designs their beds with a team of in-house engineers and an advisory board with doctors and scientists. Reverie has been in business since 2003 and started selling their power base adjustable beds five years later. In 2011, Reverie began manufacturing mattresses in New York with customizable firmness across the entire mattress to complement their adjustable bed line.

    Reverie makes five adjustable bed bases, all with differing technology. Adjustable bed technology includes things like zero gravity, lumbar support, wireless remote, LED lighting and more. Reverie adjustable beds range in price from $2,399 to over $4,000

    Don’t for get the mattress…

    Tempurpedic

    They are the best of the best. The Cadillac of adjustable beds, with the options to match.  Tempurpedic has three adjustable bases under the Tempur-Ergo brand. They tied Amerisleep in the durability and warranty category, and came in slightly behind them in customer reviews and health benefits, putting them second overall in our rankings. The biggest drawback is that Tempur-Ergo bases have some of the highest prices when you compare them with other adjustable bed frames that offer similar features. So these offerings might not be the best value.


     

     

     

  • 7 Signs of Hearing Loss

    7 Signs of Hearing Loss

    The signs of hearing loss can be subtle and emerge slowly, or early signs of hearing loss can be significant and come about suddenly. Either way, there are common indications and hearing impaired signs. You should suspect hearing loss if you experience any of the signs below.

    Hearing Loss Overview
    Hearing loss due to aging is a common condition that impacts many older adults. Almost 1 in 2 adults over age 65 experience some degree of hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss is also known as presbycusis.
    Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age and the statistics according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders are astonishing. On top of that, the average delay between the time someone is affected by hearing loss and when they finally seek treatment is a long 7 years. Lucky for you, you have come to the right place to learn about hearing loss. Let’s look at the 7 Signs of Hearing Loss.

    Two Types of Hearing Loss
    There are two types of hearing loss, The first one is Sensorineural. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It is permanent and caused either by damage to tiny hair-like cells in the inner ear or to the auditory nerve. The auditory nerve carries important information about the loudness, pitch, and meaning of sounds to the brain.

    The second is Conductive hearing loss.  Conductive hearing loss is caused by a mechanical problem in the outer or middle ear or an obstruction in the ear canal such as ear wax that blocks sound from getting to the eardrum. It can be permanent but more often, it is temporary and can be medically treated. Mixed hearing loss results when there are components of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss present.

    7 Signs of Hearing Loss

    1. Words Begin to Drop from Conversations
    Increasing difficulty with understanding other people, especially in noisy environments such as crowded shopping malls or loud parties, may reveal a declining ability to distinguish speech from noise. It’s common for people to respond to this problem by asking for speakers to repeat themselves, to speak more loudly, or to slow down. Television and radio speech may also seem to fade into unintelligible gibberish. Conversations in general seem to lose their color and vibrancy.

    2. Becomes Increasingly Difficult to Have ‘Normal’ Social Situations
    Without quite realizing why, a person suffering from creeping hearing loss may increasingly retreat from social situations. They somehow seem too difficult, often leading to awkward moments when a critical point is missed, or a joke is misheard. It begins to seem as if plunging into even a crowd of longtime friends or close business associates results in nothing but inexplicable, growing social isolation.

    3. People Sound Like They Are Mumbling
    Other people may seem to slowly acquire a bad habit of failing to clearly enunciate their words. Consonants disappear into the mist as vowels rudely strut to the fore. This perception often indicates a loss of the ability to clearly hear higher-frequency or softer sounds such as sibilants. Similarly, snakes lose their hisses, clock alarms ditch their high-pitched beeps, and machine clicks such as those from automobile turn signals seemingly disappear.

    4.Tinnitus (Random Non-Existant Noises)
    Unexplained sounds such as buzzing, ringing, or clicking in one or both of your ears could very well indicate a significant medical problem that requires professional attention. Long-term exposure to loud sounds such as unmuffled gunshots, blaring rock-music concerts, and clanging industrial machinery can produce persistent, sometimes permanent tinnitus.

    Sinus and ear infections, hormonal changes in women, and common reactions to many medications can result in temporary or persistent tinnitus.

    5. It Becomes Increasingly More Difficult To Hear Children and Womens’ Voices
    Females and children generally have higher, softer voices than adult males, which means communication with children and grandchildren may be one of the first victims of encroaching hearing loss. For a devoted parent or grandparent, this can be devastating. A spouse may begin to drift away from a significant other because ordinary conversations have become oddly difficult. A similar problem may arise with failing to understand strongly accented voices as their tonal edges seem to gradually disappear.

    6. Turning Up The Volume On All Devices
    Routine annoyance with strangely soft audio levels from televisions, smartphones, and other audio devices may instead constitute a barely noticed symptom of gradual hearing loss. A growing habit of cranking up the sound to unusually high levels often signifies that it’s time to seek professional testing for hearing problems.

    7. Loss of Richness in Sounds
    Regardless of their volume or nature, sounds from all sources seem to grow muffled and flat. Birdsong becomes simpler and less nuanced, and human voices seem to abandon their ordinary tonal ranges. Long-loved musical performances and songs grow dull and uninteresting. Even ordinary noises like hammering from construction projects and the roar of motor vehicles seem to devolve into dull cartoon versions of their former selves. Such an evolution from complexity into lifeless simplicity is oddly easy to overlook if it happens slowly enough.

    The Final Thought
    While hearing loss be for 55 is rare, the ratio is 1:2 in those older then 55. Hearing aids can be rather expensive, but may be covered by your part B Medicare plan. Original Medicare and most Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) Plans don’t cover hearing aids, routine hearing exams, or fittings for hearing aids. This means that without other insurance, you could pay 100% of the cost for routine hearing exams, fittings, and hearing aids.

    Medicare Part B does, however, cover diagnostic hearing tests that your doctor orders for a medical need like a recent hearing loss due to illness or injury. If your doctor orders a diagnostic hearing test. You would pay 20% of the amount approved by Medicare, plus the Medicare Part B deductible.

    Visiting an audiologist is usually the first response to possible hearing loss. If necessary, an otolaryngologist — an ear, nose, and throat specialist — can conduct a thorough examination to uncover underlying medical issues. Treatment might include simple removal of excessive earwax, antibiotics for a sinus infection, or even small, unobtrusive hearing aids that can reclaim much of your lost sound. Only your medical professional can provide comprehensive information on possible causes and treatments.


  • Most Popular Engagement Rings in 2018

    Most Popular Engagement Rings in 2018

    If you’re thinking about proposing, you need to make sure you have the perfect engagement ring. What are the best types of engagement rings for your relationship? There are so many retailers selling jewelry, how can you narrow it down? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you find the right one.

    Engagement Rings You’ll Love

    Halo Rings

    This style of engagement ring is a favorite lately. It’s comprised of a large central stone and ringed around the entire band with stones. Thus, the stones form a halo around your finger. There are a large number of styles available. There are many options for metals for the band and stones to fit into the band.

    The halo ring is a cool pick because it has the effect of making the central stone look larger. The illusion of surrounding something with a lot of smaller things is time-tested and well proven. That means you can save money on a smaller ring that doesn’t look small at all.

    Colored Accent Rings

    These rings tend to have gradient-style color schemes. In the center of a ring like this there is usually a larger stone flanked by stones like rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Depending on what color the metal band is, you will find a ton of different styles.

    The central stone is usually diamond. If the band has a reddish tint, the ring will often incorporate rubies. The same goes for sapphires and blue bands and emeralds and green bands. Like halo-style rings, colored accent rings tend to be less expensive. The flanking stones and colored bands make the ring much flashier than its price would suggest.

    Single-Stone Rings

    The classic single-stone ring is still a very popular choice. While these rings can get expensive, due to the large central stones and classic designs, you can often find great deals on them. A large stone and a gold band is a favorite of engagement rings.

    While many things change as time goes on there are some trends that simply don’t die. The classic single-stone ring is a time-honored look that isn’t going anywhere. You can’t go wrong with this classic.

  • Best Tactical Gear Brands: Get Serious

    Best Tactical Gear Brands: Get Serious

    Are you a serious operator in need of some serious tactical gear? Then you need to know about the best tactical gear brands. Whether you’re a hunter, outdoors enthusiast or in the military or law enforcement, you want good tactical gear. Here’s where to find it.

    Best Tactical Gear Brands

    Special Forces

    Special Forces brand gear offers custom hats, shirts and patches for various members of the armed service or police. The gear is customizable and comes in various sizes, like men’s, women’s and youth. Special Forces brand gear can sport logos and styles from various organizations and branches. Show your support with this awesome gear!

    US Patriot Tactical

    US Patriot Tactical is known for their survival gear. Their MREs and survival gear are considered top-notch and are great for outdoors enthusiasts. If you have an emergency room or cabin in a remote region you can stock up on tactical gear through US Patriot Tactical. Multi-tools, water carriers and fire starters are also among their rugged outdoors selection of items.

    US Patriot Tactical gear is also great for camping enthusiasts. People who love being outdoors will appreciate their selection of emergency blankets, knives and knife sharpeners and water filters. If it’s rugged and works great outdoors, US Patriot Tactical has it.

    Tactical Gear

    Tactical Gear, the brand name, sports a wide variety of clothing and shoes that are tactical in nature. Combat boots, rugged pants and shirts and outdoor jackets are all available. Hikers, campers and outdoors enthusiasts love this kind of gear.

    They also sell sleeping bags, MREs and various other outdoors supplies. Survival foods are a specialty of Tactical Gear brand, sporting tons of dried fruits and dehydrated foods that will last for along time. These foods don’t need to be cooked so they can be easily stored and consumed when outdoors or in an emergency situation.

    Other Retailers

    You can also find great deals on tactical equipment through other retailers. Sites like Amazon and eBay often offer great savings on rugged outdoors gear. Often, you can even find products from the best tactical gear brands for discounted prices. On Amazon, users with Prime even get free shipping.

  • Why You Should Never Get a Gym Membership

    Why You Should Never Get a Gym Membership

    If you’re trying to reach your fitness goals, you might feel as though shelling out big bucks for a gym membership will help you commit to working out. However, USA Today reports that 67 percent of gym memberships go unused.

    So, instead of paying hundreds of dollars a year for a gym membership, why not invest in high-quality equipment that allows you to exercise at home?

    You Should Never Get a Gym Membership

    Gym Memberships are Outdated

    Although the number of gym memberships increases every year, there’s a secret gyms and fitness centers don’t share with their members — they don’t expect members to show up. Gyms oversell their memberships, which can make them crowded when people are diligent about working out consistently.

    And whether or not your local gym is overflowing with active users, the equipment there is disgusting. It could attract more germs than a toilet. More than 70 percent of the bacteria found on exercise bikes, treadmills, and free weights was harmful.2

    Additionally, many fitness centers aren’t up to date. Fitness trends change, and gyms may not upgrade their machines in a timely manner. That can lead you to question what you’re really paying for.

    That’s why people are moving away from gyms and working out at home more frequently than they used to. Fitness buffs used to be able to monitor their heart rate and other workout stats from the machines at the gym, but individual trackers are becoming cheaper and more popular. Individuals can also access online workout plans. Doing this enables them to drop the personal trainer at the gym and develop effective at-home exercise programs.

    Get Your Own Equipment for Cheap

    The number of people who own a home gym has remained steady over the past decade. This may be due in part to the expense of workout gear. If you shop wisely, though, you could score exercise apparatuses that cost less than a yearly gym membership.

    You can buy a treadmill for $500 or a home gym for about $200. The Reebok Professional Deck Workout Bench gives you hundreds of workout options for approximately $124.

    Those purchases add up to the average cost of a 12-month gym membership. However, you’ll get much more use out of them. Your investment should last at least seven years with regular use. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your at-home exercise equipment.

    You’ll reduce your spending, and you’ll also save time. When you can work out at home, you don’t have to pay for gas to drive for the gym. Depending on the location of your local workout facilities, you can usually roll out of bed, exercise, and shower in less time than it would take you to make it to the fitness club. With that kind of convenience, you have little excuse for avoiding exercise.

    Some people complain that they don’t have the space to store large apparatuses at home. If that’s the case, you can still invest in free weights, which can be stashed in a closet or under the bed. An aerobic stepper can double as a weight bench. You can even find folding treadmills that can be tucked behind other furniture.

    According to Wise Bread, the best time to buy home gym equipment is in January.3 At that time, demand is higher because people are hoping to stick with their healthy New Year’s resolutions. And Livestrong indicates that many stores lower prices on exercise items at the beginning of the summer, when people are heading outdoors to stay fit.

    Consider Refurbished Equipment

    If you have your heart set on a heavy-duty machine that has a variety of features, you might want to consider purchasing used or refurbished equipment. You can find used gym gear at local consignment shops and garage sales, but you might be better protected if you shop online.

    Many retailers are reputable and offer competitive warranties on their items. Other stores allow you to trade in your own used pieces for other products.

    If you do purchase refurbished workout gear, however, make sure you do your research. If you can see the item in person, check for wear and tear, rust, and loose parts. Look for high-quality brands with good reviews. Ask about a manufacturer’s or retailer’s warranty whether you’re buying from your neighbor or an online store.

    Treadmills

    Now is a great time to invest in a top-quality treadmill! Today’s treadmills have high-tech programs, interactive features and durable components to ensure your workouts are close as possible to running outdoors. Some treadmills are incredibly cheap, while more expensive models are rated for more usage or can be folded for easy storage.

    The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a treadmill that provides you with better-quality touchscreen technology to your workout experience or/and weight loss program. It is a folding treadmill that has 3.6 CHP motor that can deliver great speeds of up to 12 mph for both walkers and runners. The treadmill has 38 built-in programs that can be adjusted according to the user’s specific regimen requirements. The 7″ high-definition touchscreen control center of this treadmill offers a suitable approach for tracking workout progress using the internet or emails.

    The iFit Coach subscription on the 1750 treadmill allows you to gradually switch-up your workout routine by downloading video workouts and virtual treadmill races on your tablet or smartphone. With the 3 adjustable AutoBreeze fans on the treadmill, you can enjoy your workouts comfortably every day. Also, it has an iPod and MP3 speakers that give you a wide range of options when it comes to choosing the right workout playlist. The 1750 treadmill is available from as low as $599 on Amazon.

    The Sole F80 is a powerful treadmill that guarantees you exceptional workout experience. The treadmill has a 15% incline feature for boosting metabolism in order to improve workout results. It has a 3.5 CHP motor that can do speeds of up to 12 mph and a 9″ HD and tablet-docking console for tracking workout progress, surfing the web and perhaps checking emails during workouts. It has Bluetooth connectivity option to eliminate headphones for easier mobile phone docking. In addition, it has 10 built-in workout programs designed by professional personal trainers who are certified in helping people achieve their various fitness goals. The F80 has a wide 22″ x 60″ running surface that comes with reversible, 2-ply deck for long-term use. The F80 treadmill costs around $599-797 on Amazon.

    The ProForm PRO 2000 is a top-quality entry-level treadmill suitable for walkers and people who are just getting started into running. The treadmill can simulate outdoor workout conditions and challenge different levels of users because it has a 15% incline, 3% decline and a 3.5 CHP motor that can do 12 mph speeds. The Pro 2000 comes with 32 preset workout programs that enable users to achieve energizing workout regimens. It has 3″ speakers that can be used with an iPod or MP3 player to enhance your workout playlist experience.

    With the optional iFit Coach subscription, you can explore other workout opportunities and switch-up your exercise routine by downloading video workouts or virtual treadmill races. The treadmill allows for easy folding and quick storage, and thus can be used in smaller spaces such as hotel rooms. You can enjoy 57% off and purchase the treadmill at $979 instead of the regular price of $2,299) on Amazon.

    Conclusion

    You don’t have to buy a gym membership to stay fit. In fact, a home gym is an investment that’s valuable for your bank account as well as your health. If you want to work out consistently, you might be more likely to stick with your routine if it’s easy to maintain. When your treadmill is staring you in the face as you watch TV, you’ll probably be drawn to using it more often than you would trek to the gym.

    Do some research before spending your hard-earned cash on a gym membership. Search for reviews on the machines and retailers that you’re looking into. Your investment may help you keep this year’s health resolutions.

  • Choosing The Best Luxury Motorhome

    Choosing The Best Luxury Motorhome

    A motor home is an all-inclusive way to travel with your bed, living room, kitchen—even bathroom. You can tour the country and park overnight or even hit up Bonnaroo for the weekend,  with all the conveniences of home right there. For many drivers, a motor home can even be easier to drive than a truck and travel trailer, especially when it comes to backing up. Motor homes have a clear appeal, but it takes some research to understand the different versions and to choose the right one for your weekend in Key West

     

    A Lot of planning goes in to these road adventures including selecting a set of wheels that’ll get you there comfortably. Making sure the former two work out is all on you, but we’re here to help on that last one with a rundown of the world’s most lust-worthy RVs and campers.

     

    eleMMent by Marchi

    Apart from resembling a prop vehicle from I, Robot, this two-story mansion on wheels ensures you’ll be sleeping like a king, even at the truck stop. Inside, there’s even a pop out bar and lounge area and a “Sky Lounge” up top. The best part, though, may be how everyone on board enters: through a red-carpeted set of stairs.

    As the most expensive coach on the market, the Marchi Mobile eleMMent Palazzo Superior is unlike anything you’ve seen—at least outside of science fiction. Starting from the cyclopean cockpit, which was inspired by helicopter windshields (which can darken in two steps at the push of a button), to its retractable Sky Lounge with integrated furniture and radiant floor heating, it’s the ultimate in luxury. And no detail has been overlooked, from the bar, wine cabinet and icemaker, large screen TV, to the Italian bed linens and adjoining spa with a glazed rainfall shower. A cool 3 million for the pleasure.  If you have the means, I highly suggest picking one up. I imagine this is what Van Halen would being touring around in today if things had worked out with Dave.

    Foretravel ih-45

    Getting to a little more reasonable, 1.3 mill is the customizable and unique Foretravel ih-45. A 45’ coach that’s built for one of the smoothest rides on the road. Using aircraft technology, it evenly distributes vibration through the entire chassis to reduce road noise. With hundreds of luxurious features—like four rooftop A/C units—and dozens of additional options, the ih-45 can be personalized to meet anyone’s needs.The result of 50 years of experience and two years of designing, the ih series is the new flagship of Foretravel.Powered by the Cummins X15 605 engine, standard with an Allison 4000, independent front suspension and HWH Active Air System, the IH rides on the TravelRide III chassis and is the ultimate in customized luxury. Our talented Custom Design Team has the experience to assist you in creating a Foretravel that is uniquely you.

     

    Vantare Platinum Plus

    Who knew the popular producer of lightweight trailers also made one of the most decadent coach lines on the market? That’s the case with the Featherlite’s Vantare series, and the Platinum Plus is the most luxurious of them all. The only word to describe the interior of the Platinum Plus is decadent. It is outfitted with Inca marble, Italian leather, hand-made glass, sapele, suede and more.

    You have your choice of kicking back on the king-sized bed or Italian sofa, getting work done in the office. Try having a cocktail in the kitchen poured from a Neiman Marcus decanter into Michael Weems glasses. You can even getting some exercise in with the built-in treadmill. Don’t want to drive the rig around your campsite? No problem as you can store a sports car in the belly of the Platinum Plus. The Platinum Plus is yours for the low low of $2.5 million. Anyone have $2,490,000 I can like have?

    The Final Thought

    These are the finest of the fine. Reserved for the kind of wealth you and I will never get to see. Wait, this is America. I can have anything I prioritize, or at least rent anything I prioritize. The best way to enjoy a luxurious cross country road trip is to rent the RV of your dreams. There are actually great options for RV rentals and some can even come with there own driver…

  • Galaxy Note 9 “Best Phone for Seniors”?

    Galaxy Note 9 “Best Phone for Seniors”?

    I spent much of the prime youthful years of my life teaching senior citizens how to cope and use their smartphones. I would host seminars 3 times a week inside the verizon stores for just this. For years I always recommended the iphones to our senior customers, but now im starting to think the Galaxy Note 9 may be the  best phone for seniors. Here is why…

     

    While I have said the Galaxy Note 9 puts powerful technology in the hands of the tech geeks and gamers who demand more powerful and more screen from their smartphones. It most certainly boast innovative features and design make it the only phone to keep up with the next generation of  senior users. There is 2 big reasons I believe the Samsung note is the best phone for our senior community, intuitiveness and screen size.

     

    The Intuitive Galaxy note 9

    For years the greatest generation and early gen x crowds where taught everything the way it had been taught before. There were always steps, reasons and an order to everything, weather it was building a fence or cooking a recipe. There was a memorization to everything they learned. That’s not the case with technology today, you can not memorize the steps it takes to make a phone call or send a text because its always different depending on the screen you are on. You have to look at your phone like you are Detective Columbo, Whats here that wasn’t here before? What’s not here that was here before, and what has changed? The great thing is our seniors have started to master this, and that’s why I think the Note 9 is a great step up for them.

    The Note 9 offers a lot of intuitive features that make expanding on basic use very easily. Samsung has improved the positioning of the fingerprint scanner for this large phone. This time it sits centrally, below the camera. This should be a much more intuitive fit for your index finger, particularly in a giganto-phone like this.  Making it easier for seniors to unlock their phone when they forgot their passwords.

    I Can See that Screen

    the Note 9 is the megalodon of the Galaxy line-up. And this year it’s bigger than ever, offering a 6.4in screen that pips its predecessor by an all-important 0.1in. Galaxy Note 9’s design is pretty familiar. It has a curved sheet of Gorilla Glass on the front, slightly less curved Gorilla Glass on the back and diamond-cut aluminium around the sides.   This makes it very easy to see, and in the crisp contrast of the dark on light font, smaller words and Icons tend to stand out.The Galaxy Note 9 uses one of Samsung’s ultra-bright, mega-sharp Super AMOLED panels, which lets you choose between reserved, natural colour or tones so bold they barely look real. Really makes the screen pop and extremely easy to see.

    Are you worried it’ll be too big for your pockets? The Note 9 measures 161.9 x 76.4 x 8.8mm, and weighs 201g. That’s only 0.2mm thicker and 1.6mm wider than the smaller Note 8. Should fit great in those front trouser pockets, I know mine does

     

    That S pen

    One thing i’ve noticed with senior smartphone users is they like the stylus option. This is another great reason for the Galaxy Note 9 and the included S pen. The S Pen stylus can still do all of the note-taking, transcribing, and scribbling that you could want across a wide range of apps, but now it has a whole new suite of functions too. This promotes the S Pen to a surprisingly useful tool for an active senior Note 9 user.

     

     

    Where Can I Get The Galaxy Note 9?

    The 128GB Galaxy Note 9 can be purchased through carriers including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless and Xfinity, along with Best Buy, Costco, Sam’s Club, Straight Talk Wireless, Target, Walmart, Samsung.com and the ShopSamsung app.

  • 7 Natural Remedies for Allergies

    7 Natural Remedies for Allergies

    Do you have Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy, watery eyes, nose, or throat? Have you been coughing or experiencing postnasal drip, fatigue or even facial pressure or pain? Relax its just allergies.

     

    Allergies are your body’s reaction to allergens (particles your body considers foreign), a sign that your immune system is working overtime. The first time your body encounters an allergen, your plasma cells release IgE (immunoglobulin E), an antibody specific to that allergen. IgE attaches to the surface of your mast cells. Mast cells are found in great numbers in your surface tissues (i.e., those with close proximity to the external environment, such as in your skin and in the mucous membranes of your nose), where they help mediate inflammatory responses.

     

    Sneezing, watery eyes and sinus pressure. None of these symptoms and fun to deal with. And they can really get in the way of your daily life. Many people break down and take prescription or over-the-counter medications just to get some relief. Let’s take a look at  7 Natural Remedies for Allergies to give you some relief this season.

    1.Local, Raw Honey

    If you eat a spoonful of local, raw honey every day, it can help keep your springtime allergies at bay. The honey must come from bees that are in your local region — the closer the better — and it can’t be pasteurized.

     

    2.Nettle

    You can purchase nettle in capsules or drink it as a tea. Since it contains histamine, which is released when you have an allergic reaction, nettle works by helping your body build up a tolerance to histamine. It can also help reduce inflammation. Don’t overuse nettle, though, as it can reduce your potassium levels.

     

    3.Eat an Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline Diet

    First and foremost, start eating an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce your risk for allergies and many other health problems. Caring for your body with nutrient-dense foods gives your immune system the ability to repair itself, bringing it back into balance so it can fight off common allergies in your environment. Foods like, garlic, lemon, green leafy vegetables, and bone broths can greatly reduce inflammation and relive this allergy pressure.

     

    4. Eucalyptus Oils

    This is one of my favorites, not even for allergy relief but general relaxation. You can put several drops of eucalyptus oil into your neti pot, inhale it via a diffuser, or use it in your laundry detergent as an antimicrobial agent. It will break up gunk in your respiratory system and open airways. Plus it smells terrific. If your allergy symptoms are going strong, mix eucalyptus oil with coconut oil and rub it on your chest and behind your ears and diffuse it in the air during the day and while sleeping.

    5. Hit It Over The Counter; Zyrtec VS Flonase

    Just go to the pharmancy and hit it with chemicals. But which one? Zyrtec VS Flonase?  Flonase is an over the counter products that are non-drowsy, anti-inflammatory allergy relief nasal sprays that provide more complete relief than a single-ingredient antihistamine. Flonase will not cause drowsiness, which is nice. Zyrtec works to treat sneezing and runny nose, and causes less sedation that others but will still cause some drowsiness. Zyrtec works well to also treat hives and itchy skin. its and age old debate Zyrtec VS Flonase but both will get the job done.

    6. CBD Balm

    This one has some hesitation to it, it is still cannabis oil but I use this for my sinus headaches. If I wasn’t able to avoid my allergies, CBD Balm for headaches has been soooo helpful. I rub it on my sinuses, temples and neck. If you combo it with Peppermint Halo from Saje, it’s a double whammy!

    7. Shower and Change Your Pillow Case

    I know this seems like an obvious one but it really makes a huge difference. Pollen or whatever allergen you’re allergic to can get stuck to your hair, skin, clothing etc… and then also end up on your pillows and in your bed. Frequent washing when you’ve been outside for a long time can go a long way. Even though I HATE washing my hair, if I’ve spent a couple hours outside I know I have to wash it.

  • Get Spinning! The 5 Best Spin Bike Choices for Home

    Get Spinning! The 5 Best Spin Bike Choices for Home

    Spinning is a great way to get into shape, but it can be tough getting up in the wee hours to travel to the gym or find a spinning class that fits with your schedule. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to this problem if you are struggling to find the time to hit the gym: put a spin bike in your home!

    What is a Spin Bike?

    To the uninitiated, it might seem like a bike is just a bike, but the spin bike has some unique qualities. For one thing, the spin bike is a hallmark of spin classes at the gym, which are known for upbeat music and an upbeat instructor. They work wonders at keeping you pumped and burning calories.

    Aside from its gym roots, the key difference between the spin bike and a typical stationary bike is the flywheel. The spin bike features a large wheel, usually in the front and separated from the pedals, that provides resistance and momentum to mirror the experience of riding a bike outdoors. These flywheels are usually heavier, weighing in at more than 30 pounds. With its unique flywheel setup, you can expect an intense workout on the spin bike!

    What to Look for in a Spin Bike?

    If you’ve browsed spin bikes online, you may already be overwhelmed by all of the choices. Like with anything, when you’re shopping for a spin bike, you’re trying to find the features you need at the best possible price.

    Resistance: The best bikes have a large range of resistances for novice and expert athletes alike.

    Support: You want a stable bike that holds its own, so you can focus on your workout.

    Materials: The bike’s longevity is dependent on the quality of its materials.

    Technology: Technological innovations can make your biking experience better.

    There are a lot of spin bikes out there to choose from, so to make life a little easier for you we are rounding up the top five spin bikes for working out at home!

    NexHT Fitness Exercise Cycle

    This spin bike uses a caliper style resistance mechanism and a 24.3-pound flywheel. This could be a problem to some users because the heavier the flywheel the smoother the ride. Some riders may experience some rocking while using this bike.

    It features an LCD with five different functions to display Time, Speed, Distance and Calories. We’ll be the first to admit that this bike is best suited for casual users who want to ride while watching television rather than pushing themselves for a hard workout.

    Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle
    If you are looking for style and durability over whizbang features, then the Keiser M3i may be your best choice. It features magnetic resistance instead of physical resistance, so you’ll be able to spin to your heart’s content without making a lot of noise. Great for workouts after the kids go to bed!

    There’s a computer display which can offer a variety of metrics such as heart rate, RPM, elapse time and resistance level. It also features Bluetooth connectivity so you can transfer your workout data to a compatible app.

    Sunny Health & Fitness Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike

    This model of spin bike lives somewhere in between “affordable” and “durable” for those who don’t want to spend a fortune but also don’t want to buy a piece of junk that’ll break down in a few months.

    It uses a 40-pound flywheel to create a smooth ride and a caliper style resistance system. Calipers are a bit less reliable than direct friction brake pads and will need to be adjusted as time goes on, but again, the sacrifice is made for affordability.

    There is no computer display, but it’s easy enough to mount a portable device if you already have one. Even without the extra features, the Sunny Health & Fitness Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike is a sturdy machine that feels good to pedal. You can go from sitting to standing without wobble.

    Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus Indoor Cycling Bike

    Schwinn may be best known for their traditional bikes, but this is a model of spin bike you should absolutely consider. If you want a spin bike that looks more like a traditional bike, then it will definitely catch your eye.

    Like the Keiser M3i, the Schwinn features magnetic resistance rather than friction. With six working magnets, you can take this spin bike from beginner level to professional athlete level at the turn of a knob. There is no display, but the spin bike features Bluetooth technology so you can connect your favorite tracking app.

    If you are looking for a spin bike that feels like an authentic outdoor riding experience, then look no further than this Schwinn.

    The Peloton Bike
    If you are looking for a high-end spin bike, then the Peloton Bike will draw your eye. It features magnetic resistance, a 21-inch display with built-in speakers, microphone and camera. You can connect it to WiFi and also supports Bluetooth audio and wireless ANT+ heart rate straps.

    Why do you need all that? To join a virtual spin class, of course. Peloton’s online platform lets you watch live spin classes, previously recorded spin classes or even host your own! The online platform costs $39 per month, but those who live, eat and breathe spinning will find massive value in The Peloton Bike and its features.


  • Top Home Standby Power Generators

    Top Home Standby Power Generators

    As every Floridian during hurricane seasons knows a generator can offer a convenient source of backup power to your home in case of power outages or emergencies. They also make a great portable source of power when camping as well. Endless reasons I can think of to have a generator, but really they are for the reasons you can’t think of.  Hash-tag zombie apocalypse.

    There are some important factors to consider when purchasing and using a generator. Do you want gas-, propane- or solar-powered? Dual fuel options? Permanent or portable? If you want a portable unit, does it come with a wheel kit? Electric start or manual (recoil)? How many, and what types of outlets do you need? uhggg so many options, what to do? Chill down my readers, ill help you out.

    You’ll need to determine your family’s power requirements in order to determine which level of wattage on your generator is suitable. If you plan on running electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops off your generator, you’ll want to invest in one with inverter technology for ‘clean’ power that runs without surges that could fry the components.

    Briggs and Stratton

    Briggs and Stratton Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, focuses on providing power to get work done and make people’s lives better. After more than 100 years of power expertise, Briggs and Stratton claims worldwide renown for their engines and products that use their engines. Four out of five homes across the country use at least one tool or appliance with a Briggs and Stratton Engine, including Briggs and Stratton Home Backup Generators.

    The Briggs and Stratton 5-5-5 industry-leading warranty covers parts, labor, and travel for a full five years. Other manufacturers only cover parts for the entire 5-year warranty. Briggs and Stratton manufactures standby generators in five power capacities ranging from 8 kilowatts to 20 kilowatts with different automatic transfer switch configurations to fit the needs of virtually any home.

    With a load of key features like, Commercial-grade Vanguard Engines for reliable operation and extended run times. Unique Airflow technology pushes exhaust away from the building and makes the unit up to 50% quieter than most portable generators. This is very crucial and unique. I cant tell you how many people ive seen get carbon dioxide poisoning for having there generator next to their ac unit. Symphony II Power Management balances power between high and low wattage loads including central air conditioners. Superior U.S. Based Briggs and Stratton Customer Care Representatives.
    most importantly Quality, clean power safely power electronics and appliances.

    Generac

    A permanently installed Generac home backup generator protects your home automatically. It runs on natural gas or liquid propane (LP) fuel, and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit. A home backup generator delivers power directly to your home’s electrical system, backing up your entire home or just the most essential items.

    You also get Mobile Link™ Remote Monitoring FREE with every Guardian Series Home Standby Generator. Allows you to monitor the status of your generator from anywhere in the world using a smartphone, tablet, or PC. Easily access information, such as the current operating status and maintenance alerts. With Mobile Link, you are taken care of before the next power outage.

    Another option I like with theses is refueling not necessary but can be done. Your Generac home backup generator runs on your existing natural gas or LP fuel supply. Save the gas cans for your other outdoor power equipment.

    Champion

    Champion Power Equipment is a market leader in power generation equipment with years of experience providing dependable, durable power products designed and engineered for in the U.S. for North American and global generator markets. Since 2003, Champion has earned a reputation for designing the finest power equipment with facilities in the United States and Canada with more than 2.5 million generators sold in America.

    The Champion 8.5-Kilowatt 100174 Home Standby Generator with 8-Circuit NEMA 1 Automatic Transfer Switch won a Consumer Reports “Best Buy” Rating compared to similar home backup generator brands. Champion Standby Generators come with a 10-year limited consumer warranty. Popular Champion Models include the Champion 14-kilowatt 100294 Home Standby Generator with 200-Amp Whole House Automatic Transfer Switch.

    Champion boast tons of features, like Demand Control Intelligent Load Management. This divides a home into prioritized zones and manages designated non-vital circuits to allow priority circuits to start and run. When demand returns to normal, the load manager restores the non-vital circuits. champion milwaukee series overhead valve commercial engines for durable, reliable power when outages stretch into days and weeks. Two-battery, 24-volt starting system, the most powerful in the industry, provides fast, reliable starts in all types of weather down to -22o. Add in their 1010-Year Warranty – double the length of most manufacturers standard industry warranty and all-weather steel enclosure and mounting pad for operation in any weather, including hurricanes. You got a baller and complete home backup generator