4 essential features to look for in an eCommerce platform
4 essential features to look for in an eCommerce platform

Starting a new online business is great, but it comes with many decision-making situations. Moreover, the first few decisions can be quite crucial. This would include the store’s name, where to host the website, and creative methods to make your business stand out in the clutter of other online stores. Another essential decision is choosing the right eCommerce platform for your store. This is especially a challenging task as there are a plethora of eCommerce platforms, each with incredible features. In this case, choosing the correct one can be overwhelming. But, if you know what you are looking for, making the right choice may not seem that difficult. 

You can use these features as parameters to choose the right eCommerce platform.

  • SEO-friendly
    SEO does an incredible job of connecting your store to its potential customers. It’s always beneficial to rank higher in search results, and this is why you need to choose an eCommerce SEO-friendly platform. Your customers should be able to find your store easily when they look for your products or services. Your prospective eCommerce platform must offer SEO-friendly features, such as a custom domain name, the ability to update meta tags and meta descriptions, add captions and descriptions in images, and API integration tools.
  • Platform scalability
    Every eCommerce store aspires to make it big, irrespective of how they start. The eCommerce platform you choose should have scalable features that will allow it to manage a full-fledged online store. In addition to its ability to handle a large amount of traffic, the platform should also be able to integrate certain APIs to manage large-scale implementations. You need to be sure that the platform can upscale its features according to your site’s needs and demands.
  • Mobile-friendly
    Did you know that 60 percent of searches are done on mobile phones? Well, this is why most businesses now focus on mobile eCommerce prospects. There are high chances that you might lose out on final purchases if your site isn’t mobile-friendly. To make sure you don’t lose out on potential businesses, opt for an eCommerce platform with a mobile-responsive theme or template.
  • Security features
    eCommerce stores that do not have appropriate security features are sitting ducks for hackers. Moreover, no customer would make transactions from a poorly guarded site since data is vulnerable to theft. So, choose an eCommerce platform that supports HTTPs or SLL. Also, it should be equipped with PCI-DSS compliant payment solutions for secure transactions.
  • Tips to buy chainsaw for the first time

    Cutting trees to clear forests or a bushy area can be a tough job. It is quite a labor-intensive task and needs a huge effort. Not only effort but also cutting or felling of trees requires complete expertise in the field. An experienced professional knows the tricks of the trade and have the set of machinery required for cutting trees. He has the saw, axe and all other items required for the work. If you are into this profession and want to reduce the number of efforts you put for the work, you can buy a chainsaw for your work.

    Chainsaw refers to a small mechanical saw, which can be easily taken from one place to other and uses teeth set for cutting trees. The teeth set comes with a guide bar and has rotating chain attached to the bar for controlling the device. Though this is mainly a wood cutting machine, you can also find specialized chainsaws to cut concrete structures. At times, they are also used for cutting or shaping ice. Whether you need to use a chainsaw for cutting wood or you are looking for chainsaws to cut concrete, you can search for the best price Stihl chainsaws offer. If you are going to buy chainsaws for the first time, you can follow some simple tips to make the job easier.

    Know your usage well- The description of the mechanism and role of chainsaws clearly gives a hint of the dangers that can arise with the improper use of the machine. Therefore, before deciding on the model of a chainsaw to be purchased, you should know your usage or requirements carefully. Chainsaws for infrequent users or new users are not the same for the experienced users. That means, when you are searching for the best-priced Stihl chainsaws, you need to know your usage well. If you cannot decide on the chainsaw model best suited for your use, you can always take the help of the customer service staffs appointed by stores.

    Type of chainsaw- Owing to the different types of requirements as well as preferences of the users, you can find gas operated as well as electrically operated chainsaws. Gas operated chainsaws are a good choice for professional users, who need them on a regular basis or have to work in remote areas, where getting a stable electrical connection can be a little tricky. However, if you do not require much mobility from the device and use it once in a while, you can opt for the electric ones. Both electric and gas models are available in stores. Therefore, you can search for any of them, when looking for best price on Stihl chainsaws.

    Price and quality- Though functionality and features of the chainsaw play an important role in determining the right type of chainsaw for your use, you should not undermine the price factor. You can search the online stores for best price Stihl chainsaws or visit local retailers in your area. However, to get the best value for your money, you should never compromise with the material quality of the product. The chainsaw you purchase should be able to give a flawless performance. It should be made with quality material or else it will not be able to function for a longer period of time.

    When you are looking for best price Stihl chainsaws, you should be careful about your requirements. Selecting a wrong model to save a few dollars may be a complete wastage of money. Therefore, check out every detail carefully and then make your decision. To save a bit extra, you can always consider looking out for online stores.

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  • Why should you get a bone density test?

    A bone density test is a test that is performed to gauge the strength of the bone. The density of the bone is measured and the chances of fractures and osteoporosis are determined. It is a simple noninvasive test, where a dual x-ray absorptiometry scan is performed. It is mostly done in the spine, hip, finger, wrist, or heel.

    Why you should get a bone density test?
    Fractured bone
    If you have had a fracture previously or are prone to such incidents, it is recommended that you immediately get a bone density test. If bone density is low, then there are more chances of fractures. A bone density test will help doctors to determine if the fracture is due to any underlying causes. It can be treated by medicines and a diet filled with vitamin D and calcium.

    Lost height
    If you have a recorded measure of the decrease in height, get your bone density tested immediately. There’s a chance that the decline is due to low bone density. Although such cases are very rare, it’s better to be on the safe side and get yourself tested as soon as possible.

    Severely underweight
    People who are severely underweight (below 127 pounds) should also get their bone density tested. Not only are they weak, but their bone density can be very low. This increases the chances of fracture with even small impacts to the bone. The low weight could be due to improper consumption of food and inadequate nutrition. This also means that the person might not have the required calcium intake. That leads to bone density. Hence it’s important that people who are underweight get a bone density test.

    Received a transplant
    If you have recently received a transplant, then you should be aware that the body will take some time to adjust itself to the new organ. The time it takes might cause fluctuations in bone density. In these cases, it’s important to get yourself tested and monitored so that there’s no issue that develops.

    Drop in hormone levels
    If there is a sudden drop in hormones due to medication or steroids you have recently taken, you must get a bone density test. There are high chances that the drugs can cause adverse effects to your bone density level.

    Family history of osteoporosis
    If you have a family member who was diagnosed with osteoporosis, then there is a chance that you might suffer from it as well. It’s been found that it can be passed on from one generation to another. Since it can be treated at the initial stages, get regular bone density tests. These tests can reveal if there is any drop in bone density.

    Women aged 50 and above
    Since women above 50 go through menopause, estrogen production in their body decreases. This has adverse effects on bone density. It has been shown that women may experience 2530% bone loss in the first five years after menopause. Hence, frequent bone density tests should be taken and diet should be modified accordingly.
    Smoking, hyperthyroidism, and physical inactivity can also lead to problems with bone density. It is important to follow a balanced diet that has increased amounts of vitamin D and calcium to keep bone density levels in check.

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  • Garcinia cambogia – Know what you consume

    Garcinia cambogia comes from the south Asian and south east Asian countries and has been a part of the debate for it being the ultimate fruit product used for weight loss. Many are talking about the pills made from the extracts of this fruit and the wonders it can do to lose weight.

    With all the know benefits of the pills to lose weight, there has been significant amount of concerns and those concerns are legit as studies have suggested that the diet pills made from garcinia cambodia is harmful for your health. This article talks about the studies that claim that the pills are in fact hazardous to people health.

    If you are about to get yourself these pills or consume them already, here are some things you must know could be true and you must do your research before consuming them any further.

    In order to help you lose weight, the hydroxycitric acid compound found in this fruit decreases your appetite and prevents your body from storing food as fat.

    Some claim that most companies that have released diet pills products made from the extracts of garcinia cambodia have failed laboratory quality and quantity tests.

    There haven’t been any large-scale comparison of the pill to other weight loss supplements to show why garcinia is a better supplement.

    What makes it more suspicious to consume is the fact that there has been no objective data found on garcinia yet to validate any one side of the debate.

    After lab experiments, its been found that high doses of garcinia cambogia extract caused testicular atrophy and toxicity in mice.

    On the other hand, experts claimed that is this product is consumed in the right proportion and the right way, i.e., with the right things to eat with this product, it will help you lose weight without causing any harm or side-effect. It is all about how you consume the product.

    There is quite a concern about garcinia products not good for just anybody. Irrespective of how you consume the pills, it might not be right for certain body type and if you are planning on trying them, you must first find out if this product will work for you or not.

    Information on what you are consume will help you from a lot of potential trouble. Extensive research only helps you consume things the right way to give you the right results.

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  • Top 3 Assisted Living Centers for the Elderly

    Assisted living centers for senior citizens have changed a lot in the last few years. Today, these places have become very senior-friendly and are much more comfortable than they used to be in the past. Today, assisted living centers for the elderly have become customized care centers where seniors can enjoy their lives and participate in activities that make them happy. It is safe to say that assisted living centers have hit the right balance between providing care and letting the seniors feel at home.

    Aegis Living
    Aegis is a Redmond, Washington-based assisted living center for the elderly. It is pet-friendly at nearly all the locations and has been designed keeping in mind the needs of seniors who require wheelchairs and assisted walking facilities. Aegis provides appetizing meals to its residents. Additionally, a physician is always present at the center. Other doctors, like dentists and therapists, are available on call too. Most of the care centers help patients with memory problems or behavioral issues lead a comfortable and life. At some locations, Aegis also provides vegetarian food. The minimum age for entry in Aegis Senior Homes is 65 years.

    Integral Senior Living
    Integral Senior Living is one of the top assisted living centers for elderly citizens. It owns 48 communities within the country, and they have numerous centers in Arizona and California. It is the 17th largest senior living provider in the country. It specializes in assisted living, memory care, and independent living. For more than 18 years, this brand has managed to deliver top-quality senior living setups along with modern and satisfying workplaces. The minimum age required to start living in one of these centers is 55 years. All the centers have a resident physician present at all times, and other doctors and therapists are available on call too. They provide many food options, and patients can choose meals depending on their health conditions.

    American House Senior Living Communities
    American House Senior Living Communities is the 31st largest senior living provider in the country. It is well-known for its hospitality, housing, and personal care, and it has been taking care of seniors for more than 30 years now. This assisted living center for the elderly is an independent living setup. However, it does provide assisted living care at three of its locations in the states of Michigan and Florida.

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  • Light bulbs to lighten up the house

    Bulbs are very important to provide adequate light in the house and its surroundings. It has rather become a necessity than desire. After the ban of incandescent bulbs on January 1, 2014, the United States of America has come up with various types of bulbs that provide an alternative to 40-70 Watt bulbs. The performance of it is dependent upon the light source (bulb) being used. Different bulbs have different roles and produce various lighting effects. There are various bulbs that also vary in performance and efficiency. There are certain bulbs specifically designed to save energy and provide the desired lightening effects.

    One such source is called as LUMEN, whose full form is Lighting Understanding for a More Efficient Nation. It is led by the American Lighting Association in alliance to save energy and the National Electrical Manufacture Association. It is in collaboration with 40 or more organizations.

    Various types of bulbs

    • LEDs
      Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are a popular category of bulbs that are usually seen in average American homes. Light emitting diodes consist of a chip that is present in a plastic container. They are small in size and are effectively combined to form a single light bulb.
      LED lighting is more durable and efficient than any other light source, and are introducing more applications for homes. They are more popular in some types of downlights and under cabinet strips. It has an Energy Star Symbol to ensure good quality and better efficiency in LEDs.
    • Incandescent bulbs
      Incandescent or glowing bulbs often produce light when passed through electric current and a filament, which is the reason for its glowing effects. They are best used to cater to demands of high brightness levels. They also save energy and are energy efficient as compared to other light sources. According to the Energy and Independence Act of 2007, incandescent bulbs should produce an equal amount of light combined with less wattage. Wattage being referred to as the amount of electricity produced by a light source.
      The various types of incandescent bulbs are as follows.
      General Service
      These are light bulbs that are cheap and easily available. They were the most used light bulbs in the early 90s. They come at a very low price and produce a warm bright yellow light that is scattered in every direction. It has three basic shapes, i.e., General, Globe, and Decorative.
      Reflectorized bulbs
      They consist of a reflective coating in nature and direct light in almost the same direction.
      Parabolic Reflector bulbs
      They are also known as PAR and are control efficient. Light fixtures of this type control more light and emit more clarity. They are suitable for outdoor locations and places prone to floods. They are also used to track lights.
      Tungsten-halogen incandescent bulbs
      These bulbs produce better light as compared to any other incandescent bulbs. Their light is brighter, whiter, and is emitted in all directions. They have a longer shelf life and provide more wattage than any other incandescent bulbs.
      Halogen bulbs
      They are available in two types.
      Line voltage
      It is usually about 120 Watts.
      Low voltage
      It is usually about 12 Volts.
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  • Prevention of Smelly Flatulence

    Flatulence or farts is a biological process by which the gas gets released from digestion. In some cases, farts are silent and odorless. However, there are occasions where they become loud and also smell very bad. Smelly farts are considered normal by many. There are some foods or medications that might really cause smelly farts. Furthermore, a foul smell of your farts sometimes works as an indicator of an underlying infection or digestive disorder issue. Let’s see some of the reasons for smelly farts. Knowing the reasons will help to find out how to stop smelly flatulence.

    High-fiber foods
    When you consume high-fiber foods, it takes longer for your digestive system to break down the food and that is when they become fermented over time. If you are wondering how to stop smelly flatulence, then you should avoid eating the following vegetables:

    • Bok choy
    • Asparagus
    • Cabbage
    • Broccoli

    Food intolerance
    If you are sensitive towards certain foods, then having them may result in you having foul-smelling farts. For instance, people suffering from lactose intolerance will not be able to break down the carbohydrate lactose. Because of that, the food will get fermented in your intestine.

    Medication
    There are some medications that cause smelly farts. Antibiotics kill pathogens that are harmful to your body and in doing so, they also kill some of the good pathogens as well. If you are wondering how to stop smelly flatulence, then you should understand that without these good pathogens, your farts will have a foul smell.

    Prevention of smelly farts
    Before knowing how to stop smelly flatulence, one thing you should know is that farts are normal and are also necessary to eliminate waste and gas out of the body. Here are some of the things you can do in order to stop smelly farts:

    • Drink more water to eliminate the waste from your body more efficiently.
    • Avoid carbonated drinks such as beer and soda as they can create gas.
    • Eat in smaller portions and at a slower pace to maintain healthy digestion and reduce gas generation.
    • Try to include probiotic foods such as yogurt as these foods bring back healthy bacteria and improve the digestive system.
    • Always avoid foods that play a key role in producing smelly gas.
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  • Types of hot water heaters you can choose from

    Hot water heaters are often the unsung heroes in a household. They make most of our household chores easy. Be it washing, cleaning or taking a hot shower after a long and tiring day. If you are looking to buy a new heater or replacing a damaged one, you need to know the different variants available before you can put your finger on one of your choices.

    Here are some types of hot water heaters that you can choose from:

    Conventional Type
    The conventional models of water heaters come with an insulated storage tank and a general capacity of around 30-80 gallons. Unlike earlier times, these hot water heaters do come in various sizes to suit your requirement and house space. The storage capacity is commendable, and it thus provides hot water at any point, even when switched off.

    Instant water heaters
    In this age of energy-saving, you would want to go for water heaters that heat water for you instantly and waste less or no energy. Here, you only pay for the hot water that you use, because it heats water on demand and thus saves both energy and money. You can also go for different units of the tankless heater for different appliances if need be. The lifespan of a tankless one is more than the conventional version. So, you can surely pick the better option for modern day usage.

    Electric heat pump type
    This kind of hot water heaters works best during cold weathers. Though they work on electricity, the actual mechanism is such that it draws the heat from the environment and intensifies it to heat the water in the storage tank. Compared to a conventional unit, its energy-saving capacity is three times greater. For optimum performance, you only have to get the air filters cleaned on a regular basis.

    Solar water heater
    This type works on a popular unlimited natural resource, which is the sun. This is one of the major natural water heater options that will keep your utility bills low.

    Consider all types of water heaters and before purchasing one do reflect on your requirements, budget, usage, space, and energy conservation needs.

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  • 8 foods that help manage symptoms of menopause

    Menopause is a natural event in a woman’s life as their menstrual cycles come to an end. The phenomenon leads to a reduction in the estrogen hormone, which may affect one’s metabolism. The changes may also lead to declining bone density, hot flashes, and irregular sleep patterns. The symptoms of menopause may sometimes last for years. Therefore, women must follow a proper meal plan to cope and manage during the transition.

    Salmon
    Fatty fish like salmon are known for their heart-healthy properties called omega-3 fatty acids. These acids can improve an individual’s mood and brain function. The properties can also keep blood pressure levels in check and regulate symptoms like hot flashes.

    Broccoli
    Vegetables like broccoli are beneficial for the human body in several ways, including managing the symptoms of menopause. Broccoli contains calcium, which is known to build bone strength. It can also improve estrogen levels responsible for curbing the risk of breast cancer.

    Eggs
    Eggs are flush with vitamin D and iron, essential for women going through menopause. The food also contains healthy proteins known to reduce cholesterol levels and curb the risk of heart disease.

    Oatmeal
    Adding whole grains such as oatmeal to a meal plan can boost the fiber levels in one’s body. Eating the food may help manage symptoms of menopause by lowering cholesterol, regulating blood sugar levels, and preventing constipation.

    Olive oil
    One should consider using olive oil instead of regular cooking oil because it has certain fats that manage hormone levels, appetite, vitamin absorption, and insulin response. It makes olive oil essential for women experiencing menopause and the symptoms associated with the condition.

    Soybeans
    Including plant-based protein sources in regular meals like soybeans may help reduce symptoms like inflammation and oxidative stress. The legume is also beneficial for ovarian function as it may delay the onset of early menopause and improve female reproductive function.

    Yogurt
    Women going through menopause should eat low-fat dairy products like yogurt to counter its effects. In addition, the food contains proteins, which help prevent the risk of osteoporosis by improving bone density previously affected by low estrogen levels.

    Grilled chicken
    Another way to manage the symptoms of menopause includes eating grilled chicken. The food contains lean proteins, which may help improve muscle mass and bone strength in women faced with menopause.

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