Septic systems help dispose of household waste, treat the wastewater, and help prevent the contamination of surrounding land, groundwater and surface water. Proper maintenance of the septic system helps prevent these health hazards. Understanding septic systems Your septic system consists of many different parts that control the flow of wastes. Septic tanks All the waste water from your house flows into the septic tank. Solids sink to the bottom where bacteria breaks them down and converts the solids into gases and sludge. Lighter substances float up to the surface, forming a layer of scum on top. The outlet A T-shaped outlet regulates the outflow and prevents scum and sludge from flowing out of the tank. The drain field This is the area where pumped out wastewater is safely disposed. A network of pipes is laid out on a section of land with gravel-filled trenches. The water flows through the pipes, through the gravel, and then enters the ground. How to go about maintenance Proper septic system maintenance not only benefit individual households, but they prevent land and water contamination too. Inspection You should preferably have a maintenance contract with a septic system maintenance provider. Every year, you should call a professional to inspect the tank, sludge and scum levels. If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the T-shaped outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of this outlet, the inspector will alert you about the need to pump the tank. Besides this, if you notice any seepage, detect foul smells, have blocked drainages, hear gurgling sounds in the drain pipes and so on, call your septic system maintenance provider to carry out an inspection. Pump the tank Every three years, you need to pump the tank as this will keep the septic system in good working order. Good practices to help maintain the health of your septic system All the wastewater you generate, from your bathroom, toilets, your kitchen, and every other area that has a drain outlet, flows into the septic tank. This tank has a limited capacity. To prevent overflows, control your water usage. A typical household of three is said to generate around 300 gallons of wastewater each day.

• If you have an old flush system in your toilet, switch to a new system that uses lesser water.
• Use water regulators like faucet aerators and flow regulators in showers to restrict water usage.
• Use your washing machine only when you have enough clothes for a full load.
• Never flush down solids like diapers or napkins, cigarette butts, oils, paints, chemicals, egg or nut shells, etc. down the toilet.
• Restrict the usage of chemical drain cleaners.
• Don’t use your drain outlets to dispose of substances like solvents, paints, floor cleaners, etc. These can destroy the good bacteria that reside in the septic system and also contaminate the surface and groundwater.
• Do not cover your drain field with concrete or plastic. They restrict the flow of air and cut off the oxygen needed by the bacteria to break down waste. Grass is the ideal cover for a drain field.
• Divert water that flows from the roof, patios, paved walkways, etc. away from the drain field.
• Never use the drain field as a parking area for vehicles.

Adopting these good practices, scheduling periodic inspections, and pumping the septic tank can all work together to keep your septic system functioning well.

Electric blankets work as electric warmers that radiate heat providing comfort and assuring a restful sleep during the cold winter nights. These electric blankets are comfortable to use as they can be placed under the bed sheet instead of covering up with a huge and heavy warmer. With electric blankets, it is enough to use a thin bed sheet or you can just lie down and feel warm and comfortable. Electric blankets are tested for safe use for a long period. The advantage with electric blankets is that they relax the back and legs muscles after a long day of work. These blankets help in easing the stiffness and soreness of muscles. These blankets allow you to feel rested and refreshed. Often, regular blankets keep sliding off which makes them uncomfortable as you sleep. As these electric warmers can be placed on the bed sheet, there is no discomfort of displacing the electric blankets. There is also less laundry work as there is no need to wash the heavy blankets. Also, electric blankets are cheaper options since conventional room heaters installed in the house can be costly to maintain as they increase the electricity bill. Electric blankets help in maintaining the moisture in the room, which otherwise gets depleted when electric heaters are used. If the moisture in the room gets reduced, it can cause serious health issues such as trouble with lungs, dry skin, etc.  Usually, people who have arthritis and chronic back suffer a lot during winter. These electric blankets can help in reducing the pain as they generate heat throughout the night which helps in reducing the pain and stiffness in muscles. Electric blankets are available in various colors ranging from white, red, orange and so on which can be chosen based on your personal customer. These blankets are washable as they are made from polyester. The heat in the electric blankets can be selected based on your choice. When two persons are sharing the bed, the heat level can be changed in one half of the bed. The control units help in warming up the bed in all settings. There are no interruptions as you sleep since electric blankets operate quietly. Another option would be to use bed warmers. These are better than electric blankets as they provide comfort to both persons sharing the bed instead of a single person who uses the electric blanket. Usually, the bed gets cold and sometimes wet during extreme winters, which causes great discomfort and this makes it impossible to sleep. With bed warmers, this problem can be easily solved as these maintain the heat in the bed. Electric warmers are also easy to maintain compared to electric blankets. These are available in various colors, and these are long lasting which makes good investments. Sice, the extreme heat generated due to the heaters can cause health issues such as dry nose, headaches, and other breathing related issues, electric warmers are the best choice to save electricity and maintain good health. Electric warmers and blankets are affordable when compared to heating system as the charges for electricity are high in some cold countries especially during cold winters. These electric warmers can be used by anyone irrespective of age as they are safe and comfortable.

The Chevrolet Malibu boasts of a 1.5L TURBO, or the turbocharged 1.5L ECOTEC engine that employs fuel-saving technologies that include stop/start technology, Variable Valve Timing, and Direct Injection. A sporty, responsive and user-friendly ride is powered with an impressive 36 MPG highway. A range of up to 560 miles per tank is available with the maximum highway range. The 2.0L TURBO offered by the Chevrolet Malibu Premier ensures that the users experience an exhilarating performance. This is enabled by pairing a 250-horsepower 2.0L turbocharged ECOTEC engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission that takes things to the next level. With all these features for an unforgettable drive, the Chevrolet Malibu also comes with added peace of mind with the ride in the form of Chevrolet Complete Care. Even after the delivery of the Chevrolet Malibu, a host of customer services are made available with all 2018 Chevrolet vehicles that include a 27-point inspection, oil change, tire rotation and two maintenance visits, a roadside assistance and courtesy transportation for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first, a limited service trial of the Onstar Guidance Plan and 5 years availability of the standard Onstar Basic Plan. Another exciting feature offered to the users of the Malibu and other 2018 Chevrolet vehicles is the mobile app known as "the my Chevrolet" Mobile App that enables the user to gain complete power over the vehicle. It enables the user to control the vehicle from their palm and virtually everywhere. Once set up, connected and equipped properly, the my Chevrolet Mobile App can be used to stop or start the engine, lock or open the door, view diagnostic information, send destinations to the available and equipped navigation system and also set parking reminders. With this functionality, a superior service of connection and compatibility is also offered in the form of Apple Car Play offered by Malibu. The support offered for Apple Car Play enables the user to use their iPhone to listen to Apple Music, call people, get directions and much, much more. For Android, there’s the Android Auto Compatibility that works in a similar fashion.

Bacterial pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a certain bacteria. The most common pneumonia-causing bacteria is Streptococcus (pneumococcus), but it can be caused by any other bacteria as well. When a person is young and healthy, these bacteria reside in the throat, without triggering any trouble. But in case the body’s immune system weakens, these bacteria may go down to the lungs, causing inflammation. In bacterial pneumonia, the air sacks in the lungs become inflamed. They get filled up with fluid, making it difficult to breathe, consequently resulting in pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia may affect the entire lungs or sometimes just a single section of a lung. The risk of bacterial pneumonia is higher among people who are as follows:

• Above the age of 65 years
• Recovering from a surgery
• Suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease
• Smokers
• Consuming excess alcohol
• Do not eat a balanced diet
• Have viral pneumonia

Tips for preventing bacterial pneumonia Pneumonia vaccine The following are the two types of vaccines. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine This protects the body against 13 kinds of bacteria and is prescribed for:

• Kids under 5 years of age
• People who are above 65 years
• People suffering from a high risk of bacterial pneumonia

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine This is a single-dose vaccine that guards against 23 kinds of bacteria and is prescribed for:

• People above 65 years
• Children above 2 years
• People between 19 and 64 years who are suffering from asthma or are chain smokers

However, these vaccines reduce but do not completely rule out the chances of getting pneumonia. Apart from the vaccine, small steps in daily routine can go a long way in keeping your health at bay from pneumonia:

• Quit smoking
• Avoid exposure to ill people as much as possible
• Keep your hands clean; use an alcohol-based sanitizer
• Consume a well-balanced diet full of proteins and fiber
• Get enough rest

If you already have a cold and are worried that it may turn into pneumonia, make sure you observe these tips:

• Get adequate rest to recover from cold or any other illness
• Use a humidifier
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take vitamin supplements to strengthen the immune system

Tips for a quick recovery from bacterial pneumonia

• In the case of bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics to fight the condition. He may also suggest some breathing treatments or oxygen, depending upon your symptoms.
• Additionally, if you are having too much cough which is making it difficult for you to rest, you can have a cough medicine. However, coughing is helpful as your body eliminates phlegm from the lungs.
• Lastly, consume a large number of fluids to improve the condition.

Bacterial pneumonia, though a common health concern, turns quite deadly if not checked on time. Diagnosing it at the right stage and following the medications is a must for a quick and proper recovery from it. However, it is advisable to consult your medical professional before starting any medication.

Pancreatitis is a condition that is caused by inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a vital organ that substantially maintains blood sugar levels and aids in the smooth digestion of food. It houses glands that create enzymes necessary to process every protein and fat that is consumed. However, in case of pancreatitis, there is inflammation of the organ due to the activation of enzymes before they leave the pancreas. The most common cause of pancreatitis is high blood pressure or alcohol consumption. There are two types of pancreatitis - acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Usually, acute pancreatitis begins at the onset of pancreatic damage and is mild. As acute pancreatitis becomes severe, it develops into chronic pancreatitis. Here are 10 signs of pancreatitis that are significant indicators and should be dealt with immediate treatment: Stomach pain - Stomach pain is something that people experience through their life and can usually be regarded as a minor problem. However, this is one of the most common signs of pancreatitis and pain is felt in the area around the rib cage. The pain is bearable in the beginning and becomes worse within a few hours or days. Nausea - Nausea is a feeling that causes a sense of churning in the stomach and is accompanied by an urge to throw up. The feeling subsides in a few hours, however, if it causes difficulty in consuming food, there is a high possibility that one is suffering from the condition. Fatigue - An individual goes through weakness and feels tired throughout the day. Increased fatigue may cause one to pass out and getting to the hospital as soon as possible is essential. Bloating - A swelling or bloating in the abdomen is yet another common sign of pancreatitis. This symptom makes it difficult for an individual to sit for long hours or wear pants. Loss of appetite - One loses the desire to eat and drink. There is a little or complete loss of appetite. Vomiting - The consumption of any food makes a pancreatitis patient want to vomit. This sign often goes hand in hand with nausea and fatigue. Weight loss - A patient does not enjoy a healthy appetite, and this causes a drop in body weight. Weight loss is one of the many signs of pancreatitis that will occur during the early stages, while the metabolism remains the same. Fever - The body temperature increases due to the pain that is experienced by the body. Body temperature will become standard after the attack passes. High blood pressure - Just as in the case of fever, high blood pressure is caused due to pain in the body. This may also be accompanied by fever. Sweating - A universal sign of pancreatitis, an individual, begins to sweat profusely. The intense sweating is caused without indulging in any physical activity.

Dogs are the most liked pets and many families want to own them as a way to have a complete house. If you have one, you know that it is important to choose the right diet plan for puppies, adult dogs, and grownup dogs to prevent any health risks. Like human beings, dogs also face health problems that affect their quality of life. Food allergies are common in dogs that can lead to difficult symptoms. Some of the common signs of a food allergy in dogs include rashes, ear infections, itching, hot spots, flatulence, weepy eyes, and excessive itching. The repeated exposure to allergens in some foods can cause chronic illnesses that require proper solutions. Dogs won’t develop allergic reactions to foods overnight, and a change in diet plan will ultimately lead to health disorders. Dog owners should focus more on doing a complete research on foods before buying them from the markets. It is advisable to know what type of ingredients are responsible for food allergies in dogs. Experts say that food allergen in beef, dairy products, chicken, lamb, corn, wheat, soy, and yeast may induce the allergy problems in dogs. Most food allergies in dogs primarily occur due to over-response of the immune system. In fact, certain proteins present in a particular ingredient of diets may lead to allergy problems. Treating food allergies in dogs It has been proved that the allergens play a key role in the formation of food allergy in dogs. On the other hand, it is possible to reduce the symptoms by removing them from a diet. Anyone who wants to protect their dogs from potential threats must consult with a veterinary doctor for choosing the best dog food for allergies. While most doctors recommend a single source of foods to dogs, some may suggest a combination of the best dog foods that contain less protein to prevent allergies. In many cases, veterinary physicians will diagnose the allergy problems of dogs by implementing an elimination food diet. How to choose the best dog food for allergies? Dog owners should consider the dog’s age, activity, breed, and reproductive status while buying foods from a store. It is important to determine whether grain-free foods are suitable for a dog. One should check the nutritional elements when buying dog food. Reading the ingredients of the best dog food brands will help to avoid food allergy disorders in dogs. People willing to purchase the best dog food for allergies should give importance to a brand, quality, prices, reviews, and ingredients. Even though there are many choices available in the markets, it is necessary to do some research on them for making a right decision. Foods for dogs to reduce allergy symptoms Hypoallergenic foods involve different types of ingredients that enable the dogs to stay away from health risks. It is wise to find a reputed brand before investing money in food products. The Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient is a leading brand of dog food in the country which serves a single protein source to dogs. Furthermore, it is free from allergens. Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets HA is mainly meant for dogs that are allergic to meat products. It contains vitamins, minerals, and other essential fatty acids thereby showing ways for ensuring proper digestion. Natural Balance® L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diets® is free from grains which can help dogs to control allergy symptoms efficiently. In addition, it is the best dog food for allergies that enable an animal to improve their digestion process with limited ingredients. BLUE Basics® Limited Ingredient Diet is a hypoallergenic food enabling dogs to restore their health conditions with high protein sources. All brands are not the same and they may not fit every dog. Therefore, dog owners should seek advice from a veterinarian before choosing the brand of dog food to prevent allergies.