Things to pack for your hospital stay
Things to pack for your hospital stay

What one needs to pack depends on the surgery type, recovery period in the hospital as well as the facilities that are already available there. But, you will always need to make sure that you don’t keep going back home for small things again and again. So, here’s a list that you can refer to when packing your bag for the hospital.

  • Medical reports and other paper work
    From your doctors to the hospital staff, everyone would require the necessary health files and previous documents, test results, etc. Make sure to carry the previous medical reports or allergy reports if any, with regards to the current hospital stay.
  • Medicines and supplements
    If you are already taking regular medicines and vitamin supplements, inform the doctor in advance and verify if they can be continued along with the current treatment during the hospital stay and accordingly pack them for yourselves.
  • Personal care items
    This is often neglected during the rush to get admitted to a hospital; however it is quite essential to carry your own personal care items like hair brush/comb, hair clips, mirror and also toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant. Men would need to pack razors, shaving kit whereas women would have to pack tampons, sanitary pads, etc. Although many hospitals do provide the general toiletries; it is best to pack your own to feel comfortable in the new environment.
  • Clothes
    When you’re recovering from a health condition, you need to cleanse your body properly and wear clean and comfy clothes. For this, you need to make sure that you have enough clean pairs of clothing items in your room. Don’t forget your slippers, night wear pieces and intimate essentials that you might need post-surgery.
  • Gadgets
    You won’t be allowed to talk for hours or see people from time to time. So you might need your phone, laptop, and other gadgets for pastime activities. You can also send important emails or watch a movie during your recovery period.
  • Make sure to check this list before you pack your items for the hospital stay to spend a hassle-free recovery time there.
  • The best trucks of the year!

    Pickup trucks today come in many shapes and sizes. Diesel pickup trucks have come a long way from their humble origins as the working man’s vehicle to petrol-driven speed monsters. We mean raw, unleaded, high octane power. With so many new entrants, including small pickup trucks, in this very competitive segment, here is our list of best trucks of 2016.

    Chevrolet Colorado: This amazing truck has oodles of innovation for the current year. The engineers at Chevrolet have added a new four-cylinder diesel engine with lots of low-end torque. The new truck handles like a large town car and has the distinction of being the most fuel-efficient truck in the market.

    GMC Sierra 1500: For this year, the bestselling Sierra offers only cosmetic upgrades without changing the highly-rated driveline and powertrain. New grilles and lights add to the cosmetic appeal of this half tonner. The interiors has better storage facilities and a wireless phone charging station.

    Nissan Titan XD: The Titan XD should be the poster boy of innovation in the trucking business. Nissan has proven that trucks can come with the foundational support of a full-size truck while offering the ride quality of a half tonne model. Add to this a 5-litre engine with 555 pounds-feet of torque and you have one of the most innovative trucks of the year.

    Ram 1500: The Ram 1500 will take on any terrain in the world. Dune bashing, ploughing through waist deep mud and climbing boulders are what it is best at. The Ram 1500 is 4X4-enthusiasts’ favorite. The four-corner air suspension, big tracks and rugged look shows its 4X4 leanings. It is a great value for the true outdoors man.

    Ram 3500: This huge one tonne hitter has an engine that delivers 900 pounds-feet of torque and a payload of 7,390 pounds. It has the biggest rear differential and heaviest rear axle in its segment. It is capable of pulling a 30,000-pound trailer, making it rise far above the competition. The Ram 3500 is truly a workman’s workhorse.

    Toyota Tacoma: The new engine of the 2016 Tacoma is smaller, has more horsepower, more usable torque and improved fuel economy. The cabin is quieter and the frame is stronger. The four-wheel-drive system is perfect and has no rival. We wish that Toyota did not pull in its punches when others in the segment have been incorporating larger updates to their line-up.

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  • Here’s why you should choose a Medicare Supplement insurance

    A Medicare Supplement insurance plan, also known as Medigap helps you to pay the healthcare-related costs that are not covered under the Original Medicare. This includes the cost of co-payments, deductibles, and co-insurance. Also, there are certain services covered by this supplemental insurance plan, which are not covered by the Original Medicare. For example, if you travel outside the U.S. and you have an Original Medicare as well as a Medicare Supplement policy, you will be covered for the cost of Medicare-approved health care services. Moreover, you have an added coverage on your policy with a supplemental plan.

    Important things to know about the Medicare Supplement policy
    There are a few things you need to keep in mind with regard to the Medicare Supplement insurance plan. First of all, you should have a Medicare Part A and Part B policy. The best Medicare Supplement insurance plans are sold by private health insurance companies. Once you compare different Medicare Supplement insurance plans and choose one, you need to pay a monthly premium to the insurer. This premium will be in addition to the amount of premium you pay as a part of the Medicare policy. It will only cover one person and if you want coverage for your partner, you need to purchase a different policy. The policy is easily renewable and the insurance company cannot cancel the policy as long as you are paying the premium.

    One of the most important things to keep in mind is that even the best Medicare Supplement insurance plan will not cover everything. For instance, they do not cover long-term care, hearing aids, private duty nursing, dental or vision care, and eyeglasses.

    There are different policies sold by private insurance companies. All the policies serve the same purpose but have varied costs and features associated with them. Consider your current coverage and weigh your options. Do you need a supplemental plan? If yes, what type of a plan would you require? What is the maximum premium amount you are willing to pay? Once you answer these questions, you will be able to shortlist the available plans. From Medicare Supplement plans F and G, whatever insurance policy you go for, ensure that the premiums are paid on time so as to continue enjoying the policy without any interruption. A Medicare Supplement health insurance plan is indeed helpful for you and will provide an extra cover at all times. It will protect you and your family from the costs not covered by the Original Medicare plan.

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  • Enjoy a comfortable journey on a stylish midsize luxury sedan

    Luxury vehicles are popular because of their stellar performance, gorgeous styling, excellent quality and comfortable driving. The luxury sedans are extremely versatile and offer deluxe benefits at reasonable price ranges.

    Here are some of the best and new luxury midsize sedans of 2017 that are ruling the hearts of people out there:

    2017 Genesis G80: The 2017 Genesis G80 is an incredible stand-alone luxury car. The striking design with spacious interiors with sufficient legroom and powerful engine make the car an astonishing model. The intricate refinements by Hyundai have made Genesis G80 a top pick for those who are seeking a luxurious car at low price points.

    Audi A7: The Audi 2017 has excelled in the luxury-car arena. A stunning look with a super powered engine, comfortable seating, and wide range of interiors and advanced technological features make Audi A7 a preferred choice of many. Audi A7 is famous for its impressive styling and body structure and has dominated as the most anticipated model of the year.

    2017 Mercedes Benz GLC 300: Mercedes Benz GLC with its new curvy attractive design is one of the best luxury midsize sedans of 2017. The sedan is extremely superiors in terms of styling, material, fastback roofline, power, and efficiency. The AMG model is another top-pick with a turbocharged V6 engine and sports suspension.

    2017 Mercedes Benz CLS 550: Beautifully styled interior, superior features, muscular rear haunches and sloping roofline make the 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS 550 an exciting model. Nominated as the Luxury Car for the year, CLS 550 has enthralled the folks with its amazing features.

    2017 BMW 740: The 2017 BMW 740 has a perfect combination of unique styling, excellent features, and driving comfort. Greatest technologies are embedded to give the sedan ferocious performance. BMW 740 has impressed everyone with its stunning features making it a pretty good deal.

    2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 350: If you are searching for a new luxury midsize sedan, the Mercedes Benz GLE 350 is a great pick. A strong V6 engine with great styling and technological features deliver outstanding performance. Features such as fire breathing and sufficient spaces are some other splendid features of the car.

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  • The difference between used and new GMC conversion vans

    For an adventure-seeking group of family or friends that consist of 6-8 people, while the choice of an SUV or an RV may not be technically feasible or comfortable, GMC conversion vans are a great choice due to great performance, sturdiness, reliability, handling, and fuel efficiency. The in-between GMC conversion vans that were once at the peak of popularity in the late 60’s to early 80’s are back with technological incorporations to suit the needs of the modern day drivers. These vans offer sturdiness in terms of safety, durability, as well as reliability. Most importantly these vans do not cost heavy and can be easily customized to suit the needs of long distance road tripping or everyday commute and the cost of maintenance would cost just about the same anytime. It is not just a convenience and spacious vehicle but it is also one that is driver and family friendly. However, picking a used or a new GMC conversion van depends solely on the owner’s choice and needs.

    In used GMC conversion vans, the previous owners would have equipped the vans with their convenience related modifications and also maintained them well. At resale, the value of these vans will depend on the amount of customization done to both the exterior and the interiors. The value of these GMC conversion vans will be based on the interior amenities such as seats, boot modification, place of dashboard and equipment used for infotainment system as well as other add-ons for camping van etc. On the exterior the overall modification to the standard frame as well as the wheelbase etc. will be determinant factors for pricing. While getting a used GMC conversion van on the market may not be difficult, it is important to first evaluate the needs of the buyer’s requirements in order to avoid picking up a random van as most vans will also be outdated in terms of technology.

    In the case of a new GMC conversion van, the variety of base trims available to the buyer will be surplus. The buyer has the option to pick up an ideal GMC conversion van and then modify it with state of the art technology and class interiors. The buyer would have the option to customize based on the family needs like ramps for old age assistance or children friendly features etc., as well as be able to set up camp friendly features for adventure trips and such. Based on the availability of options in the market the buyer has the free will to choose from a wide array of infotainment systems that can make the driving experience unique.

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  • 3 Well-Known Dog DNA Test Kits to Know about

    Have you ever wondered about the genetic makeup of your dog? Why is his fur in an odd pattern? Or why does your dog tilt her head before barking? You may dismiss these as odd quirks of your pet, but often it is their genetic makeup that gives them those little weird habits. If you are curious about your dog’s genetic makeup, you can get home a dog DNA test kit and find out everything about your pet’s family history, identity, and exact breed. Moreover, such tests are useful to know whether your dog is at the risk of any diseases in the future.

    There are a number of dog DNA test kits available in the market. How to know which one is the best? Read on to know about some of the most popular dog DNA test kits preferred by many dog parents.

    Embark Dog DNA Test Kit
    This is one of the most popular dogs DNA test kits among pet owners with its highly detailed health screening, paternal and maternal tracing, and a high number of genetic markers. This test is known to be done in as much depth as the DNA test for humans are done. Moreover, this dog DNA test kit has got some of the best reviews on online retail websites like Amazon. The tests include examining for 256 quadrillion genes and for more than 200 dog breeds. Additionally, it also includes a test for detecting wolf or coyote genes. Furthermore, the tests will screen your dog for more than 160 diseases and known health issues of dogs. Embark has one of the most responsive customer services. The wait time for test results is 3-7 weeks. The price is around $199.

    Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA Test
    For dogs that are of mixed breeds, this is one of the most suitable dog DNA test kits for its biggest breed database. This kit tests for nearly 250 canine breeds, which is nearly 50 breeds more than other kits in the market. It also offers an optional genetic disease screening. This kit combines the traditional DNA test with a disease detection test. The test will screen a dog’s DNA for more than 150 common genetic health conditions in dogs. Moreover, it will also test whether a dog has wolf or coyote genes. The waiting period for test results is 2-3 weeks. The DNA test kit is available for about $80. If the Disease Detection kit is added, the price will be around $150.

    HomeDNA Orivet Dog DNA Test and Life Plan
    This dog DNA test kit is known to be perfect for new dog parents. It includes a life plan with a customized breed diet, playtime routine, and exercise plan. The HomeDNA Orivet Dog Test kit is known for providing the most overall information and for going past genetic information. The kit tests for more than 220 breeds. Moreover, it also offers a health screening that tests your dog for more than 100 genetic diseases. It also tests for the presence of wolf and coyote genes. The wait time of the test results is around 3 weeks. The price of this dog kit is around $125.

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  • Tips to use business text messaging to your advantage

    Whether someone is using a smartphone or not, text messaging is one of the most used features of a cell phone. Business owners find various ways to market their products, increase the customer base through advertisements, and provide customer service to their clients. One of the effective ways to do this is to use text messaging for business development. Mentioned below are a few ways in which you can use text messaging to optimize your business development.

    • Providing customer support and service
      People always value quick and convenient service. According to various research studies, customers tend to hang up immediately if they are put on hold for some time. Such a situation leads to the loss of an existing customer and also reduces the chances of getting new customers because of negative word-of-mouth reviews. People want customer service that is effortless for them to use. This is where business text messaging manages to meet the customer’s expectations easily. Using this method, people can carry on with their day-to-day activities while texting the customer support and service. Thus, for customers, texting is relatively hassle-free as compared to calling or mailing.
    • Marketing products
      People are on their phones most of the time, searching for various products and services, and even buying or selling them. A lot of online traffic comes from mobile devices, and most people tend to check their texts regularly too. You can coordinate these points and use them to your advantage. You can do that by using text messages to advertise your products, convey news about sales, upcoming stocks, etc. Marketing your products via text will increase the traffic on your website and also introduce potential customers to your products and services. It will also help you convey business news to customers as people tend to check their texts more frequently than they check websites for any updates.
    • Communicating with customers
      While sending business text messages, it is vital to make the texts conversational and engaging rather than simply pushing information. Good conversations with your customers help in building relationships and contribute to the growth of your business. You can start conversations by asking for reviews and feedback, scheduling future appointments, asking questions related to your business, and informing your customers about new trends and ideas. It is easier to reach people through text than any other medium. It’s comparatively easy to use and saves time as well.
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  • Prevention from the causes of hyponatremia

    Hyponatremia is a disorder that can be caused when the sodium levels in your blood drop significantly. The primary symptoms of the condition include nausea and vomiting, headache, restlessness, seizures, and coma in extreme cases. All these symptoms and conditions caused by hyponatremia can be prevented with a few preventive measures. Here is a list of preventive measures for the causes of hyponatremia.

    • Treat associated conditions

    Causes of hyponatremia can be vast and vivid, getting treatment for some of the associated conditions can be helpful in preventing the occurrence of the condition. For example, adrenal gland or thyroid gland deficiency is a cause of hyponatremia, if you treat them you can effectively prevent hyponatremia.

    • Educate yourself

    If you are adopting a new medication, you must talk to your doctor about it. The new medication can have side effects that could lead to the drop of sodium levels in your blood thereby becoming a primary cause for hyponatremia. You could also have a medical condition that could potentially increase the risk of hyponatremia, make sure you consult a doctor about this medical condition. Intake of diuretic medications can also be a driving factor for the cause of hyponatremia, so avoiding them could be a good preventive measure.

    • High-intensity activities

    Make sure you keep yourself well hydrated during high-intensity workouts. Replacing lost fluids just with water is not the best idea. To keep your sodium level maintained, you must adopt drinks that are high on salts and electrolytes so that you can make up for the sodium lost through perspiration. Thirst can be a good indicator of the need for fluids by your body.

    • Sports beverages while workouts

    Demanding activities can usually take away the required sodium from your blood. Drinking water is good for you, but drinking more than required water can have an effect on the sodium level in your blood. When you are running marathons, triathlons or taking part in other intense activities you lose a lot of fluids and the best way to recover them is by drinking fluids that are high on salts or electrolytes.

    • Drink water in breaks

    Keeping everything on one side, drinking water is one of the most required activities for your body. At any moment, you must have enough fluids in your body to have a healthy day. As much as you need it, you must not overdo it. Thirst and color of your urine can be the best indicators for you to know the fluid levels in your body. If your urine is pale yellow, then you are likely to have enough fluid in your body.

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  • Some points to keep in mind before taking business equity loans

    Taking out a second loan using property that one owns is now seeing a comeback of sorts in the Country, with equity business loans offering borrowers more tax benefits and lower rates of interest than credit card debts.

    The loan that will be offered to you will be calculated on loan to value ratio that is based on the value of your property, how much of it is wholly paid for and how much you still owe to the bank. For instance, if you own property worth US$3,00,000 of which you still owe US$ 2,00,000, you have US$ 1,00,000 as equity which may be used to secure the equity loan. You could use this top up loan as a business loan or carry out repairs or restructuring of your house or to meet any other financial situation as the case may be. When you have a loan to value ratio that is 75% or more, then your request for an equity loan is more likely to be accepted and processed.

    There are two kinds of equity loan options.

    The first is the standard home equity loan in which you borrow a certain sum of money against your property which is used to secure the loan.

    Another kind of equity loan is called HELOC, which is Home Equity Line of Credit. Under this kind of equity loan, the lender or bank may permit you to borrow small sums of money as and when you require it up to a certain fixed ceiling. You have an obligation to pay interest only on the sum you have borrowed.

    Depending on whether you need a large sum of money in one shot or whether your venture requires you to pump in smaller sums of money over a period, you could opt for either kind of equity or business loan.

    However, although equity loans do offer your line of credit at relatively low-interest rates, you must remember that your property is still at risk of confiscating in the eventuality that you fail to make the payments.

    So, think wisely before you go in for equity or a business loan, which remains a liability until paid off in full.

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