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Regular Exercise Can Keep Your Muscles Young

Muscles

Muscles can age with time, much like the rest of the body. As muscles age, you may feel more pain after exercising or just doing regular daily activities. Some people start to feel the effects of aging muscles as early as their 30s while others may not feel the effects for long after that. While it’s inevitable that the body will undergo changes as you get older, there are some steps you can take to help keep your muscles feeling young. This can help you stay active over time and may reduce the chances of developing other age-related health concerns.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise has many benefits both mentally and physically. When you work your muscles regularly, they stay strong and it’s easier for you to maintain a healthy muscle mass. Metabolism generally slows over time, but regular workouts can also reduce that, which can make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Working out several times per week is ideal, and those workouts can include everything from swimming to weight training.

Work out the right way

Lifting heavy weights can be very beneficial for building and maintaining healthy muscles if you don’t overdo it. Choose weights that are challenging and that require compound movements. It’s also important to rotate through various types of exercise in your routine. Your muscles will get used to specific movements, making those exercises less effective. Regularly including high-intensity interval training, known as HIIT, not only helps to keep your muscles fit, it can also promote better heart health.

Working out can get more challenging as you age, so it’s important to keep a regular exercise routine to help your muscles stay young. Changing up your workouts, incorporating challenging weight training and adding high-intensity exercise can provide physical and mental stimulation that can improve your overall health as you age.

Tips For Adding An Alternate Heat Source To Your Home

heat

In many areas of the country, temperatures are already dropping. This may have you thinking about the best way to heat your home. While a traditional HVAC system and other electrically powered heating systems work well in many homes, it can also be a good idea to have an alternate heating source. Power outages in fall and winter can prevent you from using your electrical heating system, which can be quite dangerous if you live in an area where temperatures get extremely cold. Consider adding an alternate heat source to your home to ensure your family stays safe and warm.

Quick and easy solutions

For those who need an occasional way to heat their home during a rare power outage, a propane heater can be a good option. These heaters are compact and can work well in small rooms. They may be a good choice if you live in an area with milder temperatures since you won’t likely need to purchase a lot of fuel. Kerosene heaters are also a good temporary option, and the newer versions are much smaller and easier to use. Kerosene can be pricey, but a kerosene heater can warm up a small-to-medium-sized room in little time.

Whole house heating systems

Fireplaces, whether wood-burning or gas-fueled, can be used to heat your entire house. Firewood is generally very affordable and easy to get. A wood-burning fireplace does require maintenance for safety, and installation can be quite pricey. Pellet stoves are another option for heating your home. The pellets burn clean, and the installation process is easier and cheaper than installing a wood-burning fireplace. Keep in mind that some alternate sources of heat won’t function efficiently without the use an electric blower, making them less than ideal for a power outage situation.

If you live in an area where it gets very cold during winter or an area where winter storms are common, it’s a good idea to have a non-electric way of heating your home. You may want a budget-friendly option that you only need in emergencies. Some people prefer to have a whole-house heating system installed, which can be more efficient than using an HVAC system. Whatever option you choose, be sure to properly maintain your system, install a carbon monoxide detector for safety and have enough fuel to get you through a winter power outage.

Understanding The Importance Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

omega-3

There is no lack of information when it comes to what nutrients the body needs to be healthy. However, depending on the source, the information can vary greatly. Plus, there is no one-size-fits-all plan for optimum health because there are so many different factors that make a person healthy, and the definition of health can vary from person to person. One nutrient that is vital for most people is omega-3 fatty acid. There are many ways to incorporate these into your diet.

Benefits of omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered healthy fats. They are found in many different types of foods, and you can also take a supplement if you’re not getting enough in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids promote a healthy heart and over time, and they can reduce the risk of heart disease. What’s more, these healthy fats can help with anxiety and depression.

How to eat more omega-3s

You can find omega-3s in tuna, mackerel, salmon and many other types of seafood. These fatty acids can also be found in flaxseed oil, canola oil and chia seeds. It’s usually best to try to get essential nutrients through diet, rather than supplements. However, fish oil and cod liver oil supplements are another option if you don’t incorporate enough of these foods into your diet. If you do choose to take a supplement, be aware of potential drug interactions. Some fish oil capsules can leave a bad aftertaste in your mouth, and they may cause an upset stomach for some people.

The three types of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, DHA and ALA, are found in seafood and other foods with healthy fats. These fatty acids can promote heart health and can relieve symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. The body benefits most from getting these nutrients directly from foods, but supplements can also be beneficial if you’re aware of the potential side effects. A quick chat with your doctor can help you decide if you would benefit from adding more omega-3s to your diet.

The Benefits Of Taking A Scenic Fall Drive

scenic

As the weather cools off, the leaves start to change colors. This makes autumn the perfect time to simply get outdoors and enjoy nature. Taking a scenic drive can be relaxing, plus you can make a day of it with a picnic and a little planning. There are plenty of beautiful places all over the nation where you can enjoy seeing the changing of the seasons. Consider one of these locations if you’re looking for a leaf-peeping destination.

Visit the Great Smoky Mountains

Whether you’re visiting Cherokee, Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, be sure to take some time to drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The area is full of waterfalls and hiking trails. There are also plenty of scenic byways throughout the park, and you may even get to see the majestic black bear.

Drive the covered bridge loop

New England is known for its quaint villages, and Connecticut is no exception. Take the 100-mile covered bridge loop to not only see beautiful fall colors on the trees but also to travel through some small towns with churches and homes that have changed very little in the past 200 years.

Explore the Olympic Peninsula

A drive along the coast of Washington gives you plenty of opportunities to see fall foliage and the beautiful beaches of the Northeast. You can see Puget Sound, take a ferry across the many waterways and view some scenic lighthouses. This area is the perfect destination for early fall travel.

Head toward the Great Lakes

The areas surrounding all the Great Lakes have plenty to offer for the nature enthusiast on a fall drive. The trees can start changing as early as September, and they can continue through late fall. With all the historic landmarks and small towns, there is no wrong time to visit.

Taking a fall drive through a scenic area can be an economical way to spend an afternoon. If you skip the highways and take the backroads, you may find some beautiful hidden gems that aren’t well known. Just be sure to pack a map of the area, as GPS is not always reliable when you’re traveling outside the main thoroughfares.

Cool Home Gadgets That Make Life Easier

gadgets

Technology has come a long way in recent years. With the invention of smart devices and other technologically advanced products, the average consumer can benefit in many ways. Gadgets that are designed for home use may make your home more secure, allow you to keep your home clean with less effort and make it easy to keep the family entertained. If you’re into the latest technology, consider some of these fun gadgets to make life at home easier and more enjoyable.

Cleaning robots

Who wouldn’t love a robot that could clean the house from top to bottom? While the technology is not quite there yet, there are robots that can be used to clean your floors. Robot vacuums and mops are very convenient, especially if you’re someone who hates sweeping, vacuuming and mopping. They can be pricey, but for many people, they are worth the money. Most can connect with your home Wi-Fi network, so you can even tell the unit to clean when you’re not at home.

Smart safety products

If you have seasonal allergies or if you have pets in your home, you can benefit from using an air purifier. The latest smart models remove even the smallest contaminants from the air inside your home, which can make the air inside cleaner and healthier. For the outside of your home, smart doorbells and surveillance systems allow you to see who’s at your door no matter where you are. You can also use these to check on your pets or your home when you’re away on vacation.

Advanced entertainment

Home entertainment options are always changing, and new products are always on the market. The latest home projectors can provide you with an experience similar to a movie theater in your home or even outdoors in your backyard. If you and your family are constantly online with many different devices, consider an advanced Wi-Fi system that can provide high-speed internet access throughout even the largest homes as well as in surrounding outdoor areas.

Many technologically advanced gadgets aren’t necessities, but they can be fun to have and can make your life easier. Cleaning robots and the latest in entertainment technology can help you enjoy your time at home. Most importantly, smart devices can give you peace of mind that your home is safe and secure even when you’re away.

Do You Need A Fitness Tracker?

fitness tracker

Keeping track of your fitness progress can be very helpful when you’re working toward specific goals. Many people utilize fitness trackers because they’re easy to use and able to keep a record of different variables. Fitness trackers can be pricey, but to some, they are invaluable because they can allow you to see what areas of your fitness routine need improvement. Consider the following if you’re trying to decide whether a fitness tracker will be useful in helping you reach your personal goals.

What do they keep track of?

Fitness trackers can keep track of many different things, and most allow you to monitor your stats and progress as you make changes to your routines. It’s important to understand that fitness trackers may not be exact in their data calculations, especially when it comes to calories consumed and calories burned. There are many variables that go into the data collection, so it’s best to understand how your fitness tracker works, which can allow you to adjust your fitness goals and routines accordingly.

What are the options when it comes to fitness trackers?

Some fitness trackers have large screens that let you see your data easily. This works well for those who likes to have a constant visual of their progress throughout the day. Others keep track of the data so you can use an app or online program to see your results. Many fitness trackers are multi-purpose by also functioning as a watch and connect to your smartphone. There are also rings and other wearable gadgets that can be used to monitor your sleep patterns and other health-related data.

You can use your fitness tracker to set realistic goals and change those goals as you make progress. Fitness trackers can be used as a reminder to be more active, eat better or to adjust your sleep patterns. However, fitness trackers can be expensive, and they do have their limitations. They are a great option for those who enjoy seeing the numbers, and they work well to keep you motivated if you’re into using technology to improve your health.

Play Games To Keep Your Brain Healthy

brain

There are many factors that contribute to overall health. You may eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep your body in shape, but do you ever think about brain health? Alzheimer’s and conditions that cause mental decline are quite common as people age. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to keep your brain healthy and one of these includes regularly playing games that provide mental stimulation.

What are brain games?

There are many types of games that can be used to help keep your brain healthy. Brain games can involve math problems, puzzles, riddles and other tasks that make you think. You can find these types of games in books or online. There are even apps that you can download on your phone so you can play when you have some spare time during the day.

The benefits

The brain works like many other parts of the body. Keeping it active can help it stay healthy. By regularly stimulating your brain through doing challenging games and puzzles, you can increase your ability to remember things. Training your brain using games can also help you focus when you’re doing other things, like working or reading. Keeping your brain healthy can also reduce brain fog, and it may have long-term benefits.

Play games you enjoy

If a game feels like a chore, you’re much less likely to do it. Find challenging games that you enjoy. Word games are great for those who enjoy reading. Math problems, especially multi-step problems that require intensive problem-solving skills, work well for those who enjoy numbers. If you enjoy true crime, check out puzzle books that allow you to solve fictional cases using clues. Sudoku, crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles can all be beneficial, and the more challenging the better.

Games can be both fun and beneficial for your brain. Choose games that are challenging but enjoyable. Keeping your brain healthy by regularly playing brain games may prevent debilitating conditions like dementia. Plus, playing a challenging game is a fun way to occupy your mind for a few minutes each day.

Get Rid Of Malware On Your Phone

malware

You may use your phone every day without realizing that you have malware. There are many ways to end up with malware on your phone, and it can cause all kinds of issues. It can slow your phone down and cause other apps on your phone not to work correctly. Some types of malware even gather your personal information, which can lead to serious issues if someone uses that information to hack into your accounts. But there are ways to remove malware and some ways to prevent yourself from downloading bad apps in the future.

Thoroughly search your phone

Malware apps may look like normal apps when you download them. They sometimes even change the name and icon on your phone once downloaded, which can make them harder to find. Go through all the apps on your phone to find ones that you don’t use or ones that you don’t remember downloading. Remove those apps fully by uninstalling, not just removing the icon from your screen. Most phones allow you to pull up a function that shows all installed apps. If you can’t do this, be sure to go through all files and folders on your phone to find any apps that don’t belong.

What to look for

Malware is often disguised as something innocuous like a game, a wallpaper app, a GPS assistant or even something that seems useful like a photo editor or keyboard. When downloading apps, check reviews first. If an app has a lot of downloads but few reviews, that’s a red flag. You should also be sure to read the terms of the download and be aware of the permissions the app asks for. Some may request access to your photos, texts and other personal information stored on your phone. Consider the purpose of the app and whether the requested permissions make sense. If not, it may be malware.

Malicious apps can be disguised by innocent descriptions and graphics. It’s important to be cautious when downloading apps to your phone. Thoroughly read the description and reviews before you download, check your phone regularly for malware, and remove any suspicious apps. While most malware exists simply to spam you with lots of ads, other types may access personal information on your phone. It’s best to download from trusted sources and regularly check your phone to remove any potentially malicious apps.