BASIC TYPES OF INVESTMENTS - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

BASIC TYPES OF INVESTMENTS - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Are you new to investing? Then it is important that you know and understand the basic types of investments that are available to you.


The following financial instruments are the investment options generally available to you in the investments marketplace.

BASIC TYPES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS



Savings Accounts

Savings accounts are a safe haven to store your emergency funds. They provide easy access to your money and are generally insured. If you or your family’s deposit accounts at one FDIC-insured bank or savings association total $100,000 or less, your funds are fully insured. The chief drawback of such accounts is that interest rates tend to be low since they offer a very high degree of safety.




CDs (Certificates of Deposit)

A CD is a special type of deposit account that typically offers a higher rate of interest than a regular savings account. Just like savings accounts, CDs are also insured up to $100,000. When you purchase a CD, you invest a fixed sum of money for fixed period of time. Usually, the longer the period, higher is the interest rate. There are penalties for early withdrawal.



Money Market Deposit Accounts

These accounts generally earn higher interest than savings accounts. They are very safe and provide easy access to your money. They are also insured by the FDIC. They offer many of the services that checking accounts offer, however, a limit is normally placed on the number of withdrawals or transfers you can make during a given period of time.



Stocks

When you buy stocks, you own a part of the company’s assets. If the company does well, you may receive periodic dividends and/or be able to sell your stock at a profit. If the company does poorly, the stock price may fall and you could lose some or all of the money you invested.



Bonds

A bond is a certificate of debt issued by the government or a company with a promise to pay a specified sum of money at a future date and carries interest at a fixed rate. Bond terms can range from a few months to 30 years. Bonds are tradable instruments and are generally considered a safer than stocks because bondholders are paid before stockholders if a company becomes bankrupt. Independent bond-rating agencies rate the likelihood that any given bond will default.



Mutual Funds

A mutual fund is generally a professionally managed pool of money from a group of investors. A mutual fund manager invests your funds in securities, including stocks and bonds, money market instruments or some combination of these, based upon the fund’s investment objectives. By investing in a mutual fund you can diversify, thereby, sharply reducing your risk. Most mutual funds charge fees. You often pay income tax on your profits.



Annuities

Annuities are contracts sold by an insurance company designed to provide payments to the holder at specified intervals, usually after retirement. Earnings cannot be withdrawn without penalty until a specified age and are taxed only at the time of withdrawal. Annuities are relatively safe, low-yielding investments. An annuity has a death benefit equivalent to the higher of the current value of the annuity or the amount the buyer has paid into it.

Source :http://www.moneyinstructor.com

Tips For Hair Care

The following are some basic hair care tips that you can use to improve the health and look of your hair.

General
A healthy lifestyle will mean healthier hair for you. Excessive stress, smoking, not exercising and not eating nutritiously are not healthy for your hair.

• Get enough sleep.

Hair Products (Gel, mouse, hair spary...)
• Avoid using hair styling products with alcohol which dries out hair.

• Avoid puting hair styling products directly on your scalp, if you put it on your scalp you'll clog the pores on your head.

Swimming
• Before entering a pool, wet your hair so your hair will soak up the initial water instead of the chlorinated water.

• When swimming where a cap to protect your hair from chlorinated water, if you choose not to wear a cap make sure you shampoo and condition your hair right after you are done swimming.

Drying
• Hot air can be damaging to your hair so when using a hair dryer use the cool setting.

• Don't leave the blowdryer in one spot for more than a few seconds, keep it moving and at a good distance away from your hair.

• To speed up the drying process, pat your hair dry with a towell and let the remaining moisture in your hair dry naturally.

• Gently use your fingers or a pick to untangle any knots while your hair is drying.

Combing/Brushing
• Use a brush whose bristles are made from natural animal hairs, it is softer and more flexible which means less damage will be done to your hair.

• Hair is most fragile when it is wet so avoid brushing or combing when it's wet, or else it will cause breakage, wait until your hair is almost completely dry before brushing it.

• Use brushes/combs with widely spaced bristles/teeth and smooth tips. Sharp tooth combs can damage your hair, cause split ends, and scratch your scalp.

• To keep your brushes and combs clean, wash them weekly using soap or shampoo.

• Comb your hair to remove any tangles before brushing it.

• Begin by combing your hair gently at the ends to get any tangles out and work your way up to the base of your hair.

• Always brush/comb with a downwards stroke.

• Avoid using plastic brushes/combs which create static electricity

• Shampooing and Conditioning
• Buy shampoos & conditioners that match your hair type, trial and error is the best way to find out what specific hair product is best for your hair.

• Shower with warm water, hot water can dry and/or irritate the scalp.

• It is important to wash your hair, shampooing removes dirt, dead skin cells, hair oils, any hair products you may put into your hair.

• When shampooing, rinse your hair out before applying any shampoo to remove any dust, dirt, and any other foreign items, then apply the shampoo onto your scalp and massage it gently with your finger tips and work your way outwards. After you are done make sure that you thouroughly rinse out your hair to remove any shampoo residue that may be left. Shampoo residue may dry your scalp/hair and or attract dirt. It is recommended that you only lather once to avoid drying your hair out, if you have oily hair, lathering again may stimulate your oil glands to create even more oil than normal.

• You should wash your hair as often as you feel necessary to keep it clean, but a general rule is for oily hair you should wash it every day or every other day and for dry hair only wash it 2-3 times a week.

• Try rotating the shampoo and conditioner periodically, your hair responds differently to different products.

• Use a conditioner after shampooing, it'll moisturize your hair, give it extra protection, add shine, reduce static, and makes it easier to untangle.

• Use a leave in conditioner, it'll hydrate and protect your hair. A leave in conditioner on your hair is the equivalent of moisturizer on your face.

• When conditioning your hair, try to spread conditioner evenly through out your hair and leave it in for a couple of minutes before rinsing out your hair.

• Put the conditioner in at about an inch away from the scalp, the roots of your hair contain the most oils and usually don't need the extra conditioning.

• Be gentle when shampooing and conditioning, don't use excessive force rubbing your hair, remember hair is most vunerable when wet.

Source : http://www.haircareguide.com

10 tips for women to stay fit and healthy

Fitness for Women- Stay Fit and Healthy!

Here are 10 tips for women to stay fit and healthy:

1. Staying fit and healthy starts with a balanced diet. Know and monitor the right weight for your age. Consult your doctor to learn what food you should avoid and follow your eating discipline routines. If you are trying to lose some weight, foods with high calories should be omitted from your meals. Food with high fiber and low fat should be included a priority in your grocery list instead of red meat, sugars and fats.

2. Drink plenty of water. Drinking at least eight glasses of water everyday. This cleanses the body from impurities. It is also advised for lactating women to increase water intake to keep the body hydrated.

3. Take Vitamins and Supplements. Do not forget your Calcium supplement. Sufficient Calcium intake is beneficial for women of all ages. This has been proven to prevent having cramps and Pre-Menstrual Period (PMS) Symptoms. It also prevents Osteoporosis especially for menopausal women. Vitamin E boosts strong immune system. Women who undergo menopausal period should take Vitamin E-400 as it stops night sweats and hot flashes. Also, Vitamin E is said to be best in avoiding wrinkles when aging.

4. Quit smoking. If you are smoking, stop. It is also a big “NO” for pregnant women, as this will affect the health of the baby. Pregnant women who smoke may pass the harmful content of cigarettes to babies through the bloodstream. Recent studies have shown that women smokers are more prone to diseases than men smokers. Women who smoke have a high risk of getting breast cancer. Also limit your alcohol intake.

5. Incorporate exercises in your daily routine. Take a walk after work, use stairs instead of elevator or play with your kids when you are at home. Home exercises are also effective especially when you do not have time to go to the gym and would like to lose some weight. Yoga and Pilates are only a few of the many effective exercises you can do at home. Exercises help in limiting the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

6. Avoid stress. Many women are prone to too much stress. Stress has been known as cause to many sicknesses. As much as possible take time to relax. Read a good book, hang out with friends and engage into sports. Pamper yourself by going to parlors or you can do some shopping. And do not forget to get enough sleep to revive your energy.

7. Use sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Wear hats when under the sun to protect your skin. Too much sun is bad for your skin. The skin is prone to cancer when exposed to too much sunlight. It also speeds up the aging of skin cells, which causes wrinkles to women.

8. Make sure to visit your dentist to keep that beautiful smile. Always have it cleaned to prevent cavities and bad breath.

9. Visit your Gynecologist. Women who are eighteen and above should have their Physical Examination annually especially for the Pap Smear test. Women who are forty and up should have their mammograms and the Breast self-exam is encouraged once puberty has been reached and should be a habit as they mature

10. Safe sex is strongly recommended. Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Source :http://healthnutritionwellness.com

5 Ways to Maintain Your Vehicle

By using the easy tips in 5 ways to maintain your vehicle you can prolong the life of your vehicle. Car maintenance a priority.

Whether having your vehicle serviced regularly or attempting to tackle the job on your own, keeping your vehicle in good working condition will maximize its performance and help you to save on costly repairs down the road.



Check your brakes

The brake system in your vehicle is imperative for keeping you and your loved ones safe. Common signs of brake problems include a high-pitched screeching sound when applying the brakes, brakes that are not as responsive as they should be, a pedal that 'sinks' towards the floor, vibration on the brake pedal or a grinding metallicsound. If you experience any of these signs, drop by your local Canadian Tire so an experienced mechanic can take a look.

Top up 'vital fluids'

Keeping your vehicle running well requires constant monitoring of vital fluids. Fluids that should be monitored and topped up on a regular basis include:

• Engine oil

• Transmission fluid

• Engine coolant

• Power steering fluid

• Brake fluid

• Windshield washer fluid

Replace shocks and struts

Ensuring your vehicle has adequate shocks and struts will increase your vehicle's safety and performance. Worn shocks and struts can cause uneven tire wear, damage suspension components, and cause unusual drift and sway to your vehicle.

Change your tires

With the harsh winters we've been experiencing, more Canadians have been relying on winter tires for increased safety in cold, wet weather. It is important that winter tires be replaced with all-season tires in the spring, as the rubber compound is different and performs differently in warmer temperatures. Driving on winter tires throughout the summer is hard on them and will decrease their lifespan.

Oil/ Air Filter Change

Your car's filters have a significant impact on engine life and performance – they also have an effect on fuel consumption and emissions.

While the oil filter's job is to remove oil contaminants, the air filter captures airborne contaminants, like bugs and dirt, preventing them from entering your engine. Left unchanged, dirty air and oil filters can lead to poor acceleration, lower gas mileage, poor engine performance and serious repairs.

Ensure your vehicle runs well this year and for years to come by visiting you local Canadian Tire auto service department for more tips and maintenance products.

Source :http://news.carjunky.com

First Aid Kit Essentials

Graphic Source : http://www.lifesafetyinstitute.net

Why do I need a first aid kit?

Falls, bee stings, burns, allergic reactions -- all of these are common accidents that can happen in any home or on any outing. That’s where a first aid kit comes in. When you have a well-stocked first aid kit, you have the supplies you need to be ready for most minor emergencies.

Putting a kit together is as simple as placing some basic items in a small container, such as a plastic tub, tool kit or tote bag. Keep one in your medicine cabinet at home, making sure it’s out of young children’s reach.


What do I need in a first aid kit?

Here’s a breakdown of some supplies every first aid kit needs.

Dressings and bandages:

* 25 adhesive bandages of various sizes (brand names: Band-Aid, Curad, others)
* 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
* 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 3 inches)
* Gauze roll
* Eye shield or pad
* Roll of adhesive tape
* Elastic bandage (brand names: ACE, Coban, others) for wrapping wrist, elbow, ankle and knee injuries (3 to 4 inches wide)
* 2 triangular bandages for wrapping injuries and making arm slings
* Sterile cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs

Equipment and other supplies:

* 2 pair latex or non-latex gloves (These should be worn any time you may be at risk of contact with blood or body fluid of any type.)
* Instant cold pack
* 5 safety pins to easily fasten splints and bandages
* Turkey baster or other suction device to flush out wounds
* Aluminum finger splint
* Syringe and medicine spoon for giving specific doses of medicine
* Thermometer
* Tweezers to remove ticks, insect stingers and small splinters
* Scissors for cutting gauze
* Breathing barrier for giving CPR
* Blanket
* Hand sanitizer (liquid and/or wipes)
* First aid manual
* List of emergency numbers

Medicine for cuts and injuries:

* Antiseptic solution or wipes, such as hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine (one brand name: Betadine) or chlorhexidine (one brand name: Betasept)
* Antibiotic ointment (brand names: Neosporin, Bactroban) that contain ingredients such as bacitracin or mupirocin
* Sterile eyewash or saline, such as contact lens saline solution
* Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy
* Hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion for itching

Other medicines:

* Pain and fever medicines, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin). (Note: Do not give children and teenagers aspirin, because it has been related to a potentially serious disease called Reye's syndrome in children under the age of 18.)
* Antihistamine (one brand name: Benadryl) to treat allergies and swelling
* Decongestants to treat nasal congestion
* Anti-nausea medicine to treat motion sickness and other types of nausea
* Anti-diarrhea medicine
* Antacid to treat upset stomach
* Laxative to treat constipation

Think about any special needs in your family, such as those of a child or elderly person, as well as allergies or diseases. Add supplies as needed for these conditions. Also, be sure to refill your kit with any supplies you have used or that may have expired.

Source :http://familydoctor.org

Guide about Sports Nutrition

Graphic Source : http://www.gnc.com




If you're a competitive athlete or a fitness buff, improving your sports performance is probably on your mind. Lots of people wonder if taking sports supplements could offer fast, effective results without so much hard work. But do sports supplements really work? And are they safe?
What Are Sports Supplements?

Sports supplements (also called ergogenic aids) are products used to enhance athletic performance that may include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, or botanicals (plants) — or any concentration, extract, or combination of these. These products are generally available over the counter without a prescription.

Sports supplement are considered a dietary supplement. Dietary supplements do not require U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval before they come on the market. Supplement manufacturers do have to follow the FDA's current good manufacturing practices to ensure quality and safety of their product, though. And the FDA is responsible for taking action if a product is found to be unsafe after it has gone on the market.

Critics of the supplement industry point out cases where manufacturers haven't done a good job of following standards. They also mention instances where the FDA hasn't enforced regulations. Both of these can mean that supplements contain variable amounts of ingredients or even ingredients not listed on the label.

Some over-the-counter medicines and prescription medications, including anabolic steroids, are used to enhance performance but they are not considered supplements. Although medications are FDA approved, using medicines — even over-the-counter ones — in ways other than their intended purpose puts the user at risk of serious side effects. For example, teen athletes who use medications like human growth hormone (hGH) that haven't been prescribed for them may have problems with development and hormone levels.

Lots of sports organizations have developed policies on sports supplements. The National Football League (NFL), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have banned the use of steroids, ephedra, and androstenedione by their athletes, and competitors who use them face fines, ineligibility, and suspension from their sports.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) strongly recommends that student athletes consult with their doctor before taking any supplement.

Common Supplements and How They Affect the Body


Whether you hear about sports supplements from your teammates in the locker room or the sales clerk at your local vitamin store, chances are you're not getting the whole story about how supplements work, if they are really effective, and the risks you take by using them.

Androstenedione and DHEA

Androstenedione (also known as andro) and dehydroepiandrosterone (also known as DHEA) are prohormones or "natural steroids" that can be broken down into testosterone. When researchers studied these prohormones in adult athletes, DHEA and andro did not increase muscle size, improve strength or enhance performance.

The side effects of these "natural" steroid supplements like DHEA and andro aren't well known. But experts believe that, when taken in large doses, they cause effects similar to stronger anabolic steroids.

What is known is that andro and DHEA can cause hormone imbalances in people who use them. Both may have the same effects as taking anabolic steroids and may lead to dangerous side effects like testicular cancer, infertility, stroke, and an increased risk of heart disease. As with anabolic steroids, teens who use andro while they are still growing may not reach their full adult height. Natural steroid supplements can also cause breast development and shrinking of testicles in guys.
Creatine

Creatine is already manufactured by the body in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. It also occurs naturally in foods such as meat and fish. Creatine supplements are available over the counter, and teens make up a large portion of the supplement's users.

People who take creatine usually take it to improve strength, but the long-term and short-term effects of creatine use haven't been studied in teens and kids. Research in adults found that creatine is most effective for athletes doing intermittent high-intensity exercise with short recovery intervals, such as sprinting and power lifting. However, researchers found no effect on athletic performance in nearly a third of athletes studied. Creatine has not been found to increase endurance or improve aerobic performance.

The most common side effects of creatine supplements include weight gain, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and muscle cramps. People with kidney problems should not use creatine because it may affect kidney function. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that people younger than 18 years old do not use creatine. If you are considering using creatine, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits, as well as appropriate dosing.
Fat burners

Fat burners (sometimes known as thermogenics) were often made with an herb called ephedra, also known as ephedrine or ma huang, which acts as a stimulant and increases metabolism. Some athletes use fat burners to lose weight or to increase energy — but ephedra-based products can be one of the most dangerous supplements. Evidence has shown that it can cause heart problems, stroke, and occasionally even death.

Because athletes and others have died using this supplement, ephedra has been taken off the market. Since the ban, "ephedra-free" products have emerged, but they often contain ingredients with ephedra-like properties, including bitter orange or country mallow. Similar to ephedra, these supplements can cause high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and seizures.

Many of these products also contain caffeine, along with other caffeine sources (such as yerba mate and guarana). This combination may lead to restlessness, anxiety, racing heart, irregular heart beat, and increases the chance of having a life-threatening side effect.
Will Supplements Make Me a Better Athlete?

Sports supplements haven't been tested on teens and kids. But studies on adults show that the claims of many supplements are weak at best. Most won't make you any stronger, and none will make you any faster or more skillful.

Many factors go into your abilities as an athlete — including your diet, how much sleep you get, genetics and heredity, and your training program. But the fact is that using sports supplements may put you at risk for serious health conditions. So instead of turning to supplements to improve your performance, concentrate on nutrition and follow a weight-training and aerobic-conditioning program.
Tips for Dealing With Athletic Pressure and Competition

Advertisements for sports supplements often use persuasive before and after pictures that make it look easy to get a muscular, toned body. But the goal of supplement advertisers is to make money by selling more supplements, and many claims may be misleading. Teens and kids may seem like an easy sell on supplements because they may feel dissatisfied or uncomfortable with their still-developing bodies, and many supplement companies try to convince teens that supplements are an easy solution.

Don't waste your money on expensive and dangerous supplements. Instead, try these tips for getting better game:

* Make downtime a priority. Studies show that teens need more than 8 hours of sleep a night, and sleep is important for athletes. Organize time for sleep into your schedule by doing as much homework as possible on the weekend or consider cutting back on after-school job hours during your sports season.

* Try to relax. Your school, work, and sports schedules may have you sprinting from one activity to the next, but taking a few minutes to relax can be helpful. Meditating or visualizing your success during the next game may improve your performance; sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing can give you a brief break and prepare you for your next activity.

* Choose good eats. Fried, fatty, or sugary foods will interfere with your performance. Instead, focus on eating foods such as lean meats, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products. Celebrating with the team at the local pizza place after a big game is fine once in a while. But for most meals and snacks, choose healthy foods to keep your weight in a healthy range and your performance at its best.

* Eat often. Sometimes people skip breakfast or have an early lunch, then try to play a late afternoon game. Not getting enough food to fuel an activity can quickly wear you out — and even place you at risk for injury or muscle fatigue. Be sure to eat lunch on practice and game days. If you feel hungry before the game, pack easy-to-carry, healthy snacks in your bag, such as fruit, trail mix, or string cheese. It's important to eat well after a workout.

* Avoid harmful substances. Smoking will diminish your lung capacity and your ability to breathe, alcohol can make you sluggish and tired, and can impair your hand-eye coordination and reduce your alertness. And you can kiss your team good-bye if you get caught using drugs or alcohol — many schools have a no-tolerance policy for harmful substances.

* Train harder and smarter. If you get out of breath easily during your basketball game and you want to increase your endurance, work on improving your cardiovascular conditioning. If you think more leg strength will help you excel on the soccer field, consider weight training to increase your muscle strength. Before changing your program, though, get advice from your doctor.

* Consult a professional. If you're concerned about your weight or whether your diet is helping your performance, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian who can evaluate your nutrition and steer you in the right direction. Coaches can help too. And if you're still convinced that supplements will help you, talk to your doctor or a sports medicine specialist. The doc will be able to offer alternatives to supplements based on your body and sport.

Source : http://kidshealth.org