Grand Rapids Issues Boil Water Advisory After Water Main Break

After a water break, Grand Rapids residents should be aware of a boil water advisory for more than 20,000 homes and businesses. Watch this video for more information from 13 On Your Side youtube channel.

Jump Rope's are Not Just for Little Girls!

The jump rope has served a multipurpose role in the lives of children and adults across the world. There are many benefits to be reaped from using the jump rope as a training tool. Here are a few reasons why you should add a jump rope to your arsenal of workout equipment.

Serves as a great exercise option for shedding those unwanted pounds.

Meeting your fitness goals doesn’t have to be limited to performing exercises at the gym. You can get a full body workout with a jump rope. Shedding one pound will require you to burn 3,500 calories. Depending on the rate at which you’re seeking to release weight, it can take you anywhere from one week to a month to shed one pound. If your fitness goal is centered upon shedding five pounds in 25 days, you’ll have to burn 700 calories per day. To maximize your results, you’ll have to combine your jump rope exercises with a healthy eating lifestyle. Jumping rope for 30 minutes a day for a 25-day period will help you burn close to 300 calories, while cutting out 400 calories from your diet will help you reach your 700 daily caloric burn.

Helps remove toxins from your body.

Jumping rope plays a fundamental role in maintaining a healthy lymphatic system. This system gets rids of waste and toxins from your body and works through the expansion and contraction of your muscles as you move your body. The up and down movements made during a jump rope exercise are ideal for kicking this part of your body into motion.

Gives you the freedom to exercise anywhere.

You can transform any outdoor setting into your personal gym. The portability of the jump rope makes it easy for you to carry to work or on vacation. After work you can head to the park and jump rope. Or if you’re on vacation, you can go to an open space that’s conducive to jumping rope. Having a jump rope in your possession at all times can significantly increase your motivation to exercise. There’s no need to be concerned about having to exercise in tight spaces, or driving to the gym to wait on the next available exercise machine.

Allows you to exercise on a small budget. There’s no need for you to break the bank with this form of exercising. Some jump ropes are available for less than $10. Start off with a lightweight rope with plastic beads. Jump ropes that are priced higher than $10 may be weighted or speed ropes. Such ropes are not necessary when you’re now starting out. Once you’ve developed your jump rope skills, you can upgrade to these types of ropes.

Increases your desire to perform different exercises. There are multiple exercises you can perform with a jump rope, so there’s no reason for you to get bored. Some of these include the side to side, double criss-cross feet, rope swing, double hops, heel to toe, high knees, one foot hops, scissors, running on the spot, forward and backward, butt kicks, and two at a time. You can also increase your creativity by incorporating tricks and variations such as release, bell, straddle, and full turn into your routine. Follow The Park Club on Twitter for great gym workout and health tips.

Home Repairs

How often do your put off your home repairs? Home improvements and renovations will make the environment more attractive and suitable for the family. However, when it comes to home repairs, homeowners may face difficult challenges if the job is too complicated or time consuming for them to manage. Although the job might be costly, hiring a professional is a way to remain stress free during the entire home repair process.

One of the main reasons why a homeowner might put off home repairs is the expense. Statistics have shown that approximately 64% of American homeowners do not have thousands of dollars to invest in home repairs. Due to the high costs, home repairs are pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Finding a trustworthy service to perform the job is also an issue for 39 % of U.S. homeowners. This is a concern for me as well because if the repair is done incorrectly, there will be greater damage to the house. More money will need to be spent fixing a house that was improperly repaired.

If the project is not difficult, a homeowner will attempt to perform the task instead of relying on a service. Fixing a leaking pipe, clearing clogged drains, rebuilding broken steps, and installing smoke detectors are repairs that can be easily performed.

Fight Colds with Olive Leaf

Did you know that olive leaf is very effective in fighting colds and increases the strength of your immune system due to its wonderful healing properties? Olive leaf is the leaf from the olive tree and contains active compounds that are oleuropein, polyphenols, and flavonoids. These compounds are helpful in fighting various forms of bacteria such as fungus, yeast, and parasites. Olive leaf is a safe and non toxic natural antibiotic. If your condition is severe, olive leaf liquid extract, which is more potent and concentrated than olive leaf tea would be most helpful for people who suffer from long term infections.

5 Budgeting Tips for First-Time Homeowners

Purchasing a home means taking on a large financial responsibility. Any first-time homeowner should have made good use of a house payment calculator to determine what they can afford.

Budgeting is key when it comes to owning a house, and there are many ways to do it that will make the process feel like less of a burden.

1. Monitor utility bills and usage

As a homeowner, you will most likely be taking on new utility bills, or seeing a drastic change in utility bills you’re used to paying, especially if you’re moving to a larger space.

Be conscious of your utility usage throughout the month, and make adjustments where needed. Make sure all windows and doors are sealed properly to help with the heat in the winter, fix any leaky faucets, and be aware of how many lights you have on at any given time.

2. Build up an emergency fund

You never know what might come up in terms of costs having to do with your home. Having a nest egg to pull from means you can address a problem without taking on debt or stealing the funds from another priority, like retirement.

A broken appliance or leak in the basement will feel much less stressful knowing the monetary aspect of it is taken care of.

3. Determine disposable income

Extra and hidden costs that come with homeownership can affect how much money is left over each month after all bills are paid.

This may mean having less disposable income. Be sure to assess and differentiate your wants and needs on a monthly basis so you can adjust your overall spending plan accordingly.

If, however, you find you have more disposable income, think of reallocating some of it towards that emergency fund or putting it towards home maintenance savings.

4. Regularly check in

You can spend a lot of time setting forth a budget, but if you aren’t actually sticking to it what’s the point?

Review your home’s budget and expenses at least four times a year. This can bring to light how utility costs are affected seasonally, where you may have unnecessary spending, or where you might be able to consolidate payments.

This will also help monitor your savings accrual. Regular reviews will aid in avoiding overspending and taking on debt.

5. Don’t throw it all away on housewares

Buying a new home is exciting. It’s a fresh start and a clean slate – and this includes décor, both in and outside of the home.

New homeowners may feel inclined to purchase things like furniture, decorations, and other housewares as a way to further personalize their new abode.

They may have also just discarded a lot of items in the packing process, trying to streamline what needed to be boxed up and oved.

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting new things for your new digs, be aware that these costs can add up quickly. You don’t have to buy all items brand new. Check out thrift shops, sales, and even free items friends offer up to furnish your new place.

Health Alert: FDA Issues Warning for 26 Eye Drops Due to Risk of Infection, Blindness

Is it possible that the eye drops you’re using are contaminated? If you’ve been using eyedrops, you must be aware that you could be using a problematic eye care product that could potentially lead to an eye infection or even vision loss.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for Twenty-six over-the-counter eye drops that were removed from store shelves and websites due to their unsafe conditions. Popular retailers such as CVS, Target, Rite Aid, Leader, Rugby etc. have been pulling their eye care products.

Please consult with your healthcare provider if you have symptoms or signs of an eye infection from using these eye care products.

Eye Drop Recall 2023

Some of the Eye Drop Recalled products include the following:

CVS

Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)

Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)

Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (single pack)

Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack)

Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml

Lubricating Gel drops 10 ml

Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (single pack)

Click here to view the entire list of eye drops that were recalled from major brand retailers

Read more on the Washington Post

Real Ways to Make Money From Home For Free - Dealing With Financial Stress

Some of us will eventually run into emergency situations at some point in our lives. There are times when you will need emergency cash for your car, repair a computer, pay rent or medical expenses. If you are on a budget, there is no need to worry because there is always a solution that you can use to eliminate your financial stress. Regardless of your circumstances, there are four real ways to make money from home for free.

Start a Yard Sale

Most people have items in their homes they no longer need. If your home is cluttered and untidy, selling your items to people is a good way to eliminate junk, to make fast cash, and to get your home more organized.

Babysitting

A family with young children will always need to hire a babysitter when they’re not home. By advertising for this position, you can make quick cash to look after kids.

Dog Walker

There are many dog owners who don’t have the time to give their pets the exercise they need, or will leave their pets unattended. As a dog walker, you’re providing a great service.

Freelance Writing Gigs

If you’re Internet savvy and have a talent for writing, there are people you can assist to complete projects. This is a very lucrative way for you to earn income working from home.