How to identify and treat poison ivy rash with daily use products
How to identify and treat poison ivy rash with daily use products

An allergic reaction to poison ivy is not uncommon in the country, with staggering statistics of 85 out of 100 people suffering from its symptoms. The the fact that many people are unable to identify this plant leaf raises questions and concerns at the same time.

Symptoms of poison ivy are not so severe and can be cured with timely medical attention and a few quick poison ivy relief home remedies. However, as they say, prevention is better than cure, it is important to identify the cause of the symptoms and more importantly the source.

How to easily identify poison ivy plant?

The leaves of this plant will be three pointed and change colors according to the season. Poison ivy leaves are more reddish in the spring, fresh green in the summer and slowly turn out a yellowish or orange tinge right after. Notched edges are also a clear indicator that the leaves might belong to poison ivy bush or even a vine creeper. White berries on the plant are easily noticeable, which indicate a poison ivy bush.

You might take all the necessary precautions, by wearing long sleeved clothing and pants which can be tucked into your socks at the ankles. However, in case you ever do come in contact with these leaves on any part of your body, here are a few things that might allow for quick poison ivy relief:

Aspirin paste: Although primarily this medication is used for headaches, making an aspirin paste by mixing it with water and applying will help soothe the affected area and provide quick poison ivy relief. Aspirin contains salicylic acid which speeds up the healing process.

Mouthwash: This might sound a bit odd, but the mint in your mouthwash will help cool the rash, with alcohol drying out the affected area. The antibacterial properties in the mouthwash will stop the infection or rash from spreading.

Dish soap: Urushiol is a chemical compound found in poison ivy plants which is responsible for causing the skin irritation and rashes. Dish soap will help rinse the affected area and prevent the oils from penetrating the skin, providing quick poison ivy relief.

Blow dryer: You can use it for drying out your hair and also for removing the histamines out of the rash. This will help reduce the itching since the hot air will simply clean the developing rash. However one has to be very careful while using blow dryers since prolonged exposure can lead to skin burns.

  • 10 anticipated Cyber Monday 2022 deals on internet services

    Reliable and fast internet is one of the basic requirements for every household. People of all ages rely on the internet for their daily personal and professional requirements. Cyber Monday sales are ideal for getting 5G internet services or a new home WiFi connection at a discounted price. Good data plans offer crucial perks, such as unlimited internet and high-speed connection. Based on past years’ sales, here are some noteworthy Cyber Monday internet services deals.

    1. Frontier
      This company has something for everyone. Some of the features offered in its Fiber plans are symmetrical downloads along with an upload speed of approximately 500 Mbps. The installation price is $45, along with perks like an AutoPay discount. For the upcoming sale season, Frontier is offering a $100 gift card to sweeten the deal.
    2. Google Fiber
      With a starting installation price of $100, this provider’s 2 Gig plan promises unlimited internet and other features like a download speed of around 2000 Mbps. For Cyber Monday, the provider could include equipment in the installation cost for new users.
    3. Verizon
      Verizon is could offer several deals on its Fios plans during the upcoming sale season, such as a gift card worth $200 and a $50 e-gift card for Xbox. You should check out their home WiFi plans, as Verizon Fios could waive the $90 installation fee this holiday season. You can also opt for Verizon 5G home internet as 5G internet is becoming extremely popular. Verizon could offer good deals on 5G services that include unlimited data and a free modem along with an additional 50% off for qualifying Verizon mobile users.
    4. Quantum Fiber
      This internet provider could waive the fee for the equipment during the sale season. Besides unlimited internet, Quantum Fiber offers a speed of approximately 940mbps for its plans.
    5. RCN
      This company is a leading internet service provider. During previous holiday season sales, RCN offered $100 Visa gift cards for new customers and free installation when customers enrolled for RCN plans. Looking at last year’s deals, RCN’s Internet Gig plans could have a Cyber Monday coupon code you can use during checkout.
    6. Cox
      This provider’s StraightUp prepaid internet plan comes at a starting price of $50 and promises a download speed of 100 Mbps. Prospective customers could get a three-year guarantee on price as part of a special offer.
    7. AT&T
      Those who sign up online for At&T’s home Wi-Fi service could get gift cards of up to $200. Some of the features of the plans offered by this internet provider are an upload limit of 5000 Mbps and unlimited internet.
    8. Optimum
      You can find several deals on Cyber Monday intended for new customers of Optimum. Some of them could include free installation, a free one-year subscription to HBO Max, and a Wi-Fi extender. These deals could vary depending on the plan you choose.
    9. Xfinity
      Xfinity offers high-speed internet services, and for this upcoming sale season, users could get 6x faster internet at the same price they are now paying. If you choose to get a new mobile line with your plan, you might be eligible for additional discounts. For new users, the internet provider could also offer a Visa gift card worth $300.
    10. Hughesnet
      This internet provider is available on virtual platforms all across the country. During the 2022 sale season, this internet provider could offer a discount of $99 on installation along with a $5 discount on equipment.

    WiFi and mobile internet are vital services today, and with such great shopping season deals anticipated this year, you can get unlimited internet at affordable prices. The above-mentioned deals should be able to help you plan and shortlist plans before the sale day.

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  • 4 effective tips to find relevant coupon codes

    Every shopper’s dream is to shop a lot and save money while they are at it. Though sales are an incredible way of saving money, it is obvious that you cannot always wait for a Black Friday sale or a Cyber Monday sale to buy a laptop or some other household appliance. This is where coupon codes come in handy. You don’t have to wait for a particular time of the year to save money on the things you buy. Almost every popular shopping sites, irrespective of what they sell, offer coupon codes to its valued customers in a bid to maintain customer loyalty or to attract new customers.

    The serial shopper knows the value of coupon codes, but if you are a novice to using coupon codes, you will definitely need help in finding relevant coupon codes online. Here’s how you go about the process.

    • Though retailers do offer coupon codes on their websites like free shipping or discount codes, which are useful in saving money, these aren’t the best deals for you. The coupon codes on the retailer’s website aren’t the only place where you’ll find discount codes. You can opt for the traditional way of finding the right coupon codes. This method involves going through magazines and newspapers and cutting out the coupon codes for using them at a particular store.
    • You can find coupon codes in three ways: through search engines, by using automated shopping tools, or by directly visiting coupon code sites. If you wish to find several coupon codes, then the search engine is the right place for you to begin with. All you have to do is type “coupon codes” or “promo codes” in the search bar and hit enter. You will have a wide variety of coupon codes at your disposal.
    • You can even use automated shopping tools like aggregate coupon tools or price comparison tools to look for relevant coupon codes. As these tools are automated browser add-ons, they display coupon codes automatically when you visit the retailer website or go through an online checkout. In fact, these automated shopping tools are one of the easiest ways of finding relevant coupon codes spread across the web and save your time and money.
    • If you wish to cut the chase and find coupon codes without putting in a lot of effort, you can visit coupon code sites where there are a plethora of coupons to choose from. This method works the best if you wish to find a specific coupon code.
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  • Top features of the iPhone 8 plus

    When you think of a premium smartphone that has killer looks and is designed to deliver, nothing seems to beat the performance of Apple’s iPhone series. Again, the brand has managed to come up with innovative upgrades coupled with a stunning design with the launch of the flagship iPhone 8 series.

    The latest iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are two of the smartphones to look out for, with the premium iPhone X which has also launched simultaneously.

    Here are some of the top features of iPhone 8 Plus that will make you believe in Apple!

    • Increased storage: Storage capacity is one of the major features to look out for in smartphones since, with a better camera, processing speed, and playback options, more storage is required for the media. With the iPhone 8 Plus, you can get a massive inbuilt storage capacity of 256GB.
    • Glass finish: The front end display is protected with a functional yet stunning glass finish for most smartphones. However, with the iPhone 8 plus, you also have a glass finish for the back panel which is a custom Apple and Corning glass, designed specifically for this flagship series.
    • Better camera: The iPhone 8 plus particularly has features like portrait mode and lighting, wide angle and telephoto shooting abilities and great picture quality in low lighting. This demand has been met by the tech giant.
    • Fast charge: Apple’s USB-C cable for the iPhone 8 Plus will allow you to charge your phone to fifty percent capacity in less than 30 minutes, which proves to be quite a handy feature. Apple also has featured the Qi wireless charging option with the iPhone 8 plus to compete with other popular brands.
    • Best processor: The A11 bionic processor is designed to deliver a performance which cannot be matched with any other smartphone as of now, with the best benchmark rate currently in the market.
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  • 3 laptops that you will get under USD 600

    There was a time when a good laptop easily cost an arm and a leg. Not just that, it was also believed that if laptops weren’t steeply priced, they didn’t do a good enough job, whether with their processors or with their battery lives. However, this perception is soon becoming a thing of the past.

    Today brands have understood that a laptop is an almost second nature to most American consumers. In other words, almost everyone today needs a laptop. Bearing this in mind, some brands have brought out some excellent laptops that aren’t as expensive as they used to be. Here is our lowdown on three of the best laptops that are priced below USD 600.

    • Asus F556UA-AB32: With a 4GB RAM and a large 1000GB hard drive space, the Asus F556UA–AB32 comes loaded with Windows 10, a 15.6-inch screen, 2.3GHz Intel Core i3 processor and an 802.11ac wireless feature that ensures you’ll have great connectivity. Even though this model is only available in a sleek black matte color, be assured that for its price of about USD 350, this is one of the best laptops you could get your hands on.
    • HP Pavillion x360: Priced at USD 467, the HP Pavillion x360 is a 2-in-1 laptop that comes with a 13.3-inch multi-touch screen, 6th generation Intel Dual Core i3 processor, Windows 10, a 6GB RAM, and 500GB hard drive. Weighing just about 3.66lbs, this one boasts a True Vision high-definition camera that makes for great pictures and crystal-clear video calls.
    • Acer Aspire E 15 E5-575G-57D4: This is one of the best laptops for the creative types, priced at USD 580. Endowed with 7th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and an inbuilt 256GB SSD, this laptop is perfect for Photoshop and other video editing apps. It also comes with a Nvidia GeForce 940MX graphics card that makes this laptop great for gaming.

    Now that you’ve got our choices of the best laptops that cost less than USD 600, which among these are going to be your pick?

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  • Effective treatment options for leg cellulitis

    Cellulitis is a common and serious bacterial skin infection that makes the affected area swollen, red, and painful. The staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria that enter through the cracks in the skin can cause this infection. The condition usually affects the lower leg, but it can take place in the arms, face, and other areas of the body as well. If the treatment for leg cellulitis is not provided on time, the infection may spread into the bloodstream and it may become a life-threatening condition. Cellulitis symptoms include a sudden skin rash that spreads quickly within 24 hours, large patches of red inflamed skin, pain, and tenderness in the inflamed area, tight or stretched skin, and fever.

    How to manage leg cellulitis? 
    This infection can be really painful and frustrating, but you can manage it and speed up your recovery. You can opt for effective treatment for leg cellulitis. One should consult a doctor at the earliest and treat the disease with medicines that ease the pain. Drink plenty of water to remain well hydrated. To reduce swelling, try to keep your legs raised while sitting or lying down on your bed. You must keep moving in order to prevent stiffness of the affected part. Additionally, you should avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes until the infection is completely gone.

    You can also take certain steps to reduce the chances of getting cellulitis again, such as keep your skin clean and moisturized. If there are any cuts or wounds on your leg, ensure washing and cleaning them regularly with antiseptic creams. Keep your wounds covered and make sure to change the bandage at regular intervals.

    What are the treatment options for leg cellulitis?
    Treatment for leg cellulitis usually involves a 10 to 21-day regimen of prescribed oral antibiotics. However, the length of the oral antibiotics treatment is totally subjective to the severity of the infection. Sometimes, symptoms seem to improve within a few days; so many people tend to stop taking medicines. To ensure proper treatment, it is imperative that you take all of the medication prescribed. On the other hand, contact your doctor immediately if you feel your condition is not responding to the medications. Some people also develop fever or their symptoms worsen after taking the medications. Therefore, seek medical help at the earliest if you happen to experience something like this.

    If leg cellulitis is treated right, the treatment can cure the condition within 10 days. The duration is more for those suffering from severe infection or a chronic disease. In addition, those with a weak immune system take more time to recover.

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  • Best Front Mounted Affordable Snow Plows

    Snow plows make your life easier by helping you remove the snow from your driveways and roads. This is important for anyone who lives in a region where winters can be extreme and for those whose commute routes are often covered in snow.

    There are various kinds of snow plows available in the market. These include personal snow plows that can be mounted in the front or rear of the vehicle.

    Here are some of the best affordable snow plows of the front mounting kind that you can get in under USD 2,000.

    SnowSport LT Utility Snow Plow

    This is one of the popular ones in the price range and is an affordable snow plow that comes with a lot of attractive features. This model can be easily mounted onto any SUV, Jeep, or pickup truck. The plow blade is made of the best quality aluminum and is very light. Other than this easy to carry blade, this affordable snow plow kit also consists of a 2″ front receiver mount and a push frame. One of the best features of this snow plow is that it requires no wiring or confusing lever controls.

    SnowBear Home Series Snow Plow

    This is yet another affordable snow plow available under USD 2,000. This snow plow can clean up ice very fast and can be operated with a wireless remote to raise and lower the blade. The snow plow is available in three size variants and is adaptable to most SUVs and pickup trucks. The snow plow has a powdered coated black finish, made of steel. This affordable snow plow is corrosion resistant and lasts for several years. The black finish also adds to its looks. It can be easily installed at home on to the vehicle without the need for any heavy machines. It comes with a 2″ front hitch which makes it very convenient to mount and unmount the blade onto the vehicles.

    K2 Avalanche Snow Plow

    K2 Avalanche is a brilliant yet affordable snow plow that comes with some features that are usually found in the more expensive variants. The model has a sharp design and is made of steel. This affordable snow plow comes in two size options – the 82″ inch model and the 84″ model. Apart from the blade, the snow plow kit also includes skid shoes, a snow deflector, and caster wheels, just all the required accessories when snow plowing. This affordable snow plow can be easily assembled and installed onto the vehicle using common hand tools.

    Apart from these, there are some other affordable plows available in the market worth exploring. Compare the prices and features of different models before finalizing one.

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  • Vanguard investments for a better future

    The low cost and high returns feature has made Vanguards one of the most coveted investment plans in the country. It doesn’t matter whether the investor is seasoned in handling these aspects or if they’re a novice. Vanguard investments funds come with easy guidelines and simple procedures to enroll. If you want to start investing, you’ll have to look for diversified funds along with no-load funds with low expense ratios. The balanced funds and index funds would fit the requirements of beginners. As a result, Vanguard funds are the best way to go. If you’re searching for some of the best Vanguard funds, here are a few to consider.

    Vanguard Energy Fund (VGENX):
    The economy of the country will reach maturity towards the end of 2017. This indicates that the sectors involved in raw materials will show outstanding results. It was noticed towards the end of 2016 that oil-producing nations around the world want to cut down oil output. As a result, the Vanguard Energy Fund can be an excellent choice when it comes to fund investments. The healthy US economy coupled with moderating production of oil is will hold support of price appreciation among the VGENX top holdings.

    Vanguard Health Care Fund (VGHCX):
    The healthcare sector has always been another leader in the market in the late cycle phase of the business sector. Given this, the Vanguard Health Care Fund is one of the best mutual funds to buy coverage in the health sector. The healthcare industry has undergone a decline of prices, improved prospects for the current year along. The defensive mode of healthcare makes the VGHCX a smart investment for 2017 and beyond.

    Vanguard Precious Metals and Mining Fund (VGPMX):
    Gold and other precious metals are going to be a smart diversification tool this year. Note that VGPMX isn’t a fund based on pure gold or precious metals. Rather, it’s an investment confined within precious metals and mining industries. This exposure can offer a huge benefit compared to directly investing in gold. So, VGPMX is a smart buy at this point in time due to its low prices and the eventual return to risk-off mode if you’re nervous about high-equity valuations.

    Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBINX):
    If you’re an type of investor who’s searching for an all-in-one fund this year, VBINX is definitely something you should consider. VBINX comprises of 60 percent of large-cap stocks in the USA. Exposure to this bond will minimize volatility of the economy. That’s likely to return by the middle of the year. The passive character of this particular fund also reduces the risk of managing since it’s daunting to manage funds actively in the present scenario.
    These three funds issued by Vanguard can not only reap high benefits with time, but also assure peace of mind for the investor.

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  • 3 natural remedies for fibromyalgia arthritis

    Fibromyalgia arthritis is a condition that can be described as a combination of symptoms such as chronic pain, mood swings, memory problems and severe tiredness. However, this condition is not life-threatening and therefore can be managed if you understand it better. Medicines need not always be the answer when you suffer from this condition. Natural remedies can be tried as they almost never have side effects and work as well or may be even better than medicines.

    • Yoga
      Yoga is proven to be beneficial for those who suffer endlessly with the symptoms of fibromyalgia arthritis. It lessens muscular strain and improves the posture as well. Apart from alleviating the chronic pain symptoms, yoga can also de-stress a person suffering from fibromyalgia. Yoga works well as psoriatic arthritis treatment too. However, to improve the condition of this type of inflammatory arthritis with yoga, one has to be extremely consistent. Therefore, signing up for a class conducted by an expert is highly recommended.
    • Acupuncture and acupressure
      Acupuncture and acupressure are a very ancient form of Chinese healing. While acupuncture uses tiny needles to heal various aches and pains, acupressure uses pressure to do the same. Fibromyalgia arthritis can be managed effectively using such alternative therapy methods which will not only relieve you of the pain but will keep you active as well.
    • Tumeric
      Turmeric is sometimes called a miracle drug, and the reason for this is that it is found to have been immensely useful in treating various medical conditions and is used extensively in Eastern countries. It is gradually becoming quite popular as a natural remedy for fibromyalgia in the country as it can alleviate pain, and improve sleeping patterns, extreme mood swings, memory and reduce inflammation. Tumeric for arthritis treatment can be incorporated into your everyday diet and beverages.

    Any condition of the body can be treated by making minor changes in diet and leading an active, healthy lifestyle. While fibromyalgia arthritis can be debilitating if you give in, adopting the above tips can change the way you deal with the condition.

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