The Best Podcasts For Home Improvement Enthusiasts

Getting into home improvement can be an amazing experience. Maybe you figured out how to fix that leaky faucet in your kitchen all by yourself and now you want to start fixing everything in the house. Or perhaps you bought a new home that also happens to be a fixer-upper, so you need to start renovating if you want it to be a comfortable home. There are loads of reasons to get into do-it-yourself home improvement, and if you’re looking to easily learn more as you go about your day, a home improvement podcast might be exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some of the best home improvement podcasts out there today.

Young House Love

For those who love home renovation, this podcast is a great way to keep up with all the latest trends and learn more about the projects that are happening in the market. John and Sherry Petersik of Young House Love created a new podcast to talk about their DIY home renovation projects in Virginia, while also touching on trends in design and the digital world.

The Money Pit Home Improvement Show

The Money Pit Home Improvement Show is a nationally syndicated call-in radio program that covers all the latest home improvement and decor topics. It’s also a great way to get in touch with other people who are interested in the same. Unsure of how to install new power outlets? Maybe you’re looking into re-doing your floors. Have no fear, as The Money Pit is here to help you out.

Fix It 101

You need to fix a leaky faucet, but you’re not sure where to start. The hosts of the podcast, which is called “Fix It 101,” tackle various home improvement projects that can be done by yourself, even if you’re an amateur at these things. They cover practically every home improvement topic, from leaky faucets to installing a wall mount for your new TV. They even discuss whether or not it’s a project that you should hire a professional for.

Fix It Home Improvement

This podcast covers a variety of home improvement topics, including kitchen and garden repairs, as well as storage and garage organization. Topics such as grass seed, wood-burning stoves, and pocket knives have also been covered. You can find this show pretty much wherever you can download podcasts: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Music, or wherever you want to listen to them.

This article was originally published on ChuckSchmalzried.com

Great Books On Home Renovation

Home renovation projects can become expensive, especially when you’re hiring a contractor to do it for you. This is why many people have turned to doing home renovations themselves. While this is still expensive, it can ultimately be cheaper than hiring a third party. The problem is that you need to make sure you know what you’re doing. Being handy is a great thing, but remodeling your home is an entirely different beast. A great way to learn more about how to handle these situations is to read a good book on the subject. Here are a few great books to read when renovating your home.

Home Improvement For Dummies – Gene and Katie Hamilton

The creators of the popular “Dummy” series have come up with a great home improvement book that’s geared toward people who are new to the process of home renovations. This book features a variety of step-by-step guides that are designed to make the process of home improvement as easy as possible. They cover a wide range of home improvement projects, such as installing insulation, putting up a smoke detector, and fixing leaky stairs. There are also helpful cost-calculation and tool-buying guides.

How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home – Charlie Wing

This book will help you build a solid foundation in understanding the various systems that your home has. It will also teach you how to care for them and what to look for when it comes to repairs. Although it’s focused on preventing and diagnosing issues, it also provides guidance on how to perform repairs.

Big Book of Home How-To by Better Homes & Gardens – Better Homes & Gardens

The book’s claim to fame is its easy-to-follow layout, which is based on thousands of detailed illustrations. It’s designed to walk people through each step of the 200-plus projects that it covers. The layout also allows advanced home improvement fans to look for more specific techniques.

One of the most popular home improvement books out there, this book features hundreds of step-by-step projects that are designed to help people improve their home. It also provides valuable advice on buying the right tools and choosing the right building materials.

Collins Complete DIY Manual – Albert Jackson & David Day

The book is regarded as one of the most comprehensive guides on the subject. It’s also a great resource for both experienced and novice home improvement professionals. It features a variety of topics such as plumbing, electrical, and decorating. Despite its numerous features, some readers find it lacking in step-by-step instructions on how to properly perform each project. This issue could be because the book is over 20 years old.

This article was originally published on ChuckSchmalzried.com

Great Podcasts For Veterans In 2022

One of the best ways to keep up with what’s going on with military veterans all around the country is to check out some military podcasts. If you don’t know what a podcast is, it’s essentially a talk radio show that you can listen to on the internet. That means all you really need is a computer or your cellphone. There are dozens of great podcasts for military veterans, by military veterans that talk about news in the world of veterans, as well as share entertaining or inspiring stories about their time in the military or as a veteran. But where to start? Here are a few great podcasts about veterans.

Frontlines of Freedom

This weekly talk show hosted by Lieutenant Colonel Denny Gillem, known for his experience as a combat veteran, covers a variety of topics, including military readiness, homeland security, and veteran activities. The show features guests such as cabinet members, admirals, and generals. Aside from regular guests, the show also features discussions with other prominent individuals such as politicians and military officers.

Veterans Helping Veterans

Veterans Helping Veterans aims to help veterans navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs claims and regulations. It features guest speakers from various veteran organizations and the private sector who discuss the ways in which the system works, as well as discussing the way these systems can be improved.

American Heroes Network

The show features guests from various organizations and groups that are working to make a difference in the lives of US veterans. It also talks about topics such as helping those who have been severely injured while serving our country, as well as providing homes for our troops. American Heroes Network airs weekly, and each episode is about an hour long.

Talking With Heroes

Over the years, Bob Calvert, host of Talking With Heroes, has interviewed thousands of individuals, including military personnel, Gold Star families, veterans, military support groups and so much more. Each episode features interviews with a large bevy of American heroes, with each interview delving into their military experiences, as well as what life has been like after leaving the military.

This article was originally published on ChuckSchmalzried.net

Easy Renovation Projects to Increase Your Home’s Value

Getting a home renovated or re-built can make it more enjoyable and increase its value. However, it’s important to remember that different projects can actually lower the sale price, or cost more than the value they add to the home. Read on to learn about some relatively simple home renovations you can do, and how to make sure they add value to your home.

Kitchen Updates

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home to update, and it can help increase the value of a property. According to a 2018 report from Remodeling Magazine, homeowners can expect to recoup up to 81.6 percent of their investment in a kitchen renovation. However, don’t go overboard. Before starting a full kitchen renovation, consider small fixes like replacing the old kitchen faucet and the old light fixtures with more energy-efficient options. Doing so can help keep the cost of the project low. You can also hire a professional to install new cabinet doors and hardware. These small things can make a big difference in the appeal of the kitchen.

Keep reading here.

7 Civilian Career Paths for Veterans

Getting back into the workforce can be a daunting task for many military veterans. One of the most common concerns they have is finding a job that honors their skills and experiences. According to Navy Federal, more than 250,000 military veterans enter the workforce each year. These are a few of the top fields that military veterans transition into after their service is up.

HEALTHCARE

The healthcare industry is a rewarding and mission-focused field that allows former service members to channel their skills into a rewarding career. Some of the most common fields that veterans can pursue in this industry are hospital operations, logistics, and medical research.

Read the full blog here.

Holistic Ways to Treat Tinnitus

Do you suffer from tinnitus? If so, you know how frustrating and debilitating it can be. Tinnitus is a condition that causes a ringing in the ears, and there is no cure for it. However, there are many holistic treatments that can help lessen the symptoms and make life more bearable. This blog post will discuss some of the best holistic ways to treat tinnitus.

1) Herbal Supplements

One of the best holistic ways to treat tinnitus is with herbal supplements. Many different herbs can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Some of the most effective herbs for tinnitus include ginkgo Biloba, garlic, and green tea.

2) Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another effective holistic treatment for tinnitus. This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into the skin to promote healing. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help reduce tinnitus symptoms and improve quality of life.

3) Sound Therapy

Sound therapy is another great holistic treatment for tinnitus. This therapy involves using sounds to distract from the ringing in the ears. Many different sound therapies can be effective, such as listening to calming music or white noise.

4) Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques are another excellent holistic way to treat tinnitus. These techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen tinnitus symptoms. Some effective relaxation techniques include yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.

5) Diet and lifestyle changes

Making some diet and lifestyle changes can also help reduce tinnitus symptoms. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and reducing stress can help lessen tinnitus symptoms.

6) Essential oils

Using essential oils is another excellent holistic treatment for tinnitus. Many different essential oils can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Some of the most effective essential oils for tinnitus include lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

7) Cranial sacral therapy

Cranial sacral therapy is another great holistic treatment for tinnitus. This therapy involves gentle manipulation of the head and spine. Studies have shown that cranial sacral therapy can help reduce tinnitus symptoms and improve quality of life.

Many different holistic treatments can help reduce tinnitus symptoms. Herbal supplements, acupuncture, sound therapy, relaxation techniques, diet and lifestyle changes, and essential oils can all effectively treat tinnitus. Try out some of these treatments to see which ones work best for you.

Holistic Ways to Treat Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a major health condition among the aging population, especially women over 50 years of age. Those with the disease have an increased risk for fragility fractures and serious complications like hip fracture, pneumonia, broken bones in other parts of the body, blood clots, and heart attack. The most common type of osteoporosis is postmenopausal osteoporosis which occurs due to the loss of bone mass density after menopause. Apart from menopause, osteoporosis is caused by various factors including genetics, lack of adequate calcium, smoking, alcohol, kidney failure, and prolonged use of certain medications. There are various ways to control and treat osteoporosis, but some may be more effective than others.

Diet

People with osteoporosis should eat foods rich in vitamin D, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin K. Good sources include fortified milk, yogurt, mushrooms or egg yolk, asparagus, almonds, salmon, sardines. Another way to reduce or treat this disease is to include vegetables and fruits that contain antioxidants such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, cherries, kale, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, and red pepper that help prevent damage caused by free radicals. Also, the presence of Vitamin C increases the absorption of calcium in the body.

Exercises

Exercise will also ensure that one gets enough calcium in their diet. It increases muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. When done correctly, it can increase metabolism and decrease the amount of fat stored in cells. Doing weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and swimming has been associated with lower rates of osteoporosis. However, doing these activities too often might cause stress on joints. People with osteoporosis need to do less intense workouts three times a week. In addition, they should try out yoga or tai chi. These forms of exercise teach people how to relax, breathe smoothly, learn new skills, and experience physical pleasure. They are all techniques meant to help them live healthier lives.

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Healthy Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

Metabolism is a term that refers to the various chemical reactions that occur in the body. These reactions keep the body functioning correctly.

Having a high metabolism can help burn more calories and keep you from gaining weight. It can also help you feel better and lower your stress levels.

1. Eat Lots of Protein

The nutrients in your food cause a rise in metabolism, so your metabolism tends to increase after you eat. It can be attributed to the amount of energy needed to digest and absorb the nutrients, and the most significant boost tends to be from protein.

Studies also suggest that eating protein can help prevent people from overeating. A study revealed that individuals who consumed a high amount of protein had a lower calorie diet than those who didn’t eat protein.

2. Drink Ice Water

Drinking water instead of sugar-filled drinks can help people lose weight. Even so-called healthy or sugar-free drinks contain significantly more calories than a glass of water.

Although drinking water is good for your body, it can also boost your metabolism. Studies suggest that it increases your resting metabolism by around 10% to 30% for about an hour.

Drinking cold water can also help boost the effects of water on your metabolism. Since the body uses energy to heat up, it burns more calories than warm water. Studies suggest that drinking water an hour before your meal can help you eat less, as it tricks your body into feeling full.

3. Up the Intensity

High-intensity interval training is a type of training that can help you burn fat. It works by increasing your metabolic rate after completing a certain level of activity.

High-intensity interval training has been shown to help burn fat. In a study, young men who were overweight could lose almost four pounds of body fat after 12 weeks of training.

4. Lift Weights

Building muscle can also help boost your metabolism. It activates the genes in the body that are responsible for burning fat. Wearing weights can also help you burn more calories each day. It can also combat the effects of weight loss on your metabolism.

In another study, obese women were placed on a diet of 800 calories a day. The participants in the study maintained their muscle mass and metabolism after resistance training.

5. Stand Up Regularly

Sitting too much is known to increase the risk of weight gain. In addition, prolonged sitting can also decrease your metabolic rate and cause you to burn fewer calories. While sitting at work is not ideal, a simple and effective way to improve your posture is to stand up for a few minutes. This can help burn an extra 174 calories.

6. Drink Tea

A cup of green tea or oolong tea can increase your metabolism by about 4 to 5%. It’s believed that these beverages can convert some of the fat in your body into free fatty acids. However, these properties may not affect your metabolism and could actually help you avoid experiencing the weight loss plateau.

7. Don’t Shy Away from Spice

Although peppers contain capsaicin, which can boost your metabolism, many people cannot tolerate these compounds at the doses needed to have a significant effect. A study hypothesized that eating about ten peppers a day could burn up to 10 additional calories. This could account for a 1-pound weight loss over 6.5 years.

Spices can only boost your metabolism a small amount. However, they can still contribute to a slightly better metabolic rate when combined with other strategies.

8. Prioritize Your Sleep

Lack of sleep is also linked to an increase in the risk of obesity. Poor sleep has been linked to increased insulin resistance and blood sugar levels, which are both risk factors for type 2 diabetes. It has also been known that sleeping too much can boost the production of a hunger hormone known as ghrelin. This could explain why sleeping too much causes hunger.

9. Drink a Cup of Joe

Studies also suggest that coffee can boost metabolism by around 3–11%. However, these effects are similar to green tea and may contribute to weight loss and maintenance.

Originally published on ChuckSchmalzried.org on March 2, 2022

6 Benefits of HIIT

Despite the widely known benefits of physical activity, around 20% of the global population doesn’t get enough of it. Most people tend to start training for a job that physically demands them to be active. But, if you don’t have time to exercise, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) might be just the ticket.

High-intensity interval training is a type of exercise that consists of short periods of intense exercise. It can provide you with the most beneficial health benefits in a minimal time period. High-intensity interval training combines short bursts of intense activity with low-intensity recovery periods.

A HIIT workout typically consists of 10 to 30 minutes of intense exercise. It can provide similar health benefits to moderate-intensity exercise.

Although the exact type of exercise that’s being performed varies, it usually involves running, jumping rope, or cycling. A typical HIIT rep can last for around 30 seconds.

You would typically complete 4 to 6 reps in one session. The exact amount of time you should spend working and recovering varies depending on your activity and level of exertion.

Why might HIIT be right for you?

1. HIIT Burns a Lot of Calories, Fast

A study revealed that after 30 minutes of HIIT, participants burned around 30% more calories than those who performed other forms of exercise. The study participants only completed 20 seconds of maximal effort before going back to rest.

Since a HIIT session lasts about 30 minutes, it’s commonly shorter than a standard exercise session.

2. HIIT Increases Your Metabolism

Aside from burning calories, HIIT can also help boost your metabolism by increasing it for up to 24 hours after completing a regular exercise session.

Some studies also suggest that HIIT can improve your metabolism and shift it toward using fat instead of carbohydrate metabolism. The intensity of the exercise can also affect your metabolism. It can increase it for up to 24 hours after completing a regular exercise session.

3. HIIT Burns Fat

A review conducted on 13 experiments revealed that performing a HIIT session can help people lose fat. It also reduces body fat and waist circumference. Various studies also suggest that high-intensity interval training can help people with weight loss. In fact, it’s considered the most effective form of exercise for people with overweight or obese bodies.

4. HIIT Will Make You Stronger

Aside from the fat loss, HIIT is also known to increase muscle mass in certain individuals. This could be due to using certain muscles such as the legs and trunk.

Also, research has found that people who are not active tend to increase their muscle mass after performing a HIIT program. Although weight training is the gold standard for increasing muscle mass, high-intensity interval training can also help boost it.

5. Increase Oxygen Intake

Endurance training is a type of exercise that involves continuous running or riding a stationary bicycle at a steady rate. Although it’s known that HIIT can improve your oxygen consumption, it has been shown that it can also be done in a shorter amount of time. One study revealed that participants who did 20 minutes of HIIT weekly for five weeks had a 9% boost in oxygen consumption.

6. Improve Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Aside from improving your body’s composition, HIIT has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate in people with high blood pressure.

A study conducted on 30 individuals revealed that doing 30 minutes of HIIT every day was linked to a 19% drop in blood pressure. The same group also performed 20 minutes of HIIT every day. It has also been shown that high-intensity exercise does not affect blood pressure in people with normal blood pressure.

Getting started with high-intensity intervals can be as simple as choosing one or multiple activities that require a certain amount of time. You can also experiment with different intensities and durations of exercise to see how long it will improve your recovery. You’ll be off and running in no time!

Originally published on ChuckSchmalzried.org on March 2, 2022

Holistic Ways to Handle Migraines

A migraine refers to excruciating head pain that varies in intensity. It’s commonly linked with sound and light sensitivity and nausea, lasting anywhere between four hours and a few days. The main causes of these are genes, as the symptoms run down through families and chronic stress. Therefore, it is important to handle them holistically to relieve the pain and prevent a re-occurrence. Some of these holistic methods include using therapy such as progressive muscle relaxation and acupuncture, using essential oils, doing yoga, and hydrating.

Therapy

Since holistic treatment methods work under the principle that all body parts are interconnected, therapy effectively addresses migraines. This treatment type mainly involves stimulating other body parts to promote proper blood flow and induce relaxation, thus eliminating the throbbing head pain. The most common forms of therapy used in migraine treatment include acupuncture and progressive muscle relaxation.

Acupuncture is an ancient treatment method originating from ancient China. It entails using sharp needles lodged in specific body parts to stimulate proper blood flow. In a way, acupuncture effectively treats many diseases such as migraines because it minimizes pain and promotes good blood flow.

On the other hand, progressive muscle relaxation utilizes modern methods of body massage aimed at easing muscle tension. It is an effective method of lowering stress levels in individuals, thus alleviating stress-induced migraine.

Using Essential Oils

Some essential oils such as feverfew, lavender, butterbur, and peppermint are great in easing the pain and discomfort that comes with a migraine. Inhaling or applying tiny amounts of such oils goes a long way in calming the aura alleviating nausea or pain resulting from the disease. This form of holistic treatment is known as prophylactic therapy, and it is effective in reducing the effects of other stress-related conditions.

Doing Yoga

Some studies suggest that since yoga mainly incorporates body postures, meditation, and focused breathing, it effectively handles migraine. The exercise helps reduce the duration, pain, intensity, and frequency associated with migraine. Besides, yoga alleviates chronic stress and anxiety, making it effective for stress-induced migraines.

Generally, holistic treatment methods for migraines aim at addressing the root cause of the disease rather than treating the pain. However, they are great for preventing future re-occurrence and eliminating stress and tension that cause migraines.