Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get
sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.
We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including
scientific studies and medical journals.
If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing
editors@bestlifeonline.com.
COVID is Surging Again: 7 Ways to Stay Safe
Here’s what the experts are saying about the summer spike.
Title: Writer
Location: Los Angeles
Education: BA in History, Politics, and Economics from Royal Holloway, University of London
Expertise: Health, Science, and Wellness
Experience: Ferozan has 20 years of experience writing and editing in the health, wellness, and celebrity realm.
Website: Ferozan MastSocial Media: Twitter, Instagram
It wouldn’t be quite accurate to say COVID is back when it never left, but the virus is making itself felt again. “We've seen a bit of a seasonal pattern emerge where we've had an uptick in COVID in the summer and then another one in the winter—usually the winter one being more severe,” Michael Ben-Aderet, MD, associate medical director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai, tells Cedars-Sinai Newsroom. “The FLiRT variants is just a technical term for the continued mutation of the Omicron variants of COVID-19. And for the last year or so, pretty much all the variants of COVID-19 that we've seen circulate in the United States have been variants of Omicron.”While it’s natural to get nervous about COVID spikes, summer surges are not unusual. “This has been the case for a couple of years,” Dr. Ben-Aderet says. “Why that is, I don't think anyone truly understands. A lot of viruses are seasonal in nature. Some viruses are seasonal in summer; some are in winter. COVID-19 seems to be in both. Some of that has to do with the virus itself—the virology, how it spreads. And another aspect of it is human behavior: School being out, people being on vacation, people traveling, people mixing and doing more activities does play a role in that summer surge.”
With COVID surging in places, here’s how to protect yourself—and others—from getting sick.
The right mask can help prevent transmission. “Make sure to wear a good, well-fitting mask. They’ve been proven to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Ben-Aderet says. “If you haven't been vaccinated, vaccines are still available, and it's really best to be up to date on your vaccinations. Avoid being around others who are sick. If you are exposed or if you're sick, stay home if you don’t need to go out.”
Vaccines and Boosters
iStock
The CDC recommends staying up to date with vaccines and boosters. “Although vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.”
"Everyone six months or older should get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine, including pregnant moms,” says CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen. “For RSV, all infants under 8 months and children 8-19 months with risk factors should get nirsevimab. Pregnant moms between 32-36 weeks gestation can get the maternal RSV vaccine. All adults over 75 should get an RSV vaccination, and adults 60-74 with risk factors should get a one-time lifetime dose."
Clean Air
Shutterstock
The CDC recommends taking steps for cleaner air. “If your home has a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC, a system with air ducts that go throughout the home) that has a filter, set the fan to the ‘on’ position instead of ‘auto’ when you have visitors and use pleated filters. Change your filter every three months or according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
Get Tested
Shutterstock
If in doubt, get tested. “All available testing, both commercial and home testing, will still test against the FLiRT variants,” Dr. Ben-Aderet says. “Paxlovid is still widely available and still works very well. So there hasn't been any reduction in activity of Paxlovid, and it’s still recommended for high-risk individuals with COVID-19.”
Stay Home
Shutterstock
If you test positive for COVID, the CDC recommends staying home to stop the spread of the virus. “When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.”
Good Hygiene
Shutterstock
Continue practicing good hygiene, like stringent hand-washing. “Handwashing has always been one of the most effective ways of keeping diseases at bay,” says Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region. “It is a simple act that pays dividends when it comes to keeping ourselves healthy and safe. Handwashing is also one of the key cornerstones of COVID-19 prevention. Now more than ever, as we embrace the new normal and live with COVID-19, hand hygiene needs to become an integral part of our daily routine and our lives as we live through this pandemic and beyond to protect us from diseases.”
Don’t hesitate to get treatment if you feel unwell.” Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness,” says the CDC. “Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness, but it needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.”
We offer the most up-to-date information from top experts, new research, and health agencies, but our content is not meant to be a substitute for professional guidance. When it comes to the medication you're taking or any other health questions you have, always consult your healthcare provider directly.
There’s no denying that the rise of Netflix has forever changed how we watch our favorite shows and movies. Anyone who has ever lost an evening—or even an entire weekend—to a binge-watching session can attest to just how easy it can be to get sucked in and hit that “Are you still watching?” prompt again and again. But even though the streaming service has made it simpler than ever to access content on demand, there are still some handy tricks you might not know about. Read on for eight cool and useful Netflix features you’re probably not using.
Big names have long been a way to draw audiences to the box office, and streaming hasn’t changed that. However, staying on top of the latest releases has made it somewhat more complicated to follow some of your personal favorites’ careers—unless you have a Netflix account.
One of the service’s most overlooked features is the ability to search for content by actor or artist. Besides typing their name into the app’s search bar, you can also dive deeper by clicking the “More info” button after you’ve finished a program and selecting their name from the “cast” tab, according to MakeUseOf.com. This will bring up their entire body of work that you can dive right into or bookmark to watch later.
2. You can play games.
Shutterstock
Most people are entertained by Netflix’s broad catalog of content that they can access simply by pressing play. But did you know you could also use your membership to literally play?
Besides being a streaming platform, Netflix users are also usually surprised to discover that they also have access to about 50 different games. The titles are available for download to mobile devices and tablets as part of your membership, with options like vintage versions of the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, arcade-style games, sports, puzzles, and more.
3. You can reboot your algorithm.
Dean Drobot / Shutterstock
Even though Netflix started cracking down on password sharing not long ago, there’s a decent chance that the algorithm that’s supposed to help you find your next binge-watch has gotten seriously derailed. But instead of slogging through lackluster recommendations, use a handy feature to get back on track.
Members can easily reset their algorithm by going through their viewing history and removing titles they don’t want to be associated with their account, according to MakeUseOf.com. Simply click on the account icon and select “viewing history” to access yours and begin dropping shows and movies that don’t appeal to you or were abandoned mid-watch. This can be especially helpful if your interests have changed in recent years or if you share the account with someone you live with.
4. Don't neglect the rating option.
Shutterstock
Your viewing history isn’t the only way Netflix decides what it wants to serve up to you next. The service has also long provided a way to rate content, providing users the option to mark titles as “did not like,” “liked it,” and “loved it.”
While it can be easy to skip over this as the credits roll on the final episode, it can actually help keep the app aware of what you actually want to watch. Making it a point to use this feature can cut down on the time you spend frantically searching for something new to start.
5. Optimize download for travel and mobile viewing.
Shutterstock
Netflix isn’t just a great option for hanging out on the couch: The app is also available on mobile devices, making it a fantastic way to pass the time while traveling or commuting. But unfortunately, it’s only helpful if you’re someplace with a decent cell or internet connection—unless you plan ahead.
According to Tom’s Guide, users can change their settings to ensure they’re never left without another episode on the go. One involves enabling “Download Next Episode,” which will both download the next segment of the series you’re watching onto your device and delete any finished content. And if you trust Netflix’s algorithm, turning on “Downloads for You” will have the app stockpile content it thinks you'll enjoy offline.
Do you have a show or movie you know you’ll want to have access to? You can also always prep specific content ahead of time simply by clicking “download” on its title page.
6. Reset your watch progress.
Shutterstock
Whether you’re prone to falling asleep mid-episode or someone else in your home is better at bingeing shows than you, it can be hard to stay on top of which shows you’ve actually watched. Instead of jumping around trying to find where you left off, you might want to try starting from scratch with Netflix’s helpful feature that allows you to reset your watch progress.
Similar to fixing your algorithm suggestions, you’ll have to access your viewing history to get started, per MakeUseOf.com. From there, you can choose to restart an episode or go back to the beginning of an entire series. This way, you can make your way through your new favorite show at your own pace.
7. Learn keyboard shortcuts.
Shutterstock
Watching Netflix on your laptop? You might be surprised to know you can navigate the experience more easily by using keyboard shortcuts, just like in some of your other go-to programs.
According to Tom's Guide, the relatively straightforward commands include being able to jump ahead 10 seconds by using the left and right arrow keys and controlling volume with the up and down keys. You can also press “M” to quickly mute your content or “F” to quickly enter full-screen mode.
8. Change your subtitles.
Shutterstock
No matter what your hearing level is, many viewers now opt to keep subtitles turned on while watching shows and movies to ensure they don’t miss any dialogue. However, you can go further than just turning them on or off.
According to MakeUseOf.com, users also have the option to change the look of the subtitles on their screen. By clicking on the account button and selecting “subtitle appearance,” you can control everything from font size and type to background color and shadowing. This can be especially handy if you’re watching on different screens or have difficulty making out the text.
Appliances are large investments, and when we shell out for expensive products, we want to feel confident in their longevity and their safety. But now, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning that Samsung Slide-In Electric Ranges are being recalled following 250 fire reports. According to an Aug. 8 recall notice, the Samsung stoves have “front-mounted knobs” that “can be activated by accidental contact by humans or pets.”
The recall, which includes 30 model numbers, impacts approximately 1,120,905 Samsung ranges sold on Samsung.com, as well as at Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other appliance stores. Different ranges were sold between May 2013 and Aug. 2024, retailing for between $1,250 and $3,050, depending on the model.
According to the CPSC, as of last week, Samsung had received over 300 reports of “unintentional activation of the front-mounted knobs by humans or pets since 2013.” The ranges have been involved in 250 fires, at least 18 of which “caused extensive property damage.” There have also been roughly 40 injuries, including eight that required medical attention—and, tragically, seven fire reports that involved pet deaths.
If you have a Samsung range at home, cross-check the model number on your appliance with those listed in the CPSC notice. The model number on each range is located in the upper left corner of the oven door or inside the storage bin below the oven.
If you find that your range is part of the recall, the CPSC instructs you to contact Samsung for a free set of knob locks or covers that are compatible with your specific model. In the meantime, while knob locks and covers aren’t installed, the agency notes that consumers should keep children and pets away from the knobs, ensure that knobs are off before leaving the house or going to sleep, and avoid leaving objects on the range when appliances are not in use.
For questions or to request a knob cover or lock, call Samsung toll-free at 833-775-0120 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) Monday through Friday, or email the company at rangesupport@sea.samsung.com. If you prefer to submit a request online, you can also visit Samsung’s website. On that page, you can also find video guides for installing both the knob locks and the knob covers.
The CPSC says that those with Samsung ranges that have WiFi can take an extra precaution by opting in to the “Cooktop On” notification in the Samsung SmartThings app. This will send alerts to your phone if your burner is turned on.
In general, the CPSC also advises consumers to follow safety advice to prevent fires.
“Never place, leave, or store anything on the top of your range,” the agency warns. “Such items can ignite if the range is accidentally activated or left on. Fires can occur when items are left on the top surface of any range that is accidentally activated or left on.”
Every dog owner will attest that their pet is the cutest, best-behaved dog in the world—but unfortunately, there can only be one pup on top. In honor of National Dog Month this August, JustAnswer.com reviewed over 100,000 pet owner-vet conversations to solve the age-old question: What is the most popular dog breed? And because choosing a name for your four-legged friend is arguably the best part of getting a new dog, the online expert site also analyzed data to determine the top 10 dog names of 2024. Keep reading to see if your pooch’s breed and name made the top 10 list below.
Labradors, which are considered excellent family dogs because of their friendly and energetic personalities, edged out Chihuahuas for first place this year, while the Shih Tzu breed bumped up two notches to clinch seventh place after ranking second to last in 2023.
In 2024, Shih Tzu-related questions have increased by 64 percent and French Bulldog questions have increased by 12 percent. When comparing popular dog breeds by state, JustAnswer.com found that conversations about Chihuahuas are most prevalent in California and Texas, while Floridians seem to have the most questions about Yorkies.
Of JustAnswer.com’s most popular states for dog questions (California, Texas, Florida, and New York), Texas was the only state where “Boxers” ranked in the top 10 breeds.
The Top Dog Names in 2024
Bella
Luna
Charlie
Max
Daisy
Lucy
Buddy
Coco
Bailey
Sadie
Booted from the list this year was the name "Milo," which held the number 10 spot last year. It’s been replaced by newcomer "Sadie."
Other popular dog names that ranked high but didn’t make the top 10 include Zoey, Teddy, and Leo.
Additionally, it appears dog owners looked to famous politicians for inspiration in 2024. JustAnswer.com found a 15 percent increase in dogs named "Major," an honorable nod to President Biden’s German shepherd. The name “Trump” for a dog also yielded similar results.
In the spirit of political-themed dog names, it’ll be interesting to see what next year’s data holds, given that 2024 is an election year.
Anyone who takes holiday or seasonal decor seriously knows a stop at Hobby Lobby can easily hit every item on your checklist and more. While the bargain retailer doesn't carry Halloween-specific decor, it does offer plenty of autumn hues and fall-themed items—helping you deck your home and yard out with festive-feeling pieces. And according to social media, anyone who’s already itching to get into the spirit will be particularly excited by this year’s fall decor at Hobby Lobby. Read on to see what stores are “so stocked up” on ahead of the season.
Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and football parties, fall is a sneakily busy time for entertaining. You can ensure your guests never go without a beverage thanks to the store’s new pumpkin-shaped glass drink dispenser.
“This would be cute for a Thanksgiving punch,” says TikTok user @mhouser12 in a recent video.
2. Throw pillows
Copyright @itskhloiee/TikTok
By their very design, throw pillows are practically made to change with the seasons. Fortunately, you won’t have to look very hard for a fall option, thanks to Hobby Lobby. The store has already dropped its plush pieces for the season in all shapes, sizes, and colors, including designs with brightly colored foliage and plenty of pumpkins, according to a video posted by TikTok user @itskhloiee.
The best part? They’re already marked down 40 percent on the shelf.
3. Faux dried flowers and plants
Copyright @fabuloushomebymeli/TikTok
Bright bouquets might be the look for spring and summer, but there’s a way to lean into fall without saying goodbye to flowers outright.
Hobby Lobby is now stocking plenty of faux plants, including branches and an assortment of dried flowers, per a TikTok video posted by @fabuloushomebymeli. They’re everything you’ll need to create the perfect centerpiece or entryway decor.
4. Fall-themed clothing accessories
Copyright @cozyadk/TikTok
Hobby Lobby isn’t just great for getting your home into the spirit of the season: The one-stop shop is also a fantastic resource for festive clothing accessories.
In a TikTok video, user @cozyadk showcases the store’s fall-friendly sock selection, which includes playful pumpkin, pilgrim, and turkey designs. And like other autumn goods, they’re already 40 percent off.
It’s also not just about what’s on your feet. In her video, @mhouser12 shows off the store’s latest drop of fall bracelets, earrings, and patches you can use to accessorize.
5. Peanuts-themed fall items
Copyright @taylorrr08/TikTok
Thanks to classic holiday movies like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and Happy Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown, Peanuts have become an important part of fall celebrations. Now, Hobby Lobby is making it easy to incorporate everyone’s favorite animated beagle and his group of friends into their fall decorations.
In a recent video, TikTok user @taylorrr08 focuses on Peanuts-themed products you can pick up for autumn. They include a variety of mugs, Snoopy socks, a stuffed Woodstock, serving trays, garden flags, doormats, and more.
6. Table decor
Copyright @silvia.yareli/TikTok
There are plenty of reasons to spruce up your dining table during fall—so why wait until Thanksgiving? Besides an impressive centerpiece, you can also get the festive look you’re after at every meal with seasonal place settings.
According to a video posted by TikTok user @silvia.yareli, Hobby Lobby is now selling tablecloths, napkins, tea towels, and placemats decked out with pumpkins, fall foliage, and more.
7. Festive fall garlands
Copyright @mhouser12/TikTok
Garland is no longer exclusive to the winter holiday season, at least according to Hobby Lobby. In her video, @mhouser12 points out various types of garlands that are perfect for autumn, including pumpkins, foliage-themed earth tones, and more.
8. Paint-your-own pumpkins
Copyright @mhouser12/TikTok
There’s never a bad time for DIY projects and crafts. Anyone feeling like getting creative this fall can pick up a ceramic pumpkin at Hobby Lobby, which is perfect for painting and decorating to your liking.
“You guys already know it’s so expensive when you go to a place, you can just buy this and for 40 percent off—for $3.49 actually, so 40 percent off that!—and do your own craft,” says @mhouser12.
9. Fall wreaths
Copyright @mhouser12/TikTok
Hobby Lobby has already dropped this year’s selection of fall-friendly door ornaments, both in large and mini sizes. In her video, @mhouser12 muses about how there’s “so much” to choose from—and you can even get a door hanger if yours has gone missing from last year.
10. Candles
Copyright @raequeel/TikTok
Would it really be fall without at least one flickering candle as part of your decor? Social media posts are filled with examples of items the store is selling this year, including a three-wick ceramic pumpkin.
And if you’re hoping to fill your home with the trademark smell of fall, you’re in luck. You can also opt for a simple-looking scented candle that will brighten your space in more ways than one, according to @fabuloushomebymeli’s video.
11. Fall mugs
Copyright @heathermoraless/TikTok
It may feel early to some who are holding on to summer, but autumn lovers know that when the fall decor is rolled out, you shouldn't wait to shop. And in a recent TikTok video, @heathermoraless says she's doing just that.
“If you’re an experienced decorator, then you know that once Hobby Lobby starts putting out their [fall] stuff, you need to grab it—even if it’s July,” she says.
She then explains she’s looking for "one thing and one thing only” that she knows will sell out at the store: a festive fall mug complete with a faux whipped cream top. She’s so excited that when she comes across the product still in stock, she immediately decides to buy it in both available colors.
On paper, a full moon in the night sky may seem like anything to write home about. After all, full moons occur about every 29 days and are easier to spot in the sky than other lunar phases like a new moon. However, August’s full moon will be one for the record books because it also happens to be the third of four full moons this season. And its alignment with Earth, in conjunction with it being the third full moon of summer, means it will be bigger and brighter than ever. So, before grab your binoculars—here’s everything you need to know about the rare supermoon-blue moon mashup.
August’s full moon will appear Sunday morning and last through early Wednesday morning, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). However, Monday, Aug. 19, is when the full moon will also be considered a supermoon and blue moon.
Starting to get a little confused? Let’s break it down even further.
A supermoon happens when a full moon is at or near its closest point to Earth. This is called a “perigee,” while an “apogee” is when the moon is at its farthest from Earth, per NASA. When the moon hits the perigee stage, it can appear up to 14 percent bigger than at apogee. NASA reports that about 25 percent of full moons become supermoons.
Meanwhile, a seasonal blue moon is the third full moon in a season with four full moons. While they aren’t uncommon, blue moons don’t happen frequently—about every two to three years, says NASA. (Hence the phrase "once in a blue moon.")
On the other hand, super blue moons are even more scarce, occurring every 10 to 20 years.
Despite its colorful nickname, blue moons don’t typically have a blue-ish hue.
“On rare occasions, tiny particles in the air―typically of smoke or dust―can scatter away red wavelengths of light, causing the Moon to appear blue,” explains the space agency.
Put supermoons and blue moons together thi, and you get to see an unusual phenomenon that won't happen again until January or March 2037.
The super blue moon will reach its peak on Monday, Aug. 19, at 2:26 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). However, stargazers will have to wait until after sunset to grasp the gravity of the moon’s brightness and size.
The good news is you won’t need binoculars to witness the super blue moon. On any average night, the moon resembles the size of a nickel, but a super blue moon will resemble the size of a quarter. Of course, stargazing in areas that aren’t populated with high-rise buildings, bright city lights, and tall trees will improve your viewing experience.