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7 banking scams and how to avoid them

7 banking scams and how to avoid them
People work hard for years on end to put together whatever savings they have. Losing this small safety net to scammers can put a dent in the person’s current quality of life and change their goals and plans. Therefore, staying updated about how fraudsters manipulate and scam people is vital. This information will help individuals stay safe from scammers and make informed choices regarding their banking habits. Here are a few banking scams to know about: 1. Phishing attacks Phishing experts impersonate people to extract money. They use emails and texts to pretend to be someone from an organization their target is aware of. This includes the bank, merchants, or some other service provider trying to verify the existing account. This is just an attempt to get the individual to share their bank details, social security number, or other personal details. Adhere to caution when dealing with links and one-time passwords. Avoid opening any unsolicited links or other communication. Try to verify the email address or phone number before proceeding with any dealings or information-sharing process. If none of that works, try to contact the bank from which the text has been received. 2. Check fraud Scammers can call or email individuals to tell them they have accidentally sent them a huge amount of money.

9 common annuity mistakes and how to avoid them

9 common annuity mistakes and how to avoid them
An annuity is a contract that binds the insurer to make a series of payments at regular intervals. They can be a valuable investment tool, especially for one’s retirement. However, people may make many mistakes when signing up for these, causing them to pay big sums in interest or deal with losses. Read on to find out more about nine common annuity mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Choosing the wrong insurance provider/annuity Investors can choose between five basic annuities – fixed dollar amount, inflation-adjusted, variable, guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit, and guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits. Each of these has its own pros and cons, and choosing the right type is important to meet one’s financial or investment goals. Additionally, investors also need to pay close attention to the insurance company. These policies must only be purchased from highly reputable companies with a solid financial strength rating. Overlooking the costs Annuities are an expensive investment; failing to pay attention to the fine print when signing up could result in major losses. Just like other retirement tools, annuities too have associated fees, charges, and commissions. Most commonly, these include mortality and expense fees, administrative fees, surrender charges, investment management fees, and charges for optional riders.

10 human foods that are safe for dogs

10 human foods that are safe for dogs
Many pet owners tend to share their own food with their pets. After all, it can be hard to say no to the puppy eyes watching you while you cook or eat. However, humans and dogs metabolize food differently, and so, what is safe and healthy for you can be dangerous for your four-legged companion. So, here are a few safe and delicious human foods that even dogs can enjoy: Peanut butter Not just us, even dogs can’t get enough of peanut butter. Fortunately, it is safe for dogs and contains nutrients like healthy fats, vitamins B and E, protein, and niacin. However, it is high in fat and calorie content, so overindulgence can lead to health issues. Also, plain peanut butter that does not contain added sugar, salt, or artificial sweeteners, should be offered to dogs. Chicken Cooked chicken, without bones and spices, can be a perfect meal for canines. It is one of the best sources of protein, making it one of the most common ingredients in dog foods. Cooked chicken bones should never be given to your pets as these bones can splinter and lead to choking. Carrots Carrots can be your go-to choice for veggies that can be shared with dogs.

5 foods that can play a role in lowering cancer risk

5 foods that can play a role in lowering cancer risk
Cancer is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of conditions that are caused due to the rapid multiplication of abnormal or damaged cells in the body. The condition can originate in any part of the body and the cells usually spread or invade nearby organs, tissues, and muscles. While the exact cause of cancer is unknown, following specific food plans, as given below, can help reduce the risk of developing this condition: 5 foods that can help lower the risk of cancer Broccoli If you’re looking for a superfood that can help you lower your chances of cancer, you could try broccoli. An integral part of many healthy recipes, broccoli contains tons of antioxidants and vital nutrients that keep the body healthy. It also contains sulforaphane, which is known to have many strong anti-cancer properties. Studies conducted by the National Institute of Health have shown that sulforaphane can reduce the size as well the number of cancer cells in the breast by almost 75%. They also found that treating mice with sulforaphane reduced the prostate cancer cells and the volume of the tumor by greater than 50%. More research is needed to understand the role of sulforaphane in the fight against cancer.

6 surprising migraine triggers and ways to manage them

6 surprising migraine triggers and ways to manage them
No one can know what a painful affair a sudden onset of migraine pang is other than the person who goes through it. While the migraine triggers differ from person to person, a few culprits are there, which seem to attack everyone indiscriminately. When one can identify their triggers, they are a step closer to effectively managing migraine and avoiding future attacks. Here are six surprising migraine triggers which you may not have been previously aware of: Excessive stress Stress is the most common reason that tends to trigger migraine pangs. According to some studies, stress is a catalyst for 70 percent of migraine attacks in patients. Besides, such studies have revealed a close relationship between daily migraine activity and stress levels. Furthermore, there seems to be a continuous cycle in which the day-to-day stress levels are further loaded with the worry of upcoming migraine attacks. How to manage: One can begin by preparing an exhaustive list of things that seem to bug daily but are pretty mundane and can be dealt with quickly without any undue tension or stress. Once the list is prepared, work on those triggers to reduce their effects on your stress levels. Besides that, try relaxation therapy, yoga, meditation, exercise, biofeedback, and massage to calm your mind and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

10 myths about sunglasses that could damage your vision

10 myths about sunglasses that could damage your vision
Did you know that excessive exposure to harsh sun rays can aggravate the risk of eye diseases? However, the prevention is very straightforward. You can wear sunglasses, which block at least 99 to 100 percent of UVB and UVA radiation. However, there are several myths associated with eye health and sunglasses. So, today, we have taken it on ourselves to debunk the common myths about sunglasses, which may damage your eye health. Let’s address them below. Expensive shades are better A higher price tag is not indicative of a sunglass’s ability to shield you against harmful UVA and UVB rays. At times, even some affordable sunglasses can do a good enough job at offering good eye protection. So, before checking the price tag, read through the packaging label. It is good to go if it clearly states that the sunglasses can block 100 percent UVA and UVB rays, regardless of the price tag. Oakley has some of the best options you can try. Sunglasses are only for sunny days UV light can easily penetrate through the haze and the clouds. Irrespective of the season, you must wear sunglasses. Excessive sun exposure puts you at risk of cancer, cataracts, and growth in the eye.

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6 mistakes to avoid while booking a hotel

Various online platforms have made booking accommodations a breeze. Whether you are traveling within the country or abroad, you need to make sure that you have chosen the right place to say and made the bookings correctly, so there’s no issue when checking in. However, certain common mistakes people tend to make when booking hotels can put a hitch in their trip. Here’s a list of six such booking mistakes that you should avoid: Not clarifying the different elements of the rate Many a time when making a booking, people just see the room rate. They forget to check out other additional components of the room rate. For example, many forget to find out about taxes. If you are booking online, there are resort fees that you may not see immediately and forget to check about. The resort fee is an amount charged for certain amenities at the property and is mostly not part of the basic room rate. You may realize the extra amount to be paid only when you arrive at the hotel, and at that time, it is too late to cancel your booking without paying a hefty fee. Therefore, it is best to gather all information before you make the booking. This way you will not end up being in a sorry state spending more than budgeted for the trip. Choosing non-refundable rates to book the room This could be another big blunder. Non-refundable rates usually are lower rates than the normal rates, that’s why these are so attractive. Sometimes, the non-refundable tag are prominently displayed but at times it can be mentioned in tiny fonts somewhere below that is easy to miss. Unfortunately, situations can change anytime and what was once a confirmed trip, you may need to cancel the booking eventually. There could be an emergency at the home, or office, or you may need to change the dates, etc.

7 things to avoid doing when staying in a hotel

Staying in a luxurious hotel can be exciting. You can enjoy several amenities, personalized services, and complimentary benefits. But you should be cautious. Experts and travel enthusiasts have devised several dos and don’ts to follow when in a hotel to avoid confusion and make the trip more memorable. Special focus should be on the don’ts as these can risk your safety in a new place. Here are seven things to avoid doing in hotels: Opening the door instantly Many instantly reach out for the doorknob on hearing the doorbell or a knock. This is a big mistake. While it is okay to assume that the person on the other side would be a housekeeping staff or an F&B person, it is best never to take a chance. This is especially applicable if you are in another country, traveling for the first time to a place, or staying at the location as a first-time guest. Verify the visitor’s identity before opening the door. You can do so by looking through the peephole or glancing outside through an adjacent window. Letting strangers inside can be costly if they turn out to be someone with the wrong intent. Packing the hotel’s bathrobes in your suitcase This is nothing short of stealing; you could be in big trouble if caught. Besides the legal hassles, pilfering the hotel’s properties speaks poorly about your manners. Taking a small bottle of shampoo, conditioner, or body lotion may be okay because these usually end up in the trash. But not bathrobes for sure. Similarly, do not just pick other linen pieces, small electronic items, or any artwork from the room. Hotels conduct a thorough inspection after you leave and could impose legal charges if the offense is serious. Using throw pillows In luxury hotels, you may see throw pillows lying on sofas, chairs, and other sitting areas.

7 easy ways to accessorize any outfit

Accessories tend to not only enhance your attire but also make you appear vibrant. Be it a casual chic look or an utter formal attire, adding some flash and bling just infuses life into your overall appearance. However, your accessories can perform their assigned role correctly only if perfectly styled. Here are some easy techniques and tips you can apply to up your fashion game and bring the best out of your outfit: Do not pile up on accessories at a time Most people commit the mistake of donning all the available accessories at once with an outfit. It must be noted that as far as accessories are concerned, less is always more. The purpose of using accessories is to highlight your outfit. However, if you adorn your outfit with several accessories like a watch, scarf, jewelry, sunglasses, hat, etc., all at once, none of them will stand out, making your outfit look cluttered and even awful. Highlight neutral clothes with bold accessories While neutral-colored clothes can look dull and understated, they are also the most perfect ones to be used as a field for experiments. If your wardrobe is filled with neutral colors like olive, navy, beige, white, or black, now is the time to boost them by pairing them up with some bold-colored accessories. Here are a few methods to do that: Pair a navy or black dress with a thin hot pink or red belt. Highlight your dull olive or khaki clothes using a flashy yellow or orange scarf. Add some hue to your colorless white blouse by pairing it with big drop earrings or a multicolored statement necklace. Don’t be too matchy While it could be tempting to pair up the blue polka dots of your dress with some matching blue shoes, a blue necklace, and blue earrings, it would make the outfit too predictable, boring, and even childish.

8 must-have accessories for men

Accessories tend to constitute a crucial part of outfits. They are those magical wands that have the power to infuse life into the dullest of clothes. However, they can be equally intimidating if one is unaware of the basic rules of accessorizing and invests in the wrong pieces. So, here is a list of men’s accessories that never go out of style and, therefore, are a must-have in one’s wardrobe. Sunglasses When it comes to accessories, nothing comes close to a pair of sunglasses. They are practical, flattering, and the perfect solution for hiding the shadows under your eyes. Not to forget, they play a vital role in protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Besides that, they are here to stay for a long time unless broken due to a mishap. Make sure you keep the style classic and subtle with tortoiseshell or black frames and dark green, black, or brown lenses. Wallets While paying for your necessities is now as simple as swiping a card or transferring through a smartphone, the charm of billfold wallets doesn’t seem to subside. And why not? They are practical, strong, yet flexible enough to accommodate their contents effortlessly, and, most importantly, they are durable too. They come in various prints, colors, and designs to suit every personality. One can also get them customized with initials or personal charms. Stainless steel watches These are the practical, no-nonsense cousins of the gold watches with a long lifespan. Besides that, they are extremely versatile. A classy watch can instantly amp up any outfit – be it a formal suit or a casual T-shirt and jeans. One can never go wrong with this men’s accessory. Durable belts Belts are not merely for holding your trousers in place; they also add to your overall look.

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5 styling ideas for women over 60

5 styling ideas for women over 60

Age is a number when setting a true style statement. Regardless of anyone’s perception, just because you are reaching the 60s doesn’t imply to stop working on your appearance and renounce your desires to look fabulous. Fashion is not just merely about trends; it is about how you express yourself through clothes as the myths of age must not limit your expression. So, here are a few best styling ideas for women over 60: Embrace your age One of the most typical fashion mistakes people make is choosing outfits that are supposed to make them appear younger than their actual age. The problem with such a choice is that you are paradoxically accentuating your age when you try to look younger by wearing an outfit that will be more appropriate for youngsters. For example, if you don high heels, short skirts, or flashy fashions that might be more appropriate for a person half your age, you are indirectly making yourself appear “older.” Instead, you can opt for clothes that are specially tailored for women your age. Sporting “age-appropriate” dresses will conceal your age and make others appreciate your other features like glowing skin or your build. And consequently, you will appear much younger than your actual age.
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5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis

5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory disease that triggers inflammation and ulcers in the digestive system. It impacts the colon and rectum’s innermost lining. The symptoms are typically produced over a period rather than unexpectedly. According to the latest studies, about 1 million people have ulcerative colitis, and if left untreated, it can be crippling and cause life-threatening conditions. So, here are 5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis: Get on with the treatment plan immediately Even though there is no concrete cure for ulcerative colitis, proper treatment can help ease the symptoms and signs of the condition and eventually provide long-term remission. If a patient feels that their bowel habits are consistently changing or if they experience any of the following symptoms and signs, they should immediately consult a doctor: Blood in stool Ongoing diarrhea that is not getting cured by any other types of treatments An unknown fever going on for more than a day or two Abdominal pain Diarrhea that wakes up the patient from sleep The treatments prescribed by the doctor will typically include a combination of oral therapy or surgery. As far as oral treatments are concerned, the doctor may prescribe any of the following types of therapies, depending on the patient’s existing condition:
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