Today, one can easily access videos on fixing, repairing, or renovating a space; however, sometimes, it’s hard to resist the temptation to roll up one’s sleeves and dive right into DIY land. Hiring a handyperson to carry out the job they were trained for will always trump homeowners trying to figure out how to achieve the same thing on the fly. Here are a few benefits of hiring handyperson services.
Experience and expertise
While DIY-ing may seem the better choice, what with a flood of how-to videos on the Internet, sometimes hiring a handyperson is the way to go. Such professionals bring expertise and experience to the table, and if one hires the right person for the job while not skimping on the cost, the job at hand can get done quickly and efficiently. The skill lies in not tightening a screw but in knowing which screw to tighten.
Time-saving and convenient
Imagine searching online for hours for the correct video on fixing what’s broken or assembling something large. Hiring a handyperson will save time and be more convenient than racking brains about what goes where. Tasks like plumbing, electrical work, repairs around the house, and even some appliance repairs can look easy when someone else does them but could go wrong if attempted by oneself. It’s best to outsource such projects to a handyman and save time and enjoy the convenience of it.
Cost and access to tools and equipment
DIY-ing may seem like the cheaper option, but one does run the risk of ruining whatever they are trying to fix and end up spending more on an entirely new purchase than they would have by simply paying a handyman to do the job! Handymen also have access to the necessary tools and equipment to handle a wide variety of tasks, saving one the trouble of purchasing or renting those tools. Power tools can be expensive and add the burden of storing them safely after purchase.
Safety
Household repairs can get a bit hairy, and if one is not careful or does not use enough safety precautions, it could result in an untoward situation. Handypersons are well-versed in safety protocols and are equipped to deal with a problematic situation should it arise. Without appropriate safety gear and knowledge of using certain power tools, one could seriously injure oneself if one attempts to do repairs or renovations independently.
Insurance and guarantees
Reputed handyperson services can come with insurance coverage and guarantees for their work. This way, one is covered should there be an issue with the repair work. The handyman, too, would be covered by insurance if they are part of a proper setup and licensed contractor, should an unfortunate incident occur.
Quality and longevity
Hiring a handyman to perform maintenance and repair tasks around the house, or even an assembly, guarantees that the job done won’t be just a temporary quick fix. Choosing a reputed, knowledgeable, and skilled person to handle household tasks can ensure that the work will be one of quality and won’t come undone in a matter of days. A professional can also guide and suggest best practices for usage and maintenance, extending the life of whatever they have fixed.
Affecting an incredible eight million-plus people in the United States, Gout is a serious form of arthritis that causes insurmountable pain in the joints. The condition, which is one of the oldest prevailing medical illness in society, develops due to the accumulation of uric acid in the joints, mostly troubling overweight adults and men. Delving further, here are seven must-know facts about this condition.
In women, it is more common after menopause
Gout basically occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid, which then forms needle-shaped structures in the joints and leads to pain, inflammation, and redness. Estrogen, a hormone found in women, naturally leads to uric acid being released through urine. However, after menopause, their estrogen levels start to drop, which makes the uric acid content in their blood rise.
Gout can take birth even with normal levels of uric acid
While most patients suffering from gout have a high concentration of uric acid in their bloodstream, some gout attacks can even occur with normal uric acid levels — a rare condition termed as asymptomatic hyperuricemia.
Alcohol increases its risk
Along with meat, fish, and poultry, alcohol consumption drastically increases the chances of developing gout. This is because alcohol has a high content of purine, a chemical compound that breaks down into urea in the body. Excess consumption can increase the concentration in the bloodstream, with the kidneys not able to excrete it as quickly from the system. This ultimately leads to the accumulation of uric acid and subsequent gout.
The occurrence of gout safeguards the brain?
Some scientists are of the belief that the emergence of gout reduces the risk of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Could uric acid, despite being a waste product, be a powerful antioxidant and prevent the brain cells from damage? It is still only a hypothesis, with multiple studies needed before a conclusion can be reached.
Kidneys are exposed if gout is not treated
Besides causing immense pain and leading to gout, excess uric acid can also prove dangerous to the kidneys. The urate crystals, which are the needle-like structures that cause gout pain, pass through the kidneys and might end up causing scars, and even kidney failure over time.
Certain medicines trigger gout attacks
Changing lifestyle is an important part of treating gout. This also includes getting rid of specific medications that accelerate gout attacks. Aspirin, diuretics which is used to treat high blood pressure, cyclosporine, and niacin, among others, are all known to trigger gout attacks and, thereby, must be avoided.
Greatness is vulnerable to gout
While it is hard to find a silver lining in the gout pain, the condition has a history of affecting great people from history! Sir Issac Newton, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Charles Dickens, among others, were all diagnosed with gout.
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease in which the initially flexible, round red blood cells become crescent moon- or sickle-shaped. As a result, blood flow through small vessels slows down or stops, leading to various symptoms. The only cure for sickle cell anemia is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. However, recent studies have shown that certain herbs and their blend can also provide relief. Read on to learn more about the herbal management of sickle cell anemia.
Niprisan herbal extract formula
Nigeria has the highest number of sickle cell patients in the world. To help its citizens fight the disease, the Nigerian government’s National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) developed a herbal formula called Niprisan that has shown promising results. It is made with extracts from four different plants:
The main active compounds of these herbs are piperine, chavicine, capsaicin, and cubebin. The medicine is unlikely to cause significant side effects.
Fagara zanthoxyloides
Herbal management of sickle cell anemia involves a few other herbs as well, which have shown promising results. One of them is the root bark of fagara zanthoxyloides, a well-known medicinal plant in Uganda. The herb is also extensively used to treat malaria and other infections. A study suggests that the root bark of fagara zanthoxyloides can reduce the formation of sickle-shaped cells. Plus, it can lower the symptoms’ severity to a great extent.
Terminalia catappa
Also known as tropical almond or Indian almond tree, Terminalia catappa grows throughout Africa, Asia, and Australia. Extracts from the leaves of this tree have long been used in Africa for treating various ailments. Research also discovered that the extracts are effective anti-sickling agents. It means they can prevent or reverse the pathological events that lead to the formation of sickle-shaped cells.
Carica papaya
The fermented green papayas and the leaves of the carica papaya tree are used for sickle cell anemia treatment. A 2005 study found that consuming fermented green papaya can prevent and even reverse the sickling of red blood cells. It also has several other health benefits that make it worth trying.
The safety features offered in 2020 Honda CRV makes the vehicle a true value for money. Among the assortment of features that the 2020 Honda CRV comes with, its safety features are a class apart. These are capable of mitigating any security hazards that might come in the way of the driver. Here, we will talk about some of the topmost safety features of the 2020 Honda CRV.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Even amidst extreme braking, a vehicle should be able to rotate well. In that respect, the 2020 Honda CRV has one of the best anti-lock braking systems (ABSs). Under extreme braking conditions, its ABS senses when the tire has stopped rotating and it thereby modulates the brake pressure, making it easier for the vehicle to rotate.
Road departure mitigation system
There are circumstances when it might become difficult for the driver to keep the vehicle on the lane. If not acted upon on time, things can become life-threatening. That’s where road departure mitigation comes in as a life savior. This system in the 2020 Honda CRV senses if your car is getting out of the lane and intimates you to get it back on track.
Blind spot information system
You might not be able to dodge blind spots on the road with a normal ride but with the 2020 Honda CRV, blind spots are no more a problem. It helps you monitor any impending blind spots, and as and when it tracks them, it warns you by the way of flashing light and giving you an audible intimation especially if things go beyond control.
Adaptive cruise control
The 2020 Honda CRV comes with an ‘adaptive cruise control’ feature. This means, it is able to monitor the speed of the vehicle in front and accordingly adjusts your vehicle’s speed. Apart from the adaptive cruise control feature, it also comes with a low-speed follow feature, which allows your vehicle to automatically stop when the preceding vehicle slows to a stop.
Rear-view camera with multi-angles
Taking a car in reverse, immaterial of the purpose, can be extremely challenging. You have to efficiently dodge people, vehicles, and objects to avoid any mishap. The 2020 Honda CRV gives the driver the following three angles to choose from: top-down, normal, and wide, with the help of which you cannot go wrong with any object in reverse.
Stability control
One of the best safety features of the 2020 Honda CRV is the stability control feature. The stability control feature won’t let your vehicle go out of control. The moment your vehicle is about to go out of control, it will enable the brake or reduce engine power, so that the driver does not lose control of the vehicle and does not succumb to any danger.
Cross-traffic monitor
While parking or commuting, there would be many vehicles coming in your way. The cross-traffic monitor senses these vehicles and intimates you of any danger.
Front-impact airbags
Crashes are the most lethal when a car engages in an accident, involving a collision with another vehicle or object. One of the most sensitive areas that can be affected is the head. The Honda CRV 2020 has intelligently taken care of this safety by including front-impact airbags. These have been designed to protect the head of the driver during a crash.
These aforementioned safety features ensure your security while you are driving the 2020 Honda CRV.
Going on a cruise trip is an exciting adventure! Traveling through the seas in a mobile hotel may seem like an overwhelming idea, but it is a lot of fun if you plan it correctly. Here are some don’ts that you must keep in mind as a cruise passenger. While these may seem like some basic traveling tips, it’s the little things that often help you out when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Don’t overdo the activities
Cruise liners are massive, and the activities you can try on board are several. Be it the entertainment deck, restaurant, casino, or pool, all of these places can be extremely exciting when taking your first cruise trip. So don’t get overwhelmed trying to visit each of these. Spread out your activities for all days of your travel to ensure you don’t get bored or tired easily. Cruise ships can accommodate thousands of people, and you may need to plan your visits to the several activities accordingly.
Don’t fraternize with staff
Now, this may seem harmless, but you have to be extremely careful about getting involved with any of the staff. The cruise line has very strict rules about the staff and guests getting too friendly, which often leads to the staff getting fired. If you notice anyone you like, it is best to avoid taking any action to make sure you are not ruining anyone’s career. A summer romance can be fun, but definitely not in this case! Even if a staff member makes the first move, just avoid any interaction. And if they make you feel uncomfortable, you can always lodge a complaint.
Don’t be rude to the crew
Basic etiquette demands that you stay on your best behavior with the crew, staff, and everyone on-board while on your cruise trip. Traveling across the seas with a bunch of strangers may get difficult, but it may get become problematic if you develop friction with any one of them. Besides, wouldn’t your journey be pleasant if you are polite and the crew goes out of their way to show you great hospitality?
Don’t stick to just buffets
Buffets can be very exciting and economical on your cruise trip. They also provide you with an opportunity to try some new cuisines without having to pay a lot of money. However, the cruise line mostly has some cuisine-specific restaurants, and if you really would like to try something new, it’s best you explore these instead of the buffet. You get to experience authentic cuisine and ambiance, and you’ll have plenty of choices on offer, unlike a buffet, where the menus are mostly fixed for each day.
Don’t under pack
This tip stays true the other way, so don’t under- or over-pack! Imagine being on a cruise traveling to different destinations and you have to constantly rearrange your luggage because you didn’t plan well. Book excursions in advance to have a better idea about your itinerary and what to wear on those days. You may even want to carry baggage with extra luggage space for any new shopping and souvenirs you get, like local artifacts or traditional clothes.
While these tips will ensure a hassle-free and memorable holiday on the seas, choosing a reputed cruise line is essential. Celebrity Cruises, Viking Cruises, and Virgin Voyages (formerly Virgin Cruises) have attractive packages to locations like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaskan, and Atlantic regions. They’re also known for great discounts and holiday deals with some explorative itineraries, so do check them out.
As we age, our body changes both physically and mentally. We become prone to a lot of diseases. One of them is Parkinson’s disease. People who develop Parkinson’s at times begin to show early signs from the age of 50. These early symptoms are mild and can go unnoticed. Hence, it is important to stay informed about Parkinson’s disease. Read to know more.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the brain. The disease affects the nerve cells that are in charge of producing dopamine. It causes tremors, stiffness, loss of balance, and loss in coordination. The disease progresses over time and leads to behavioral changes, depression, memory loss, and even fatigue.
What are the causes and risk factors of Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is the result of brain cells dying or becoming impaired. These cells produce dopamine and if the brain cells produce low amounts of the chemical, it can affect the movement of the body. Unfortunately, even science does not know the reason behind the degradation of the neurons. Despite this, they have managed to note down possible causes and risk factors for Parkinson’s disease.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
There are major and minor symptoms when it comes to Parkinson’s disease.
The four major symptoms are:
Though the progression of the disease differs for different people, these symptoms are commonly seen. There are other minor symptoms too. These include depression, urinary issues, sleep disorders, and trouble with swallowing, eating, and talking.
How to diagnose Parkinson’s disease?
Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease can be rather difficult. This is because Parkinson’s does not have any fixed blood or lab tests that can confirm the diagnosis, especially when it comes to nongenetic cases.
Not to mention, there are a whole lot of different conditions and disorders that have similar symptoms, which makes it very difficult to diagnose Parkinson’s disease.
When it comes to confirming a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, the way to do it is by considering the individual’s medical history and neurological function based on examinations.
What are the effective treatment options for Parkinson’s disease?
While there is no definitive cure for Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms can be managed with prescription medication. Different medication tackles different symptoms. Certain medication is prescribed to increase dopamine, while some manage the level of the chemical in the brain. Another medication is used to monitor the non-motor symptoms. Besides this, there is a therapy called L-dopa which is used mainly to increase the level of dopamine in the brain. L-dopa should never be stopped without consulting the doctor. Other therapies such as speech and physical therapy can also be used to manage the symptoms.
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Weak bones, which can indicate conditions such as osteoporosis, can be a concerning issue. If a person’s bones weaken, they become more prone to fractures, significantly disrupting their life and daily activities. Hence, it is essential to recognize the early signs of the weakening of bones so one can take the necessary steps to prevent more serious consequences. Here are 6 early signs of weak bones that one must look out for.
Brittle fingernails
If a person notices that their nails have become fragile and are breaking easily, it could be an indication that their bones are becoming weak. Besides weakening, if a person notices vertical ridges on their fingernails, it could also be a sign of calcium deficiency, which can further affect their bone health. However, it is important to take note of the fact that brittleness in fingernails can also be caused by various other factors. It is better to consult a healthcare provider about their concerns if one is in doubt.
Reduced grip strength
Weakening of bones can also affect a person’s grip strength. They may notice that tasks like twisting door knobs, holding onto objects, opening jars, etc., are becoming tougher. This could be a sign of decreasing bone density.
Tooth loss and receding gums
If a person’s jaw bones are becoming weak and losing bone density, they may notice their gums receding. Weakening of jaw bones can also cause tooth loss. If one notices these signs, they must not neglect it and visit a dentist immediately. The dentist may conduct a thorough examination, including taking an X-ray to investigate the cause.
Fractures from minor injuries
One of the most evident signs of weak bones is sustaining fractures from minor injuries. For instance, even minor accidents, like a fall from a standing height, can lead to broken bones. If one notices this sign, they must consult a healthcare professional at the earliest. Delaying a consultation may increase the risk of sustaining more fractures.
Back pain and change of posture
If an individual’s spine weakens, they may experience chronic back pain. This pain can sometimes also extend to the neck. Along with that, weakening of the spine can also result in a change in the individual’s posture. One may notice a slight curve in their upper back or even a decrease in their height. This can also be a serious sign of osteoporosis, which can lead to spine compression, further resulting in spinal fractures.
Shortness of breath
Even though it may not seem so, shortness of breath can also be a sign of the weakening of the bones. This symptom is closely connected to the previous sign, implying that if one’s spine is compressed due to osteoporosis, it can restrict the expansion of the lungs, leading to breathing problems.
The chances of osteoporosis and weakening of bones can increase with age. As soon as a person notices any of these signs in themselves or a loved one, they must consult a healthcare professional immediately before any severe issues arise.
A person experiences a heart attack when there is a severe reduction or blockage of the normal flow of blood to the heart. The blockage occurs because of the accumulation of cholesterol, fat, plaque, or other substances in the arteries of the heart. Also known as myocardial infarction, a heart attack requires immediate expert attention. So, it is important to determine the cause and monitor symptoms if one is at risk.
Pain and discomfort in the chest
This is one of the most common early warning signs of heart attack. A person who is having a heart attack experiences pressure, tightness, and pain in the chest. It may feel like a heavy object has been placed over the chest. Some people also experience a burning or pinching sensation in the chest. These sensations last for more than a few minutes.
Pain radiating from the arms
Another common early sign of heart attack is pain that starts from the left side of the body. This pain radiates from the chest. It gradually moves outwards. In some cases, the pain is restricted only to the left arm. It does not spread to the entire left part of the body.
Feeling light-headed
The onset of a heart attack can make one feel faint. There is a sudden feeling of unsteadiness, discomfort in the chest, and breathlessness. This may cause one to lose their balance as well. All of these early signs are the result of blood pressure dropping due to inadequate blood being pumped to the heart.
Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms are generally experienced more by women than by men. The feeling of nausea is often accompanied by symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. Some also experience pain in their abdomen. Although these symptoms are common digestive problems, it is important to monitor them carefully if one is at a known risk for heart attack.
Pain in jaw or throat
Generally, throat or jaw pain is not associated with heart problems. Issues with muscles, sinusitis, or common cold are some potential causes of throat or jaw pain. However, if the pain in the jaw radiates from pressure building in one’s chest, it can indicate an oncoming heart attack. In such cases, contacting emergency services as soon as possible is important.
Frequently feeling tired
Heart attack is commonly preceded by frequent feelings of tiredness and fatigue. For instance, one may feel winded or breathless after climbing up the stairs, jogging, or carrying around heavy items such as groceries. One may not have experienced this kind of tiredness earlier. When such changes in one’s energy levels occur, it is important to consult a health practitioner immediately and get tested.
Irregular heartbeats
Heart skipping a beat or the heartbeats becoming irregular occasionally due to excitement or nervousness is quite normal. But, irregular heartbeats that persist for a longer time require expert intervention. Also, if one starts to experience heart palpitations, it is a cause for concern. Feeling pressure buildup in the chest, along with dizziness or shortness of breath, can be early signs of a heart attack.
Making money online is not as hard as you think it is. If you have a bunch of skills to showcase and a drive to get things done, you can easily make hundreds of dollars every month. Nonetheless, sometimes, phony websites and Ponzi schemes seem to make it difficult to find the right sources of money. Therefore, we have taken the liberty to note down five reliable websites to make money online easily.
YouTube
Got something to share? Is it interesting and non-explicit? Then YouTube is the place to be. All you need to do is create engaging videos, and you can make thousands of dollars depending on how many views you get. Keep up the good work, and YouTube will keep paying you depending on the number of views on every new video you upload.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a great place to make money if you’re looking for freelancing jobs. From content writing to marketing and web development, Fiverr has a job for everybody. The basic pay starts at approximately $5 an hour. The process, too, is fairly simple. Once you get an order, you complete it, get paid, and Fiverr takes a small cut (around $1).
Shopify
With Shopify, there is no definite pay scale. This is because running a store on Shopify means starting a dropshipping business. The process is simple. Set up a store on Shopify and design your website using free templates. When a customer buys a product, the request goes to the supplier. They ship the product directly to your customer, and you make money.
Zirtual
This virtual assistant platform enables you to work for simply anybody remotely. Your boss can give many small tasks such as planning an event, making purchases, and booking appointments. A beginner gets paid anywhere between $11-$15 per hour. However, as your expertise grows, so does your base pay. Some end up making up to $500 a month only on Zirtual.
Upwork
Upwork helps you make money by utilizing your skills. From marketing to sales and graphic designing, you get a platform to showcase your skills and get paid. Upwork takes a small commission from your earnings. However, the more the payments, the lesser the commission taken. Nonetheless, as the platform is very popular, the competition is very high.
A small-sized pickup truck is your best bet If you plan to tow or carry light loads. With the plethora of pickup truck options available in the market, choosing the best small pickup truck can be confusing. Trucks from different automakers in various models offer different cab sizes, bed sizes, towing capacities, and features. Read on to find out the important factors to consider when shopping for the best small pickup truck.
Cab size
Choosing the right cab size according to your needs is very important as it directly affects the bed space available for cargo. A regular cab truck is the smallest and has 2 doors at the sides and a single row of seats with negligible space in between. Extended cab trucks are slightly bigger and have rear doors that are rear-hinged and can only be opened if its adjacent front door is open. Double cab trucks have 4 doors, but the rear seating doesn’t have enough legroom. If you’re looking to comfortably travel across the country with your family, go for a crew cab truck as it has 4 full-size forward-hinged doors and is spacious enough to stretch your legs.
Bed size
The bed is what makes a pickup truck stand out from other vehicles. The best way to know what bed size you need is to figure out the maximum size of the load you want to transport. Usually, bed sizes in a small pickup truck can be anywhere from 5 feet to 8 feet long, but it varies depending on the manufacturer and the cab size you prefer.
Automatic or manual transmission
An automatic transmission is the most prevalent choice today as they’re well suited for driving in cities, on different terrains, and provide great towing ability. Although trucks with manual transmission are not as popular now, some automakers still offer them. Moreover, manual transmission trucks generally cost less.
Two-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive
While two-wheel-drive trucks’ chassis are well suited for towing and hauling, many truck buyers only prefer four-wheel-drive trucks for its ability to offer a better ride off-road. Four-wheel drives can handle harsh weather conditions, especially snow. However, they are costly and add more weight to the drive, which means decreased fuel efficiency and higher maintenance.
Extra features
Every new model is replete with the latest features, high-tech infotainment systems, and luxury amenities. Some need big screens with up-to-date navigation systems, whereas those who spend a lot of time in the truck during winter may need seat warmers. Other features include off-road suspension systems, plush interiors, exterior storage bins, and tow packages. You must list the features you need and opt for a truck that is replete with these features as higher the number of features, costlier the truck.
Buying a used truck
You can consider a used pickup truck as it can offer great value for money when compared to fast-depreciating new vehicles. However, it can be tricky if you have no knowledge about pickup trucks and automobiles in general. It’s best to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly and take it for a test ride. It’s recommended that you research in detail before buying a used truck.