Consumer

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How Do You Know If You Have Bad Eyesight?

How Do You Know If You Have Bad Eyesight?

According to optometrists’ recommendation, you should go for a physical eye examination every year for early detection of any issues that can undermine your good vision. Even if you do not have a family history of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, it is essential to keep a tab on your eye’s health. 

Taking note of changes in your eyesight will help to prevent serious eye issues. As soon as you notice any of the symptoms below, ensure to visit your optometrist for help. Here are signs to know that you have bad eyesight:

Signs of Bad Eyesight

  1. Doubled, blurred or hazy vision
  2. Sudden eye pain
  3. Swollen, red eyes
  4. Seeing spider webs
  5. Seeing flashes of light
  6. Eye sensitivity to glare
  7. Itching, burning eyes
  8. Sudden changes in vision
  9. White areas in the pupil
  10. Changes in the color of the iris.

Other Significant Symptoms of Bad Eyesight

When you notice any of the following signs, visit an optometrist immediately:

1. Vision Problems While Walking

If you are having a hard time walking smoothly, you should see your optometrist. If the ground appears bumpy or irregular, making it difficult for you to walk easily, you have bad eyesight. If you feel scared to go up and downstairs, and you have to be unusually cautious, let an optometrist examine your eyes. 

If you walk and you keep brushing against the walls, you may be suffering from bad eyesight unawares. Visit an optometrist for a test. When you reach out to pick an object on the floor and over-reach it, something is wrong with your eyesight.

2. Difficulty with Everyday Activities

If you unavoidably have to make changes about how you handle your everyday chores or activities, you may be having an underlying eyesight problem. If you have to change how you read, drive, watch TV or do your hobbies, visit an optometrist for an eye examination.

3. Changes in Looking at Things

Sudden changes in how you look at things may indicate bad eyesight. If you now tilt your head to one side or squint, do for an examination.

Takeaway

Keep a tab on your eyesight to note any changes, especially to note any changes, especially concerning the symptoms discussed above. Immediately you notice changes, do not hesitate to see your optometrist promptly for treatment and possible correction.

5 Common Myths About Botox and Dermal Fillers

5 Common Myths About Botox and Dermal Fillers

Botox and dermal fillers are the most popular cosmetic procedures that help people look younger and get rid of their aging signs. As pleasant as these cosmetic procedures are, the controversies surrounding them would make one think twice before going for them.

However, the many myths about Botox and dermal fillers’ efficiency and safety are either non-existent or exaggerated. All these myths will be debunked in this write-up.

Myth #1: Botox is Poisonous 

Some people believe that Botox is toxic, thinking that it is the same as Botulism. Botox comes from the same toxin as Botulism, but Botox is made from processed protein extracted from the toxin. Botox is safe and not poisonous, and it is approved by the FDA after intense research, trials, and validation that it is safe. 

Myth #2: Dermal Filler and Botox are the Same

Although Botox and dermal fillers are cosmetic treatments, they are used for different results. Botox is used to make muscles relax and soften the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and wizened skin. Botox is also used to drop or lift particular features like to lift a brow. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are injected to build up or fill an area. Dermal fillers are used to fill or restore lost volume like reshaping the chin and nose. 

Myth #3: Makes the Face Stiff

Contrary to the myth that Botox makes a face still and you unavoidably might lose your facial expression, Botox enhances facial expression. After having Botox treatment, you will still display the entire range of your facial expressions. The purpose of Botox is to relax the muscle at the spot of injection. 

Myth #4: Botox and Dermal Filler are for Women

Although women care more about their looks than men, the number of men requesting the treatment in recent times has increased significantly. Besides, Botox and dermal fillers are beneficial to everyone, irrespective of gender. 

Myth #5: Botox and Dermal Fillers Treatments are Painful

Contrary to the rumor that these cosmetic injections cause excruciating pains, the sensation they create is mild, and like a mosquito bite. Taking Botox injections does not require anesthetic because it is quick and painless.

Takeaway

The above myths about Botox and dermal fillers have been debunked. If you need to enhance your look, go for the cosmetic treatment now without fear or bias about your gender. Feel good about your look, and stay happy.

How do I choose a roofing contractor?

How do I choose a roofing contractor?

Roofing projects are one of the most important tasks when it comes to either construction or renovation. This is because of the location and the function of the roof. For this same reason, it is expected that the project is carried out and completed by a professional roofing company. Using the services of the right roofing contractor can save you a lot of time, effort, and money, for roof installation or replacement with no complaints or damages. How to find a roofing contractor to get the job done perfectly? Here are some tips to help you select the best during your search!

1. Track record

The best way to determine if a contractor is a right choice for your project is to find out how long they have been in business and, if possible, get references to their past customers. This way you can gauge their expertise and experience with direct insight into the value of their service.

2. Licensing and authorization

When selecting a roofing contractor for your project, make sure that they have the necessary papers and credentials to certify them as legitimate business owners and professionals. While some experienced artisans do not have the right credentials, the evidence of their expertise is always an extra feature that assures you of the standard. It is important to use an authorized roofing company with a license for installation.

3. Insurance 

A roofing contractor that doesn’t have the necessary business insurance to cover the cost of damages or non-discussed mishaps may be untrustworthy. Insurance is an essential part of any project and the presence of one is, in a way, a validation of their professionalism. Make sure that the roofing contractor you are considering has the right insurance package to ensure that you won’t be at risk of unforeseen expenses and the cost of repairs for damage that may occur during or after the roofing.

4. Location

It is always advisable to go with a roofing contractor that is local to the area. This way, you can easily fact-check their claims and references. It is also a testament to their credibility as a business. Local contractors are also notably easier to work with on roofing projects. 

 5. Comfort 

Above all else, the level of comfort while enquiring about the roofing contractor can be the biggest ‘tell’. The way they respond to questions, the amount of information provided, and their overall approach to your project, are all things to look out for in choosing a roofing contractor. 

Professional roofing is obvious in the job that is done but, this checklist helps you to maintain a standard. Choosing the right roofing contractor provides the assurance for quality service!

How to Relieve Pain from Neck and Shoulders?

How to Relieve Pain from Neck and Shoulders?

Various factors are responsible for neck and shoulder pain. Several people daily live with neck and shoulder pain caused by stress, bad posture, or poor diet. Although making changes can prevent or reduce the pain, specific procedures are more effective by producing faster relief from neck and shoulder pain.

Pain from neck and shoulder can affect productivity and overall wellness that is why getting the right medication or procedure can ease the pain. Here are ways to relieve pain from the neck and shoulder.

1. Stretching the Neck and Shoulders

Pain from neck and shoulder is usually caused by poor posture – sleeping awkwardly, sitting hunched in front of a computer, TVs, or smartphones. By stretching your neck and shoulders, you can reduce the intensity of the pain felt in those parts of the body. Tilt your head to one side and relax the opposite shoulder. Remain in this position for about 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

2. Mild Exercise

The bulk of the pain from the neck and shoulder is caused by deconditioning the muscles between the shoulder blades. Because of this, engaging the deconditioned muscles in a mild exercise can ease the pain.

Gently squeeze the shoulder blades together by pulling the shoulders backward. Remain in the position for 10 seconds each time and repeat for one minute.

3. Botox Injections

Botox injections are meant not only for cosmetic purposes; persons feeling pain in the neck and shoulders can benefit from the injections. Botox can be injected into the neck and shoulders where the pain is felt. The effect of Botox is that it blocks the neurons that send signals to the brain. As a result, the pain felt will reduce. Botox is not only for fixing wrinkles but also for relieving pain from the neck and shoulders.

4. Keep Warm

If you have pain from neck and shoulders, ensure to wear a scarf around your neck, take warm showers, and use hot water bottles. This will enable your muscles to relax, and pain in the neck and shoulders will reduce.

5. Rub In Some Gel

Buy over-the-counter pain relief gel like arnica gel and apply directly on your neck and shoulders for pain relief. The gel is safe to use alongside pain medicines without any side effects.

Takeaway

Pain from neck and shoulders can affect you severely. Take Botox injections or any other solutions discussed above to ease your pain. You must deal with the pain to live free from pain and focus on essential issues.

Why Does My Drain Get Clogged?

Why Does My Drain Get Clogged?

Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing problems faced by many homeowners. Drains are designed for water passage; unfortunately, water is not the only thing that goes down. Other items going down the drains, apart from water, can cause a blockage resulting in a need for drain repair.

There are several reasons why your drain gets clogged. Here are some items that can clog your drains.

1. Hair

One of the most common causes of clogged drains is human hair. The drains of the bathroom, bathtub, laundry, and shower can get clogged by the hair over time. If it combines with grease or soap and gets attached to the parts of the drain, it can cause a total drain blockage. 

2. Oil, Fat, and Grease

Kitchen drains are the most vulnerable to clogging caused by oil, fat, and grease solidifying in the pipes. After hardening, the fat or grease will trap debris and cause slow draining or complete blockage of the drains.

3. Food Waste

Your kitchen drains can also get clogged by left-over food that is pushed down the drain. Coffee grounds and tea leaves are among the culprits that clog pipes. To avoid drain repair, pour food waste into a carburetor. 

4. Feminine Products

Flushing feminine products such as tampons, cotton swabs, sanitary pads, and lots more down the toilet will block the drain, as they become bigger when absorbed water. You, unavoidably, will need a drain repair company to help you when your toilet gets clogged.

5. Wipes and Diapers 

The toilet is meant for human waste and toilet paper. Wipes and diapers can block up the toilet when flushed down. During several drain repairs, wipes and diapers are among the objects that clogged most toilets. Because of that, they should not be flushed down the toilet. 

6. Tree Roots

Tree roots growing underground search for water or moisture towards a tiny crack in the pipe. Over time, the roots will become larger and block water from flowing freely. This can cause water backup and flooding. CCTV surveys can help to detect this issue and minimize excavation and limit the cost of drain repair.

7. Mineral Build-up

If you have hard water in your home, the chances are that your pipes will become clogged by mineral deposits after a long time. Contact a drain repair company to fix the issue. 

Takeaway

At some point, your drains will get clogged by one of the cases discussed above. When that happens, hire a professional contractor for drain repair to limit damages and repair costs.

How to Disaster Proof Your House?

How to Disaster Proof Your House?

It is essential to disaster-proof your house to minimize damages to properties and loss of lives. Natural disasters cannot be prevented, but you can put measures in place to ensure that your home is not severely affected. The following tips are ways to disaster-proof your house.

1. How to Protect Your House From Wind

While you cannot prevent the wind from blowing, you can protect your home from being vulnerable. Strong winds target holes and cracks in a house, causing the building to collapse and damage the belongings.

You can disaster-proof your house against the wind by caulking or filling cracks or holes around windows and doors. Ensure that your door hinges are in good condition. Replace your doors and windows where necessary. Also, if your roof is gabled, install truss bracing. Your house will be able to withstand strong winds.

2. How to Protect Your House From Flooding

In addition to monitoring the weather forecasts for your state or city, you must protect your house from flooding. The state of the physical structure of your home is crucial to withstanding flooding. To protect your house, seal up cracks or holes in the house’s foundation using mortar or masonry caulk. Also, apply sealants and coatings to your foundation, doorway, windows, and walls to prevent water from penetrating your house. 

Another tip on how to protect your house from flooding is to install a battery-powered sump pump to pump water outside the house when there is a power outage due to a torrential downpour. Besides, you should install backflow valves into your sewer or septic lines to prevent water backup in your home. 

Another helpful tip to protect your house from flooding is to grade your lawn away from your home to enable free flow of rainwater from your house. Meanwhile, make sure that you relocate essential documents and items to higher ground.

3. How to Prevent Your Home From Cold Weather Damage

Extreme cold weather causes pipes to freeze and burst, causing water damage in your home. Ensure to remove and drain hoses from the faucets. Turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucets or open valves on the faucets to drain them. Let your faucets drip to prevent your pipes from freezing. 

Takeaway

Follow the tips above on how to protect your house from flooding and disaster-proof your home. Secure your home while you can to avoid damages and loss of property.

How frequently should bathroom remodeling be done?

How frequently should bathroom remodeling be done?

Do you want to know how often you should remodel your bathroom? Did you finish bathroom renovations and wish to know the next time to remodel it? Do not worry; we will provide you information that can assist you in making an informed decision. 

Bathroom remodeling is not a small task. It involves a detailed plan, cost, and expertise that necessitates hiring a contractor. How frequently you should remodel your bathroom depends on some factors, and that why there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for the frequency of bathroom renovations. 

Why Carry Out Bathroom Renovations?

Bathroom renovations are carried out because of one or more of the reasons below:

1. Functionality

Bathroom renovations become necessary when there are defects in the facilities or components of the bathroom such that it is not comfortable or easy to use the bathroom again. Plumbing issues, broken vanities, electrical faults affecting water heater, poor lighting, outdated bathtub, poor bathroom layout, missing tiles, etc. will affect the functionality of the bathroom. With these, you need bathroom renovations. 

2. Aesthetics

You may wish to enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom to make it more attractive and appealing. This includes replacing outdated items, repainting the walls and ceiling, replacing lighting fixtures, installing stylish faucets, etc. 

3. Efficiency

Another reason for bathroom renovations is to improve efficiency. It involves replacing the traditional toilet with a water-efficient model, replacing the old heater with an energy-efficient water heater, and upgrading the lighting fixtures and lamps with energy-saving devices. You will save money in the long run. 

4. Resale Value 

Many homeowners invest in bathroom renovations to increase their property value since most homebuyers consider the present condition of the bathrooms and kitchen to make a ‘buy’ decision.

How Frequently Should Bathroom Remodeling Be Done?

If you are not planning to sell your home, then your intention to remodel your bathroom is driven by one of the reasons above. As a result, consider bathroom renovations when one of the following occurs: 

  1. Leaking or corroded pipes 
  2. Missing tiles 
  3. Water backup in the bathroom
  4. Poor Lighting
  5. Mold and mildew
  6. Physical damage to the vanities
  7. Other issues relating to the functionality, aesthetics, or efficiency of the bathroom.

Takeaway

The bathroom is one of the most commonly used rooms in the house. As a result, it is subject to wear and tear, staining, dampness, plumbing problems, and much more. You should schedule bathroom renovations to suit your bathroom condition to make it highly functional and safe for everyone.

Top 5 Escape Rooms In Oakville

Top 5 Escape Rooms In Oakville

Finding the right spot to spend time with your friends, family or colleagues could take long hours of discussions. Here is the list of 5 top escape rooms in Oakville to save some of your hours.

1. Escape from the 6

It is one of the best escape rooms available in Oakville and surrounding areas. If you are looking for a place to plan birthday parties, corporate events, or an evening with your friends and family, this is the right place to go. There are currently two escape rooms available i.e., The Wild West Escape Room and Fire Fighter Rescue Mission Game. Here is a review by one of the escapees

“Went on a Saturday with friends and family. The firefighter escape room was just the right amount of challenge and amazingly fun! The staff was personable and made us feel extremely welcome. As someone who has done escape rooms all over the world (Malaysia, South Korea, USA) this was by far my favourite! I can’t wait to see what else they can come up with!”

2. Narrow Escape

Another place to go for a family outing in Oakville is Narrow Escape. This place has five escape rooms and different VR games to choose from and is a great fit for your group events. Here is what a visitor had reviewed about them

“Good escape room, and I’ve done quite a few. The lobby is very nicely designed with lots of games for when you’re waiting. Service was extremely friendly and courteous. I don’t like to spoil too much from the rooms, but the production value was very high, and the puzzles well designed. We did the ZOMBIE room and it was a lot of fun!”

3. Captive Kids

If you are looking for an escape room for your kids, this would be the best place for them. The escape rooms here are specifically designed for children and families. They currently have escape rooms in Oakville, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Waterloo. Here is a review from one of their visitors

“Anything that can keep a child away from a screen for an hour or so is worth visiting. With some inventive scenarios and lots of fun, Captive Kids Escape managed to keep my son engaged and have a great experience”

4. Mission Possible Escape Rooms

Not far from Oakville, this place is located in Burlington, and here at Mission Possible Escape Rooms while picking an escape room you can choose your difficulty level (kids, beginner, intermediate or advanced). They currently have four escape rooms to offer with a 60-minute timeframe to complete one mission. Here are some of the reviews of the escapees:

“Loved working together to solve the puzzles and figure out the clues. Our second visit was just as good as the first. Highly recommend Mission Possible as the staff are friendly and the rooms are set to provide varying levels of difficulty.”

5. Confundrum Escape Rooms

This escape room is also close to Oakville and located in Burlington. With five escape rooms, this place offers a place for your corporate events, school trips, or team building activities. They also have a virtual escape room where you’ll be able to walk through the room from your home virtually with their 3D technology. Here are some of the reviews of the escapees:

“Me and my boyfriend had so much fun at Confundrum! We played Twisted Woods and we loved the story line and all the different types of puzzles. I really like that you get to choose how scary you want your experience to be and how much help you want to receive from the staff. Russell was so friendly and helpful. He made a fun experience even better! :)”

Takeaway

Escape rooms are a great place to put to your phones aside and enjoy with your colleagues or loved ones. They will keep you engaged throughout the tasks.

What Are Signs of Eye Problems?

What Are Signs of Eye Problems?

It is important to pay close attention to your body to maintain your health. When something changes or just doesn’t feel right, you should make an appointment with your doctor to have them examine the area or order additional tests. The same should be said for your vision. Many people take their eyesight for granted and forgo regular eye exams. If you do not have your eyes tested regularly by an optometrist, you may miss the early signs related to some of the most common vision problems. 

Constant Headaches

If you suffer from consistent headaches, don’t just shrug it off and take two pills. Your headaches may be caused by potential vision issues. As your eyes strain to focus on blurred or distorted objects both near and far this additional strain can lead to headaches as well as other symptoms such as eye strain.

Strained or Fatigued Eyes

Having tired eyes is a symptom of several potential issues with your eyes. Eye strain and fatigue happen when your eyes are constantly working to keep objects in focus. It is most evident when working on a task for an extended period of time, such as reading or working on a computer. However, having fatigue or strain on a regular basis should be taken as a sign to visit your optometrist. 

Blurry Vision

Having a blurred vision is usually one of the symptoms that people will seek the expertise of an optometrist. However, the blurred vision does not need to be constant for there to be a potential issue. If you are noticing somewhat blurred vision showing up every now and then, it should still be taken as a sign to get your eyes checked out.

Trouble Seeing at Night

If you are finding it difficult to clearly see at night, it could be an indication that you require glasses. Not being able to clearly make out road signs while driving at night also means that you may not see another car or a pedestrian in time to react, do not wait to have a professional examine your eyes.

Reading at Different Distances

We have all been with someone at a restaurant the needs to hold the menu as far from them as possible or right up against their nose. This is a clear sign that there is an underlying vision issue. Sometimes, non-prescription reading glasses can help with this situation, but if that doesn’t, prescription glasses should do the trick.

No matter if the cause of the symptoms above is due to Astigmatism, nearsightedness or Myopia, and farsightedness or Hyperopia, most of the time they can be corrected with a new pair of prescription glasses or contacts. However, if these signs are ignored you can be sure that the issue will worsen to a point where corrective lenses may not be able to help. 

How Does RRSP Home Buyers Plan Work?

How Does RRSP Home Buyers Plan Work?

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a home, starting with the property itself, location, mortgage, etc… Before venturing into a purchase you need to get a commitment letter from a lender in order to know that you will be able to secure funding for the home you want to purchase. The government has introduced regulation that helps first time home buyers. The first helpful regulation is that as a first time home buyer you avoid paying the land-transfer tax. The second piece of regulation is the RRSP Home buyers plan. This regulation helps alleviate some of the stress involved in saving for a downpayment. So, what is the RRSP home buyers plan?

The RRSP Home buyers plan allows Canadaisns to borrow funds from their RRSP account for the purpose of using it towards a down payment when buying their first property. The details of the plan are as follows:
Buyers can withdraw a maximum of $35,000 to use towards a downpayment. If a couple is buying a property then they can each withdraw $35,000.
There is no penalty or tax disadvantages when withdrawing the funds.
The Funds have to be repaid back into the RRSP account within 10 years.

The Home buyers plan has allowed many Canadians to fast-track the process of buying their first home. If you don’t have these funds in an RRSP account, consider taking out an RRSP loan 6-9 months before purchasing your home. The year you take out the loan, your RRSP contribution will help you on your tax returns as well as every year you payback the loan, the interest on that loan is tax deductible. In conclusion, when considering a home purchase, you should not only speak with a realtor or a mortgage broker, but you should also speak with a financial planner.