Author: tinawriter

We live in an age where children are accustomed to the conveniences of the internet and modern-day gadgets. Although these can benefit your child in numerous ways, it also has its downside. The AHA (American Heart Association) said that children are now spending too much time in front of screens. Studies show that kids and teenagers aged 8 to 18 spend an average of seven hours daily looking at screens. AHA warns of the effects of too much screen time on your children’s health and encourages parents to maximize their kids’ screen time up to two hours daily.

We have highlighted reasons you should limit your little ones’ screen time and how to do it. 

1. Future Chronic Health Conditions

Studies linked screen time with the increased chances of children acquiring sedentary behavior. This behavior can lead to an increased risk of getting chronic health conditions like cardiovascular diseases and high cholesterol. Many research studies have proved that an increase in screen time is associated with obesity because kids get used to snacking when watching their favorite shows or playing video games. 

The Solution:

Discuss the dangers of using gadgets for extended periods and encourage your kids to engage in more old-school activities like reading books and playing outside your backyard. However, for extra precautionary measures, you can also limit your children’s screen time by using parental control software. It allows you to set time limits when your child uses their gadgets automatically.

2. Eye Problems

One of the most harmful effects of frequent exposure to screens involves the eyes and can lead to redness and irritation. These adverse effects are because of the blue light emitted by different gadgets. Professionals predict that the next generation of children will have poor eyesight by their early 40s. 

The Solution:

Besides limiting the screen time your children get, you can buy filters that decrease the amount of blue light emitted through their devices. 

3. Screen Time Can Become Addictive

Aside from being accustomed to using gadgets and the internet for just about anything, when your child is swiping or touching a screen, they will find themselves enjoying the activity even though they do not know what they are doing. Because of the increase of social media platforms, games, and videos, more kids find different ways to entice their boredom. These new developments can lead to an addiction to screens much faster. 

The Solution:

Implement a strict schedule of screen time with your kids. Even if they disagree, you have to ensure they follow this by confiscating their gadgets when the agreed time is up. Although they may disagree at first, you will see the gradual improvement resulting from following the rules. 

Showing that you are serious can encourage kids to do something else like read a book or play with their toys. Implementing screen time limits can mold your kid to be healthier, smarter, and happier. 

4. The Negative Effects of Social Media

More kids are getting addicted to different platforms on the internet and play a massive role in their social lives, making them heavily intertwined with the internet and gadgets. 

However, this does not mean that all forms of digital technology is bad for your little ones. It can help you introduce them to new information about current events and socializing with their friends online. But if you do not regulate their access to social media, you will find yourselves in an awkward position as you will notice your child spending more time with their gadgets because of these platforms. 

The Solution:

Establish media-free zones like no screen time in their bedrooms and set a schedule for your little one to access social media. You can confiscate their gadgets when they do not follow your rules or temporarily deactivate their social media accounts to discourage them from exceeding the screen time limit. 

5. A Decrease in Engagement with Educational Activities 

As your little ones get older and become accustomed to having too much screen time, research studies show that there is a significant drop in engagement in educational activities. The researchers held a national survey of over 1,000 parents with children ages 2 to 11, answering questions regarding the duration of screen time their kids follow. These include the use of media, from smartphones to laptops, and they discovered that most kids do not get exposure to educational media, resulting in a 78 percent drop for younger children and a 27 percent drop for older ones regarding engagement with educational activities.  

The Solution:

Aside from setting screen time limits for your kids in preventing the decline of their interest and engagement with educational activities, when they do get the chance to use their gadgets, make it a habit to expose them to more educational media. These educational media include cartoons like Sesame Street, reading applications, educational games, and other platforms. 

6. Screens Are Over-Stimulating

Because of the development of different applications and video games that kids have become accustomed to, grabbing and keeping their attention is not easy. This factor can negatively impact their school performance as teachers may find it challenging to keep the attention of your little ones because of their exposure to over-stimulating media. 

Schools are adapting to the modern needs of children and are now incorporating more screen time in their classes, which can be harmful. 

The Solution:

Ask your kid’s teacher to know how much screen time they get when at school to help you adjust the screen time limit when at home. 

Take Action for Your Child’s Future 

You can quickly implement these changes to help your child get back on track. Set rules that are reasonable and give them under two hours of screen time daily for optimal results. Try to teach them the importance of sticking to old-fashioned ways of passing the time by reading books, playing with toys, and outdoor activities.

Since the outbreak rattled the world from early January to March 2020, governments from all countries have implemented drastic measures to contain the coronavirus. These include large-scale social restrictions, travel bans, community quarantines, and even full lockdowns. 

Many individuals began to live in a transition period where most struggled to follow this sudden change in their everyday routines. The term “the new normal” describes the changes people have had to deal with amidst the pandemic. 

The new normal refers to the shift from the life we have been accustomed to into a way of life where hugging and shaking hands are considered dangerous actions. Everyone must follow these new routines until a vaccine or treatment for the virus is successfully developed. These changes will be part of everyone’s daily lives and consciousness for a very long time. In fact, experts say, life as we know it will never be the same again.

What is the New Normal?

We have highlighted the new habits and procedures that have been formed during the COVID-19 outbreak. This will help educate more people on the proper ways to help contain the virus and flatten the curve.

Social Distancing Practices

Before the outbreak of the virus, physical distancing practices were hardly observed in countries around the world. People were used to being pushed and shoved in public vehicles and other crowded areas like train stations. Now, with the new social distancing rules, individuals are asked to maintain a two-meter distance from one another. This protocol is key in curbing the transmission of the virus, especially in public places. Establishments are also required to adjust seating arrangements so diners or customers no longer stand or sit close to each other.

Healthier Habits

Because of the outbreak, more individuals are becoming more health-conscious and aware of the importance of having a healthier lifestyle. Besides eating balanced meals, exercising, and proper handwashing, more people are now becoming aware of the importance of these practices. More importantly, sneezing and coughing etiquettes are strictly enforced, especially in cramped spaces. Spitting in public is no longer allowed and people who do so will be penalized or arrested.

Below are some of the procedures that should be part of your new normal routine:

• Wash your hands properly before and after leaving your house. Make sure to wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Eat more balanced meals, and increase your intake of natural vitamin C as it is a great immune booster.
• Exercise regularly to improve your immune system.
• Make it a habit to always wear face masks when going to public areas. 

Always sanitize your hands and check your temperature before entering public establishments or vehicles. This procedure has become a requirement for most countries across the globe.

Telemedicine Procedures

The practice of having consultations or checkups with doctors via the internet has been around for a while. However, it was only when the outbreak of COVID-19 that this option became the norm rather than the exception. 

More healthcare facilities are now providing telemedicine services for individuals who need the advice of a healthcare professional. This new procedure is beneficial for people with pre-existing health conditions or so-called co-morbidities. They are the most vulnerable ones and should stay at home as much as possible rather than risk exposure to the COVID-19 virus. 

Digital Learning 

One of the most affected businesses during the pandemic is schools. While many countries continued on-campus classes amidst the outbreak, several nations opted for digital learning. This practice is now essential, especially for countries under lockdown. Virus or no, education must continue. Countries had to adapt and shift to modular learning or a mixed form of education to ensure the safety of students and teachers. In some areas, even graduation rites were done virtually just so students and parents could experience the joys of having their children finish school.

The New Workplace

At the pandemic’s peak, most office workers have opted to work at home using digital tools for meetings and communication with customers, co-workers, and supervisors. Though most people continue to work remotely, some establishments are now reopening and resuming operations on their on-site locations. The following are some of the safety practices that offices implement during the pandemic. 

• The distance between office workers is now doubled, with larger spaces in their cubicles or work stations.
• Frequent sanitization of commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, elevator buttons, staircase railings, etc is strictly being implemented.

Most companies required the mandatory wearing of face masks when working at the office, manufacturing plants, and company premises. Employee temperatures are taken each morning before they are allowed into the building. 

Testing Procedures

Before the pandemic, many laboratories and hospitals, especially in third-world countries, had minimal testing capabilities and personal protective equipment for their employees. Because of the drastic increase in demand for tests, the governments invested in improving clinical management, infection control, and the availability of testing in various healthcare settings. More counties are now providing mass-testing for COVID-19 so they can quickly isolate infected individuals and prevent widespread transmission of the virus. 

Wearing Face Masks

COVID-19 can be quickly spread by coughing, laughing, sneezing, and even talking. Because of its mode of transmission, it can be dangerous to engage with other people in public, especially in crowded areas. This is why governments across the world are strictly implementing the mandatory wearing of face masks in public areas. Wearing face masks protects you from contracting the virus as well as from spreading it to unsuspecting victims.

Religious Gatherings

Many church leaders, pastors, priests, and different spiritual organizations now offer virtual masses and worship services for their devoted followers. Most people now tune in to their radios, computers, or televisions for masses and religious services. 

Additionally, guests are limited during weddings, christenings, and other celebrations.

Social Pleasantries

Before the pandemic, most people were accustomed to shaking hands, hugging, and kissing on the cheek as forms of greetings. However, these practices are unhygienic and can easily transmit diseases as they are forms of direct contact. Because COVID-19 is easily transmissible, governments have strictly prohibited these habits. To avoid direct physical contact with other people, you can greet your peers by nodding, waving hands, tapping feet, or even bumping elbows. 

Better Safety Habits and Procedures for a Healthier World

Although the pandemic is still ongoing, most people are now getting used to the new normal. Following these safety practices can help us prevent the start of new waves of the outbreak.

Always practice good hygiene, social distancing, and proper wearing of masks to ensure your safety and health as well as those around you.  Even when the danger of COVID-19 passes and people go back to their daily lives, these new habits and practices will remain in practice.

 Learn them, accept them, and practice them because they can very well save lives.

Physical activities offer excellent benefits to your body and mind, ranging from better sleep and reduced anxiety. However, even with the awareness of these benefits, not many people get the adequate exercise they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Most individuals do not have the time nor the budget to go to their local gyms to work out. This is why doing your exercise regimen at home is the next best thing.

Working at home provides you with numerous benefits, from saving money to exercising in your home’s comfort. Doing specific exercises indoors does not require a lot of space or fancy equipment, and there are countless equipment-free activities you can do indoors. 

To help you establish a routine, here are some of the best exercises you can do indoors:

Yoga

There are different yoga styles for the specific needs and abilities of each person. This indoor exercise is ideal for the body and mind. You can start by doing gentle stretches and gradually turning it to a full-on power yoga session. You can look for different yoga classes online to help you begin your journey to inner peace and a healthier lifestyle. 

Jumping Jacks

It is a classic variation of a cardio exercise that increases your heart rate. It gets your blood flowing and oxygen going. The following are the best ways to incorporate jumping jacks in your exercise regime.

• Add it in a Cardio Circuit – Implement it in a circuit training routine by doing it for 30 to 60 seconds while alternating it with other cardio exercises like jogging in place and burpees. 
• Add it to Your Regular Workout – Adding jumping jacks to your regular exercise routine can energize you throughout the session. You can add a minute or more throughout your routine or end it with jumping jacks. 

Doing jumping jacks allows you to burn over 100 calories in just 10 minutes. You can do this by repeatedly jumping while keeping your feet apart, your arms and legs spread out, and circling your arms overhead. Finish with them back by your side when you land on the ground again. 

Dancing

According to studies, you can burn 250 to 500 calories per hour dancing, depending on how intense your movements are. It is a fun indoor exercise that you can do in any room. Aside from improving your physical and mental health, it helps you sharpen your focus, according to medical experts. You can try any dancing style— from hip hop to contemporary and blast on your favorite songs, helping you burn the calories away in a fun way. 

Jog in Place

If jogging is your favorite form of exercise, you will be thrilled to learn that you can do it in your home, even without a treadmill. Here are ways to incorporate jogging in place in your workout routine. 

• Start Your Excercise Regime – You can start your workout session with jogging in place. It is a great way to energize your heart and lungs, helping you condition your body for more intense exercises.
• Add it in a Cardio or Strength Circuit – Make your workout more intense by adding jogging in place with strength exercises. You can incorporate it by alternating it every 30 to 60 seconds between lunges, squats, and push-ups. 

It is a great way to get cardio done indoors. You can start jogging while maintaining a stationary position. Jogging in place is an excellent way to get your heart rate up and warm you up for more intense exercises.

Planking

It is the most straightforward exercise that anyone can do. However, it can tire you out fast, although it does strengthen your core and upper-body. It is a great way to start your workout sessions and help you improve your current physical strength. 

Here are the different ways you can perform the plank. 

• If you are trying out the exercise, you can start by bending your knees on the floor and hold the stance for 30 to 60 seconds.
• You can also plank by straightening your legs and placing your hands, mimicking a pre-push up position. 
• It is easier to bend your elbows and rest your forearms flat on the floor if you want to last longer than 60 seconds. It puts less strain on your arms and allows you to hold the stance longer. 

You can also try different planking positions to strengthen various areas of your core. For instance, you can try performing a side plank. To start, lie on your side on a flat surface with your feet placed on top of one another then push yourself off the surface with one arm propping your body. Hold this position for at least 30 to 60 seconds and switch to your body’s other side.

Burpees

It is a great cardio exercise that lets your burn over 100 calories or more in 10 minutes, similar to jumping jacks. Here are some ways to incorporate burpees into your workout session. 

• Add it to a High-Intensity Interval Training Session. If you follow a more strenuous regimen, you can add burpees up to 30 to 60 seconds per rep and continue for ten or more minutes. 
• Add it to a Cardio Circuit – You can add burpees every 3 to 4 minutes of a cardio circuit training, including jogging in place, jumping rope, and step touches. 

To achieve a perfect rep of burpees, you have to squat correctly, then proceed to jump to a planking position, dropping back to your squatting stance, and finally, stand up straight. However, it is more laborious exercise to perform.

Squat Jumps

It is a plyometric exercise that can increase your heart rate and let you burn more calories while strengthening your legs. Here are the different ways to incorporate squat jumps into your exercise regime. 

• Add it to a Lower Body Workout – You can add squat jumps after 3 to 5 lower body exercises like lunges or deadlifts for up to 30 to 60 seconds, helping you increase power and strength. 
• Add it to a High-Intensity Interval Training Session  – Add the squat jumps for up to 30 to 60 seconds, repeating it for ten minutes or more. 

You can start by bending your knees into a squat stance, tuck your arms on your side, then jump off the floor and straighten your legs in the air, while finally landing to a squat position. 

Stair Excercise

You can easily do this workout as long as you have stairs in your home. You can achieve a great cardio session just by going up and down flights of stairs. Start by going up and down the stairs of your home or apartment building. Doing this can let you burn over 0.17 calories per stair ascended, and .05 calories per stair descended. This exercise lets you burn over five calories for every 10 steps you take.

Exercising outdoors is always a great way to unwind and take a breath of fresh air. However, when this option is not available, you need to make do with what you have and where you are. Try these indoor exercises so you can still stay in shape at home!

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted various businesses differently. Some establishments were able to adapt to the remote work model while others heeded the government’s advice to close down their doors completely. After weeks or months of shut down and working remotely, businesses are starting to open slowly all over the world. However, businesses will face enormous challenges as the world starts to walk the path to recovery with the public health threat of the virus still present. 

Since hospitals, grocery stores, and other essential businesses stayed open during the height of the pandemic, small establishments who are coming back to business can get their ideas from them on how to operate safely and to prepare for the return of their employees and customers. These essential businesses could give ideas to other companies in any sector to stay operational while keeping their employees and customers safe.

Although the work environment is different, two principles stood out. Businesses are tailoring safety protocols and implementing them all over the business operations. They practice significant activities that other sectors could adopt toward the path of the new normal.

Different workplaces, different risks

Work environments can be controlled differently, but some are easier to manage than others. The types of work environments vary greatly depending on the proximity of exposure. This refers to how long and how many individuals are interacting in a typical workday. Businesses must adopt safety measures to suit the specific environments where they operate. They must implement these safety protocols across all activities related to their operations as well as those that take place outside the workplace.

Additionally, they should encourage their employees to follow safety standards and policies. These rules should also apply to guests and suppliers who come in and out of the establishment. Business owners and managers should also be guided and be fully aware of the level of risk associated with business operations and work-related activities.

Actions to consider

Here are some of the safety measures that essential businesses all around the world have put in place to help business owners and operators as they seek to reopen on-site operations and workspaces.

Pre-entry

Before reopening, employers should educate their employees on new protocols and immediately identify at-risk individuals. Additional resources should be provided to ensure return-to-work is safe and in order. The following should also be considered.

• Shift to remote work.

Continuing to working remotely should remain as the first option for businesses. For businesses where work cannot be done remotely, company managers should try their best to keep operating with contactless services where employees are not required to access on-site facilities and equipment.

• Mass testing. 

The most effective way to protect the employees’ health is through COVID-19 testing.

• Symptom assessment. 

For businesses where COVID-19 testing is not available, they can employ various types of symptoms assessment to isolate high-risk employees and prevent them from coming to work. 

• Training and education. 

Essential businesses that have been operating at the height of the coronavirus have proven that softer safety measures such as training and education worked significantly to instill new habits among employees and customers.

• Childcare. 

Childcare at the establishment is one of the biggest challenges to the availability and productivity of company workers or employees. Parents are naturally concerned about leaving their children alone at this time of the pandemic. To allay their fears, companies and local governments offered childcare subsidies to working individuals or shouldered the cost of babysitting services.

• Mental health. 

Businesses are helping workers by paying attention to their physical safety and mental health. Mental healthcare tools and free subscriptions to meditation apps are being provided. They also add new programs such as exercise, yoga, meditation, and counseling to promote better self-care.

Traveling to and from work

Businesses should take into account the mode of transportation that employees use to travel to and from work.

• Transportation. 

Some businesses have organized transportation or subsidized ride-sharing for staff to minimize the employee’s risk of exposure to infection during their trip to and from the workplace.

• Temperature checks. 

Temperature checks for all employees and customers upon entering the establishment should be strictly enforced. Passengers with temperatures higher than 38°C should be prohibited from entering the establishment or building.

• Staggered entry and exit. 

Businesses implement staggered start times every day to minimize crowded entrances and exits.

• New cleaning protocols. 

Cleaning protocols should be enhanced and done more frequently. Hand sanitizers or disinfecting wipes are recommended to be available at store entrances and some establishments like spas and salons should require regular hand washing and other disinfecting protocols.

• Protective equipment. 

Businesses should implement the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the entry and exit from a workplace is the best area to remind everyone about safety and to be extra cautious.

At work

Physical distancing protocols should be strictly implemented in every working environment.

• Ongoing reminders and conditional service. 

Putting up signages for one-way aisles should be observed by the business. At the same time, they should implement regular disinfection of workstations. This should be done ideally every few hours.

• Enhanced hygiene protocols. 

In a workspace where physical proximity is unavoidable, businesses should require their employees and customers to observe proper hand-washing and sanitation etiquette.

• Workspace redesign. 

Besides face masks, wearing PPEs, and even gloves, businesses can install plexiglass partitions especially in the checkout counters of groceries and convenience stores. The workspace design plays an important role to promote and encourage people to observe physical distancing.

In common spaces

Physical distancing protocols should be taken into account to minimize gatherings in common spaces.

Post-infection

Due to the high transmission rates, important protocols like immediate disinfection and contact tracing should be activated as soon as one of the employees or customers test positive for COVID-19. The business should communicate this post-infection processes across all levels of the establishment.

• Contact tracing. 

To sustain a safe working environment, the business should have the capability for contract tracing. When a confirmed COVID-19 case has been identified, the infected individual’s location history should be tracked and everyone who may have been in contact with the infected person should be notified of the protocols and isolation standards.

• Clear triggers for returning to work. 

Businesses should have a proper definition of activation triggers and protocols for dealing with an infection or outbreak.

Conclusion

As businesses prepare to reopen, it should have a plan-ahead team to look over and guide the business to make informed and health-centered decisions. Every day brings new developments in the battle against COVID-19, so proper implementation of protocols and safety measures in return-to-work policies can help companies adapt and react immediately to protect the health and keep its employees and customers safe. 

Following this guide of proven best practices can help your business of all types navigate the complicated process of reopening and evolving post-coronavirus pandemic.

The quality of the indoor air you breathe can make a difference in your overall health and well being. If you’re suffering from asthma or have allergies, having clean and purified air will help ease discomfort and difficulties.

According to scientists, adding indoor plants to your home can help make the air around your living space cleaner by detoxifying the air. That means adding air-purifying houseplants contribute to making indoor air cleaner. NASA’s Clean Air Study proves that numerous air-purifying plants can effectively detoxify your house from dust, germs, and other airborne toxins present in various household furnishings, materials, and other products. Aside from the air-boosting benefits, these indoor houseplants also exhibit several health benefits that you can achieve by adding modest foliage in your living space. 

To help you turn your home into a healthier environment and give you a breath of fresh air, here are our top ten best air-purifying plants and where you should place them. 

1. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

Chrysanthemum is commonly known as “mums” and is the top choice for air purification. You can brighten up your living room or kitchen area with this lovely flower. They can eliminate common toxins, including ammonia, which is often present in plastic, glue, and detergents. Treat yourself to a fresh pot of this houseplant, as this flower’s lifespan only lasts for up to six weeks. 

Plant Care: Always check the Chrysanthemum’s soil to see if it is moist every other day, ensure that its soil is always damp. It also loves sunlight, so make sure to place it in a spot near a window. 

2. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)

For those who are relatively new in taking care of houseplants, the spider plant is the ideal option. There are over 200 species and subspecies of spider plants, and most of them can survive for long periods, even if we do not take constant care. You can place this lovely houseplant inside hanging baskets around your workspace or kitchen. They can eliminate toxins, including CO (Carbon Monoxide) and xylene, which are often present in rubber materials. 

Plant Care: This houseplant is resilient and does not require constant care. You can water your spider plants up to three times a week. 

3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

You can quickly grow this perennial vine, and it can adapt to indoor conditions fast. They can eliminate airborne fecal particles that make it the perfect air purifier for your bathrooms. It can also combat mold inside your living space. 

Plant Care: During its growth phase, make sure to water it generously and expose it to direct sunlight for at least 4 hours daily. Never overwater during winter. 

4. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

This evergreen perennial is native to the lush tropical forests in Asia. You can place it anywhere in your living space to make it livelier with this houseplant’s vibrant colors. They eliminate benzene and formaldehyde, which are often present in cosmetic products and detergents. 

Plant Care: Ensure you water the plant moderately and place it inside a low-lit and humid environment, which means the bathroom is the best place for these plants. However, if you want to put it somewhere else, you can mist the leaves to prevent browning. 

5. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

This ficus is a tree that is native to Southeast Asia and Australia. The Weeping Fig is an ideal choice for newbies in taking care of houseplants as it only requires minimal maintenance. They eliminate formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, which are often present in rubber materials and cosmetic products. 

Plant Care: Place them in bright and indirect light away from drafts. It can detoxify the air in your living space for years to come. 

6. Rubber Plants (Ficus elastica)

This houseplant is native to India. This plant forms unusual shapes that can brighten up your homes with vibrant green leaves. They eliminate formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and trichloroethylene, which are present in printed products and rubber products.

Plant Care: This houseplant only requires your attention now and then. Place it under filtered light to allow it to purify your home for several years. 

7. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

If you have a hard time sleeping during the night, the snake plant is the best natural remedy as its yellow-tipped succulent releases oxygen during the night. It helps you breathe better while sleeping. They eliminate formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, and trichloroethylene.

Plant Care: Do not overwater the snake plant as its roots are prone to rot in damp soil. 

8. Barberton Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

This flower is the best choice for individuals looking for air-purifying houseplants that are vibrant in color. These colorful plants can brighten any room in your home. They eliminate formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene, which are commonly present in paint and synthetic fibers. 

Plant Care: Make sure to check the plant now and then as it requires its soil to be moist but ensure that it is well-drained as its roots are prone to rotting. Place the daisy in an area where there is plenty of natural light. 

9. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

This resilient plant is ideal for busy individuals as it can flourish in various conditions and does not need constant care. You can place it around your windows as it can grow up to 8 feet long. They eliminate common toxins, such as formaldehyde and benzene. 

Plant Care: Since the houseplant can grow up to 8 feet long, you have to trim its tendrils when it gets too big for your home. Only water the plant when the soil becomes completely dry. 

10. Bamboo Palms (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Bamboo is known to be sturdy, providing you with cleaner air for years to come. Bamboo palms provide your humble abode with a healthy dose of moisture in the air, making it a perfect plant during winter months. They eliminate formaldehyde, chloroform, benzene, carbon monoxide, and xylene. 

Plant Care: Keep its soil damp and place the bamboo palms in an area where air can freely circulate. Mist the houseplant occasionally to prevent spider mites. 

Why Does Indoor Air Quality Matter?

According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), 90 percent of individuals spend their time indoors. That time spent inside our homes exposes us to indoor air pollution caused by carpet, furnishings, synthetic building materials, bacteria, mold, and more. For instance, paint releases VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which can cause nausea and headaches. To avoid having these side effects, you have to ensure the overall air quality inside your living space. You can improve the air quality of your home by having air-purifying plants. It can reduce the levels of carbon dioxide inside your house and increase relative humidity.

Now that you know some of the best air-purifying plants, you can start making your home into a cleaner environment. Get your air-purifying house plant today for healthier and fresher air for your family.

If you have always wanted to be an entertainer and do it for a living, there are now numerous ways you can achieve that dream in today’s digital age.  One of the most popular platforms used by millions of people across the globe is YouTube, providing you entertainment and the potential of making a lot of money. The platform racks up to five billion views daily from individuals worldwide, with viewers spending an average of 40 minutes or more per YouTube session. You can join the bandwagon as anyone can start their own YouTube channel with no expense. 

However, although starting a channel is easy, you may be wondering if you can earn money from the platform? Yes, you can! Many people are already making money on their websites, as YouTube boasts over one million content creators in their YouTube Partner Program. All you need is a decent video editing software and a desktop computer to start your YouTube journey. In order to maximize your earnings on the platform, you have to be more strategic in your approach.

For newbies and enthusiasts, we offer five expert tips to help you begin your journey on YouTube and make money. 

1. Become a YouTube Partner and Take Advantage of Ad Revenue

For most YouTubers, ads are the most critical aspect of their revenue stream. When you partner up with YouTube, you can make money through three different ways:

• Placing ads on your videos.
• Start offering exclusive channel memberships.
• Place Google AdSense banner ads on your videos.

However, to become a YouTube partner, there are ground rules and prerequisites to follow before sealing the deal. Aside from following YouTube’s guidelines and ad rules, you need to accumulate a minimum of 4,000 video watch hours on your channel for a period of one year and have at least 1,000 subscribers. There are no specific rules for earning these 4,000 video hours, and you can reach it by having 100 hours of watch time each on 40 separate videos or any combination.

When you successfully reach the 4,000-hour requirement and earn your place as a YouTube partner, you can now start making money from ads. When you go to the platform and proceed to your Video Manager page, you will see a green dollar sign next to your videos, indicating that you can begin your journey towards YouTube monetization.

2. Master the Art of YouTube SEO

If you are starting your YouTube channel, you may find it challenging to build a significant following as there are numerous competition on the platform. You can outshine your competition by incorporating YouTube SEO on your posts. 

Here is a quick guide on how to implement YouTube SEO on your videos:

1. Search for the necessary keywords as with SEO keyword research for websites or blogs. You will need to think outside the box and determine what people would more likely search on YouTube.
2. When picking out the keywords, make sure to use high-value keywords on your video title, description box, and video tags. 
3. When you have incorporated the keywords, you can now publish your videos.
4. Once launched, check your YouTube traffic source and search report to determine what people search for when they come across your videos. 

You can find video results for keywords on Google, providing you with commonly searched keywords such as how-to, reviews, tutorials, and funny video terms. 

3. Incorporate Affiliate Linking on Your YouTube Content

Using affiliate links is the best way to earn on any platform. Promoting these links can give you massive earning opportunities, mainly if your channel focuses on tutorials and product reviews. 

For example, when you recommend a product and a user visits your affiliate link to purchase it, you will start earning commissions. The best places to put these links are in the first few sentences of your description or your comment section and pin it at the top. You can also speak about the affiliate link in your video content to encourage your viewers further. 

Posting affiliate links on YouTube is similar to promoting links on your blog or website. This is why you should not flood your content with links since it can discourage your viewers. To build trust with your audience, make an effort to create insightful video content that can help them solve their problems, or provide tutorials and solutions that you have previously accomplished yourself. 

That not only lends more credibility to your channel, it also makes it more believable. If people really know that you bake, your baking or cooking tutorials will be 100% believable. Share what you know and watch the number of viewers increase!

4. Get Funding From Your Audience

If you have been in the platform for long enough and have built a decent following of loyal fans, you can make money by encouraging them to crowdfund your YouTube channel. Doing this can help your fund your new videos and provide better content to your viewers. You can also give your audience exclusive content when they donate to your cause, and this can encourage them to continue funding your channel. 

Nonprofit and for-profit channels leverage this technique of fan-funding to provide better content for their audience, ensuring smooth video operations. As long as you dedicate yourself, be passionate, and genuine with your audience by providing them with top-quality content, you would be surprised at how generous your viewers can be. 

5. Join the Amazon Influencer Program

The Amazon Influencer has become more popular in recent years because of the popularity of online retail stores. This multi-billion dollar E-commerce company lets you make money by maximizing your YouTube presence and allowing you to review and recommend products from Amazon and encourage your viewers to purchase them via your affiliate links. You earn money when your viewers click your affiliate link and make a purchase on Amazon, allowing you to earn 8 to 10% of the commission. 

How Much Money Do YouTubers Make?

Popular YouTubers can make millions of dollars yearly; however, it can be barely anything for smaller content creators. With YouTube’s algorithm becoming stricter, it is getting tougher to make money on the platform, as ad revenue ranges from $0.35 to $5 per view. 

The profitability of your channel will heavily depend on your views and your particular niche. You can consider starting a channel in niches like news, celebrity gossip, makeup and beauty, gaming, and fails as it can easily pull in revenue with over millions of views. However, you need to earn a balance of $100 to cash out your first earnings from YouTube. 

Although making money on YouTube is getting harder, it is still possible. You have to establish a unique persona and follow our five expert tips to help you begin your journey on YouTube and start earning money. Good luck!