Keep your upholstery free of urine stains
Keep your upholstery free of urine stains

Urine stains on household items are extremely troublesome. Apart from having an unpleasant appearance, they also have a rancid smell. Additionally, pee is acidic in nature and if it remains in contact with fabrics for an extended duration, its removal is difficult. It is possible that your upholstery becomes stained with urine because of pets or toddlers during the potty-training stage. However, do not fret; there are several urine stain removal techniques to help you out.

Upholstery comprises various synthetic materials such as rayon, nylon, cotton, wool, olefin, leather, polyester, and acrylic. The urine stain removal formula discussed here is effective for these fabric kinds. Do not attempt to clear the pee stains with this procedure, if your furnishings are vintage or silk-based.

Things you will need:

  • Few white-colored paper towels
  • 1 white rag cloth
  • 1 brush having flexible bristles
  • 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid
  • 2 cups of tepid water
  • 1 tablespoon of vinegar

Instructions

  • Use fresh paper towels to absorb the urine from the stained areas.
  • Next prepare a solution by mixing vinegar, water, and dishwashing liquid.
  • Dip the brush in the formulation and apply over the concerned portions. Continue rubbing for few minutes for the vinegar to penetrate deep into the layers of the fabrics.
  • Blot the stained parts until they become dry using clean towels.
  • Continue dipping the brush into the solution and blotting with the paper towels 3–4 times.
  • If the stains are still noticeable, put 2–3 drops of hydrogen peroxide solution over the stains. Thereafter, you can also apply a couple of drops of ammonia.
  • The last step of this urine stain removal process is to wipe the stains with cold water using a clean cloth for removing the chemicals.

The above-mentioned details show that removing urine stains from draperies is quite simple. With the help of everyday ingredients, we can keep our furnishings free from urine stains. This method is highly recommended because it is cost-saving and is effective as well.

  • Here’s what you need to know about osteoporosis tests

    Osteoporosis is a form of arthritis that causes the bones to weaken, which makes them increasingly fragile and highly prone to fractures. It is estimated that around two million fractures are caused by this condition annually. Although osteoporosis can affect any bone, it is usually observed in body parts like wrist, spine, and hip. Almost 80 percent of the osteoporosis patients are postmenopausal women. This is because, during menopause, a woman’s body experiences a significant hormonal change. Therefore, it is essential for women over 65 to get osteoporosis assessments on a regular basis.

    How often should you get screened for osteoporosis?
    The osteoporosis testing frequency depends on multiple factors like age, gender, underlying medical conditions, medical and family history. For example, if you are a woman in your 60s in the post-menopause phase with vitamin D deficiency, then you should get osteoporosis testing done every year. On the other hand, if you are a healthy woman in your postmenopausal phase, then you should get osteoporosis testing done in every two years.

    Moreover, osteoporosis testing is not only valuable for identifying the condition but also for monitoring it. If you are already dealing with osteoporosis, then the doctor might ask you to get screened in every few months to keep an eye on the progress of the condition and how well are the treatments working against it.

    What does osteoporosis testing involve?
    After you have discussed your symptoms, medical and family history with the doctor, a physical exam will be performed. If the doctor suspects any anomalies, she or he will recommend you with the following two tests for osteoporosis.

    • Bone density evaluation Like the name suggests, the bone density evaluation (DEXA test dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) gauges if the mass inside the bone tissue has reduced.
    • Urine and blood exam Such type of tests allow the doctors to verify if bone loss is occurring due to an underlying health condition.

    Likewise, QCT (quantitative computed tomography) is typically used for assessing any changes in the spine, however, it can detect bone changes in any part of the body. QCT for bone loss is done to review the effectiveness of the osteoporosis treatments.

    Do insurance companies cover osteoporosis testing?
    Yes, insurance providers like Medicare will cover expenses for osteoporosis testing like DEXA in every two years for:

    • Women who are 65 years or above
    • Men who are 70 years or above

    For younger patients, any private insurance company will cover the screening costs if they:

    • Have suffered a low impact fracture in past.
    • Are battling a disease linked to bone loss.
    • Have been taking medications associated with bone loss.
    • Are already fighting osteoporosis.
    • Are receiving cancer treatments.
    • Are eligible for an osteoporosis treatment.
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  • 3 effective tips to quit smoking completely

    People pick up unhealthy habits due to a variety of reasons; it can either be peer pressure or some personal issue that forces them into developing this habit. One such addiction that claims 480,000 lives every year is smoking. Smoking is a highly-addictive habit that poses a great threat to the individual who smokes and those in the vicinity of smokers. In fact, passive smoking or secondhand smoking has resulted in about 41,000 deaths every year.

    So, if a loved one is trying to kick the butt, they’ll need all they can get. Here are some handy tips that will help people quit smoking effectively.

    Gear up before going “cold turkey”
    One cannot quit smoking simply by throwing away the cigarettes out. Smoking is an addiction and it affects the brain as well. The brain becomes addicted to the nicotine, and without it, the individual will experience withdrawal symptoms. Which is why it is imperative to make arrangements in advance as the individual will need support to get through this phase. So, it is sensible to ask the doctor for ways to cope with the withdrawal symptoms, or join some quit-smoking classes, establish a solid support system, counseling, or opting for hypnosis or medication.

    Opt for nicotine replacement therapy
    When someone decides to quit smoking, the nicotine withdrawal can give them headaches, fatigue, and mood swings. The craving will hit them hard, and the urge for “one last drag” will make all the efforts futile. If this is the case, opting for nicotine replacement therapy can help ease the withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement therapy includes nicotine gum, nicotine patches, and lozenges, and these will improve one’s chances of quitting smoking successfully.

    Avoid alcohol and other triggers
    Alcohol is known to weaken one’s resolve as people under the influence of alcohol aren’t capable of making sound decisions. It is harder to stick to the goal of quitting smoking if one consumes alcohol. So, it is imperative to try and limit the alcohol intake in the beginning, and stop it completely as the journey to quit smoking progresses. Instead of drinking alcohol, one can switch to tea for a few weeks and the urge to drink will subside eventually.

    Adhering to these tips to quit smoking will require a lot of conviction and willpower, and even if the individual fails the first time, the resolve to kick the butt should make them try harder the next time.

     

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  • 4 best affordable dishwashers that you should know

    When buying dishwashers, the first thing we look for is its price. Dishwashers come in many ranges from high to low price. The cheapest of them usually work on manual timers instead of sensors, which mean the cleaning will stop as soon as the time runs out, this result in unclean dishes. You should have a budget of at least USD 1,000 if you want a good dishwasher with better cleaning results.

    There are so many brands that are making affordable yet highly-functional dishwashers. The most important things to look for in a dishwasher are performance, capacity, reliability, and price. These things should be balanced appropriately and do not forget the design of the appliance, as your kitchen should look beautiful at the same time. It is also important to look for dishwashers that are energy and water efficient. These kinds of appliances use less water in every cycle and also have less operating cost.

    Almost all brands have a dishwasher that is affordable and is also packed with good features. It is always better to do a proper research before buying one of these. You can check affordable dishwashers on online stores and in retail in-stores; you will get a lot of results for cheap dishwashers.

    Here is a list of the four best-rated dishwashers which are affordable and also have good features.

    GE GDF610

    The GE GDF610 has got everything a dishwasher should have. It has bottle washing jets, the ability to wash a single rack at once, and also a sanitizing cycle. It also has impressive drying skills.

    If you are looking for a dishwasher with useful features, affordable price, and high-performance, this one by GE deserves a look. This dishwasher by GE offers four cycles. The GE GDF610 tops the four best-rated dishwashers list because it has good features and is also affordable.

    Whirlpool WDT710PAHZ

    We always think that we will have to spend a lot of money on dishwashers if we want something with good features. Whirlpool has just broken records with the launch of the new WDT710PAHZ which is inexpensive and also has high-end features.

    It has a stainless steel finish, heated drying pan, and is a quiet dishwasher. This machine looks classy, so if you are on a budget, then this is the perfect dishwasher for you. It has a handle that is matte fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. The exterior of the dishwasher makes it look like one of those high-end expensive appliances, which is why it comes under this list of the four best-rated dishwashers.

    Blomberg DWT24100SS

    Blomberg is a new appliance brand which is known for creating high-powered cleaning machines. This machine is perfect for anyone looking for a basic dishwasher, as it does the work efficiently and quickly. It has a unique stainless steel control panel which makes it different. Though there are no unique features about the dishwasher, it has four cycles, i.e., quick wash, regular wash, china/crystal wash, and pots and pans plus. Though this machine has some missing features like the sanitizing option or control lock, it is still great for anyone who is looking for a basic dishwasher.

    Whirlpool WDF540PADM

    This is another affordable dishwasher by Whirlpool which has great looks and will make your kitchen look classy. It comes with some amazing features like a soak and clean cycle, sanitizing control, wash temperature settings, child lock feature, and more. The Whirlpool WDF540PADM is a classic dishwasher with some add-on features. This machine is perfect for anyone who is on a budget.

    These are some of the best dishwashers that are affordable and have some good useful features. So which one are you planning to pick?

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  • Meaning of service in the modern world

    The closely knit and dependent environment and the world that we live in demands a constant flow of change, evolution and it always is hungry for a bit more every time you assess it. Whenever a new element has been introduced to the market, since the time of its inception, it goes through a constant demand to improve in all spheres possible. Such is the demand and dynamics of the market.

    When looked at the world of commodities from a bird’s eye point of view, the world in there has changed through lengths and breadths of its meaning. Evolved it has in the broadest sense of the meaning of the word. From having a singular existence in the world between a consumer and manufacturer, a commodity now has a partner in existence. Service by definition has become a commodity in itself that accentuates the overall dependability of the product it associates itself with.

    Tracing back the history of the word and how it became a household term used in daily lives, it once was considered not necessary to have service attached to a product or a commodity as a whole as the economy was functioning on a use and throw agenda, as was the trend of the decades. It was a common idea that if one had to invest in a product and if by any chance the commodity happens to show a fault, it would be deemed something that needs to discard. With the accession of modern day technology and the techniques that came with it, such is not the case.

    It is not known in specific measure and to where, how and where the term service was coined and how it got the meaning we know it as. Experts believe that a global demand for something to accompany the wide market of the commodity was massive. This demand gave way to the inception of services as we know it to be today.
    In visible recorded history, it’s only in the latter part of the previous century that conglomerates accepted and majorly welcomed the idea of attaching services to their products. The US economy accepted the inclusion with much pomp and glory, taking each industry that took services under its wings to new heights of profit and overall success.

    Having made a place for itself in the market, service got a new identity of its own from being an accessory attached to products.

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  • 4 keto meal services to try out

    One of the most popular diet plans currently is the keto diet. Although it originated a few years ago, the diet has remained popular, especially among those with a specific health goal, such as gaining muscle or losing weight. It is a low-carb, and high-fat and high-protein diet; and one of the best ways to stick to it is to opt for a keto meal delivery service. Here are some options:

    Fresh n Lean
    Fresh n Lean has several diet plans, including a keto diet plan. You have the option of getting all three meals, i.e., breakfast, lunch, dinner, delivered to you for the entire week. When you are ordering your meal for the week, you can also opt for additional snacks.

    Their keto meal delivery plan is not only recommended by nutritionists, but is also certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Each meal is priced at $10.38, and if you are a new customer, then you can get $20 off your first order.

    Home Chef
    Home Chef caters to not just you but your family’s needs. They deliver boxes with ingredients and recipes that you can easily make at home for a family of two, four or even six. They feature weekly menus and offer a range of meal kits under the carb-conscious section.

    Once you sign up on their website, you will be asked to choose from the various meal plans they offer, including any ingredient that you want excluded. The costs vary depending on the meal option you choose; however, the average starting price per serving is $6.99.

    Ketoned Bodies
    One of the unique selling propositions (USP) of this meal delivery service is that they support regenerative farming, which makes their produce sustainable. They also procure organic vegetables and only use grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork and chicken for their meal kits.

    There are three different plans to choose from: the 10 keto meal bundle, which costs about $16.95 per meal; the 15 keto meal bundle that is priced at $15.95 per meal; and the 21 keto meal bundle, which costs $14.95 per meal (including discount). You can choose between one-time and weekly delivery options.

    Green Chef
    Green Chef sends out boxes of pre-measured ingredients and a recipe for you to follow. All you need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions provided by them and voila! A healthy and scrumptious meal is ready for you. The menu changes each week, and their keto plan involves paleo dishes as well. An order comprising three meals would approximately cost $78.

    Note: always consult a nutritionist before adhering to any dietary restrictions in order to make sure your body is not deprived of any useful nutrients.

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  • 4 benefits of using zero turn lawn mowers

    Lawn mowing is not a difficult task considering the fact that the best zero turn mover is easily available in the market. Below are listed some key benefits of using zero turn mowers, which eventually will help in making your garden look elegant and will give it a new look.

    • Highly maneuverable: The best zero turn lawn mower comes with independent motors at each end of the wheels, which provides maneuverability to the lawn mower. The lawn mower parts are also easily available at any lawn mowers sale and when fitted with perfection these help in mowing the grass effortlessly.
    • Shortens the mowing time: Lawnmowers which are considered among the best zero turn mower are also known to shorten the mowing time. The mowing time essentially reduces to half and in case any lawn mower parts fall off they can always be purchased at a discount at the lawn mowers sale. Thus, when you have to mow your lawn or yard, leave all the worries behind as an effective lawn mower will help you in completing the task within minimal time.
    • Low fuel cost: A best zero turn mower should essentially help you in lowering the fuel cost. When the lawn mower parts are well oiled, it will help the mower to move at a faster pace and the task will be completed in less time.  If any parts are required, the same can be purchased from any lawn mowers sale. You can get information about such sales from the agency that sold you the lawn mower.
    • Clearer cuts: A zero turn mower will always give you a clear cut of the weeds and grass. This is due to the reason that it has sharp blades and you can purchase a diverse range of these blades from a lawn mower parts shop. In case you are looking for some discounts, a lawn mowers sale could be an ideal place to look for some worthy purchases.

    Lawn mowing is a specialized task and if you have access to right kind of tools, the task of lawn mowing is fairly easy to do.

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  • Advancements in Orthopedics

    The world of orthopedics has seen revolutionary advancements right from the very beginning. In fact, many discoveries of the mid-20th century reached fruition in the early 21st century.

    One such discovery is what is called Bone Matrix Protein or BMP. In 1965, Dr. Marshall Urist, M.D., discovered that decalcified bone matrix induced new bone growth. This wonder protein, after a long development, finally got the FDA approval for use in the mending of non-fusion long bones in the year 1975. Eventually, in the year 2002, the FDA gave its approval for rhBMP-2 for single-level spine fusion. Two years later, the FDA gave its clearance for Osteogenic protein 1 Putty for spinal fusion and next month approval was granted for the use of rhBMP-2 for the treatment of acute open fissure fracture of the shaft of the tibia. This revolutionized the treatment of non-union fractures.

    Joint designs
    Joint replacements are not without problems and failures which necessitate revision surgeries. One of the main challenges is to avoid infections. Bearing surface wear and tear, their displacement and corrosion were challenges faced and are being overcome in varying degrees. Joint designs have moved from metal on metal to metal on polyethylene and back to metal on metal. Each of these iterations has come with concerns. Fixation, to begin with, was with cement. This gave way to cementless fixation and properly aligned with the aid of a computer has proved quite satisfactory.

    Quality of joint designs and implants
    Other important advancements took place in the design, materials and their bonding to the bone surfaces in artificial joints. One of the best known is probably the Charnley hip pioneered by Dr. John Charnley a British orthopedic surgeon. The design uses ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The osteolysis of the debris created by the wear is its important disadvantage. In all the joint replacement, the alignment is found to be critical aspect element in the success rate. Very precise alignment is possible with the aid of computers and this is practiced in all modern operating rooms these days.

    3D printing and joint designs
    The advent of 3D printing has found a place is making artificial joints as in many fields. Technology has gone as far as making instruments specific to the patient. One joint surface in development is to give the articular surface a cartilage-like layer. Jacob Klein working with the Weizmann Institute of Science has been able to put 60-nanometer molecular brushes on the lining surface of the articular surface. These brushes outperform the natural cartilage in that the artificial can withstand 7.5 megapascals pressure without losing its properties as against 5.0 megapascals of the natural cartilage.

    Clearly, orthopedics has come a long way.

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  • 3 Affordable and Stylish Vans Shoes

    Since 1966, Vans has been one of the leading brands for shoes, skate boots, snowboard boots, and slip-ons. The brand has been known for its high-quality and durable products. Vans products have been known to be one of their kind, and they have been continually evolving their products through their technology and style. This is the reason they give their customers the best of comfort, style, and performance with every product. Discount Vans shoes are offered by the brand to give premium shoes to customers at low cost. Several stores and e-commerce websites have different offers and deals to get discount Van shoes. Here are some favorite picks.

    Vans Authentic DX Sneaker
    These shoes are available at 50% discount on online retail websites such as Shoes.com. This pair of sneakers gives ultimate comfort and style of the iconic Vans brand. The upper portion of these shoes is designed with perforated leather that allows proper air flow. The interior lining of these shoes is made with ultra-cushion that gives the superior quality comfort level. These shoes also have the signature outsole of rubber waffle.

    Vans Sahara Boot
    These boots are designed especially for women by Vans. Vans Sahara boots are available in just one color. On shopping websites such as 6 PM, these shoes can be bought at a discount of around 60% the original price. The upper side of these boots is made with leather of premium quality. The sock liners are made up of a nice cushion technology that makes these boots very comfortable. This product is crafted with wave outsole that is cushioned, lightweight, durable, and flexible. These boots add a touch of luxury to any look.

    Vans Kids SK8- Mid Reissue V
    You can get these shoes in four different colors and designs on websites such as Zappos. On these websites, these shoes are available at around 29% discount. These shoes have a suede upper side and strong canvas. The strap closure is a hook and loop style to make it easy to wear and it can also be adjusted according to child’s foot size. The interior lining is made of cotton twill. These shoes come with a padded collar to provide a better comfort for your child. The outsole is made with Gum rubber with a unique pattern.

    Apart from the above products, you can also get a few other options from online retailers:

    • Vans SK8-Hi MTE
    • Vans Authentic Lo Pro Sneaker
    • Solana SF
    • Runner
    • Remedy
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