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Running a successful business involves managing various aspects, including security. Understanding what qualities may attract criminals to your business is crucial for implementing effective security measures. Here are four qualities that can make a business more vulnerable to criminal activity:

1. Poor Lighting and Visibility: Inadequate lighting and low visibility around the premises create an inviting environment for criminals. Dark or poorly lit areas provide cover for illegal activities such as vandalism, theft, and unauthorized entry. Businesses with dimly lit parking lots, alleys, or building entrances are more susceptible to criminal behavior. Installing bright outdoor lighting and surveillance cameras can deter criminals and improve overall security.

2. Lack of Surveillance and Security Measures: Businesses without visible security measures are easy targets for criminals. The absence of security cameras, alarm systems, or security personnel signals to potential intruders that the premises are unprotected. Criminals are more likely to target businesses where they can operate without fear of detection or apprehension. Implementing visible security measures such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and access control systems can significantly reduce the risk of criminal activity.

3. Easy Access Points and Weak Entry Points: Businesses with poorly secured entry points, such as doors and windows, are vulnerable to break-ins and burglaries. Criminals look for weaknesses in security infrastructure, such as outdated locks, flimsy doors, or unprotected windows, to gain unauthorized access to the premises. Businesses with easily accessible entry points are prime targets for theft, vandalism, and other criminal acts. Strengthening entry points with sturdy locks, security bars, and reinforced doors and windows can deter criminals and enhance overall security.

4. Remote or Isolated Location: Businesses located in remote or isolated areas are more susceptible to criminal activity due to the lack of nearby witnesses or security patrols. Criminals often target businesses in secluded locations where they can operate without attracting attention. Remote businesses, such as warehouses, storage facilities, or construction sites, are at higher risk of theft, vandalism, and property damage. Implementing additional security measures such as perimeter fencing, motion-activated lighting, and regular security patrols can help mitigate the risks associated with remote locations.

Volcanic eruptions are powerful geological events with significant implications:

1. Magma Movement

Eruptions occur when magma rises from beneath the Earth's surface, often triggered by pressure or heat, resulting in volcanic activity.

2. Types of Eruptions

Volcanoes can have various eruption types, from explosive to effusive, each characterized by distinct magma viscosity and eruption dynamics.

3. Volcanic Hazards

Eruptions unleash several hazards, including lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and volcanic gases, posing risks to nearby populations.

4. Ring of Fire

Areas like the Pacific Ring of Fire witness frequent volcanic activity due to tectonic plate boundaries, leading to increased volcanic eruptions.

5. Volcanic Monitoring

Scientific tools and monitoring systems help predict eruptions, enabling authorities to issue warnings and evacuate at-risk areas.

6. Impact on Environment

Volcanic eruptions can impact climate by releasing gases and ash into the atmosphere, affecting weather patterns and global temperatures.

7. Human Adaptation

Communities in volcanic regions adopt measures to live with the risk, including evacuation plans, hazard zoning, and building resilient infrastructure.

8. Long-Term Effects

Volcanic eruptions alter landscapes, create new landforms, and provide fertile soil, showcasing both destructive and constructive impacts.

There are several options in addition to using home security measures. It would be silly to overlook residential security if you have a budget for it. The basic instructions are shown below for you to start using right now.

Lock all windows and doors

Simply simply, habits matter a lot. Statistics on home invasions show that many burglars are merely looking for simple targets. The bulk of burglaries take place during the day (between 10:00% and 3:00 p.m.), and they typically last 8 to 10 minutes. 34% of thieves enter through the entrance. They will be aware that you are observing them if you use a high-quality doorbell camera.

Strengthen the hardware, windows, doors, and doors

A doorway barrier or a safety pub might be used to offer support. Make that the striking plate (the metal portion of the door jamb through which the lock bolt goes) is properly placed using screws that are at least 3/4 inches long when using door hardware. By taking this precaution, you may assist prevent the bolt from being readily driven out of the door frame. Door psychologist kits include additional hardware that might fortify a door's weak places as well as assault plates.

Use motion-activated lighting both indoors and outside

Lights may be changed by either fitting a movement sensing adapter between a socket and a bulb or by simply adjusting the light bulbs. They'll shine a spotlight on anyone looking about your home, and the visibility can deter burglars. If indoor varieties do enter, they will succeed. Learn more about seven other ways to repel robbers.

Be shrewd when playing hide-a-key

Opportunistic burglars have it easier when they conceal a secret in a flowerpot at the entryway or somewhere else, such under the carpet. Find rotating and abrupt hiding places, give a neighbor a spare key, or even better, buy an inexpensive combination lockbox and install it somewhere.

Keeping your assets hidden

Don't wax poetic about your expensive stuff. If you are not using your bicycles, your gear, or other easily attainable items, keep them locked up or stored safely in your garage. Use window coverings like blinds or curtains from shell your property indoors to keep off onlookers. When you're not using them, put them away. Leave no valuables like jewelry, gadgets, cash, or essential papers behind. Install Cove Security to keep your items and information safe.

It's possible that this is your second bathroom. It doesn't have to be big; all that matters is that it keeps you and your team/family/group safe. Like you did with your front door, you will need to strengthen its doorway.

Establish A Secure Area Remember that you could need to stay there for several days (in the worst case situation, of course), so bring supplies like water, food, weapons, and light sources. If there are police nearby, you should also have a phone.The potential capacity is an important consideration. There must be enough room for everyone in your party. You might need to set aside a second safe space if your home has four or five occupants.Whatever you do, avoid attempting to enter your opponent's home and face them by opening the doorway.

Install Alarm Systems to Prevent Home Invasion Speaking of which, while dogs may be very useful during house invasions, they can also be quickly dispatched by an assailant with pepper spray or other weapons.

Having an alarm system in place, or even just a simple bell that rings each time the door opens, might give you the crucial seconds you need to flee. Motion sensors may also be installed and turned on at night. Another great option for misrepresenting you as a home invasion is a dog.

Know Your Exit Options During a home invasion, you might only have one chance to leave your place. The only thing you won't require is thinking time. It would be great if you could escape from your safe room at least once (maybe through a little window), as shutting oneself inside should only be a last choice.

Now, I'm not going to pretend to know what that way is; you'll have to research it on your own. On Amazon, escape ladders like this one are reasonably priced and an excellent form of insurance in this situation.

Homes can sustain water damage, which is a typical problem. But if it isn't fixed immediately away, it will eventually ruin the walls, ceiling, and supporting structure of your house. The flood restoration services from ICE Cleaning can locate water damage fast and eliminate it using tools that are at the top of their game. If required, they will also take care of mold removal and insect control.

How can water damage occur? It is a process brought on by water intrusion into dwellings or other places where materials are porous to moisture. At some point, a destructive process will start, where erosive processes like erosion, corrosion, rotting, and mold growth will quicken to produce impacts like electricity shortages that are irreversible.

What Causes Water Damage? These problems can happen in a number of places on your property and are readily preventable with appropriate and regular appliance maintenance. The root of this devastation is frequently brought on by:

• appliance leaks • flooding water • ruptured hoses or pipelines • Flooding • obstructed sewers • seepage of groundwater • violent rain

The Benefits of Using Flood Restoration Services You and your health could be in danger if you try to handle water damage on your own. Without assistance from an expert, you might be unable to locate the cause of a leak or you might unintentionally spread mold growth and inhale the spores. The flood damage repair services from ICE Cleaning will be able to spot water damage and fix it right where it started. In an emergency, its personnel can be there in a few hours and offer additional services in addition to cleaning up water damage.

A remodel might not be something to think about if you are generally happy with how your home looks and no major repairs are required. You might not have thought about the many benefits of a custom home redesign, though.

1. It Will Be More Enjoyable At Home. 

When you are aware of some things you may improve about your home, it can be uncomfortable to spend time there. If the layout of your home gives the impression that the room is confined or cluttered, it may even be stressful. especially if you feel like you are putting off a task that you really need to accomplish right away. If you remodel your home and make it a location that feels good to you, you'll enjoy living in a more tranquil setting. Additionally, you won't feel like you are procrastinating, and your house will look beautiful.

2. Remodeling Your Home Will Increase Its Value  

You might be underestimating the value that a renovation to your property can provide. When it comes time to sell your property, being able to raise the asking price might be extremely important. Renovations to the kitchen, room extensions, or other enhanced features will raise the overall worth of your house while simultaneously improving the quality of life in it.

3. Enhance Home Efficiency and Reduce Energy Costs

Making your home more environmentally friendly is a top benefit of home improvement. Your overall energy expenditures will decrease if you make your home more energy efficient. If you locate an electrical provider with a lower price, switching to them is one of the easiest steps you can do to start saving money.

You will ultimately save a lot of money by choosing environmentally friendly modern solutions, even though they may initially seem expensive. This method will ensure that the initial cost will be inexpensively covered in the future. The insulation in your home can also cut your heating and cooling expenses by 10% to 50%.

4. Resolve An Impending Safety Problem

Every time there is a big issue in your home, such as a leaky roof, wall fractures, or electrical problems, there should be cause for alarm. Another reason why electrical problems can arise is because homeowners don't actually take good care of their wiring. The electrical system installed when the house was built might not be sufficient to meet today's needs. The fact that many modern homeowners are uninformed of the full cost of rewiring a home is likewise not unexpected. especially if you want to work on a venture that you hope will endure for a very long time.

5. Get To Update The Style Of Your Home

If you don't make modifications and refresh your home's interior sometimes, it could become dated. Styles in interior design are constantly evolving, so something that was popular five years ago might be ludicrous today. Therefore, you ought to think about altering your property to alter the general appearance and impact it makes. After staring at the same scene for years, you might even grow tired of it, so a few inexpensive alterations are always nice to provide some variety.

Every year, millions of animals find themselves in shelters, and the vast majority of them are put to death because there aren't enough places to put them. Please consider adopting a pet rather than purchasing one from a pet shop if you're considering having one, such as Waldo's Rescue in New York, New York. In addition to saving a life, you'll have a great pet who will always be thankful to you.

Shopping vs. Adoption

There are several benefits to adopting pets rather than purchasing them from pet retailers. One is that purchasing pets from pet retailers contributes to the cruel puppy mill industry. Waldo's Rescue is aware that puppy mills are animal breeding facilities that resemble factories.

The Truth About Puppy Mills

vast-scale commercial breeding operations known as puppy mills produce vast numbers of puppies for the pet trade. Puppy mills are facilities where puppies are maintained in crowded, unhygienic conditions with little or no veterinary care. These dogs frequently endure inhumane treatment, including subpar food and dirty housing conditions.

The Advantages of Adoption

When you adopt an animal from a shelter, you not only save a life but also gain a loving pet that will be appreciative. Waldo's Rescue is aware that animals in shelters have endured a great deal and may require a loving home to heal. Additionally, adopting an animal from a shelter can be less expensive than purchasing one from a pet shop. Most shelters have fees.

The Best Pet For Your Family: How To Choose

When trying to adopt a pet, it's crucial to pick the ideal animal for your family. It's important to conduct your homework and pick the animal that will work best for you because not every animal is a good fit for every home.If you have young children, you might want to consider adopting a dog or cat. These animals can offer children company and love and are typically good with children. A fish or hamster may be a suitable choice if you're searching for a low-maintenance pet.

Bringing Your New Pet Home 

It's important to be ready for the transition phase when you bring your new pet home. Having a pet can be a lot of work, and it may take a while for them to get used to their new surroundings. When you first bring your pet home, give them some time to adjust. Don’t try to force them to interact with you or your family right away. Let them explore their new surroundings and get used to the noises and smells of their new home.

Although you can't change your genes or most of your environment, you can improve your health by making some lifestyle decisions. Knowing what to do and being deliberate about it can lower your risk of disease and possibly lengthen your life.

In terms of your long-term health, this article examines six lifestyle choices that are supported by the greatest research. It explains their significance and how to start implementing constructive changes.

1. Sleeping the Recommended Amount

The first item on the list is getting the appropriate amount of sleep and doing it frequently. The connection between sleep and life expectancy is backed by studies, yet it's frequently overlooked because people prioritize nutrition and exercise. Some find it surprising that the relationship has a U-shaped curve. This means that both insufficient and excessive sleep can shorten your life.

2. Consuming Balanced Meals

Your chance of developing diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and others is reduced by eating a nutritious diet. As is the case with red meat and colorectal cancer, some of these diseases have connections to food and nutrition that have been established.

3. Scheduling Physical Activity Time

Physical activity for 30 minutes a day protects heart health. Additionally, it lessens the rate of bone loss as you age and, thus, the danger of osteoporosis. It's so crucial that a 2021 study of colon cancer survivors discovered that residing in a neighborhood that promotes exercise lowers the likelihood of passing away.

4. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Obesity raises the risk of developing several diseases and shortens lifetime. The good news is that even a small amount of weight gain does not shorten your life. In fact, for people over 65, being on the high side of normal is preferable to being on the low side.

5. Not Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

Approximately 480,000 deaths a year in the United States are directly related to smoking. 16 million more persons who are still alive but are suffering with a disease brought on by smoking are added to this. Don't smoke or chew tobacco if you want the chance to live healthily for as long you live.

Life cannot exist without water. Everyone has heard several times how drinking water may be good for our general health, but it can also be good for our skin. Given that our bodies are made up of around 60% water and that our skin is the largest organ, it makes obvious that water plays a role in maintaining the health of our skin. It's simple to maintain the health and functionality of your skin and the rest of your body by drinking water.

We provide a range of skincare procedures at the Azeal Dermatology Institute in Boulder to help you attain healthy, radiant skin. Our mission is to teach you how to better understand your skin and how to keep it healthy and happy. In this blog, we are going to talk about how drinking water can benefit your skin. Read on to learn more and schedule an appointment with us today!

1. Defends Against Premature Aging Your skin can stay moisturized with water and retain its suppleness. As a result, drinking water can aid in reducing wrinkles and other early aging symptoms. When your skin is properly moisturized, the suppleness is increased, maintaining a healthy, youthful appearance. Increase your daily water intake if you want to keep your skin looking fresh for longer.

2. Maintains the pH balance Your skin can remain healthy-looking and feeling by having a good pH balance. Your skin may experience unpleasant effects if the pH balance is out of whack. Since pure water has a pH balance that is neutral, drinking extra water and making sure you rinse your skin well with water after washing your skin is important. When you drink plenty of water and rinse your skin well, you can help keep the pH levels in balance, ensuring your skin is as healthy as possible.

3. Defends Against Premature Aging Your skin can stay moisturized with water and retain its suppleness. As a result, drinking water can aid in reducing wrinkles and other early aging symptoms. When your skin is properly moisturized, the suppleness is increased, maintaining a healthy, youthful appearance. Increase your daily water intake if you want to keep your skin looking fresh for longer.

4. Maintains the pH balance Your skin can remain healthy-looking and feeling by having a good pH balance. Your skin may experience unpleasant effects if the pH balance is out of whack. Since pure water has a pH balance that is neutral, drinking extra water and making sure you rinse your skin well with water after washing your skin is important. When you drink plenty of water and rinse your skin well, you can help keep the pH levels in balance, ensuring your skin is as healthy as possible.

5. Reduces Puffiness It's likely that your skin retains water to prevent dehydration if you deal with puffy skin all the time. The simple solution is to drink more water because this happens when you don't get enough to drink. By drinking enough water, you can lessen facial puffiness.

Drones may represent the next significant technological advance to engulf the globe, and they are currently being employed for a variety of activities far outside the military's covert operations.

The founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, grabbed headlines when he proposed the notion of employing drones to deliver items to online buyers. Photographers have lofty hopes of using drones to capture breathtaking aerial panoramas. But over the course of the next ten years, these particular drones (if they receive U.S. government approval) might account for only a small amount of what some forecast would grow into a multibillion-dollar global industry.

1. Farming Since the early 1990s, the Yamaha Motor Company's helicopter-style drones have been decreasing labor and operational expenses on farms in Japan. Farmers now have a less expensive option than utilizing conventional airplanes by deploying radio-controlled RMAX drones to spray fields with fertilizers and insecticides.

2. Archaeology Would Indiana Jones concur? Using drones fitted with heat-sensing cameras, a group of archaeologists discovered what they believe to be remnants of an ancient Native American settlement in New Mexico. The researchers were able to find the subterranean structures thanks to the thermal imaging, which allowed them to see beneath the desert's surface.

3. Humanitarian Work Drones that can transport vaccines and other essential medical supplies to remote areas in impoverished countries are being developed by researchers at the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. The initiative received a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in January 2014.

4. Providing Food Foodies in the Bay Area delighted when a Silicon Valley start-up announced intentions to utilize drones to deliver tacos to its clients. Unfortunately, the FAA is preventing the so-called Tacocopter from taking off—1 at least until official regulations are published for personal and professional drones in 2015.

5. Increasing Online Access Facebook, the social media giant, acquired Ascenta, a British solar-powered drone business, in March 2014. The company's chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, has led a campaign to expand Internet connectivity to every corner of the globe.

The high-altitude aircraft will be used by Facebook as a component of a network of interconnected satellites, drones, and lasers that will be able to beam Internet to isolated towns from the air.

A excellent sofa set gives the living area a nice look and offers its customers unmatched comfort. However, in order to preserve their comfort and attractiveness, sofas require routine expert cleaning services. By removing all the dirt and bacteria, it not only increases the lifespan of the sofa but also makes it a healthier place to sit.

1. Heat extraction with steam Dust and any other unwholesome particles can be removed from the surface of the sofa using high temperature steam heat extraction technology. This technique ensures that there won't be any wet or soggy residue by removing extra moisture along with dirt and dust. As a result, there is a significant reduction in fabric shrinking, and the entire sofa can

2. Cleans with Carbonation Carbonating cleaning keeps the sofa in like-new condition while simulating Mother Nature's natural cleaning process. Only 4 to 6 hours are needed to complete the cleaning. Only a fraction of the amount of carbonating cleaning solutions with an effervescent effect needed for steam cleaning is used. Also, less water is needed. Numerous carbonating bubbles are so tiny that they can reach the fibers and remove dirt and filth.

3. Chemicals for Cleaning Leather and other types of fabrics, as well as chemically safe goods, are used. With a special dry shampoo encapsulation technique, filth and embedded particles are effectively removed, and drying time is kept to a minimum. In fact, you can practically sit down right away following the sofa cleaning is completed.

4. Aerosol cleaning On the sofa, a foam solution is manually applied, pushed into the stains, and then left to sit for a short while. A clean and fragrant sofa is the result once the area has been vacuumed. Customers frequently choose foam because it can be managed by the user, which reduces the risk of moisture damage.

5. Air Drying This technique uses no water yet is similar to foam cleaning. The fabric is covered in a chemical cleaning powder, which is applied to the stain. The sofa is then cleaned once the powder is vacuumed up. Since this cleaning technique uses no water, it can be used on wood materials and there is no down time required for drying.

Finding the greatest gifts for mom is difficult (and mother figures of all kinds). They tend to be lifelong overachievers, which makes it challenging to choose just one present that would satisfy her numerous but really particular requirements. But the one characteristic that most mothers share is great taste. Consider refined versions of all their favorite items, including cashmere, serums, and sheet pans, when buying gifts for the moms in your life for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas, or other occasions.

1 Slippers and Warmies

The ultimate treat after a long day? These luxurious slippers, as recommended by Oprah. How are these French lavender-filled slippers able to keep their warmth? When she chose them for her 2019 list of Favorite Things, Oprah said. You may have warm, comfortable feet for up to an hour if you microwave them for only 60 seconds.

2. Shower steamers with aromatherapy

If bubble baths aren't her thing, give her a spa-like experience in the shower with these steamers made of eucalyptus and menthol, which function similarly to bath bombs. The fact that this specific formula relieves sinus congestion, allergies, and the common cold makes it ideal for the winter.

3. A unique pet watercolor painting This present is a special and considerate ode to a devoted pet parent's most devoted companion.

4. Heat-activated Shiatsu Neck and Back Massage Pillow With this portable deep tissue massage cushion, you can give the gift of relaxation to anyone. It relieves sore muscles by applying mild heat and kneading massage. Why not bring the spa to her if she can't get there?

5. Heart Flower Birth Month Necklace For the sentimental mother who can't resist a lovely flower, birthstone jewelry has been given a playful and considerate makeover.

In its history, humanity is currently going through something unique. We are all disturbed by stress, concerns, anxiety, and dread of the unknown. Yes, some people are impacted more than others. Because of this, we must consider the most helpless. Selfishness must be abandoned by society, especially when many others are affected by the actions of one.

However, in order to help others, it's imperative that we take care of ourselves. To be able to support others who are in need and maintain your strength, you must maintain good physical and mental health. The following guidelines may seem apparent, but they are actually the best practices for having a healthy body and mind.

Eat Healthy Foods Nutrition is at the top of our list. The best option for your brain, skin, cardiovascular system, and general energy levels is a plant-based diet. Because fresh foods include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, eating them will help improve your mood.

Obtain Enough Liquids Water is one of the daily necessities that we disregard the most. Most folks drink far too little. Remember to drink eight glasses of eight ounces (237 ml) of water each day according to the 88 rule. Water is an essential component of the human body, making up around 70% of it.

Everyday Exercise It has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that active people are healthier in every way. Even if you're not a sports lover, you still need to stay in shape. The main goal is to engage the muscles and raise your heart rate for a few solid minutes. Play some music, boogie for 15 minutes, and then perform some push-ups, crunches, and squats to end. Increase your endorphin levels to experience amazing improvements in your body and mind.

Eight Hours a Day of Sleep The importance of eight hours of sleep every day for both physical and mental well-being cannot be overstated. Sleep deprivation will impair your brain clarity, stress tolerance, and emotional stability in addition to having negative physical effects.

Socialize as much as possible Keep your friends, family, and even your pets as close as you can. Hug them as much as possible, and if you don’t have that option, start a video conference and chat a little bit. Even the most introverted people need human contact. It’s a crucial part of our humanity, so don’t overlook the importance of socializing.

Your dining room is a focal point for comfort and discussion, whether you're having supper with family or entertaining guests. Your dining room can be designed in a variety of ways to suit your needs and preferences. Finding a dining table set with individuality and practicality is one of these strategies.

Your next dining table can be chosen from a variety of alternatives at The Furniture Mall. We recognize that choosing the ideal kitchen table for your home can be a difficult choice. Here are our best suggestions for choosing the ideal dining table for you.

1. Measure the Area Make sure to measure your dining or kitchen space before choosing a table. You must select a table whose size is appropriate for the area where you intend to put it. You need adequate space for people to move about and sit; you don't want anything that looks odd because it's too big or small.

2. Select a shape The table's appearance and style are determined by its shape. You should think about the area available for the table in your home while looking for dining room tables. Your dining room or kitchen's shape should determine the shape of your table. A table that matches the contour of the space  is ideal for enhancing harmony and balance. Square or round tables are best for small areas of the home. Longer rooms can better handle rectangular or oval dining room tables.

3. Choosing a Material Depending on your particular preferences and the furniture currently in the room, you may choose a different type of material for your dining room table. If you're seeking for something special for your house, feel free to experiment with various material choices. Remember that a lot of people tend to retain the same dining room table for a very long period rather than replacing it frequently. It is best to think about the material's quality and durability while choosing it.

4. Find the Right Style The design of your home will most likely determine what table style you’re looking for. Here are some popular styles to consider:

Pedestal: These tables have one large column in the middle of the table to support it. Even with a larger base at the bottom, this style is perfect for smaller rooms with limited space. Farmhouse: The farmhouse style has become a very popular choice for many homeowners. These dining room tables typically feature heavy, distressed wood and thick, sturdy legs. They are great for larger spaces since they often seat eight or more people. Rustic: These dining tables feature an unpainted wood tabletop that usually looks distressed. Rustic tables may also feature straight metal legs, or heavy wooden ones. Shaker: Shaker dining tables are functional and simple. They don’t have any eccentric ornamental designs or carvings because they are made to not draw attention. These tables are great if you don’t want your dining room to be the center of attention because they are straight and traditional. Industrial: These tables are typically large and heavy because they are made from metal or wood. They are perfect for a contemporary, grey-scale color scheme because of their darker colors and geometric table legs.

5. Think About Seating to Match Your Table Some dining room sets come with chairs that perfectly complement the table. Occasionally, you'll need to purchase the table and chairs separately. Although you don't have to buy seating that exactly matches the table, you do want something that will go well with its design and color scheme.

In infant food advertisements, chubby children are adorable. But how can you make sure your child has a healthy childhood so they don't end up as a dismaying statistic?

One out of every three children between the ages of 2 and 19 is overweight or obese, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Our youth are getting rounder and rounder (and sicker). Their chances of having a healthy future are increased if they are started on the proper path when they are still young.

Uncertain about where to begin? You can start your children out on a healthy footing by following these 5 AHA recommendations.

1. It's crucial to participate. Take the kids grocery shopping so they may choose the meals for the family. Show children how to select healthy fresh produce. Allow them to assist with dinner preparation at home. Kids will become more interested in what they put in their bodies once they watch how a meal is prepared, from the purchase through the cooking.

2. Have a family meal. Scheduling within families can be difficult, and when this happens, mealtime suffers. With everyone always on the go, quick food meals and unhealthy snacks frequently become the norm. Make a conscious effort to eat dinner together every night as a family.

3. More water, less sugar. The human body is are more than 60 percent water, which must be replaced regularly so they function properly. Urge kids to drink plenty of water. Kids love soda, and no one wants to deprive their children, but consider reserving sugary drinks for special occasions. Fill the fridge with pitchers of water instead of cans of soda. And buy reusable water bottles for road trips. Their bodies will thank them.

4. Pack a lunch. It’s easier to eat healthy when you control how your food has been prepared. Making lunch for your kids allows them to choose healthy snacks as well as a balanced, nutritious meal. Get them involved in the lunch-making process as well so they know what they’ll be getting and they’ll be less likely to trade with someone else at school.

5. Continue to go. Get the family moving. Plan regular joint activities for the day. After supper, take a walk in the outdoors, play interactive video games with the family, or engage in martial arts, dance, or yoga. Sell this as play rather than workout. Although some people may perceive exercise as work, everyone enjoys playing.

When in a crowded area, keep yourself, your family, and your belongings safe. While there is safety in numbers, attending crowded sporting events, concerts, and other large gatherings comes with its own set of dangers. Here’s how:

Important goods should be kept in your front pockets.

Maintain a close check on your youngsters.

Remind younger children to avoid strangers and to seek out police officers or officials if they become disoriented.

If you get separated, put your phone number in your child's pocket.

Choose a location where you can meet up with your group if you get separated.

If you're stuck in a swarm, go sideways or diagonally across the mob to get out.

Wearing loose clothing or accessories that could tangle or pull is not a good idea.

Hands should be washed frequently, particularly before and after eating or using the restroom.

Avoid sitting or standing near anyone who looks to be ill.

Make sure you're aware of the exits.

The ultimate present you could give or receive this holiday? The gift of time, convenience, and peace of mind – which is perfect for those who travel, work outside the home, have school-aged children, are elderly, or just don’t need another knick-knack. (Pretty much everybody on your list, including yourself.)

Lots of cool new home security devices and home automation products were introduced this past year that deliver convenience and protection. As simple plug-ins or interfaces with an affordable security system, from Amazon Echo to the Apple Watch and more, these latest products keep you safer, connected to family, and in control of the energy your home uses.

This holiday, consider two lists that provide security and the gift of time all year long: your holiday gift wish list, with the latest home automation devices, and a security checklist. We’ve done the homework for you. Here are our lists:

The Hottest Home Automation Products and Coolest Security Devices 

In addition to a “cool” factor, the devices and gadgets we invest in must serve a purpose and make our lives better. The following list of home automation products and home security devices achieve both.

•  Start with our Cove Smart mobile, security app, which allows you to control your home’s lights, doors, locks, cameras and more no matter where you are, checking in to ensure family and four-legged friends are safe. The great news? Our security app is free with our security system and home automation services.

•   One of the easiest ways to prevent break-ins while you’re away is to remotely control lights and sound systems, making your home appear occupied. Smart lighting devices, such as the Z-wave light bulb and plug-in, allow you to turn on or off lighting – controlling your energy use and avoiding the appearance of a dark and deserted home while you’re away. Simply and remotely light the way when coming home from a night out or with your arms full of packages.