Home Improvement

(NewsUSA) — With many Americans watching their budgets, heating homes has become an unwanted, though necessary, expense. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, many American homes will experience higher heating costs this winter due to increased fuel prices. Thankfully, simple behavior changes and energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners cut their heating bills and still enjoy the same level of comfort. "Energy-efficient heating means that you use less energy to heat the same space," said Phil Weeks, … [Read more...] about Energy-efficient heating keeps cost-conscious homes cozy

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA As fall weather arrives, spiders and other pests will try to squeeze indoors. (NewsUSA) — Bats, bees and spiders, oh my! While it's certainly normal to see these creatures invade your front doorstep on Halloween in the form of candy treat seekers, the real ones are generally unwelcome pests no one wants in or around their homes. As we prepare to bid farewell to summer and welcome the fall, it's a good time to remind homeowners that trick-or-treaters aren't the only ones who will be looking for … [Read more...] about This Halloween, ensure only fake bats and spiders are in your house

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Renters insurance will protect you and your new apartment. (NewsUSA) — If you are thinking about renting, there are many questions that might be on your mind, such as whether you'll have a good landlord, what your neighbors will be like and how you'll come up with the money for your security deposit. With all this to consider, it can be easy to overlook the obvious — like renters insurance. "Renters insurance satisfies a real need that many renters don't even realize they have. For example, a … [Read more...] about What you need to know about renters insurance

Photo courtesy of CellularWindowShades.com Cellular window shades can reduce your energy costs. NewsUSA — Light. Openness. Beauty. Windows bring all of these and so much more to a room. Without windows, our homes would lack comfort, sanctuary, inspiration. Yet controlling window dynamics, such as glare and heat transfer, can be a challenge. Without any control, your home may be uncomfortably hot in the summer, cold in the winter or expensive to heat and cool, and your furnishings may be getting ruined by harmful UV … [Read more...] about Insulating window treatments save energy and look good doing it

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Hot baths offer many therapeutic benefits that may relieve stress. (NewsUSA) — As you get older, you depend on the simple things in life to help relieve stress — the arms of a loved one, the comfort of your mattress, shower pressure and possibly a few too many chocolates. But did you know your bathtub can be a source of much needed therapeutic benefits? Hot baths offer many relaxing health advantages — they're a natural detox because they increase your core temperature, dilate blood vessels, … [Read more...] about Hydrotherapy in hot baths may relieve stress

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Statistics say 80 percent of senior falls occur in the bathroom. (NewsUSA) — More than one in three seniors over age 65 fall each year, and the National Institute on Aging says 80 percent of these falls are in the bathroom. Due to the multitude of unforgiving and slippery surfaces, bathrooms are very hazardous for the home. Knowing how to get in and out of tubs and showers properly and equipping homes with necessary safety precautions can reduce senior falls, keep them out of the emergency room … [Read more...] about Preventing senior falls starts in the bathroom

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Renters insurance will protect you and your new apartment. (NewsUSA) — If you are thinking about renting, there are many questions that might be on your mind, such as whether you'll have a good landlord, what your neighbors will be like and how you'll come up with the money for your security deposit. With all this to consider, it can be easy to overlook the obvious -— like renters insurance. "Renters insurance satisfies a real need that many renters don't even realize they have. For example, a … [Read more...] about What you need to know about renters insurance

(NewsUSA) - Pet owners love being greeted at the door by their furry companions — but coming home to see the sofa in chunks on the floor amid the smiling jowls of our pet isn't the welcome we hope for. "We all love spending time with our dogs, but we need to leave them at home alone sometimes," says certified dog trainer, Laura Roach, from the nationally trusted pet care franchise Camp Bow Wow. "Nobody wants to come home to chewed-up shoes or ripped furniture. A tired dog is a good dog, so it's important to give them exercise and … [Read more...] about Home alone: canine edition! The good, bad and chewed-up couch

Photo by NewsUSA Stay involved with friends by forming book clubs or other social activities. (NewsUSA) — Accidental falls make up the majority of hospital visits for seniors living alone. Despite the healthy desire to be independent and self-reliant, living alone presents challenges for older adults or those losing their mobility. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nine out of 10 Americans over age 60 want to stay independent and live in their own home. But over 45 percent of them suffer from one or … [Read more...] about Home solutions for seniors living alone

(NewsUSA) — It's a good thing no one joins the armed forces to get rich because it turns out a higher percentage of military families are in debt than civilians. And that has one New Jersey company ticked off enough to do something about it. According to a report by the Financial Industry Regulation Authority's Investor Education Foundation, 27 percent of military families surveyed admitted having more than $10,000 in credit card debt, compared to 16 percent of civilian adults. And while the foundation noted that … [Read more...] about ‘Roofs for Troops’ Helps Struggling Military Families