For some heart patients with stents, long-term aspirin treatments may soon no longer be necessary

(CNN) -- For some high-risk cardiovascular patients with stents, the commonly recommended practice of taking aspirin for long periods of time may be ineffective and in some cases even harmful, a new study shows.

The report, published in the journal Circulation , examined more than 7,500 patients with acute coronary syndrome: a term that describes various heart diseases, including heart attacks, caused by a sudden drop in blood flow to the heart.

To treat the disease, each of the patients underwent a common procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention, in which doctors insert a small balloon into the body to open the blocked artery. They also insert a metal mesh tube , called a stent, into the coronary artery, which supports the blood vessel and maintains blood flow. To prevent blood clots after stent placement, most doctors recommend taking a combination of an antiplatelet drug and aspirin for about a year.

However, the study found that eliminating aspirin from the diet after three months was just as effective in preventing clotting complications while significantly reducing the risk of serious bleeding that aspirin can cause.

"People often ask themselves, 'What does aspirin do next to a very, very strong active ingredient?' "," said Dr. Roxana Mehran, principal investigator of the study and a cardiologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "What does it do other than significantly increase the risk of bleeding?

Potential for a new standard of care

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 18 million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization.

For years, doctors have regularly recommended aspirin to prevent heart problems, as aspirin can reduce blood clotting and prevent complications such as heart attack or stroke.

However, the drug could also increase the risk of serious bleeding, especially as people age.

As a result, in 2019, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association changed course and no longer recommend daily aspirin as a preventive measure for older adults who are not at high risk or who do not have existing heart disease. And in 2022 , the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended that people over 60 should not take aspirin daily .

For young, healthy adults at higher risk of heart attack or stroke, taking aspirin daily may have a modest benefit, although experts still recommend weighing this against the risk of bleeding.

However, many health experts still consider aspirin to be helpful for many patients with heart problems or stents. However, the results of the new study may challenge this hypothesis.

Using pooled patient data from two large clinical trials (one that Mehran helped lead in the United States and a separate study led by collaborators in South Korea), the researchers studied patients with acute coronary syndrome who had an acute coronary syndrome after stent implantation received ongoing treatment to prevent blood clots.

Typically, patients take a combination of aspirin and a powerful blood-thinning medication called ticagrelor for up to a year after stent placement. However, the report found that patients who stopped taking aspirin after three months fared just as well as those who took the combination therapy of aspirin and ticagrelor: Mortality, heart attack and stroke rates were the same in both groups .

Stopping aspirin also reduced the risk of serious bleeding by nearly 50% compared to patients who received combination therapy, Mehran said, without increasing the risk of cardiac complications.

Experts say the discovery could lead to a new standard of care for high-risk heart patients. Given the results of his clinical trial and a growing body of evidence suggesting that long-term use of aspirin may not provide benefit for acute coronary syndrome, Mehran prescribes a long-term aspirin-free treatment plan to his own patients.

He also believes that aspirin can be eliminated from the diet even sooner, perhaps after a month. This shortening of the deadline is the subject of several ongoing studies, he added.

"If we have good evidence that aspirin doesn't do much except increase bleeding in this vulnerable period, then why not stop taking the aspirin after a while?" » said Mehran.

Aspirin remains "an essential therapy"

However, experts agree that aspirin is still an effective medication for heart disease.

"The public needs to know that aspirin remains an important treatment for heart attacks and that in these studies it was an essential treatment within three months of receiving the stent," said Dr. Harlan Krumholz, cardiologist and professor at Yale School of Medicine. Medicine, he wrote in an email to CNN.

For one thing, the results don't apply to patients with other heart problems like atrial fibrillation, a condition that requires treatment with blood thinners.

"We are not saying that aspirin is terrible and should be stopped in all patients; That's not the message at all," Mehran added.

The report focused on a select group of high-risk patients recovering from acute coronary syndrome and stent implantation. Removal of aspirin from their treatment plans depends on patients taking ticagrelor twice daily for at least a year.

Patients in the study also had to complete the first three months of combination therapy without complications before aspirin was removed from their regimen.

Krumholz believes more research to make taking medications easier could also improve patient health.

"We need more studies like this where we test the benefits of stopping medications rather than just assuming we should continue them," he wrote. "This study helps us understand how we can safely simplify the medication regimen for these patients and improve outcomes by eliminating a medication." »

The CNN Wire

™ and © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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How to remove slime from carpet like a pro

Slime is so much fun to play with: the fun colors and additions, the making and popping of bubbles, the stretching, the sounds. Playing with slime is just slimy ASMR heaven for kids. But then … squirt! Mucus ends up on the carpet, on your favorite rug, or gets stuck on your clothes. Every. Single woman. Time. Although removing sticky, sticky mucus (even dried mucus) may seem like a desperate task, we're here to tell you that it's not the end of the world. It's actually quite easy if you know exactly how to remove slime from carpet. And there are several ways to remedy this delicate situation.

If you have a pet carpet cleaner or a portable carpet cleaner and the slime is still fresh, you can probably use the machine to remove it right away. You've probably heard of (and maybe even tried) different methods for clearing mucus. We've included instructions on commonly used vinegar as well as how to remove slime from carpet without vinegar or isopropyl alcohol (another commonly used solution). Our research shows that many natural methods actually work. So read on to find out the best way to remove slime from carpets. (PS: Try the same methods to remove slime from car carpets or clothing.)

For more house cleaning tricks and clutter-fighting tips, check out How to Clean Leather and Wal-Mart's Favorite Tik Tok Cleaning Products .

Is your child in their slime era? The best way to prevent mud from getting on your carpet is to play with it outside!

Jakitta Sullivan

How to remove slime from carpet with a plastic spoon

If the slime is fresh and hasn't had time to soak, try scraping it off with a plastic spoon in short, quick movements. For remaining slime, try another method below.

How to remove slime from carpet with ice

This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to remove mucus. Cover the slime with ice cubes. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the ice to "freeze" the slime. Scrape the frozen slime from the surface with a plastic knife or similar tool. If it's easier, you can pick up small pieces with your fingers. Vacuum up any remaining mucus. Repeat the process as needed until all mucus is removed.

How to remove slime from carpet with hot water

This removal method is suitable for wet or dry mud and is gentle on carpets and carpets. One of the main ingredients of slime is glue, which is washable and soluble, so hot water is a good option. If the mucus is wet, scoop up as much as possible with a spoon. Dip a clean sponge or towel in warm water, rub gently, and rinse frequently. Repeat if necessary. Once the surface is clean, soak up any water remaining on the mat with a clean towel. For dried mucus, add hot (not boiling) water directly to the mucus until it softens or relaxes. Rub with a clean sponge or towel and rinse frequently. You may have to do this several times, so be patient. After cleaning, absorb the water from the carpet with a clean towel. Rub until the mucus disappears. Soak up water with a clean towel.

How to remove slime from carpet with baking soda

Pour or spray water onto the wet mud. Sprinkle with baking soda until covered, then add more water over the baking soda. Scrub with a clean towel or bristle brush (an old toothbrush works too) until the carpet is no longer slimy. Dry with a new, clean towel. Research shows that baking soda reduces the stickiness factor, making it easier to remove slime from materials.

In many cases, you can use common household items like vinegar and baking soda to effectively remove slime from carpets or clothing.

Pikusisi Studio // Getty Images

How to remove dried slime from carpet with vinegar

How do I remove hard mud from carpet? Start with a flat-edged tool, such as a tool with a flat edge. B. a plastic knife, a butter knife or a ruler. Scrape as much of the dried slime from the surface as possible, then vacuum up the chunks. To remove stuck-on, dried mucus, soak the area with vinegar for about 15 minutes. Scrape the slime off the carpet with a plastic spoon (it should come out in small liquid balls). If necessary, repeat applying vinegar and removing mucus. If you have a carpet cleaner, use it to vacuum up any remaining liquid and slime. Otherwise, rub with a towel until the carpet is no longer slimy. If you want, you can neutralize the vinegar smell with a shampoo or carpet cleaner .

Can you cut slime from carpet?

The short answer is: yes, but with great caution. If dried slime collects in a single heap on the carpet surface, consider "shaving" it with a knife or sharp blade. Be careful not to cut into the carpet as this may cause permanent damage.

It's worth noting that after cleaning the area where the mucus was, you may notice that the surrounding areas appear dirty. Then you might be ready for a deep, thorough cleaning!

Amy Mitchell is editor-in-chief of Country Living magazine. She writes on a wide range of topics, including home and lifestyle.

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Your car windows will never fog up again with the Lidl 74p kitchenware you already have...

A car cleaning expert has revealed which revolutionary and super affordable product you should use to stop your car windows from fogging up.

The product is a budget kitchen accessory costing 74p that you probably already own.

An affordable automotive product that prevents window fogging has been introduced

The magical item is revealed in a TikTok video posted by Organized House Wives and it's not what you might expect.

In the video titled "How to Keep Windows and Mirrors Steam-Free," the person washing the car uses unbranded dishwashing detergent.

Viewers were quick to comment on the clip, with some also sharing their own tips.

As the saying goes: "Fill an old sock with cat litter or raw rice. Leave it under the seat and it will absorb all the moisture in the car for 2 to 3 days."

Read more cleaning tips

"Shaving cream works too," another added.

And a third asked: "Could this work with swimming goggles?"

However, some disapproved of the ploy.

One wrote: "Scam, didn't work" and another said: "Clean the windows with a good quality car window cleaner. Household cleaners that are abrasive to cars are not recommended."

Most read in Engines

This isn't the only car tip we've shared recently.

Earlier this year we explained how drivers can get their car sparkling clean with a £1 item from B&Q.

This trick , called the "two-bucket method," uses one bucket of soapy water and another bucket of clean water to soak the cloth or sponge while removing dirt from the car.

The product is a Lidl fairy liquid 74p.

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Why Mary Berry Always Makes Hollandaise Sauce with a Whisk - Yahoo Sports

Dame Mary Berry – Melmedia/Getty Images

Mary Berry, the popular former Great British Baking Off co-host, may be best known for her delicious desserts, but she's also picked up a few savory cooking tips throughout her long career. She recently revealed to Love Food her technique for achieving the perfect Dutch consistency: whisking it by hand. Although other chefs recommend using electric cookware to speed up sauce preparation, using a hand blender or blender runs the risk of over-whipping the delicate emulsion, resulting in a thick consistency rather than the perfectly pourable sauce you desire leads.

The practical, slower setting of the whisk allows you to maintain precise control over the sauce during preparation. It's important to monitor the heat and take your time to eliminate the risk of unsightly scrambled egg particles ruining the flawless, shiny liquid masterpiece. Mary should know: She's been teaching us how to be successful in the kitchen for six decades!

Read more: Ina Garten's 12 best cleaning tips for a tidy kitchen

Dutch, as it should be

Hand-whipped hollandaise sauce – Mikafotostok/Getty Images

The Tasting Table team has put together a recipe for you to make an unbeatable hand-whipped hollandaise at home for your next breakfast or brunch: Eggs Benedict. As Berry recommends, start by beating the egg yolks over low heat with a squeeze of lemon juice until doubled in volume, adding air and texture. Next, slowly pour the melted butter into the egg, stirring constantly to incorporate it into the mixture. Keeping the heat low and even will prevent the butter from escaping the sauce. If drops of melted butter appear, stir a little more to cool the sauce. With the right technique and patience, you'll find that you can make a perfect hollandaise every time.

Once you've mastered basic hollandaise with a whisk in hand, you're on your way to Maltese pink sauce , the version that replaces lemon juice with blood orange juice, and even bernaise , the most exquisite of all meat sauces. Just remember Maria's advice: be patient!

Read the original article on Tasting Table .

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Dr. Sushil Razdan shares 4 tips to prevent stroke – Greater Kashmir

Srinagar: Renowned neurologist Dr. Sushil Razdan on Sunday urged people to control their diabetes, quit smoking, lose weight and control their blood pressure to avoid strokes and other health complications.

He said stroke is the third leading cause of death, which is preventable and treatable if people take timely measures.

To prevent strokes, according to Dr. Razdan necessary to control diabetes, quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight and control blood pressure.

Noting that strokes were a growing problem among both young and elderly people, he recommended keeping warm in winter, exercising regularly and walking to promote overall health.

Dr. Razdan said the main factors contributing to strokes are smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and lack of physical activity.

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New data shows food safety precautions have declined following the pandemic - Yahoo Sports

Chef scrubs a professional kitchen – Ljubaphoto/Getty Images

I don't want to be pessimistic, but the public is fickle, and once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, people got tired of washing their hands pretty quickly. You may have searched the internet for the term "proper handwashing technique" in 2020 and perhaps even sent the link to a family member or friend. But according to new findings revealed at Nation's Restaurant News' 2023 Food Safety Symposium, that vigilance has faded like a summer sunset, even in restaurants.

Hazel Analytics analyzed data from 2 million restaurant inspections conducted between September 2022 and September 2023, and lax handwashing was the leading cause of FDA food regulation violations (which likely explains why an annual food safety symposium is necessary). Other culprits include incorrect cooling temperatures and inadequate disinfection of surfaces that come into direct contact with food. Overall, 66% of these violations posed a risk of foodborne illness outbreaks.

Many restaurants have closed or significantly reduced their hours since the pandemic, which may have reduced the risk of food safety failures. In 2021, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service received fewer reports of food recalls, which would have been good news if people had followed stricter hygiene practices. On the other hand, it could also mean that people were overwhelmed by other variables and that memories that should have been remembered fell through the cracks. A CDC report released earlier this year found that 40% of restaurant food poisoning cases are linked to worker illnesses .

Read more: 11 cleaning tips to keep your oven spotless

Restrictions and monitoring of the population have been relaxed.

Food safety concept – Bodenbild/Shutterstock

It should be noted that preventive health and safety measures such as handwashing have generally declined as pandemic restrictions have been eased. By 2022, strict handwashing regulations had already decreased significantly compared to two years earlier. The number of Americans washing their hands daily has declined by about 25% . The Food Standards Agency also recorded a decline in the UK during this period , noting that in many non-restaurant food establishments, such as cafes and pubs, customer handwashing facilities are often unusable or unavailable (or simply not available). are very common practice). , clubs and sports stadiums. Another important factor is consumer behavior. Many foodies have started eating at home more during the pandemic (a trend that has largely continued), which has also led to fewer restaurant visits and perhaps a reduction in the number of potential incidents.

A lot has changed over the years. However, the professional kitchen remains a high-volume, high-speed, high-stress area, and when optimal performance is critical (particularly in the modern, competitive foodservice scene), "background practices" such as dishwashing and sanitizing can be ignored. . . As a reminder, the CDC says it's a good idea to wash your hands and rub them vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds before, during and after preparing food. (You should be able to hum "Happy Birthday" twice.)

Read the original article on Tasting Table .

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Try 5 Simple, Inexpensive Tips to Make Your Home Smell Like a Hotel – Living Etc

When you enter a hotel, the smell is usually one of the first things you notice. Far from the scents of cheap air fresheners, the smell of the hotel simply exudes luxury and leaves you wanting more every time. However, it is not easy to fix it so that it can be played.

Luckily it's doable. Hoteliers aren't magicians, they just have a specific maintenance routine that keeps the room smelling wonderful. If you're thinking about how to make a home smell nice , consider taking inspiration from her book. That's why we spoke to hoteliers who are happy to share their secrets. Follow these five tips to achieve an olfactory experience comparable to the luxury of a hotel.

1. Deep cleaning

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman. Design: Martyn Lawrence Bullard)

If you're wondering how to make a house smell nice , a good cleaning is always the foundation. Muffetta Krueger , hotel cleaning specialist and owner of Muffetta's Domestic Assistants, shares her opinion on the strict schedules in 5-star hotels. "Hotels follow strict cleaning schedules," he says. "Set a cleaning routine for your home with daily, weekly and monthly tasks. Consistency is key to maintaining a clean and fragrant environment."

Of course, hotels use the best products available to ensure that every room is in perfect condition for guests. Investing in quality products has a huge impact on the scent of your home, and while regular maintenance is crucial, scheduling a deep clean is also essential. "Hotels are thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis," says Muffetta. "Consider deep cleaning tasks such as washing curtains, deep cleaning carpets and disinfecting upholstery at least a few times a year to deodorize them. »

2. Avoid perfumes that are too strong and unnatural

(Image credit: lights and lamps)

You might think that the key to a good-smelling room is a room spray or a scented candle, but all of our experts advise against overpowering, unnatural scents. While you might want a house that smells like fall now, if you want a house that smells like a hotel, put down the pumpkin spice candle.

"Hotels are opting for clean, natural scents," says Hashi Mohammed of Ivy Cleans. "Avoid using fragrances that are too strong or artificial, which can be overpowering and mask other pleasant smells." When choosing a scent, you should also look out for air fresheners that contain harsh chemicals and parabens. Instead, focus on natural ways to keep your home smelling good , like clean linens (a smell strongly associated with hotels!).

3. Use well-washed sheets

(Image credit: Mike Van Tassell Design: OAD Interiors)

With that in mind, fill your home with the scent of freshly washed linens by establishing a good laundry routine. The powerful scent of freshly washed clothes should never be underestimated and is a hidden trick that people often use when their home smells wonderful .

"Clean, well-laundered linens are the hallmark of hotel rooms," says Hashi. "To create the feeling of lying in a soft hotel bed, wash and change sheets, pillowcases and towels regularly. Consider adding some lightly scented fabric softener to your wash cycle and applying a gentle laundry spray to your freshly made bed to mimic the feeling of slipping into a hotel-quality bed. You should also know how to store your linens properly because this will keep your linens fresher for longer, even when they are put away.

4. Use only subtle scents

(Image credit: Ryan Garvin. Design: Brandon Architects and Brooke Wagner Design)

Hotels avoid strong perfumes. Instead, they use classic perfumes that provide a subtle and pleasant aroma without being overpowering. The ideal room fragrance creates a calm and relaxing aromatic atmosphere. For this purpose, hoteliers often use scented sachets in drawers and cupboards to create a gentle aroma. Lavender drawer sachets like these from Amazon are a great way to permeate your room in the same subtle way.

Continuing the theme of clean scents, using a citrus scent in your modern bathroom is another great idea. "Citrus is an invigorating and invigorating aroma, ideal for kitchens or bathrooms," explains Janille Mangat, cleaning specialist. "It evokes a feeling of cleanliness and comfort that is often used in hotels."

5. fresh flowers

(Image credit: March Kirsten Francis)

Nothing beats the smell of fresh flowers and this is a tip that hoteliers love. That sweet scent that greets you in a hotel lobby is usually due to a bouquet of freshly cut flowers at the reception and is easy to apply in your home.

"Flowers not only add a touch of elegance and fragrance to a room, but they also add the most delightful aroma to a room," says Janille. There's something so inviting and refreshing about the scent of fresh flowers that will make your home feel as luxurious as a five-star resort. Of course, the best cut flowers for arrangements are those that are fragrant. When choosing your flowers, pay attention to roses, sweet peas and freesias. You can then place your vase in the entryway and be greeted by a delicious scent every time you come home.

Lavender scented sachets

Quantity: 12
Price: $13.99

Detergent with lavender and bergamot

Size: 100 fluid ounces
Price: $11.99

English room spray with pear and freesia

Price: $52.70
Before: $62

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My Swiffer cleaning tip is one of my favorites: I don't use the wipes as intended,...

A CLEANING expert has revealed her favorite way to combat dust in your bathroom.

She doesn't use the Swipper sweeping cloths as planned, but instead turns them briefly to make her life much easier.

Cleaning professional Alyssa tells us her cleaning tip for Swiffer sweeping cloths. Photo credit: tiktok/alyssacleaningcompany

He said it was one of his favorites because it made life so much easier. Photo credit : tiktok/alyssacleaningcompany

Alyssa ( @alyssascleaningcompany ), professional housekeeper and business owner, shares helpful cleaning tips and advice online.

In a TikTok video, he told viewers about one of his longtime favorite ways to clean toilets.

"One of my favorite cleaning tricks is to use one of those Swiffer sweeping cloths, but instead of using it for a Swiffer, I use it to dust the bathroom toilet," she said.

Swiffer Sweeper Dry Sweeper Cloths are available on Amazon for $14.44 in a 52-pack.

"I don't spray product and then push dirt and dust away," he added.

For easy cleaning, simply throw away the rags and "makes the job a lot easier."

In the video caption, he mentioned that he first shared the advice over a year ago but felt more people needed to know it.

Many people expressed their additional thoughts and opinions in the comments section of the video.

Most read in Lifestyle

One viewer shared: "What a great idea! I have a whole box but I wanted to throw it away. Go back to my cleaning supplies, okay."

"Honestly, I did almost the same thing until I thought about it!" The content creator responded.

"I only use dryer sheets," one commented.

Alyssa replied: "It works well too!"

"Swiffer Pet Wipes also work wonders on cat hair! » » offered another TikTok user.

"OH MY GOD, THANK YOU. YOU JUST CHANGED MY LIFE. I'm so tired of pushing dirt and dust around!!!!" » congratulated a fan.

You are using it to dust your toilet and not as intended. Photo credit: tiktok/alyssacleaningcompany

When he's finished, he simply throws the dirty cloth away. Photo credit: tiktok/alyssacleaningcompany

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Remove condensation from your windows this winter with a 1-pound item preferred by cleaning experts

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A cleaning expert has shared his tips for removing condensation from your windows and preventing mold from forming. A tip is an item...

Astro expert recommends tips to clean your temple after partial lunar eclipse to achieve prosperity

Lunar Eclipse 2023: After the last lunar eclipse of the year, cleanse the temple of your home in this way so that prosperity continues throughout the year.

Lunar or solar eclipse has a different meaning in astrology and is believed to have important effects on your life. It is also believed that certain rules must be followed during and after the lunar eclipse.

The belief in astrology is that on the day of the lunar eclipse the moon is in the shadow of Rahu and it is a time of crisis for the moon.

In such a situation, it is advisable to follow many astrological rules during the lunar eclipse. There is a belief that during the eclipse one should neither eat food nor perform worship in the temple during this period.

The Sutak period begins about nine hours before the lunar eclipse. During this time, the temple doors are closed and no services take place. A lunar eclipse can cause many astrological changes, which is why it is believed that it is necessary to cleanse the temple after the eclipse.

This rule also applies to your original temple. If you start worshiping the original temple without purifying it, it will not be considered completely holy and this will also affect the prosperity of your house.

The last lunar eclipse of this year will be observed on the occasion of Sharad Purnima, i.e. on October 28th. Let us hear from astrologer Dr. Aarti Dahiya know how to clean the temple after the eclipse.

Sprinkle Ganga water on the origin temple.

Once the lunar eclipse is over and you start worshiping in the temple, first sprinkle the temple with Ganges water, all impurities can be removed with Ganges water and the effect of the solar eclipse ends.

Thoroughly clean the house temple from dust and light incense sticks. At the same time, it burns cloves and camphor and cleanses the entire house with its smoke. In this way, all negative energies can be removed from the house, bringing prosperity to the house.

Clean all the idols in the temple.

After the eclipse, take out all the idols kept in the temple from the house, bathe them with Ganga water, clean them thoroughly with a cloth and dress them in new clothes. Remember that if you put old clothes on the idols, you need to wash them well so that negativity does not enter.

Clean the inside of the house temple well and make a turmeric swastika on the temple. Turmeric removes all kinds of impurities and is considered a very sacred ingredient. This reduces the effect of the eclipse.

Chanting mantras

After the lunar eclipse, you should chant lunar peace mantras. Cleans the environment and brings happiness into the home. Chanting mantras reduces the negative effects, so it is advisable to chant mantras for clearing the moon during and after the lunar eclipse.

If you liked this story, share it. To read more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.

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Experts share tips to keep your lawn mower engines running efficiently.

Experts say checking your engine oil daily can save you thousands of dollars in repairs in the future. (Photo: Kawasaki Engines)

To extend the life of lawn mowers and avoid costly repairs and downtime, homeowners should ensure they properly maintain their lawn mower engines.

This not only keeps the mowers running, but also leads to happier customers, more business and higher profit margins, says Jeff Turner, field sales consultant for Kawasaki Engines .

Checking your engine oil daily is essential because it could save owners thousands of dollars in repairs in the future, Turner says. Because most lawn mower engines are air-cooled, these machines also rely on a clear, unobstructed airflow that comes from the cooling fan and is directed through the cooling fins.

"Using clean, well-maintained equipment not only makes your business look more professional," says Turner, "but it also significantly extends the life of your engine because it cools more efficiently when dirt and debris aren't blocking the cooling air."

Clean Air

Operators should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for lawn mower engine maintenance, including changing the engine oil and air and fuel filters, says Steve Stenz, manager of lawn products for Kohler.

"Inspect the engine after each use and make sure it is free of debris on and around the engine, especially on the grass grille where the cooling air enters the engine and the cooling fins of the engine block," explains Stenz.

If you work in a dirty environment where the engine is clogged with debris, Stenz recommends inspecting the engine. Owners should perform oil maintenance and clean the engine cooling fins to prevent further damage.

It's also important for homeowners to think about how they clean certain rooms, says Stenz. For example, some owners make the mistake of removing the air filter and using high pressure air to remove debris.

"This is never good for the air filter and leads to small holes in the paper backing that allow dirt to flow past the filter," says Stenz. "It is best to inspect the air filter and tap it lightly to remove any coarse debris and replace it if necessary."

Check for damage

Operators should check the mower engine for loose bolts and fasteners, as well as fuel and oil leaks, says David Bush, associate director of shows, events and sponsorship for Honda Power's sports and product division . During inspection, it may be necessary to tilt the unit to view all sides of the engine and inspect the lower crankshaft seal.

"When tilting an engine, it is important to always tilt it away from the carburetor side," says Bush. "This practice prevents oil or gas from saturating the air filter and potentially causing fuel leakage."

If dirt or other contaminants get into the fuel tank, it can clog the carburetor passages and affect engine performance.

Tips for preparing engines for winter

After the final cut of the season, it's time for homeowners to prepare their equipment for winter.

"Old fuel or fuel left in the carburetor for months can cause the carburetor and intake valve to stick," says David Bush, associate director of shows, events and sponsorship in Honda Power's sports and product division. "Even fuel that is only a month old can make it difficult to start the engine."

To winterize a lawn mower engine, users should change the oil and filters, add fuel stabilizer to the tank, run the engine for five to 10 minutes, turn off the fuel, and let the engine idle until it stops, Turner explains.

"Once the engine stalls, I recommend pulling the choke and restarting it while there is no fuel left," says Jeff Turner. "This causes the remaining fuel to be sucked out through the small channels in the carburettor. Next, drain the fuel tank and lines.

EFI systems aren't as prone to fuel problems as carbureted systems, says Steve Stenz, lawn product manager at Kohler , but it's always good to use a fuel stabilizer on either system.

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