LIFESTYLE

5 Ways To Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Published

1 year ago

April 14, 2023

Clothes need as much care to last longer. To maintain your clothes and help them last longer for you, see the tips below.

1. Avoid washing frequently: This is not to say you shouldn’t wash your clothes when they are dirty, neither is it suggesting that you should wear clothing for long before washing. This only means you should wear clothes two to three times before washing especially if they are not white or dirty the first time. It helps the durability.

how to hand wash clothes

2. Hand wash your clothes: Putting clothes together in a laundry machine causes the materials to rub off together in the machine. This can cause fading and tearing of the materials. Washing with hands provides the chance to delicately wash the clothes.

3. Use mild soap and detergent: Most detergents and washing soaps are harsh. The harshness can cause clothing colors to wash off and eventually slack. To avoid this, research and use mild products for washing.

How to Fold Clothes Vertically — KonMari Organizing Method

4. Fold and store heavy clothes: Hanging heavy clothes on a hanger will not only break the hanger but will cause the clothes to slack and lose their tightness.

5. Learn to repair your clothes: When your clothes are torn, repair them. When you don’t, they tear through from there and eventually damage irreparably.

Up Next

4 Things To Consider Before Buying A Car

Don't Miss

5 Skincare Tips Every Black Woman Should Know

HEALTHY LIVING

What Your Handshake Says About Your Health

Published

3 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

What Your Handshake Says About Your Health | Fab.ng

A humble handshake seems like such a simple gesture, a routine part of introductions and greetings. But beneath that brief exchange of palms can lie a surprising wealth of information. While it certainly serves as a social formality, a handshake can also be a silent conversation, conveying details about a person that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The strength of a handshake, for instance, can be a subtle indicator of overall health and well-being. A firm grip might suggest good muscle tone and fitness, while a weak handshake could hint at underlying medical conditions like arthritis or neurological issues.

The duration of a handshake can also be telling. A brief brush of the palms might signal someone impatient or uncomfortable with physical contact, whereas a lingering handshake could indicate someone eager to connect or perhaps even domineering.

Even the feel of someone’s hand can be informative. A sweaty palm might suggest nervousness or anxiety, while dry hands could be a sign of dehydration or certain medications.

Of course, it’s important to remember that these are subtle clues. A weak handshake could simply be due to someone having a bad day, and a sweaty palm might be a result of a warm room. The key is to be aware of these nonverbal cues and to use them alongside other social cues to get a more well-rounded impression of the person you’re meeting.

5 things your handshake says about your health

Here are five things that can be revealed with just a handshake:

1. Muscle strength & health

Believe it or not, a handshake can hint at someone’s overall health and muscle tone. A firm handshake often suggests good muscle strength and vitality, while a weak grip could be a sign of underlying health issues.

Research indicates that a weak handshake might be connected to muscle weakness, frailty, or even conditions like arthritis, neurological disorders, or cardiovascular problems.

2. Risk of death

Here’s where things get a bit more serious. Studies have shown a surprising connection between handshake strength and mortality rates. People with a weaker grip strength seem to have a higher risk of death from various causes.

Further research suggests that developing a weaker handshake in midlife can be linked to a 20% greater chance of dying from heart disease, respiratory illness, or even cancer. Grip strength can also be an indicator of stroke risk.

3. Social anxiety clues

The length of a handshake can also offer a glimpse into someone’s social comfort level. An unusually long handshake might suggest that the person is feeling socially awkward or anxious.

This could be a sign of an underlying mental health condition like social anxiety disorder, where people experience intense fear of social situations.

On the other hand, a handshake that’s brief but firm is often associated with someone who feels confident and self-assured in social settings.

4. Your circulatory system

The temperature and sweatiness of your hands can tell you something about your blood circulation and nerves. When you shake hands with someone, their hands feeling cold and damp might mean a few things. It could be that blood isn’t flowing well through their hands, they are anxious, or their hormones are out of balance.

Warm and dry hands usually mean good circulation and that the person is relaxed. If your hands are always cold, it could be a sign of a health condition like Raynaud’s disease or peripheral artery disease.

5. Musculoskeletal issue

If your hand hurts or feels weird when you shake someone’s hand, it could be a sign of a problem with your muscles or bones. This kind of problem is called a musculoskeletal issue. Arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are all examples of musculoskeletal issues. These problems can make your joints stiff, swollen, or inflamed, which can make shaking hands uncomfortable or even painful.

In conclusion…

Shaking hands might seem like just a way to say hello, but it can actually tell you a little bit about someone’s health. The way a handshake feels can be a clue to things going on inside their body.

By noticing these small details, we might be able to catch health problems early and get treatment faster. So next time you shake someone’s hand, think about it as more than just a greeting – it’s a little window into their health.

For more articles, visit here.

LIFESTYLE

Body Languages: How To Look More Confident And Assertive

Published

19 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Body Language: Look More Confident And Assertive | Fab.ng

Being confident is about more than just putting on a facade of strength or making a lot of noise to announce your presence. It’s about projecting an air of confident body language, assertiveness and self-assurance, even when you may not necessarily feel confident on the inside.

One effective way to achieve this is by mastering the art of body language. It can significantly influence how others perceive you. By learning and implementing certain body language, you can enhance your charisma and appear more confident in various social and professional situations.

1. Maintain strong posture

One of the most fundamental aspects of confident body language is maintaining a strong posture. Stand tall with your shoulders back and your head held high.

Avoid slouching or hunching over, as this can convey insecurity and lack of confidence. By standing upright and taking up space, you’ll appear more self-assured and assertive to those around you.

2. Make eye contact

Eye contact is a powerful tool for conveying confidence and establishing rapport with others. When speaking to someone, maintain steady eye contact to show that you’re engaged and attentive.

Avoiding eye contact can be perceived as shyness or insecurity. So make a conscious effort to connect with others through your gaze. However, be mindful not to stare excessively, as this can come across as intimidating or aggressive.

3. Use open body language

Open body language signals approachability and confidence. Avoid crossing your arms or legs, as this can create a barrier between you and others.

Instead, keep your arms relaxed at your sides or use expressive gestures to emphasize your points. Face the person you’re speaking to directly and lean in slightly to show interest and engagement in the conversation.

4. Speak clearly and confidently

Your verbal communication also plays a crucial role in projecting confidence. Speak slowly and clearly, and avoid using filler words such as “um” or “uh,” which can undermine your message.

Practice speaking with conviction and authority, even if you’re unsure of yourself internally. By delivering your words with confidence, you’ll command attention and respect from those around you.

5. Genuine smile

A genuine smile is a superpower! It tells everyone around you that you’re friendly, approachable, and confident. But ditch the fake grin – it can come across as insincere.

Here’s the trick: Look for ways to smile naturally. Maybe there’s something funny about the room, or perhaps you strike up a conversation with someone interesting. If nervousness hits, try finding a distraction.

Focus on something positive in your surroundings, or strike up a conversation with someone you find interesting. This can take your mind off your anxiety and help a real smile emerge.

6. Firm handshake

A handshake can speak volumes. A firm handshake shows confidence and respect. Here’s how to avoid sending the wrong message:

Too soft? Shy signal: A limp handshake might make you seem shy or uninterested.
Too hard? Hold back: A super strong handshake can come across as aggressive.

The key is to find a happy medium. Shake hands firmly, but not bone-crushingly so. Here’s a tip: imagine shaking hands with someone you respect, but you don’t want to hurt.

Another trick? Initiate the handshake from your elbow, not just your wrist. This gives a more natural and controlled movement. Finally, try to match the other person’s grip strength – no need for a handshake arm wrestle.

By incorporating these body language tricks into your interactions, you can project charisma and confidence, even in situations where you may not feel entirely sure of yourself.

Remember that confidence is not just about how you feel—it’s also about how you present yourself to the world. With practice and awareness, you can develop the skills to exude confidence and make a positive impression in any setting.

If you liked this article, read more here.

HEALTHY LIVING

These Gym Equipments Are Dirtier Than You Think

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

These Gym Equipments Are Dirtier Than You Think | fab.ng

The gym is a hub of activity, a place where people from all walks of life come together to work out, improve their fitness, and boost their overall health. But amidst the hustle and the clanging of weights, a hidden enemy lurks: germs.

A surprising 2017 study conducted across three different gyms shed light on a shocking truth: certain gym equipment can harbour more bacteria than a toilet seat, especially if proper cleaning protocols aren’t followed. This is because this equipment endures a constant barrage of use throughout the day.

Multiple people come into contact with the surfaces, leaving behind a not-so-friendly cocktail of sweat, skin cells, and other bodily fluids.

While working out is undeniably good for your health, it’s important to be aware of the potential germ hotspots you might encounter. So, let’s take a closer look at the top germ offenders at the gym and how you can take steps to protect yourself from these microscopic menaces:

1. The weight bench

How to Use a Weight Bench to Build Muscle Faster

The weight bench might seem like a harmless slab of metal and padding, but it can be a prime breeding ground for bacteria. Imagine this: you’re about to perform a set of chest presses. You adjust the bench, settle in, and grip the barbell. But unknowingly, you might be coming into contact with a layer of germs left behind by the previous gymgoer who used the bench without wiping it down.

The combination of sweat, dead skin cells, and even fleeting coughs or sneezes can leave a microscopic residue on the surface. This is especially true for adjustable benches that see a lot of daily traffic.

2. The free weights

Pros & Cons: Free Weights vs. Machines - Simply Gym

Free weights are a popular choice at the gym, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. Here’s why:

High traffic: Many people use free weights throughout the day, and with each person comes the potential for germs. Sweat, dead skin cells, and even fleeting coughs or sneezes can leave a microscopic residue on the weights.
Uncertain hygiene: We can’t always be sure how clean everyone’s hands are at the gym. This lack of certainty increases the risk of bacteria spreading from person to person through contact with the weights.

This is a concern because certain types of bacteria can cause health problems. The study mentioned gram-negative bacteria, which have been found on free weights. These bacteria can be responsible for:

Pneumonia: This is a serious lung infection that can cause difficulty breathing, fever, and chills.
Skin infections: These can range from mild (think minor cuts or rashes) to more serious (like cellulitis).
Blood infections: In rare cases, bacteria from contaminated equipment can enter the bloodstream and cause a potentially life-threatening infection.

What can you do? Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

Wipe down the weights before and after use: Most gyms provide disinfectant wipes for this purpose.
Wash your hands thoroughly: Do this both before and after your workout, especially after using free weights.
Bring your own workout towel: You can use this to create a barrier between your skin and the equipment.

By taking these simple precautions, you can minimise your risk of encountering germs at the gym and enjoy a safe and healthy workout.

3. Treadmills

What You Should Know About The 12-3-30 Treadmill Workout, 43% OFF

Treadmills might be a popular choice for cardio at the gym, but they can also harbour surprising amounts of germs. This is because:

Many people use treadmills throughout the day, and with each person comes the potential for sweat, skin cells, and even respiratory droplets to land on the machine. This constant barrage can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Just because you can’t see dirt on a treadmill doesn’t mean it’s clean. A study revealed that treadmills can have 74 times more bacteria than a typical bathroom sink faucet! That’s a significant difference, considering how often we wash our hands with soap and water at the sink.

What can you do?

Wipe down the treadmill before and after use. Focus on areas like the handrails, control panel, and belt.
Bring a workout towel. Use it to absorb sweat and create a barrier between your skin and the machine’s surface.
Wear clean workout clothes and shoes. This helps minimise the transfer of germs from your clothes or shoes to the equipment.

4. The elliptical bike

Elliptical vs Running: Is This Machine Good for Cross Training?

Elliptical trainers, like free weights, can become germ magnets. Multiple users throughout the day leave behind sweat, skin cells, and other potential contaminants as they grip the handlebars and navigate the pedals. This constant contact can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

The good news is that protecting yourself is simple. Most gyms provide disinfectant wipes or spray bottles specifically designed for cleaning equipment.

Before you hop on the elliptical, take a quick moment to wipe down the handlebars, seat, and any other surfaces you’ll be touching during your workout. This small step can significantly reduce your exposure to germs and help keep the equipment clean for everyone who uses it.

By wiping down the equipment before and after use, we can all help create a cleaner and safer workout environment for everyone at the gym.