Cold sores are painful red small blisters that occur on the sides of the lips. Not only are they irritating, but also highly unattractive. These are caused mainly by irregular and inadequate diet and sometimes even due to close or direct contact with an affected individual. After all these ages of research and improvement in medication, there are still no particular cold sore treatments.

However, there are certain natural remedies which can be implemented as part of effective cold sore treatments. These are also referred to as home remedies. Some of them are as follows:

• Salts: One should be cautious while using salt on cold sores for the first time as it would give a tremendous burning sensation along with excruciating pain. Apply salt either in its pure form or mix it with toothpaste or lime juice. These methods help in drying up the wound quickly and even serve as a long-term treatment.
• Neem powder: Neem (or Indian lilac) has been known for ages for its typically natural antiseptic qualities. It can be used in the powder form, and it should be applied along with rose water to get the best results. This is one on the most recommended cold sore treatments.
• Aloe vera and turmeric: Aloe vera in gel form when mixed along with turmeric powder forms a very fine and slimy paste that can be applied on the cold sore to see an instant reaction.
• Tea: Using a tea bag for a cold compress has positive effects in getting rid of the redness caused by cold sore blisters.
• Milk: Cold compress with the help of frozen milk cubes have a positive healing effect as the milk soothes the blisters.

Use these home-based natural treatments to get relief from cold sores and alleviate the pain.

Although it seems unlikely, many seniors are eligible for free cellphones for seniors if they know where to apply for one. By locating the right source, seniors can obtain a free cell phone or a wireless phone for free that come with easy-to-use monthly plans with no hassle of a contract, monthly bills, credit checks, or hidden costs. Given the fact that most seniors require a cell phone in case of emergencies, it is also a fact that most seniors need an inexpensive phone. If they get a free phone, it is even better because their use of free cell phones is usually limited to calling and texting minimally only. A lot of the senior population lives on social security and has a limited income, so buying a brand new cell phone and dealing with monthly charges is not something they would choose to spend their time and money on. A plan or program that offers free cellphones for seniors is both a blessing and a necessity for them.

Lifeline is a Federal program that was created to be able to provide free home phone services or free cellphones for seniors for emergencies. The program offers, to those who are eligible by their income bracket, free cell phones and minutes on a monthly basis. By the given eligibility criteria, anyone who is eligible may apply for the program. The eligibility is anyone receiving assistance from the federal government or anyone who has an income that is less than 135 percent of the guidelines provided by the federal system. Whoever meets these guidelines, whether a senior or a family, become eligible for a free phone service.

Different cell phone and wireless phone carriers work with the Lifeline program to offer different phones and monthly plans for seniors. To get free cellphones for seniors, some restrictions and eligibility criteria varies from state to state. Various programs have different income guidelines, such as the following:

• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Head Start (if income eligibility criteria are met)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program
• State assistance programs (if applicable)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)

To qualify for free cellular phones, the person must participate in one of the above-given programs. Apart from these, more rules need to be followed with the phones obtained through such programs. For example, every household may have only one phone. Also, a house can have either a home phone or a cell phone but not both.

Eligibility of seniors for Lifeline program
Seniors need to check their federal default state before they can know if they are eligible for a free cell phone service or a subsidized one. The federal default states include the following:

• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Delaware
• Louisiana
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Indiana
• New Hampshire

Seniors and individuals who live in a federal default state further need to be enrolled under certain federal programs to become eligible for Lifeline service. These federal qualifying programs include the following:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• National School Lunch Program
• Medicaid
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• National School Lunch Program.

An individual is further deemed eligible if the household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty line, although this margin may vary from state to state. With the availability of such programs, free cellphones for seniors can be easily obtained with low-cost charges and no hassles of monthly billings or contracts.

Have you always wanted to imbibe a sense of luxury and soak in the sensation as you did during your stay in a classy hotel? Then now is the time to do so. You can make these with just minor changes rather than doing a complete makeover. Though this could sound seemingly impossible, let’s break it down into manageable chunks and work on achieving the unimaginable.

Here are a few tips to give your bathroom a hotel-like look
– Try to remember the aspects of the hotel bathroom that impressed you so much and pay attention to the details. The first point that would come to mind is the neat and prim outlook of the space. Therefore, start by decluttering your bathroom and find a place for every necessity in a cabinet.

– Identify those objects that you wish to be seen and which adds to the aesthetics just like in a hotel room. The luxurious toiletries you had used are definitely worth investing in and displaying it in a neatly arranged fashion. Opt for spa-grade shower gels, shampoos, and lotions from renowned brands that suit you the best. Similarly, upgrade to plush towels, learn to fold it pleasingly and position it just right. You can also purchase a large, cozy bath mat that would pamper your feet every time you step out of your bath or shower.

– Adding a touch of color and fragrance is important to give your bathroom a hotel-like look. A vase with fresh flowers and scented candles or an essential oil diffuser can remain as a permanent fixture. You can also play around with lights. Apart from your regular lights which are already in place, install additional dim lights which you can switch on while in a luxurious bubble-filled bath. This will set the mood and help you relax.

– If you can afford to spend a bit more, you can also consider a utility upgrade and change the taps and shower heads to more stylish variants readily available in the market. Also, you can display beautiful artwork that suits your taste.

With these tips to give your bathroom a hotel-like look, you can go the extra mile to make your bathroom as inviting as a luxury hotel in no time.

According to a report, around 80% of Americans experience pain in the lower left side of their back. There are multiple reasons for experiencing left side back pain. Although there are some minor issues, such as muscle strains, in the case of which the body can heal itself within a certain time. However, if the pain persists, then you may require the attention of a specialist. Let’s have a look at the three common reasons behind experiencing back pain on the left side of the body.

Muscle strain
This is perhaps the most common reason for the left side back pain. When your muscles in the back get overworked due to a fall or any such reasons, you will feel this pain. In most cases, torn muscles are the cause of the pain. So, your doctor will begin your treatment by asking about your medical history and checking for the following:

• Weakness in the muscles
• Some signals that will indicate a rupture in the muscles
• Feeling of discomfort during multiple range motion exercises
• Localized tenderness

The bottom line is that left side back pain due to muscle strain can be really painful, but within a few days, it will go away.

Spinal structure
If the cause of your left side back pain is not a muscle strain, then the doctors will next check whether the pain is related to your spinal structure. Some of the common causes of the left back pain due to the spinal structure include the following:

• Facet joint pain
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Lumbar herniated disc

If your doctor finds out that spinal structure is the cause of your pain, then he or she will perform any of the following;

• Neurologic exam
• Leg raise test
• Reflex test

Also, if the doctor feels it necessary, then he or she may ask you to undergo an X-ray, MRI, or CT-scan that will reveal the actual cause of the pain.

Internal organs
Though it is very rare, the cause of your left side back pain might be due to problems in your internal organs that could include the following:

• Pregnancy
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney infection
• Ulcerative colitis
• Kidney stones
• Gynecological disorders

If the internal organs are the cause of your back pain, then your recent medical history will be really helpful in determining the right treatment. Also, you may have to go for an X-ray, MRI, or CT-scan to confirm that a certain internal organ is the cause of your left side back pain.

Statistics have shown that millions of Americans carry more than two credit cards with an average balance of around $4,453. Splitting the credit card dues, be it Visa or MasterCard, may increase the opportunities of availing of reward points. However, failure to clear off the debts on a timely basis may lead to several bad debts.

To avoid being submerged in bad debts or pay double-digit interests on multiple credit cards, it is recommended that the cardholders consolidate their debts on credit cards and pay off the debts with a single source. Such consolidation of credit card debts enables the cardholder to maintain a proper expense structure as well as reduce the complications of handling multiple credit card debts.

Given below are four ways in which one can consolidate debts:

Apply for balance transfer credit cards: On the successful payment of balance during the introductory period, the cardholder may benefit from paying less or no interest. Additional rewards and other benefits are also applicable depending on the plan chosen. However, failure to pay the balance during the introductory period may lead to deferred interest. It is also necessary for the cardholder to have an excellent credit score to benefit from the best balance transfer deals available. This will further help the cardholder to consolidate debts efficiently.

Get a personal loan: The interest rate of a personal loan is considerably less as compared to the interest rate of a credit card. Moreover,  in the case of a personal loan, the period of payment may be extended for a longer term. The borrower’s credit score won’t be affected, and he or she will be entitled to take multiple loans. However, it is important to note that a low credit score—typically below 600—may attract high interest rates.

Borrow from a retirement account: Although this option should be considered as a last resort, it is one of the ways in which one can consolidate their debts. When an amount is borrowed, a fixed amount is deducted from the borrower’s account when the payment is due, making it easier for the borrower to pay off their debts. The lack of credit check makes this option accessible for individuals with low or bad credit scores as well.

However, one should know that during the period of the loan taken from the retirement account, the person will not be able to quit his/her job, as it will incur penalties in the form of interests.

Avail a home or car equity loan: Equity loans have a fixed amount and give a longer, but a fixed term, to repay the loan. These loans also have a fixed low-interest rate compared to credit cards. However, it is imperative to note that the borrower’s home or car is held as a collateral. Hence, he/she is at the risk of losing their assets if they fail to repay the loan.

There are hundreds of reasons to visit Jamaica. Great food, lots of adventures, and most importantly, the magical Carribean weather – all these factors make Jamaica one of the best places to visit in the world. Additionally, it is a beautiful destination for weddings and honeymoons. Following are some of the best options of all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica.

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa
One of the top all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, a junior suite at this hotel costs around $285 while a general suite costs $290 approximately. The resort offers you ten different dining options, and it also has a theatre along with a vibrant nightclub. Additionally, you can channel the inner golfer in you as a mini golf park is a part of this spectacular resort situated in Lucea.

Secrets St. James Montego Bay
You can get great deals at this resort, and the prices range from around $320 to $600 for different types of rooms. Try to get the Ocean View King Room, which makes this all-inclusive Jamaican resort a coveted destination. You also get to experience an exclusive al fresco setting at a seaside grill, and the French restaurant is pretty stunning too. Furthermore, a full-service spa along with irresistible on-site activities, such as dance lessons, are offered here.

Breathless Montego Bay
The views from this hotel are breathtaking. Opt for a fitness session or enjoy windsurfing at this private and exclusive beach resort. You can check into this property to have the best time at Montego Bay. The views of the sea are unparalleled and will leave you breathless. Additionally, they have plenty of dining options as well.

Sunscape Cove Montego Bay Resort and Spa
Available for around $245, this all-inclusive resort in Jamaica comes with access to a private beach. It also has different activities like table tennis, tennis, and billiards right on the site, along with an option of water sports.

Kindly note that all the prices mentioned above are for a one night stay and two adults only. The rates may differ depending upon the portal you choose and the time of year that you plan on booking your vacation.

All-inclusive resorts provide you with a fixed budget, and you do not need to plan your expenses extensively. Furthermore, when you have everything you need in one place, you are sure to not miss out on anything. Therefore, all you need to do is take your pick and ensure that you get a great deal to enjoy Jamaica to the fullest.