Tips on choosing the best exterior paints
Tips on choosing the best exterior paints

When it comes to renovating your house, painting is easier as compared to other renovation procedures. However, we know that painting is not inexpensive and is time-consuming too. It requires much more time and labor to get the job done efficiently. Therefore, it is better to get your house painted at the first go, with the best of paints, to offer longevity to the walls. If You don’t have any paint ideas for your sweet house, here are some exterior paint ideas that can help make your house look beautiful and noteworthy.

  • Always plan for additional expenditure
    Paint needs to cover the walls of your house effectively, resist stains and withstand extreme weather. Therefore, always choose premium quality paints. Spend some good time in deciding the quality or category of paint that you need for your exterior walls.
  • Go for three or more different shades of paint
    Exterior painting can be divided into three major parts- field color, accent color, and trim color. Field color is what commands the primary color of the exterior color of the walls, accent color for doors, shutters and other small areas, and trim colors for window and doors, roof and railings.
  • Details of your house
    House owners often don’t pay attention to other details of the house that play a vital role in giving you exterior paint ideas. There are roofs, bricks, stone and each has different colors that should also be considered while deciding the exterior paint of your house.
  • Use test samples first
    Buy some test sizes of paints and use them for sample painting of the exterior walls. Be sure to paint both the sides of your house with this paint, where the play of sunlight or artificial light may differ. Visit these corners at different times of the day to understand the different looks that the paint offers. Once you are confident about the colors, go for it.

Hence choose suitable colors and follow these tips about exterior paints as they are a good way to make a good impression on visitors and people passing by.

  • Knowing air travel do’s for differently-abled travelers

    Air travel is the easiest and most comfortable type of long-distance travel for differently abled travelers. While there are challenges if you have some type of disability, the travel on an airplane can get smoother if you simply check some essential aspects that an airline may manage for you. Following are some of these necessary checks before you book your flight with an airline:

    Comfortable seating accommodations: It is your right to get good accommodation from an airline. Make sure that your selected airline provides free comfortable accommodations at its points of origin and destination. For example, if you are boarding flights United Airlines run, ensure that they entertain your requests regarding the required assistance for accessing the aircraft or carrying a specialized device for seating if required.

    Notifications to the airline: Any pre-flight notifications may not be required in cases of disability. However, there are conditions when such notifications to the airline will have to be provided. For instance, if you want a person with a disability to be attached to the airline’s oxygen system during the course of flying, then you will need to call the airline to give a pre-flight notification. It is best to read all the related policies and requirements of an airline regarding notifications.

    Attendant’s travel needs: While major airlines like United Airlines take care of your attendant’s travel requirements, it is best for you to ensure that they give him/her an adjoining seat. If you have such disability that allows you to complete your travel alone, then enquire about the airline’s policy on it and the need for a medical certificate. In some cases, an airline may not find it safe and deny travel to the person with a disability. You must be sure that it does not happen to you.

    Assistance at airports: While all major airlines, such as United Airlines, offer various types of wheelchairs at the airport, aisle, and onboard, it is safe to check the type of assistance you will receive during airport navigation, boarding, and on the flight. The airline must have the right equipment for boarding people with disabilities.

    They should also have qualified employees to assist people with disabilities when they need to go through security checks and screenings or have to visit the utilities. The airlines should additionally have gate agents to deliver all flight-related information to individuals with disabilities, apart from having assistive devices at the airport.

    Onboard assistance: Whether you want to travel with an assistant or on your own, you must check whether the airline takes care of your comfort and safety on board. Find out whether they will allocate a disability-friendly seat and give the required safety briefing individually to you.

    For differently abled individuals, it is critical to check about all support services provided by an airline before they fly with it so as to ensure that their air travel is comfortable.

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  • Top 5 early symptoms of brain tumor you need to know

    One of the largest and complex organs in the human body is the brain. This central unit of the nervous system controls activities such as breathing, movement, and all sensory perceptions. And, like it develops in most other organs in the body, abnormal growths or tumors can occur in the brain too. Brain tumors can be benign or malignant and could originate in the brain as a primary tumor or spread to the brain from other parts of the body as a secondary or metastatic tumor.

    With the presence of a brain tumor, the human body exhibits signs of disturbance with changes in its smooth functioning. However, early symptoms of brain tumor can be easily missed because they are common and may not be prominent enough to seek medical attention. Also, brain tumor early symptoms can be different for every individual, and the symptoms of this illness depend entirely on the tumor’s size, its location in the brain and the rate at which it grows. This is because different parts of the brain regulate different functions in the body and depending on which part of the brain is affected, the symptoms of a brain tumor vary.

    List of commonly noticed early symptoms of brain tumor.

    A headache: Headaches occur frequently and may be severe. The intensity of a headache could be directly proportional to the amount of exertion happening in the normal course of everyday chores. The pattern of headaches could differ, and might not be mitigated by general headache remedies.

    Nausea: Nausea or sickness in the stomach, and vomiting that is caused by unknown factors.

    Changes in sensory faculties: Alterations can be felt in the ability of the senses to see, smell, speak, hear, or swallow. The occurrence of noises in the ear or blurry vision could be one of the early symptoms of brain tumor.

    Seizures: The brief loss of sensation and control in either the face, limbs or the whole body, or convulsions – a sudden, involuntary jerky movement of the muscles that could be just a single motion or a series of multiple spasms. Loss of awareness, either partially or totally, is also possible.

    Memory issues: Feeling confused and the inability to remember things are common, as are behavioral changes, and fatigue.

    It is important to consult your doctor when any of these brain tun symptoms arise and allow them to advise you correctly based on physical exams and diagnostic tests.

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  • The truth about DNA ancestry tests

    All of us have heard about genealogy tracking, but do you think we can really track our historical ancestors with these tests? The answer is no. Everyone around the world is in a craze to know from which historical figure they have ascended. Using this craze, many companies are doing big business with genealogy tracking by promising their customers that they will perform a DNA ancestry test, which will cost around $300.

    Nothing but a possible interpretation
    Some scientists around the world have raised awareness regarding these DNA ancestry tests and called them genetic astrology as they are entirely flawed and can never be relied upon. Companies promise to make new discoveries regarding your ancestors and your cultural roots and demand a lump amount of money for that. It is scientifically proven that the DNA that we inherit from our relatives just a few generations back are nothing compared to the huge amount of DNA that we have shared with our common ancestors. So performing these DNA ancestry tests will give us results that are just one possible interpretation among many more.

    Though it may sound exciting, it is not a reliable truth

    Humans, throughout history, have migrated from one place to another. Who knows whether your ancestor even lived in the same country as you are? Because of this, there may be a thousand possibilities regarding your genealogy. You can never rely on any service centers who provide these DNA ancestry tests and predict that you have ascended from an eminent historical character. It is good to hear, but may not be the truth.

    The DNA for any individual is compared with the DNA of that person about whom some information regarding ethnicity is already present, and some of the aspects of the DNA are looked into.

    Some of these are
    The DNA of the Y chromosome is only found in men as it ascends along the male line.
    The DNA of the mitochondria is present in both males and females as it is inherited by both. There is only one ancestral lineage for an individual regarding the mitochondrial DNA.
    Autosomal DNA makes about 98% of your DNA and it can be inherited from any of your ancestors. It is made up of numerous sections of DNA, and each section has its own history to tell.

    The one thing that is clear from all this is that the more you go back in your generations, the more amount of DNA you will share and the DNA ancestry tests will become vaguer as you go up the ladder of your ancestors. If any DNA ancestry test concludes that your DNA has matched with a certain person belonging to a totally different community in some other part of the world, the only chance is that maybe some of your ancestors, long before, were in that community. DNA ancestry tests are accurate when you want to know your family maybe up to two to three generations, but as you go back there is a vast mix of genetic material, and the results are increasingly unreliable.

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  • Buying a mattress according to weight

    The decision to buy the best mattresses depends on a lot of factors, but the weight of the sleeper is probably one of the most important, yet underrated consideration. It might not seem important, but this factor matters and should weigh in heavily when picking a mattress. The support provided by a mattress, its sinkage, plushness, cooling mechanism and overall feel can be majorly influenced by the body type as well as the body weight. To create the ideal feeling and support required by the body, every mattress needs to be configured for the body weight and type it will be supporting. The best mattresses to buy can depend on the weight of the sleeper and can be classified into the following categories:

    Medium feel for people weighing 150 pounds or less
    People who weigh less than 150 pounds do not tend to sink too deep into their mattresses, which means that the top layers of the mattress that are too dense may not feel too comfortable with them. Choosing a mattress a few points lower than the recommended point is essential because most mattresses are designed for average sleepers.

    Medium feel for people weighing between 150 – 200 pounds
    People weighing between 150-200 pounds are considered to be average sleepers, the sweet spot for the marketers since most mattresses are designed around this weight range. The universal comfort range of mattresses falls on 5-7 on a scale of ten, and these are characterized as a medium, medium firm and luxury firm.

    Medium feel for people weighing between 200 pounds and more
    People who weigh 200 pounds or more are classified under the heavy sleepers range, and a mattress needs to account for the extra weight and pressure that is received through these sleepers. A comfort layer of at least 4 inches is required, and it provides consistent comfort and support for heavy sleepers. Some people who have extra cooling needs or require a mattress that provides extra edge support often opt for coil on coil mattresses or luxury innerspring options. A mattress that focuses on the foam side rather than edger support offers more body shaping and contouring options.

    Soft feel for light sleepers
    Since light sleepers do not sink into a mattress that has a foam base, certain mattresses work very well for them. Foam mattresses offer the plush, cloud-like sensation without bending down under the weight to cause support and heat retention issues. A range of 3-4 in terms of the firmness scale out of 10 are for this class of sleepers.

    Soft feel for average sleepers
    Average sleepers who need a soft feel are akin to the light sleepers of the same category. Anybody near the 150-pound weight mark can proceed to follow the same instructions as those for light sleepers, while those nearing the 200-pound weight mark would need to consider the sinkage aspect of the mattress. While side sleepers prefer an increased level of sinkage, most back and almost all stomach sleepers do not like it and prefer a firmer support.

    Soft feel for heavy sleepers
    Heavy sleepers who weigh over 200 pounds and more and need a soft feel often find it difficult to find a mattress that works well for them in terms of both comfort and support. A mattress that offers deep compression support is the need for these cases.

    Different body types require different mattress types and best mattresses to buy depend on these factors.

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  • Car navigation with GPS

    Vehicle navigation is one application of all the aspects of GPS Systems that the common man uses the most. With the advent of smartphones which are GPS-incorporated, car navigation has become immensely popular. However, it has introduced a limitation that an internet or a mobile service is necessary for its operation. These navigation systems are equipped with various other facilities that has made driving safer and more relaxed activity. This write up tries to explain the intricacies of the system in jargon free language. There are various devices in the market with many added features.

    The navigation device has the following elements.

    The GPS antenna receiver receives the signals from the satellite.
    The direction sensor provides the direction in which the vehicle is travelling.
    The speed sensor provides the speed of the vehicle and the system calculates the distance has yet to travel to reach the destination.
    The display screen to show the navigation computer output.
    The Map data base checks the information from the antenna and sensors against the map database and sends the outputs to the display screen using the control circuitry of the navigation computer.
    Navigation computer, which is the brain of the system. It compares the information received from the antenna, the various onboard sensors and compares them with the map database and determines the vehicle’s exact present position, and calculates the time of possible arrival at destination, taking into consideration the remaining distance, vehicle speed etc. It shows the remaining distance to the distance also.

    Another important function the navigator is to perform is route selection and constantly monitor traffic on this and other parallel routes to avoid traffic congestion and resulting delays.
    These functions it performs by using the four following databases.

    Road Network data, road configuration, connection conditions, attributes etc.
    Background data which gives information like rivers, shorelines, railroads, contours etc.
    Site information data such as building names, addresses, representative structures etc.

    Voice data voice guidance: Firstly, the current location is determined consulting current location details. Secondly, it finds the destination and setting using the destination details. Third, the route to the destination is searched and fixed. Lastly, it searches for a route which is shortest and quickest, and recommends the same to the driver.

    Background data are searched to provide guidance using the voice guidance.
    Route details are displayed.

    Finally, it collates information received from various agencies like traffic police other drivers and informs of traffic congestions. All in all, it makes driving to any destination hassle free and smooth.

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  • Types of therapy for addicts in drugs and alcohol rehab programs

    A counselor provides therapy to addicts enrolled in drugs and alcohol rehab centers. Their function is to find the root cause of the addiction and help the addict move on to a sober life. The counselor develops a therapy and recovery plan for each individual enrolled in drugs and alcohol rehab centers. They have to educate the addict about their addiction and what it is doing to them and how to move to a life without abuse. All this has to be achieved through counseling.

    Why is counseling important for addicts
    Addiction is more than just a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Even post the detoxification process, there are high chances of addicts relapsing. Factors which contribute to relapse include social media, environmental cues (for example, visiting a drug-frequented neighborhood), or even stress. Hence, counseling is important for the addict to not relapse.

    Types of therapy
    Not all individuals enrolled in drugs and alcohol rehab centers would respond to the same type of treatment; hence, several types of therapy need to be formulated as per the need of the individual. Some popular therapy types include motivational interviewing, contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and so on.

    • Motivational interviewing: This type of therapy tries to prepare an individual to change his behavior and accept treatment for the addictions. The patient has to accept his behavior and make changes where required. The user has to realize that change has to come from them if they wish to start living a sober life.
    • Contingency management: This type of therapy is positive reinforcement counseling. It encourages the patient to abstain from drug use. The patient is rewarded for progress. This form of therapy is very successful and highly effective in drug abuse cases.
    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy: One of the most common types of therapies, it helps patients understand the situations that can lead them to use drugs. It also teaches them coping skills. He/she recognizes negative thoughts, triggers, emotions, and devices. This skill, once learned, remains with the patient for a long time.
    • Family therapy: This type of therapy is multidimensional as it addresses the influence that a family has on the patient. They work with each family member alone and then as a unit. This treatment is sought for young patients.

    A drug abuse counselor requires qualities like compassion, patience, understanding, and sensitivity. Counselors put a great deal of time, energy, and hope in understanding and helping their patients.

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  • Signs that Indicate You May be Suffering from Hypertension

    Hypertension or high blood pressure is a medical condition where the blood pressure of the individual exceeds the normal blood pressure range. Hypertension affects millions across the globe. This condition does not affect adults alone, as teens and children are also affected by high blood pressure. Hypertension symptoms are difficult to spot and usually appear only at critical stages. The only way to detect hypertension is to check your blood pressure regularly.

    Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure above this range is considered high blood pressure. Unchecked hypertension increases your risk of other serious health issues. Hypertension is a condition that develops over the years

    Causes of hypertension
    Hypertension is a chronic condition that is categorized into primary and secondary hypertension. A common type of hypertension is primary hypertension. This type of hypertension does not have any particular cause but develops over a period of time. Secondary hypertension is the result of a separate health condition. A highly stressful or lethargic lifestyle is a precursor for hypertension. Alcohol consumption and smoking habits are also known to cause heart-related issues in the long run.

    Symptoms of hypertension
    Hypertension symptoms are often mistaken for those of other diseases. Signs and symptoms of hypertension are not specific and usually occur only at severe and life-threatening stages. Common hypertension symptoms are as follows:

    • A severe headache: A severe migraine headache is a classic symptom of hypertension.
    • Fatigue or confusion: People with high blood pressure experience fatigue or are in a confused state of mind.
    • Anxiety: People with high blood pressure are often anxiety ridden. However, this symptom may be due to other health issues as well.
    • Vision problems: Chronic hypertension results in damage to blood vessels in the eyes.
    • Irregular heartbeat: Irregular heartbeat is a symptom related to all cardiac diseases.
    • Shortness of breath, chest pain, blood in urine, and pounding in the ears, chest or neck are other common symptoms of hypertension.
    • Hypertension symptoms like dizzy spells, nosebleeds or dull headaches are rare but warrant emergency medical help. These symptoms of hypertension occur during blood pressure spikes (180/120 mmHg) and termed as a hypertensive crisis.

    Hypertension symptoms are very subtle; you may not even know that you have it. Hypertension is a “silent killer” since it is a largely symptomless condition. Regularly check your blood pressure if you have a family history of cardiac issues or any other symptoms.

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  • Is balance transfer a possibility when the credit limit is low?

    All of us have experienced a drop in our finances. We think of various ways to get out of the situation, but we hit a snag. This is when many people turn to the best balance transfer, which will help them to lower their credit card debt. In case you are stuck in such a situation, don’t panic. Listed below are some of the options available to you:

    • There is nothing like being able to get a balance transfer at this time in order to lower your credit card debt. Paying interest on debts is what puts you in even deeper debt. Best balance transfer cards can help you as most of them come with 0% interest payments for the promotion period. But make sure that you are aware of the balance transfer fee that banks charge you as they may sometimes work out more in favor of the bank than in favor of you. To qualify for the best balance transfer you would need an excellent or good credit, only then can you be eligible to obtain a 0% card. That is a big hurdle that you need to jump over in order to get debt free. The next hurdle would be to get a high credit line on the 0% card to transfer your entire high-interest balance to it.
    • You need to make sure that by doing a balance transfer your whole debt and not just a portion of it is refinanced. If this happens, you need to call the issuer of the best balance transfer and ask them for a higher credit limit. Some of them may be a little flexible, and you might just get what you wish.
    • If talking to an issuer doesn’t help, then you should try and apply for a personal loan.

    Hence, getting a balance transfer with a low credit limit is not impossible.

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