With rising social and environmental issues at the global level, it is each one’s responsibility to do their bit for the greater good.  As investors, the best way to contribute to a noble cause is through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments.  ESG investments  involve buying shares and securities only  from companies with high environmental and social responsibility scores.  But one must have a strategy before venturing into ESG investments. Best-in-class screening This strategy is also called positive screening. It requires people to invest only in the top companies from specific niches.  One may set certain criteria the companies must meet to qualify  to be in  their portfolio.  For instance, those who invest in the automobile industry may shortlist companies that manufacture vehicles with the lowest carbon dioxide emissions. This way, one can consciously encourage environmentally and socially responsible companies to advance in their journeys. Exclusionary screening Also called negative screening, this strategy is  the opposite of  best-in-class screening.   It  essentially  involves excluding certain companies or industries from one’s portfolio.  Exclusionary screening is usually based on one’s specific objective related to ESG investments. For example, if one aims to reduce carbon emissions, one may boycott investments in companies that have recorded high carbon footprints in their manufacturing processes.

A s one grows older, one  might start to  notice certain challenges  when it comes to  mobility and cognitive functions.   So, while one might be capable of doing things on their own initially, they might  eventually  require additional care and support for multiple things from a professional or an assisted living community.   Several telltale signs can help caregivers identify if a senior may benefit from an assisted living community. 1. Deteriorating health A chronic health condition that keeps getting worse by the day is a common indicator that one might require additional care. While one might try to handle their loved one’s condition independently, some might require professional care. If this is the case, one should partner with a team of trained members dedicated to the well-being of such situations, such as by moving the senior to an assisted living facility. 2. Changes in hygiene A senior might be living with a health condition but still manage to take care of basic hygiene. However, deteriorating health and mobility issues might cause them to stop caring for themselves. One might notice changes in one’s hygiene, such as greasy, unkempt hair, body odor, or dirty fingernails that are too long, broken, or jagged.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare disease that causes scarring in the lung tissues, causing breathing difficulties. On the other hand, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening, chronic, progressive disease of mucus glands. It primarily affects the respiratory system and digestive systems of young and adults. It can also affect the sweat glands and reproductive system. Both are lung diseases but have very different symptoms. Both diseases are progressive and chronic and eventually lead to fatalities. Impact of pulmonary fibrosis Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) causes lung scarring, making it thicker and less elastic. As a result, patients with PF cannot take in enough oxygen while breathing. The scarring may also affect the air sacs, a lace-like structure that supplies oxygen to the capillaries, absorbs carbon dioxide and releases it during exhalation. Scarring in the air sacs prevents the lungs from expanding, preventing one from taking deep breaths, which directly limits the amount of oxygen that can enter the blood.  Allergens, side effects of prescription treatments, pollution, and family history, are said to be the causes of pulmonary fibrosis. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for the disease. However, the symptoms can be managed with treatments and lifestyle changes. And since it is a progressive disease, it mostly leads to fatalities.

Water is a vital component that supports the body’s functioning on almost every level. For instance, it ensures optimal oxygen supply to different organs, provides energy, regulates internal temperature through perspiration, lubricates the joints, and facilitates other essential functions that promote one’s overall well-being. But unfortunately, most people overlook this basic need of the body in their busy schedules and fail to drink adequate amounts of water, which turns out detrimental in the long run. Side effects of insufficient water intake The required daily water intake can vary from person to person depending on their age, activity level, and other factors. However, the recommended amount is 2.7 liters for women and 3.7 liters for men. A person’s body may not show signs of thirst on not meeting this requirement. However, it can lead to several complications over time. In most cases, these complications are mistaken for other health concerns but are actually the side effects of a lack of water intake. Below are a few immediate and long-term side effects of drinking insufficient water: Dehydration Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water through vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating than it receives. This can lead to imbalances in bodily functions and cause physical symptoms like dizziness and a dry mouth.

Pet parents leave no stone unturned to ensure their pet’s good health. Purchasing premium pet foods, pet-proofing the home, and taking their pets for vet visits are just some of the measures pet parents take to keep their pets healthy. Nutrition is one of the most essential aspects determining a dog’s general well-being. In addition to specific dog foods available on the market, certain human foods can also provide dogs with the required nourishment: Chicken Most dogs will surely enjoy a simple yet satisfying meal of boiled chicken and rice. Boiled chicken can serve as an excellent low-fat meal for dogs, providing them with their daily dose of protein and helping with muscle and bone health. However, eating chicken in its raw form is not advisable, as it can increase the risk of salmonella and other bacterial infections. It is also best to avoid adding spices and salt to the chicken meal, as these can result in digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting. Plain boiled chicken, preferably with some boiled rice, is the best bet for a sumptuous meal for one’s pooch. Eggs Eggs are rich sources of protein, fatty acids, and vitamins A, B2, and B12, making them a healthy breakfast option for dogs.

Internet connectivity is the need of the hour for working professionals who operate from home, students, and generally anyone who wants to be online. So, getting a family plan is better if you install a new Internet connection at home. These plans cater to every individual’s needs and support multi-device streaming and seamless connections to work or study. This article discusses the best plans to choose, mistakes to avoid, and ways to boost your Internet connection. Common mistakes to avoid while choosing Internet providers Choosing an Internet service provider can be confusing at first, so here are a few basic mistakes you can avoid: Choosing the wrong connection Avoid choosing a low-cost Internet provider simply because you get some free basic plans. You will end up with a low-speed connection that might not be sufficient for all household members. Compare plans to find affordable Internet services that work for everyone. Getting confused with Internet types Fiber optic connections are the fastest and offer decent speeds for multiple users to connect and enjoy Internet services. However, some affordable plans may only be available with limited bandwidth. So, you must check and compare types of Internet connections, including DSL, cable, and fixed wireless.

Humans tend to rely on verbal modes when communicating with each other. On the other hand, dogs communicate primarily via body language and secondarily through vocalizations. While having a dog whisperer would take the guesswork out of the situation, understanding inter-species communication is not as straightforward. Therefore, when deciphering what is being communicated, you must observe the entire dog (tail carriage/motion, facial expressions, body position, etc.) and the situation or context. Looking for non-verbal cues: Since dogs cannot vocalize their feelings, they may use the following non-verbal cues for our benefit: Tail Tail wagging is the most obvious sign to observe. However, it may not always mean the dog is happy, friendly, or excited. Remember to look for other cues to understand their mood. Here are some general tail motions that can help decipher how your dog is feeling: A curled tail could be a relaxation, confidence, or dominance stance. A straight, stiff tail generally signals that the dog is focused on an activity or tracking something. A tucked or lowered tail is a sign of fear or submission. Ears Isn’t it adorable watching a dog’s ears perk up? Their ears are also an important part of communication! Perky ears are generally a sign of interest and focus, while floppy ears are a sign of submission.

The lungs perform several vital functions, such as oxygenating the blood to maintain the functioning of other organs in the body. But the lungs might be susceptible to disease or infection due to genetic and environmental factors. When at risk of lung diseases like cancer, doctors prescribe treatments and certain lifestyle changes, such as making better food choices to improve lung health and prevent diseases. So, here are the best foods for improving lung health: Beetroot Adding beetroot to meals is one of the best ways to improve lung health. The colored roots and greens of the beet plant contain compounds such as nitrates, which can help relax the blood vessels, improve oxygen uptake, and reduce blood pressure. Further, the nutrients in beetroots may also help improve lung function in those with health conditions like COPD and pulmonary hypertension—a type of high blood pressure. Apples The lungs are susceptible to oxidative stress, which may result in inflammation of the airways. Apples are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and the flavonoid quercetin, which could reduce such stress and improve lung function. Eating apples has also been associated with a lower risk of asthma. Five or more apples per week can also help reduce the risk of developing COPD.  Dark chocolate A bar of dark chocolate can improve lung health as it contains cocoa, which is rich in flavonoids that act as antioxidants.