5 ways to make creative bulletin boards
5 ways to make creative bulletin boards

Usually, when students go back to school after their summer break, the first thing they notice in the classroom is the bulletin board. Hence, teachers strive to make these boards more creative and beautiful. Here are some ways to make the bulletin boards more creative.

  • 3D design: Bulletin boards usually look very flat and two dimensional. Teachers can try to make these boards pop off the walls. 3D patterns are a great way to grab students’ attention. Teachers can incorporate 3D designs using DIY fringed grass, textured bark, and tree branches. Teachers can staple these designs to the board. In this way, they will fold out, creating an illusion of movement.
  • Comic books and cartoon characters: Incorporate comic book and cartoon characters as they are relevant to students’ interests. Popular comic book characters promote a positive attitude, good behavior, and can also be used to grab the attention of students going back to school. These bulletin boards can have comic book characters who encourage perseverance and teamwork.
  • Reuse old boards: Get creative and make use of old boards by decorating them with some simple supplies available in your classroom. You can use old posters as pocket charts. This craft makes plastic charts more exciting and helps you save a lot of money as you won’t have to buy a new one. Try to cover an old or unused chalkboard with contact paper if you run out of bulletin boards.
  • Borders: Creative borders are an excellent way to frame the bulletin boards as well as hide choppy paper edges. Layer a couple of them to give the bulletin board frames a matte look. You can use extra borders to turn the entire wall into a bulletin board or to create an extension to your current bulletin board. You create a whole new theme based on a particular subject with this technique.
  • Mailbox bulletin boards: These types of bulletin boards are perfect for communicating with students who are coming back to school. You can glue library cards on these bulletin boards and put notes in them to assign work to the students. You can make these boards more interactive by allowing your students to ask questions about their assignments using the same boards.

Creative and interactive bulletin boards can make the classroom’s environment more enjoyable and colorful. Great visual displays can help students grasp useful information. They also offer a better way to communicate with students. Check out DIY websites that offer ideas for making creative bulletin boards with the help of easily available supplies.

  • Everything you need to know about Insulin and its types

    Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced in a healthy individual’s body. Made by the pancreas, it allows your body to absorb glucose from the carbohydrates that your food carries and use it as energy.

    The body cells do require enough sugar in order to function with enough energy. However, the sugar is not automatically directed into cells. This is where insulin makes the super entry. After consuming a meal, the sugar levels in your body increase and insulin is then released so as to absorb the sugar and bring drop into your bloodstream.

    Insulin plays a very key role, as it helps keep a track on the sugar level as per your body’s requirement. It also carries excess sugar to your liver and releases it when your body is in need. Hence, insulin is a very important hormone that helps in keeping the sugar level balanced in the body. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, you are likely to develop high blood pressure. If this goes on for a long period, then you are at the risk of suffering from diabetes.

    Diabetes can be classified into two types – one being type 1 diabetes and other is known as type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a more severe case as the pancreas is no more able to produce insulin. This causes sugar in the blood that is not controlled. Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not respond well to the insulin produced in the body. Artificial Insulin is used to treat both the stages, however, a person with type 1 diabetes will require a constant dose of insulin to avoid further damage.

    The types of insulin that are used to treat both – type 1 and type 2 diabetes

    Rapid-acting insulin – This type of insulin is taken either before or after a meal, especially to control the sudden spike in blood sugar due to the meal. It works quickly within 15 minutes and generally taken in addition to a long-acting insulin.

    Long-acting insulin – This kind of insulin works several hours after being injected and works for up to 24 hours.

    Short-acting insulin – This insulin is generally given after a meal and can be effective for up to 3-6 hours. This one may be taken in addition to a long-acting insulin.

    Intermediate-acting insulin – This type of insulin is generally taken at night as it works for up to 12 hours. It can be used in addition to short-acting insulin or rapid-acting insulin.

    Your doctor will guide with the type of insulin that you should be given depending on several factors.

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  • Here’s what you need to know about low carb diet plans

    Biologically, carbohydrates are a form of starch or polysaccharides (sugars). These are broken down to glucose by the liver and released into the blood for energy supply. This energy is called calories. So, once the required amount of glucose (glycogen as its form is called) is released, the calories that are in excess gets converted into fat that will further gets stored in fat cells for later use. Processed sugar or foods like pasta, bread, candies, rice, etc. are calorie rich and if consumed in excess it may lead to high sugar levels in the blood or weight gain. It is more likely that you will be suggested to restrict your carbohydrate intake if you are a diabetes patient or someone who is trying to lose weight. A plan that restricts or limits carb in a diet is what low carb meal plans are all about. Such a diet plan is not only low in carbohydrates but also high in proteins and fats.

    Most low carb diet plans teach one of the simplest concepts of keeping your preferred food as something that is low on carb or can be called whole foods (or unprocessed as they are called). A good start here ussually is to include a lot of fruits and green veggies which are very low on carbohydrates. Fruits are also high on fibers that give the required energy while keeping the blood sugar levels under check. There are several diet plans available abundantly if you run an online search which all have the same basic that teaches you to train your body. Training your body involves burning fat (the stored energy) with low carb foods and not sugar (additional supply) as a source of energy. Here are a few tips that most low carb diet plans may propagate. These plans can help you to cut-down the intake of your carbohydrates on a daily basis.

    • Maintain a log of what you eat and how many carbs each does that food contain. This lets you keep a track on the amount of carbs you eat. It is also an easy way to refer back for the number of carbs in foods that you eat regularly.
    • When you refer to a diet plan that is available online, then do note the exact brand of ingredients. The calories may vary for each product.
    • Plan your meals ahead of time. Knowing what you have to eat will reduce your temptations.
    • If you have to check-in to a restaurant for food, browse for their online menus which will help you track your calorie count and order your meal accordingly so that the nutrition of your meal can be recorded.
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  • Popular Dyson vacuums you can give a shot

    There are several types of vacuum cleaners in the market each of which is meant for a specific type of cleaning. Homes with rugs and carpets need a certain type of vacuum cleaner that comes with a bag. On the other hand, canister models are best suited for homes with stairs. For light cleaning, stick and hand-held are the best. Dyson vacuums are a renowned brand which offers all types of modern vacuum cleaners, such as below, at the best price.

    Upright vacuum cleaners
    These are exclusively meant for deep cleaning. Dyson’s upright vacuum cleaners are most popular as they cost less when compared to canister models. What’s more, these are easy to store. However, a flipside of buying Dyson vacuum in upright models is that these weigh up to 20 pounds and are extremely heavy. They are also relatively noisier.

    Canister vacuum cleaners
    Dyson vacuums are best for cleaning drapes & upholstery, tiled floors and staircases and are comparatively lighter and less noisy than their upright counterparts. While these are extremely useful in most respects, these are extremely difficult to store due to its bulkiness

    Stick vacuum cleaners
    While most stick vacuums are similar to upright models in design but most them run on battery. These are light-weight and convenient for a quick cleaning. They have a long handle which eliminates the need to stoop over while cleaning. Dyson’s vacuum that comes in stick models is known to have lesser power in addition to being extremely noisy.

    Hand-held vacuum cleaners
    These are small electric models which are available in corded and cordless models at Dyson Vacuums. Similar to stick vacuum cleaners these models are also light and handy. These are great for cleaning small carpets and tiled floors. Some models are efficient for cleaning pet hair and they can also be used for cleaning car interiors. When compared to the other types of vacuum cleaners at Dyson vacuums, these have a lower power and capacity.

    Central vacuum cleaners
    These are devoid of a body and hence are easier to use than a canister type. These are relatively quiet and have larger dirt chambers which do not require to be cleaned frequently. If you can shed a little more money and space, these are very powerful vacuums from the house of Dyson.

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  • Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Skin

    As a dog owner, you would want your pet to be as healthy as possible. For that, you would invest a great deal of time and money to ensure your pet remains in good health. Routine checkups in regards to the signs of illness or allergy, quality of fur and inspection of their skin should be practiced to prevent any illnesses. 

    Among other things, it is important for an owner to keep a check on their dog’s skin. Dogs can develop sensitive skin due to reasons like environment, fleas, fungal infection, food allergies, or harsh grooming products. Symptoms of sensitive skin will help you identify the problem and help you make the right decision to treat your dog’s sensitive skin. 

    • Itching
      Itching is a common symptom of a sensitive skin that could be due to dermatitis or fungal infection. 
    • Dry or flaky skin
      Dogs can suffer from dry skin just like humans and this often occurs during winters. 
    • Red irritation
      This could be due to dermatitis, which causes some areas of the skin to become red and swollen. 
    • Hot spots
      They are red open sores in various places on the skin that cause itching which further causes the dog to continuously itch or bite the area. 

    After suspecting skin sensitivity in your dog, you should immediately consult a vet for medical action. Along with the medication to treat your dog’s sensitive skin as suggested by the vet, you should also consider changing their diet and feed them what’s best for good skin health. The following are the best dog food that will not only nourish your furry pal with proteins and vitamins but also help keep their skin in good health.

    • Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food – Sweet Potato & Fish Formula
      This dry dog food for sensitive skin helps in eliminating common allergy triggers from its no grain diet ingredients as some dogs may have grain allergies. This food fulfills a dog’s need for protein from the duck formula. This also helps build their immune system with every single bowl you feed them. This dog food for sensitive skin comes with limited carbohydrates, and there are no artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
      The high nutritional ingredients in this food- potatoes and fish can also improve the overall health of your dog. Another reason to buy this dog food is it contains balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids that keeps a dog’s sensitive skin healthy and coat shiny.
      The single animal protein source formula in the food also helps if your dog has food sensitivities. 
    • Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
      The dog food for sensitive skin features real chicken that is scientifically formulated to so your dog receives complete and balanced nutrition. The formula in the food also results in a visible difference in large breed dogs. Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin present in the recipe boost building blocks of healthy cartilage and joints that improve mobility. The added vitamins and minerals in the food are clinically proven to have antioxidant benefits. Omega-6 fatty acids are blended with Vitamin C and E, which provides nourishment to the skin and shine to the coat. Furthermore, there are no preservatives, artificial colors, and flavor present in the food. 
    • Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Natural Wet Canned Dog Food
      This is a high animal protein dog food that contains a grain-free recipe which is made to provide a balanced and wholesome diet to your four-legged friend. Cage-free chicken is a prominent ingredient in this food that makes it rich in protein, which helps the dogs build strong and lean muscles.
      The recipe includes around 95% chicken, turkey, and chicken liver, and 5% vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients with no grain. The thoughtfully balanced wholesome foods include real meat, fruits, and vegetables which collectively promote healthy skin and fur. 
      The important exclusions include grain, corn, wheat, soy, potato, carrageenan, and artificial colors or preservatives. 
    • Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
      This dog food for sensitive skin  includes nutrient-rich salmon as their prominent ingredient. It even includes prebiotic fiber that helps soothe sensitive stomach and aids digestion. It also nourishes the beneficial bacteria present in a dog’s intestine. The special recipe includes rice and oatmeal that are easily digestible sources of carbohydrates for dogs.  The Omega3 fatty acids present in the food provide added support to a dog’s joint health and mobility while the Omega-6 fatty acid helps in keeping its coat shiny and beautiful. 
    • Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
      This food includes a country-fresh taste of the farm and is packed with natural smoked flavor high-quality protein and complex carbohydrates. These ingredients help provide your dog with high energy along with healthy skin. The food does not include any grains to aid any existing allergies. This dog food for sensitive includes a unique blend of ingredients that is highly digestible. Highly digestible ingredients promote nutrient absorption while added vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12 support a healthy immune system. 

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  • Best lease deals on luxury crossovers

    Buying a luxury crossover may not be a possibility for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t fulfill your dream of owning one of these smooth riding vehicles, at least for a short period. Leasing luxury crossovers have become much more affordable as automakers need to purge 2017 vehicles to pave the way for the newer 2018 models. Let’s take a look at the best lease deals available on luxury crossovers:

    • Acura RDX which offers substantial value due to its healthy list of standard features can be taken out on lease for the rate of $299 per month for 36 months with $2,499 due at signing. This luxury crossover is equipped with a peppy V-6 engine with a comfortable cabin. The Acura RDX has received an above average reliability and impressive crash test scores.
    • BMW X1 ranks high on the list of top rated luxury crossovers and can be leased at $319 per month for 36 months with $4,244 due at signing. It is a sought after vehicle due to its performance and versatility. It comes equipped with a roomy cargo area and has spacious rear seats.
    • Cadillac XT5 comes with a lengthy list of standard and available features. It can be leased out at $389 per month for 36 months with $3,749 due at signing. It has a first class cabin which offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. This luxury crossover earns excellent safety scores and a good reliability rating.
    • Infiniti QX30 is a sure head turner because of its spectacular looks. It can be leased at $279 per month for 39 months with $2,699 due at signing. The Infiniti QX30 comes with attractive interior and comfortable seats. It also comes with a long warranty and is very fuel efficient.
    • Lexus RX is a very reliable vehicle and can be leased at $399 per month for 36 months with $2,899 due at signing. It boasts of a comfortable and spacious cabin. It features a V-6 engine which delivers plenty of power and gets good gas mileage.
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  • Here’s why Dell laptops are a complete package

    When it comes to choosing a laptop, there are a number of things one needs to keep in mind. Whether the aim of buying a laptop is to simply watch Netflix and surf, play games, or you need a laptop for business purposes, is something you need to be clear about. It is only then that making a proper decision with regards to buying would be possible.

    While there are a number of laptop brands in the market, Dell laptops do a good job at spoiling you for choice. Apart from that, they also offer you great durability and fantastic customer service. But before you go ahead with buying a Dell laptop, here are a few things you would need to keep in mind:

    Gaming

    If you are a gamer, Dell’s Alienware is the way to go. It sports a gunmetal gray spaceship look and has a strong performance with regards to gaming. This laptop comes endowed with SSD, Nvidia graphics, and a great processor. It also has plenty of ports, leaving a lot of space for expansion. The machine even has a long battery life that allows you to indulge in your gaming escapades without running around in search of the laptop charger every now and then.

    College and Home

    If you are among those who have a more simplistic home-or college-bound needs with regards to a laptop, then you could opt for Dell Chromebooks or the Dell Inspiron series. The Chromebooks cost much lesser than most other Dell laptops. Both, the Chromebooks and Inspiron give you top-class functionality and total value for money.

    Work

    So, you want to stay on top of your game when it comes to work. Well, we all do! And nothing better than a good laptop (apart from smart work, of course) to help you reach that goal. Dell’s Latitude laptops are great for business and office purposes. And due to its thin built, you may carry it around wherever you go.

    All it takes is for you to be clear on what you are looking for in a laptop and then you have at your disposal a world of Dell laptops to choose from!

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  • Latest iPhones and their notable features

    At this year’s much-awaited tech event, Apple released three iPhones along with a host of other Apple gadgets including an iPad and a new Apple Watch series. At their flagship event on September 10, the tech giant released the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.

    These latest iPhone models have been expected to deliver advanced performance to those who want the best from their smartphones. The new iPhones boast a stunning display, a powerful A13 Bionic chip, and a cutting-edge three-camera system, which is a very first for the iPhone. Moreover, the new iPhones are available in a fresh palette of colors and are powered by longer battery life.

    The new iPhones are available for pre-order from September 13, and available in stores from September 20. Here are some of the basic things to know about iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.

    Upgraded display
    The iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch LCD display with 19.5:9 aspect ratio, True Tone, 1792×828 pixels, 1,400:1 contrast ratio, 79.0% screen-to-body ratio, and Dolby Vision / HDR10. Comparatively, the iPhone 11 Pro has a slightly smaller screen size with 5.8-inch OLED display.

    Similar to iPhone 11, the Pro also has True Tone, Dolby Vision / HDR10, and the same aspect ratio. The screen resolution, however, is more at 2436 x 1125 pixels with 2000000:1 contrast ratio. Thus, the Pro has double the aspect ratio with 15% more efficiency. Furthermore, the screen-to-body ratio is 82.1%.

    The iPhone Pro Max is larger than the other two phones with a display size of 6.5 inches. The resolution of Pro Max is also higher at 2688 x 1242 pixels with a screen-to-body ratio of 84.4%.

    Heavier design
    Compared to their earlier versions, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max are heavier. The iPhone 11 Pro measures 144 x 71.4 x 8.1 mm (5.67 x 2.81 x 0.32 in) and weighs 188 g (6.63 oz). The earlier version, iPhone XS measured 5.7×2.79×0.3 in and weighed 174 g (6.14 oz).

    The Pro Max measures 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm (6.22 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches) and weighs 226 grams (7.97 oz.). The earlier version iPhone XS Max measured nearly the same but at a lower weight of 7.3 oz. or 208 g. However, the iPhone 11 is nearly the same as iPhone XR at 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 in and weighs 194 g (6.84 oz).

    Another difference between iPhone 11 and the Pro is the material of the chassis; the iPhone 11 has an aluminum chassis while the Pro, as well as Pro Max, has a stainless-steel chassis. Also, the iPhone 11 has retained the glass back of the earlier versions, while the Pro and Pro Max have a matte finish, thus far lesser smudges. All the three phones have screens with a rating of IP68 for water resistance for up to 30 minutes to a depth of 4 meters.

    Furthermore, the color palette of the finishes is quite wide. The iPhone 11 is available in six colors— Product (Red), black, white, yellow, green, and purple. The iPhone Pro and Pro Max are available in toned-down shades of space grey, silver, midnight green, and gold.

    Camera
    Apple has stepped up its game with an ultra-new camera system in the new iPhones. The iPhone 11 sports a two-camera system with a primary camera and an ultrawide camera, while iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max has a three-camera system with primary, ultrawide, and telephoto camera. The cameras are grouped in a rectangular hump in the back. While considering aesthetics, the rectangular camera humps may look bulky, but the phones promise to deliver high-definition and high-intensity photos, whether shot in daylight or at night. Also, the phones have a brighter True Tone flash than the previous iPhones. The specs of the cameras are as follows:

    • Front Camera: 12MP ‘TrueDepth’ module, f/2.2 aperture
    • Primary Camera: 12 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 26mm, 4K 60fps video
    • Ultrawide Camera: 12 MP, f/2.4 aperture, 13mm
    • Telephoto Camera: 12 MP, f/2.0 aperture, 52mm (telephoto), 2x optical zoom

    A notable feature of the latest iPhones is the ability of the ultrawide camera that let users shoot action videos. Moreover, the primary camera lets users shoot videos in 4K. Despite multiple cameras, the phones have the feature of easily zooming between each of the cameras. Another first for the latest iPhones is that they let users record videos without switching out of Photo Mode with a simple feature known as QuickTake.

    Performance
    The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone Pro Max come loaded with Apple’s new A13 Bionic chipset. This chipset has been known to have the fastest CPU and GPU ever in a smartphone; thus, making the new iPhones powerfully efficient. Additionally, the A13 chip is far more energy-saving than the previous A12 chipset, at nearly 40%. This gives a big boost to battery life.

    Battery life
    One of the most important positive points of Apple’s 2019 iPhones is their long battery life. The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max can reportedly last for “4 hours” more than the previous version of iPhone, that is iPhone XS; the iPhone 11 runs 1 hour longer than the iPhone XS. The battery specs are as follows:

    • iPhone 11 – 3110 mAh
    • iPhone 11 Pro – 3190 mAh
    • iPhone 11 Pro Max – 3500 mAh

    Price
    The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone Pro Max are available in three variants based on storage, each priced accordingly.

    • iPhone 11The 64GB model is priced at $699, the 128GB model is priced at ($749), and the 256GB ($849).
    • iPhone 11 Pro
      The 64GB model is priced at $999, the 256GB model is priced at $1,149, and the 512GB model is priced at $1,349.
    • iPhone 11 Pro Max
      The 64GB model is priced at $1,099, the 256GB model is priced at $1,249, and the 512GB model is priced at $1,449.
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  • Top FAQs on GERD and heartburn

    A lot of people in the country suffer from GERD, and it’s pretty common to experience heartburn once in a while. But how does one differentiate between the two? And how do you know when it’s time to see the doctor? Learning to identify the difference between the two is of key importance and it goes a long way in getting the right treatment at the right time. So, let’s begin by understanding what GERD and heartburn are.

    What is GERD?
    Heartburn and GERD are two completely different medical terms. GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a long-term and long-lasting form of acid reflux. If a person is experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week, chances are that they have GERD. Heartburn is a symptom of this GERD and acid reflux.

    What are the symptoms of GERD?
    As we know, GERD is a more chronic form of acid reflux. So, it tends to have similar symptoms, such as

    • Heartburn
    • Regurgitation
    • Pain in the chest
    • Swelling in the mouth
    • Trouble with swallowing food
    • Bad breath
    • Damaged teeth
    • Dry cough

    Of these, most of the people who suffer from GERD tend to have heartburn and regurgitation compared to other symptoms.

    What is heartburn?
    Heartburn is painful, there is no doubting that. But funnily enough, the heart has nothing to do with the burning sensation and pain that is felt in the chest. Heartburn is caused when the acid from the stomach touches the lining of the esophagus. Since the lining of the esophagus is actually much more delicate than that of the stomach, heartburn causes the esophagus to burn and gives rise to a sharp sensation in the chest. This symptom can be treated with over-the-counter medications.

    What causes GERD?
    GERD is a condition and develops due to long-lasting habits and lifestyle changes that could literally change the anatomy of a person. A few of the common causes are

    • Abdominal pressure due to obesity
    • Side-effects of certain medications
    • Second-hand smoke or smoking

    When should a person suffering from GERD seek help?
    If acid reflux or heartburn persists despite the use of over-the-counter medications, it’s time to seek professional help as there are chances that it could be GERD. Other symptoms where a person needs to seek medical assistance are

    • Problems with swallowing food
    • Pain while swallowing food
    • Regular vomiting
    • Issues with breathing
    • Pain in the throat or mouth
    • Swelling of the mouth
    • Vomit that is greenish or yellowish
    • Vomit that contains blood

    What happens when GERD is left untreated?
    GERD is a serious condition and can cause complications in the body that range from severe to mild. If it’s left untreated, GERD can cause esophagitis, esophageal stricture, a whole lot of respiratory issues, and more.

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