Our mucous membranes secrete a thick liquid substance called phlegm. It is generated to support our respiratory system. The phlegm-secreting membranes are present in the mouth, nose, throat, sinuses and lungs. Excessive phlegm may cause coughing. We mostly become aware of its presence at the back of the throat when we have a cold or flu. What causes phlegm? Here are some of the most common causes of phlegm: Excessive mucus accumulation Phlegm might build up overnight due to excessive mucus accumulation in the throat or the nose. Throat irritation and coughing are common symptoms. It might also lead to congestion. Cold, flu and allergies Clear, thin mucus is produced in the nose and the throat when you catch a cold. This mucus starts to turn yellow or green when the body reacts with the virus. You might also develop phlegm if you have seasonal allergies. You must get yourself checked if you experience symptoms like coughing, itchy eyes or sneezing. Dairy Products If you're prone to phlegm and developing excessive throat mucus, you should avoid consuming dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt. Milk items contain protein molecules called casein. Casein increases mucus secretions. You should also avoid drinking excessive caffeine beverages and non-herbal teas as well. Effective home remedies for treating phlegm If phlegm is causing you irritation or making you uncomfortable, you should take steps to remove it. Here are three effective natural ways to get rid of phlegm: Stay Well-Hydrated You might be getting this advice often for a lot of ailments. As clich as it sounds, it is indeed effective! Water helps in thinning the mucus and relieving congestion. You should have warm fluids at frequent intervals to get rid of the uncomfortable symptoms of phlegm. Try drinking warm apple juice and having warm soups or broths. Lemon water keeps you hydrated as well. The warm fluids can relieve congestion caused by phlegm by helping the mucus flow. Follow a diet that is good for your respiratory health You should consume a diet containing ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and lemon. These ingredients have medicinal values. They help relieve the symptoms of phlegm by curing excess mucus and treating colds and coughs. Spicy foods such as cayenne and chilli peppers contain capsaicin. Including these in your diet helps in thinning the mucus. Eat berries, licorice roots, pomegranates and oral zinc and drink guava tea. Humidify and moisturize the air: Have a sauna bath Steam is known to treat congestion caused by phlegm. This is also one of the most effective ways to get rid of phlegm. Let the bath water run till it begins to steam. But be careful not to burn yourself. Have a steam bath with the shower head pointed away from you. You may also lean over a bowl of steaming water. Trap the steam by placing a hand towel over the head. Be careful not to scald your skin. You may consider buying a humidifier from the drug store. If you live in a warm climate, choose a cool mist humidifier. These are some easy home remedies for treating phlegm. If symptoms persist despite these natural remedies, you must consult your doctor and take medicines.

The best cruises for senior citizens span the gamut from bucket-list destinations and adults-only cruise ships to cruise lines that cater to multigenerational families and travelers with medical conditions or disabilities. Whether you're looking for onboard learning, relaxing sea days, themed sailing or fine dining - pretty much all the cruise lines have got them covered. It is quite astonishing to even witness the kind of service that is offered on such ships. How do we make the best out of cheap senior cruise package? The answer is in many ways. If you are a senior and have a flair for either photography, videography, blogging or you have worked in organizations that have a huge employee base, who in turn are most likely to follow your footsteps after you finish with the holiday and blog! Cruise lines would love to host such people and would be more than happy to extend special deals to you. However, ensure you deliver what was promised to them - example: highly professional photographers are known to be hosted at no additional cost by the cruise lines in exchange for good quality professional photographs. If you have a specific skill set that the service provider can make use of - the might as well settle for the best! How about forming a group To get the best discount possible, one needs to form a group. This is extremely advantageous because the cruise extends a considerable discount, which they would have, in the normal circumstance offered to a travel agent. How about traveling to lesser-known places Certain countries have just opened up their tourism industry that they are all the time welcoming them to extremely attractive guests. There is indeed a lot of charm traveling to least set foot' destination. How about going to one this summer? Wouldn't that be a fun filled event? Whether you're looking for onboard learning, relaxing sea days, themed sailing or fine dining - ensure you get the best deal before packing your bags.

A good mortgage rate really matters as it means less money to be paid every month and saving thousands of dollars in form of interest. Having said that, it is not easy to get a low mortgage rate as there are various factors that affect the mortgage rate, such as the credit score and from whom you take the loan. Read on to find 3 simple ways to get a great mortgage rate for your next loan. Maintain an excellent credit score Current mortgage rates are priced according to your credit score. Your credit score will determine whether you qualify the loan in the first place. Once you are eligible for the loan, your credit score will further determine how much money the lender is willing to give you, and the interest rate that you will be charged. Your credit score and the current mortgage rates always share an inverse relationship, which means that if you have an excellent score then you will easily get a loan at a lower mortgage rate. On the other hand, a bad credit score will increase your mortgage interest rate. Today, if you have a credit score of around 620, then you will be charged a 5.022% interest, according to the current mortgage rate in the market. If you have a score of 760 or higher, then the current mortgage rate is approximately 3.433%. Have a stable income source Before you go to apply for a mortgage, make sure that you have a steady source of income and a stable job. The lenders often check your last two years' job history and prefer candidates who have an income graph that is shooting up. If you have been unemployed for a long period, then it might negatively affect your mortgage rate. If you are self-employed, then make sure that you have your income for the past two years well documented because the lenders carry out a stricter investigation when it comes to self-employed loan borrowers. Comparison shopping A common mistake that many home buyers make is that they settle for the first lender they come across. It i best to refrain from such a strategy; instead, narrow down the best lenders after personally getting a quote from each of them. After this, you should sit and do an in-depth comparison shopping. Once you have all the above-listed things checked, you can go ahead and choose a lender who gives you the best mortgage rate.

GPS vehicle tracking systems are highly useful systems that help when you need to track your stolen vehicle, keep an eye on your child’s school bus, or when you want to know the location of your child who has just started to drive. A GPS tracker is an inexpensive device that ensures you lead a worry-free life. Today, it is commonly used by parents and businesses. These devices have become so advanced that they can tell you the speed of the vehicle along with its exact location. Following are some of the best GPS vehicle tracking systems currently available in the market. Spy Tec STI GL300 RReal-Time Portable GPS Tracker This is one of the most popular GPS trackers that has gained popularity because of its capability of giving you the exact location of a vehicle. It provides close to 100% accuracy. It has a three-axis acceleration meter, which provides for even better location detection. This tracker also lets you set up boundaries, so you get notifications anytime your vehicle leaves a particular area. This data is stored for 365 days and the subscription starts at around $25 per month. As the name suggests, this GPS tracker is a small device that can be fitted anywhere in the vehicle. Its battery lasts for two weeks and can be recharged. Automatic Pro Car GPS Tracker This tracker plugs directly into your vehicle and provides real-time tracking of vehicles, round the clock. It uses a 3G network to track and adds five years of 3G services at no extra charge. Tracking a vehicle using this device is easy because it connects to your smartphone through an app. It is also capable of notifying law enforcement in case of accidents. This device is so smart that it can switch on the lights of your house if it detects that you are nearby. MOTOsafety GPS Vehicle Tracker This tracker is considered the best GPS vehicle tracking system for parents. It connects directly to the car’s ODB outlet and does not require any wiring. It offers a variety of services at a fixed monthly fee and uses 3G networks to track a vehicle. You can download the apps for this device on both Android and iOS phones and set boundaries for your kid’s vehicles. The tracker will send you a notification if that boundary is crossed and you will also get a driving report card of the vehicle.

The roots of Brinks home security systems are in Chicago. The company was founded in 1859 by Perry Brink. The home security section of the Brinks company was formed in 1983, and today it is one of the most popular home security companies in the country. After dominating the home security market for more than two decades, the security systems section of Brinks was spun off to form Broadview Security in 2009. It is still popularly known as Brinks in the home security industry. Those searching for Brinks home security online will find search results for Broadview Security, which was then merged with ADT when it was acquired by Tyco. Today ADT is one of the largest home security providers in the country. When you plan to buy home security systems and services from Brinks, you should know about the three ways in which the cost is divided: setup, equipment, and monthly fees. Setup cost ranges from $99 to $499, depending on the equipment bought. The more affordable products are available on their website; however, if you're interested in opting for the more advanced and expensive packages, customer service will have to be given a call. The setup is quick, easy, and done by professionals. The equipment is charged separately, and most packages include a combination of 3 door and window sensors, a pet-friendly monitor system, wireless keypad, control panel, an ADT yard sign, a window decal, and a phone landline or an approved internet connection. The monthly cost fees charged by Brinks for its home security is among the highest charged in the country. However, the services provided by Brinks home security is also among the top home security services in the country. When it comes to securing your home and providing safety to your family, no one wants to compromise on the quality of their home security solutions. You can read reviews on Brinks home security solutions to understand more about their products, services, and cost. There is also an option of using discount coupons for Brinks home security products to save cost. There are plenty of websites that offer several discount coupons.

Bathrooms can be an abode of bliss and showers or a nightmare of mold and cold, but we're here to help you. You can read through the following helpful tips and design your very own bathroom paradise today with a little help from Littlewoods: Get some luxe bathrobes Nothing screams luxe like a 5-star hotel with lush bathrobes. Bathrobes make your bathroom warm and inviting. Go for classic white or brighten it up with a pop of color. Stock up on posh bath products Buy some essential bath items such as soap, shampoo, and various other bath products. Display attractively within reach to make your bathroom experience pure heaven. You can get a storage drawer or unit which can help you keep track of your bath supplies and make organizing them easier. The heart shaped handles on them add a touch of delightful whimsy to your bathroom too. Get a laundry bag Laundry bags not only add a touch of finesse to your bathroom but also helps keep you organized. Get a laundry bag and make your life after shower hassle-free. Add a touch of color Bathrooms can liven up moods based on their themes. Get a bathroom designer who knows his trade and color the walls and surroundings. You can opt for wood flooring for warmth and elegance. Choose a mood you want to portray and bring it to life with a tasteful color palette. Shower accessories If your shower head drips or doesn't provide a steady stream of water, consider an upgrade. A new shower head from Littlewood's isn't expensive to buy or install and can make your shower experience much more pleasant. A shower head on a hose provides extra functionality and ease of use. Luxurious towels Invest in quality towels in a matching set. Mix and match colors or have a complete set in one shade. Neutral tones are classic and cool, while brights are for a fun, quirky look. Quality linen adds a touch of opulence. Stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a fluffy towel is an affordable luxury. Choose a mirror A great mirror can make the room appear bigger and reflects light to create an airy space. Find an antique mirror with a pleasing shape and frame and adhere it to the walls of your bathroom. Admire your new bathroom from every angle! Bathroom accessories Littlewoods offers an array of quality bathroom furnishings rubbish bins, bathroom scales, toothbrush holders, shower curtains, and towel rails to name a few. Choose from modern chrome, classic white porcelain or bright colored accessories and run that theme throughout your bathroom.