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  Home & Garden

  How to Determine If a Lawn Mower Is Right for You

  Selecting the finest sort of lawn mower can be a simplistic for the upkeep of your grass. There are different types and models, so consider different factors to help you select a mower that is best for you. Here's a guide to help you determine whether a lawn mower is that tool for you.1.Measure up your Lawn Area and its TopographyChoosing the right lawn mowers has to do with the size and topography of your lawn. Push mowers and electric mowers work best for small, flat lawns. Because they're light, easy to steer and eco-friendly. But gas mowers can be a better fit for larger lawns. For instance, self-propelled mower or mower attached with adjustable cutting height is a good option if your lawn is not even or there are slopes and some barriers in your lawn.2.Evaluate YourPhysical CapabilityIf you are physically able todo so, your ability should also factor in your choice. Push mowers are physically demanding, making them difficult for people with limited strength or mobility to use. In those instances, a self-propelled mower, which launches itself forward with a little bit of push from you, would be preferable. For people with large lawns or physical restrictions, a riding mower provides comfort and limits strain, so it's possible to mow large expanses without tiring out.3.Maintenance Requirements EvaluationMowershave different maintenance requirements. Gas-powered mowers are powerful but need regular maintenance — oil changes, air filter cleaning and replacement, spark-plug checks. If you want low-maintenance options, corded or battery-powered electric mowers may make more sense. They have fewer moving parts and do not require fuel, making them simpler to maintain. But if you are contemplating converting to a battery-powered mower, they require frequent charging, so make sure you have a proper power supply.4.ConsiderEnvironmental ImpactGas mowers also emit pollutants and contribute to noise pollution, which can be a concern if you live in a densely populated areaor have environmental sensitivities. Electric mowers, by comparison, are quieter and generate no direct emissions,making them a greener choice. If you care aboutsustainability, you could use an entirely manual, non-emitting reel mower.5.Budget and Cost of OwnershipYour budget has a lot to do with what mower is best for you. Push reel mowers are typically the cheapest, though they aren't the most practical choice for larger lawns. Electric mowers are reasonably priced and inexpensive to run, but their range is limited by the length of the cord or the number of times youcan recharge the battery. Gas mowers and riding mowerscost more up front and have more expensive operating costs because of fuel and maintenance. When comparing mowers, think about not just the upfront cost, but also the long-term outlay for each type.6.Storage SpaceThe amount of storage space you already have can be a potential factor into your decision as well. Push mowers and electric mowers are both compact and take up limited storage space, which can be ideal for those tight on storage space. Mowers with gas engines, as well as riding mowers, take up a lot of space, so be sure you have enough elbow room in your garage or shed before buying one.In summary, choosing the correct equipment for lawncare makes a little bit of you need to make note regardingyour lawn's various attributes your physical experiences,maintenance, environmental concerns, budget, storage space and features you want. Considering these factors will help you make an informed choice on a mower that serves your needs while simplifying your lawn care regimen. Becoming familiar with both the pros and cons, however, will greatly increase the chance that your lawn stays healthy and well‐maintained, resulting in a home that has an outdoor area you will love.
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  Health & Wellness

  Preventing Kidney Stones: Effective Strategies for a Healthier Life

  Kidney stones are a common painful condition that can be experienced by anyone. These solid deposits of minerals and salts can form in the kidneys, causing agonizing pain as they move through the urinary tract. While some people are genetically more prediscovered to grow kidney stones, there are several things that we can do to help prevent these from forming in the first place. Making some lifestyle changes and simply being cautious of dietary practices can greatly reduce your chances of developing this painful condition.1.Stay Well-hydratedThe best way to try to prevent kidney stones is to keep hydrated. Staying well hydrated by drinking adequate water during the day helps to dilute materials that create stones in the urine.Minerals and salts are less likely to crystalize and form stones when urine is dilute. Their reason behind this is that the normal, reliable advice says that you ought to be drinking 8–10 glasses, or 2–3 liters, of water a day, but whose to say what this refers to when there are so many factors in your environment, level of activity, health conditions, etc. That will determine how hydrated you need to be. Those with a history of kidney stones are often advised to drink enough water to produce around 2.5 liters of urine per day. Water remains the best, but other fluids (like herbal teas and citrus-based drinks) can help with hydration, and possible prevention, in some cases, because citrate (found in citrus-based drinks) can help reduce formation of stones.2.Balanced DietDiet is also an important part of preventing kidney stones. A diet that is low in salt and animal protein may help prevent stone formation. Excessive sodium intake can raise the amount of calcium in the urine, a major component of many kidney stones. So it’s important to limit processed foods, canned soups and salty snacks. Moreover, decreased animal proteins (e.g red meat, poultry/eggs) consumption will help to decrease the urinary levels of uric acid(another contributor to stone formation). We can certainly reduce our intake of animal proteins, and replace with more plant-based proteins, like beans, lentils, and tofu.3.Get Enough CalciumCalcium is also misunderstood with regard to kidney stones. Although calcium is a component of many stones, avoiding calcium is not the answer. In fact, consuming adequate calcium through fooddairy products or fortified plant-based options — can help prevent stones. That’s because calcium attaches to oxalate in the intestines, where it prevents oxalate from entering the bloodstream and being filtered out through the urine, where it can lead to stone formation. But speaking of extra calcium, it is also one of the minerals which shouldn't be taken in excess as it increases stone risk.4.Take in Oxalate-rich FoodsAnother food-related factor is the consumption of foods high in oxalate.Foods that are high in oxalate contain a compound that can combine with calcium in the urine to make calcium oxalate stones — the most common type of kidney stones. Spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts and chocolate are all high oxalate. That doesn’t mean you have to completely ban these foods, but moderation, as well as balancing these foods with calcium-rich foods, may help in stone formation.So in summary, the avoidance of food that would cause kidney stones, drinking lots of fluid and maintaining a healthy life style solves the puzzle of staying away from kidney stones. Well, here you can really reduce your risk of this painful condition as long as you drink enough water, reduce salt and animal proteins, take enough calcium, control oxalate-rich foods and weight. Though none of these approaches guarantee immunity from kidney disease, they help support these important organs while improving your quality of life. So if you’re prone to kidney stones (or at higher risk), always check with your doctor directly for more tailored advice.
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  Travel

  Helpful Tips for an Easy Air Travel

  While air travel can be exciting, it isn't without stress. From navigating busy airports to working with flight delays, it can be a lot to handle. But with some preparation and a change of outlook, you can find ways to make your air travel experience easier and more pleasant. Here are a few tips to fly without any stress.1.Plan and Prepare in AdvanceOne of the best methods of preparing for travel stress is to plan ahead. Make reservations for your airline tickets ahead of time so you can find the best available seats and rates. Check your airline’s baggage policies so you don’t have any surprises at the airport. When traveling internationally, get your passport up to date and learn the visa rules. Be sure to make a list in advance of things you will need, such as travel documents, medication and chargers, so you avoid a last-minute meltdown.2.Pack SmartPacking well can help you save time and headaches. To maximize luggage space and ensure organization, pack with packing cubes. Pack the packages with you if you can, because this can avoid some checked-bag fees and the adventure of luggage loss. Do remember to put clothes, toiletries and any other necessary medicines into your bags in case of your plane is delayed. If you’ll be doing shopping during your trip, save room for souvenirs.3.Arrive EarlyAllowing more time than needed when arriving at the airport will go a long way in decreasing stress. Try to get there at least two hours ahead of a domestic flight and three ahead of an international one. That gives you plenty of time to check in, clear security and deal with any surprises. Take this additional time to kick back, get a snack or walk around the airport.4.Stay OrganizedStore all your travel documents like your boarding pass, your passport, your ID in one easily accessible place. Use a travel wallet, or a digital app, for important information. Having everything organized will help you avoid a fumble through your bag at security or the boarding gate.5.Dress ComfortablyDress your flight in something comfortable, especially if you’re on a long journey. Instead, layersare best, as temperatures do fluctuate on planes. Abjure belts or unnecessary jewelry, to assist security screening in becoming a more efficient process.6.Stay Hydrated and NourishedAvionics cabins can be dehydrating, so you should drink lots of water before and during your flight. Take an empty reusable water bottle for filling up after you clear security. Bring healthy snacks, such as nuts, fruit or granola bars to fuel your energy level, especially if you have dietary restrictions or prefer not to bank on airline food.7.Entertain YourselfLong flights can be monotonous, come armed with entertainment. Download movies, TV shows, podcasts or e-books to your devices. You can amplify your in-flight entertainment and block cabin noise with noise-canceling headphones. If you want to do something offline, bring along a book, journal or puzzle book.8.Engage in RelaxationTechniquesFor nervous flyers or those who typically feel some stress during the flight, relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, meditation or listening to relaxing music, may also help. These practices enable you to remain calm and collected throughout, thus making the flight more pleasant.9.Be Kind and PatientTravel is stressful for all, so keeping a positive attitude and being kind to airline employees and other passengers will take you far. The interaction can become more pleasant for all — so easy to do with a smile or a kind word.10.Prepare for Jet LagIf you’re traveling across time zones, shift your sleep schedule a few days ahead of your trip, to lessen the impact of jet lag. Keep drinking water, limit caffeine or alcohol, and attempt to sleep on the plane if it’s nighttime at the place you’re headed.In general, these tips will change your air travel experience from stressful to seamless. With a little forethought and a positive attitude, you’ll be all set to enjoy your travel time and get to your destination feeling energized and ready to explore.