Fleas and ticks are parasites that are a nuisance for pets as well as pet parents. If these pests are not dealt with on time, quite a few health problems can occur. In such cases, flea and tick collars are one of the most effective products that can help your dog get rid of these blood-sucking parasites. Here are three of the best flea and tick collars that are popularly used by pet parents. PREVENTIC® Tick Collar for Dogs by Virbac The PREVENTIC® by Virbac is one of the most effective dog collars in the market today against fleas and ticks. Customer reviews suggest that the collar starts killing and repelling parasites on your pet within 24 hours. A single collar can provide protection from fleas and ticks for up to 90 days. Since the active ingredient used in this collar is an odorless insecticide called amitraz. This collar can even be used on puppies as young as 12 weeks. The available sizes of this flea collar are 18 inches for medium to small dogs and 25 inches for large dogs. Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar by Bayer This collar can also be one of your best bets for protecting your dog against blood-sucking parasites.

5 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels People who struggle with high cholesterol levels tend to begin thinking more about everything they eat. Whether it’s a bowl of fruit or a delicious hamburger, they are left wondering how their choices will impact their numbers. While it is tempting to skip snacking altogether, a healthy snack can go a long way in maintaining metabolism as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Changing the kinds of foods one eats can not only lower cholesterol levels but also improve fat levels through the bloodstream. Here are some great snacks that are extremely helpful in fighting cholesterol. Popcorn Popcorn can be low in calories when one eats a smart serving size and avoids the salt and butter. What’s more, it’s a whole grain full of fiber. Popcorn can be easily made at home by air popping it and adding some olive oil and a little bit of parmesan cheese or a few seasonings for some extra flavor. Using olive oil instead of butter helps lower the bad LDL cholesterol and increase the good HDL cholesterol. Nuts Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, etc. are great for the heart and are powerhouses of energy. Some studies have even demonstrated that nuts slightly lower the levels of bad LDL cholesterol.

An elevated cholesterol level is a huge risk factor for developing heart disease in the long run. One of the best ways of lowering your cholesterol levels is by following a heart-healthy diet. The key is to include foods in your diet that mainly lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol content in your blood. So, here are some foods that can help lower cholesterol levels and eliminate some risk factors for possible heart disease. Dark chocolate and cocoa This is something that many people might love. Research has revealed that dark chocolate and cocoa can lower bad cholesterol content in your blood. However, you must choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 75–85% or higher, or cocoa alone to enjoy the benefits. Milk chocolate and white chocolate are high in sugar content, which can negatively affect your heart health. Whole grains Including whole grains like oats, barley, and others in your daily diet is an easy way of lowering cholesterol levels. Whole grains, especially oats and barley, are loaded with vitamins and minerals, plant compounds, and fiber that can help manage cholesterol. So, don’t forget to have a bowl of oatmeal or oat-based cereals for breakfast every day.

Imagine working in a high-security building that uses facial recognition technology to keep out intruders. It works well until the intruders figure out how to breach the security system. It does not matter how often the intruders are caught, new intruders will find new ways to infiltrate. The same analogy can be applied to our body’s immune system and the flu virus. The building is our body, the security system, our immune system, and intruders are the virus trying to enter the body. Whenever a new influenza vaccine is formulated and distributed, more potent viruses develop ways to evade them, making it difficult to treat cold, flu, cough & virus symptoms. So until there is a definitive cure for the infection, it is imperative to take steps to get relief from symptoms and keep the immune system intact. Following are some ways which can provide relief from symptoms and strengthen immunity: Hydration Consuming plenty of fluids helps thin your mucus and breaks congestion. It also prevents headaches and fatigue that is caused by dehydration. Keep a glass or reusable bottle in hand, and refill it with water. Salt water gargles A salt water gargle soothes a throbbing throat. It eases swelling and loosens mucus.

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes tenderness and swelling of joints due to inflammation. There are many types of arthritis, but joint pain and stiffness are common symptoms noticed in older adults. The symptoms worsen with increasing age. Although arthritis has no cure yet, its symptoms can be managed. Various remedies can be used to alleviate the symptoms. Some foods can even help in easing inflammation. Listed below are seven such foods. Garlic Foods from the allium family like ginger and onions have proven more than effective for arthritis patients. Garlic, especially, is well-known in the fight against multiple diseases. The compound diallyl disulphide present in it limits the count of cartilage-damaging enzymes. Additionally, garlic enhances certain immune cells that help strengthen the immune system. Fish Known for their high protein content, fish have also proved useful in greatly reducing inflammation due to arthritis. Fishes like salmon, mackerel, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which, according to experts, is a lethal weapon against arthritis and its related symptoms. Experts recommend three or four ounces of fish twice every week. Apples Apples should be an imperative part of your diet especially if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. They are packed with nutrients and vitamins of multiple forms.

You want to maintain that beautiful natural glowing skin but often struggle to decide which products to use in your daily beauty and skincare routine. There are different products for every skin type, each with unique features. Even the list of natural and organic cosmetic products is ever-growing and changing. So for starters, you can check out these amazing products that will help you get an idea of how to go about your skincare routine. Cleanse once a day Cleanse and wash your skin to get rid of the dirt and pollutants that clog up the pores. But over doing it can drain the natural pH level and result in more irritation. Instead, use a good quality but mild cleanser and wash your face once every day. Switch to natural and organic cleansers that are paraben, chemical, and alcohol-free. Use a charcoal activated soap bar and organic extract exfoliating face wash like Beautycounter’s Charcoal Cleansing Bar and InstaNatrual’s Glycolic Acid Face Cleanser for best results. That charcoal helps clean out the pores, and the cleanser liquid reduces the recurrence of blemishes. Every morning, start your organic beauty & skincare routine with a nice cleanse. Use an exfoliator Cleansing does clear out the pores, but a good exfoliator will really dig deep and unclog the oil and dirt.