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Worried about getting a blood test? 5 tips to make them easier (and still accurate)

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sapha-shibeeb-1481231">Sapha Shibeeb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> Blood tests are a common medical procedure, offering valuable insights into a person’s health. Whether you’re getting a routine check-up, diagnosing a medical condition or monitoring treatment progress, understanding the process can make the experience more comfortable and effective. For the majority of patients, blood collections are a minor inconvenience. Others may feel <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887618506000041">uneasy and anxious</a>. Preparation strategies can help get you through the procedure. <h2>How blood is collected</h2> During venipuncture (blood draw), the phlebotomist (blood collector) inserts a needle through the skin into a vein and a small amount of blood is collected and transferred into a test tube. Tubes are sent to a laboratory, where the blood is analysed. A laboratory technician may count or examine cells and measure the levels of minerals/salts, enzymes, proteins or other substances in the sample. For some tests, blood plasma is separated out by spinning (centrifuging) the sample. Others pass a light beam through the sample to determine the amount of a chemical present. For collection, the phlebotomist usually selects a vein in the crook of your elbow, where veins are readily accessible. Blood can also be drawn from veins in the wrists, fingers or heels. A tourniquet may be applied to restrict blood flow and make the chosen vein puff out. <h2>Different tests require different preparation</h2> Before a blood test, the GP or health-care provider will give you specific instructions. These may include fasting for up to 12 hours or temporarily discontinuing certain medications. It is crucial to follow these guidelines meticulously as they can significantly impact the accuracy of your test results. For example, fasting is required before glucose (blood sugar) and lipids (blood fats) testing because blood sugar and cholesterol levels typically increase after a meal. If the blood test requires fasting, you will be asked not to eat or drink (no tea, coffee, juice or alcohol) for about eight to 12 hours. Water is allowed but smoking should be avoided because it can increase <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/19/2/112/19825/Acute-Effect-of-Cigarette-Smoking-on-Glucose">blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels</a>. Generally, you will be asked to fast overnight and have the blood collection done in the morning. Fasting for longer than 15 hours could impact your results, too, by causing dehydration or the release of certain chemicals in the blood. If you have diabetes, you must consult your doctor prior to fasting because it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people with type 1 diabetes. Most type 2 diabetics can safely fast before a blood test but there are some exceptions, such as people who are taking certain medications including insulin. <h2>5 tips for a better blood test</h2> To improve your blood collection experience, consider these tips: 1. Hydrate Drink plenty of water right up to 30 minutes before your appointment. Adequate hydration improves blood flow, making your veins more accessible. Avoid <a href="https://academic.oup.com/labmed/article/34/10/736/2657269">strenuous exercise</a> before your blood test, which can increase some blood parameters (such as liver function) while decreasing others (such as sodium). 2. Loose clothing Wear clothing that allows easy access to your arms to ensure a less stressful procedure. 3. Manage anxiety If the sight of blood or the procedure makes you anxious, look away while the needle is inserted and try to keep breathing normally. Distraction can help – virtual reality has been <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31889358/">trialled</a> to reduce needle anxiety in children. You could try bringing something to read or music to listen to. 4. Know your risk of fainting If you’re prone to fainting, make sure to inform the phlebotomist when you arrive. You can have your blood drawn while lying down to minimise the risk of passing out and injury. Hydration helps maintain blood pressure and can also <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.CIR.0000101966.24899.CB">reduce the risk</a> of fainting. 5. Discuss difficult veins Some people have smaller or scarred veins, often due to repeated punctures, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4989034/">chemotherapy</a> or blood thinner use. In such cases, venipuncture may require multiple attempts. It is important to talk to the phlebotomist if you feel discomfort or significant pain. A finger prick can be performed as an alternative for some tests, such as blood glucose levels. But other comprehensive tests require larger blood volume. <h2>Blood draws after lymph node removal</h2> Historically, there were concerns about drawing blood from an arm that had undergone lymph node removal. This was due to the risk of <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/lymphedema/lymphedema-pdq#:%7E:text=Lymphedema%20is%20the%20build%2Dup,the%20way%20that%20it%20should.">lymphedema</a>, a condition marked by fluid build-up in the affected arm. Lymph nodes may have been removed (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564397/#:%7E:text=Lymph%20node%20dissection%2C%20also%20known,surgical%20management%20of%20malignant%20tumors.">lymphadenectomy</a>) for cancer diagnosis or treatment. However, a <a href="https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2015.61.5948">2016 study</a> showed people who’ve had lymph nodes removed are not at a higher risk of developing lymphedema following blood draws, even when drawing blood from the affected arm. <h2>After your blood test</h2> The whole blood test procedure usually lasts no more than a few minutes. Afterwards, you may be asked to apply gentle pressure over a clean dressing to aid clotting and reduce swelling. If you do experience swelling, bruising or pain after a test, follow general first aid procedures to alleviate discomfort. These include applying ice to the site, resting the affected arm and, if needed, taking a pain killer. It is usually recommended you do not do heavy lifting for a few hours after a blood draw. This is to prevent surges in blood flow that could prevent clotting where the blood was taken.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/216073/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sapha-shibeeb-1481231">Sapha Shibeeb</a>, Senior lecturer in Laboratory Medicine , <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/worried-about-getting-a-blood-test-5-tips-to-make-them-easier-and-still-accurate-216073">original article</a>.

Body

Microwaving solar panels makes them easier to recycle

<div> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/news/solar-cells-essential-for-brighter-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar cell</a> manufacturing and recycling should be easier with a surprising new discovery by Macquarie University scientists – that uses a commercial microwave. While they’re being made, the silicon in solar panels goes through a process called “annealing”, which involves heating the materials to temperatures well above 500°C. Annealing is usually done with ovens. But a study <a href="https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0127896" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in Applied Physics Letters shows that microwaves are not only faster and more energy efficient for the job, but make the panels much easier to disassemble, and thus recycle, at the end of life. This is because microwave radiation heats individual substances – like the water in food, or silicon. “It just heats the very thin layer of silicon rather than heating the bulk of the materials around, and it’s really fast,” says lead author Dr Binesh Puthen Veettil, a researcher at Macquarie University’s School of Engineering. This also makes the process easier, because the microwave doesn’t have to be as carefully cleaned. “In most of the high temperature processes, lots of contaminants come out of the walls of the oven. But in this case, the heat is flowing from the silicon outwards, while everything else is at room temperature, it’s kind of a pseudo room temperature process where the contaminants don’t get diffused from outside,” says Veettil. “But the thing we are most excited about is the benefit to recycling.” Currently, solar cell recycling is a very <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/earth/sustainability/solar-panel-recycling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy intense process</a> which involves crushing up the panels and heating them to temperatures of at least 1000°C, so that all of the expensive elements can be extracted. This method destroys some of the reusable solar cell components: particularly, the toughened glass on the top of the panel. “This glass contains most of the weight of the solar panel,” explains Veettil. That glass is stuck to a layer of plastic, usually ethylene vinyl acetate, which keeps the silicon plate underneath dry. This plastic is too hard to remove, so the whole thing is smashed up, with the glass sold as scrap. But microwaving the silicon specifically softens the plastic, making it easy to peel. “You can just peel off the silicon cell, without destroying the glass, and you can reuse that expensive glass,” says Veettil. “If you can reuse the glass, the recycling will pay for itself.” Plus, it doesn’t need the same high temperatures, or extra chemicals needed to wash and dissolve the plastic. For now, the process is lab-based – and only for solar panels that fit in a commercial microwave. “Initially, when we started the research, we used a laboratory microwave that we purchased from a US company,” says Veettil. “And we after that, we purchased some kitchen microwaves locally, and modified it to suit our purposes.” This modification involved heat-proofing the microwave so that it could handle the annealing temperatures. “It goes from room temperature to 500° Celsius in just two seconds,” says Veettil. (Depending on the size of the sample: bigger things take longer.) But the researchers have a patent pending for the recycling process, and are now investigating how to improve and commercialise it. “We are hoping that with some industry collaboration and funding, we can scale it up,” says Veettil. “Recycling needs to be meet two conditions: it should be environmentally friendly, and second, it should pay for itself. “I’m pretty sure, with the numbers I have in mind, it will it will be profitable and then the market will take care of itself and it organically grow recycling centres. That’s my hope.” </div> <div id="contributors"> This article was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/microwaving-solar-panels-recycling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Ellen Phiddian. Images: Getty </div>

Technology

5 DIY ideas for your home that are easier than you think

If you want to spruce up your home without breaking the bank, check out these home upgrades you can achieve all by yourself. 1. Feature wall If you’re looking for a pop of colour or have a wall in need of some TLC, try a feature wall. You can do this with paint, but if you want a wall that looks like it’s been renovated by professionals, try covering it with plywood panels. Arrange the plywood panels however you like on your wall and secure them with a nail gun, paint over the top of it and transform your room! 2. Wall storage Invest in some wooden hooks to hang items on. Use items such as scarves, indoor plants, hats and bags for decoration and paint the hooks for a pop of colour. 3. Gallery wall Dedicate a wall for paintings. It’s a good idea to pick artworks that are similar and will complement each other. Choose the same frame style so they all match, and line them up on the wall. 4. Style your bathroom It is possible to transform your bathroom even if you’re less than handy! Think of a colour scheme and get matching towels, soaps, and mats. You can also make other simple changes by matching towel rails, door knobs and taps to bring the room together. 5. Paint your door Totally transform your home with a new coat of paint on your front door. Bright colours make for a great feature and a stylish new front door will leave a lasting impression on guests. Use water-based gloss or semi-gloss paint for easy cleaning and durability. Paint your door in its frame or lay it on the floor and remember to remove knobs and hinges. Image credit: Shutterstock

Home Hints & Tips

3 smart appliances to make your life easier

It’s time to get digital but don’t worry, all you need is a set of batteries and a charging cord. From vacuuming to mowing the lawn, here are some helpful devices that will make your life easier. 1. <a href="https://www.binglee.com.au/products/irobot-braava-jet-m6-robot-mop-m613200?utm_source=CommissionFactory&utm_medium=referral&cfclick=346864d5d0bf44a58923574774cfdf9e" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Robotic Vacuum</a><a href="https://www.binglee.com.au/products/irobot-braava-jet-m6-robot-mop-m613200?utm_source=CommissionFactory&utm_medium=referral&cfclick=346864d5d0bf44a58923574774cfdf9e"> </a> The concept of a robotic vacuum is not at all new. The Roomba vacuum, arguably the most iconic robot vacuum cleaner out there has been out for over a decade but if you do not own one, do yourself a favour and get one! Or something similar. A robot vacuum will make bending over a thing of the past. They are a self-propelled floor cleaner that uses a rotating brush or brushes to pick up dirt and debris. They work on their own without any human intervention, just press the button and let the little robot clean your home. 2. <a href="https://www.ecovacs.com/au/winbot-window-cleaning-robot/winbot-w1-pro?cfclick=d2d2a30255d642df868b7ab3d6850b67">Robotic Window Cleaner</a> Cleaning windows is one of the most tiresome jobs in terms of cleaning, so rest those arms and get yourself a robotic window cleaner. This revolutionary window cleaner suctions itself onto the glass and gives your windows the gleam they deserve. Once again, no human intervention, just press the button and watch in amazement. 3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/WORX-LANDROID-Robotic-POWERSHARE-Battery/dp/B09V2DQGC1/?tag=homestolove-trx0000057-22">Robotic Lawn Mower</a> If you have a big lawn, then this is the way to go. Lawn mowers that you can ride are certainly a better option than those you hold, but the robotic lawn mower allows you to cut your grass from the comfort of your living room. They’re capable of cutting areas of up to 1000sqm. It measures the size of your lawn, the soil composition and can identify different grass species to make sure it’s cut at the right time based on growth rate and seasonality! Work smarter, not harder. Image credit: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

Get packing! A new airline is making it even easier to go rural

Budget airline Bonza has revealed where it will be landing and taking off from as part of its ‘Here for Allstralia’ campaign. Having said it wouldn’t be competing with fellow budget airlines Jetstar and Rex for capital city routes, Bonza announced it would be offering 25 routes across regional Australia. The airline, which was first introduced in 2021, still requires regulatory approval before it can begin hitting the skies, but is expected to take-off from the middle of this year. “Since announcing Bonza to the world late last year, we’ve always said we wouldn’t just fly between Australia’s three largest cities and instead give people in the regions more choice,” Tim Jordan, Bonza’s CEO and former Virgin Blue executive, said in a media release. Mr Jordan said the announcement also came as the “largest” in “Australian aviation history”. “With destinations ranging from Albury to the Whitsundays, travellers will now be able to fly, instead of impossibly long road trips, as well as fly direct without a stopover in a major city,” he said. “Aussies can look forward to spending more time at their destination and spending less of their hard earned cash getting there in the first place.” Bonza has said that 80 percent of the initial route network will be heading to previously unserved locations, opening up air travel to even more Aussies in even more locations. The airline is also opening up its recruitment, offering jobs for 200 pilots and cabin crew who were laid off during the pandemic to work at its Sunshine Coast and Melbourne posts. “It’s hard not to have witnessed the devastating impact of the pandemic on many talented pilots and cabin crew,” Mr Jordan <a href="https://7news.com.au/travel/air-aviation/new-airline-bonza-seeking-200-workers-c-6272113" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. “It’s our hope we can provide roles and development opportunities to some of those impacted.” With at least 8500 workers laid off or made redundant from Qantas alone and a third of Virgin’s staff cut to avoid voluntary administration, it’s safe to say Bonza will be seeing their vacancies filled quickly. The full list of destinations includes: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> VIC </li> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Avalon </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Melbourne </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Mildura </li> </ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> NSW </li> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Albury </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Newcastle </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Port Macquarie </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Coffs Harbour </li> </ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> QLD </li> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Bundaberg </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Cairns </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Mackay </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Gladstone </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Toowoomba Wellcamp </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Sunshine Coast </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Whitsunday Coast </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="2"> Townsville </li> </ul> </ul> Image: Bonza

Domestic Travel

Naming that plant just got easier

<div class="copy"> <div class="copy"> A major difficulty in plant research is the sheer abundance of names. Most databases contain multiple or archaic names for many species, which makes sharing information confusing. Alternatively, a database may not have been updated with the copious amounts of new taxonomic data discovered with modern genomics. Plant lovers will, therefore, be forever indebted to Martin Freiberg, the curator of the Botanical Garden of Leipzig University, and colleagues from the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv). They trawled through more than a million names for vascular plants – almost four times the actual number of species – to create a single compendium called The Leipzig Catalogue of Vascular Plants (<a href="https://idata.idiv.de/ddm/Data/ShowData/1806" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LCVP</a>). “In my daily work at the Botanical Garden, I regularly come across species names that are not clear, where existing reference lists have gaps,” Freiberg says. “This always means additional research, which keeps you from doing your actual work and above all limits the reliability of research findings. I wanted to eliminate this obstacle as well as possible.” <div class="newsletter-box"> This is an important step forward because messy language can be a great inhibitor of scientific progress. Using different names of single plants is confusing and it wastes huge amounts of time and resources. </div> “Almost every field in plant research depends on reliably naming species,” says Marten Winter of iDiv. “Modern science often means combining data sets from different sources. We need to know exactly which species people refer to, so as not to compare apples and oranges or to erroneously lump different species.” “The catalogue will help considerably in ensuring that researchers all over the world refer to the same species when they use a name,” adds Freiberg. Remarkably, this database became accessible almost by chance. Freiberg originally began compiling the list alone for internal use in Leipzig but made it available to others by popular demand. “[M}any colleagues from other botanical gardens in Germany urged me to make the work available to everyone,” he says. Vascular plants are characterised by how they transport water and food inside them. They comprise a huge chuck of the plant kingdom; the few plants that aren’t vascular are mosses and worts. The researchers used 4500 other studies to consolidate 351,180 species within 13,460 genera, 564 families and 85 orders of the plant kingdom. They then added 70,000 new species and subspecies to create the LCVP. Plants that have multiple names exist as a single entry with the extra name details, so can easily be referred to instead of accidentally being classed as two separate plants based on a mistake of language. Image credits: Getty Images <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=128191&title=Naming+that+plant+just+got+easier" width="1" height="1" data-spai-target="src" data-spai-orig="" data-spai-exclude="nocdn" /></div> <div id="contributors"> This article was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/naming-that-plant-just-got-easier/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Deborah Devis. </div> </div>

Home & Garden

What is adaptive clothing and how can it make life easier for people with a disability?

Have you ever tried to do up a zip or button a shirt one-handed? Put on a pair of jeans while seated? Do you know someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder, who can’t stand the feeling of certain fabrics against their skin? If your feet are different sizes, or you only have one foot, how do you buy shoes? Advances in “adaptive clothing” aim to address these problems. Adaptive clothes are specially designed for people with a disability. This can mean providing <a href="https://hypebeast.com/2013/10/under-armour-creates-the-worlds-first-one-handed-magnetic-zipper">one-handed zippers on shoes</a>, replacing buttons with <a href="https://au.tommy.com/tommy-hilfiger-adaptive">magnetic closures</a> or designing clothing and footwear so you can get dressed while in <a href="https://jamthelabel.com/pages/adaptations">a seated position</a>. The key to effective adaptive clothing is catering for the vast array of needs different consumers have, while maintaining style and fashionability. Recently, fashion brands have begun to provide on-trend clothing with new styles, combining fashion and technology for people with a variety of disabilities. Here are five different ways fashion is approaching adaptive clothing. <h2>1. Magnets, not buttons</h2> <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/behold-the-worlds-first-one-handed-zipper-7278212/">Under Armour</a> were one of the first to adopt a magnetic zipper in clothing. Their redesigned jacket zip called MagZip uses magnets to connect the ends of the zip, making clothing easier to do up one-handed. Magnets have also been used in shirts, pants and other garments in lieu of buttons. These enable individuals who don’t have the dexterity or ability to use buttons to better dress themselves. <h2>2. Shoes without laces</h2> Different iterations of shoes also aim to make the process of tying laces easier, or remove the need all together. Zips can <a href="https://www.marksandspencer.com/au/kids%E2%80%99-freshfeet%E2%84%A2-adaptive-high-top-trainers-5-small---7-large/p/P60282243.html">replace traditional laces</a>, enabling shoes to be done up one-handed. Another design is Nike’s <a href="https://news.nike.com/news/nike-go-flyease-hands-free-shoe">Go FlyEase</a>, a sneaker utilising a hinge design. The wearer steps into the shoe and the hinge opens, holding the shoe in place. <iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZTRsiWa79rY?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> The first FlyEase shoes proved popular with a wider audience, <a href="https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/nike-go-flyease-resale-prices/">creating supply issues and a large resale market</a>. This shoe is an example of <a href="https://universaldesign.ie/what-is-universal-design/">Universal Design</a> – a principle which proposes products should be designed in such a way that anybody can use them. <h2>3. Clothing for the wearer</h2> Many people with autism <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-021-05140-3">are sensitive</a> to certain fabrics or to tags and clothing labels. Adaptive brands, such as <a href="https://jamthelabel.com/pages/adaptations">JAM the Label</a>, screen-print labels, avoiding physical tags and offer a range of hyposensitive bamboo and linen fabrics. Baby onesies and traditional bathers which cover the stomach are not always practical for everyone. Their design can be restrictive to people who are tube feed or use ostomy pouches. Among other designs, Australian adaptive clothing manufacturer <a href="https://wonsie.com.au/">Wonsie</a> sells garments with stomach access for both children and adults who require frequent access to the stomach, meaning medical devices need not be a barrier to fashion. <h2>4. 3D printing and custom designs</h2> In the past, adaptive products were often designed to be unobtrusive, such as black wheelchairs or flesh-coloured prostheses and hearing aids. But this is changing too. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/434889/original/file-20211201-13-qghrsa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/434889/original/file-20211201-13-qghrsa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="A boy with a blue hearing aid plays guitar" /></a> Advances in 3D printing technology means devices, such as hearing aids, can come in many different designs and colours. Shutterstock 3D printing and advanced manufacturing are allowing for great flexibility and customised designs of various devices and fashion items. Open Bionics used 3D printing to create the <a href="https://openbionics.com/hero-arm/">Hero Arm</a>, a bionic arm powered by muscle movements. By using 3D printing to customise the arm to the user, the company is also able to provide users options around designs ranging from colours to branded content: a blend of function and fashion. <h2>5. Unique sales platforms</h2> The technology behind adaptive fashion is not limited to product design: it is also used in sales and marketing, too. <a href="https://everyhuman.com.au/pages/single-shoes">Every Human’s Unpaired system</a> allows consumers to purchase single shoes, while searching by size, width and a range of adaptive features such as easy to put on, and friendly for those who are wearing ankle/foot orthosis. This can benefit people who have different sized or shaped feet or with prosthetics, where traditional shoes would not suit. While it seems like a relatively simple idea, this requires brands to have more sophisticated ordering systems. Products must be itemised individually, rather than in traditional pairs, and tagged with additional features such as left or right shoe, and which adaptive features each side possesses, so consumers can search by their needs. <h2>Adapting beyond technology</h2> Like many consumers, people with a disability simply want to be able to shop in physical or online stores and find clothing they like and that fits. So while technology is helping retailers offer an increasing range of adaptive clothing, it is not the only solution. The next step is to not only think about the clothing itself, but also about the wearer and how they want to shop. All fashion brands should be adapting their items to the vast array of consumer needs: the technology is already here.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/171496/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/louise-grimmer-212082">Louise Grimmer</a>, Senior Lecturer in Retail Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gary-mortimer-1322">Gary Mortimer</a>, Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jason-pallant-8729">Jason Pallant</a>, Senior Lecturer of Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jessica-pallant-551705">Jessica Pallant</a>, Lecturer in Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-adaptive-clothing-and-how-can-it-make-life-easier-for-people-with-a-disability-171496">original article</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Beauty & Style

5 tips to make transitioning into retirement easier

Image: Shutterstock Retirement marks the end of a chapter in your career and the start of a new lifestyle. This unique transition can bring a myriad of emotions, most commonly ones of excitement and apprehension. If you’re pondering retiring in the next year or so, here are five tips to help you transition smoothly: Know the transition could take weeks — or months You likely spent decades forming a routine around your work schedule. Establishing your new normal of volunteer work, an encore career or helping family will take time. If you are married, remember that your retired status may affect your spouse’s routine, too. Talk openly about how you’re feeling during the transition to keep your spouse in the loop. Communicate your retirement plans with family members Your parents, kids or other family members will likely be interested in how you intend to spend your retirement days. Will you be visiting the grandkids more often? Continuing to host family get-togethers? Planning to move or purchase a retirement home? As you share your plans, don’t forget to discuss your financial picture. The benefits of open communication are three-fold: it reassures your kids that you’re financially prepared, allows you to introduce or remind your family of your estate and legacy plans, and it establishes a safe space for both sides to discuss potentially challenging financial topics. Maintain healthy habits Staying diligent with the activities that help you feel your best is important as you shift into retirement. Prioritize eating healthy, sleeping well, staying fit and maintaining friendships in your new routine. Evaluate your finances Prior to retirement, you likely outlined how you will manage your cash flow. (If not, today is the day to put a plan in place.) As you enter retirement, review your expenses to ensure they’re aligned with your plan. It’s common to revise your spending and activities after experiencing the first few weeks away from your primary job, so it’s OK if you need to adjust how much you withdraw from your accounts each month. If you want to increase your spending, calculate what that means for your later retirement years, as you don’t want your savings to come up short. Reset your attitude Retirement is not the ultimate finish line. Experiencing a lot of emotions is common, but try to focus on what you’re excited about in this next chapter. And, remember you’re not alone. Talk to friends, family and professionals in your life for support along the way.

Retirement Life

Winning at social media is easier than you think

The world is starting to see <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/facebook-lost-15-million-us-users-in-the-past-two-years-report-says/">the gradual decline of Facebook</a>, with 15 million US users dropping off between 2017 and last year. Nonetheless, Facebook remains <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/264810/number-of-monthly-active-facebook-users-worldwide/#:%7E:targetText=How%20many%20users%20does%20Facebook,network%20ever%20to%20do%20so.">the largest social network</a> in the world. As of late last year, almost 60% of <a href="https://www.socialmedianews.com.au/social-media-statistics-australia-january-2019/">Australians</a> had a Facebook account, half of whom logged-on daily. And while most of us intuitively understand what others find interesting, there’s a growing body of research on online engagement and the characteristics of viral content. <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/facebook-and-conversation-analysis-9781350141612/">For my research</a>, I studied more than 1,200 posts from 266 Facebook users - everyday people aged 21-40 – to identify the common denominator among “successful” Facebook posts. Share if you agree For the study, I decided to create a distinction between “likes” and comments. I treated likes as a simpler form of acknowledgement, and comments as a more active mode of engagement – they require time, effort and a deeper understanding of the content. I found posts which performed relatively well in terms of engagement (more than five comments), could be characterised by certain linguistic features. Successful posts tended to prompt further action from readers, or used humour to engage. Conversations on Facebook feeds generally start by “tellings”, meaning posts which contain narratives. For example, what a friend is doing, a video, or a selfie. Among the content I studied, the more popular posts requested a response of some kind, usually through questions, or requests such as “click on this funny link”. Simply adding “what do you think of this?” at the end of a post was likely to increase engagement - and this was true for posts with varying subject matters. I also found posts that were simple to understand performed better, as opposed to those which were vague or confusing - sometimes referred to as <a href="https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/imbecilic-art-vaguebooking/">vaguebooking</a>, like this example: Laughter is the best medicine Humour also increased engagement. Research has shown conversations driven by jokes <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0378216694901171">encourage involvement and inclusion</a>. I observed this too, with funny posts securing more responses. Similarly, posts that were not overtly funny were more likely to do well if they received funny comments. Ongoing conversations also stimulate further engagement. Successful Facebook users didn’t just post content, they also responded to comments on their posts. The take home message? Although the success of Facebook content also relies on privacy settings, the number of friends a user has, how active the user is and how popular they are outside Facebook, strategically designed posts can give any user a quick upper hand. And it’s likely you can use the same principles on other platforms such as Twitter or Instagram. <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matteo-farina-908782">Matteo Farina</a>, Adjunct Lecturer, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/winning-at-social-media-is-probably-simpler-than-you-think-128704">original article</a>.

Technology

End-of-life care: How to make the tough times easier

Expressing your end-of-life wishes involves legal, pragmatic and emotional choices, but it is a topic that shouldn’t be avoided. While <a rel="noopener" href="http://dyingtotalk.org.au/discussion-starter/" target="_blank">82 per cent of Australians</a> think it is important to speak to their family about how they would want to be cared for later in life, only 28 per cent have done so. So what’s holding us back? A recent article in <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/everything-dies-and-its-best-we-learn-to-live-with-that-59384" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> discussed why many people try to avoid talking about death – one of the key reasons being that we fear it. Clinical psychologist James Kirby writes that this anxiety can be categorised into four areas: ‘loss of self or someone else; loss of control; fear of the unknown – what will happen after death (nothingness, heaven, hell); and pain and suffering of dying’. We hope for longevity, but dying at an older age comes with the realisation that our minds and bodies will be more vulnerable to sickness and possibly a serious disease or condition. With this in mind, Federal Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt says that palliative care for older Australians is becoming more important than ever. “When we require palliative care this should become the centre of comfort and passion towards people, their families and the wider community,” says Minister Wyatt. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients with chronic and generally incurable illnesses and, with the growth and ageing of Australia's population, the number of people requiring palliative care has increased. In 2014–15, there were about <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.aihw.gov.au/palliative-care/admitted-patient/" target="_blank">65,000 palliative care-related hospitalisations</a> reported from public and private hospitals in Australia (a 19 per cent increase from 2010–11), and just over half of these were people aged 75 and over. For those approaching the end of their life – or their adult children – there are decisions to be made about planning support for life and death in different care settings. Here are some helpful resources on where to start. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.palliaged.com.au/" target="_blank">palliAGED.com.au </a>This newly launched online resource offers support and up-to-date information for people and their families, health professionals and aged care staff on palliative care. Head over to the ‘For the Community’ tab to find practical material including information on the models of care, guides on symptoms and treatment decisions as well as planning tools to allow you to better discuss the options available. <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/resources" target="_blank" class="bigger-text">Advance Care Planning Australia</a> ACPA have an extensive library of resources, such as forms and information kits for support in the decision-making process in advanced care planning. The organisation also has a national advisory service hotline where you can speak with a Specialist Advance Care Planning staff. <a rel="noopener" href="https://end-of-life.qut.edu.au/" target="_blank" class="bigger-text">End of Life Law in Australia</a> A bit confused about the legalities relating to death, dying and decision-making at the end of life? This website gives a simple overview on the laws that address questions such as 'Can a dying patient or their family refuse or demand medical treatment needed to keep the patient alive?' or 'What happens if family members disagree with a person’s decision to donate their organs when they die?'. It is a useful resource to learn about your legal rights and responsibilities. Other helpful links include: <ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="http://palliativecare.org.au/directory-of-services/" target="_blank">National Palliative Care Service Directory</a> – where you can access information about the palliative care services in your area</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="http://dyingtotalk.org.au/download/2579" target="_blank">Discussion starter kit</a> </li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.carergateway.gov.au/" target="_blank">Carer Gateway</a> – support services and information for carers</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/96305/cancer-information/general-information-cancer-information/advanced-cancer-general-information-cancer-information/end-of-life-advanced-cancer-general-information-cancer-information/providing-emotional-support-for-someone-dying-with-cancer/" target="_blank">How to provide emotional support for someone dying with cancer</a></li> </ul> Begin the conversation with your loved ones and care providers, reflect on what’s important to you (or your parents) and document these wishes in an advanced care plan – ensuring that a will and enduring power of attorney are in order. Have you approached your loved ones about end-of-life care? Share your experiences below. Read more: <ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/wellbeing/6-dementia-apps-to-try.aspx" target="_blank">6 dementia apps to try</a></li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/nutrition/onions-the-hidden-health-food.aspx" target="_blank">Onions: the hidden health food</a></li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/6-sleep-myths-you-can-put-to-bed.aspx" target="_blank">6 sleep myths you can put to bed</a></li> </ul> Written by Maria Angela Parajo. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/end-of-life-care-how-to-make-the-tough-times-easier.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Retirement Life

5 hacks that will make holiday entertaining so much easier

The holidays are a beautiful time of gatherings with family and friends but unfortunately, the pressures of hosting can leave many feeling stressed and exhausted during the festive season. To decrease the load of entertaining, follow these home hacks. 1. Set up a first aid station If there is a clear first aid station, guests can tend to themselves instead of asking you for a product every time an accident happens. Key things to include in your first aid station include band-aids, burn spray, sunscreen and insect repellent. 2. Designate a relaxation room Choose one room in your house that is away from everyone for anyone who needs a break from the hustle bustle or who isn’t feeling well. Make sure there is a fan in the room and a blanket for the guests’ comfort. 3. Tie a bottle opener to the esky To avoid being asked multiple times for a bottle opener, tie it to the esky or drinks tub before the guests arrive. It will be one less thing for you to worry about on the day. 4. Make edible dessert cups There are many recipes to make dessert cups or you can opt for waffle ice cream cones if you don’t have time to make anything. These dessert cups will give you an easy dessert that involves no washing up. 5. Use cupcake liners to keep bugs away If you’re entertaining outside, turn cupcake liners upside down and place them over drinks to keep flies away. You can even punch a hole through them for straws! What are your home hacks for holiday entertaining? Let us know in the comments below.

Home & Garden

5 great tips to make long distance travel easier

Do yourself a favour and take some of the pain out of your next long trip. 1. Plan ahead In the days leading up to a long flight or extended car trip, there are a few things you can do to ensure your body is in tip top condition. Stay away from heavy or spicy foods so that your stomach won’t be playing up. Drink plenty of water so that you’ll be hydrated and stay away from alcohol so you’re not nursing a hangover. Make sure you get plenty of rest (especially if you’re going to be the one driving) so you’re raring to go when travel day arrives. 2. Pack plenty of entertainment Boredom is your number one enemy during long distance travel. Stock up on books and magazines, download some new music or podcasts, and charge up your iPad. If you’re flying, you should have a seatback entertainment screen but you never know when these are going to be down, making for a dull flight. If you don’t want to carry all your heavy books home again, think about donating them or leaving them in a hotel library. 3. Do your exercises Sitting still in a small airplane or car seat can wreak havoc on your body, so make sure you get moving. A few basic stretches in your seat or walking laps around the aisles can make all the difference. Exercise is also one of the best ways to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can cause deadly blood clots, usually developing in the leg. Airline inflight magazines will usually list some preventative moves you can try. 4. Dress appropriately Loose, stretchy clothing in light, breathable fabrics are your friends for long distance travel. You don’t want to be stuck sitting for hours in a tight, uncomfortable outfit for hours at a time. Black or other dark colours are best for hiding the inevitable in-travel spills. You can also look into compression socks which will assist with blood flow and can also help prevent DVT. Keep a pair in your carry on and slip them on once you’ve boarded your flight. 5. Bring comfort supplies In the good old days of air travel, you would be given a pillow and blanket, and maybe even an eye mask and ear plugs. Nowadays, you’ll need to be organised and bring your own. Make up your own comfort pack of a blow up travel pillow, light blanket or large scarf, and basic toiletries (especially a toothbrush) to keep with you. An eye mask and ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones can be lifesavers when it comes to getting some sleep and also help regulate your circadian rhythms by restricting light. What tips would you suggest?

Travel Tips

5 tips to make difficult conversations easier

There are moments in each of our lives when we must confront a sticky issue head-on by sitting down with someone and having a difficult conversation. Having to bring up uncomfortable topics can be awkward at best, and downright unpleasant – especially depending upon the way you approach the talk. Whether the other person is a colleague, a friend, a partner, or a family member, the difficulty of these moments can be scaled back by being prepared in advance. You might not be able to control the other person, but the way you behave can help ease tension and set the tone for a productive conversation. Here are some tips to help you. 1. Preparation helps When you’re getting ready for a difficult conversation, proper preparation is vital to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. Take at least a few minutes to jot down your thoughts and feelings. By going over your own feelings and forcing yourself to write them down, you’ll have a better understanding of your own point of view during the conversation, and will be better equipped to keep emotions at arm’s length. 2. Set a goal There’s no point asking someone to join you for a difficult conversation if you don’t know what you expect to happen when all is said and done. While you’re preparing, it’s a good idea to think about what a perfect outcome from your perspective would be. Is it an apology from the other person? Is it an agreement to work better together in the future? Is it them returning the money they owe you? Having a firm idea of what you want will help you steer the conversation if things get out-of-hand. 3. Stay open Remember when you approach the conversation that it will involve another person who will come to the table with their own set of ideas, emotions, and goals. You must be open to hearing that person and doing your best to empathise with them. If you’re not willing to be open to this person, then you’re not ready for a difficult conversation. Allow yourself some flexibility in your arguments and your goals – a compromise might be the best solution for everyone. 4. Let your emotions out Do not bottle up your emotions. When you’re having a difficult conversation, it can be tempting to allow anger or frustration to bubble away under the surface until it bursts forth in our words or actions. If, during your talk, you feel a strong emotion, vocalise it to the other person. Saying, “I’m feeling angry”, or, “hearing that makes me sad” can be a powerful way to show honesty and vulnerability, which can help create a safe environment. 5. Follow up Don’t let a difficult conversation be the last time you speak with a person for weeks. In the days after the talk, reach out to check in and see how they’re feeling about what was said and/or agreed upon. Perhaps they’ve had time to consider things and would like to continue the conversation, or perhaps they’ve got a better handle on their feelings now. Whatever the case, it won’t hurt to check in and say hello. What’s your best tip for having a difficult conversation? Share it with us in the comments below.

Relationships

4 ways to make first dates easier

Dates can be hard. First dates can be agony. If it’s been a while since you last went on a date with someone new, it can be difficult to know where to begin and what to share. But we’ve got some tips you might find helpful if you’re embarking on a new dating journey. 1. Don’t bring your baggage When you’ve been around the block once or twice, you’re bound to have a little “baggage” that you bring with you. But when you’re meeting someone new, it’s a good idea to leave this extra weight at home. Detailing the more difficult or burdensome aspects of your life can be intimidating to someone you’ve just met, so it’s a better idea to let these reveals occur more slowly. Getting to know someone takes time, so don’t feel like you have to rush in and put all of your cards on the table right now. 2. Go somewhere interesting If it’s up to you to choose the setting, try to find somewhere that’s got some interesting talking points. A bar with character, the zoo, a museum or art gallery, or maybe a restaurant you’ve not tried before. This should help you find things to talk about, even when your mind goes blank. 3. Feel young again Choose an activity that brings out your inner child. Activities that make you feel young again will encourage you to let down your guard and behave like you do around new people as a kid. Go bowling, or get ice cream – something for the young at heart. 4. Short and sweet If you’re worried about not getting along with someone right away, then organise an activity for your first date that doesn’t take up much time. Coffee dates are a great place to start, because they can last 20 minutes or two hours – it’s entirely decided by the people involved. What’s your best tip to make a first date feel easy?

Relationships

Mind tricks that will make your life easier

These days, with smartphones, tablets, electronic assistants and many more mod cons, getting through our daily lives has never been easier. Whether it’s making friends or comparing product prices, technology has taken over much of what we relied on our brains for. However, there are certain things that technology just can’t do. In an unearthed <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/myts7/what_is_a_mind_trick_you_know_of/?sort=top&st=izn9yetv&sh=8e66a95d" target="_blank">Ask Reddit thread</a>, the online community was asked to share their best “mind tricks”. What they had to say will astound you. 1. Get a full answer to your question – “If you ask a question, and receive only a partial answer, respond with polite silence. Simply wait. A more complete answer will usually follow.” 2. Find a lost object – “If you're trying to find something, try looking right to left as opposed to left to right. Your eyes tend to skim over things if you search in the direction you are used to reading in, so skim the opposite way. It takes me a bit more effort to do this, but I notice more details.” 3. Remind yourself without your phone – “If I need to remember to do anything at all the next day I will put something in my room out of place. This works every time. Say, for example, I really want to remember to email my professor before leaving for class, I will put a movie on the floor. I will initially think ‘Why is that—oh right, email Ernie.’” 4. Get people to agree with you – “There's something in sales called the Sullivan Nod. Basically, when you're asking someone something, nod up and down while you're asking. Their mirror neurons start firing and they begin nodding and agreeing with you subconsciously.” 5. Make someone agree to do you a favour – “The door-in-the-face technique. The general idea is that you ask someone for a huge favour which you're relatively confident they'll say no to. Then you ask them for a small favour. Subjects who initially refuse the huge favour have a much higher compliance rate on the small favour than if you just ask directly for the small favour or if you present both at once.” 6. Improve your self-defence – “I took a self-defence course at my university and learned the best self-defence trick I could have never thought of: Act crazier than the person attacking you. 9 times out of 10 they will see you as unpredictable and not want to even mess with you. 7. Make people warm to you easily – “When talking to someone, if you copy their posture, they will subconsciously perceive you as a friendlier person.” Do you have any tricks to share? Let us know in the comments below.

Mind

Why some people bruise easier than others

When it comes to our bodies, we can thank our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and so on for whatever strange bodily quirks we inherit. Some may win the genetic lottery and have smooth, even, flawless skin, while others may find themselves more likely to develop wrinkles, blemishes and other unwanted skin woes. The same can be said for bruises – some of us are seemingly impervious to them, while others can expect big, black and blue marks from even the gentlest impact. Unfortunately, as we get older, more and more of us tend to enter the latter category. “As we age, our skin loses a protective layer of fatty tissue under the skin,” Dr Ryan Harvey from <a href="https://housecalldoctor.com.au/" target="_blank">House Call Doctor</a> tells Over60. “In turn, this makes our blood vessels more likely to rupture if we suffer from a bump or fall. The result is more frequent bruising, that may also take longer to heal after the age of 60.” Despite all over-60s being more prone to bruising with age, there are still certain factors which may indicate a higher risk. “In our later years of life, bruising is often related to other health conditions,” Dr Harvey reveals. “For example, people on blood thinners and other medications may be more susceptible to bruising and haemorrhaging. Older patients who are a falls risk due to mobility issues may also sustain a greater number of bruises. Being aware of the health conditions that may lead to bruising will help people avoid painful lumps and bumps.” Thankfully, there are a number of steps we can all take to reduce our chances of developing bruises – or, at the very least, reduce their length and severity. Aside from reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking and treating tissue and blood disorders, Dr Harvey has one other suggestion. “Certain supplements may strengthen our bodies to promote better healing,” he explains. “For example, taking a daily multivitamin may prevent vitamin deficiencies in older age and help bruises to heal more quickly.” What natural treatments do you use to reduce the appearance of bruises? Share your tips with us in the comments below.

Body

10 items that will make your next trip much easier

Headed on a holiday soon? While packing for a trip can seem like an ordeal at times, choosing the right items can save you a serious headache when you’re actually overseas. <a href="http://www.traveller.com.au/" target="_blank">Traveller</a> has put together a list containing 10 items that will make your next trip much easier. Don’t leave home without this essential travel equipment. 1. Universal adapter and powerboard This simple, inexpensive combo can be a real life-saver, letting you plug in in pretty much any country in the world and charge multiple appliances while you’re away. 2. Thongs The right thongs make stylish beachwear, a comfy footwear option when you’re in warmer climes and can be a real lifesaver if the shower facilities are questionable. 3. Cargo shorts/pants While certainly not the most stylish option, cargo shorts come to the fore when travelling, with multiple pockets perfect for storing phones, wallets and more. 4. A buff A buff can serve as a scarf, beanie, hat, facemask and everything in between. Plus it takes up less space than a pair of socks, making it super handy while you’re away. 5. Folding sunglasses Sunglasses are often one of the first items tragically broken on an overseas vacation. A pair of foldable sunglasses is easy to store (and much less likely to break). 6. The right bag The bag you go with can make or break your trip. Ideally you want something that wouldn’t look out of place in a nice hotel, but is tough enough to take a beating. 7. Smartphone In one handy device you’ve got access to maps, emails, music, notes, a torch and everything in between. And it all fits pretty easily into your pocket. 8. Lightweight shoes Ideally you’re going to want to bring shoes what are small and light, easy to pack while at the same time can be worn in most situations and still look respectable. 9. Ear-bud style headphone You can spend a fortune on noise-cancelling headphones, when ear-bud style earphones fit into your pocket, cost less, and essentially perform the exact same function. 10. Kindle There’s nothing like reading while you’re on vacation, but who’s got the time to carry around a library. Instead, it makes more sense to stow a kindle in your bag. What do you think of our list? Are there any items you would add? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, we’d love to hear from you. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/10/why-i-will-never-use-a-money-belt-again/">Why I will never use a money belt again</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/09/10-items-people-should-pack/">10 items people don’t pack but should</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/8-common-mistakes-when-packing-checked-in-luggage/">8 common mistakes when packing checked-in luggage</a>

News

The odd invention making it easier to sleep on planes

It is strange what people will do to find a bit of comfort on an airplane and catch forty winks. We've tried it all: Piling your belongings on the tray table so you can rest your head. Pushing the armrest down and stuffing a pillow beside it. Or just lying still with your eyes closed and hoping when you fall asleep you don't drop onto your neighbour's lap. While sometimes these work, you're usually left bleary-eyed and cranky after that long-haul flight. But discomfort may be a thing of the past, with the nifty new invention, the NodPod (or its funnier nickname, the Head Hammock). The NodPod is not just for airplanes; its designers claim to have found the solution to amazing sleep while travelling by "recreating how you sleep in a bed but in an upright position." US entrepreneur Paula Blankenship invented the unusual travel accessory after years of sleepless commuting. If you can overcome the embarrassment of wearing the thing, you can pre-order on crowd-funding website Kickstarter for US$30 (AU$41). What’s your take? Could you ever see yourself using the NodPod? Let us know in the comments. Video credit: YouTube / Chepu belya First appeared on <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=content&utm_content=link1&utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/09/10-of-the-most-annoying-things-on-a-flight/">10 of the most annoying things on a flight</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/08/7-things-never-to-do-on-a-plane/">7 things never to do on a plane</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/7-tips-to-keep-belongings-safe-on-a-flight/">7 tips to keep belongings safe on a flight</a>

Travel Tips

10 iPhone tricks that make life much easier

Most iPhone users barely scape the surface of what their smartphone is capable of. Here are 10 secret iPhone features that make your life much easier. 1. Charge you phone quicker If you’re pressed for time and need a charged phone quickly, activating its Airplane mood takes the strain off your phone battery while it’s being powered up. 2. Replace a toolbox essential You can actually use the Compass app in your iPhone as a digital bubble gauge that can help you check if that shelf you put in last week really is level. 3. Custom vibrations Custom ringtones aren’t anything new, but custom vibrations allows you to make a bespoke buzz for everybody who might call you if you leave your phone on silent. 4. Close three apps at once If you need to shut multiple applications in a hurry, drag three fingers up on the multitasking menu and you can cut down on the clutter much quicker. 5. Take a photo without holding a phone Save seconds by using the volume control button to capture a picture without having to worry about getting your smudgy hands all over the screen. <img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/21739/iphone.jpg" alt="Iphone" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> 6. Improve your battery life Spotlight provides quick-access for key data and services but chews up a lot of battery. Just go Settings > General > Spotlight Search to turn it off and extend battery life. 7. Erase like an Etch-a-Sketch If you’re reviewing a message and it’s riddled with typos, instead of painstaking editing simply give your phone a gentle shake and you’ll be able to start afresh. 8. Find out how long it’s taking someone to reply If you’re waiting on a message you can figure out exactly when you send your last one by simply swiping in from the right hand side of the screen. 9. Cut down on your search time If you’re in a browser and looking to search a specific site, hold down the full stop icon when typing out an address to bring up a short-cut series of URL suffix. 10. Figure out where you’ve been This one’s a little creepy, but head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Frequent Locations and you’ll find a record of where you’ve been. Are you an iPhone user? Were you aware of any of these tricks, and can you see yourself using them? Share your thoughts in the comments. Image credit: Shutterstock / George Dolgikh Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/06/things-to-buy-and-avoid-at-the-supermarket/">5 things to buy and 7 things to avoid at the supermarket</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/05/tricks-to-make-healthy-supermarket-choices/">4 super simple secrets to make healthy supermarket choices</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/5-new-hobbies-to-try-now/">5 new hobbies to try now</a>

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Naming that plant just got easier

What is adaptive clothing and how can it make life easier for people with a disability?

5 tips to make transitioning into retirement easier

Winning at social media is easier than you think

End-of-life care: How to make the tough times easier

5 hacks that will make holiday entertaining so much easier

5 great tips to make long distance travel easier

5 tips to make difficult conversations easier

4 ways to make first dates easier

Mind tricks that will make your life easier

Why some people bruise easier than others

10 items that will make your next trip much easier

The odd invention making it easier to sleep on planes

10 iPhone tricks that make life much easier

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Naming that plant just got easier

What is adaptive clothing and how can it make life easier for people with a disability?

5 tips to make transitioning into retirement easier

Winning at social media is easier than you think

End-of-life care: How to make the tough times easier

5 hacks that will make holiday entertaining so much easier

5 great tips to make long distance travel easier

5 tips to make difficult conversations easier

4 ways to make first dates easier

Mind tricks that will make your life easier

Why some people bruise easier than others

10 items that will make your next trip much easier

The odd invention making it easier to sleep on planes

10 iPhone tricks that make life much easier

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