Recreational vehicles (RVs) have a lot of amenities, but they are expensive to buy and maintain. So, you must check it thoroughly before driving it home from the dealership, especially if considering a used or pre-owned model. Several issues, both mechanical and safety-related, make an RV unfit for purchase. If you spot any of these problems in an RV, avoid buying it and look for an alternative to ensure you get your money’s worth. Clogged AC filters While inspecting an RV before purchase, turn on its air conditioner and climate control system to evaluate the HVAC performance. If the cooling is below par, there is a chance that the vehicle’s AC filter has issues or damage. If the filter is clogged, the previous owner has likely not put in enough money or effort to maintain the vehicle. Although you can continue inspecting, such a vehicle is not worth buying as you may need to spend extra on AC maintenance. Damaged windshield Several states across the country prohibit driving RVs with a cracked or even mildly damaged windshield as it puts passengers at risk of injury. RV windshields are huge and, therefore, expensive to replace. So, carefully check the windshield before investing your hard-earned money into the vehicle. Pet odors within the RV Pet odors indicate the previous owner let their pet roam freely within the RV’s interiors. Since the distinct body smell of pets can be hard to get rid of, it is advisable to avoid purchasing the vehicle and look for other options. Mold growth Mold growth is another clear sign that an RV has not been maintained up to scratch by its previous owner. A lack of ventilation and climate control within the vehicle causes moisture to accumulate in corners, gradually leading to mold growth. Mold destroys wooden panels and furniture inside, rendering them unusable.

Chest or lung congestion often occurs due to a common cold. Sometimes, an underlying medical condition like bronchitis, COPD, and so on can also cause persistent lung congestion. Additionally, excess fluids, such as mucus, can accumulate in the lungs, adding to the congestion. This also causes swelling of the lungs along with constriction of the airflow, which makes breathing difficult. Therefore, it is imperative to look at the signs and manage them through treatment options. Signs of congestion in lungs An affected person may experience: A hacking cough with clear, green, or dark yellow mucus A feeling of tightness in the chest A sore throat Constant body aches and frequent chills A persistent headache High fever that may last for a few days Shortness of breath or wheezing Most of the symptoms of chest congestion usually subside within a few days. However, the cough may persist for a couple of weeks as the bronchial tubes complete their healing process. If the cough lasts for more than 14 days, it is advisable to consult a doctor at the earliest. This sign might be an indicator of other serious health conditions, such as pneumonia. Tips for managing the signs of lung congestion In most cases, lung congestion can be effectively treated by rest and waiting for the virus to clear. Additionally, certain home remedies and management options can provide relief from symptoms. Drinking enough water and clear fluids is essential to keep the body hydrated. It also helps thin out the mucus in the lungs and throat. Placing a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in the room can provide relief from lung irritation. For those experiencing difficulty breathing, one should sleep with their head elevated on several pillows. This helps improve breathing and prevent mucus from accumulating in the chest overnight. Taking a hot shower while breathing in the steam also alleviates some of the discomfort caused by chest congestion.

Picking a daycare for children is an important and tricky decision. After all, the child is going to spend time away from home for the first time. So, they need to be in a place where they will be happy, well taken care of, and learn new things. To ensure this, parents should pick a trustworthy daycare. This can be done by avoiding these common mistakes that people often make when choosing a daycare center. Not doing enough research While searching for daycare centers, make sure to do enough research on all the options that are available nearby. While looking online is a good first step, it should not be the only source of information. It should be followed by asking friends, family, and coworkers for more suggestions and recommendations. Getting as many references as possible is a good way to start the search. Deciding not to tour the center A common mistake many parents make when choosing a daycare is not visiting the place before enrolling their kids. It is important to spend some time looking around the center. Check the cleanliness, hygiene, and upkeep of the place. Also, look at the various classrooms to know whether it will appeal to one’s child. Besides, the tour is also a good way to see if the place is completely kid-friendly. Not interacting with the staff A tour is also a good opportunity to interact with the daycare staff. Passing up this chance would be a serious mistake. Talk to the staff to understand the various pick-up and drop-off times. It is also a good chance to get to know whether there are any meal and snack provisions. Moreover, having conversations with the staff can give a fair idea of their teaching philosophies. Parents can also judge whether the staff is capable of fostering play, social, and emotional development of the kids under their care.

As the world gets accustomed to the idea of electric vehicles, more and more people are choosing to buy electric SUVs for their transport needs. This growing demand also helps the manufacturers stay on top of these demands and work on making the product more efficient for the road. It is essential to do one’s due diligence and research what’s available on the market, and here are some of the things to consider while buying an electric SUV. 1. Check its range In electric vehicles, range plays a huge role. But the kind of vehicle ad range to look out for depends on factors like whether one will use the car for long-distance travel or shorter commutes. According to some studies, most people living in cities commute around 32 miles on average. Those living outside in suburban or rural areas may have to travel longer distances to get things or for work, but otherwise, the average is low. So one should choose a vehicle with a range that suits their needs. 2. Consider incentives Most of the electric cars sold in the country are eligible for a one-time rebate of $7,500 in federal tax credit. Apart from that, there could be some state and local incentives that can provide further rebates. However, the only catch is that individuals must wait until they file taxes to get that money back. 3. Have a charging schedule This is very important because the vehicle will not run if it is not charged. While the car can easily get charged from a power outlet installed at one’s home, it might take some time. To help speed up the process, one can install a 240-volt line, which helps charge faster and reduces the wait time. Also, one should make note of public charging stations, especially on regular routes, so one knows where to go in case the car is close to getting discharged.

As the name suggests, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect the urinary system. They can impact a part of the system or the whole of it. In most cases, a bacterium called Escherichia coli causes UTIs, leading to frequent urination, pain or burning sensation when urinating, pain in the lower back or side, and other symptoms. Most UTIs are easily treatable with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes. Causes The urinary tract is self-sufficient in preventing and fighting off infections. It kills most bacteria and prevents diseases from developing. However, the tract’s security system sometimes misses a microbe, causing an infection. The bacteria enters the system through the urethra, spreads into the bladder, and grows. UTIs are commonly seen in women and generally affect the urethra and the bladder. The urethra’s proximity to the anus makes it easier for bacteria to make its way into the urinary tract. While UTIs are most commonly caused by Escherichia coli or E. coli, they may result from other bacteria too. If left untreated, it can lead to other complications. Symptoms UTIs might not always show signs or symptoms, making diagnosis difficult during the early stages. However, the following signs may sometimes occur: Burning sensation when urinating Strong urge to urinate Strong odor in urine Cloudy appearance of urine Unsatisfactory and frequent urination Signs of blood in urine Pelvic pain In some cases, adult patients might also experience high fever, vomiting, nausea, back and side pain, and shaking and chills. These signs are common if the UTI is present in the kidney. However, if the infection is in the bladder, the symptoms include painful and frequent urination, pelvic pressure, and lower belly discomfort. Discharge and burning are present when the infection affects the urethra. Management It is crucial to see a doctor and seek treatment for UTIs.

With the Black Friday shopping season approaching, getting a caffeine fix became more affordable. Several brands are gearing up to offer hefty discounts on their coffee machines, making this a great time to shop for a coffee maker for oneself or give it as a gift to loved ones. Based on last year’s offerings, here are the top 10 coffee maker deals to look forward to during Black Friday this year: Drip coffee makers Drip coffee makers are the most popular coffee machines found in most households. Their popularity can be attributed to their user-friendliness, affordability, durability, and performance speed. Some of the best deals on drip coffee makers on Black Friday last year included: 1. Buyers could get 17% off the Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville (typically $179.) This sleek, compact coffee maker comes with two programmable cup sizes, a high-pressure pump, a fast-heat up system, eco-mode, and more, so users can get perfectly brewed coffee each time. 2. The CuisinArt coffee machine with a 12-cup carafe and 3-single size brewers (originally $229.95) was also discounted by 40%. This stunning brewing machine has a 40-ounce removable reservoir for fuss-free morning coffee. Other notable features include an energy-saving mode, remaining automatic, and a ready alert. Espresso machines Home espresso machines are ideal for those willing to pay for cafe-like coffee at home. While these machines typically cost more and can be labor-intensive, they are brilliant at extracting a delicious brew shot, making them a coffee lover’s delight. Last year, top deals on espresso machines included: 3. Mr. Coffee’s Espresso and Cappuccino Machine was discounted by 20% (typically $249.99). This stunning semi-automatic coffee maker boasts an automatic milk frother, intuitive panel control, and step-by-step instructions so users can extract the perfect shot of espresso each time. 4. The espresso machine by Galanz was also discounted by 29% (originally $169.99).

Black Friday 2023 is around the corner, and it’s time for the shopping extravaganza to begin. Massive deals are expected on furnishings like mattresses, bedding, and mattress protectors. This is a great time to shop for those looking to redo their home or spruce up their beds. Whether one is looking for all-foam, cooling, or eco-friendly mattresses, here are the top Black Friday deals to expect on mattresses. These are based on last year’s sale. Innerspring mattresses These mattresses are made using steel coils. This makes them firmer. Spring mattresses suit back and stomach sleepers, as the firm mattress helps keep their spine aligned. When shopping for spring mattresses, it is important to consider their coil gauge and count. These are important indicators for judging the quality of the mattresses, as the gauge tells how thick the steel is, and the count tells users about the number of coils in the mattress. Some of the most popular Black Friday sales on innerspring mattresses last year included the following: 1. Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Bedding offered 25% across sitewide holiday season sales in 2022. These offers also extended to sleep accessories such as bedding, pillows, sheets, and blankets. 2. Saatva Customers got up to 15% off on orders of about $1000 at Saatva. The Saatva Classic, a luxurious queen-sized handmade innerspring hybrid mattress with customizable firmness levels, was a crowd-favorite, retailing for approximately $1700. Memory foam mattresses Memory foam mattresses are popular for offering unmatchable pressure relief for one’s joints by taking the stress off of one’s shoulders and hips, encouraging better sleep. They are ideal for side-sleepers and people with back pain, as they promote proper spine alignment. They may also help with motion isolation, which may be suitable for those who share a bed with a partner. These mattresses are made with multiple layers of foam, like soft foam on top for comfort and firm foam on the bottom for durability.

Smartwatch technology has transformed dramatically in the last few years. Users can now carry out most smartphone functions without having to touch their phones. The Apple Watch has been instrumental in leading this revolution, and the latest Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 are a testament to this. This article enlists 15 hidden Apple Watch features and hacks many people still do not know about so they can make the most of their purchase. 1. Turn on Focus mode The Apple Watch is equipped with a special Focus mode that silences all notifications or distractions that may hamper one’s productivity or sleep. This can be activated from the Settings menu on the watch. Scroll down to open the ‘Focus’ app and set up ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘Sleep’ profiles. These can also be mirrored on one’s iPhone. 2. Cover to Mute This feature may be extremely helpful for users who have enabled voice/sound notifications on their watch. One can cover the display with their palm to mute or silence notifications. This can be set up via the Apple Watch app on one’s iPhone. Go to My Watch, and look for Sounds & Haptics. Then, select Cover to Mute. 3. Hide watch apps Users can also hide third-party apps from their watch. To do so: Go to My Watch section on the Apple Watch app on the iPhone. There, scroll to the section “Installed on Apple Watch.” Toggle the buttons to the off position for apps that need to be deleted/hidden on the watch. Please note that these applications will continue to be visible on one’s phone. 4. Find the connected iPhone using the watch The Apple watch can also be used to find one’s phone. Simply go to the Control Center and click on “Ping iPhone’. Here, tapping on the option in blue will make the iPhone make a loud noise, so one may find it easily.

Veterans or those on active duty can avail of VA loans for any financing purposes. The federal government guarantees these loans. However, to get them, there are specific steps to be followed for successful application. These steps include everything from looking for the best VA loan lenders to maintaining a stable credit score. Here are a few easy steps to make a successful loan application for veterans. 1. Get preapproval for the VA loan With preapproval, you can determine your budget. This process involves telling your VA loan lender about your homebuying goals, employment history, and military service. Some documents required during this process include copies of your driver’s license, DD-214 or Guard/Reserve points statements, recent pay stubs, and bank statements. 2. Look for VA-approved loan lenders Always shop for a lender who is an active participant in the VA loan program. The best VA loan lenders would offer several options and deals. The deals generally differ based on discount points, interest rates, and VA closing costs. If you face any difficulty, a loan officer can help you find the right VA loan lender. 3. Get an eligibility certificate A certificate of eligibility or COE is proof that you have met all the eligibility criteria for the VA loan. You can obtain the COE directly through the government’s online portal for VA. However, VA loan lenders also offer ways of applying for a COE. 4. Get a contract or purchase agreement signed A purchase agreement or contract is essential to get ahead with the VA loan process. This contract encompasses multiple contingencies, such as assurance of home inspection, the process of handling repair requests, the number of days for the buyer to secure the finances, and so on. A loan officer and real agent can assist you in preparing a robust contract.

A timeshare is shared ownership of a property, wherein multiple individuals own a “share” of a particular home or property in return for its access for a stipulated period, typically once a year. Investors may sometimes wish to sell their timeshare for various reasons, like the inability to pay for travel or illness. If you want a release from your timeshare ownership, you must consider a few things to sell it fast and safe. 1. Determine the value Owning a timeshare means you have essentially paid for a set number of vacation days upfront. A timeshare’s value decreases over time, unlike real estate, so it should not be purchased as an investment. Additionally, you need to have realistic expectations while reselling it. It is quite likely that the resale value will be lower than the price you paid while originally buying the timeshare. Some owners simply return their timeshares to the property managers without asking for any money, but if you wish to get back at least something, you can determine the value of a timeshare by researching the resort it is located in and checking the prices of similar timeshares currently up for sale. The valuation depends on the location, maintenance, and how long you have owned it. 2. Pay the maintenance Ensure that you pay the maintenance fees before listing your timeshare for resale. This is important if you’re wondering how to sell a timeshare fast, as it prevents repossession and gives your timeshare value. 3. Choose a selling option One of the most reliable ways to sell a timeshare is to contact the property manager and ask for their help. Another option is to run advertisements in the real estate or travel section of a local newspaper. You can also list your timeshare on websites like Craigslist, RedWeek, Timeshare Users Group, or eBay.

Nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of lung cancer and the correct kind of nourishment can help speed up recovery. To strengthen a compromised immune system and support treatment, the right kind of food is required. There are some foods that need to be avoided and some that need to be cooked with care to prevent food poisoning and illness. Here is a list of some such foods. Eggs Avoid eating eggs unless absolutely sure that they haven’t been unrefrigerated or cracked. Home-cooked is safest because eggs could carry salmonella that cause food poisoning and sometimes even death. Uncooked yolks are a complete no-no, and definitely do not eat foods that could have raw eggs in the final product. This includes even some salad dressings. Cured meats Processed and uncooked meat like cold cuts can carry the listeria bacteria that could cause food poisoning. Cheese Not all cheese, but some soft ones like Brie and feta that could be made from unpasteurized milk should be off-limits. In fact, any milk or dairy products including cream or custard-filled sweets that could be made from unpasteurized milk should be avoided because raw milk can contain bacteria like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella that may cause food poisoning. Sprouts and leafy greens Bacteria grow well in warm moist conditions and so do raw vegetable sprouts. Don’t eat these uncooked. Leafy greens are healthy but hard to clean. Avoid adding these to an eating regime to reduce the risk of illness. Sushi Shellfish that are raw or undercooked can carry the Hepatitis A virus. Lightly cooked fish and sashimi can have bacteria that can make one ill. Well-cooked fish (some types) can also have high levels of mercury. Caffeine Avoid caffeinated drinks as these can cause constipation brought on by loss of fluids.

Lungs, an integral part of the respiratory system, hold oxygen which is then supplied to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. It is essential to keep the lungs healthy to maintain optimum oxygen intake. However, there can be things in the environment that can trigger lung damage. This article lists five such household factors that can trigger lung damage, which can, in turn, cause diseases. Let’s check them out. Mold Mold is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces and corners. It is common in houses with issues of leaking pipes. The fungus releases spores in the air and can trigger a severe reaction in those allergic to mold. The response is relatively severe in people with lung damage and diseases like asthma and COPD. Carpet Carpets add to the allure and warmth of our homes. But there are some other harmful things that they add. Carpets can act as a storage space for dust mites, cockroach droppings, mold, dander, pet hair, and other allergens. These are released back into the air often. As a result, it is advisable to clean and vacuum carpets multiple times a week to ensure they do not work as carriers for lung-damaging components. Flour Baker’s asthma is a common condition among bakery workers. It is caused by the dust and flour particles that saturate the air and are transported with humans as vectors. Those who suffer from this have a difficult time breathing. Baker’s asthma can also be detected in people who live close to bakers, including their family and friends. Candles Candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum-based product. When lit, candles release chemical-fueled fumes into the environment that can trigger allergic reactions in people. This reaction is enhanced in people with pre-existing conditions like COPD, asthma, allergies, and low immunity.