(NewsUSA) - Well, actually, it's both … the charm of hummingbirds is most certainly apropos and "a charm" of hummingbirds is actually factual! Yep, that's right, the collective noun for these unique creatures - just like a gaggle of geese or a flock of birds, is a charm of hummingbirds. Since the definition of the noun 'charm' is "the power of giving delight or arousing admiration," one doesn't need to be a wordsmith to see how right that is. <br /> <br /> Hummingbirds are charming. <br /> <br /> And there are over 330 varieties of the species, Trochilidae, which is their biological family name and they're found in the Western Hemisphere. When one sees a hummingbird, it's a stunning, stop-in-your-tracks sight. Their brilliant throat color is actually a result of the iridescence in the arrangement of their feathers, not color pigment. Light level, moisture, angle of viewing and other factors all influence just how bright and colorful their throats may appear. Perhaps you've heard them, too - the name hummingbird comes from the buzzing sound of their fast-flapping wings.<br /> <br /> Hummers are migrant birds, so although many stay close to the Equator, lots of varieties travel this time of year, so there may be a 'charm' coming to your backyard soon. If you have the desire to see one up close or are curious about how to attract them to your yard, the folks at Cole's Wild Bird Feed Co have got you covered. First, they figured out the engineering of an elegant, deceptively simple, easy-to-use (and easy-to-clean!) feeder. The patented Hummer High Rise has a clever design that offers a stress-free position for your charming guests to get their fill, a fantastic 360-degree vista, all the while keeping other unwanted creatures at bay.<br /> <br /> For example there's an ant moat that stops the armies of industrious workers who'd love to get some sweet nectar, from beating a path to the liquid food. The genius is, it's an actual moat, with nothing but H2O keeping the ants at bay, so while it does its job, it doesn't do harm. Nice! <br /> <br /> A charm magnet. <br /> <br /> The second definition for the noun 'charm' is a small ornament worn on a necklace or bracelet. Hummingbirds weigh on average the same as a nickel, so while you'll want to wear a replica from the jewelers, Hummers can be your own garden's jewelry all season long.<br /> <br /> And in return for their arousing your admiration, they'll feed on those annoying garden insects and pests. For their small size, hummers eat a lot. They are voracious eaters, feeding on mosquitos, gnats, spiders, aphids and other six-legged creepy crawlers. But, besides pests for protein, their primary 'food group' is nectar, which they get in by flitting from flower to flower and using their long beaks and equally long tongues to get their fill. All that flitting is exhausting!<br /> <br /> Since hummingbirds drink up to half their body weight a day of nectar you can help them out by keeping your High Rise fully stocked, for a one-stop fill of their favorite nectar treat.<br /> <br /> Let's not leave out the definition of the verb, "charm," which is to "delight greatly." If you want these Disney-esque caricatures to delight you on a regular basis with their wonder - and bring their distinctive song to your yard - there is something you can buy: the creme-de la creme of what these charmers crave: Nature's Garden from Cole's.<br /> <br /> By identifying and harnessing the nutrients of the hummer's favorite wildflowers, and tapping their vast store of wild bird knowhow, Cole's has created the next-best-thing to actual flower nectar - a proprietary formula that's far and away a cut above your 'garden-variety' sugar water. Nature's Garden is a healthy, all-natural alternative to homemade syrup, no mixing and no boiling required. It comes in an eco-friendly soft pouch; just shake and pour. You'll be delighted with how easy it is to keep your hummer feeder filled and overjoyed at seeing hummers frequent your yard. Your neighborhood hummingbirds will love it, so they'll keep coming back.<br /> <br /> A brief postscript: a natural predator to the hummingbird is the praying mantis. Despite their equally small size and saintly appearance, they feed on our fascinating feathered friends and are a real threat (and a protected species), so if you find a mantis hanging around your High Rise, take care to evict it gently, to a lower piece of real estate and keep hummers safe.<br /> <br /> Ref: Camping - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - As energy costs rise, the "green" movement and conservation efforts have become popular topics. Energy-saving recommendations appear daily in the media, and consumers are being offered subsidies or state and federal tax credits to encourage the purchase of more efficient appliances. However, many homeowners fail to consider their water heater when it comes to going "green."<br /> <br /> Although today's water heaters are expected to operate for an average of 13 years, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends shopping for a new water heater if your current unit is more than seven years old. This allows an adequate amount of time for homeowners to research and select a water heater that best meets their needs instead of waiting until their heater breaks down and selecting the cheapest quick fix for cold showers.<br /> <br /> Consumers are increasingly turning to high-efficiency water heaters when replacing older units or during remodeling and building projects. While these models may cost more initially, savings in water and energy usage continue throughout the lifetime of the appliance, offsetting the price difference. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that these units use 10 to 50 percent less energy, benefits to both your budget and the environment.<br /> <br /> A recent study by the Gas Technology Institute simulated the residential performance of high-efficiency water heaters and conventional units. The Vertex from A. O. Smith, a hybrid, gas-condensing, residential unit incorporating tank-type and tankless technology, provided the best overall performance at average and high-volume hot water usage, which is the consumption of 64-gallons or more per day of hot water.<br /> <br /> Endorsed by long-time environmental champion Ed Begley Jr. of the HGTV series "Living With Ed," the Vertex provides sufficient quantities of hot water for shower after shower and operates at 90 percent thermal efficiency. Additionally, it is designed to meet the demands that modern lifestyles require.<br /> <br /> "Using more efficient combustion to produce hot water at lower operating costs and 90 percent thermal efficiency, the Vertex is a good choice for customers who want to save energy without skimping on hot water," said David Chisolm, A. O. Smith Water Heater brand manager.<br /> <br /> For more information on the A. O. Smith Vertex model, visit hotwater.com/resources/energy-star-qualified-products/.<br /> <br /> Ref: Gifts - in Blogs

**Embracing the Ethereal: A Celebration of White Flower Blossoms**<br /> <br /> In the tapestry of nature's grandeur, few sights rival the delicate allure of white flower blossoms. These ethereal blooms, with their pristine petals and subtle fragrances, evoke a sense of purity and serenity that captivates the soul. Whether nestled in a verdant garden, adorning a tree branch, or scattered across a meadow like scattered pearls, each white blossom tells a story of beauty and resilience.<br /> <br /> **The Elegance of White Blossoms**<br /> <br /> White blossoms, in their simplicity, exude a timeless elegance that transcends seasons. In spring, they herald renewal and hope, blanketing orchards and gardens with promises of abundance. Against the backdrop of lush greenery, their purity stands out, drawing admiration and inspiring contemplation. Each petal, a testament to nature's intricate design, delicately unfolds to reveal a pristine heart—a beacon of tranquility amidst life's bustling rhythms.<br /> <br /> **Symbolism and Cultural Significance**<br /> <br /> Across cultures and centuries, white blossoms have held deep symbolism. They embody purity, innocence, and spiritual enlightenment. In many traditions, they symbolize new beginnings, making them popular choices for weddings and ceremonies. The Japanese revere the cherry blossom (sakura) for its transient beauty, celebrating it with hanami—a tradition of enjoying the blossoms under spring's fleeting embrace. Meanwhile, in Western cultures, white roses symbolize love and reverence, gracing weddings and commemorations alike.<br /> <br /> **A Symphony of Fragrance and Form**<br /> <br /> Beyond their visual splendor, white blossoms enchant with their subtle fragrances. Jasmine whispers its sweet aroma on warm summer evenings, while magnolia releases its heady perfume in the early morning light. Each bloom adds a unique note to nature's olfactory symphony, inviting us to pause and immerse ourselves in their sensory delights.<br /> <br /> **Preserving Nature's Treasures**<br /> <br /> As guardians of our environment, we bear a collective responsibility to protect these natural wonders. Climate change and habitat loss threaten the habitats of white blossoms and other flora. By cultivating awareness and advocating for conservation efforts, we can ensure future generations continue to marvel at these exquisite gifts of nature.<br /> <br /> **Conclusion: A Call to Appreciation**<br /> <br /> In the fleeting beauty of white flower blossoms, we find solace and inspiration. They remind us to cherish life's ephemeral moments and embrace the beauty that surrounds us. Let us cultivate gardens of the soul where these blossoms bloom eternal, and in doing so, nurture a deeper connection to the natural world. As we celebrate their elegance and resilience, may we also pledge to preserve and protect these delicate marvels for generations to come.<br /> <br /> In the quiet majesty of white flower blossoms, let us discover the enduring poetry of nature's embrace. <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Nature - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - Sponsored by GAF - It's time to stop thinking of Millennials as totally uninterested in owning anything just because they were early adopters of Uber.<br /> <br /> The newly released U.S. home ownership rate rose in 2017 for the first time in 13 years - it now stands at 64.2 percent - driven mainly by a shift towards owning over renting by the under-age 35 crowd who'd been wary of committing for both financial and personal reasons.<br /> <br /> "This is happening because young households are buying homes. Full stop," Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at home listings provider Trulia, told the Wall Street Journal.<br /> <br /> They're not the only purchasers, of course. Which means if you're looking to sell your house now or in the not too distant future, you might want to check out this generational roadmap to four upgrades experts say are worth it to help attract potential buyers.<br /> <br /> * Cross-generational: a new steel door. The only thing that beat it on Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report for 2017 was loose-fill attic insulation, but this project - with a 90.7% return on investment - speaks directly to the report's main takeaway: "Curb appeal projects, by and large, generated higher returns on investment than work done inside the home."<br /> <br /> Plus, as far as Millennials go, while their ideal interiors may differ from older generations - for example, they prefer open floor plans and hardwood floors - Architectural Digest says they're still into "traditional exteriors."<br /> <br /> * Millennials: smart-home tech. Yes, there are Boomers and Generation Xers who are super tech savvy, but Millennials especially crave homes that allow them to control their heating, air-conditioning, home security, and lighting systems from their phones.<br /> <br /> "They want to use their brains for other things, not for remembering whether they adjusted the heat or closed the garage door," Angie's List stressed.<br /> <br /> * Cross-generational: a new roof. It's the ultimate curb appeal enhancer and a perennial Remodeling magazine A-lister, with Credit.com having observed that "buyers pay a premium for one already in place."<br /> <br /> So if the first thing prospects notice even before exiting their cars looks like something out of "Twister," you've got a problem.<br /> <br /> "It's a huge turn-off," said Patsy O'Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby's in Montclair, New Jersey, "and makes buyers of all ages predisposed to find even more things they don't like."<br /> <br /> If your roof does need replacing, those particularly interested in targeting Millennials might want to consider the very affordable Sienna line of diamond-shaped shingles from GAF (gaf.com), North America's largest roofing manufacturer, since they capture that generation's sensibilities.<br /> <br /> "They pick up on key Millennial style trends of natural, clean materials, clean lines, and the integration of artistic elements," said Leslie Franklin, executive director of residential marketing at GAF.<br /> <br /> * Millennials: all-new appliances. Realtors will tell you that major kitchen (and bath) upgrades aren't generally worth their high costs, in terms of return on investment, since prospective buyers' tastes can clash with yours.<br /> <br /> However, Millennials do love, love, love all-new stainless steel appliances. So much so that what RealtyTimes.com called "an astonishing majority of 75 percent" of respondents in a recent survey chose to spend their hypothetical home buying budgets on them.<br /> <br /> Ref: Gardens - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Joanne C. was 74 when she had a stroke two years ago that left her paralyzed on the entire right side of her body. She refused to accept that she'd end up in a wheelchair and began rehabilitation, determined to get her life and body back to where it was before her stroke.<br /> <br /> Joanne's hard work paid off. She has regained much of her strength and movement and can walk again. In large part, she credits her SilverSneakers exercise classes - offered through her HumanaChoice® PPO, a Medicare Advantage preferred provider organization (PPO) health plan - as key to her successful recovery.<br /> <br /> Being a SilverSneakers member helped keep Joanne in good physical condition before her stroke. "SilverSneakers helped me be familiar with many of the exercises they had me do in physical therapy and gave me the confidence and strength to persevere through a difficult rehab process," Joanne says.<br /> <br /> Numerous studies, including Tivity Health's SilverSneakers Annual Member Survey of 2016, confirm that exercising, especially with others, improves older adults' physical and mental health.1,2, 3<br /> <br /> However, there are challenges that prevent many Medicare beneficiaries from joining gyms and fitness classes.<br /> <br /> By offering SilverSneakers through its Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Humana is working to overcome those barriers so more people with Medicare can benefit from exercising.<br /> <br /> For those on a fixed income, joining a gym can be expensive. SilverSneakers provides gym access at no additional cost to many of Humana's MA members across the country, including those in Florida and Texas. SilverSneakers has partnered with almost 14,000 fitness and wellness centers around the U.S. and, with national reciprocity, SilverSneakers members can go to any one of those facilities.<br /> <br /> The program is designed with the Medicare population in mind and taught by certified instructors who offer classes and modifications for all fitness levels. These instructors are specifically trained to help members avoid stress-related injuries to muscles and joints.<br /> <br /> There's also a wide variety of classes offered, including circuit training, yoga, Latin dance and even an outdoor boot camp. SilverSneakers members also have access to all of a facility's amenities, which can include a range of exercise equipment, weight rooms and swimming pools.<br /> <br /> "According to Tivity Health's annual survey, SilverSneakers has made a significant difference in the lives of many of our Medicare Advantage members, not only in their physical health, but also in their social life," says Lauri Kalanges, M.D., Humana's Medical Director of Medicare Products for the Mid-Atlantic Region.<br /> <br /> Tivity Health's Annual Member Survey of 2016 found that 91 percent of SilverSneakers participants reported an improved quality of life. SilverSneakers has had a substantial impact on the health of its participants, reducing hospitalizations and the risk of depression.3<br /> <br /> For more information about SilverSneakers, go to www.silversneakers.com.<br /> <br /> Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare Contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change each year. SilverSneakers is not offered on all Humana MA plans in all areas.<br /> <br /> 1. Nguyen Q, Ackermann RT, Maciejewski M, Berke E, Patrick M, Williams B and LoGerfo JP. Managed-Medicare Health Club Benefit and Reduced Health Care Costs Among Older Adults. Prev Chronic Dis 2008;5(1).<br /> <br /> 2. Nguyen HQ, Maciejewski M, Gao S, Lin E, William, B, LoGerfo JP. Health Care Use and Costs Associated with Use of a Health Club Membership Benefit in Older Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2008; 31:1562-1567<br /> <br /> 3. Nguyen, Koepsell, Unutzer, Larson and LoGerfo. Depression and Use of a Health Plan-Sponsored Physical Activity Program by Older Adults. Am J Prev Med 2008;35(2):111-117<br /> <br /> Ref: Dance - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - In the past few weeks, it has become clear that social distancing and quarantining are the new normal. This is an overwhelming time as we attempt to adjust our mindsets and schedules - between working from home, watching after the kids, keeping up with the news, and maintaining sanity, it can be a challenge to prioritize your physical and mental health. Here are some tips on how to stay active in these strange and unprecedented times. <br /> <br /> Make a plan<br /> <br /> It's always easier to commit to a healthy habit if you make it part of your routine. At the beginning of each week, take a look at your schedule and find those windows where you could realistically squeeze in a workout. Set a reminder on your phone or even add the workout to your calendar to keep yourself accountable. <br /> <br /> Try a meal delivery service<br /> <br /> It may be difficult to cook healthy meals every day, especially if you can't get what you need from the grocery store. Having healthy food delivered safely to your door can alleviate the stress and hassle of cooking, plus having healthy options in the house will keep you from overeating and reaching for junk food. South Beach Diet, for example, offers fully nutritionally balanced, prepared meals and snacks that make it easy to keep your diet on track. <br /> <br /> Take breaks from work<br /> <br /> It can be tempting to sit around all day while you're working from home, but don't let yourself stay sedentary for too long. Get away from your workspace and move around every hour or so to get your blood flowing. This will help you to stay sharp and healthy during social isolation. If you're taking a phone call, stand up and allow yourself to pace around. Try to get up every hour and take a few steps around the house, stretch, or even do a few jumping jacks. <br /> <br /> Stream, stream, stream<br /> <br /> As gyms and workout studios are necessarily closed for the moment, many fitness brands and instructors are using Instagram live to hold virtual classes. If you have a favorite local studio or a favorite instructor, check out their website or social media to see if they are hosting any online classes. Many fitness brands are also offering extended free trials to access their libraries of workout videos. <br /> <br /> Go for a walk or run<br /> <br /> Of course, we are all limiting our trips outside to the grocery store, gas station, or anywhere else we might come in close contact with others. But if you are able to safely run or walk while keeping distance from your neighbors, those are great options for staying active, clearing your mind, and getting some fresh air.<br /> <br /> "It's so important to find those moments of joy outdoors while we're all social distancing," says Jessie James Decker, mother of three and South Beach Diet brand ambassador. "Whatever that means for you - whether it's a stroll around the neighborhood with the kids or a long run to clear your head - you'll feel so much better if you make the time for it." <br /> <br /> Keep your mind active<br /> <br /> Just as our bodies need physical activity to stay healthy, our minds need stimulation (beyond reality TV binge sessions) to stay sharp as well. Group activities such as board games or puzzles are a great option for keeping your mind sharp while clocking some quality time with your family or roommates.<br /> <br /> For more tips on how to stay healthy and active while social distancing, check out <a target='_blank' href="https://palm.southbeachdiet.com.">https://palm.southbeachdiet.com.</a><br /> <br /> Ref: How To - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - The phrase 'six degrees of separation,' suggests that only a minuscule measurement is what divides one person from another. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) has decreased those degrees dramatically, connecting us not only to each other, but to everything from our fitness trackers to our coffee makers.<br /> <br /> Consider this: according to a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission, the number of Internet-connected devices tops 25 billion worldwide. And that number is expected to double in the next five years, according to experts cited in the report.<br /> <br /> In a world where everyone and everything is connected, digital security is a must-have, just as important as the lock on your front door or the keys to your house.<br /> <br /> "Technology is revolutionizing the way consumers use cars, homes, work spaces and everyday items," Rep. Darrell Issa, R- Calif., told USA Today in a recent interview. "These devices raise both opportunities and questions about regulatory policy, spectrum space, privacy and more."<br /> <br /> Underscoring Issa's concerns are high-profile hacks, including one that took remote control of a Jeep on a busy highway. Experts warn who consumers need to understand that, although convenient, the IoT is an interconnected system, and security is needed to prevent a weakness in one device (like a SmartWatch) from becoming an open door to attack in another device (such as a connected car).<br /> <br /> The good news is that sensitive industries such as banking, government, and healthcare have worked with companies like Gemalto, a global leader in digital security, to solve difficult security challenges. While most may not recognize the name "Gemalto," experts say that almost everyone uses at least one or two of the company's solutions, which are embedded in a wide variety of connected devices, credit cards, passports, and ID badges.<br /> <br /> So, to ensure that your data is protected from hackers, Gemalto recommends the following tips:<br /> <br /> * Secure the device. Sensitive devices need an added layer of protection, such as a SIM card or a tamper-resistant Secure Element that stores data in a safe place.<br /> <br /> * Control the access. Implement two-factor authentication to ensure that only authorized people are granted access to the data.<br /> <br /> * Secure the data. Ensure that sensitive data is encrypted and that encryption keys are stored in a separate and safe place.<br /> <br /> For more information, please visit www.gemalto.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Codes - in Blogs

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