Top five causes of HIV
Top five causes of HIV

HIV is passed from a person who is already infected to a person who is not. The infection can spread regardless of the fact that symptoms have started showing or not. The HIV virus always needs a host to survive. It cannot survive in any external medium and always gets transferred through body fluids. The ways in which HIV spreads are listed below.

Sexual contact
The first and foremost way in which HIV spreads is through sexual contact. Studies show that 95% of the HIV-affected people have got it through sexual contact. The main ways are through unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse. HIV can also spread through oral sex when it is unprotected, but that has lesser risk. However, HIV can spread through oral sex equally in certain conditions such as if a person who has ulcers in the mouth or has bleeding gums gives oral sex or the person receiving it has been recently affected by HIV. The type of sexual intercourse also determines how much you are prone to catch the disease. If you are having oral sex with a man, you can have high risk towards HIV, if he ejaculates in your mouth. If you are having oral sex with a woman, you can have high risk towards HIV, if she is on her period. However, when you are receiving oral sex, you do not have much chances of getting infected with HIV as saliva is not a transferring medium for HIV.

Sharing needles
When an injection is given, a part of the person’s blood gets into the needle and the syringe. If that person is infected with HIV, then the syringe will contain the virus even after the injection. Now, when that same needle is used for some other person without sterilizing the syringe, then that healthy person will get infected with HIV as the virus from the syringe will diffuse into the his or her bloodstream. So it is better that you never share any needles, syringes or other such equipment.

From mother to her baby
If a pregnant woman has HIV, then that child is bound to have the HIV virus in its bloodstream because the HIV from the mother’s blood passes to the child’s blood through the umbilical cord when the baby is in the womb. It can also pass to the baby after birth when the baby is breastfed with the milk from an infected person.

By accident
HIV spreads through body fluids. But it may also spread without your knowledge. Health care workers, who are handling blood all throughout the day, should always be careful to put on gloves. They may accidentally be pricked by a needle, which may contain infected blood.

Blood transfusion
Before blood transfusion, the blood of the donor should be checked. Anyone may be infected with HIV and he or she may not be aware of it. If that infected blood is transfused into a healthy patient then that person will get the infection.

  • How did the good old game of Solitaire evolve?

    Remember the feeling of exhilaration when a giant pile of of cards burst on your screen after you successfully completing a game of Solitaire? Although it appears completely innocuous, Solitaire is quite an absorbing game. It gets holds of a player’s attention to such an extent that it has been labelled as most people’s favorite time-waster. How can it not be? 7,000 trillion possible games. Anything can happen. Chaos can reign or order depending on your play. Real-life solitaire (the one played with real cards) was called the game of patience. The reason behind this sobriquet is not clear, but it is quite well known that a game (or games of Solitaire) is like being into a time vortex where time literally flies and we hardly know how two hours have gone by as we rearrange the decks of cards around.

    Playing Solitaire with real cards is history now. Microsoft was one of the pioneers of making Solitaire accessible to the tech-savvy community. According to microsoft, Solitaire is the most used software among windows users. Along with Minesweeper, Solitaire has been the most crucial computing program till date. Although the market is inundated with fancy 3D games and the more recent virtual reality games, a good old game of Solitaire can never go out of trend. It one of those classic things that are ageless and always find their own following.

    On the eve of Solitaire’s 25th anniversary, in June 2015, Microsoft conducted a worldwide Solitaire tournament. Microsoft put forth a challenge to the fans of the game to play against the software company’s strongest players. Solitaire has been a permanent part of Windows since its inception. With Microsoft’s wide reach across computer users all over the world, it is apparent that the game’s popularity is unbeatable. The tournament started with internal challenges between Microsoft employees. The winners of these internal challenges were then pitted against the general public. In its official announcement of the tournament, Microsoft roused players by saying, in quintessential Windows-style that is minimalistic and functional at its best, “you’ll be challenged to bring your best to defeat our best.”

    In recent years, loads of different versions of Solitaire has cropped up. These games can be played online or through various apps. Quite a lot of people are not aware, although almost everyone has played it, the most common form of Solitaire is the Klondike Solitaire. Other commons Solitaire games are Freecell and Spider Solitaire. Each of these categories are their own sub-categories. There are perhaps 40 variations of this game! With so many options and games to master, a Solitaire fan has no reasons to complain.

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  • 3 useful things to know before buying the Samsung Galaxy S5

    Smartphones have become a commonly owned gadget that offers more functions than just making calls. Whether you are a student or a professional or a normal phone user, a smartphone can be helpful in a lot of ways.

    Samsung has been offering smartphone users an array of multifunctional smartphones since a long time. It has shown consistency regarding the looks and performance of its phones.

    The Samsung Galaxy Mobile Series is one set of smartphones by the company that has grown very popular. There are several sub-series of phones under this main series of Galaxy phones. Here is our review of the Samsung Galaxy S5 from the Galaxy S series.

    The model was launched in 2014 as the successor of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Since it was launched in 2014, the price has come down considerably, but you may still want to consider the pros and cons of this phone from the Samsung Galaxy mobile series before buying it.

    Specifications
    The Galaxy S5 comes with a 16MP rear camera and 2MP front camera. It uses 2.5 GHz Quad Core processor and Super AMOLED display technology. This Samsung Galaxy mobile series phone has a 5.1-inch display and is a water-resistant model. The other notable specs of the phone include HD video recording, HD display, fingerprint scanner and expandable memory among others.

    The good
    The phone has an excellent battery life and stunning cameras that offer high-quality pictures. This Samsung Galaxy mobile series phone is now updated to the latest Android version and has an improved fingerprint security feature as compared to its predecessor Galaxy S4.

    The bad
    The phone’s processor offers a good performance but is not the best in the category. The phone’s looks also haven’t improved as compared to its predecessor.

    The phone offers all standard features with a good performance making it a good buy for its price. The phone is one of the best ones to buy under USD 300 from the Samsung Galaxy mobile series.

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  • Living room furniture sets for your home

    Any living room will look elegant only when it has a range of collection of furniture that matches the ambiance of the home. Below listed are some of the living room furniture sets that will make your house look and feel like a complete home.

    Bellingham Gray 5 PC Living Room
    You can always create an inviting space in your house with living room furniture sets from Bellingham Gray. These come in textured woven fabric in gray color. You can also add matching toss pillows that will make your home look elegant. Cleaning these living room furniture sets is extremely easy, and you can use water-based cleaning agents to spotlessly clean your furniture items included in such living room furniture sets. This living room furniture set can be ordered online from any of the web portals dealing with furniture. Ideally, you can also visit your nearby home furnishing store in your city or town.

    Gallia White Leather 6 PC Power Plus Reclining Sectional
    These living room furniture sets can seat up to five adults and are covered in premium white top grain leather. You will also get power adjustable headrests and footrests that will allow you to relax effortlessly. This power plus reclining sectional also has cup holders and storage space in the console where you can store your drinks while engaging in a thoughtful discussion in the meantime. You also get built-in charging USB ports in this Leather 6 PC Power Plus Reclining Sectional that adds a unique dimension to these living room furniture sets.

    Palm Springs Gray 3 PC Sectional
    These living room furniture sets provide comfortable and luxurious seating for up to five people. The seat cushion in this in this Palm Springs Gray 3PC Sectional is filled with polyester fiber that provides unmatchable softness and elegance to the product that is hard to replicate. The spring-like support in this plush woven upholstery is something exceptional and unique to this range of product.

    Madison Place Indigo 2 PC Sectional
    The contemporary and stylish Madison Place Indigo 2 PC Sectional is among elegant living room furniture sets that are likely to transform your living room into an innovative space. These living room furniture sets are covered in Indigo colored microfiber plush. You will also get tack arms and loosely tufted pillow backs in these Madison Place Indigo 2 PC Sectional living room furniture sets. Additionally, expect elongated cushions and a moveable base that will create a floating chaise, thus giving a unique and unmatchable look to your furniture range.

    Kingvale Black 2 PC Living Room with Power Reclining Sofa
    The cutting-edge technology that goes in making living room furniture sets is distinctly evident in Kingvale Black 2 PC Living Room with the power reclining sofa offering a plush design that eventually helps in creating a relaxation zone in your home. The premium features in these living room furniture sets include power reclining headrests with chaise style footrests. It is also inclusive of a lighted cup holder with ample storage in each of the armrests. The adjustable LED lighting is another innovation in this power reclining sofa, which makes it truly unique to the core. These living room furniture sets are typically made out of 85% polyester and 15% polyurethane. If you decide to clean the Power Reclining Sofa by yourself, you can simply use water along with dishwashing soap to give that clean look. You will have to wipe it off with damp cloth thereafter. Any alcohol or other types of cleansers should never be used to clean these Power Reclining Sofas that form an important part of the living room furniture sets.

    All these living room furniture sets that add a contemporary touch to make your home look elegant can be ordered online from your place of residence in the country. These will be home delivered to your location in 7-10 business days.

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  • Signs you might have a kidney infection

    The kidneys can easily get infected with bacteria like E.coli. The bacterium just needs to reach to the kidneys either through the blood stream or the urinary tract and cause an inflammation there. This kind of infection can be chronic too causing severe health issues. However, it shows different signs and symptoms even during its acute stage to warn the individual about its improper functioning. Taking a note of these early warning signs can help you treat it effectively without causing further complications. So, let us look at the signs which indicate that you might have a kidney infection.

    • High fever
    • Chills or uncontrollable shivering
    • Pain or burning sensation while passing urine
    • Abdominal pain that begins at the flank
    • Pain in the groin region
    • Diarrhea
    • Vomiting
    • Nausea
    • Blood in the urine
    • Cloudy or pus-filled urine
    • Foul smelling urine
    • Persistent urge to urinate
    • Frequent urination
    • Inability to urinate fully
    • Weakness

    It is imperative to identify some of these signs as they are similar to urinary tract infection or UTI and can be easily misunderstood. Hence it is important to consult your doctor and verify the difference. The doctor is most likely to follow these following steps to have a proper diagnosis.

    • Urine analysis – to check for blood, pus, and bacteria
    • Urine culture – to identify the bacterium type causing the infection
    • Ultra sound or CT scan– to understand if the renal infection is caused due to any blockage in the urinary tract
    • Voiding cystourethrogram – this type of X ray enables the doctor to understand where exactly the problem is in the bladder or urethra
    • Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy – this is high-end digital imaging to see where exactly the kidney is damaged.
    • Digital rectal exam (for men) – to check for swollen prostate gland if it is the cause of renal infection

    So, now, you see that even the doctor needs to do a lot of testing to confirm the presence of renal infection and just the signs and symptoms are not enough to accurately determine it.

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  • Top luxury perfumes and brands

    Signature scents have been around for a while, and despite new additions and formulas, they are still among the most coveted perfumes. Getting our hands on one of these fragrances is something we all look forward to. And if you are confused about where to begin, don’t worry because we have got you covered.

    Top five luxury perfumes
    Here are some of the most iconic and beloved perfumes from the most popular fragrance brands:

    Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette

    Marc Jacobs Daisy, a creation of master perfumer Alberto Morillas, screams sophistication. This beautiful fragrance has subtle notes of strawberry, violets, grapefruit. The white accords of cedarwood and birch add a nice, earthy contrast to the floral smell. The perfume comes in the fanciest packaging possible–a beautiful glass bottle with golden and white daisies spattered on top. 1.7 oz of Daisy Eau de Toilette is priced at approximately $86 dollars.

    Bond No.9 New York Broadway Nite – Saks Fifth Avenue

    The Broadway Nite by Bond No 9 is a seductive fragrance with rose, honeysuckle, and vanilla notes. The perfume has a long-lasting floral scent and is inspired by the iconic Broadway theater in New York. The bottle is stunning and looks like a piece of art. Who wouldn’t want to get the much-coveted Broadway Nite? A 1.6 oz bottle of this perfume costs around $260 and can be bought in Saks Fifth Avenue.

    Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum Spray

    This modern yet classic perfume has a strong and fresh fragrance with base tones of vanilla and tonka bean. The mild floral citrus perfume is available in four sizes, including a compact bottle to carry it when you travel. A 1.2 oz bottle is priced at approximately $80.

    Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris

    This exquisite perfume has fruity and floral notes of ripe red berries and datura flowers. The bottle resembles a jewel tied up with a little black ribbon. It comes in four different sizes, including a mini rollerball one that is convenient for travel and everyday use. The perfume costs between $30 and $130, depending on the bottle’s size.

    Gucci Bloom

    As its name suggests, this enticing perfume is all about blooming flowers. It has notes of tuberose, Rangoon creeper, and beautiful white jasmine. Wearing it almost feels like a trip to a lush and colorful garden. The Gucci Bloom comes in three sizes and starts at $80.

    Top three luxury perfume brands
    These three brands are the most popular makers of perfumes.

    Chanel

    Chanel, one of the most famous French luxury brands, was founded in 1910 by couturière Coco Chanel. The brand is known for its clothing, bags, jewelry, and skincare products. But most of all, it is famous for its signature fragrances like Chanel No. 5.

    Bond No.9

    This luxury brand created perfumes that pay homage to the vibrant city of New York. Bond No.9 has a vast collection of exquisite fragrances for men and women. Its unique concoction and delightful perfumes have made it a sought-after brand. Bond No. 9 has five eponymous boutiques in New York and is sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, Hudson’s Bay, Harrods, Sephora, Isetan, Sephora, and De Bijenkorf. Bond No.9 for Her and Bond No.9 for Him have been specially created for Saks Fifth Avenue in their DNA patterned bottle.

    Ralph Lauren

    Like Chanel, Ralph Lauen, too, is a big name when it comes to fashion. But what helps the brand stand out is its fabulous line of perfumes. Despite being a luxury brand, Ralph Lauren’s fragrances are quite affordable.

    Apart from luxury fragrances, deodorants are also high in demand. Long-lasting deodorants, like the one listed below, are gaining popularity as they use organic products and are affordable.  

    Ursa Major’s Sublime Sage Spray is one of the more elegant and popular products in the market if you are shopping for aluminum free deodorants for women. The natural formula is rich in botanical extracts, enzymes, and minerals that help neutralize odor and prevent the skin from drying up. The formula is made up of essential oils and is suitable for all types of skin. You can buy it online for $18. The deodorant is available in four exciting fragrances including sage, sandalwood, geranium, and lemon myrtle.

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  • 5 winter flowers for fabulous Christmas flower arrangements

    The Christmas season is almost upon us, and the air is getting crispier and more festive every day. People are waiting in sheer anticipation of the big celebration and everything cheerful it brings along; and nothing speaks cheerfulness more than bright, beautiful flowers.

    If you are thinking of throwing a small house party or sending a token gift for the occasion to a friend or relative, a charming decoration of popular Christmas flowers will be the perfect option. Here are five winter flowers for charming up Christmas flower arrangements.

    Poinsettia
    Indigenous to Mexico, Poinsettia is one of the most popular Christmas decoration plants of all time. The blooms, which are differently colored leaves of the plant itself, come in natural shades of green, red, yellow, pink, orange and so on. If you buy them from a commercial florist, they might sparkle up the foliage or decorate them with bells and tiny balls as per your wish.

    Amaryllis
    Amaryllis in Greek means ‘to sparkle.’ With its white and red shade which resembles the traditional Christmas colors, they make the best decorations for Christmas flower arrangements on your tabletop in a bowl or the corner stand in a vase with their long stems and trumpet-like blossom peeking out. The petals come in solid, striped or freckled varieties.

    Christmas Cactus
    This holiday plant gets its name from the idea that it blooms during the time of winter, but actually, it starts to spring close to Thanksgiving. By the time December arrives, the plants are covered with pink, red or purplish blooms, and they bend over and hang down from the pot like beautiful trinkets. Suspend the pot in hanging positions, and you will not even need to do anything more for decorations.

    Carnations
    A popular choice for bouquets, the ruffled assortment of red and white flowers is a perfect option for sending Christmas greetings to your loved ones. Also very much ideal for decking up your window grills, staircase railings or center table for the party, Carnations make beautiful traditional Christmas flower arrangements.

    White Chrysanthemums
    The significance of White Chrysanthemums as a popular Christmas flower has its roots in German folklore. According to the story, the Christ Child once visited a peasant family as a beggar, and after they gave him food and shelter, he revealed himself and left. The next day they found two white Chrysanthemums outside their door where he stood. Even today, many people keep the flower in their home or send to each other in remembrance of this story.

    Flowers bring out the best in your home and also speak the loudest while sending greetings of the season is concerned. Choose one in your favorite shade and let the blossoms do the rest for you.

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  • Picking BBQ grills from leading manufacturers

    BBQ parties are a nice way to chill out. Are you hosting BBQ parties regularly? If you answer ‘yes,’ you need BBQ grills. These grills always help you make your party truly memorable. Some people prefer cheaper grills, and if you are among them, then you can purchase a charcoal grill. If you don’t mind about price, a gas grill is a good option. There are affordable stainless steel grills available in the market, and a good number of people purchase slightly expensive painted grills.

    Kamado grill is a good option
    A kamado grill is a good choice if you are looking for a nice residential outdoor grill. The versatility of this grill is commendable, and you can use them for grilling and smoking. The big green egg grill is a highly popular kamado style outdoor grill, and many people rate it as one of most effective options available in the market.

    Broil King Grills are versatile products
    If you are searching for a solidly constructed grill, you can purchase from Broil King. Inimitable grilling versatility can be associated with broil king grills, and they give you the freedom to grill anything on your barbecue in whatever way you prefer.

    Weber BBQ grills
    Weber is a leading manufacturer of gas grills. They offer different types of Weber gas grill, and you can choose the most suitable one based on your preferences and budget. When you buy a Weber gas grill is not going to disappoint you when it comes to features and functionality. You can find a lot of people who have purchased a Weber grill and all of them rate this appliance very highly. Various market studies suggest that Weber grill sale is increasing at a rapid pace and you can purchase Weber grill parts from almost every appliance store.

    If you purchase a high-quality BBQ grill from a reliable manufacturer, you can make everything you want with great ease and comfort. Good grass grills are always ready with a push of a button, and you can serve highly delicious dishes to your dear and near ones with great confidence and pride as well.

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  • Top Tips for Buying The Best Car Tires

    When it comes to maintaining your car, there is a lot more to worry about than just the bonnet or the rear. Why so you might ask. We believe that’s because tires are the only part that touch the roads as you drive along. Taking good care of your car tires is something you should be doing on a regular basis. While most of you might not just care enough for your tires until it becomes late, it is important to understand the need for the same.

    The first thing you could begin doing is being extra vigilant while purchasing your car tires. Read the top ways to purchase car tires better and more effective.

    Ensure that you require buying new tires
    Begin with visual inspection your tires and once you inspect to find a lot of wear and tear or maybe a side wall that is correct or even some bulging out probably it is the best time to go shopping for new car tires.

    • Moving on, you have to ensure that the overall condition of your car is good.
    • Before inspecting tires for physical damage and where you will have to see if there are suspension issues or any issues with alignments too.
    • Check for more signs of inside where as well as what the condition of your car on the inside is.

    In case you invest in a new set of tires for the car that is misaligned or one that comes with that sucks you actually would be ending up wasting all the money. Misaligned cars lead to more damage even for a new set of tires.

    Go ahead to a reputable fireplace to get your car tires and inspect it to get a heads-up of the condition before you plunge into making a purchase.

    Check the information placard and owners manual
    Your car manufacturer already has a set of recommendations for the best make of car tires for your vehicle model, and this is available in the manual as well as the information placard.

    Make sure you check this instead of ending up buying the wrong set of car tires.

    There is a code for tires too
    Getting to figure out the purpose of the tire as well as its ratio, radial construction, and load index number for the tire. The code also reveals the speed rating car tires.

    On another note, you could do some quick saving on your car tires

    Consider buying your car tires over the web world or even there could be a lot of tire centers that you great rates with the right negotiation. Look for such places and consider sealing your purchase.

    Be careful about the break-in tire time
    Make sure you allow close to 500 miles for the break into certain before you get your tires to corner or rug more.

    Keep checking for inflation on a frequent basis to ensure that the car tires are in top shape around the year. Additionally, rotate the tires each time you change the oil despite them not revealing any wear and tear.

    Closing the best deals on car tires is easy as long as you know how and where to look. Go ahead and get a steal deal now.

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