Ten Tips to Smartphone Security

Ten Tips to Smartphone Security

Smartphones continue to grow in popularity and are now as powerful and functional as many computers. It is important to protect your smartphone just like you protect your computer as mobile cybersecurity threats are growing. These mobile security tips can help you reduce the risk of exposure to mobile security threats: 

1. Set PINs and passwords. To prevent unauthorized access to your phone, set a password or Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your phone’s home screen as a first line of defense in case your phone is lost or stolen. When possible, use a different password for each of your important log-ins (email, banking, personal sites, etc.). You should configure your phone to automatically lock after five minutes or less when your phone is idle, as well as use the SIM password capability available on most smartphones.

2. Do not modify your smartphone’s security settings. Do not alter security settings for convenience. Tampering with your phone’s factory settings, jailbreaking, or rooting your phone undermines the built-in security features offered by your wireless service and smartphone, while making it more susceptible to an attack.

3. Backup and secure your data. You should backup all of the data stored on your phone - such as your contacts, documents, and photos. These files can be stored on your computer, on a removal storage card, or in the cloud. This will allow you to conveniently restore the information to your phone should it be lost, stolen, or otherwise erased.

4. Only install apps from trusted sources.  Before downloading an app, conduct research to ensure the app is legitimate. Checking the legitimacy of an app may include such thing as: checking reviews, confirming the legitimacy of the app store, and comparing the app sponsor’s official website with the app store link to confirm consistency.  Many apps from untrusted sources contain malware that once installed can steal information, install viruses, and cause harm to your phone’s contents. There are also apps that warn you if any security risks exist on your phone.

5. Understand app permissions before accepting them. You should be cautious about granting applications access to personal information on your phone or otherwise letting the application have access to perform functions on your phone. Make sure to also check the privacy settings for each app before installing.

6. Install security apps that enable remote location and wiping. An important security feature widely available on smartphones, either by default or as an app, is the ability to remotely locate and erase all of the data stored on your phone, even if the phone’s GPS is off.  In the case that you misplace your phone, some applications can activate a loud alarm, even if your phone is on silent. These apps can also help you locate and recover your phone when lost.

7. Accept updates and patches to your smartphone’s software. You should keep your phone’s operating system software up-to-date by enabling automatic updates or accepting updates when prompted from your service provider, operating system provider, device manufacturer, or application provider. By keeping your operating system current, you reduce the risk of exposure to cyber threats.

8. Be smart on open Wi-Fi networks. When you access a Wi-Fi network that is open to the public, your phone can be an easy target of cybercriminals. You should limit your use of public hotspots and instead use protected Wi-Fi from a network operator you trust or mobile wireless connection to reduce your risk of exposure, especially when accessing personal or sensitive information. Always be aware when clicking web links and be particularly cautious if you are asked to enter account or log-in information.

9. Wipe data on your old phone before you donate, resell, or recycle it. Your smartphone contains personal data you want to keep private when you dispose your old phone. To protect your privacy, completely erase data off of your phone and reset the phone to its initial factory settings. Then, donate, resell, recycle, or otherwise properly dispose of your phone.

10. Report a stolen smartphone. The major wireless service providers, in coordination with the FCC, have established a stolen phone database. If your phone is stolen, you should report the theft to your local law enforcement authorities and then register the stolen phone with your wireless provider. This will provide notice to all the major wireless service providers that the phone has been stolen and will allow for remote “bricking” of the phone so that it cannot be activated on any wireless network without your permission.

Read More

Mobile Phone Tips

Mobile Phone Tips

1. Only give your mobile number out to people you know and trust. 

2. Do not use your mobile phone to communicate with strangers. Only text and call people or businesses you know in real life.  

3. Never reply to text messages from people you don’t know.  

4. Make sure you know how to block others from calling your phone. Using caller id you can block all incoming calls or block individual names and numbers.   

5. Make a record of your Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and/or your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. You can find out your IMEI number by pressing *#06# on your mobile phone's keypad, it will display a 15 digit number - that is your IMEI number. 

6. If your phone is lost or stolen, report it to your local police station and your network operator immediately.  

7. Think about how a text message might be read before you send it. 

8. You should never give anyone else's number out without asking them if it is okay. 

9. You should never take pictures or videos of anyone with your phone if you do not have their permission. 

10. Do not allow others to take pictures or videos of you without your permission. Remember these pictures and videos can be posted to the Internet. 

11. Be careful if you meet someone in real life who you only "know" through text messaging. Even though text messaging is often the "next step" after online chatting, that does not mean that it is safer. 

Read More

Soldering Tips

Soldering Tips

Soldering is accomplished by quickly heating the metal parts to be joined, and then applying a flux and a solder to the mating surfaces. The finished solder joint metallurgically bonds the parts - forming an excellent electrical connection between wires and a strong mechanical joint between the metal parts.

1.  Turn on the soldering iron. This may seem obvious, but you do have to pay attention to the temperature level. For the Weller irons we have at the lab benches, somewhere between 60 and 70 should be good enough. The hotter you make the soldering iron, the more you’ll risk burning up your components.   

2.  Wet your soldering sponge - this is good for cleaning the tip of your soldering iron and wiping any excess soldering juice from your board (you’ll see what this means). There’s a big bottle of water in the lab for wetting sponges. 

3.  Get your soldering board. In general it’s better to get the ones with plated holes, and even better to get the ones with connected traces (for power and ground). 

4.  Plan your layout - You have a limited amount of space, so use it wisely. Remember the rules of compartmentalization, and solder your circuit in blocks, so that you can test each one. In general, you’ll want to solder with your chips and components on the side of the board without plating.

5.  Tinning - First, you want to wipe the tip of your soldering iron on the wet sponge to clean off any gunk. Then, “tin” the tip by melting just a little bit of solder on the end of the soldering iron. This helps create better thermal conduction.  

6.  Get physical first - If you’re soldering two elements together (say two wires), make sure they have a good mechanical connection (i.e. twist them together) before you solder them. This will ensure that you maintain a good overall connection. For soldering to a board this is less crucial. 

7.  Heat the joint - The basic idea for soldering is to heat the two elements you want to join enough so that the solder melts onto them. You shouldn’t need to even touch the soldering iron with the solder. You only need enough solder to cover the joint.  

8.  The three-second rule - In general, ICs are designed to handle soldering heat, but not for a long amount of time. The three-second rule is usually a good one to follow (don’t hold the soldering iron to your component for more than three seconds). For multiple pin ICs, you may want to solder two or three pins at a time, stop and blow on the chip, then solder a few more pins, etc.  

9.  A good job - When you’re soldering onto a board, you should shoot  for your solder joint to look more like a concave circus tent than a balloon - this reduces the chances that your solder joints will cause nasty short circuits. 

10.  No soldering with your mouth! - There is no other activity that calls for the convenience of a third hand more than soldering. You may be tempted to do “clever” things like hold the soldering iron between your teeth so your hands can be free to hold two components together. DON’T DO THIS! We don’t like the emergency room any more than you do .

Read More

Tips to know if a girl likes you :)

Tips to know if a girl likes you :)

1 - This will help you learn little things that will come in handy in the future. If you like a girl, don't let her slip away, tell her the truth, but if you don't like her and she told you that she does, don't say anything...it can break her heart. And when she tells you that, and, you don't like her, tell her that she's a great person. Girls like it when boys say they like something that they did or either said you're great at something. All girls are different, so be aware of the signs. Listen to the tone of her voice: if she's shy, the tone of her voice might be a little more soft, and she might start to play with her hair (smoothing it down, twirling, flipping), adjusting her clothes, and might stare at you. Another sign she likes you is if she laughs at only your boring or stupid joke. (Though, don't use bad jokes as a test, or you'll risk looking like a comedy dork.) She may not be able to look you straight in the eye and she might giggle a lot because she is thinking of funny, nice gossip.

2 - If she's flirting, she may be difficult to read. Flirting girls may flirt with guys who they consider to be just friends, and it can be misconstrued as a crush. Although some girls have no idea they are flirting. Most girls do not want to be obvious, the flirting ones might flirt with you a little bit less or they might flirt with you even more. Either way, don't "flirt around". Do not flirt with other girls. If she ever sees you putting your arm around another girl or sees another girl hugging you, she may jump to conclusions and assume she doesn't mean anything to you. And she has nothing you like or she doesn't act the way you like girls.

3 - With this, you can go alone with it if you want, or just act busy like you're late for class or something.

4 - If she finds excuses to do so, then you're probably on the right track. Tell her it was okay and you're fine. But conversely, don't assume that she doesn't like you because her fall didn't touch you. She may be too nervous of you to touch you yet. Break the touch barrier yourself. She may also find other reasons to touch you, such as by lightly hitting you about the head, or soft punching to the body.

5 - If she likes you, she will either hold it for a long time or pull away immediately. Either of these could mean that she likes you. If she pulls away quickly, it means she is nervous but she still likes you. Some girls might just be staring so don't think she loves you and wants to kiss. But if she holds the stare, and you see love in her eyes, then she is confident and she may make the first move. If you happen to glance at the girl and you see her staring back at you, then this means that she likes you, although she may quickly dart her head in a different direction

6 - If you see most of her friends glancing back at you and smiling or giggling, this means that she is telling her friends about you. If her friends are loud and immature, you'll hear "(your name), (her name) likes you!" Her friends might be making it up, however, just to tease her. So you should probably listen to stuff like, "stop teasing me!" or "be quiet! He might hear!!" When she is having a conversation with her friends, and you come over, she might stop talking all of a sudden. This likely means you were the subject of the recently ended conversation. If she likes you and she told her friends about you, they might come up to you and start a random conversation about things such as: Who would you rather date me or (her name), who do you like better, who is the hottest, would you marry (her name) or me, etc. If they name a list of about 3 people and her name is in the list, she probably told her friends about you and they're trying to search for clues to see how you feel about her.

7 - If you're outside and the girl you like is nearby and starts loudly saying "I'm cold!", that's a subtle hint that she wants you to give her your sweater. This is a very sweet gesture, especially if you want to show the girl that you like her. If there are other guys and she likes one of those guys, however, she might act disappointed when you offer yours to her first, look for her mad and tell her that who ever she likes gave it to him to give it to her. In which case at least you'll know how she feels and can move on. Sometimes a girl will pretend to be really bad at something, and say that they can't do it. That is your chance to offer some assistance, and she will most likely be doing this on purpose just to see your reaction.

8 - Do a natural smile - don't freak her out. If she smiles politely, or frowns and looks away, she is obviously freaked out by you. If she returns a soft or big smile and continues to look at you, then she is interested. If she smiles then darts over to the crowd of her friends and hides in the group then she may be nervous and curious if you know that she likes you.

9 - If she's always there for you when you need help, even like when you mention that you're really thirsty and she quickly offers you a sip from her drink, she might like you. But don't assume that she's into you only from one experience. Ask her occasionally for small things, like chewing gum or a pen, and notice how she reacts. If she's always ready to offer you something you might need, go further and ask her to help you with something else, like a school/work problem. It shouldn't be something really easy to solve, but not too difficult either, as some girls who aren't too smart might say that they don't know how to help you with those kind of things. If she's eager to help you, she probably likes you. 

Read More

Weight Loss Tips

Weight Loss Tips

General Tips 
1. Eat at least three times per day.
2. Pay attention to your body. When you feel like you have had enough to eat, stop. Quit before you feel full, stuffed, or sick from eating. You can have more if you are really hungry.
3. If you still feel hungry or unsatisfied after a meal or snack, wait at least 10 minutes before you have more food. Often, the craving will go away.
4. Drink plenty of calorie-free drinks (water, tea, coffee, diet soda). You may be thirsty, not hungry.
5. Pick lean meats, low-fat or nonfat cheese, and skim (nonfat) or 1% fat milk instead of higher-fat/higher-calorie choices.
6. Get plenty of fiber. Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are good sources. Have a high fiber cereal every day.
7. Cut back on sugar. For example, drink less fruit juice and regular soda.
8. Limit the amount of alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor) that you drink.
9. Keep all food in the kitchen. Eat only in a chosen place, such as at the table. Don’t eat in the car or the bedroom or in front of the TV.

Food Preparation 
10. Plan meals ahead of time.
11. Try cooking methods that cut calories:
12  Cook without adding fat (bake, broil, roast, boil).
13. Use nonstick cooking sprays instead of butter or oil. You can also use wine, broth, or fruit juice instead of oil when cooking.
14. Use low-calorie foods instead of high-calorie ones when possible.
15. Cook only what you need for one meal (don’t make leftovers).
16. If you do make extra portions, put them away as soon as they are ready so you can save them for other meals. Store the leftovers in containers that you can’t see through.
17. Cook when you are not hungry. For example, cook and refrigerate tomorrow’s dinner after you have finished eating tonight.
18. Make fruits, vegetables, and other low-calorie foods part of each meal.
19. Drink water while you cook.

Mealtimes 
20. Drink a glass of water before you eat. Drink more during meals.
21. Use smaller plates, bowls, glasses, and serving spoons.
22. Divide your plate into four equal parts. Use one part for meat, one for starch (such as pasta, rice, potatoes, or bread), and two for nonstarchy vegetables.
23. Do not put serving dishes on the table. This will make it harder to take a second portion.
24. Put salad dressing on the side instead of mixing it with, or pouring onto your salad. Then dip your fork into the dressing before you spear a bite of salad.
25. Change your usual place at the table.
26. Make mealtime special by using pretty dishes, napkins, and glasses.
27. Eat slowly. Take a few one-minute breaks from eating during meals. Put your fork down between bites. Cut your food one bite at a time.
28. Enjoy fruit for dessert instead of cake, pie, or other sweets.
29. Leave a little food on your plate. (You control the food; it doesn’t control you.)
30. Remove your plate as soon as you’ve finished eating.
31. If there’s no good use for leftovers, throw them out!

Snacking 
Snacking can be part of your plan for healthy weight loss. You can eat six times per day as long as you plan what to eat and don’t eat too many calories.
32. Plan ahead. Be sure to have healthy snacks on hand. If the right food is not there, you may be more likely to eat whatever is available, such as candy, cookies, chips, leftovers, or other “quick” choices.
33. Keep low-calorie snacks in a special part of the refrigerator. Good choices include the following:
34. Reduced-fat string cheese, low-calorie yogurt, and nonfat milk.
35. Washed, bite-size pieces of raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, pepper strips, cucumbers, broccoli, and cauliflower. Serve with low-calorie dips.
36. Fresh fruit.

Eating and Emotions 
Do you use eating to deal with feelings other than hunger, such as boredom, being tired, or stress. If you eat for these reasons, here are some other things you can try:
37. Call a friend for support.
38. Use inspirational quotes to help you avoid the temptation to eat.
39. Take a warm bath or shower.
40. Listen to music or a relaxation CD.
41. Take a walk.
42. Try activities that keep you from eating. For example, it’s hard to eat while you’re exercising. If you are gardening, you probably won’t eat while your hands are covered in soil. 

Read More

12 TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING

12 TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING

Our lifestyle can have a big impact on how we feel.  When we don’t take care of ourselves, we can experience a number of problems, including sleep difficulties, fatigue, low energy, trouble concentrating, and increased tension and stress.  These problems can leave us vulnerable to anxiety.  Making healthy choices will help you feel better.  Remember, the goal of developing a healthy lifestyle is not to eliminate anxiety (because anxiety plays an important adaptive role-without it we would not survive), but to help us to function at our best.  Having a healthy lifestyle puts us in a better position for managing anxiety.

Here are some ideas for building a healthy lifestyle.

1. Set a Routine.

Establish a routine by setting specific times for meals, work, housework, quiet time, and bedtime.  We feel more secure when there is some predictability to our day.  It also helps us get things done and reminds us to take time for ourselves.  Having a routine can help you to set the stage to better manage your anxiety.

2. Become Active.

Regular exercise can have a positive impact on both your emotional and physical health.  In fact, exercise is one of the most powerful tools for managing stress and anxiety.  However, it can be hard to start a regular exercise program.  So, start small and work your way up.  Aim for at least 20 minutes of physical exercise three to four times a week.  You’ll be more likely to stick with a program if you choose something you enjoy (such as hiking, gardening, or dancing).  Try joining a gym, signing up for an exercise class, or finding a workout buddy.  Find little ways to increase your physical activity.  For example, park further away from the door, or take the stairs.

3. Eat Healthy.

Having a well-balanced and healthy diet can make you feel better.  Eat consistently throughout the day and don’t skip meals. Your diet should include a variety of foods.  Wondering how to eat healthier.  Try to reduce your salt and sugar intake, eat more fruits and vegetables, and drink more water.  Aim for three meals a day and one to two snacks.

4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep.

Sleep difficulties can contribute to anxiety problems and make it difficult to cope.  Aim to get about seven to eight hours of sleep a night.  However, this is just an estimate.  People differ on how much sleep they need and this amount can change with age.  If you are experiencing sleep problems talk to your doctor.

5. Establish Social Supports.

It is important to have people in your life that you can count on. It helps to be able to talk to a friend when you have had a bad day or are struggling with a problem. Having a good social network has been linked to greater well-being.  Having at least one good supportive friend can make a difference.  Unfortunately, it can be hard to make friends.

6. Learn to Relax.

Using relaxation strategies can help lower your overall tension and stress levels.  However, relaxation is more than just sitting on the couch watching television.  What makes a difference is “deep” relaxation, which is the opposite of what your body experiences when it is under stress.

7. Manage Your Time.

Learning to manage your time more effectively can reduce stress.  Use a day planner to schedule your activities.  This will help you see if you’re taking on too much, and help you make time for the things you need to do.  Remember to make sure to schedule some time for relaxation and fun activities each day.

8. Reduce Stimulants.

Excessive caffeine can lead to sleep problems and heightened anxiety. Try to reduce your caffeine intake. This includes coffee, some teas, soda, and chocolate. If you drink a lot of caffeinated beverages, it’s better to gradually reduce the amount of caffeine that you have every day. Smoking is also a strong stimulant. In addition to the health benefits, quitting smoking may also leave you less prone to anxiety.

9. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs.

It is NEVER a good idea to use alcohol or drugs to help you cope with anxiety-this just leads to more problems. If you have problems with anxiety, try to avoid using drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with negative feelings.  If you think that you may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, talk to your doctor.

10. Get a check-up.

Make sure you are taking care of your body.  See a doctor for regular check-ups.

11. Solve Problems.

Problems are a common source of stress and can contribute to anxiety.  Therefore, it is important to start identifying and dealing with your problems.  However, it can be hard to know which problems to tackle and exactly how to go about solving them.

12. Reduce Stress.

Sometimes life’s demands become too much.  Stress can have a negative impact on your health.  Look for ways to reduce stress.  Deal with problems, lean on supports, and take time for self-care.  For instance, plan some time for yourself each day to read a book, go for a walk, watch a favourite TV program, or relax!  You can also reduce stress by giving yourself a little extra time to get to places so that you’re not rushing.  Try giving yourself an extra 5 minutes-it can make a big difference!

Read More

Top 10 Health Tips for Men

Top 10 Health Tips for Men

When it comes to health care, we men are like ostriches. We bury our heads in the sand. We are much less likely than women to visit our doctors regularly, take symptoms seriously and live a healthful lifestyle. Maybe that’s one reason why women have a seven-year average survival advantage on us!  Yet it’s obviously important that men of all ages become more proactive about their health. And an easy way to start is to follow these 10 basic steps to maintaining health and vitality.

1. Eliminate "White Foods" from Your Diet.
White flour, white sugar and other processed foods are not only devoid of vitamins and minerals, but they’ve also been stripped of their natural fibre. As a result, they rapidly drive up blood sugar levels, which contributes to weight gain, diabetes and a host of other health problems. Avoid breads and baked goods made with white flour, sugar-laden sodas and snack foods. Instead, focus on eating fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

2. Stay Away from Dangerous Trans Fats.
While it’s important to reduce your overall fat intake, it’s even more important to watch the types of fat you eat. Deep-fried foods and anything made with hydrogenated oils (margarine, peanut butter, shortening, store-bought pastries and cookies) contain trans fats that raise your risk of heart disease. Eat only healthful fats, such as olive oil and the omega-3 oils found in salmon and other cold-water fish, which actually protect against heart disease.

3. Take a Potent Daily Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement.
Although there is no substitute for a good diet, I am convinced that for optimal nutrition, you need to take a high-potency multivitamin and mineral supplement. Even if you are eating right, it’s unlikely that your food contains all the nutrients you need. Poor soil quality, storage, processing and cooking deplete our food of vitamins and minerals. Taking a high quality daily supplement is "health insurance" against possible deficiencies.

4. Include Weight Training in Your Exercise Routine.
Aerobic exercise is great for cardiovascular conditioning, but it’s vastly inferior to weight training in attacking the "flab factor." Recent research has shown that as little as once-weekly resistance exercise can improve muscle strength. Even the busiest or laziest among us can find the time and energy for that. Join a gym, consult a personal trainer or ask an experienced friend to show you the ropes.

5. Maintain Your Optimal Weight.
Current statistics suggest that half of us are losing the battle of the bulge, but maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for yourself. You’ll look better, feel better and reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and other major killers. I know this is easier said than done, but if you just follow the four steps above, you’ll be well on your way.

6. Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation. 
You’ve probably heard of the "French Paradox," and that drinking wine protects against heart disease. Repeated studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol (all kinds) protects not only against heart disease, but also lowers risk of death from all causes. Remember that moderation is key. While one to two drinks a day are protective, excess alcohol consumption is devastating to health. And for some, one drink is too many.

7. Protect Your Prostate.
Around the age of 40, the prostate gland begins a growth spurt that results in symptoms such as frequent nighttime urination. The good news is that this condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, can be prevented or reversed by taking extracts of two herbs: saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and pygeum (Pygeum africanum). Dozens of studies have shown that these herbs work in improving urinary flow without adverse side-effects. Suggested doses are 160 to 320 milligrams of saw palmetto and 40 to 80 mg of pygeum daily.

8. Reduce .
Your Risk of Prostate Cancer. Experts estimate that 80 per cent of all cancers can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices. Avoid saturated and trans fats, which may fuel prostate cancer growth, and incorporate protective foods, such as soy, green tea and tomatoes, into your diet. Soy contains isoflavones with specific anti-cancer activity. Green tea is rich in polyphenols that inhibit the formation of cancer-causing compounds and block the growth of prostate cancer cells. And tomatoes, particularly cooked tomato products, are an excellent source of lycopene, which is linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. In addition, make sure your daily nutritional supplement contains high doses of the antioxidant selenium (200 micrograms) and vitamin E (800 IU), which have been shown to dramatically lower the risk of prostate cancer.

9. Maintain Vigorous Sexual Function.
Most cases of erectile dysfunction (impotence) have a physical cause: You’re just not getting enough blood to the area in question. To improve overall circulation, follow the diet, exercise and supplement recommendations above. If you’re taking drugs, review them with your doctor, as many can worsen erectile function and impair libido. Smoking also significantly impairs erectile function. Several herbs have been shown to improve sexual function. Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to the penis, and Panax ginseng, oats, horny goat weed, maca and seroctin improve libido.

10. Maintain Close Relationships.
Another thing women seem to do better than men is maintain close relationships. Make a point to strengthen ties with your family and friends. Volunteer work, religious ties, even pets–anything that keeps you involved with others–reduces stress and enhances health.

Take charge of your health by incorporating these 10 steps into your life. The rewards of optimal health and well-being will be well worth your efforts.

Men’s Longevity "To Do" List

1.  Eliminate "white foods" from your diet.
2.  Stay away from dangerous trans fats.
3.  Take a daily vitamin-mineral supplement.
4.  Incorporate weight training in your exercise routine.
5.  Maintain your optimal weight.
6.  Drink alcohol only in moderation.
7.  Protect your prostate.
8.  Reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
9.  Maintain vigorous sexual function.
10. Maintain close relationships.

Read More

Effective Tips of Weight Loss With Hot Water

Effective Tips of Weight Loss With Hot Water

There is one question that is very popular nowadays, how do I loss all my excess weight? This is fast becoming a problem with a lot of people due to bad eating habits and not giving time for exercise. America today is the worldwide leader in obesity. Maybe because of all the fast food available or maybe it is because most of the time instead of cooking a nice healthy dinner we settle for pizza delivery or maybe it is because of that super sized burger meal you order daily.

Drinking hot water is beneficial as drinking cold water. The purpose of drinking liquid is that, it hydrates our body. Cold water or hot water,both will serve the purpose of hydrating the body. Though cold water can be easily drank than hot water but hot water has more benefits than cold water. Drinking hot water is an inexpensive way of reducing weight.


5 Ways of Weight Loss With Hot Water:

* In order to make sure that you are adequately hydrated, drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. Drinking more water helps you to reduce weight quickly.
* Heat the water twice in a day before drinking. Drinking hot water makes our body to burn more calories. In other words, drinking hot water means burning extra calories which helps in reducing weight.
* Drink water before the consumption of your meals. Drinking water will give the feeling of fullness resulting in consuming less food and overeating.
* Drinking hot water before having your meals will make you feel full sooner and therefore you eat less food.
* If you do not want to get bored, try different variations. You can add different types of herbal teas with different flavors such as splendor and sugar free drinks. It will also give you health benefits.


Weight Loss Tips With Hot Water:

* Wear a neoprene waist belt under your business suit at work, while on a road trip, etc. You can sweat off water weight.
* Be sure to shower with an antibacterial or strong shower gel before and after wearing the belt. You want to reduce as much chance for body odor while wearing the belt.
* Neoprene shorts are also made and those are great to cover the bloat prone areas of the stomach, hips and thighs.
* This is not for long term weight loss but to quickly eliminate water weight for a special occasion.
* Weekly use with certain products (Bliss) can eliminate the appearance of cellulite for a temporary basis.
* These are great tips to try before a wedding, special occasion, weigh-in for sports, beach trip, etc. but should never been done as part of a routine weight loss plan.
* If possible you can avoid the wrapping by spending several minutes a day in a dry sauna. Not only will you lose water weight but it is also soothing to the muscles and joints.
* If you must combine the wrapping please make sure you remove and and all wrappings before entering a sauna. The heat from the sauna will melt the plastics and could cause burns to the skin.
* One thing that will help is a diet high in protein. Protein is a natural sort of diuretic. Meaning it works in the body to pull water from cells. It then passes from the body as urine. It is also important to drink plenty of water to keep from becoming toxic.


Advice:

* This is a tip for events when you must loose some water weight/bloat to fit into an outfit that is slightly too snug, make a certain weight for a weigh-in, etc.
* These tips should not replace a healthy diet or effective work out plan.
* Do not overexert yourself or wear so long you become dehydrated. Do not add additional heat sources (heating pads) to increase the thermal effects. You can sustain burns from the pad or from melting the plastic.
* Remove the wraps if you start cramping, feeling dizzy or feel too hot. Drink cool fluids to bring down your body temperature and move to a cool area.

Read More

Tips on taking smartphone photos and recording video

Tips on taking smartphone photos and recording video

A smartphone has the capacity to connect with the internet, take photos and video, connect with computers, download applications, email, write notes and record audio.Anyone with a smartphone can gather and distribute media such as video, photos, audio  and text.

Close down all other apps on your phone. Because of radio waves the input might get noisy. Turn on airplane-mode before you start.
IPHONE TIP: Close down all other apps by holding menu button down. Press the X on opened apps to close down.

1. Make sure you’ve tested your smartphone and video camera apps and are familiar with how to get the best recording.

2. Charge your phone and bring the adaptor just in case. Don’t forget your headphones.

3. Use natural light when you can. Although some smartphones have lights, nothing looks better than natural light. If you are indoors look for windows. Outdoor shoots look for light sources. Lack of light will make your footage darker and grainier.

4. In regards to sound: Avoid windy areas: especially if you are using the internal smartphone mic.

5. Try using your parked car as a mobile insulated audio booth.

6. It’s difficult to take a good photo of a palm smothering your lens and we have all taken photos where an errant thumb is in view; best to double check your camera is clear of digits and limbs.

7. Clean your lens with a lens cloth, not tissue paper Tissues contain wood fibre and thus can scratch the lens of your camera; instead, use a proper lens cloth to clean delicate coated glass.

8. Hold tight When taking your photo or video , brace yourself to hold the camera steady for several seconds; the biggest single reason for poor smartphone images was due to wobbly users.

9. Adjust focus for long range photos Generally auto-focus on smartphones was great for short-range photos but not that great for long range photos; on more advanced smartphones you can adjust the focus for a better photo.

10. With no more worries about using up film, take two photos; firstly take a quick snap of something you find interesting to capture the moment; then take a more considered approach for your next photo.

Read More

Mobile Battery-saving Tips

Mobile Battery-saving Tips

As an increasing number of electronic devices are designed to be portable and integrated with multiple features, battery runtime has become a critical factor to product differentiation and customer satisfaction.

These essential tips are for maximizing the battery life of your mobile device (like smart phone, tablet, wireless sensor, or insulin infusion pump).

1. Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS when you're not using them.

2. Lower the screen brightness:  Settings -> Display -> Brightness.

3. Decrease the screen timeout:  Settings -> Display -> Screen timeout.

4. Avoid live wallpapers.

5. Turn on power-saving settings: Settings -> Power saving

6. Adjust email settings: Settings -> account name ->Email check frequency (the less, the longer your battery life).

Read More

Android Tips

Android Tips

These tips are mostly for the 2.1 version of Android, which is by far the most common form of the OS out there today - but much of the advice will also work on older and newer versions and those boutique varieties skinned by some hardware makers. 

1. Activate the Android Power Strip
The single most important feature in Android 2.1 is its built-in power strip widget. Here, you're able to quickly disconnect all the phone's battery-destroying features, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the Great Batter Killer that is GPS. Long-press on the screen and install it via the widgets category.

2. Android call screening
If you're a paranoid call-screener, Android is there for you. Open up the Contacts listing of the person you're currently avoiding, then select Menu > Options. From here you're able to ping all incoming calls from this person directly to voicemail. Give people the brush off with Android.

3. Set up custom caller ringtones
Alternatively, if you like talking to people, the same screen lets you allocate a specific custom ringtone to each caller stored in your Contacts directory.

4. Add your alarm clock to your task killer
A classic mistake, this. We're constantly being told of the (debatable) importance of using a task manager to maximise Android battery life, and if you want to go down that route you're welcome. However, when killing all your tasks to save battery life, remember that your alarm clock is a task in itself - kill that and you'll wake up in a panic at 10.15am tomorrow morning.

5. Organise things into folders
While Steve Jobs may have recently made quite a big deal about letting iOS users organise things into folders, Android's been doing that for ages. Fancy a quick Home screen shortcut to your starred favourite contacts? Long-press the Home screen and make it so.

6. Rename Android folders
And, once you've done that, to customise things to perfection it's possible to rename folders. Simply open the folder, then long-press on its name in the top bar to bring up the Top Secret renaming field.

7. Check the date 
Possibly one of the tiniest undocumented features is the date-checking facility. Press the Notification bar at the top left of the screen. It tells you what the date is. Go on, try it. It will.

8. Mount your SD card 
Also accessed via the Notifications field is the "Mount" option. Many an Android newcomer has failed at this hurdle, as mounting your phone's SD card is an awkward step that needs to be taken before it'll appear as an external drive for data copying. Plug it in, mount it, then copy.

9. Multiple Gmail accounts in Android 
Android 2.1 added support for multiple Gmail accounts. Add a new internet identity to your phone by opening the Gmail app, then pressing Menu > Accounts > Add Accounts. Then remember who you're pretending to be.

10. Set up your keyboard launch shortcuts 
One of the reasons many people still love their QWERTY keyboards is Google's inclusion of the reliable old keyboard shortcut system in Android. The phone has a completely customisable collection of app launcher shortcuts, which are found under Settings > Applications > Quick Launch.

11. Download more Android live wallpapers 
One thing that makes Android 2.1 a little more swish and exciting than the rather dull earlier versions is its support for Live Wallpapers - the animating image format that brings your Home screen to life. There's a negligible battery life hit for doing so, but in return you get a phone that looks cool. Which is what life's all about, right? Search the Android Market for Live Wallpaper there are loads.

12. Easy zoom 
A teeny little feature, this, but one that's super-useful if you're using all five of your Home screens - or a custom user interface that offers even more. Tapping the dots beside the dock at the bottom of the screen brings up a mini thumbnail list of all Home screens, allowing you to get from Screen 1 to Screen 5 without
wearing a groove into your screen surface.

13. Add a Navigation shortcut to Android 
Android 2.1 lets users set up local short-cuts to the Maps Navigation satnav app. As long as you have one of the latest Google Maps updates, you're able to select one of your Navigation routes and attach it directly to a shortcut on the Home screen - creating a one-press launcher for your favourite trips.

14. Set your double-tap zoom level 
On phones that don't support multi-touch zooming, you can take more control of your web browsing zoom via the browser's setting page. Change your view to "Close" if you want the page to fly right into extreme close up when you double-tap the screen, or leave it to "Far" if you're happy to have text only cropping in a little closer when you double-tap.

15. Change Android browser font size 
From the same menu you're also able to select your browser font size. Your personal ideal settings will vary depending on your screen size, resolution and eye sight, but a few minutes getting it set up so pages are instantly readable will save many cumulative hours of resizing over the coming years.

16. Search web pages 
Menu > More > Find on Page lets you search for specific text terms on web pages, if you can't be bothered reading the thing properly as the author intended.

17. Practise your robot voice 
Android 2.1 features voice-input for every text field. Which is nice, although the delay for "processing" - and often rather left field results - mean it's usually quicker to just bite the bullet and type things. Remember to say "comma" to tell it to insert a comma. Full stop.

18. Add words to the Android dictionary 
This is such a useful feature it ought to be screamed about via a sticker on the phone when you take it out of the box. If you've been labouring through life with a difficult-to-spell surname, type it once into your Android phone's text field - then long-press on it in the suggested word field. This adds it to the dictionary, so you'll never have to type more than the first couple of characters of your stupid name again.

19. Sign up for a Picasa account 
Google's online image-sharing tool may have failed to capture the public's imagination in the same way as Flickr, but there's one good reason to register yourself one - Android 2.1's 3D gallery can auto-sync your photos with your Picasa account. Photo sharing works both ways, so you'll have to deactivate sync if you don't want your entire web gallery popping up on your phone.

20. Download web images 
If you've seen one of those funny photographs on the internet, long-pressing on it lets you download it to your phone - and it'll pop up in your Gallery for easy sharing.

21. Manage your Android call log 
It's very easy to delete individual items from Android's log of made and received calls -simply long-press on an item and delete it. Then sleep easier.

22. Facebook your Contact photos 
If you combine Android with the official Facebook Android app, it's possible to automatically pull in photos for your contacts through Facebook. You're also able to create a specific Facebook Phonebook folder on the Home page, keeping internet and proper friends separate.

23. Browser combo button 
The Android 2.1 web browser features a clever multi-function button beside the address bar. While a page is loading it turns into a "X" to cancel loading, but once a page has finished it transforms itself into a bookmark adding and history management tool. It's always there for you.

24. Android web history shortcut 
Also, further speed up browsing by holding down the Back key - this is your shortcut to your internet History. Ideal for navigating those complex browsing sessions - and also cuts down on unnecessary reloading.

25. Use browser tabs 
The standard Android browser offers tabbed browsing, it just doesn't do a very good job of advertising it. Long-pressing a URL lets you open web links in a new tab - you then switch tabs by pressing Menu and selecting the Windows option. Not that user-friendly a system, but it works. Just remember that quitting to the desktop may automatically close everything in the middle of a tab-heavy session.

Read More

35 Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

35 Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

Source:  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en

Quality sleep is vital for the mind and body. It is even key to managing - another common diabetes-related issue. The less you sleep, the more tempting it is to eat the comfort foods that poorly help you compensate for that lack of rest and necessary energy. 
Sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory/attention span, learning, and other important mind and body functions. It also impacts a person's weight, lowers incidents of depression, and it is one easy way to get stress relief.

1. Try to go to bed at the same time every evening and get up at the same time every morning. This will help your body to work out a healthy sleep routine.

2. A person should only stay in bed equal to the number of hours of sleep they are achieving per night (for example, if you are getting six hours of sleep per night you should plan bedtime and wake time as six hours apart).  Many insomniacs spend far too much time in bed, attempting to "squeeze" out a few more minutes of sleep.

3. If you have difficulty getting to sleep within 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing and distracting.  For many people this is reading.  Do not do housework, bills, work, or anything that is too stimulating within two hours of bedtime or during a nighttime awakening.

4. Although some people's insomnia is helped by a nap at midday, for most, it will interfere with falling asleep that night.

5. Avoid alcohol within five hours of bedtime.  Alcohol is a poor hypnotic and causes nighttime awakenings.

6. Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, chocolate) after noon.  Even if it doesn't prevent you from falling asleep, it can cause shallow sleep or nighttime awakenings.

7. Avoid going to bed on either an empty stomach or a full stomach.  A light snack may be of value.

8. Bedrooms should be quiet, safe, and relaxing.  Clocks should face away from the bed, so as not to "count down" the minutes until morning.

9. Daily exercise will improve insomnia, although the effects may not be immediate.

10. Schedule "worry time" earlier in the day, so as to consider the day's problems and find some resolution before getting into bed.

11. Most adults need about 8 hours sleep every night.
Some require more and some less. Many poor sleepers spend much more than 8 hours in bed and this makes fragmented sleep a habit. Except if you have lengthy sleep requirements, limit your time in bed to no more than 8.5 hours. If you often take hours to fall asleep,go to bed later. Remember that children need more sleep than adults.

12. Bed is for sleeping, not entertainment
Television, computers and other distractions can interfere with your sleep. It is better not to sleep with your TV on. Your mind needs to be in the habit of knowing that if you are in bed, you are there to sleep. Don’t stay in bed if you are wide awake.

13. Make sure your bedroom is comfortable You should have a quiet, dark room with comfortable bedding and good temperature control.

14. Avoid daytime naps
Sleeping during the day will make it much more difficult to sleep well at night. If a nap is absolutely necessary, for example because of a late night, then limit this to about thirty minutes. Make sure that you are awake for at least 4 hours before going back to bed.

15. Don’t lie awake watching the clock
Watching the time on a clock just makes you anxious about not being asleep. If possible take the clock out of your bedroom. If you need the clock for the alarm, turn it around so that you cannot see the time.

16. Avoid sleeping pills except in exceptional circumstances They do not fix the cause of your sleeping problem.

17. You may need professional help
If you are still having trouble sleeping, if you have persistent problems with mood, restlessness in bed, severe snoring or waking up unrefreshed despite what should be adequate length sleep, make sure that you go and see your doctor

18. Exercise - Twenty to thirty minutes of exercise every day can help you sleep, but be sure to exercise in the morning or afternoon.

19. Have a hot bath or shower - Helps bring on sleep because it can relax tense muscles.

20. Read a fiction book - It takes you to a whole new world if you really get into it. And then take some time to ponder over the book as you fall asleep.

21. Cool down your room - Most people sleep better in cooler weather, so make sure that you have your bedroom set to the proper temperature.  You shouldn’t be too cold or too hot.

22. Sleep in silence - Avoiding distractions will allow you to feel more restful and to fall to sleep

23. Quieten a racing mind before bedtime.

24. Getting more emotional support may help.

25. Quit smoking.
Besides all the usual benefits of quitting smoking, nicotine is a stimulant and it can take hours for the effects of a stimulant to wear off.

26. Make your bedroom your oasis.
Your bedroom should be a sleep-friendly environment.

• Clean 
• Dark as possible (a sleep mask can works wonders) 
• Comfortable mattress and pillows 
• No technological distractions, if possible 
• And while you are at it ... 

27. Set your thermostat.
Once you are asleep, it is difficult for your body to regulate its own temperature, so make sure you are comfortable beforehand.

28. Drink a warm beverage before bedtime.  Chamomile and Valerian Root Tea are calming.  As an alternative, a natural sleep remedy is a glass of warm milk with some nutmeg and honey.

29. Create a comfortable and quiet environment for sleep.  Make sure your pillow, mattress and sheets are comfortable and support the creation of a nurturing environment.

30. When you are ready to fall asleep simply close your eyes and “observe your body”.  Wherever you feel tension you can consciously relax that area.  Then gently observe the in-flow and out-flow of your breath until you fall asleep.

31. Some foods can help, though. Milk contains tryptophan, which is a sleep-promoting substance. Other foods that may help promote sleep include tuna, halibut, pumpkin, artichokes, avocados, almonds, eggs, bok choy, peaches, walnuts, apricots, oats, asparagus, potatoes, buckwheat, and bananas.

32.  Keep pets off the bed. Does your pet sleep with you? This, too, may cause you to awaken during the night, either from allergies or pet movements. Fido and Fluffy might be better off on the floor than on your sheets.

33. If your partner’s snoring is loud and disturbing, have them see their doctor to see if they might have a sleep disorder.

34.  If you have a strong urge to move your legs at night, you might have a sleep disorder, restless legs syndrome (RLS).  RLS is treatable!

35. If you awaken and begin thinking, try counting slowly backwards from 500. Say each number slowly in your mind along with a complete inhale and exhale.

So catch those zzz's!

Read More

ANOTHER 10 TIPS THAT CAN HELP PREVENT ACNE

ANOTHER 10 TIPS THAT CAN HELP PREVENT ACNE

1, Wash your face twice a day with warm water and a gentle pH balanced facial wash or cleanser. Afterwards apply a moisturizer suitable for skin with acne.

2. Avoid touching your face with your fingers as this spreads bacteria and infection that causes the pores to become inflamed .

3. Eat a healthy, well balanced diet that contains fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid fatty or refined foods, junk food, peanuts, and cake which is high in sugar.

4. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to eliminate unwanted toxins from the body 

5. Keep your hair clean by shampooing regularly and make sure that it is out of your face to prevent oil and dirt from clogging the pores 

6. If acne develops on your body, wear loose, cotton clothing that will allow the skin to breathe 

7. Never pop pimples as this will only lead to swelling and infection 

8. Always remove make-up before going to bed and choose noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic brands 

9. Stay out of the sun and when you go outside, wear a sunscreen 

10. Stop smoking as it can increase the signs of aging on the skin and worsens acne.

Read More

TIPS THAT CAN HELP PREVENT ACNE

TIPS THAT CAN HELP PREVENT ACNE

Of all the skin afflictions, acne is the most common. It affects almost everyone from teenagers to adults even though it is mostly associated with the adolescence stage. It is known that both females and males are affected by acne.
Acne according to dermatologists ‘is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands) and hair follicles’. The sebaceous glands make an oily substance that is known as sebum. It empties onto the skin surface through an opening in the follicle called a pore. These factors lead to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits.

There are different types of acne that can be seen on people. They include:

Comedo: A comedo is a basic lesion that is usually the beginning of acne. This comprises of the closed type (also known as whitehead) and the open type (also known as blackhead).

Papule: It is small and a large number of it has a ‘sandpaper’ feel when it is touched.

Pustule: It is fragile and may contain pus.

Macule: It is a temporary spot left by a healed acne lesion.

Cyst: It is larger than a pustule. It may be severely inflamed and very painful.

Nodule: It is usually inflamed, painful and can leave a scar after it has healed.
12 TIPS THAT CAN HELP PREVENT ACNE

If you follow these simple tips faithfully, you would get an acne free skin faster than you think and would be able to enjoy the life and beautiful skin that you have always wished for.

The tips are: 

1. Do not pick your acne: For no reason should you pick your acne. By picking your pimple you force back bacteria deeper into your skin leading to inflammation. This causes the production of more acne. Picking your pimple may also lead to a permanent scar that can be left behind as a reminder of the acne that was there.

2. Wash your face (or skin) once in the morning and evening (before you go to bed) but do not over wash your face. This can strip your face (or skin) of oil leading to excess production of it and hence increase the production of acne.

3. Don’t use harsh scrubs: Exfoliating is good because it removes the dead skin cells. However harsh scrubs would cause a lot of damage to your skin and aggravate your acne. It is okay to use scrubs with small, smooth grains and that are gentle.

4. Avoid Sun tanning: The sun may initially help your acne but later on it makes your acne worse. It would dry your skin causing your sebaceous glands to produce more oil leading to an acne breakout. If you cannot avoid being exposed to the sun, use an oil-free sunscreen with a Sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and is effective against UVA and UVB rays.

5. Do not use comedogenic or acnegenic make-up: When buying any make-up or any cosmetics, always select products that are non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic or non-comedogenic products are those that do not cause acne flare ups. Do not use make-up while  exercising as the make-up would combine with sweat and cause you to have a breakout.

6. Drink lots of Water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables: Water would help hydrate your skin thereby giving you great looking  skin. Fruits and vegetables would help improve your immune system to help fight the bacteria causing acne.

7. When exercising, remember to wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing made of cotton. Don’t sit around in sweaty clothes and wet bathing suit after swimming. Remove the clothes and change into dry ones. Always shower immediately after exercising.

8. Sleep, it is very good for you. Having at least 7 hours of sleep would do wonders for your skin and physical well being. Having a healthy, well-rested body helps build a strong immune system which not only helps you prevent acne but fights infection too.

9. Wash your pillowcase often. You spend at least 7 hours a day sleeping with your face touching the pillow, so try to wash your pillowcase at least every week to prevent the exposure of your face to the bacteria that had caused previous acne.

10. Find the best acne treatment that works for you: There are a variety of treatment plans and I am positive that one would work for you. You should only stop if the treatment causes skin irritation or allergies. Stick to a safe treatment for about 2 or 3 months before concluding on the effectiveness of the product. Also remember that all acne treatments can treat all the types of acne so know the type of acne you have before
getting any acne treatment. If you are not sure, contact a dermatologist or your pharmacist.

11. Avoid use of greasy skin care products like cocoa butter; they will flare your acne.

12. Rough scrubbing with washcloths or exfoliating cleansers or cloths can cause flares .

Well that is 10 tips to help you prevent your acne and help reduce the amount of money you spend on acne treatments as the products would last for a longer period of time.  Here is wishing you a smooth ride in your quest to having acne free and beautiful skin.

Read More

Tips for Password Safety On The Internet

Tips for Password Safety On The Internet

1. Protect them 
Never, ever give your password (on Facebook, Instagram, Skype, email, or any similar service) or cell phone unlock code to anyone even a friend.  Friendships sometimes don't last, and that password can be used against you.

2. Remember your secret answer 
When you create an online account, and it asks you to provide an answer to a question you should know - don’t treat it lightly or as a joke.  Make sure it's something you will remember months and years from now in case you have a problem at that time.

3. Don’t disclose information about you 
Do not use passwords based on personal information.
(your login name, birthdate, address, phone number, middle name, pet's name, etc.).

4. Mix it up 
Use a mixture of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and non-alphabetic characters (symbols) if possible.

5. Be creative 
When creating a password, make your own acronym from a phrase that means something to you, and group together the first letter of each word.  Use numbers and symbols when you can.  Make sure the acronym you create has at least seven characters. Here are some examples:

 “Last week I fell down thirty stairs” (Lw1fd30$) 
 “It’s 3am, I must be lonely” (I3amimbL) 
 “Baby you were born this way, Gaga#1”  (BuwbtwGAGA#1) 

6. Change it up 
Change your password often.  It takes time and is a bit of a chore, but do it anyway.  It takes more time and is more of a chore to try to recover from a hacked account or from identity theft.

7. Don’t send it to others 
Never provide your password via a text message or over email or in response to a request.  You could accidentally send it to the wrong person or that person might show it to someone else. Or it could be a scam.

8. Don’t post it 
Do not place a written copy of your password on the side of your monitor, under your keyboard, in your laptop case, etc.  Figure out a secure place where you can store the passwords you write down or, if possible never write down any passwords; it is best to commit them to memory or use highly-rated password manager software.

9. Avoid entering on untrusted devices 
Do not type passwords on devices that you do not own, control, or fully trust.  Computers in Internet cafés, school labs, airports, libraries, or similar public places should only be used for anonymous Web browsing, and not for logging into your online accounts.

10. Use different passwords 
Don't use the same password across all of the online accounts you have. Try to use different passwords at different sites, so that one hacked account doesn’t lead to other accounts being hacked.

Read More

10 tips to stay slim

10 tips to stay slim

Making food choices for a healthy lifestyle can be as simple as using these 10 Tips.  Use the ideas in this list to balance your calories, to choose foods to eat more often, and to cut back on foods to eat less often.

1. Balance calories
Find out how many calories YOU need for a day as a first step in managing your weight. Go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov to find your calorie level. Being physically active also helps you balance calories.

2. Enjoy your food, but eat less
Take the time to fully enjoy your food as you eat it. Eating too fast or when your attention is elsewhere may lead to eating too many calories. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues before, during, and after meals. Use them to recognize when to eat and when you’ve had enough.

3. Void oversized portions
Use a smaller plate, bowl, and glass. Portion out foods before you eat. When eating out, choose a smaller size option, share a dish, or take home part of your meal.

4. Foods to eat more often
Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or 1% milk and dairy products. These foods have the nutrients you need for health including potassium, calcium, vitamin D, and fiber. Make them the basis for meals and snacks.

5. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
Choose red, orange, and dark-green vegetables like  tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, along with other vegetables for your meals. Add fruit to meals as part of main or side dishes or as dessert.

6. Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk 
They have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but fewer calories and less saturated fat

7. Make half your grains whole grains
To eat more whole grains, substitute a whole-grain product for a refined product-such as eating whole wheat bread instead of white bread or brown rice instead of white rice.

8. Foods to eat less often
Cut back on foods high in solid fats, added sugars, and salt. They include cakes, cookies, ice cream, candies, sweetened drinks, pizza, and fatty meats like ribs, sausages, bacon, and hot dogs. Use these foods as occasional treats, not everyday foods

9. Compare sodium in foods
Use the Nutrition Facts label to choose lower sodium versions of foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals. Select canned foods labeled “low sodium,” ”reduced sodium,” or “no salt added".

10. Drink water instead of sugary drinks
Cut calories by drinking water or unsweetened beverages. Soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks are a major source of added sugar, and calories, in American diets.

Read More

Top Twenty Tips Life Success and Happiness

Top Twenty Tips Life Success and Happiness

Do you want to move ahead in your life, career, relationships, confidence, health or personal happiness? Typically it’s a lack of self-belief, focus and action caused by a whole host of thoughts, fears and ideas that hold you back from the happiness and fulfillment you seek. It’s is no surprise because from infancy we’re all bombarded with all sorts of ideas and beliefs (conditioning) about who you should be, how you should look, what you should own and all sorts of other nonsense.  The good news is that some simple steps will help build the vision, belief and action the keys to unlock greater success and happiness: 

Top twenty tips 
1.  Be yourself, no-one else (this is one the greatest keys to happiness).

2.  Appreciate who you truly are (remember you’re the magic, rich, whole spirit beneath the ideas and fears you’ve been handed by society).

3.  Take responsibility for your life / actions from now (let others do the same)

4.  Focus on your life don’t be sidetracked by those of others, celebrities or the characters in whatever TV show others may be hooked on!

5.  Let go of negative relationships and build positive ones. Be kind to yourself and supportive of others.

6.  Stop thinking about what you don’t want in life and start acting on what you do want (this is one of the key traits of happy and fulfilled people).

7.  Write down all your personal and professional qualities, strengths and achievements -keep them in mind and always work from your strengths.

8.  Find a quiet space. Take 15 minutes to imagine / picture / think about where you’d like to be in your life, career, relationships, health and interests in three years time. Make it as specific and detailed as you can. Now jot down what steps you’d need to take to achieve them. Include all the skills, talents, resources and support you have now and all those that you’d need to seek out or develop.

9.  List the 3 people who inspire you most and 3 qualities you admire in each of them. Now write down all the ways you share their qualities/ values. Finally write down what 3 pieces of advice each of your 3 people would give you to help you move ahead in your life.

10.  Spend quality quiet time with yourself every day and live one day at a time. Move toward your goals at your own pace.  Be flexible, trust your instincts and learn from success and setbacks in equal measure. Flowers grow by both sun and rain.

11. Make happiness a priority.  If happiness is not at the top of your list then other  things will take precedence.  If other things take precedence, they may well interfere with your efforts to feel good.

12. Play and have fun. Don’t take life too seriously. Although we all have responsibilities there’s no reason why we can’t approach much of our lives in a playful manner.  In fact, those who do so will undoubtedly be happier.

13. Identify where your strengths lie.  Know where your faults and weaknesses are to avoid problems.  Know where your strengths lie to be really happy and to succeed in life.

14. Utilise your strengths. Although we all can and should endeavour to improve in areas in which we’re weak there’s just as much, if not more, to be gained from focusing on the maximal utilisation of your strengths (including all your positive qualities and attributes).

15. Be curious. Constantly search for new ways to be happy.  Keep a look out for new ways to approach life and to have fun.

16. Be grateful and appreciate what you have. We all have many choices in life one of which is whether to focus on all the things we don’t have (of which there might be many), or to focus on all the things we do have. There’s no doubt, that gratitude and appreciation will significantly increase your chances of experiencing happiness.

17. Invest time and energy in to your key relationships. Happy people spend more time working on and in their relationships. Happy people tend to be more supportive of other people in their life. Happy people are more generous and altruistic.

18. Weed out unhelpful thoughts. The Dalai Lama has been quoted saying that “The central method for achieving a happier life is to train your mind in a daily practice that weakens negative attitudes and strengthens positive ones.” Learn first to identify your thoughts and then begin to challenge those that are negative and unhelpful.

19. Live a healthy life. Eat well and keep active. Exercise regularly. Although not impossible, it’s difficult to be happy if you’re constantly sick and not very healthy.

20. Live in the present moment. The author, Henry Miller once said  “Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognise it as such.” The only moment in which we can truly be happy is the present moment. The only moment over which we have control is the present moment. So be happy now!  Because if not now, then when? .

Above all:  Remember whatever you do, ‘happiness is who you are within not that you are without’. You are already whole and full of potential. This is the birthplace of success. Your value is innate – not dependent on what you achieve. Enjoy your life.

Read More

Top Grooming Tips for Men

Top Grooming Tips for Men

We live in a time when it pays to look younger, whether it's in the workplace or in the dating world. One of the keys to success is good grooming, experts say.  An increasing number of men are making grooming a priority because they want to maintain a youthful appearance and a winning edge.

1. Move more
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it’s a stress buster. Think ‘move’ in small increments of time. It doesn’t have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that’s great when you’re up to it. Meanwhile, move more.
Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha .  Then do it.

2. Cut fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine. Then be one.

3. Quit smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we have seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or “tough guy” stance of Hollywood smokers.
Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette . The next one.

4. Reduce stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e. soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to 10 before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible.
Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds. then float on them.

5. Protect yourself from pollution
If you can’t live in a smog free environment, at least avoid smoke filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is bad. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It’s a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent.
Thought for the day: “Smoke gets in your eyes” . And your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants . Hum the tune daily.

6. Wear your seat belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss your teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it’s because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don’t?.
Thought for the day: Floss and be your body’s boss.

8. Avoid excessive drinking 
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease; more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a positive mental outlook
There’s a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can’t be unhappy when you’re smiling or singing. 

10. Choose your parents well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn’t mean you cannot counter act the genetic pool handed you.
Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.

11. Get rid of the gray hair. 
The fastest way to take years off of your look is to get rid of gray hair. It's less noticeable and more natural to begin coloring your hair when you first begin to go gray. An easy-to-use product formulated , can be used at home to cover gray hair with natural looking results.

12. Go short if you’re balding. 
Balding is another common problem among men. Opting for a comb-over just dates your look. Get comfortable with your changing look and opt for a modern short haircut. When men begin to lose the hair on their heads, they may begin to notice unwanted hair in other places, like their nose, ears or back. Be sure to trim or wax unwanted hair for a clean,  contemporary look.

13. Protect and pamper your skin.
The best way to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer is to protect your skin from sun damage by using a daily moisturizer with sunscreen.  A good daily skin care routine includes cleansing, followed by a gentle facial exfoliant scrub, which also enhances shaving ease and comfort. Follow with a moisturizer containing sunscreen for day and at night a moisturizer to encourage skin regeneration.

14. Pay attention to hands and feet.
Don’t forget to include your hands and feet in your grooming routine. Well-manicured nails and toes contribute to good hygiene and grooming habits. Make time to clip and file your nails at home.
Foot odor is a common problem among many men, and is relatively easy to treat. Scrub your feet daily and dry them completely. Insert a pair of Odor-Eaters In soles into your shoes, which will absorb wetness and odor.

Quick grooming tips
a. If you don’t iron your clothes, remove them immediately from the dryer so wrinkles don’t set.
b. In hot weather, wear light colored, cotton clothing and socks. This will absorb less heat and “sweat stains” will be less visible.
c. Consider trimming your arm pit hairs in warm weather. Less hairs, less bacteria, less smell.

Read More

Simple Tips And Technics To Keep Your Body Fit And Healthy

Simple Tips And Technics To Keep Your Body Fit And Healthy

How do you feel to be healthy? Nice! Must be wondering if there is that magic wand, I can become slim, fit and healthy. Nice to think but how to make this a reality? Takes time. Can't happen overnight.

You can follow certain simple and easy technics which will help you be fit and healthy. Have you decided to go for it! then read on.

1- Do not make a future plan for your exercise, if you have to do it, just do it now.

2- Wake up a bit early, pull your pants up and start walking out. If not like an exercise, just walk out. Go where you like, spend sometime out in the morning. You can opt to buy milk, vegetables, newspaper or whatever... just go out. Slowly increase the speed of your walk.

3- Follow the Golden Rule - Breakfast like a KING, Lunch like a Prince and Dinner like a PAUPER. Keep your dinner very light, avoid cheese, butter, curd or any other fat products.

4- Breathe in and breathe out deeply whenever your remember. Do simple stretching exercises.

5- Last of all... Don't worry.. Be happy. Stress can cause lifestyle diseases. Be away from stress. Life is short, enjoy every moment of it.

Read More

MOBILE PHONE TIPS

MOBILE PHONE TIPS

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.  Your mobile phone can actually be a life-saver or an emergency tool for survival.  Check out the things that you can do with it:

1. EMERGENCY 

The Emergency Number worldwide for mobile phones is 112.  If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and, interestingly, this number 112 can be dialled even if the keypad is locked.  Try it out.

2. HAVE YOU LOCKED YOUR KEYS IN THE CAR? 

Does your car have remote keyless entry?  This may come in handy someday.  Good reason to own a mobile phone:  If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their mobile phone from your cell phone.  Hold your mobile phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the spare car key unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end.  Your car will unlock.  This saves someone from having to drive your spare keys to you.  Distance is no object.  You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for
your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

3. HIDDEN BATTERY POWER 

Imagine your mobile battery is very low.  To activate, press the keys *3370#, and your mobile will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery.  This reserve will get charged when you charge your mobile next time.

4. HOW TO DISABLE A STOLEN MOBILE PHONE 

To check your mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone:  * # 0 6 # (star-hash-zero-six-hash).  A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset.  Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.  If your phone ever gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code.  They will then be able to block your handset, so, even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless.  You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either.  If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

5. ATM PIN NUMBER REVERSAL 

If you should ever be forced by a robber to withdraw money from an ATM, you can notify the police by entering your PIN number in reverse (for example, if your card’s PIN number is 1234, then you would enter 4321 in the ATM).  The ATM system recognizes that your PIN number is backwards from the ATM card you placed in the machine.  The machine will still give you the money you requested, but, unknown to the robber, the police will be immediately dispatched to the location.  This information was recently broadcast by Crime Stoppers, however, it is seldom used, because people just don’t know about it. 

Read More