All You Need to Know About Passport Renewal
All You Need to Know About Passport Renewal

Visa requirements for people from our country are close to negligible which allows us to visit several international destinations. However, to travel overseas, you require a passport regardless of your age. If you already have a passport which is nearing its expiry, you should gear up for passport renewal. Following are some pointers to remember when you try to renew your passport.

Eligibility criteria
Firstly, you do not need to worry about the eligibility if you already possess a passport. However, when it comes to passport renewal, you need to submit proof of citizenship. This condition applies to people who have gained citizenship through naturalization as well as people who are citizens by birth.

Criteria that prevent the renewal of your passport
To apply for passport renewal, it is sufficient to have a passport that has expired recently or one that will expire in the near future. However, under the following circumstances, you will need to apply for a fresh passport:

  • The passport was issued before you turned 16 years old.
  • The passport issuance date was 15 or more years ago.
  • Your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • If a name change has occurred and there is no legal proof of it. This legal proof could be anything like a marriage license.

Under these circumstances, you can apply for a new passport with the DS-11 form on the official passport portal.

The renewal procedure

  • In case you need to get your passport earlier than usual, you can get it renewed through the expedition procedure. However, you will have to pay some additional fees.
  • You can then take an appointment with any of the authorized Regional Passport Agencies. Call them on 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793. Alternatively, use an online appointment system for passport renewal.
  • For your appointment, you will need to provide additional documents apart from proof of recent travels and an expedited fee. These documents include the application form (Form DS-82), a passport-sized photo, the most recent passport, and proof of name change (if required). If you have to travel after three weeks, you can apply for the renewal through the mail as well.

It is always better to renew your passport before it expires so that you do not have to worry about any extra hassles. With the help of the information mentioned above, you should face no problems with the passport renewal procedures.

  • Here are some major head injury symptoms you must know about

    Concussions, skull fractures, scalp wounds, or any injury to the brain, skull, or scalp can be referred to as head injury. While the severity of a head injury can range from a mild bump to a traumatic brain injury, it is essential that you diagnose the type of injury promptly before carrying out the treatment.

    Head injuries can either be open or closed. An open or penetrating head injury enters the brain by breaking the skull. While a significant injury may not bleed, a minor one may cause excessive bleeding. A trained healthcare professional can quickly gauge the severity of an injury and prescribe appropriate treatment. Different types of head injuries show different head injury symptoms. Here are some head injury symptoms that have been discussed in detail.

    Head injury symptoms in case of hematoma
    A hematoma is a major head injury that is characterized by blood clotting outside the blood vessels. When the damage occurs in the brain, the clotting may cause pressure within the skull. Head injury symptoms experienced in Hematoma include losing consciousness that could result in irreversible brain damage.

    Head injury symptoms in hemorrhage
    Hemorrhage is a type of head injury that causes uncontrolled bleeding. Head injury symptoms that are triggered by a hemorrhage include frequent headaches, a general feeling of nausea, and vomiting.

    Concussion head injury symptoms
    A concussion is a type of brain injury that causes the brain to press against the walls of the skull. Head injury symptoms caused by concussion fall into four main categories namely cognitive issues, physical responses, emotional and mood-related problems, and sleep disorders. Some common symptoms include issues related to thinking and remembering, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, sensitivity to noise or light, low energy, extreme fatigue, sadness, nervousness, anxiety, and the like.

    Diffuse axonal injury symptoms
    This is a type of head injury that does not cause any outwardly bleeding but causes severe damage to the brain cells. When the brain cells are damaged, they are unable to perform properly. Often, this results in swelling that may become fatal if not diagnosed timely.

    Other major head injury symptoms
    Head injury symptoms may also result in seizures, balance and coordination issues, extreme disorientation, inability to focus the eyes, unusual eye movements, memory loss, mood changes, constant headache, discharge of fluid through the nose, loss of muscle control, and the like. Head injury symptoms may often cause people to have blackouts, light-headedness, and fainting.

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  • Here are the causes behind nose bleeding

    The nose is an organ that is sited on the most prominent part of the face and contains an abundance of blood vessels. The bleeding of the nose is not uncommon and many people undergo this issue. However, in most cases, it is not a condition that is connected to a serious medical problem. The main reason that triggers this problem is that the nose blood vessels are extremely fragile and tend to bleed very easily.

    Nosebleeds can occur among any age group but are especially common children between the age of 3 to 10 years. Most times, nosebleeds can be stopped or managed at home but may need medical supervision if the bleeding continues for a long while. Nosebleeds can be of two types: anterior nosebleeds and posterior nosebleeds and here are the most common causes of nose bleeding.

    Winter season – Nose bleeding is most common during the winter or cold climate. The winter air can be drying and poses as an irritant to the nose. This leads the blood vessels to break. The older generation is more likely to experience nose bleeding during the winter season.

    Accident – Have you ever seen a movie scene where an individual profusely bleeds from the nose after being punched in the face? An accident or punch that has a strong impact on the face can cause the nose blood vessels to break and bleed. Harder the impact, more the bleeding.

    Vigorous nose blowing – Cold and flu can lead a person to blow the nose with force. This kind of vigorous blowing of the nose is a very common cause that leads to nose bleeding among numerous people.

    Nose picking and scratching – We all pick and clean our nose every once in a while. An accidental scratch from this can cause the nose to bleed. This is the most common cause among children. However, a few adults who scratch their nose due to irritation too can experience nose bleeding.

    Respiratory infections – Infections in the upper respiratory system too can cause repeated nose bleeding. Moreover, if you have just had an infection, you will be more susceptible to nosebleeds.

    Dry air – Dry air is yet another very common factor that causes bleeding of the nose. The dry climate or heat from the heater can lead the nasal membrane to dry and crack. The drying of the tissues leads to crusting inside the nose and further leads to the bleeding of the vessels.

    It is not a matter of worry if you do not experience nose bleeding very often; however, it is time to see your physician if this continues too often.

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  • How To Find The Best Shampoo For Hair Loss

    If you are suffering from thin or thinning hair, you are perhaps in the search for the best hair loss shampoo and any other product which can stimulate hair regrowth.

    As there are so many products in the market which promise us for reducing hair loss and thickens our thinning hair, but the hair loss shampoo should be worth it, shouldn’t it? Some of the experts have identified the best hair loss shampoos.

    Reasons for hair loss
    The very first thing which you must know is the reason for hair loss and thinning hair. Experts have identified so many reasons for hair loss and thinning hair. The main reasons are thyroid, deficiency of iron, stress, poor diet, autoimmune problems, and genetic predisposition. These can cause an impact on the hair scalp and superiority, each contrarily and each with a separate solution, according to hairstylist Paul Edmonds. Thankfully, there are some hair loss shampoos on the market that concentrate on the growth phases of the hair cycle.

    There are many people suffering from a lessening of hair due to the inactive phase of the hair which is called the telogen phase and products are deliberated to kick jerk this phase back towards the anagen phase. So in this way, the hair loss shampoos have been designed to do this work actually.

    Choice for a better product
    The very important thing is to adjust your prospects when the matter comes to hair loss shampoos. There is no product for hair growth which can instantly do a miracle. The main thing that hair loss shampoos do is, they tend to concentrate on hair retention and conditions of hair and scalp rather than regrowth of hair.

    A Consultant Trichologist named Sally-Ann Tarver at The Cotswold Trichology Centre & Theradome has explained the causes. There is a prosperity of these shampoos on the tables but regrettably, hair loss shampoos do not help in promoting hair growth, whatever elements they may contain. The shampoos have less contact time for any ingredient which is active to infiltrate to the hair cavity and remain there for a long time to have a therapeutic advantage.

    However, we cannot say that these shampoos do not have any benefits and are explicitly designed to reduce hair loss or thickening of hair and for keeping hair healthy. Many stylists have spoken to trust on thickening products to enhance the texture of their clients with thinning hair.

    Expert’s recommendation
    Kerastase Bain Stimulate has been considered as the best hair loss shampoo as it washes the scalp to generate an environment which is best suited for strong hair growth and calms the scalp to sack tenderness caused by hair loss. It is must to know if you are worried about hair loss.

    Nicola Clarke, Creative Colour Director has also raised a significant point on the topic. According to him, the very important thing to know is what is not in your shampoo. We should avoid the shampoos with ingredients which are extra for conditioning assistance or to make the formula look shimmery.

    Most people do not realize that these elements leave a film on the hair which can dull it. But more prominently, it can assist in clogging the follicles, which can inhibit with new hair growth. So the necessary thing is to choose a hair loss shampoo which leaves no deposit if you really want to avoid hair loss.

    A shampoo must in a very good manner be able to clean hair. Some experts applaud Color Wow Color Security Shampoo because of its unique feature as a sulfate-free shampoo which helps in cleaning your hair without leaving anything behind.

    So if you are experiencing hair loss, it is important to talk to the doctor. Thyroid and lack of iron are the most common diseases which can be treated and your hair loss problem can be resolved.

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  • 6 popular portable DVD players for a great movie experience

    Portable DVD players are the best for travelers who wish to watch movies and have some entertainment on the go. Here are few portable DVD players for those movie lovers.

    SYLVANIA SDVD1332
    SYLVANIA is an excellent portable DVD player that great for watch movies and other DVD contents. It has a wide 7-inch screen that rotates up to 180 degrees. Sylvania SDVD1332 is a versatile player that has wonderful applications that play any format of movies and music CDs, DVD and MP3. It houses SD, USB card reader and a lithium polymer rechargeable battery, which is the best.

    Naviskauto 12.5-Inch
    Naviskauto 12.5inch media player weighs 4.3 pounds and plays both DVD and CD discs. It is a best portable DVD player to watch movies during road trips. It has an amazing screen resolution of 1366×768 that delivers a decent quality picture. Additionally, it had great speakers for an enjoyable experience and swivels 270 degrees, powerful battery that runs up to five hours with a single recharge and a USB/SD/MMC card reader slots.

    Sony DVP-FX980
    Sony DVP-FX980 has a 9-inch screen with full HD display. It player makes use of the rechargeable battery and a USB port for convenient usage. This portable player can retain the battery up to 4 hours. It also has a headphone slot that lets you listen without any disturbances. The interesting part is that is has a built-in application for subtitles. It is one quality portable DVD player that goes at an affordable price.

    DBPOWER® 10.5-Inch
    DBPOWER® is one of the best on the go DVD player with a 10.5-inch screen. It is compatible with almost all type of video formats and delivers an excellent visual experience without any jamming in-between. Therefore, you will never run into a situation of not being able to watch your favorite movies in a different format. In addition, it has an SD card reader, a USB port, car charger and has a battery life of three hours.

    PyleHome
    PyleHome Swivel looks pretty much like a traditional laptop with its 15-inch screen size. It may be one of the few portable DVD players with a large screen that swivels 270 degrees for comfortable viewing angles. It features a USB port, SD for audio and video playback, and a top-loading display.

    SYLVANIA SDVD1048
    It is a 10-inch portable DVD player with a full Swivel screen. The players have got an SD card reader, USB slot and come with a carrying bag and car mounting kit to easily attach it to your seat. It has an excellent battery life of 5 hours and plays almost all formats. Like any other device, it also swivels, and the package includes headphones and a remote controller.

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  • Why you should invest invest in fixed income

    Fixed income is sometimes considered boring, but they’re a lot safer than other options. Even though these attributes can be unattractive when it comes to the equity bull market, experts believe otherwise. Debt markets in the country have emerged from the foundation in leading banks. According to financial experts, the longevity of fixed income through dozens of economic cycles testifies to their credibility. The government has never defaulted when it comes to paying off debts.

    There are some reasons behind the popularity of fixed income funds.

    Stability In Regular Income: The most convincing reason why rising numbers of investors consider fixed income investment is due to its ability to produce income. Government bonds also offer stability since they scarcely default on payments. But there’s a slight chance of big companies to default on their interest payments. Even if the situation turns against you, you can rest assured that you’ll be compensated.

    A Broad Range Of Diversity: Fixed income investments offer incredible counterbalance to available equities in multi-asset portfolios. As an investor, you can reduce the risk of investment in your portfolio by opting for fixed income investments, since there’s little correlation between two types of assets over a long period of time.

    Lowered Volatility: If you track the evolution of fixed income investments, you’ll find that they’re relatively safer compared to equity. Thus, it can be considered that you won’t incur losses on your actual investments. Also, note that regular fluctuations in the prices of bonds are lower compared to that of equity markets.

    A Wide Array Of Bond Choices: Fixed income investment is a class of broad assets made from a wide range of options. You can choose from high-yield, investment grade corporates, emerging-market debt, inflation-oriented bonds, municipal bonds and others. Different factors cast their impacts on every single bond type. This allows it to become diverse within fixed income investment as a whole.

    A Steady Flow Of Income: Besides the advantage of capital appreciation, fixed income investments offer security by ensuring a steady flow of revenue generated from the balance of the portfolio. The bonds, along with preferred stocks, can fetch you steady dividends along with interest payments. In turn, this creates consistent cash flow for investors. The rate of fixed income and dividend rates would be set when you invest the money. This payment is guaranteed as long as the issuing body doesn’t default. The feature of the fixed income securities is the primary reason why fixed income securities have attracted investors nearing retirement.

    These reasons are bound to propel you into investing in fixed income without looking for riskier investment options.

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  • 3 healthy habits that help to control diabetes

    Diabetes is a serious disease that lasts for life. If not managed properly, it can cause severe health complications. Though the medications help you in managing the condition, it does not cure the disease completely. Diabetes medications do not fix the cause of the ailment itself.

    Thus, medications are not the only solution to manage diabetes. Although medications are necessary, they need to be complemented with certain other healthy habits.

    Lifestyle changes
    The disease can still be controlled to a certain extent with proper lifestyle changes and can be the best diabetes treatment for some individuals. An individual with diabetes who has managed the condition by way of losing weight, work-life balance and other positive changes may be able to reduce the dosages of their medications, or even try discontinuing the medicine for some time. However, this process should always be done under the supervision of your doctor.

    Medicines matter
    Many medications help you control the blood glucose level and also reduce weight, and thus keep diabetes in check.  If your doctor decides to give you a trial run, initially he will keep a close watch on you with either no medicines or a lower dosage. If you’re only on a single drug, it will not be very difficult to stop the trial run and start on a newer medicine. And if you’re regular with exercise and eat a proper diet, preventing or lowering your doses will be easier.

    Never stop entirely
    Diabetes can be a progressive disease and has no cure. Notwithstanding healthy eating and living, you might have to go back on medicine at one point of time or other.

    For people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, even the best diabetes medications can only work if the diet is right and other lifestyle changes are made. If one does not have any weight issues, it is easier to combat the illness and decrease the reliance on diabetes medications. According to research, it is observed that this remedy was a possible cure even when the people under observance weren’t taking insulin.

    Lifestyle modifications are important, but so are diabetes medications and together they can make a huge long-term difference.

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  • A beginner’s guide to American Football

    Like the European football, American football has two 11 member teams, and that’s what is only similar between both the games. The gameplay technique parts its way from the European football. A team that has the possession of the football is called as offense. This team tries to take the ball down the field by running with the ball or throwing it. A goal is considered scored when the player crosses the line of the goal and gets into the area called end zone.

    The opposite team (which also has 11 players) is called the defense. Being the defending team, it tries to stop the opponent team from scoring a goal by trying to make it give up the possession of the ball. If the opponent team (that is running with the ball) gives up the possession and the defending team scores, then in the next round offensive and defensive teams switch roles. This happens back and forth, until four quarters of the game have been played.

    Game time
    The game is divided into four quarters, with each quarter being 15 minutes long. The half-time (which is end of 2 quarters) is separated by a 12-minute break. There are also 2 minute breaks at the end of first and third quarters. The second half starts with a kickoff in the same way the game had begun in the first quarter. At the end of first and third quarter, the team with the ball retains possession and advances into the following quarter.
    The clock stops when the player goes out of bounds, and when a penalty is called. The clock starts again when the ball is re-spotted by the official.
    The team gets penalized if they are unable to snap off the ball for the start of the next play. Each team when playing offensive has 40 seconds for doing so.
    If the game is tied at the end of the fourth quarter, a 15-minute over-time period is played, this is called as sudden death. Sudden death is where the first team to score wins. The possession of the ball is determined by a coin toss

    Field size
    The field spans to 100 yards in length and 53 yards in width. There are little white markings on the field, they are called as yard markers that help the players and officials and spectators alike to keep the track of the ball. The important part of the field is called as the end zone. It is an additional 10 yards (at each ends of the field). When the team with the possession of the ball enters this end zone and does a touchdown, they score points.

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  • The best vitamin supplements to maintain a healthy immune system

    The key to living a healthy lifestyle is by getting the right nourishment through a well-balanced diet. The immune system is one of the driving factors that keep the health of the body well-regulated and thus, it requires nutrition that comprises the right vitamin balance. However, today most people live a fast-paced lifestyle, and this leads to most people not getting enough vitamins through their meals. This is where vitamin supplements come in as a great alternative that can make up for the lack of vitamins being acquired by the body.  The best vitamin supplements are also employed for individuals who suffer from health complications or lack of an appetite. Moreover, there are people who do not consume all food groups and supplements serve as the best alternative. Vitamin supplements are available in the form of capsules, powders, liquids and even chewable. Moreover, unlike medication, most vitamin supplements can be consumed at any time of the day.

    Vitamin supplements can be a great way to support the immune system and here are some of the types that one can consume through their daily routine. Here is a collated list of the best vitamin supplements to get.

    TwinLab Daily One Caps with Iron
    The TwinLab Daily One Caps with Iron is a multivitamin and mineral supplement. The product comes with a good load iron too that is beneficial for people who not get their share of iron. It encompasses a total of nineteen vitamins that are essential for the healthy growth of the body and be taken once every day. The tablets also pack a great amount of folic acid and aid in achieving better health of the eyes and the heart. The supplement is also available in a formula that does not contain iron.

    CBH Super Multivitamin for Men and Women
    The CBH Super Multivitamin for men and women comprises of a total of 23 vital vitamins and minerals. The supplement contains a major portion of antioxidant Vitamin C that is a great essential to boost the immune system of the body. What makes this one of the best supplements is its admirable combination of minerals and vitamins that aid in the good health of the bones and arteries. It also maintains and regulates the function of the heart. The multivitamin for men and women is commonly prescribed to people with irregular blood pressure conditions.

    Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin
    The Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin capsules are packed with the right number of vitamins, mineral, and nutrition that the body requires. The formula comprises ingredients that regulate high blood sugar levels, support bone health and maintain youthful metabolism. Most importantly, the addition of Vitamin C supports the health of the immune system, while protecting one against the oxidative stress. A great bargain on dietary supplements, the capsules must be taken twice every day.

    Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin capsules consist of a number of vitamins and minerals and nutrients such as marigold extract, lycopene, and alpha lipoic acid. It is recommended to take two capsules every day. It is also one of the most affordable dietary supplements,

    Garden of Life Vitamin Code® Perfect Weight Multivitamin
    Vitamin Code® Perfect Weight Multivitamin is a product from Garden of Life and is formulated to aid in maintaining the right body weight. The supplements boost the metabolism and regulate the immune system. It also contains herbal ingredients that aid in relieving and managing stress. The probiotics and enzymes in the supplement further work towards strengthening the gut and immune system.

    It is important to note that even the best vitamin supplements come with a set of side effects. In some cases, the body may not react too well with the given supplements. Also, the product is monitored as a subcategory of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that they are not regulated before they hit the shelves. Thus, it is always recommended to read the labels carefully and consult a physician before consuming any type of vitamin supplement. The doctor will be able to administer the right set of vitamins that the body needs while tracking any reactions to the same.

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