Investing in stocks comes with its share of risks, which is why you have to understand the market and all the available options. While small companies offer affordable stocks, they can be volatile and carry a higher risk. Alternatively, you can opt for big companies that offer expensive stocks at a lower risk. Regardless, if you are looking to diversify your investment for better long-term outcomes, here are some of the best stocks: 

Visa Inc.
Visa is a company that enables payments through debit and credit cards. The cards are issued by the company, which coordinates with the merchant and the bank to ensure a smooth transfer of funds. The company is one of the top card companies in the world, and there are many factors that have contributed to its success, including global travel and a shift towards plastic money and digital payments. Currently, Visa is the number one leading payment processor in the world. The company was founded back in 1958 and currently offers services in more than 200 countries worldwide. 

Microsoft Corp.
Microsoft is one of the big five technology companies in the world. The tech giant has been developing software, hardware, applications, and games since 1975. The company is also responsible for the creation of the Windows operating system. It is also the mastermind behind the Office tools used in many workplaces globally. In 2016, the company also launched its own cloud computing software Azure which has also generated a lot of revenue for the company. Microsoft is also positioned to acquire new software that will be competing with the metaverse, and experts believe that the company is only going to grow in the future. It is believed to be a reliable long-term investment.

Lowe’s Cos. Inc.
Lowe’s is another company that has kept up its performance even during the recessions and is one of the best stocks to invest in for long-term growth. The company is one of the most well-known names across the globe. It produces home improvement products and has been consistently popular ever since it was founded in 1946. This, of course, is a feat in itself. The recession of 2020 had seen many hardware stores across the country close down. However, Lowe’s has managed to not only keep its profits but has also been able to multiply its stores in recent times. 

Meta Platforms Inc.
Meta, formerly Facebook, Inc., is one of the largest companies in the world. Recently, the company expanded from online social media applications and software to focus on building virtual reality and other advanced technology. The newly birthed company has seen some losses since its inception, however, it shows potential for long-term investment. The tech giant has also branched out into creating electronics and tech to be sold. 

UnitedHealth
UnitedHealth is one of the largest healthcare companies in the world. The company offers insurance, healthcare, healthcare software, data consultancy, and other services. The stock for this company has been listed on the S&P 500 as well as the Dow Jones index. If you are looking to expand your investment portfolio into healthcare, this is a great option to check out. The healthcare firm also pays dividends to its shareholders on a quarterly basis. In 2022, the company is estimated to have a revenue of roughly $317–$320 billion.

Live bacteria and yeast come under the category of probiotics. Probiotics are helpful bacteria that aid in digestion and improves your immunity system. Probiotics help in preventing and curing urinary tract infection (UTI). So probiotic-based products should be a regular part of women's diet since UTI majorly affect women. If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, probiotics can help to regulate your bowel movement. Also, a probiotic-rich diet can help in preventing eczema in young children. Apart from these health benefits, a regular intake of probiotic-based products aids in fighting diseases that might occur due to consumption of unhealthy or contaminated food. Probiotics should be a part of your regular diet. Periodic intake of probiotic-based products will help to keep your body healthy and fight diseases. Here are four top-rated probiotic-based products that you can include in your regular diet.Yogurt-based products: Yogurt is one of the most essential and simplest probiotic-rich food. It is full of live active bacteria culture, which is very healthy for your gut. You can get store-bought yogurt-based drinks and beverages. Or you can make your own yogurt-based drinks. You can whip up smoothies and shakes, which you can have it on-the-go or to satiate your snack cravings. You can make Greek yogurt or plain yogurt or flavored yogurt as a part of your lunch. You can also have frozen fruit-flavored yogurt as a dessert-substitute. Kefir-based products: A dairy-based product similar to yogurt, kefir is made from milk and kefir grains that have been fermented over time. The probiotic content of kefir-based products is higher than yogurt as kefir is fermented using a combination of yeast and bacteria. A bit tart and tangy, kefir can be consumed in its milk form or used to make soups and smoothies. Apple cider vinegar-based products: Along with helping in weight loss, controlling cholesterol and diabetes, apple cider vinegar has great probiotic content. You can take it in it in its liquid form: a quarter teaspoon everyday. Or you can use it as a salad dressing. You can also use apple cider vinegar in your marinades and sauces. Kvass-based products: Kvass is made by the fermentation of rye or barley. These days you can find kvass made from carrots and beets as well. Mildly sour, kvass cleanse your blood and liver. Originally consume in beverage form; however, you can get kvass milk and even make kvass-based soups, which is a Russian dish called as okroshka.

Injuries due to accidents at work is a common scenario these days. However, recovering from such accidents can leave a big dent in your finances due to the soaring prices for medical services. If such a situation were to ever occur, then remember that you will require the assistance of a workers’ compensation lawyer. This type of attorneys can help employees claim compensation for their injuries, including healthcare expenses and lost wages. If your injuries are trivial and if the company is taking full monetary responsibility regarding your medical bills and wages then you do not require a workers’ compensation lawyer. However, if your injuries are serious and you have some disagreements regarding the compensation offered, in order to safeguard your monetary interests, it is best to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. Duties of a workers’ compensation lawyer The primary duty of a workers’ compensation lawyer is to help the claimant by securing their monetary benefits. They can achieve this by –

• Gathering relevant research involving medical records, evidence, depositions of the claimants, physicians, and witnesses.
• Drafting important legal documents like briefs, opinions, pleadings, and findings of fact.
• Representing the client in the court of law.
• Guiding the client through the entire claims process.
• Maintaining communication with all the involved parties.
• Negotiating on the behalf of the client.

Skills required in a workers’ compensation lawyer The workers’ compensation lawyer you hire should have a certain form of expertise and qualities, including –

• Solid experience in handling similar cases and trials.
• Stronghold on workers’ compensation laws, procedures, and latest developments.
• Brilliant written and oral communication skills.
• Smart negotiation skills.
• Deep understanding of multiple working environments and how they can be unsafe for workers.
• Sensitivity toward the client.

Fees charged by workers’ compensation lawyer Usually, the fees charged by workers’ compensation lawyer are determined according to the settlement amount received. It can be anywhere from 10% to 35% of the entire settlement based on the factors mentioned below –

• Lawyer’s basic fees.
• Type of case and how complex it is, i.e., the severity of the injury caused and the conflicts surrounding it.
• The time it took to settle the case.

Likewise, as every state has its own set of laws and regulations, the attorney fees will vary according to the location.

Rugs are an important part of home décor. They are used for ornamental purposes to brighten up a room or to warm up the floor in colder places. While carpets and rugs are used interchangeably at times, they are different since carpets span the entire floor while rugs cover specific floor areas and are called area rugs too. They are chosen based on how they look and feel as well as their ability to provide warmth and comfort. Apart from this, rugs increase the longevity of the carpet by avoiding its direct contact with traffic, spills, and abrasive soil. Rugs are classified and used on the basis of their material. Following are different materials that are used to manufacture area rugs: Woolen rugs- Woolen rugs are one of the most durable kinds and a popular choice among homeowners. The versatility of wool allows an endless amount of options, plus allowing it to hold its appearance for a long time. Wool naturally repels liquid due to its dense property. They absorb moisture enabling for a quick cleanup, thereby avoiding permanent damage. Cotton rugs- Similar to woolen rugs but comparatively less dense, cotton rugs dye easily leading to a plethora of color options. They are usually braided and flat weaved and are a softer alternative to jute and sisal rugs. Cotton rugs are suitable for living areas with maximum traffic as they are durable and machine-washable. Being cheaper than woolen rugs, they are a good choice for families with a budget limit. Synthetic fiber rugs- These types of rugs are typically machine-made. Woven on a power loom, synthetic rugs can be customized to suit the desired size, colors, patterns, etc. There are three types of synthetic rugs- nylon rugs, olefin rugs, and polyester rugs. Synthetic rugs are durable and can withstand heavy traffic. They also have a nice sheen to their appearance. Hair-on-hide rugs- These types of rugs are woven by skilled artisans. Hair-on-hide rugs offer a contemporary and an organic look. Its sophisticated color palette can fit various home aesthetics. Hair-on-hide manufacturing uses cowhide to create different patterns which are eventually stitched together and glued to a cotton-latex. It is recommended to rotate the rugs periodically for even wear. The material is the most important factor when it comes to selecting the best rugs for your living space. Hence pay close attention to the pros and cons of each fabric before making your choice.

A Cooktop range refers to appliances which include both cooktop and oven in a single appliance. The purchase of a range is a big investment and it impacts the style, day to day functionality and usability of your kitchen. Depending on your choice of gas ranges or electric cooktops, you need to consider the following:

• Type - The first thing to consider is the type, based on the fuel used to operate the appliance. Ranges can be either natural gas or electricity operated, but there are some that come with dual fuel mode, that is, they have both gas burner as well as an electric oven. Electric ovens are preferred over gas, for their ability to maintain an even and consistent temperature. On the other hand, versatility and fast response time make gas cooktops a preferred option for serious cookers.
• Slide-in vs Freestanding- Freestanding models are less expensive. The slide-in ones, on the other hand, have unfinished sides and the oven controls are on the front. The counters are overlapped by the top, designed to surround it. Slide-in ranges are also easier to clean.
• Size- Most ranges are 30 inches wide. 36inches Pro-style ranges are also available. Certain large pro-style models are available too but are very expensive. They have extra burners and a larger oven capacity.
• Capacity- Oven space which is usable, varies widely depending on two factors. If you are an entrepreneur or an avid baker, make sure to compare the oven capacities of the models you are considering. Generally, 2-3 cubic feet is enough for one to two people and for three to four people, 3-4 cubic feet is sufficient.
• Other options- The other options or features to consider when buying a cooking range are safety, such as warning lights, control lock function etc. Safety features for cooktops are especially useful and essential for families with small children.

Keep the above in mind when buying a cooktop range!

Also known as Albert-Bazin syndrome or granuloma fungoides, mycosis fungoides are a form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which is a type of skin cancer caused due to the uncontrolled growth of a type of white blood cells called T-cells. The disease affects the skin but might progress internally over time and develop into something that is more serious. The symptoms of Mycosis fungoides range from a simple rash to itchy and persistent hard scaly plaques that might develop tumors. Diagnosing mycosis fungoides If the skin rash is persistent and does not subside after taking prescribed medications, then the doctors might ask for a biopsy test. Under this test, the doctor will take a small portion of the skin rash and examine it under a microscope to see if it has a malignant growth. Several biopsies might be needed to confirm the same. The doctors will also take blood samples to count the number of red blood cells and platelets, and specifically count the number of T white blood cells. A laboratory test called as flow cytometry measures the number of live blood cells in a sample of blood. It also looks for certain characteristics of blood cells such as its shape, size, and the presence of a tumor that makes it carcinogenic. To confirm the same, a group of cells or tissue is stained with a light-sensitive dye and passed through a laser. Treating mycosis fungicides People stay in remission for a long time even if the disease is not cured completely. The early stages of mycosis fungicides are treated with normal medications and therapies that only target your skin. If not cured, then doctors or oncologists might use a different approach. Topical creams, gels, and lotions These are used for treating the early phases of this disease. The doctors will prescribe corticosteroids, vitamin medicines called as retinoids. They might also use chemotherapy medications to clear the rashes on the skin to control the growth of cancer. Phototherapy This therapy uses ultraviolet rays of light to heal the skin. The patient might sometimes be required to take specific medications beforehand to make the T-cells more sensitive to light. Radiation therapy might be used for more advanced stages. This involves an electron beam that will specifically target the rashes on the skin and burn the cancerous growth on it. Photopheresis This therapy also involves the use of ultraviolet rays; however, instead of exposing the skin to ultraviolet light, the blood is passed through a machine that takes out T-cells. The blood is treated with certain medications and then exposed to ultraviolet rays.