Laundry detergents and fabric softeners are key items on one’s shopping list as people regularly wash clothes, bedding, and even furnishings. However, even the major brands in the business heavily rely on certain chemicals and additives that increase the potency and efficacy of their product. This, of course, can come at the cost of irritating sensitive skin. So here are six common ingredients in detergents that you should avoid if you have sensitive skin: Preservatives Soaps, detergents, and laundry cleaners are laced with preservatives that increase the shelf life of the product. Phenoxyethanol and formaldehyde are common preservatives that kill bacterial growth and stabilize the solution for long-term effectiveness. However, their direct contact with sensitive skin can result in harsh flare-ups and inflammation, especially among those who already suffer from skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis. Fragrances Artificial fragrances are added to cosmetic products and laundry detergents to make fabric smell great after a thorough wash. However, most artificial fragrances are made using an ethanol base that can cause irritation once the detergent comes in contact with the skin. Fragrances also release harmful fumes that should not be ingested. Parabens Parabens are the most common chemicals in water-based laundry detergents, as they increase the product’s shelf life and prevent mold from affecting the formula. However, several studies suggest parabens increase the risk of endocrine disorders as exposure can trigger unstable hormone levels in the body. Further, parabens can irritate inflamed skin. Emulsifiers Emulsifiers are one of the primary chemicals in fabric softeners, added to stabilize the solution and prevent it from separating into two parts. However, studies indicate that emulsifiers can erode the protective outer layer of the skin and trigger unwanted allergic reactions in those with known skin disorders. Bleach Bleach is a highly potent corrosive that helps remove stubborn stains and dirt and can change the fabric’s color.

The incidences of cancer have been estimated at 442.4 per 1,00,000 men and women in the country. This health condition has emerged as a major cause of concern. However, interventions for cancer are becoming more advanced and successful. Following a prescribed treatment course and making some lifestyle changes can help in the symptom management of cancer. But here are some things you probably never knew could increase one’s risk for this disease. Chimneys Chimney sweeping results in exposure to large volumes of soot and dust. Ingestion of wood fumes, coal, and other burnt substances have been found to cause scrotal skin cancer or scrotal carcinoma, now commonly called as Pott’s cancer. Historically, children, particularly young boys, were ordered to clean chimneys due to their petite sizes. The prevalence of chimney sweep cancer among these children led to the discovery of this cancer type by doctor Percivall Pott in London in 1775. Hair straighteners According to recent studies the use of hair straighteners and relaxers may increase women’s susceptibility to uterine cancer. Moreover, it suggested that women of African descent may be at higher risk for this type of cancer than others. Scented candles Scented candles are often the ideal props to set up the perfect romantic dinner or date night. However, studies have found that scented candles emit certain cancer-causing chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. Although occasional burning of scented candles is unlikely to trigger cancer, repeated exposure to these candles in poorly ventilated spaces can increase one’s susceptibility to bladder cancer. Grilled foods Cooking over high flame releases heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These elements are carcinogens that may increase one’s risk for cancer. The grilling process as well as grilled foods can contribute to cancer; therefore, one should limit the intake of grilled foods and protect one’s skin from carcinogens by wearing appropriate clothing while grilling.

In the rush of filing taxes, it can be easy to overlook deductions that could help you save money. Tax deductions are expenses you can subtract from your taxable income. Knowing which expenses can be claimed as deductions is the key to limiting the hard-earned money you owe the government. From student loan interest payments to health expenses, here are some of the most overlooked tax deductions you should know: How do deductions work? Tax deductions lower the amount of tax you owe. A standard tax deduction—a single deduction of a fixed amount—is determined by your filing status: single, married, head of household, or filing jointly. You can claim the standard deduction without providing additional documentation or expense receipts. In contrast, itemized deductions are specific expenses you can deduct from your taxable income, such as clinical expenses, charitable contributions, and mortgage interest. Most overlooked tax deductions Job hunting expenses If you are looking for a new job in your existing field, you may be able to deduct expenses such as those incurred in resume preparation, traveling for interviews, and career counseling services. Charitable contributions Many know that cash donations to charity can be claimed as deductions but often overlook non-cash contributions like clothing or household items. Clinical and dental expenses You can deduct expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income for clinical and dental care. Moving expenses If you move for a new job, you may be able to deduct expenses such as transportation and lodging from the tax amount. Student loan interest If you are paying interest on a student loan, you can claim a deduction of up to $2,500. Tax preparation fees Taxpayers can deduct fees paid to tax professionals, tax software charges, and other tax-related expenses. Sponsoring a child The money you give an organization supporting underprivileged children can be tax deductible.

Ataxia is a condition that generally results from damage to the cerebellum or its connections, the part of the brain controlling muscle coordination. It can be a result or a symptom of various conditions like stroke, tumor, brain degeneration, multiple sclerosis, or genetic disorders. Ataxia can affect a person’s coordination, speech, and balance and make it difficult to swallow or walk. Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs of this condition. Symptoms of ataxia Some early warning signs of ataxia to watch out for include- Problems with coordination and balance, such as clumsiness or frequent falling Facing trouble with fine motor skills such as picking up small objects, writing, or buttoning up clothes Slurred or unclear speech Tremors or muscle spasms Difficulties with eating or swallowing Unusual eye movements, such as blinking slower than usual or suffering from nystagmus (a form of involuntary eye movement) Cardiovascular issues The severity of the symptoms of this condition depends on the type of ataxia one is dealing with. Genetic failures, other health conditions, vitamin deficiencies, injuries, or immunological problems can cause ataxia. Depending on the causes, ataxia may be categorized into three types. Inherited ataxia Inherited ataxia occurs when a parent (or both parents) passes on a congenital disability to their child. It may worsen from one generation to the next. The most common types of inherited ataxia are spinocerebellar ataxia, episodic ataxia, Friedreich’s ataxia, and ataxia telangiectasia. Acquired ataxia Many external events can also cause ataxia. These include brain surgery, tumors, head injuries, infections such as meningitis and chickenpox, exposure to toxic chemicals such as mercury or lead, neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy, stroke, an underactive thyroid, vitamin B12 deficiency, chemotherapy, etc. Idiopathic ataxia When no underlying cause is found for the condition, it is known as idiopathic ataxia.

Online retail stores have made scrolling through hundreds of products easy. The purchasing process is also unbelievably quick. Some items can be delivered to one’s doorstep by the end of the day, if not sooner. However, online shopping has its downsides, like security concerns and impulse purchases, requiring one to be extra careful when they visit any website. So, here are five mistakes that one could easily avoid to have a pleasant online shopping experience. Opening unknown retail outlet links Multiple websites might claim to sell products for 50% off their retail price, including premium smartphones. If this sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t. One should shop from a well-known company that lists its address and phone number to enjoy additional peace of mind. Passing up cashback Ignoring cashback deals could mean missing out on substantial savings. One should sign up to retail websites that offer cash rebates or subscribe to a third-party app that offers similar benefits. Shoppers could accumulate these points to get substantial discounts on future purchases or to earn rewards. Overlooking return policies When one shops for something like clothes, there’s a good chance they might want to send it back for a different size. So, the individual should check the website’s retail policy and return window and understand if the process is free or chargeable. Most reputable websites have a return period with free shipping for at least one week. Failing to check the policy could lead to one buying the wrong item and losing money because they cannot return it. Failing to compare prices Many rush to purchase if a website says a particular deal is ending. However, this often results in individuals paying more. One must compare prices across multiple retail stores and take their time to find the best deal.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is a quick payment method that allows users to purchase products or services without paying for them in real-time. The lending BNPL-partnered company covers the cost at the time of purchase, and the user then repays the amount in installments to the company over the next few pre-determined months. While the BNPL scheme sounds like an ideal method of financing, it has its pitfalls. Making mistakes while dealing with it can quickly add up, costing more than initially anticipated, and spiral one into a financial pit. Here are some common mistakes to avoid: Not reading the terms and conditions The BNPL schemes have specific terms and conditions, and skipping the details before signing up can damage the pocket. For example, even though BNPL has no interest, one may incur late fees in case of missed or delayed payments, which can also affect one’s credit score. Therefore, it’s crucial to read the BNPL’s fine print thoroughly. Overusing BNPL schemes Using services like BNPL to make impulse purchases is always tempting since it comes with no upfront cost. This can often lead people to overextend their finances. To avoid this situation, one should utilize BNPL mindfully to make valuable and anticipated purchases like a work laptop or household appliances. It’s best to leave out impulsive buys like clothing or leisure gadgets or set a budget for them separately to manage finances better. Not knowing BNPL limitations Another issue is that people may look at the bright side and forget to adhere to the limitations of BNPL. For example, the plans do not offer purchase protection the way a credit card company might. Purchase protection is important when one makes an online payment, but the parcel doesn’t arrive. One should know how one’s BNPL company handles or retrieves the money in case of such issues.

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that impacts the quality of the everyday life of an individual. Excessive sweating can lead those affected to feel embarrassed, sad, anxious, and angry. To combat these emotional and mental feelings, one can bring some effective changes in everyday life. Mentioned below are some of the lifestyle tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine to cope with hyperhidrosis. Let’s have a look at some. Exercise Working out is a great way to help reduce stress and maintain physical health. People with hyperhidrosis should not feel embarrassed while working out, as it is normal for them to sweat during intense physical workouts. Also, regular exercise will help you keep your body in shape and help reduce sweat in normal situations. Wear light and breathable clothing Out of the many lifestyle tips for hyperhidrosis, this one is about paying attention to what you wear. Natural fibers like cotton and linen will help keep sweat to a minimum. Thick fabrics like flannel can trap sweat which can worsen your sweating. People with hyperhidrosis should wear light and breathable fabrics, which can reduce the body temperature, and in turn, stop sweat. Stay hydrated It is important for people with hyperhidrosis to maintain an adequate level of hydration. Sweating leads to the loss of electrolytes from your body. It is generally recommended to drink eight glasses of water a day; however, people with hyperhidrosis may need to drink more. Diet A change in diet can help reduce sweat levels. Certain foods and drinks can trigger sweat production. Eliminating or limiting them from your diet can help in sweat reduction. Limit the consumption of spicy food, highly processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol, which are some foods that can cause excessive sweating. Keep your feet dry You should wear sandals that allow easy air circulation in your feet, preventing them from sweating.

Every pet parent wants their four-legged companion to have a lustrous coat of fur. Having a shiny coat isn’t just about looking pretty, the shein is a reflection of your dog’s good health. You don’t need to splurge on pet-friendly creams and lotions or put in a lot of time grooming your pet. Just following these simple tips can help ensure that your dog’s skin and coat are in the finest condition. Regular baths and brushing Giving you dog a bathing once or twice a month is enough. But keep in mind that using organic pet shampoos with natural ingredients is ideal. Additionally, brushing your dog every few days helps spread natural oils on their skin, producing a glossy and healthy coat. Feeding meals rich in fatty acids Omega-3s and 6s play crucial roles in maintaining a dog’s coat condition as well as overall health. Omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and lustrous coat while omega-3s fight inflammation and improve mood. Coconut oil massages Coconut oil is incredibly beneficial for the skin. Applying and massaging your dog’s skin with this oil will instantly moisturize their skin and make their coat shiny. Adding a few drops of coconut oil to your pet shampoo will give better results. Oatmeal baths Oatmeal is full of skin-friendly nutrients. If your dog’s skin is dry and prone to allergic reactions, they’ll likely benefit from an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal also helps make the fur soft and maintains its glow. Safeguarding against parasites Fleas and ticks can irritate your dog’s skin and make them uncontrollably scratch and bite, leading to hair loss and skin damage. Several home remedies can help keep these pests at bay, such as feeding garlic, applying lemon spray or apple cider vinegar, and wearing an essential oil flea collar. If natural methods don’t help, consider these products to prevent flea and tick infestation in dogs.

As far as charity is concerned, people usually think of it in linear terms. Donations help those in need, and it’s normal to believe this is the only goal. But many people are unaware that there is so much more to the act of giving. Lending a helping hand is only one of many benefits of making charitable donations. Individuals who share their wealth may also have rewarding personal, emotional, and mental experiences. Helping those in need One of the biggest benefits of donating money is helping those in need. The world isn’t perfect or even fair, for that matter. What makes a difference is a surplus sharing with those who don’t have privileges to bank on. Providing a positive experience A National Institute of Health study found that people who chose to donate would activate the pleasure centers in their brains. While there is more research to be conducted to understand this link, sharing is an undeniably satisfying experience. Taxes are deductible Donating to charity also comes with the benefit of a tax deduction. If you’ve contributed to an IRS-approved non-profit organization, you’ll get a write-off on the donation sum while filing returns. Setting an example Donating to a local or international community allows you to set a good example for the youth in the community. After all, children do what they see. Making an impact Charities impact the community at large by uplifting those in need of help. Donations provide a better standard and quality of life, access to education, and even healthcare to improve the community’s standing. Making life more meaningful Contributing and sharing your wealth allows you to meet and mingle with other like-minded individuals. You get to share your passions and bring about a positive influence on the issues at hand. Helping everyone feel happy Spending your hard-earned money on yourself is thrilling, but sharing your wealth with others can also feel rewarding.

As your long-awaited trip approaches, you should start preparing and packing so that you are all set well in advance. You have probably made a mental to-do list; however, you should account for uncertainties and anything that could be a hindrance. Forgetting something important or booking the wrong tour are common mistakes that could ruin the trip. So, here are a few other errors to avoid for an ideal experience. Booking back-to-back flights Avoid booking long flights with a short layover or inadequate buffer period. Delays are inevitable when flying; you may also need time to make it to the next connecting flight. If you are planning a trip that involves consecutive long-haul flights, make sure you account for a suitable buffer period to rest and recoup. Overpacking Even if you are planning a long vacation, avoid stuffing every piece of clothing and accessory into your luggage. When you have multiple layovers and transfers, lugging heavy suitcases is something you want to avoid. Also, you can find basic amenities and essentials at your destination. Traveling light is the best solution to save space for things (like souvenirs) you buy on vacation. Improper planning Am overambitious itinerary can be a nightmare to follow, especially if you are traveling with family. Avoid overplanning as not everyone can keep up with a hectic schedule. Additionally, it may be impossible to have enough time to enjoy all events or visit all the spots according to the plan. Plan your travel itinerary in a way that allows covering as much as possible without causing exhaustion. Carrying valuables Why take your expensive laptop, gadgets, or jewelry with you on vacation? The whole point of the vacation is to escape the everyday humdrum. Further, carrying valuables is risky as they could be stolen or misplaced, and retrieving them in a foreign city could be challenging.

Coupons are an excellent way to save money. They can help you save big on just about everything from food to appliances, clothing, and more, at various stores and restaurants around the country. If you’re thinking you can’t use them post-expiry, we have news for you! There are many tips and tricks to ensure you can make the most of your coupons even after their expiration. Don’t cut off or hide the expiration date Don’t hide the expiration date by crossing it or cutting it out, because stores are less likely to accept a coupon without an expiration date. Check if the coupon has a grace period Several manufacturers have a grace period of a few days on their coupons. Check the fine print or research the coupon online before throwing it out just because it has reached its expiration date. Check if the store has a grace period Many stores are relaxed about coupon expiration dates, and may be willing to accept it even a few days after. Stores such as Bed, Bath & Beyond, Michael’s, Staples, and Petsmart are well-known for this option. However, they are more likely to accept their own coupons over those from a manufacturer. Call the store in advance to find out whether they would be willing to accept any kind of expired coupons. Other stores and restaurants that also accept expired coupons for a few days include Arby’s, Bath and Body Works, Burger King, Buy Buy Baby, Culvers, CVS Pharmacy, Harris Teeters, and PetCo. Ask for a coupon exchange If the store is strict about using expired coupons, ask the cashier if they have any exchanges available. Deals are generally recycled throughout the week, and cashiers at some stores may be able to help you out with a valid coupon. Donate your coupons to overseas military families If you’ve tried all means at your disposal but are unable to get your coupons to work, you can consider donating them to military families.

A clean and tidy home contributes to the general well-being and overall health of its occupants. While hiring professional services is an option, many individuals prefer to try deep cleaning tasks themselves. To achieve professional-level results, one must have the right tools and products. Some commonly suggested products for cleaning home spaces are listed below. These products are widely recognized for their effectiveness in managing cleaning challenges and achieving a sparkling clean home. Baking soda Baking soda is a versatile and affordable cleaning agent that most professionals suggest. Its mild abrasive properties make it ideal for scrubbing tough stains, eliminating odors, and deodorizing carpets. Glass cleaners Having glass cleaners handy can help achieve streak-free, crystal-clear windows and mirrors and instant riddance from spills on glass table tops. Specially formulated to remove smudges, fingerprints, and dirt, glass cleaners leave surfaces sparkling without any residue. Paired with lint-free cloths or microfiber towels, they bring shine and clarity to glass surfaces. Rubber gloves Rubber gloves protect hands from harsh chemicals and provide a better grip while scrubbing and handling cleaning agents. One can opt for durable, high-quality rubber gloves that offer comfort and protection during deep cleaning. Extendable duster A versatile extendable duster can be used to reach high and difficult-to-access areas in the house, especially while removing dust and cobwebs from ceilings, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and tall furniture. Its extendable feature allows for adjustable lengths to suit different cleaning requirements. Scrub brush Scrub brushes are specially designed to clean tiles and the grout lines between tiles. They are small, stiff-bristled brushes that effectively remove dirt, grime, and mildew buildup and restore the appearance of tile floors, showers, and backsplashes. Stainless steel cleaner Stainless steel surfaces require special care to maintain their shine and resist fingerprints. Investing in good quality stainless steel cleaners can help effectively remove smudges, fingerprints, and water stains while providing a protective barrier against future damage.