Last Updated on December 19, 2025 by Daily News Staff

5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Holiday Hosting

(Family Features) Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner with friends or a full-blown holiday gathering, preparing your home for guests doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little organization and a few simple steps, you can create a space that feels warm and welcoming, allowing you to focus on what really matters: spending time together. Declutter and Deep Clean Start by refreshing high-traffic areas, including the living room, kitchen and bathrooms. Clear off counters and coffee tables, dust surfaces, vacuum carpet, mop tile or hardwood and wipe down glass or mirrors. Tidy Up the Kitchen The kitchen is the heart of many gatherings, meaning it’s important to clear both refrigerator and counter space to make room for food, drinks and serving dishes. Before guests arrive, ensure your oven, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, coffee maker and other appliances are working properly. Don’t forget to stock essentials like paper plates, silverware, napkins, ice and paper towels so you’re not scrambling later. Refresh Guest Spaces If visitors will be staying overnight, prep sleeping areas by changing the sheets, fluffing the pillows and stocking extra blankets. Thoughtful touches like fresh towels, water bottles and a charging station can make guests feel at home. Create a Functional Flow Think about how guests will move through your home. Designate areas for food, drinks, games and mingling, arranging furniture to encourage conversation. If you’re expecting a large crowd, add extra seating options. Add Seasonal Touches For seasonal warmth, swap out throw pillows, add greenery and candles or hang a wreath or other decorations. Scattering cozy blankets and simmering a pot of cinnamon and citrus on the stove can also help create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Visit eLivingtoday.com for more tips and guidance to get your home ready to welcome guests.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock SOURCE: eLivingtoday.com

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Fact Check: Test What You Know About Heart Health

(Family Features) As you age, your doctor’s interest in your cholesterol level is likely to increase. That’s no coincidence. High cholesterol and age are two significant risk factors for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. You may not be able to slow the hands of time, but elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, is one of the most significant addressable risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. Uncontrolled high LDL-C can lead to death, heart attack, stroke or the need for a coronary revascularization. While statins are considered first-line treatment for people with high LDL cholesterol, an estimated 29% of patients stop taking their statin within the first year, based on findings published in the “American Journal of Cardiology.” Up to 30% of people have some degree of statin intolerance, according to research published in the “Journal of Clinical Lipidology.” Test your heart health knowledge and learn more about managing your risk factors, including high cholesterol, with this quick quiz:

1. Do cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in the U.S. than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths (the Nos. 2 and 3 causes of death, respectively) combined?

Yes. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in America and worldwide, killing more people than both cancer and accidents each year.

2. According to the American Heart Association, which of the following are true?

• Men are more likely to have heart attacks at a younger age than women.
• Women experience different symptoms indicating potential heart disease.
• Women have a higher risk of fatality because their symptoms are frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment.

All are True. While many factors are at play, one major underlying issue is historically, women simply haven’t been well represented in clinical trials of heart-related conditions. However, Harvard Health reports that culture is slowly changing and some of the gaps are starting to close.

3. Does statin intolerance mean statins are not effective?

 No. On the contrary, statins are the standard of care to lower LDL cholesterol. However, some people cannot take statins at any dose because of statin intolerance symptoms such as muscle pain, while others may have their LDL cholesterol remain uncontrolled because they are not able to take higher doses.

4. Are women more likely to be statin intolerant than men?

 Yes. According to the National Institutes of Health, being female is a risk factor for statin intolerance.

5. If a person is statin intolerant, are there other treatments available to help lower their uncontrolled LDL-C?

 Yes. Alternative treatments are available for people with statin intolerance. A health care provider can help explain what options are available if you experience potential statin-associated side effects.

6. Are muscle-related symptoms typically the most common side effect of statins?

 Yes. Muscle pains or cramps (myalgias) are the most common symptoms people experience. Your health care provider may run tests or change your medication to address these symptoms.

For more information on statin intolerance, talk with your health care provider or visit statinalternatives.info.  

How to Lower Bad Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol, leads to plaque in your arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially damaging your cardiovascular system. If your bloodwork shows elevated LDL cholesterol levels, you can take steps to reduce it.

1. Eat a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
2. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, and if you carry extra weight, work to lose it.
3. Talk to your health care provider about cholesterol-lowering medications, which can help lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risks associated with heart disease.

  Photos courtesy of Shutterstock SOURCE: Esperion

Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project Hits $8 Million Donation Milestone

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Last Updated on December 19, 2025 by Daily News Staff

5 Ways to Make the Holidays Simply Wonderful

(Family Features) There’s no magic quite like the holidays through the eyes of a child. The season brings countless special moments and opportunities to make lifelong memories, from enjoying tasty holiday treats to exploring traditions with the family. Infuse your festive moments with some extra magic this season with these family-friendly tips from the experts at Kinder Chocolate, who aim to spark, share and celebrate simply wonderful moments of togetherness between parents and children. Decorate Together Letting your family’s creativity soar is a terrific way to bond and nurture kids’ development. Let them take an active role in bringing festive energy to the household and allow them to make some design decisions, such as stringing lights and choosing the perfect place for ornaments or seasonal decor. You can also create a personalized wreath for each member of the family to display or decorate custom stockings. Enjoy Magical Treats From candy canes to gingerbread houses and beyond, candy and other edible goodies are integral to the holiday season. This year, make treat time extra special with an option like limited-edition Kinder Chocolate bar x The Elf on the Shelf packs. These special packs feature the beloved Scout Elf character in single, share and mini sizes. Each pack also includes one of eight collectible cards with a special QR code that unlocks “Let’s Story!” – a unique, co-created digital storytelling experience via Ferrero’s free Applaydu app that lets parents and kids build personalized adventures together. Partake in Holiday Traditions ’Tis the season for traditions and creating your own makes celebrating together each year even sweeter. You might make trimming the tree a family affair, encouraging kids to try their hand at decorating or involving everyone to help clean up before a cozy family meal. Many families also make volunteering together an important part of their holiday experience, reinforcing messages about kindness and caring for all ages. Look at Holiday Lights Bringing the family together for special holiday experiences doesn’t have to be grand. In fact, a simple road trip through your hometown to find the most awe-inspiring light displays can bring plenty of fun. You may even find local light shows that synchronize to radio music in your car. Make it an extra exciting family outing by bringing along some hot cocoa and treats like Kinder Chocolate for the car ride. Organize a Family Movie Night Bring the vibrance of the big screen to your living room with an at-home family movie night. For a special touch, consider investing in a low-cost projector that creates a theater-like experience on any wall in your house. Choose a favorite family-friendly holiday movie (or two), some popcorn and treats then settle in for an entertaining evening together. Pick up the limited-edition packs at local retailers, and discover more free, family-friendly ideas to last all season long at elfontheshelf.com/blog.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (mother and daughter hanging ornaments) SOURCE: Kinder Chocolate

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement

STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/