Internet connectivity has become the need of the hour. In fact, many consider it a basic necessity that is instrumental in shaping a child’s education and outlook. The federal government recognizes this importance and has introduced discounted credit programs to help cut down the ownership cost of an Internet connection. On that note, here are some useful tips and the best Internet providers that offer student Wi-Fi deals at affordable prices. Key features to consider while comparing student Wi-Fi plans Here are the key benefits and features to compare:

• Compare benefits Students cannot afford expensive subscriptions, so they should compare telecommunication services that partner with federal government programs to provide high-speed Internet. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is one of the best benefits for students coming from low-income households, currently offering credit for Internet plans.
• Check connection speed In today’s day and age of high-fiber-speed Internet connectivity, don’t settle for anything less than 30 Mbps for a basic connection. This is the necessary bandwidth to comfortably connect multiple devices and configure online sessions or lectures in decent streaming quality. If higher bandwidth plans qualify for the subsidy, then you don’t have to worry about bandwidth.
• Consider bundles Some service providers also offer bundles applicable to discounted student Wi-Fi plans. These bundles combine Internet and TV streaming services for a single price. So, opt for such plans if the provider offers these additional benefits at no extra charge. However, note that only a few discounted student Wi-Fi plans support bundles as part of the Internet benefit program.

Featured service providers for student Wi-Fi plans These are the top services that partner with federal programs to offer affordable connectivity solutions:

• Xfinity student Wi-Fi plans Xfinity is one of the preferred providers, offering a wide range of Internet plans that students can subscribe to. Xfinity’s reliable connection ensures better bandwidth, allowing you to connect multiple devices and not worry about latency or lag issues. Moreover, the DIY starter kit is easy to install and configure. But the service is mainly preferred by students, owing to Xfinty’s Internet Essentials program, which features two plans priced at $9.95 per month and $29.95 per month, respectively. Get 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps to 20 Mbps upload speed with these basic but effective Internet plans. The plan also includes all the accessories and tools for installation without any contractual obligations or lock-in periods. Xfinity partners with colleges and universities to make these discounted plans worth buying. Alternatively, you can check out slightly premium off-campus plans starting at $55 per month that offer multiple services for Internet and streaming under one bundle.
• Cox Communications Cox Connect2Compete is a special-access, affordable Internet assistance program that helps students avail themselves of high latency data with no speed restrictions up to 100 Mbps over a secure server. The connection is priced at just $9.95 per month and includes the modem and EasyConnect self-installation kit. This plan is only available to families of students who are currently receiving benefits under the federal government's K12 Online Public School Programs. Students can connect to attend classes and virtual sessions with uninterrupted and reliable internet connectivity. Most importantly, no term contracts or agreements specify a lock-in period for the subscription. But there is a data cap of 1.25TB on a single connection for the 100 Mbps plan. However, this data cap is rarely breached, so this is a good deal for young children and teenagers in high school.
• Spectrum One of the key highlights of Spectrum’s services is the Internet Assist program for low-income households. Working professionals and students alike can easily qualify for discounted Internet plans with 30 Mbps speed on a low-bandwidth server. With the connection, you also get the modem and accessories necessary completely free of charge. And to secure the connection, you will get an antivirus and Internet security suite that comes preinstalled with the kit. So, all told, for $19.99 per month, this is a deal that should not be overlooked. Alternatively, Spectrum also features the Internet 100 plan, in which students and eligible low-income households can avail themselves of reimbursements for existing high-speed plans. The offer applies to Spectrum’s plans ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, with a maximum credit of $30 per month over the plan subscription. So, for the basic plan that costs $29.95 per month, pre-qualified applicants can utilize the credit and avail of free Internet with no data cap, speed, or bandwidth restrictions.
• AT&T Internet plans AT&T also partners with the federal program, offering affordable Internet connectivity with credit lines up to $30 per month available on all eligible ACP Internet plans. Some of the key highlights include a minimum speed of 100 Mbps, unlimited connectivity, no installation fees, no contact, and no initial deposit. Even the basic equipment used to activate the Internet connection is included in the subscription at no cost. Students can also choose a DSL or fiber connection, depending on the selected plan. Note that the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit can only be used if household income is 200% or below the set limit, according to the federal poverty guidelines. In addition, any family member is already enrolled for qualifying federal assistance. These rules and guidelines will vary from state to state.

Apart from these featured providers, you can check out services like Frontier, Optimum, Mediacom, T-Mobile, and Verizon FIOS. You can avail yourself of discounts on student Wi-Fi plans in the range of $10 to $20 per month, depending on the provider, available plans, and location.

Keeping your dogs safe from fleas and ticks can be an exhausting job. The constant scratching and biting can be tiring and unhealthy. Not only this, it can bring down the mood of your furry friend, affecting the whole household. Therefore, it is better to stay prepared in case of an unforeseen pest attack. This article talks about some effective and accessible natural remedies that will give you and your dogs some much-needed relief. Home remedies for fleas and ticks in dogs

• Natural oils Natural or essential oils must be diluted first, after which you can use them as a spray or a pre-bath rinse. Alternatively, you can dilute them with carrier oils and massage them into their coat. Whatever you do, make sure to get your vet’s approval beforehand.
• Garlic Garlic has various nutritional benefits apart from being an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent. Don’t get too concerned about its strong odor. Add a small amount of crushed garlic to your pet's food and watch this natural remedy work its magic.
• Vinegar Another natural remedy that is not only easily accessible but can double up as a flea and tick repellant for dogs is vinegar. You can dilute it with water and use it as a spray. Or, if your dog does not mind its taste, add very small amounts of it to their drinking water. Similarly, you can also make use of apple cider vinegar.

While these are all commonly used natural remedies, some pet parents prefer trying medicated ointments or powders to help their dogs get rid of fleas and ticks. It is recommended to consult a vet to know the best course of action before proceeding. Medications for fleas and ticks in dogs

• FRONTLINE® Plus A powerful topical solution, it can beat ticks and fleas at all stages of their lifecycle. The formula is composed of two primary ingredients: fipronil and (S)-methoprene. FRONTLINE® Plus offers protection against future infestation for as long as 30 days. You can buy it in doses of three months, six months, or nine months. After the application, take care that your dog stays dry for 48 hours.
• NexGard® NexGard® is a perfectly safe FDA-approved chewable medication that your dogs might actually welcome. The beef-flavored pill fights different types of ticks: the brown ticks, the black-legged ticks, the Lone Star ticks, and the American dog tick.
• Simparica Trio™ Simparica Trio™ is another reliable chewable medication. Composed of moxidectin, pyrantel, and sarolaner, these are also effective against roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm disease. The FDA-approved medicine can be safely administered in pups as young as eight weeks as long as they weigh 2.8lbs. Tests confirm that the effects of this oral medication can be seen in eight hours.
• BRAVECTO® BRAVECTO® offers chewable tablets and topical solutions for tick and flea protection for dogs of all ages and breeds. A single dose is effective for a period of 12 weeks. You can give the chewable tablet mixed in pet food or apply the topical solution directly to their skin between the shoulder blades for long-term flea and tick management.

Pet owners can also try purchasing a flea collar for their four-legged companions. Developed by Bayer, a German pharmaceutical company, Seresto is one of the most popular flea and tick collars. It works by releasing medicine on the dog’s hair and skin surface, offering protection against fleas, ticks, and lice continuously for eight months. Seresto flea collar is designed to be convenient, non-greasy, and odorless, but strong enough to kill or repel fleas and ticks, kill lice, and even treat and control sarcoptic mange on dogs.

Exchange-traded Funds (ETF) have grown into a huge network of investment options. They provide the advantage of choosing from international stocks and the leading players in the stock market. ETFs include stocks, bonds, commodities, and more. These funds operate in the same way as mutual funds. Investors consider ETF as a low-cost strategy for building an optimal portfolio. Here is a list of the top exchange-traded funds. Exchange-traded funds are an effective way of growing your assets.  SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) SDPR is one of the most heavily traded ETFs in the country. This fund is also one of the easy ways to purchase long-term stocks that most often stay high over a long time. SPDR S&P 500 ETF is an ETR that tracks the index of a diversified group that contains several large-cap American companies across various industries. Investing in this billion fund ETF can help you get exposure to some best stocks from industries such as healthcare, communication, IT, etc.  Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) Invesco QQQ Trust is an ETF that offers exposure to the top-notch American stocks of the Nasdaq stock market. QQQ has been widely used as a trading vehicle by several investors. This exchange-traded fund gives you access to an index of Nasdaq 100 companies in a single investment. The index includes top-performing companies such as Google, Amazon, Netflix, Facebook, etc.  Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF comprises a variety of stocks, including small, mid, and large-cap stocks. It gives you exposure to thousands of stocks on the American stock market. VTI is associated with several sectors, including finance, information technology, healthcare, etc. Their significant top holding includes Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.  Fidelity Quality Factor ETF (FQAL) FQAL is an EPT that tracks the index of mid and large-capitalization companies with a high-quality profile. Large-cap stocks of FQAL include corporate giants such as Apple, Microsoft, and Alphabet Inc. FQAL has earned a five-star rating from CFRA (an independent investment research firm) for a strong performance record and average expense ratio. The index of Fidelity Quality Factor ranks companies based on factors such as cash flow stability and profitability.  Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF (PFIX) Simplify interest Rate Hedge is an ETF with more than 300 million dollars in assets under management. It has been observed among the great performing exchange-traded funds of the year. Simplify aims to benefit investors by providing effective methods to profit from interest rates. They intend to expose large upward moves in interest rate volatility directly.  iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) This ETF focuses on small cap US stocks, and the index comprises two thousand small capitalization companies. Active investors can consider iShare Russel as a way of accessing a long-term buy-and-hold portfolio. By investing in this ETF, you may get access to two thousand small-cap stocks in a single fund.  Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF (LEAD) With over $56 million of assets under management, the Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend Index comprises large-cap companies in various sectors. Their top holding includes popular firms such as MasterCard Inc. and Nordson Corp. The index of Siren DIVCON is designed to select the large-cap companies that have the highest possibility of increasing their dividends in the next twelve months. 

Everything, when practiced in moderation, helps us lead a normal life which is devoid of a majority of problems one faces. However, even in our bid to lead a healthy life, the very process of trying to keep ourselves fit can end up putting ourselves in danger. It happens when we try too hard to push the boundaries set by our body in order to attain our goal quicker than it is humanly possible. This is quite common among athletes or fitness enthusiasts who push themselves to test their endurance. At times, the results are quite favorable, and at times it can go horribly wrong. Fitness enthusiasts, especially runners, are quite familiar with shin splints. Shin splints are every runner's and athlete's nightmare. It is characterized by pain and tenderness in the lower half of the legs, especially the shin. Also, one can see bruises and small bumps appearing on the surface of the shin. Shin splints are a result of running on uneven surfaces or running for too long. Even sticking to your worn-out shoes can cause shin splints. However, shin splints can be treated. Here are some effective tips to treat shin splints.

• Cold compress- In case of muscular injury, doctors always advise to use a cold compress to reduce the pain. Cold compress works wonders by reducing the swelling, and the inflammation caused due to the injury. Use the cold compress for around 20 mins and wait for the swelling to subside. Also, keep a cloth between the ice pack and the skin to avoid a frostbite.
• Physical therapy- Another method to treat shin splints is to go in for physical therapy. The physical therapist will know which exercises are to be performed to help ease the pain caused by shin splints. One cannot expect a miracle overnight; the process will be a gradual one. The low-impact exercises will help reduce the pain and help facilitate easy movement after regular practice.
• Cherry juice- In order to relieve pain immediately, cherry juice is a potent way to treat shin splints. Cherry juice contains antioxidants called anthocyanins are known to reduce the inflammation caused by the injury. Cherry juice eases the soreness and excruciating pain caused by shin splints.
• Deep tissue massage- Massages are known to give a sense of relief to people. As a method of treating shin splints, people usually opt for deep tissue massage. Choose the essential oil of your choice and warm it. Massage it into the affected area, this will increase the circulation of blood to the part of the body and will relieve you of the misery inflicted by the injury.

Shin splints are mostly a result of reckless ways of exercising. So, set realistic goals for oneself.

Asthma, being a chronic condition, has no specific diagnosis or treatment, which is why identifying the causes will help better understand the symptoms.

Causes of asthma
Various allergies, smoking, consumption of tobacco, environmental factors, stress, tension, obesity, and even genetics can be leading causes of developing asthma symptoms with very few visual indicators to identify the cause.

Common symptoms of asthma

• One of the common symptoms of asthma is a dry cough with phlegm. Home remedies can give temporary relief until the severity of the condition can be diagnosed, and a recommended course of treatment can be prescribed for the same.
• A number of respiratory problems like difficulty in breathing, wheezing, respiratory infections, and shortness of breath are all caused due to the airways being blocked persistently, thus interrupting air flow going to your lungs.
• A cough is a very common symptom and does not necessarily indicate that a person might be in the beginning stages of developing asthmatic problems.
• However, a chronic cough is a clear indicator that the condition has been induced due to both internal and external allergens, which then is a clear cause for concern.

There are many ingredients that you can use at your home to counter at best cope with the after-effects fo asthma symptoms to alleviate some of the discomforts caused. Here are some easy home remedies you can incorporate into your daily diet to help tackle developing or even persistent asthma symptoms.
Parsley leaf: When it comes to herbal remedies, nothing beats parsley. Tea made from parley leaves will help soothe your throat and take care of any congestion that is causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Simple and very easy to make, parsley tea is a great remedy for respiratory symptoms of asthma.

Milk and olive oil: The combination of warm milk mixed with olive oil might not sound very appealing on the first onset; however, this has proven to be an effective natural remedy. A few garlic cloves added to this combination will open up blocked passageways without much effort or time invested.

Herbal tea: Two distinct ways of preparing herbal tea, one involves the use of licorice root, and the other is a combination of lime juice, crushed ginger, and herbal tea. Both will help tackle some of the moderate asthma symptoms, though the licorice recipe might taste a bit odd.

Bitter gourd juice: A tasty paste made by crushing basil leaves and mixing it with honey, incorporated into freshly extracted bitter gourd juice proves to be an effective remedy for people who are suffering from recurrent asthmatic attacks.

Soup: Soup not only is comfort food but also has time and time proven to be an effective remedy for asthma symptoms. Radish naturally has rich, strong properties, the juice of which when combined with some honey and freshly squeezed lemon will help in clearing up the respiratory tract. This helps open up the airways and aids in effective breathing.

Wild gooseberries: The juice of gooseberries, freshly squeezed when combined with honey not only makes a tasty drink, but also the combination helps tackle a number of asthma symptoms like a cough, wheezing, dry cough, and more.

Fruits: Fruits are rich in a number of vitamins and essential nutrients that are vital for the immune system which is why fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and oranges are all a great choice to prepare drinks which can help reduce the discomfort from various asthma symptoms. These fruits can also be combined to make tasty concoctions with lemon which is essentially rich in vitamin C.

Cooked vegetables: Inflammation of the airway is one of the most important symptoms of an asthma attack which is why vegetables which are rich in anti-inflammatory properties have been proven effective to reduce the discomfort. Onions are especially rich in anti-inflammatory properties which is why their consumption should be increased to help open up the airway and help with restoring normal breathing.

Honey: Honey is a very versatile ingredient which can be incorporated into any juice or mixture for providing long-term relief from asthma symptoms, provided it is consumed on a regular basis. A quick and natural remedy for asthma care, even a couple of spoonfuls every day will essentially do the trick.

Eucalyptus oil: A natural and very strong remedy when it comes to tackling many common asthma symptoms. Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in boiling water and take regular steams to help open up the nose canal and airways in your lungs to provide long-term relief. Simple and inexpensive, eucalyptus oil can be availed at any medical store.

Cloves and ginger: Both are rich in medicinal properties and being versatile ingredients, they can be incorporated into simple homemade recipes. Cloves and ginger can also be simply crushed and mixed with warm water and honey to provide good relief from recurrent or even persistent asthma symptoms.

Unlike cocktails such as margaritas and mojitos, which are quite popular, Moscow mule does not figure in most people's favored cocktail lists. Despite it being relatively unknown, the Moscow mule is one of the simplest cocktails that requires a pretty minimal number of ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, and lime. The Moscow mule is an all-weather drink. With the zesty-ness of lemon and coolness of beer, it makes for a perfect refreshing summer drink, while the heat of vodka and ginger makes it good enough to warm you up during the winters. Here are five Moscow mule recipes. We have the classic Moscow mule recipe and four variations to add an interesting spin to this no-frills drink.

• Classic Moscow mule: In a cocktail shaker, squeeze the juice of half a lime. Pour one ounce of vodka and four to six ounces of ginger beer. Shake it for 15 minutes. Pour the drink in a copper mug. Serve this classic Moscow mule in the mug with a slice of lime wedge placed on the rim.
• Gin mule: This Moscow mule recipe is quite common in the UK. The reason? Gin and ginger beer are the favorites among people in that region. This variation of Moscow mule uses gin instead of vodka. The rest of the ingredients and the method to make this cocktail is the same as the classic mule recipe.
• Mexican mule: This variation of Moscow mule works great as an alternative to your regular margarita. Replace vodka with tequila and add ginger beer. Squeeze fresh lime juice and shake everything together. Voila! Your tequila-spinned Mexican mule is ready.
• Skinny mule: This is a lighter version of the classic Moscow mule recipe. The skinny mule does not require ginger beer, instead you use freshly grated ginger. Add about one-eighth to    one-fourth freshly grated ginger with lime juice. Pour vodka and stir it. Add ice and sparkling water to have a light and refreshing skinny mule.
• Citrus mule: This is quite a versatile variation of the Moscow mule recipe. You can use different citrus fruits to make your own version of the citrus mule. Take half an ounce of fresh lime juice and fresh lemon juice, add one ounce of orange liqueur with two ounces of ginger beer and vodka and stir everything together. Add ice and garnish with grapefruit and roughly chopped mint. You can use blood oranges, clementines or Meyer lemons as per their availability and your preference.