• Our pets are part of our family and just like every other member, they can make a mess. What are the best and safest cleaning products to use around pets?
• We have reviewed and chosen the best pet-safe laundry detergent, wipes, floor cleaner, carpet shampoo, and insect control.

Throughout my life, there have been dogs, cats, ducks, bunnies, fish, and turtles that each played a special part in our family's history. As nature took its course, I found myself without pets for a period. Then, just a year ago, I walked into our county animal shelter and one little face captured my heart. She came home with me that day and it has been a year of fun, love, laughter, and quite a few messes to clean up.

Since she is a small dog and spends most of her time inside, I started to think about the toxicity level of the cleaners I was using. It occurred to me that when she licked her paws or ate something that dropped on the floor, she was ingesting some of the floor cleaners.

Just as some chemicals are toxic to humans, many chemicals regularly found in household cleaners are toxic to pets. Chlorine, ammonia, isopropyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and phenols are quite dangerous if ingested by animals. Many aerosol cleaners and air fresheners are toxic to a bird's respiratory system. A smaller animal's respiratory rate is faster than humans and they can suffer more toxic exposure. Indoor pollution, much of which is caused by household cleaners, can put pets at risk for liver and kidney damage, anemia, and cancer.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center answers hundreds of thousands of calls about the possible exposure of pets to poisonous substances. Of these calls, 10 percent are due to household products and 15 percent to insecticide exposure. Almost all pet poisonings nationwide are accidental poisonings in our homes.

Just as young children don't understand the dangers of some products, neither do animals. Even if they don't ingest the chemicals, pets can suffer burns to the skin and eye damage. The first line of defense is to keep all cleaners in closed cabinets or on high shelves. If you have an animal that chooses to drink from the toilet bowl, do not use a continual cleaning product and keep the lid closed at all times. Dispose of empty cleaning containers promptly and properly.

It is pretty simple to keep a clean home without using harsh chemicals. I've searched out the least toxic cleaners that still do a good job for areas of your home that most affect your pets. I've been reading ingredient labels and testing floor cleaners, carpet shampoos, laundry detergents, wipes, and insecticides for many years as a home economist for companies and publications. I'm always looking for the most effective, easiest to use, safest, and the best value in products for myself and others, including my dog.

Here are the best cleaning products to use around pets:

• The best pet-safe detergent for laundry: Tide Purclean Unscented
• The best pet-safe cleaning wipes: Clorox Anywhere Wipes
• The best pet-safe cleaner for floors: Method Squirt + Mop 
• The best pet-safe carpet shampoo: Nature's Miracle Advanced Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
• The best pet-safe insect control: Zevo Ant, Roach & Spider Spray

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

The best pet-safe detergent for laundry

Plant-based ingredients make Tide Purclean Unscented safe for pets but still leave you with clean, fresh laundry.

You probably don't think about how your laundry detergent affects your pet, but you should. Using a laundry detergent that is nontoxic to animals is especially important if you have a puppy or dog that likes to chew on fabrics. Choosing Tide Purclean Unscented will not only help keep your pet safe, but it will take care of tough stains on clothes.

Tide has long been a leading brand name in laundry detergents and one of the best in removing heavy-duty stains. Tide Purclean offers the same high level of performance as original Tide, but using 75% plant-based ingredients that are safer for your pets and the environment.

I use it for our laundry because my dog has sensitive skin. I don't need her scratching away due to blankets and bedding have detergent residue that contains dyes and irritants. I choose unscented but you can also pick Tide Purclean Honey Lavender that is scented with essential oils. With this product, I get clean laundry and she doesn't itch.

Here's an additional laundry room tip to protect your pet: Dryer sheets may do wonders for your clothes but they are toxic to cats and dogs. The ingredients coating the sheet can cause kidney failure and pulmonary edema when a pet chews on the sheet. If the animal ingests the polyester substrate sheet, an intestinal blockage can easily occur. Just be sure to dispose of used dryer sheets immediately and correctly.

Pros: Plant-based ingredients are less toxic to pets, performs well in removing tough stains, available in unscented and scented formulas

Cons: More expensive than some detergents

Buy Tide Purclean Unscented Laundry Detergent in a two-pack of 50-ounce bottles on Amazon for $15.99

The best pet-safe cleaning wipes

Clorox Anywhere Wipes are strong and sturdy enough to clean-up messes, safe to use around kids and pets, and require no rinsing of the surfaces after use.

When spills and accidents happen on floors, having something handy that is disposable, does a good job, and is safe for pets is invaluable. Clorox Anywhere Wipes fit all of those criteria.

Many wipes contain bleach that is toxic to pets if they lick the damp area (and they always do). Clorox Anywhere Wipes is an unscented, nontoxic plant-based cleaner that I find to be strong enough to handle most messes. While they do not disinfect surfaces, the wipes are antibacterial and safe to use on most surfaces like hardwood, vinyl, marble, and plastics.

I keep a canister of the wipes near the feeding station to take care of spills promptly and one near the back door so I can use a wipe to clean muddy paws. They save me the much larger job of mopping the floor!

On Walmart.com, Clorox Anywhere Wipes has a 4.4-star rating and mostly favorable reviews from customers. If you shop at Petco, you'll find these same wipes under the Clorox Pet Solutions brand — same product, same excellent results.

Pros: Nontoxic to pets, strong and durable wipes, safe for most surfaces

Cons: Improper disposal of the wipe can cause a choking hazard for a pet

Buy Clorox Anywhere Wipes in a 75-count canister from Walmart for $5.18

The best pet-safe cleaner for floors

Floor cleaners end up on paws and paws end up in your pet's mouth. With Method Squirt + Mop, you don't have to worry about your pet getting sick.

Floors take lots of abuse from outside dirt, food, and drink spills, but clean floors are essential to a well-kept home. I have found the perfect floor cleaners to keep my floors shiny and protect my pet: Method Squirt + Mop.

Most of my home floors are hardwood so I use Method Squirt + Mop for Hardwood (check out my other recommendations for people without pets, which I tested before switching to pet-safe solutions). But in the ceramic-tiled bathrooms and laundry room, where my pup eats, I use Method Squirt + Mop formulated for tile, vinyl, and laminate. Available in lightly scented Spearmint Sage or Lemon Ginger, it cleans and shines using nontoxic, plant-based ingredients. I love that I can literally squirt-on the solution and use a damp mop to clean floors with no sloppy bucket and no rinsing. And, I know that when my doggie walks on the wet floor she won't have any issues but a stern look from me.

Pros: Cleans floors with no rinsing needed, nontoxic, lightly scented

Cons: Refills are not available

Buy Method Squirt + Mop Spearmint Sage in a 25-ounce bottle on Amazon for $4.99

The best pet-safe carpet shampoo

Carpet accidents happen but no pet should be exposed to toxic cleaners. With Nature's Miracle Advanced Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo you can have a clean carpet and a healthy pet.

I don't know about your pet, but mine chooses to head to the center of an area rug to have an accident. There's not a chance it will happen on an easy-to-clean tile floor or the edge of the rug. Always, right in the center.

In my previous homes, I had wall-to-wall carpet so I had to quickly learn how to keep the carpets clean and my pets, two boys, and me healthy. I've used carpet shampoos that reeked with a chemical odor that couldn't have been good for any of us. But then I found Nature's Miracle Advanced Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo that not only took care of pet odors and stains but is nontoxic to the animals and our own respiratory systems.

For wall-to-wall carpeting, I used Nature's Miracle Shampoo in a steam cleaner (following the machine's instructions). My carpets came out smelling fresh and looking clean and bright. The shampoo is low-foaming and contains a bio-enzymatic odor-locking formula to take care of embedded odors in the carpet fibers.

Now that I have area rugs, I still use it to spot-clean both rugs and upholstery. I give the bottle a good shake and blot the stained areas. You may notice a heightened odor while the fabric is wet, but let Nature's Miracle do its work: As the area dries, the odor will disappear. Since it contains no harsh chemicals, it's safe for my dog.

With more than 1,300 reviews and a rating of 4.2 stars, Nature's Miracle has mostly favorable reviews from customer. My favorite comment is from a customer who said the product effectively removed both stain and smell. This was important to her because if her puppy could still smell where he made a mess, the dog would continue to have accidents there.

Pros: Can be used with an electric carpet cleaner, with a mop, or as a spot remover, nontoxic, low-sudsing, lightly scented, performs well to remove stains and odor

Cons: Not readily available in mass-market stores

Buy Nature's Miracle Advanced Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo in a 64-ounce bottle on Amazon for $6.99

The best pet-safe insecticide

Zevo Ant, Roach & Spider Spray rids your home of unwanted pests while keeping your pets safe from poisoning.

Since there is a constant need to open the door for my pup to visit the backyard, other critters see the open-door policy as an invitation to come inside. While I respect all animals, there are just certain creatures that aren't welcome: ants, roaches, spiders, and flies, just to name a few.

I was always concerned about using insecticides and pesticides around my pets. I would crate them when applying treatments and wait for hours for everything to dry and just hope for the best. Then, I tested Zevo.

Available in several formulas, the product uses plant oils rather than chemicals to get rid of bugs. While effectively killing ants, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, spiders, flies, cockroaches, and beetles, it uses no imiprothrin, cypermethrin, or pyrethroids that are toxic to pets. While there is a non-aerosol trigger spray formula, the aerosol cans contain no butane or propane.

The sprays are lightly-scented and instantly effective. Just spray, wait a few seconds, and bugs are dead. You should wipe up the sprayed area with a paper towel because the spray can leave surfaces slippery.

Pros: Effectively kills insects, nontoxic to pets, available in several formulas for specific pests

Cons: Can leave surfaces slightly oily and slippery

Buy Zevo Ant, Roach, & Spider Spray in a 10-ounce can from Target for $6.99

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Best Buy has announced a big three-day TV sale, during which you can save over $1,000 on a great TV.
• A range of models are on sale, including affordable options that cost under $200, and some high-end TVs that are far cheaper than they would be otherwise.
• If you're interested in the sale, it's worth acting quick — the deals end on Sunday June 16 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

If you're in the market for a new TV, now is probably the time to buy. Best Buy has announced a massive three-day TV sale, offering discounts on some of its most popular and best-selling TVs. However, since it's a three-day sale, you'll have to act quick — the sale ends on Sunday June 16 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

There are a number of TVs on sale, ranging from the affordable and smaller TVs to the expensive TVs with enormous displays. Below are the best deals you'll find at Best Buy right now.

Sony TV deals

A number of Sony TVs are on sale for the event, and they have a lot to offer. All of the TVs have a 4K resolution, even the slightly cheaper models. The three TVs range in display size, including two 55-inch TVs, and one 65-inch TV. They all support HDR; however, the most expensive of the bunch has an OLED display, which essentially means that it'll offer much deeper black-levels and more vivid colors. With that TV, you'll save a whopping $1,500, which is pretty huge for a TV of that quality.

• Get the Sony X800E 55-inch TV from Best Buy, $549.99 (originally $799.99) [You save $250]
• Get the Sony X800G 65-inch TV from Best Buy, $999.99 (originally $1,199.99) [You save $200]
• Get the Sony A9F 55-inch OLED TV from Best Buy, $1,999.99 (originally $3,499.99) [You save $1500]

LG TV deals

LG has a few sweet TV deals in the sale too – and they're also for pretty high-quality TVs. The first deal is worth going for if you're looking for a great TV on a budget. It offers a 4K display with HDR support in a 50-inch screen – and for only $279.99. The second deal is for those who want something a little bigger. It's for a 75-inch TV, which also supports 4K and HDR – and for this deal you'll save a good $250.

• Get the LG UK6090PUA 50-inch TV from Best Buy, $279.99 (originally $349.99) [You save $70]
• Get the LG UK6190 75-inch TV from Best Buy, $949.99 (originally $1,199.99) [You save $250]

TCL TV deals

If you're really on a budget, then it's absolutely worth considering these TVs from TCL. For starters, there's a 40-inch TV that has a 1,080p resolution and Roku TV built right into it, and it comes at a very affordable $179.99 – which is $20 off its normal price of $199.99. There's also a deal for the massive TCL 75S425, which has a 75-inch display and supports 4K and HDR.

• Get the TCL 40S325 40-inch TV from Best Buy, $179.99 (originally $199.99) [You save $20]
• Get the TCL 75S425 75-inch TV from Best Buy, $899.99 (originally $1,199.99) [You save $300]

• The Chevy Silverado is all-new and usually the second best-selling full-size pickup truck in the US.
• The Toyota Tundra hasn't been updated in years, but it's still a pickup with a good reputation.
• The Chevy Silverado is the better pickup, but the Toyota Tundra is worth a look.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In the highly competitive world of full-size pickups, there are three main players: the Ford F-150, the Chevy Silverado, and the RAM 1500. That's 1-2-3 in the usual sales ranking.

Behind that formidable trio, one finds the Toyota Tundra. When the Tundra first arrived in the US, it was a daring move. Toyota intended to build on its legacy for reliability and quality by attacking the most American of vehicle segments. The Tundra was the first full-size pickup from a Japanese brand, and it was built in the USA.

That was 20 years ago. The Tundra has been moderately successful, but it hasn't cracked the top-three party. The situation has only worsened for Toyota over the years, as Ford, Chevy, and RAM has effectively captured all the share to be had in the upper reaches of the market.

The Silverado is usually number two, behind the F-150, and to maintain that position, Chevy has an all-new truck on dealer lots.

The Tundra, meanwhile, is completely not all-new. The 2007 second-generation design was upgraded in 2014, but the pickup is long in the tooth. That's not necessarily a bad thing for Toyota, as the company can continue to sell a lot of trucks without having to spend big money to steal customers from the Detroit Big Three.

So how does the Toyota Tundra match up against the Chevy Silverado? Glad you asked. I've driven both trucks. Here's how they compare:

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Let's start with the underdog — the Toyota Tundra 1794 Crewmax, tipping the cost scales at about $53,000, landed at our test center in suburban New Jersey last year.

Read the review »

The Tundra has been around since 2000 and has amassed a loyal following, even as it fails to seriously compete with the big three.

The current generation arrived in 2007 and was updated in 2014, making it a pretty old platform. That certainly doesn't mean Toyota doesn't take the Tundra seriously. In a week of driving it around — with a nice long run to the Catskills in upstate New York thrown in — I found out why.

You're not going to confuse the Tundra for anything other than a full-size pickup. Ours had a 5-foot-5 double-walled bed and a power-sliding rear window, as well as a "Super White" exterior and LOTS of chrome.

The 1794 backstory is intricate: The oldest cattle ranch in Texas, near San Antonio, dates to 1794. The property is where Toyota built its US pickup-truck factory.

Tundra badging on the liftgate was subdued.

A 5.7-liter V8, making 381 horsepower, lives beneath the hood. This motor supplies 401 pound-feet of bone-crunching torque. The Tundra can tow 10,000 pounds.

The six-speed automatic gets the job done, but I found it to be antiquated relative to the competition. Fuel economy is a thoroughly unimpressive 13 mpg city/17 highway/14 combined.

The 1794 Tundra is a close second to the plush Ram 1500 for sheer interior bliss. And although the rear seats aren't as comfy, they're plenty roomy.

The great thing about pickups is — Duh! — hauling capacity. And with the 1794 edition, you get the best of both worlds: cargo room to burn in the back, abundant premium-ness up front.

Infotainment works fine, with GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, device integration, and satellite radio. The touchscreen interface, however, is small and rather outdated — it's more or less the same as what I have in my 2011 Prius.

There's also a JBL audio system, an 11-speaker rig that sounds pretty good, though it doesn't quite cross into premium territory.

The Tundra is a solid truck. But it's also an old truck.

In my review of the Tundra, I wrote:

"You may have anticipated the punchline, set up by that clunky six-speed automatic transmission, that gas-chugging big V8 motor, and the circa-2010 infotainment system. That's right: Toyota doesn't need to expend resources on the Tundra."

BUT, I added: "In my testing of the truck, I was almost ready to call it my new favorite, second only to the exquisite Ram 1500. There's something to be said for a platform that simply performs, is notably comfortable, and carries Toyota's ironclad reputation for reliability."

Let's move on to a pickup that is in no way an underdog: a "Summit White" 2019 Chevy Silverado. It's the fourth-generation of the nameplate, but it's a full-size pickup that can trace its lineage back to the early 1960s.

Read the review »

This is going to be a battle of the white full-size pickups!

The new Silverado tips the scales at 5,000 pounds — several hundred less than the outgoing generation, thanks to lightweight steel and aluminum.

My $57,000 Silverado LTZ Crew Cab ...

... came with a short bed, but a larger box is available. (The base work truck is just under $30,000.)

The Silverado could be outfitted with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 4.3-liter V6, a 5.3-liter V8, a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder diesel — or, in the case of my tester, a 6.2-liter V8. This configuration can tow 12,000 pounds.

The V8 motors have a cylinder-deactivation feature that can drop the engine down to a fuel-sipping two, if all you're doing is humming along at highway speeds. (Chevy calls it "Dynamic Fuel Management.")

The 10-speed automatic is operated by a very old-school column shifter.

The "Gideon/Very Dark Atmosphere" interior is oddly named, but still quite pleasant, if a bit on the utilitarian side. The rear seats, as in the Tundra, were a roomy bench design. My Silverado tester, while nice, wasn't as fancy as the Tundra.

My tester came with a tonneau cover for the box. It can be folded back to reveal the bed in all its glory. The spray-on bedliner is a $500 extra.

The 8-inch center touchscreen isn't huge, but it is responsive, with a few buttons and knobs to fall back on.

There's SiriusXM radio, plus a full array of USB and AUX ports, and even a 120-volt outlet. The system offers a full suite of apps and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The venerable OnStar system provides 4G LTE wireless connectivity, along with navigation and emergency communications.

And the winner is the Chevy Silverado!

It shouldn't be a shock to anybody that the Chevy Silverado, all-new and ready to rock, wins the battle of the white full-size pickups.

But let's take a moment to acknowledge how competitive the Toyota Tundra is. The design has been around since 2014, and Toyota would be justified in sort of phoning it in, given the pickup's position behind the heavy hitters in the segment.

But the Tundra has a thing, and that thing is comfort and — let's be honest — Toyota's well-earned reputation for building the world's most reliable pickups. You might not like the Tundra as much as a Detroit product, and it might be awkward in some regions to roll into a job site behind the wheel of the Japanese trucks, despite it's being built in Texas. But if you want a truck that will probably last and last and last some more, giving little trouble along the way, consider the Tundra.

OK, on to the winner. The Silverado is what I'd call a purposeful or iterative update of Chevy's full-size hauler. The old truck wasn't broken, so Chevy didn't entirely fix it. The improvements were all worthwhile, however.

"Chevy took a conservative path with the new Silverado, and on balance, that was a wise call," I wrote in my full review of this truck last year.

"I couldn't find anything substantial to dislike about the Silverado. And I found plenty to enjoy. The truth is, American pickup-truck buyers now have ... excellent choices, proof that Detroit knows better than ever what it's doing in this segment."

The Tundra, in this context, isn't a bad truck. Far from it. But it just isn't quite in the Silverado's league.

• Many world leaders travel in luxury vehicles.
• Some use limousines, including custom Bentleys and Cadillacs.
• The US President Donald Trump, for example, rides in a $1.5 million Cadillac nicknamed "the Beast."
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories

Many world leaders travel in style, using armored luxury vehicles to get around.

While some opt for sedans or SUVs, others use limousines, including custom Bentleys and Cadillacs. The US President Donald Trump, for example, rides in a $1.5 million Cadillac nicknamed "the Beast." And Queen Elizabeth II received a custom-built Bentley 50 years after becoming the queen of England.

These are eight of the limousines used by world leaders.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk says Tesla has a design ready for a James Bond-style submarine car

US President Donald Trump

The United States President Donald Trump rides in a Cadillac limousine nicknamed "the Beast."

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin rides in a limousine made by the Russian luxury brand Aurus, called the Senat.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un rides in a Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard.

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II rides in her custom Bentley State Limousine.

China's President Xi Jinping

Chinese leader Xi Jinping rides in a Hongqi L5.

The Japanese emperor Naruhito

Japanese emperor Naruhito rides in a Toyota Century Royal.

The Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta

Uhuru Kenyatta, the president of the East African country of Kenya, rides in a Mercedes-Benz Pullman S600.

The Moroccan royal family

The Moroccan royal family rides in a Mercedes Benz 600 Pullman.

• Before you plan your European vacation, it's worth checking out which countries are the most dangerous and why.
• The US State Department ranks countries as Levels 1 through 4, from least dangerous to most dangerous.
• Twelve European countries are ranked Level 2, and the agency recommends American visitors exercise increased caution when visiting them.
• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

Europe may include some of the most popular travel destinations for Americans, but the US State Department advises that several countries on the continent may require extra caution for those looking to vacation abroad.

The State Department uses four levels of travel guidance to offer Americans advice, set boundaries, and describe the risks of each country:

Level 1 - Exercise normal precautions

Level 2 - Exercise increased caution

Level 3 - Reconsider travel

Level 4 - Do not travel

Eleven European countries are ranked Level 2, but apart from regions in Russia designated as Level 4, there are no countries the State Department warns against visiting altogether.

Elsewhere, there are several countries in Africa, Latin America, South America, and the Middle East ranked Levels 3 and 4. These include Venezuela, multiple regions in Mexico, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and North Korea.

Here are the travel advisories for every country in Europe, ranked from most to least risky based on the State Department's designation levels.

SEE ALSO: The 29 riskiest countries for Americans to travel to

DON'T MISS: The riskiest vacation hot spots in the Caribbean, ranked

Germany - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department warns American travelers that terrorist groups may "continue plotting possible attacks" in Germany.

Since October 2015, there have been 13 significant incidents regarding terrorism in Germany. These include a high-profile December 2016 attack on a Christmas market in Berlin, when a lorry struck and killed 12 and injured 48. Earlier that year, during one July week, a teenager hacked at train passengers with an axe and knife in Wuerzburg, and a bomb detonated outside a bar in Ansbach, injuring 15 people. 

The Islamic State claimed the above attacks, while others were orchestrated by right-wing German extremists against refugees and Kurdish extremists against Turks and Turkish organizations.  

Italy - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department advises caution in Italy due to potential terrorist attacks that may target popular tourist locations and both public and private spaces. 

In 2018, a right-wing extremist terrorist seriously wounded six African immigrants in a drive-by shooting in Macerata. In 2016, Italian authorities arrested suspects in connection with a plot to attack the Vatican and Israeli Embassy in Rome on behalf of the Islamic State. The attack was never carried out. 

Spain - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department warns US citizens that terrorist groups may continue to plot attacks in Spain and asks tourists to exercise increased caution.

In August 2017, a jihadist terror attack in Barcelona resulted in 15 deaths. A van driven into pedestrian street La Rambla killed 13 and injured at least 130 others, including one person who died of injuries later. The attacker killed another person in order to steal the victim's car for escape. Later that day, a van operated by men believed to be part of the same terrorist cell drove into pedestrians in Cambriis, killing one and injuring six others. All attackers were killed by police. 

Belgium - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department advises increased caution in Belgium due to potential terrorist attacks. 

Since 2014, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for seven terrorist attacks in Belgium, including the three coordinated March 2016 Brussels bombings. Twin bombings in the Brussels airport and one at a metro station in central Brussels killed 32 civilians and injured over 300 others. The bombings were the deadliest terror attack in Belgium's history.

Other terror attacks in Belgium include several stabbings, including in May 2018 when a prisoner on day release stabbed two police officers, took their guns, and shot and killed them. 

France - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department advises that American tourists exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest.

The yellow vests movement is one major protest force in France supported by more than 80 percent of French citizens and, at its height, brought a quarter of million marchers into the streets. The movement started in October 2018 with provincial workers protesting a hike in fuel taxes, with literal yellow high-visibility vest-wearers camped at traffic circles. 

The movement has since spread to wide swaths of French citizens protesting President Emmanuel Macron and perceived economic injustices. Protesters have include far-right extremists and known anti-Semites, according to CNN, but also far-left individuals. Macron has responded to some complaints, eventually abolishing the fuel tax rise.  

Demonstrations in Paris and other major cities are expected to continue in the coming weeks and may result in property damage, including looting and arson, along with reckless disregard for public safety.

Police have responded with "water cannons, rubber bullets, and tear gas," and the State Department advises visitors to avoid major French cities on the weekends.

Since, the November 2015 terror attacks in Paris that left 130 dead, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for six other terrorist incidents. A packet bomb explosion in May in a pedestrian zone of Lyon that injured 13 people has yet to be claimed. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department suggests that tourists in Bosnia and Herzegovina should exercise increased caution due to the threats of terrorism and land mines. Minefields and land mines are present throughout the country, and while suspected hazardous areas are usually clearly marked, several people are killed and injured each year by land mines. 

The war within the country from 1992 to 1995 resulted in around 2 million landmines and unexploded munitions left within the region in over 28,000 locations. Government agencies and NGOs along with NATO military units have been clearing mines since 1996, with initial plans to rid the country of them by 2019. That goal has not been met, with over 80,000 uncleared mines left today. Experts predict at least another five years will be needed for the efforts. 

Ukraine - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department advises increased caution for Americans traveling to the Ukraine due to crime, civil unrest, and demonstrations that occur around elections. Tourists should take care not to travel to Crimea, due to "arbitrary detentions and other abuses by Russian occupation authorities," and should avoid the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts due to armed conflict. 

The US government does not recognize the annexation of Crimea by Russian Federation forces and warns travelers that opposition forces within the region may suffer abuse from the Russian military. 

Crimes targeting foreigners are common in the Ukraine, and demonstrations throughout the country often turn violent, especially nearing elections. Politically targeted assassinations, bombings, and violence by extremist groups have also occurred. 

Russia - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department suggests that crime, terrorism, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws throughout Russia may put Americans in unsafe situations. The US government may have the delayed ability to provide services to US citizens in the Saint Petersburg area, and terrorist groups attack public and private spaces with little to no warning.

Parts of Russia have a Level 4 advisory, and the State Department asks US citizens to avoid traveling to the North Caucasus Region, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, along with Crimea. Local gangs in the North Caucasus Region have kidnapped Americans and other foreigners for ransom, and there are "credible reports of arrest, torture, and extrajudicial killing of LGBTI persons in Chechnya allegedly conducted by Chechen regional authorities."'

In March, an activist was sentenced to four years in Chechnya for drug abuses, a move that has been widely viewed as an effort to quell criticism of the Chechen government. Extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, and torture, including a "gay purge" of at least 40 suspected gay men and women in Chechnya have received international attention. 

Chechen separatists have been responsible for multiple terror attacks in Russia, and a St Petersburg metro explosion in 2017 planted by a terrorist who has not been claimed by any group or regime left 15 dead and at least 45 injured. 

Additionally, the US does not recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea, suggesting those who challenge the authority of the Russian Federation military presence on the peninsula may suffer abuse.

Netherlands - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department advises that terrorists may attack the Netherlands with little to no warning, and that American tourists should be extra cautious. 

In March, a terrorist in Utrecht shot and killed three and injured five on a tram, and later said he acted alone. 

Serbia - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department suggests Americans take extra caution in Serbia due to the high occurrence of crime. Violence is associated with organized crime and high-profile sporting events, including car bombings and assassinations by shooting in all areas at any time. 

In 2016, a Serbian man killed five people and injured 22 in a shooting in a café in Žitište. 

United Kingdom - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department advises increased caution due to terrorist threats that may potentially be ongoing, as well as a risk of isolated violence by "dissident groups in Northern Ireland."

Several high-profile attacks in 2017 included the May Manchester Arena bombing at an Ariana Grande concert that killed 22 and injured dozens. In June, the London Bridge van-and-knife attack killed eight and injured at least 48. Both attacks were claimed by the Islamic State.

In January, Irish Republican Army dissidents staged a car bombing outside a courthouse in Londonderry, but no one was injured or killed. Most Irish militants left over after North Ireland's 1998 peace accord have renounced violence, but small groups have carried out occasional bombings and shootings.

Denmark - Level 2: Exercise increased caution

The US State Department suggests additional caution for Americans traveling to Denmark, since terrorists potentially "continue plotting possible attacks."

In April 2015, two days of shooting attacks in Copenhagen left two victims and the shooter, who swore allegiance to the Islamic State, dead. Five police officers were wounded. The first shooting took place at an art showing and the second occured outside the city's Great Synagogue the next day. 

Albania - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department recommends increased caution in the southern town of Lazarat, Albania, due to crime. 

Moldova - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department advises Americans to exercise increased caution in Transnistria, an unrecognized state that split off from Moldova and remains in unresolved conflict with the country's central government. 

Poland - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the ninth largest country in Europe.

Romania - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country home to the world's oldest human fossils.

Greece - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the picturesque coastal country.

Czech Republic - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country home to popular tourist destination Prague.

Portugal - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the oldest country in Europe.

Sweden - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country with one of the highest standards of living in the world.

Hungary - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the land-locked country that was once part of the Roman Empire.

Belarus - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country with a street named after Vladimir Lenin in every city.

Austria - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country home to Vienna, known as the Wine Capital. 

Switzerland - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country that produces the most chocolate.

Bulgaria - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the only European country that hasn't changed its name since it was established. 

Finland - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country with the highest consumption of both coffee and milk.

Slovakia - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the geographical midpoint of Europe with the most castles per capita.

Norway - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the birthplace of skiing. 

Ireland - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country that originated Halloween. 

Croatia - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country home to the Dalmatian Coast, where parts of "Game of Thrones" was filmed. 

Lithuania - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the Baltic State that was the largest European country at the end of the 14th Century. 

North Macedonia - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country home to the deepest underwater cave.

Slovenia - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country with over 10,000 caves and 90,000 beekeepers.

Latvia - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country with the tallest women on average.

Estonia - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the first county to use online political voting.

Montenegro - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the small Balkan country famous for its rugged beaches and tourism.

Luxembourg - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the second-richest country in the world. 

Malta - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country home to Calypso Cave, which Homer is said to have written about in "The Odyssey."

Iceland - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country with some of the largest glaciers in Europe.

Andorra - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the country home to the capital with the highest altitude in Europe.

• Two private islands just 30 minutes from Manhattan are on the market for $13 million. Pea and Columbia Islands are .2 nautical miles apart from each other.
• The islands are about 10 minutes from New Rochelle by boat, according to listing agent Patti Anderson. 
• The current owner fully renovated the 5,625-square-foot home on Columbia Island, Anderson told Business Insider.
• The home is self-sustaining and includes four bedrooms, two baths, a lower-level media room, a navy boat, and a barge.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

For $13 million you can own two private islands that are just 30 minutes from Manhattan by boat.

Pea and Columbia Islands sit .2 nautical miles apart on the Long Island Sound in New Rochelle.  

The current owner fully renovated the 5,625-square-foot home on Columbia Island, which includes four bedrooms, two baths, an open kitchen, a lower-level media room, a boat, and a barge, listing agent Patti Anderson told Business Insider. 

Anderson also confirmed to Business Insider that the home is completely self-sustaining. On the roof are two independent solar panels that generate enough energy to operate the house, while a Reverse Osmosis Desalination system turns the seawater around the island into fresh, drinkable water.

Read more:A 13-bedroom mansion in Scotland that used to be a prison is on the market for $3.3 million

Pea Island has been left in its natural state and spans nearly five acres. It includes an open beach and an abundance of indigenous plants.

Take a look at the two islands below.

SEE ALSO: The NYC penthouse that Barbra Streisand lived in for nearly 40 years is on the market for $11.25 million — here's a look inside

SEE ALSO: There are only 3 Frank Lloyd Wright houses in Texas, and one just hit the market for $2.85 million. Take a look at the home — and its original furnishings.

Pea Island and Columbia Island are about 30 minutes from Lower Manhattan by boat.

Source: Google Maps

The two islands sit .2 nautical miles from each other and are for sale for a collective $13 million.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

Columbia Island was built in the 1940s by CBS to house a radio transmitter. Before the current owner purchased the Island, it was owned by the College of New Rochelle and used for marine biology studies.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

The current owner spent nearly a decade renovating it and installed windows, wiring, and walls with corrosive-resistant materials to protect the home from water and storms.

Source: Bloomberg

Columbia Island, the smaller island of the two, has a fully renovated four-bedroom, two-bathroom, 5,625-square-foot home.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

The island is completely self-sustaining. The two solar panels on the roof generate enough power to operate the house.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

A reverse osmosis desalination system turns the seawater around the island into fresh, usable water for the home.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

A lower-level media room with exposed brick wall sits parallel to the large living space.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

An open floor plan connects the living space to the kitchen, which can be seen in the background of the photo below.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

The open kitchen is newly renovated with stainless-steel countertops.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

A rendered image of the dining room shows what the open-kitchen area could look like furnished ...

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

... as well as what one of the bedrooms would look like when furnished.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

The home includes two 50kW backup generators and a blast and fire-resistant door to protect the machinery.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

The home comes with a boat and a barge.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

Pea Island can be seen from the rooftop on Columbia Island. Pea Island spans nearly five acres and includes an open beach and an abundance of indigenous plants.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

The house, according to Bloomberg, is nearly hurricane-proof, with a five-foot thick, 14-foot-tall seawall.

Source: William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty, Bloomberg

• Billionaires are different from millionaires in that they enjoy making money more than they enjoy spending it, according to Rafael Badziag in his book "The Billion Dollar Secret." 
• Spending less than you make is the foundation to building wealth.
• From Warren Buffett to Lirio Parisotto, many billionaires have frugal habits.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Millionaires and billionaires may both be richer than the average person, but they're each in a group of their own.

The distinction between the two comes down to how they answer one question, according to Rafael Badziag in his book "The Billion Dollar Secret: 20 Principles of Billionaire Wealth and Success": "What do you enjoy more, making money or spending it?"

Badziag, an entrepreneur and expert on the psychology of entrepreneurship, spent five years conducting face-to-face interviews with 21 self-made billionaire entrepreneurs around the world (defined as those with a net worth of at least $1 billion) and researching their lives and companies.

"The difference between financially successful people (millionaires) and financially super successful people (billionaires) boils down to the fact that the latter get pleasure making money, but don't enjoy spending it," he wrote. 

Billionaire businessmen Michal Solowow — the wealthiest person in Poland — and Lirio Parisotto — the wealthiest person in South America — both credited their savings habits to their financial success.

"You want to get rich? There's one way to do it: Spend less than you make. If you spend less and you accumulate, you get rich," billionaire Frank Hasenfratz told Badziag.

Read more: An entrepreneur who interviewed 21 billionaires says the same 6 habits helped make all of them successful

Frugality begets wealth

Spending less than you earn is a classic staple of building wealth. Saving and investing more money than you spend helps spark the power of compound interest, where the interest you earn on your money earns more interest over time.

Frugality— a commitment to saving, spending less, and sticking to a budget — is one of the characteristics most predictive of net worth, according to Sarah Stanley Fallaw, the director of research for the Affluent Market Institute and an author of  "The Next Millionaire Next Door: Enduring Strategies for Building Wealth."

"Spending above your means, spending instead of saving for retirement, spending in anticipation of becoming wealthy makes you a slave to the paycheck, even with a stellar level of income," she wrote.

Look at the famously frugal Warren Buffett, who still lives in the modest home in Omaha, Nebraska, that he bought for $276,700 in 1958 (in today's dollars). He's never upgraded to a smartphone, pays $18 for a haircut, and spends no more than $3.17 on his daily McDonald's breakfast — even though his estimated net worth is $84.6 billion.

SEE ALSO: The author of 'The Millionaire Next Door' explains 3 ways anyone can build more wealth

DON'T MISS: A researcher who studied over 600 millionaires found they do 3 things to forge a clear path to financial independence

Join the conversation about this story »

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Many people are intimidated by the process of hanging curtains, but with the right tools and a step-by-step guide, it's actually quite easy.
• We enlisted the help of an expert interior designer to help guide you through the process.
• We also include a complete list of all the tools you need to get the job done right.
• Here's how to hang curtains and the tools you need to do it.

Hanging curtains can instantly add style and personality to your space — they are a key design element in almost every room of your house. For example, thick velvet drapes can help make a tall-ceilinged bedroom feel cozy and warm, while light linen sheers can add a breezy, bright element to a living room.

Most people also hang curtains because they serve a specific purpose: blackout shades can cancel out bright morning light, while sheers allow radiant light to filter in. You can also get extra privacy and security by adding drapery (whether sheer or opaque) between your space and the outside world.

But where to begin? Hanging curtains is not all that complicated, but you do need a plan and the right tools. To help, we asked an expert, interior designer Noel Gatts, owner and principal designer of beam&bloom interiors to take us through the process step by step.

Here are the steps you'll need to take to hang curtains:

1. Measure
2. Pick out curtains and rods
3. Install brackets
4. Install the curtains and rods

Here's a list of the tools you need to hang curtains:

• Curtains: Pottery Barn, Bed Bath & Beyond, West Elm, Home Depot, Crate + Barrel, Target
• Curtain rods: Decopolitan End Cap Curtain Rod
• Step ladder: Rubbermaid RM-3W Folding 3-Step Stepladder
• Tape measure: QuickDraw DIY Self Marking Measuring Tape
• Level: Empire True Blue Professional Torpedo Level
• Drill: DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Compact Drill/Driver
• Stud finder: Ryobi LED Whole Stud Detector

You may also want to wear safety glasses. If your curtains are coming straight out of the box, you'll need to have an iron or clothes steamer handy to remove any wrinkles before hanging. We'll have a few recommendations for many of the other tools on the list, too.

Keep scrolling to learn how to hang curtains quickly and easily.

Step 1: Measure

Before you even decide on a style of curtains and rods, you have to know the measurements of your windows. We recommend QuickDraw's measuring tape if you don't have one.

Experts suggest that each curtain panel should be at least as wide as your window, and each rod should measure as wide as your window plus an additional 8 to 12 inches, depending on your design concept. Mark with a pencil the spot where you plan to install the rods, with each rod about 4 to 6 inches above the window.

"If you can comfortably extend the height and width of the rod and drapery panels," Gatts notes, "you can add the illusion of more natural light, more height, and more space."

Many people do add more length, which is called pooling. "Pooling allows fabric to gather along the floor with a few added inches, and is a classic technique," Gatts explains, "especially in more formal living and dining spaces, this effect is dynamic. But if you have a more tailored space, or heavily patterned drapery (or kids and pets) maybe they're not the best option for you."

Buy the QuickDraw DIY Self Marking Measuring Tape on Amazon for $14.99

Read our full guide to the best tape measures you can buy

Step 2: Pick out curtains, rods, and hardware

Now that you know how long and wide your curtains need to be, you can start shopping! Consider why you're hanging curtains in the first place: Is it to block light or let it in? Do you want to add some color, texture, or pattern to an otherwise muted design scheme, or are you trying to keep your window treatments neutral?

"In a living room, you want to feel comfortable and relaxed, so we recommend a light-filtering fabric like cotton voile, organza, or linen," Gatts suggests. "In other spaces, you may want denser, woven fabrics (like chevron stripes or herringbone patterns) to add weight and structure to the room."

Gatts also encourages her clients to mix patterns and textures throughout a space, but to keep the color palette cohesive. "You can always bring in bits of the colors or textures from your drapes into the rest of your space with throw pillows, art, and accessories," she adds.

Rods are available in many styles as well, from different metal finishes to wood designs and various lengths and sizes. The basic parts of a curtain rod are the rod itself, the finials (or end caps) brackets, and rings or hooks.

Depending on what material you choose and what style you like, make sure that you have all the elements you need to hang the curtains. To make it easier, many retailers will suggest rods that work with the style of curtain you are browsing, but if you're in doubt you should connect with a customer service agent or a professional designer.

"Our go-to solution for picking out drapery hardware is to find a metal or wood finish that is repeated throughout the space," Gatts explains. In terms of design, she notes that "straighter lines give a more tailored or understated look, while rounded edges keep things soft and slightly whimsical."

Stores like Pottery Barn, Bed Bath & Beyond and West Elm will have standard size curtains, but other retailers like Home Depot have lengths that you must hem yourself, so pay careful attention to the descriptions and measurements when you're shopping. If in doubt, go long: You can always shorten curtains but you can't add length. And if you don't see your dream design, you can always opt for a custom curtain designer, like Holloway Bay or Mesken.

Read our full guides to the best curtain rods and the best blackout curtains

Shop for curtains at Pottery Barn, Bed Bath & Beyond, West Elm, and Home Depot

Buy a set of linen curtains at Crate + Barrel for $39.95 to $69.95

Buy a set of chevron striped curtains at Target for $12.29

Step 3: Install brackets

Once you have your materials it's time to put up the brackets. Mark the place where you'll drill holes for your brackets with a pencil.

Remember, this is at least 4 to 6 inches above the window frame and also about 4 inches on either side of the window frame so you can open your curtains fully.

Use the level to make sure your marks are even, and the stud finder to make sure your brackets line up with studs. Now you can drill your holes and screw the brackets into the wall.

Buy the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Compact Drill/Driver on Amazon for $99

Buy the Empire True Blue Professional Torpedo Level on Amazon for $9.97

Buy the Ryobi LED Whole Stud Detector at the Home Depot for $36.97

Step 4: Install the curtains and rods

Most curtain rods have finials or ends, so the first thing to do is remove the finials from the rod. Attach your curtain to the pole, either by threading it through or tying it on and then place the rod in the brackets. Re-attach the finials to the rod and tighten the screws on the bracket to secure it in place. Now step back and admire your work!

Read our full guides to the best curtain rods and the best blackout curtains

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Casper established itself as one of the best mattress brands thanks to its excellent customer service, 100-night risk-free trial, and 10-year warranty.
• The company recently updated its flagship all-foam Casper mattress and introduced the Casper Hybrid mattress, which has four foam layers along with inner springs.
• Though I preferred the Casper Hybrid because it was more comfortable for my body type and sleeping style, I think most people will prefer the Casper flagship mattress because of its superior edge support, motion transfer isolation, and lower price.
• You can buy the flagship Casper mattress for $695 (Twin) to $1,495 (King and Cal King), and the Casper Hybrid mattress for $850 (Twin) to $1,895 (King and Cal King). If you use the code INSIDER, you'll get $100 off.
• For more buying advice, check out our guide to the best mattresses and our reviews of the Hybrid and flagship Casper mattresses.

A good mattress will last you for decades, and you'll spend a third of your daily life on it. When considering such an important purchase, you should be able to spend significant time sleeping on the mattress. Fortunately, Casper allows you to test drive all of its mattresses for 100 nights risk-free, and the company now has samples all over the country — at Target and in their own brick-and-mortar stores — for you to see and feel in person.

Recently, Casper updated its flagship mattress and introduced the Casper Hybrid mattress. The updated flagship Casper features a new zoned support foam layer that focuses on providing pressure relief and support that is firmer under the hips and softer under the shoulders.

The new Hybrid also has the zoned support layer along with the other three foam layers found in the updated Casper. What sets the Casper Hybrid apart is its individual coil springs designed to provide added lift and increased airflow.

Casper recently sent me both mattresses to test. Each has weaknesses and advantages. Below, we compare the updated all-foam Casper mattress to the Casper Hybrid mattress in a few key categories: price, style, return policy, warranty, set-up process, comfort, edge support, and motion transfer.

Keep scrolling to see how the flagship Casper mattress and Hybrid mattress compare:

Prices and specs compared

Winner: No matter what size you choose, the Casper mattress is less expensive than the Casper Hybrid.

The Casper Hybrid and the flagship all-foam Casper share several features, but there are a few differences. The biggest one is that the Hybrid has coiled springs, while the regular Casper mattress is all foam.

Since you are adding individually-wrapped pocket coils, the Casper Hybrid mattress is more expensive than the updated Casper mattress. If you are purchasing the Twin-sized mattress the difference in price is only $155, but if you want a Cal King or King, you can expect to pay an extra $400 for the hybrid experience.

You should look at costs when buying a bed, but don't make price the most important factor. Keep in mind that you will spend a significant part of your life on this mattress. Over the lifetime of the bed, differences in price work out to only a few cents per day. Also, if money is a concern, Casper allows you to pay for its mattresses with monthly payments at 0% APR.

If you plan on sleeping alone, a Twin, Twin XL, or Full mattress is your best bet. Twin works for smaller individuals, Twin XL is for taller folks, and Full is best if you are on the huskier side. Couples can share a Queen, King, or Cal King, though if you are a bigger couple go with a King. Taller couples will benefit from the Cal King.

As for looks, the mattresses are nearly identical. Both have gray sides with the all-foam Casper a slightly lighter gray. Both are white on top. The cover is removable and washable. However, you'll still want to use a fitted sheet.

Buy the updated Casper mattress from Casper for $695 (Twin), $745 (Twin XL), $1,050 (Full), $1,195 (Queen), $1,495 (King and Cal King)

Buy the Casper Hybrid mattress from Casper for $850 (Twin), $915 (Twin XL), $1,295 (Full), $1.495 (Queen), $1,895 (King and Cal King)

Return policy and warranty compared

Winner: This is a draw. Casper offers the same return policy and warranty for all of its mattresses.

Though the return policy and warranty are not good ways to differentiate these mattresses, it's important for you to know what's available. You can try out both mattresses with Casper's 100-night risk-free trial. If you don't like the mattress for any reason within 100 nights of its arrival, you can let the company know, and it will send out a local charity or recycling center to take it away for you. You then get a full refund within two weeks.

The mattresses are also backed by 10-year limited warranties. So, if you find any manufacturing defects, physical flaws, or the mattress just experiences significant (an inch or more) indentation, Casper will fix or replace your mattress. The warranty is only valid if you use a supportive foundation, care for the bed properly, and if you use it normally.

Set-up process compared

Winner: The flagship Casper mattress wins by a hair in terms of set up because it weighs less and seemed to have less odor.

Before I dive into my experiences setting these mattresses up, I want to point out that you can pay Casper to set up your mattress for you. For a fee ($149 where I live in Lansing, Michigan), the company will send someone to deliver, unbox, and set up your mattress and bed frame. They will also remove the packaging, your old mattress, and foundation.

I didn't go this route. Instead, I did it all myself. Both mattresses come with instructions for how to unbox and set them up. The mattresses took five minutes to completely unpackage. Then, I let the mattresses air out for a couple of days before using them because memory foam tends to have an odor associated with it.

The queen-sized Hybrid weighs 106 pounds, while the all-foam Casper weighs 85 pounds. The light weight and firmness of the all-foam mattress made it easier to set up. Additionally, I never noticed any odor from the all-foam bed, while the Hybrid did have a noticeable odor.

Comfort compared

Winner: As a side sleeper, I found the softness of the Casper Hybrid served me better than the firm original Casper.

When it comes to mattresses, comfort depends on a lot of factors that vary from person-to-person. Heavier individuals, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and people with back pain generally benefit more from firmer mattresses. Lighter people and side sleepers tend to feel more comfortable on softer mattresses.

I'm telling you all of this because — unless you're 6-feet tall, weigh 250 pounds, and sleep on your side — you should take my preferences with a grain of salt.

For me, the updated Casper mattress is too firm. It wasn't comfortable sleeping on my side. Instead, I was forced to sleep on my stomach, which I naturally do part of the time, but it was unfortunate that I couldn't switch it up with some side sleeping. The Casper Hybrid is more of a "Goldilocks-fit" for me. The softness makes side and stomach sleeping comfortable.

I'm a hot sleeper and both mattresses did a good job of dissipating heat, but the all-foam Casper slept cooler than the Casper Hybrid. When temperatures dipped into the 30s at night, I found I actually had to add an extra blanket. With the Hybrid, I felt just right with one blanket, even when the mercury fell. If you are a hot sleeper, the all-foam Casper may be a smart choice during the hot summer months.

Edge support compared

Winner: The firm memory foam layers of the flagship Casper mattress extend all the way to the edges offering superior support.

Edge support is important for a number of reasons. First, you don't want your mattress to sag on the sides and give you the feeling you might fall off. It's hard to sleep like that. Secondly, it's nice to sit on the edge of the bed, whether you're putting your socks and shoes on or slowly transitioning from laying to standing.

Both mattresses offer good edge support, but the all-foam Casper mattress is better. I laid on the very edge of the flagship mattress and was actually comfortable there. I didn't feel like I was about to fall. Whereas with the Hybrid, I could feel more give on the edge. However, when I shared the Hybrid with my wife, I never felt like I might fall off, despite her attempts to annex my side of the bed.

Motion transfer compared

Winner: The all-foam Casper mattress passed our motion transfer tests, while the Hybrid failed each time.

Motion transfer isolation or dampening is an important mattress feature because it will help you get a good night's sleep even when your partner is tossing and turning. The fewer times you wake up, the more productive your sleep will be.

Based on my research, I created a makeshift motion transfer test with the materials I had available. First, I placed a 12-ounce can of soda upright on the center of each mattress. Then, I dropped a 20-pound weight from four feet above the mattress so that it landed 12 inches from the can. If the can stayed upright after several iterations, the mattress has good motion transfer dampening properties. If the can fell over consistently, the mattress has poor motion transfer properties.

In my tests on the Casper all-foam mattress, the can remained upright each time. With the Hybrid, the can always fell over. My subjective experience backed these results up. I shared the Hybrid bed with my wife, and she occasionally woke me up with her sleep troubles — a common problem for her.

Though I did not share the all-foam mattress with my wife, I did have a stream of pets walking on it while I slept. They didn't wake me up. The only evidence I had that they were there were random toys and occasionally they would be asleep next to me when I awoke in the morning.

These results tell me that the Hybrid may be better for individuals who mainly sleep alone or are heavy sleepers. The all-foam Casper mattress does a better job of isolating motion transfer, which is ideal for couples sharing a bed.

I also want to point out that poor motion transfer isolation usually translates to more bounciness. Bounce is nice to have when engaged in intimate activities. Yet, neither mattress exhibited much bounce. This may have been due to the foundation (i.e., our floor) having zero give. The all-foam Casper was nice because it did allow for easier movement on top of the mattress, which is helpful for a variety of reasons.

The bottom line

Overall winner: Though I personally would choose the Hybrid, I think the overall better mattress is the all-foam Casper.

During my testing schedule, I found myself looking forward to sleeping on the Hybrid but not the flagship Casper mattress. In the above categories, the only one in which the Hybrid is the clear winner in comfort, but that is an important enough factor that it beats out all others in my opinion. But, keep in mind that I'm a heavy person who sleeps on his side.

If you are a back sleeper, stomach sleeper, are carrying a few extra pounds, or have back pain, you might benefit from the all-foam Casper. This is especially true if you share a bed with someone and want good motion transfer isolation. You can also save hundreds of dollars by going with this option.

You could conceivably try one mattress for up to 100 days, and if you don't like it, return it and try the other for up to 100 days more.

If this seems a bit extreme, I recommend setting up an appointment for a 30-minute nap session at one of Casper's many locations across the United States. Casper is also available at Target stores everywhere.

As you may have gathered, the best mattress is a matter of personal preference. If you look at the above categories and some are more important to you than others, use the important categories to guide your buying decision. You can always return your mattress if you don't like it. 

Buy the updated Casper mattress from Casper for $695 (Twin), $745 (Twin XL), $1,050 (Full), $1,195 (Queen), $1,495 (King and Cal King)

Buy the Casper Hybrid mattress from Casper for $850 (Twin), $915 (Twin XL), $1,295 (Full), $1.495 (Queen), $1,895 (King and Cal King)

Check out more mattress reviews and our mattress buying guide

The best mattresses you can buy

A great mattress can be the difference between a good night's sleep that results in a productive day or a horrible night that makes you feel like you didn't sleep at all.

We've tested a lot of mattresses to find the best ones you can buy online, and these are our picks:

• Best mattress overall: Leesa Hybrid (Sapira) and Leesa Mattress
• Best mattress for hot sleepers: Bear Mattress
• Best mattress for neutral firmness: Casper Mattress or Wave
• Best customizable mattress: Helix Mattress
• Best affordable mattress: Lucid Memory Foam Mattress
• Best smart mattress: Eight Smart Mattress
• Best soft mattress with good support: Purple Mattress

You can also read our full reviews of the Casper mattresses here:

• Casper recently added springs to its all-foam mattress — here's how it's different and what sleeping on it feels like
• Casper quietly updated its most popular mattress — here's what's new and what sleeping on it feels like

• Maurice Mitchell balances his two full-time jobs: being the national director of the Working Families Party and a father.
• To be present in his son's life, Mitchell sacrifices sleep and stability for constant plane rides back and forth from San Diego to New York City.
• Mitchell wakes up at around 4 a.m. every day and works until 11 p.m.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Maurice Mitchell works two full-time jobs: He's the national director for the Working Families Party, a grassroots group that advocates for progressive causes, and he cares for his 3-year-old son.

Balancing fatherhood and leading a political party means Mitchell typically travels the country on 20-hour work days, sleeping on planes and in Ubers multiple days a week.

Read more:A day in the life of a NYC Upper West Side mom who works from home and raises two kids in one of America's most expensive cities

But being a father is why Mitchell works a hectic schedule in the first place. Mitchell gets help raising his son during travel from his son's mom (who lives separately) and nanny. While he misses his son on the road, he believes actively fighting against climate change will allow his child to inherit a better planet.

"It's a pretty intense schedule, but I think the road and the requirements of the job are super intense, and I actually think it's a blessing I have the duty of parenthood to anchor me and bring me back home," Mitchell told Business Insider. "Ultimately, what connects me to my purpose is my relationship to [my son]. That's why I go so hard in the field."

Here's a day in the life of a community organizer and political-party leader who balances full-time fatherhood and traveling the country. 

Maurice Mitchell requested Business Insider not use his son's name.

SEE ALSO: A day in the life of a NYC Upper West Side mom who works from home and raises two kids in one of America's most expensive cities

The 39-year-old party leader began actively organizing communities while at Howard University — and he also performed in political punk-rock bands.

Mitchell said he began organizing after police shot Prince Jones, a classmate of his at Howard University.

Mitchell went on to become a leader in the Movement for Black Lives after cofounding Blackbird, a strategic support and guidance platform for activists and groups that are part of the movement. Mitchell created the platform shortly after traveling to Ferguson, Missouri, to protest Michael Brown's killing, a police-shooting death in 2014 that helped spur the Black Lives Matter movement.

For a few years, Mitchell was also the lead vocalist of the hardcore band Cipher, which released several demos and EPs, and performed in the 2014 Afropunk Fest.

As the national director of the Working Families Party, he manages dozens of staff in 14 state offices. He said the bulk of his work involves creating a supportive, harmonious environment for all WFP employees.

The Working Families Party is a grassroots political party that works to elect progressive candidates for office. The party also advocates for progressive policies, such as a higher minimum wage and solutions for climate change.

Mitchell, who did not work with WFP previously, took over for former national director Dan Cantor in 2018.

Having offices in over a dozen states requires Mitchell to constantly be traveling. He has to find ways to balance time in San Diego (where his son lives) and campaigning for progressive causes across the country.

Mitchell says he has two full-time jobs: being a father and a party leader. When he's at home in San Diego, the bulk of his day is spent with his son.

After waking up around 4 a.m., Mitchell spends the first hour of his day off his phone. He spends at least 10 minutes on meditation, about half an hour working out, and the final minutes reflecting on the day ahead.

Mitchell picks up his son from his mom's house around 5 a.m. and plays with his little one until 11 a.m. He makes his son breakfast, typically consisting of bananas and oatmeal.

Following breakfast, Mitchell and his son go to a coffee shop. His son plays as he takes calls for work.

After playing a little bit more outside the house, Mitchell puts his son to bed for a nap at 11 a.m. From that time until 1:30 p.m., he takes more calls for work.

Mitchell cooks lunch for his son after the nap. Mitchell is vegan, and he's raising his son as a vegetarian. The toddler's favorite foods are tofu, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.

The two spend the rest of the day playing and visiting nearby museums.

After putting his son to bed, Mitchell eats his first meal of the day. The party director fasts for 20 hours and gets all his calories during the evening. He continues to work until about 11 p.m.

When he has to travel, he usually drops his son off at his mom's house in the evening before leaving for a 10 p.m. red-eye flight.

Mitchell says he sleeps mainly on planes and in Ubers when he's on the road. He's typically making a five-hour flight from San Diego to New York, where the WFP is headquartered.

He tries to get his daily meditation in during car rides.

When he's on the road, Mitchell spends his days meetings with other staff members, canvassing for candidates, attending parties, hosting panels, giving speeches, and talking to the press.

He tries to keep in contact with his son over FaceTime but admits he finds parenting while on the road challenging: "It's really sad when I've been on the road for several days and I come back and can tell he's different."

But Mitchell says his son is also the reason he works so hard. He fights for progressive policies, such as climate change, to leave the world a better place for him.

"It's a very interesting puzzle because I'm on the road because of him," Mitchell said. "But it keeps me away from him. I'm so very passionate, I'm convinced that if all of us don't do more to save our planet and disrupt the craziness taking place in our politics, our children won't have a country or a planet to inherit."

Mitchell also hopes being a working dad encourages other fathers to make time for childcare while at their full-time jobs.

"Society is designed around this idea that reproductive labor is women's work," Mitchell said. "One of the reasons why my schedule is so crazy is my commitment to being a present parent. I do pretty wacky things logistically so I can show up as a parent."

• Many of the things you learned about nutrition as a kid likely weren't based on science, or have been revised in recent years.
• Some common diet advice was nothing more than savvy marketing from advertisers and food companies.
• Here are 23 myths about healthy eating that we now know aren't true.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Here are three of the biggest lies about nutrition I was fed as a kid:

Low-fat foods are always better for you than high-fat options. Drinking more milk makes your bones stronger. And you're only properly hydrated once your pee comes out clear.

Nope, nope, and nope.

I didn't know this at the time, but some of the "facts" about healthy eating that I absorbed as a youngster were clever marketing tactics dressed up as expert guidance about what to eat. Other pieces of advice have since been debunked by scientific research.

Here are a few dozen nutrition myths many of us were told as tots that simply aren't true. 

SEE ALSO: More evidence that no best diet exists: A study of 1,100 people shows how everyone responds differently to common foods

MYTH: Low-fat products are better for your waistline than high-fat versions of the same foods.

It may seem counterintuitive, but eating less fat can actually make your body fatter.

"Fat consumption does not cause weight gain," doctor Aaron Carroll wrote in his book "The Bad Food Bible." "To the contrary, it might actually help us shed a few pounds."

This is because people who skimp on fat (something our bodies need to function properly) are more likely to fill up on sugar and refined carbohydrates instead, and that can lead to measurable weight gain over time. Studies of people around the globe show this to be true time and again. 

Fat molecules help our body's cells stay healthy, and they aid us in absorbing nutrients in the other foods we eat. So if you prefer whole milk to skim, there's no reason to feel guilty about that. 

MYTH: You should "refuel" with electrolytes after a workout.

Sorry, Gatorade-lovers, but electrolytes and performance drinks don't do anything special for your body. 

"Athletes who lose the most body mass during marathons, ultramarathons, and Ironman triathlons are usually the most successful, which suggests that fluid losses are not as tightly linked to performance as sports drink makers claim," science journalist Christie Aschwanden writes in her 2019 book, "Good to go: What the athlete in all of us can learn from the strange science of recovery."

Aschwanden explains that your brain is perfectly capable of regulating electrolytes like salt in the body on its own.

"You need enough fluid and electrolytes in your blood for your cells to function properly, and this balance is tightly regulated by a feedback loop," she said. 

MYTH: Your pee should be clear, and you should drink eight glasses of water per day.

If your pee is clear, you'll probably need to find a toilet soon, because you're over-hydrated.

The truth is, the body has a "thirst center" in the brain that helps regulate how much fluid we need, and it's impressively tuned (though it tends to become less effective as we move into old age). So the most important way to stay hydrated is to listen to your thirst and drink when you feel like it.

Don't ignore itchings for water or confuse them with hunger, and you'll generally be fine. And don't worry too much about the color of your urine, either. A light yellow or straw-like color can indicate you're well hydrated, but darker urine isn't necessarily a reason to panic. 

"Dark pee might mean that you're running low on fluid, but it could also mean that your kidneys are keeping your plasma osmolality in check by conserving water," Aschwanden said. 

MYTH: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Some cereal companies have made a lot of cash off that catchy phrase.

"Many — if not most — studies demonstrating that breakfast eaters are healthier and manage weight better than non-breakfast eaters were sponsored by Kellogg or other breakfast cereal companies whose businesses depend on people believing that breakfast means ready-to-eat cereal," nutrition expert Marion Nestle wrote on her Food Politics blog in 2015. "Independently-funded studies tend to show that any eating pattern can promote health if it provides vegetables and fruits, balances calories, and does not include much junk food."

Nestle keeps her own breakfast advice short and sweet: "If you wake up starving, by all means eat an early breakfast. If not, eat when you are hungry and don't worry about it." 

In fact, studies have shown that people who work out in the morning on an empty stomach can burn up to 20% more body fat during their workouts.

Of course, studies still pop up suggesting that skipping breakfast is linked with early death. But personal trainer Max Lowery recently told Insider that such research may not consider every factor. 

"People who are more health-conscious overall tend to eat breakfast because they are following health guidelines," Lowery pointed out, "whereas people who skip breakfast are usually unhealthier overall because they are ignoring guidelines" 

Still, nutritionists often suggest eating something in the first two to three waking hours of the day to avoid getting cranky and hangry. 

MYTH: Cereal is a great breakfast food.

Most cereals are ultra-processed. That means they're infused with preservatives, packaged in plastic bags, and sprinkled with sugar.

Scientists are beginning to zero in on the dangers of processed foods like this: People who rely on these types of convenience foods tend to eat more (about 500 extra calories a day) and gain more weight than people who stick to unprocessed fruits, vegetables, grains, and other edible plants.

Instead of starting the day with cereal, many dietitians and nutrition experts suggest having a cup of plain Greek yogurt topped with nuts and berries. That will give your body healthy fats, protein, and fiber to keep you full. 

MYTH: 100% real fruit juice is a healthy choice.

Scientists recently looked at the health records of more than 13,400 US adults, and concluded that each additional 12-ounce serving of juice people drank per day was associated with a 24% higher risk of death. 

Nutrition experts who study sugary drinks were not surprised by this result, because the way our bodies process the sugar in fruit juice is almost identical to the way we take in sugar from a can of soda. Juice just doesn't satisfy our bellies like a piece of fibrous fruit does. 

"It's basically sugar and water, and no protein or fat to counteract that metabolism," Jean Welsh, a nutrition professor at Emory University, previously told Business Insider.

In the same vein, smoothies— which are often loaded with sugar and may not contain all the fiber available in whole fruits — are not a health food, either.

MYTH: Snacking is healthy.

Snacking can be a healthful habit, since it keeps people from overeating at meals. But research shows that inserting snacks into your daily routine isn't necessarily better for your health than eating three square meals a day.

Besides, many readily available snack foods aren't very good for us, since they are often ultra-processed and high in sugar, so are linked with weight gain and more cancer cases. 

"When you eat real, wholesome, healthy foods, you feel full sooner," Ocean Robbins, grandson of ice cream magnate Irvine Robins (a Baskin-Robbins co-founder) recently told Business Insider. "Your body feels nourished. You actually have the nutrients you need and in time you can have less cravings."

MYTH: Fasting is bad for your health.

Taking an occasional break from eating is becoming a popular Silicon Valley trend, and there's a surprising amount of evidence supporting it.

Intermittent fasting can help people ward off diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. The practice can also boost the production of a protein that strengthens connections in the brain and can serve as an antidepressant. Scientists even think fasting can lengthen our lifespans by keeping cells healthy and youthful longer.

In general, it's good to give your gut a break for at least 12 hours a day, biologist and circadian rhythm researcher Satchidananda Panda told the New York Times in 2015. 

Just don't overdo it.

MYTH: You’re probably not getting enough protein.

Just because something has lots of protein doesn't make it healthy.

"Most Americans get more than enough protein from their diet," public-health experts at the University of California, Berkeley wrote recently in Berkeley Wellness. (Adults over 65 are a notable exception to that rule, though.) 

A long-term study of over 131,300 people in the US found that the more animal protein people ate, the more likely they were to die of a heart attack, suggesting that it may be best to favor plant proteins like those from nuts and beans, rather than relying on meat. 

MYTH: The food pyramid should be your go-to guide.

Let's get one thing straight: This is a picture of a food triangle on the side of a pyramid. 

The "pyramid" above was released by the USDA in 1992, and it suggests there is one ideal strategy for healthy eating that everyone can follow. That strategy, it suggested, was to load up on breads and pastas, eat ample servings of fruits and vegetables (three to five per day), and round out one's diet with some dairy and protein from sources like meats, nuts, and beans.

But researchers are discovering in study after study that what works for one person may not be right for everyone else. Different bodies respond differently to ingested fats and carbohydrates, so a stable energy source for one person could lead another's blood sugar to skyrocket then crash. 

Nutrition experts generally agree, however, that everyone can benefit from eating more unprocessed foods, like leafy greens, seafood, nuts, and brown rice, while cutting out the processed white bread and crackers found on the bottom of this triangle.  

MYTH: Carob chips are healthier than chocolate.

Health-conscious dessert-lovers for years bought carob chips instead of chocolate. Carob is made from the dried fruit of Mediterranean carob trees (whereas chocolate comes from cacao). But they might have been better off sticking to chocolate. 

"No offense to carob, but it doesn't taste as good as chocolate," Robbins said. "It turns out that chocolate's actually better for you —  it's good for your heart and it's good for your brain." 

That doesn't mean you should eat candy bars. But a bit of dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) here and there could help improve blood flow and protect the heart. 

Scientists have found no real link between chocolate consumption and acne breakouts, either. 

MYTH: Yogurt is always a healthy choice.

Most prepackaged yogurts in the dairy case are packed with sugar.

If you like yogurt, find a plain one; you can always sprinkle nuts, seeds, berries, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg on top for flavor. 

MYTH: Margarine is better for you than butter, and all oil is bad.

Margarine was a darling toast-topper during the low-fat craze of the 1990s. Made from plant oils like palm oil, canola oil, and soybeans, it was marketed as a "healthier" alternative to animal fats.

But margarine used to include trans fat. Harvard researchers estimate that during the heyday of artificial trans fats in the 1990s, their presence in our food supply led to roughly 50,000 preventable deaths every year in the US. The FDA rolled out a near-universal ban on artificial trans fats in 2018, and most margarines today are trans-fat free.

But butter alternatives are highly processed, and vegetable oils that are lab-heated to prevent spoilage, like those in margarine, can be serious drivers of disease. Often, a key ingredient in margarine is palm oil, which is not nearly as good for our hearts as monounsaturated fats that are in a liquid state at room temperature, like olive oil. Monounsaturated fats can lower bad cholesterol levels and keep our immune systems humming with Vitamin E, making them a healthier choice. 

MYTH: Ditch cholesterol-heavy egg yolks and only eat the whites.

For most people, there's no evidence that the cholesterol in eggs translates to higher blood cholesterol. 

There is a lot of cholesterol in a chicken egg yolk: more than 180 milligrams, over half our daily recommended dose. But that doesn't mean we should be wary of a yellow morning omelette.

"Actually, there's never been a single study that showed higher egg consumption is related to higher risk of heart disease," Harvard nutrition researcher Walter Willett told The Cut in 2015. 

MYTH: You should eat as few carbs as possible.

Not all carbohydrates are bad.

Quinoa, bananas, apples, beans, and carrots are all relatively high-carb foods, and studies repeatedly show that people who eat a wide variety of these foods, in addition to whole grains, tend to have trimmer waistlines and lower blood-pressure levels. 

It's true, however, that once grains are stripped of their protein-hefty bran and germ, they're not great at providing key nutrients or satiating us for hours after we eat. That's why it's still a good idea to avoid refined carbs, which are used to make items like cookies and white bread.

MYTH: Counting calories is a good weight-loss strategy.

A calorie is a calorie, right? Wrong. 

Nutritionists increasingly urge people to evaluate foods holistically, rather than based on individual nutrients or calorie counts.

Take avocados, for example. A cup has 234 calories and 14 grams of monounsaturated fat, along with smaller doses of polyunsaturated (2.7 g) and saturated fat (3.1 g). But an avocado also provides good doses of fiber, protein, and potassium,which can help maintain healthy blood-pressure levels. No one would suggest you'd get the same health benefits or stay as full after eating 234 calories' worth of potato chips (that'd be about 25 chips).

Recent studies have shown that plants are the best choice for our health, and consuming more processed foods — even with the exact same amount of calories on offer — can lead to weight gain. 

MYTH: Orange juice will help you get over a cold.

Orange juice is high in Vitamin C, which helps keep our immune systems strong.

But that doesn't mean that a glass of OJ will fight a cold you already have, or even that it will make your cold go away more quickly. Instead, try sucking on a zinc lozenge — some studies suggest that taking zinc can lead some people's colds to end quicker.   

MYTH: Getting nutrients from vitamins is the same as eating them in foods, so a multivitamin a day keeps the doctor away.

Scientists have tested the effects of multivitamins again and again, but they just haven't found good evidence of any real benefits for our health.  

"Show me a single study ever done saying people who took a multivitamin pill ... did better. There's no study," Ajay Goel, a biophysicist who researches cancer, recently told Business Insider.

The US Preventative Services Task Force does not recommend that people take vitamins or supplements as a preventive measure for heart disease or cancer, the leading causes of death in the US. In fact, there's evidence that supplements can do more harm than good.

"Extra vitamin A supplements can lead to dangerous, toxic levels if taken too frequently," Dr. Clifford Lo, associate professor of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health said in a blog post.

Try getting important vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables.

MYTH: Salt is bad for you.

There isn't any compelling evidence that salt on its own raises blood pressure or contributes to more heart attacks or death.

It may be the case that people who eat a lot of salt are at risk of developing health problems for a host of other reasons, mostly because their diets and lifestyles are less healthy overall. For example, salt is a great preservative, which means there is a lot of it in processed food, which we know is not good for us. 

MYTH: Eating carrots helps you see better.

This piece of false information may have originated in WWII, according to Snopes, when Britain pretended that its bomber pilots had freakishly good, carrot-fueled eyesight instead of admitting to using radar to track Nazis.

Carrots are good for eye health, but they cannot help you see better than you already do. Carrots are rich in chemicals called carotenoids, as are spinach, kale, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. Our bodies convert these chemicals from plants into nutrients like vitamin A, which is essential for developing healthy embryos, keeping tissues healthy, and ensuring the immune system functions properly. People who have diets rich in the carotenoid beta carotene, for example, have lower instances of cervical cancer and slight reductions in breast cancer risk.

To keep eyes healthy as we age, researchers who study macular degeneration suggest eating a variety of plants rich in Vitamin C, E, zinc, omega-3's, and other nutrients. In addition to carrots, that list includes fish, broccoli, nuts, and berries. 

MYTH: Coffee is dangerous for your health.

For decades, researchers have been investigating whether coffee drinking is bad for our health. Overwhelmingly, the answer is no.

A wealth of scientific studies suggest that drinking coffee can help people live long lives. Perhaps the best evidence for this comes from two giant studies: one of more than 400,000 people in the US and another of more than 500,000 Europeans. Both studies found that regular coffee drinkers were less likely to die from any cause than people who don't sip a daily cup of joe.

Other research has even suggested that drinking somewhere in the neighborhood of four cups of coffee per day may be the best dose for aging hearts. 

But coffee is not the perfect drink. 

"For some people it is unhelpful, because it makes them jittery, and they get addicted to it, and they get headaches if they don't drink a lot of it," Robbins said. "And I think our society is a little high-strung sometimes."

MYTH: Diet soda is fine.

Zero calories! No problem then, right?

Diet soda can be a good way to wean yourself off of sugary beverages, but scientists still aren't sure that it's a harm-free choice. A recent 34-year study of more than 118,000 men and women across the US found that diet soda and sugar substitutes may not be much better for our bodies than sugary beverages when consumed in large doses.

"Diet soda may be used to help frequent consumers of sugary drinks cut back their consumption, but water is the best and healthiest choice," Vasanti Malik, the study's lead author and a research scientist at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, said in a release. 

Malik found that women who drank four or more artificially sweetened beverages per day significantly upped their risk of death (the finding didn't hold true for men, though). The researchers think the explanation for an observed link between diet drinks and death may just be that people who are already overweight drink more diet beverages. But more research is needed.

MYTH: You need to drink a lot of milk to prevent osteoporosis.

Got milk? This was a clever piece of advertising drummed up by the California Milk Processor Board in the 1990s to fight declining milk sales.

Milk-mustached celebrities suggested to us for years that there's something special about the calcium in milk that helps our bones stay strong. But there's really no evidence to suggest that milk has advantages over other calcium-rich foods like leafy greens and legumes.

We do need calcium to build strong bones, and there is a good dose of it available in dairy; but we also need Vitamins D and K for adequate bone health. Besides, heavy milk drinkers do not appear to be any less susceptible to bone fractures. 

• Alexis Ohanian may have made it big as the cofounder of Reddit and as a venture capitalist, but he spends more of his time discussing his newest job: fatherhood. 
• Ohanian believes that parental leave isn't just good for families, it's good for businesses, he told Fast Company.
• Ohanian is working to make paid paternity leave "the law of the land," and is taking the fight to Congress in October, according to Fast Company.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Famous fathers aren't held to a high enough standard, Reddit cofounder-turned-venture-capitalist Alexis Ohanian told Fast Company. 

That's partially why he's been outspoken about his decision to take 16 weeks of paid leave after his daughter with Serena Williams was born in 2017.

Since then, Ohanian has become a leader in the fight for paid paternal leave, and his social media profiles are the front lines. 

Read more: Alexis Ohanian has taken out billboards for wife Serena Williams, but he says a simple Sunday morning ritual means more to their relationship

Now, he told Fast Company, it's time to take the battle to Congress. 

"It's not a question of IF we'll get #paidfamilyleave in the USA, just a matter of WHEN," Ohanian tweeted, "And WHEN we do, we need dads to take full advantage of it."

Keep reading to learn more about Ohanian's own experience with paternity leave and what he's done to make sure other fathers can have the same experience.

SEE ALSO: 11 famous people who built their fortunes off their side hustles

DON'T MISS: 5 Hollywood celebrities who became billionaires and are vastly more rich than their peers

Ohanian has a one-year-old daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., with his wife, tennis star Serena Williams.

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Ohanian married Williams in November 2017 and brought their newborn along for the ride.

After his daughter's birth, Ohanian took 16 weeks of paternity leave and has publicly encouraged other fathers to do the same.

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"Out of office," Ohanian wrote on Instagram in September 2017. "This is Parental Leave life. She's clearly dreaming up all the startups she'll start... And Grand Slams she'll win.... And...."

Source: Good Morning America

Williams suffered from health problems after Olympia's birth, requiring Ohanian to take charge of Olympia's care.

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The situation "solidified the importance" of paid parental leave for Ohanian, he told Fast Company. "I know how fortunate we are, and it's heartbreaking to think how many American families have to go through some version of this and have an existential fear of losing their job or not being there for their family when their family needs it most."

Since the birth of his daughter, Ohanian has used his social media platforms to celebrate the way fatherhood has transformed his outlook on life.

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"Becoming a father has meant I get to re-experience things through the fresh, unjaded eyes of my daughter," Ohanian wrote on Instagram in March.

"Even just some delicious fresh fruit merits a happy dance. I'm getting to relearn what it means to be joyful myself. Even small moments of appreciation and reflection are going a long way."

And paid parental leave isn't just good for families, according to Ohanian — it's also good for business.

"I call out hustle porn for its BS and celebrate founders who are taking care of themselves and spending time with their families because it's the right business decision," Ohanian told Fast Company.

Ohanian has become an advocate for paid paternity leave, partnering with Dove Men+Care to promote The Pledge for Paternity Leave, a program offering grants to working dads to help them care for their newborns full-time.

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With 30k+ pledges for #PaternityLeavePledge, my partner @dovemencare& I launched a NEW @Facebook group to mobilize dads & allies. Join us this #FathersDay to help make paternity leave the new standard for all dads #DoveMenPartnerhttps://t.co/yyOHPbvn47pic.twitter.com/wfwSbqYSsF

"With 30k+ pledges for #PaternityLeavePledge, my partner @dovemencare& I launched a NEW @Facebook group to mobilize dads & allies," Ohanian tweeted in June. "Join us this #FathersDay to help make paternity leave the new standard for all dads."

Source: Dove

He's been outspoken about some of the more shocking statistics about the state of paternity leave in the US.

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"Only 15% of dads in the U.S. have access to paid leave to bond with their newborn," Ohanian captioned a photo on Instagram in February. "Let's change that."

"Join me and @dovemencare in pledging for change.  #DoveMenPartner  #PaternityLeavePledge"

Ohanian also uses his platform to praise companies, including Sweetgreen and Target, that offer paid parental leave to their employees.

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Excited to see this arms race happening right now for #PaidFamilyLeave benefits. @SweetGreen giving employees 5 months (!!) of family leave now + @Target made big moves this week. It's not just tech companies. https://t.co/cNxl0u5fUI

"Excited to see this arms race happening right now for #PaidFamilyLeave benefits," Ohanian tweeted. "@SweetGreen giving employees 5 months (!!) of family leave now + @Target made big moves this week. It's not just tech companies."

He's also planning to meet with Congressional leaders to discuss legislation for federally mandated paid leave, he told Fast Company.

"I hope to be meeting with many senators, representatives, plenty of dads, on both sides of the aisle, in both houses of the Legislature, who want this to be the law of the land," Ohanian said on "Good Morning America." "What we are looking for is some minimum number of weeks of leave."

Source: Fast Company

Ohanian is already pretty accomplished in his own right — he cofounded Reddit and launched his own venture capital firm, Initialized Capital, in 2011.

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"2009 (freshfaced) on stage at @ted giving a talk about @reddit," Ohanian captioned a post on Instagram.

"2019 (bearded with many grays) after countless speaking appearances, my toughest crowd is now convincing @olympiaohanian that raspberries alone are not a complete meal.

In between these photos, I left Reddit, started some other companies, wrote a bestselling book, returned to help lead the Reddit turnaround, left again in order to do @initialized full-time, married the incomparable @serenawilliams, and -- my proudest achievement yet -- co-created this little human. Not a bad decade. I cannot wait for the next 10 years. #DadThings"

Source: Initialized Capital

But he says that being a father is the most important role he'll ever have.

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Forget @reddit, forget @initialized, the most important job I'll ever have is being a father.

Are you a parent? Add your voice to the @UNICEF parenting poll. #EarlyMomentsMatterhttps://t.co/BHiEBjLXN8

"Forget @reddit, forget @initialized," Ohanian tweeted, "the most important job I'll ever have is being a father. Are you a parent? Add your voice to the @UNICEF parenting poll. #EarlyMomentsMatter"

And, in an essay for Glamour, he noted that paternity leave gave him the opportunity to "show up" for his partner.

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"I see taking leave as one of the most fundamental ways to 'show up' for your partner and your family," Ohanian wrote in an essay for Glamour, "and I cherished all 16 weeks I was able to take."

• Justin Maiman has been a journalist for 20 years. He writes the weekly Ginger newsletter and is the president and managing director of Cochrane Media.
• In this opinion piece, he writes that his father, retired political science professor Richard Maiman, has been a major influence on his career in journalism and media — but he never realized it until recently.
• Books were everywhere at their home, an environment perfectly constructed for the absorption of news and information.
• "I knew from early on that the world was bigger than me and that there was always more to know, more questions to ask, and more to people and things than they sometimes reveal," he writes.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

I don't know why it took me so long to realize this, but it turns out my dad had a supersized influence on my career in journalism and media. He may not realize it either, but he's long overdue for getting some credit.

From the beginning, my dad instilled in me a deep love of learning, which set me up perfectly for all my career choices — where, in each instance, I had a lot to learn.

My dad's influence was passed along through example, engagement, and steady talking. Starting as a kid, media was a constant in our Maine home, in our car, in our family conversations at dinner, and in our ongoing exchanges, particularly about politics. The radio was on at all times, either tuned to the classical station or the NPR news station. In the morning, we fought over sections of the Portland Press Herald as we ate our Honey Nut Cheerios. I even got to accompany my dad on some afternoons to see his "guy" at a downtown convenience store who put aside TheNew York Times for him every day. Back then, that was an exotic piece of media that shone with importance for me. Thanks to newspapers, radio, and TV, I was exposed to an ever-expanding world through media.

Books were everywhere, too: In our house, where we had full bookcases in the living room and in my dad's study, and in my own room too. (I remember proudly having a bookcase of my own.) Reading, from a very young age, was a way to immerse myself in other characters and environments. I read everything I could get my hands on. And whenever I got to go see my dad at his office, books upon books seemed to form the foundation upon which his and his colleagues' offices were actually built. The department reeked of books and paper, coffee, and cigars. I didn't like the smell of old coffee so much, but I loved the walls of books.

All this was an environment perfectly constructed for learning and the absorption of news and information. I just had to open my eyes and ears — and, yes, the books.

A teacher of all things

My dad was a teacher — a political science professor — but a teacher of all things, at heart.

At home, in the car, and on hikes, he taught me political history, US history, world history, sports history, and family history. Yes, history was the through line. He believed in knowing and sharing things. Stories and facts had real value and worth in his world.

That renaissance idea that knowledge will make you complete trickled down to me.

So how did all this help my career? It gave me a broad base of general knowledge that later helped me as a writer, producer, and reporter covering everything from local politics to business and culture. But even more so, it meant I had a monstrous toolkit of skills that I could access to learn a lot about a subject very quickly. I was and remain curious. For me, reading and doing research became rote activities. Over and over, that proved to be a big asset in newsrooms when writing stories and sitting in meetings surrounded by people smarter and more experienced than me. I knew from early on that the world was bigger than me and that there was always more to know, more questions to ask, and more to people and things than they sometimes reveal.

Later, it also proved to be a big advantage when interviewing and working with experts. I (still) am jealous of people with narrow but absolute and complete knowledge of one subject, like that scientist who knows everything about the life, biology, and history of spotted salamanders that live in upstate New York. Scientists, of course, must have this kind of focus. Academics do too. And that's what my dad was until he retired a few years ago, a social scientist focused on politics and constitutional law. However, while he did have an expertise, he had always drawn on broader interests in the performing arts, the outdoors, and travel that made him a more complete person. And probably made him a better teacher too.

That has led him to the next challenge. In "retirement" he discovered a grand project that he couldn't pass up — the chance to write a biography of a former circuit court judge, which is nearly finished.

This legacy of learning continues for both of us, and I'm better for it.

To my dad and all the others who got their kids ready for the world: Thank you, and Happy Father's Day!

Justin Maiman writes a weekly newsletter called Ginger that's devoted to moments of inspiration. You can read Ginger and subscribe for free here. He's a journalist with more than 20 years of experience in digital media and television, including working at media titans like Business Insider, Yahoo, Bloomberg, Fox News and PBS affiliates in St. Paul and Boston. He's currently the president and managing director of Cochrane Media, a boutique media shop in New York.

SEE ALSO: I'm taking Yale's class on happiness — and halfway through, these 4 tricks are already working

Join the conversation about this story »

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• More millennials are dying "deaths of despair" — deaths related to drugs, alcohol, and suicide, reported Jamie Ducharme for TIME, citing a new report.
• There are several reasons behind the increase, including financial burdens specific to the millennial generation  — like student loan debt and the housing market, according to the report.
• The affordability crisis millennials are dealing with is impacting their mental health in a time when they lack social support.
• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

"Deaths of despair" are increasing among young Americans. 

These deaths — related to drugs, alcohol, or suicide — claimed the lives of 36,000 American millennials in 2017 alone. Drug overdoses are the most common cause of death.

That's according to Jamie Ducharme for TIME, citing a report by public-health groups Trust for America's Health and Well Being Trust. The report looked at millennials ages 23 to 38 in 2019 using the most recent data available from the CDC.

Deaths of despair have increased across all ages in the past 10 years, but more so among younger Americans, reported Ducharme.

From 2007 to 2017, adults ages 18 to 34 saw a 69% increase in alcohol-related deaths; 108% increase in drug-related deaths — largely fueled by the opioid crisis; and a 35% increase in death by suicide.

The report cites a few reasons behind these upticks — young adults are more inclined to engage in risk-taking behaviors, comprise the highest number of enrolled military personnel, and disproportionately live in "high-stress environments" like correctional facilities.

But there are other structural factors at play, according to the report, namely the myriad financial problems millennials are facing: student loan debt, healthcare, childcare, and an expensive housing market. These four costs are part of The Great American Affordability Crisis plaguing millennials that's putting them financially behind.

Read more: 2019 is the final class of millennial college graduates. Next stop: The Great American Affordability Crisis.

The affordability crisis is affecting millennials' mental health

Financial burdens and lack of social support may explain why depression is on the rise among millennials. They've seen a 47% increase in major depression since 2013, according to a Blue Cross Blue Shield report. However, one in five don't seek treatment — likely because they can't afford it.

Studies have found a correlation between indebted people and mental health problems. While this research, by its nature, can't identify causality, the likelihood of having a mental health disorder is three times high among those unsecured debt, according to a meta-analysis, or study of studies, in the Clinical Psychology Review. People who have completed suicide are eight times more likely.

Millennials don't always have someone to share the mental burden of this with — they're less likely to have social support than other generations, as they're marrying later and are less connected to political or religious communities, according to Ducharme's reporting.

SEE ALSO: Depression is on the rise among millennials, but 20% of them aren't seeking treatment — and it's likely because they can't afford it

DON'T MISS: The US birthrate is the lowest it's been in 32 years, and it's partly because millennials can't afford having kids

Join the conversation about this story »

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• For many parents, potty training is a time to celebrate (no more diapers!), but it can be, well, poopy. 
• With the right tools an techniques, you can get your kid potty trained in a short amount of time.
• We break down how to potty train in simple steps and offer up essential recommendations for tools that help get the job done.
• "Potty Training in 3 Days: The Step-By-Step Plan On how to Break Free from Dirty Diapers" is the best potty training book we've found, and theBaby Bjorn Toilet Trainer is an extremely helpful tool that keeps your kiddo safe and secure on the toilet.

Learning how to use the potty is a milestone for both toddlers and parents. It really does feel like you've climbed Poop Everest by the time potty training is over.

The moment you see the connection happen (oh, you mean when my tummy hurts, I need to run to the potty and go) in your kid's eyes, you'll feel incredibly proud. You'll also feel like, yeah, I got this parenting thing down. Score one for us parents.

So let me help you find your way into poop heaven (I can't promise this will be my last poop joke), and give you a tried and true method to potty training in a weekend with all the essentials you need for success.

First, we need to break down potty training into three different steps: before, during, and after. While you may think the "during" part is the most critical, it's actually the preparation or before that's the key.

Here's everything you need to potty train your kid:

• A how-to book: "Potty Training in 3 Days: The Step-By-Step Plan for a Clean Break from Dirty Diapers"
• A toilet seat trainer for kids: Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer
• A kid-sized toilet: Summer Infant My Size Potty
• Pull-up diapers: Huggies Nighttime Pull-ups
• Kids underwear: Gap Kids Underwear 
• A training chart: The Potty Training Chart

Keep scrolling to learn how to potty train a kid in 3 stages:

Step 1: Before you potty train

A good friend and mom of three once told me that there's a potty training window, and if you miss it, the whole process is harder. While I think this is true to some extent, I know now that setting up potty training correctly helps widen the window.

Once you've decided potty training is coming soon (one to three months before), start gathering the necessary potty training essentials. Let's call it, our poop training arsenal.

Poop Training Arsenal

1. You need a book like "Potty Training in 3 Days: The Step-By-Step Plan On how to Break Free from Dirty Diapers" by Brandi Brucks. The author's method is hands down smart, easy to follow, and a sure fire way to succeed. It's a short read with big font and quick and dirty tips that make potty training easier.
2. Next, invest in a couple of toilet options for your kiddo. What worked for me was the Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer and the Summer Infant My Size Potty. Some parents prefer a toilet seat that converts to a toddler seat. You also might consider a travel potty for the car to cover potty emergencies on the go. An excellent choice is the Summer Infant My Fun Sticker Potty.
3. Set up your reward system with stickers, candy, or toys. The Potty Training Chart comes with an easy to hang sticker chart and star stickers. Each kid likes different kinds of rewards. I rewarded my son with his own Halloween candy (yes, yes, I did) while my daughter preferred chocolate-covered cherries. Find what motivates your child and prepare ahead of time.
4. Pull-ups for naptime and overnight. Huggies Nighttime Pull-ups work great.
5. Tons of drink options for your kiddo to choose. Try not to worry about sugar when stocking your cupboards with drinks. You want your kid to drink a lot during the process. Honest Kids Pouches have less sugar.
6. Order big kid underpants or panties from a source you trust. When it comes to underwear, I found Gap Kids underwear to be the best quality. You want loose underwear to make pulling up and down easy for your potty training toddler.
7. Potty books for kiddos to read in the weeks leading up to potty training. Read to them a few minutes each day to help prepare them to take the plunge. While there are a lot of children's books dealing with potty training, some of my favorites include:
   

• "Daniel Tiger Goes to the Potty"
• "P is For Potty (Sesame Street)"
• "Big Girl Panties"
• "Potty Superhero"

Once you've read the potty training book, ordered the necessary essentials, then begin planting the potty training seeds. Every time you change a diaper, say things like, "Oh, your diaper is dirty. Let's put on a nice, fresh, clean one," or "I can't wait until you're a big kid and go in the potty."

Let them watch you go to the bathroom and try to make the prospect fun and easy. But be clear, potty training is coming. I had difficulty with my son, who told me that he wanted to keep his diapers because he thought stopping to pee in the potty was a stupid idea. I bought him the Daniel Tiger Potty Time Toy as an incentive.

Buy "Potty Training in 3 Days: The Step-By-Step Plan for a Clean Break from Dirty Diapers" on Amazon for $10.19

Buy the Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer on Amazon for $34.99

Buy the Summer Infant My Size Potty on Amazon for $26.78 

Step 2: During potty training

Oh crap, I have to start potty training. That's how I felt with my first kid, but by my second, I knew exactly what to do. My method is based on the book "Potty Training in 3 Days: The Step-By-Step Plan On how to Break Free from Dirty Diapers". The author is brilliant and really helped me to succeed.

1. Set aside a weekend for potty training. For the weekend, your only goal is to potty train. This means no play dates, trips to the park, or anything other than watching your kid. I found this to be the hardest part. You can't cook, watch television, or do anything (fold clothes, clean the kitchen, etc.) that might distract you from the task at hand.
2. In the morning, give your child a hearty breakfast. Right after breakfast, make a big show about how it's time to get rid of all the diapers. Take off his diaper and throw it away. Then round up all the diapers in the house and leave them outside. Tell your toddler the Potty Ninja is coming to get them later. When he's not looking, hide them somewhere to donate later.
3. Put his new underwear on and tell him how big and strong he is now.
4. Show him the sticker chart and treats. One treat for a pee and two for poop. Put the treats in a jar on the table, so they are easy to see. Make sure he knows you mean business.
5. Now, you watch. Every 20 minutes or so say, "Tell me when you need to potty." Don't ask a yes or no question like "Do you have to potty?" If you do, then, the answer will always be no.
6. Once he does pee or poo in the potty, give him a sticker and treat. Then give him his favorite beverage. Have him drink as much as possible. You want him to have to pee again quickly.
7. Repeat (watch, pee/poop, award, drink).
8. Have him practice pulling up and down his underwear. You won't always be with him, and he will need to do this himself.

Tips for Potty Training Success

• The first time peeing in the potty is the hardest one to achieve. Some kids are holders and resist peeing in the potty. Hold firm and remember you got this.
• The minute you look away is the minute an accident will happen. It's hard, but watching is essential to anticipate when your toddler needs to go to the potty.
• The more times he goes in the potty that first day, the stronger the training will be. So remember liquids are an integral part of ensuring he has to go a lot.
• During naptime put him in a pull-up if you want to. They should look completely different from his regular diapers and call them big kid underpants, not diapers.
• Keep track of how many times he pees or set a timer in between, so you start to become accustomed to how long it takes him to need to pee.
• Learn his poop signs. Does he disappear? Or become really quiet?
• When he does pee/poop make a huge deal out of it. With both my kids, I had a poopy dance we did in the living room. We even talked about the size and shapes of the poops.
• If he has an accident, don't shame him but make sure he knows you expect him to pee in the potty.
• Keep some books by the toilet he can look at during the really big poops.

Step 3: After potty training

It might take a few weeks for your little cutie to get the hang of potty training. Even when he's successful at home, he might have accidents at preschool or out and about. It doesn't mean you've failed or he wasn't ready. Peeing in the potty is physical and emotional. Mastering the art of pooping takes time.

In the days and weeks that follow your potty training weekend, keep the following in mind:

• Before leaving the house, a restaurant, etc., always make sure he goes to the bathroom. Put him on the toilet and tell him to try if he says he doesn't.
• If your kid goes to preschool, bring his caretakers into the training. Ask them to have him pee every 30 minutes at first.
• Dress him in loose pants or shorts for the first couple of weeks. You want to make it easy for him to pull his clothing up and down.
• Keep the reward system in place for a couple of weeks to ensure success.
• Don't give up if he has accidents off and on. Keep talking to him about the potty and repeating he's a big boy now.
• Remember to be patient and give it time. If after one month, your kid has constant accidents then maybe it was too early.

Once your kiddo is potty trained, you can say goodbye to diapers forever. Now, that's a lot of motivation. Also, when you and your little one succeed the accomplishment is real. It's something you've done together, and you'll want to jump off the potty and scream, We did it! We did it! Now, go on, and become a poop master.

Buy "Potty Training in 3 Days: The Step-By-Step Plan for a Clean Break from Dirty Diapers" on Amazon for $10.19

Buy the Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer on Amazon for $34.99

Buy the Summer Infant My Size Potty on Amazon for $26.78 

• Pete Buttigieg, a breakout 2020 Democratic candidate, said that it's "statistically almost certain" the US has had a gay president in the past. 
• Buttigieg said he couldn't be certain who the past president was because his "gaydar" doesn't work well, but said it was "statistically almost certain."
• According to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, 9.8% of Washington D.C. identifies as LGBT, the highest of any US state.
• Buttigieg is a rising star in the leadup to the 2020 elections, with recent polls indicating that most voters find him more "electable" than many other more established Democratic candidates.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Pete Buttigieg, a breakout 2020 Democratic candidate, said that it's "statistically almost certain" the US has had a gay president in the past. 

Speaking to "Axios on HBO" on Sunday, Buttigieg defended himself against critics who say he would be too young, liberal, or gay to be elected commander-in-chief. 

"People will elect the person who will make the best president," he said. "And we have had excellent presidents who have been young. We have had excellent presidents who have been liberal. I would imagine we've probably had excellent presidents who were gay — we just didn't know which ones."

"Statistically, it's almost certain," he added. 

According to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, 9.8% of Washington D.C. identifies as LGBT, the highest of any US state. Gallup estimated that 4.5% of the US population identifies as LGBT in 2017. 

When asked whether he could point to historically which president may have been gay, Buttigieg said his "gaydar" was not well tuned. 

"My gaydar even doesn't work that well in the present, let alone retroactively." he said. "But one can only assume that's the case."

Pete Buttigieg is a rising star in the leadup to the 2020 elections, with recent polls indicating that most voters find him more "electable" than many other more established Democratic candidates.

Buttigieg would be the first openly gay nominee for either party. The 37-year-old said he and husband Chasten, who celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary on Sunday, would be open to raising kids in the White House. 

"I don't see why not," Buttigieg said. "I think it wouldn't be the first time children have arrived to a first couple."

SEE ALSO: Pete Buttigieg is running for president in 2020. Here's everything we know about the candidate and how he stacks up against the competition.

Join the conversation about this story »

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Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network if you apply for a credit card, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the most recommended rewards credit cards, though so is its beefier, premium-geared sibling, the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
• While the Sapphire Reserve undoubtedly offers fantastic benefits and outsize value, the Preferred has a few advantages, including a lower annual fee, similar benefits, and no fee to add authorized users.
• Plus, the Sapphire Preferred has a higher sign-up bonus: 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. That's the highest bonus the Sapphire Preferred has ever offered.
• If you decide later that the Reserve is a better fit, you can convert your Preferred to the premium card after your first year. You'll still get the Preferred's higher sign-up bonus.
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred was named the best mid-tier card of 2018 at The Points Guy's first annual awards— which is impressive, considering that the card has been available for nearly 10 years.
• Read on for the seven reasons that the Sapphire Preferred may be a better credit-card option for you. Also be sure to take a look at why the Reserve might be better for you, instead.

When Chase released its popular Sapphire Reserve credit card in 2016, the new offering generated a lot of buzz. With a high sign-up bonus, plus an annual $300 travel credit, 3x points on dining and travel, access to Priority Pass airport lounges, and many of the same benefits — in some cases enhanced — as its older sibling, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the card offered more than enough value to make up for its hefty $450 annual fee.

That fee, however, is still a lot of money to have to pay up front. Plus, while the Reserve is excellent, the older Sapphire Preferred is still a useful card with rich rewards and valuable benefits. In fact, there are a few reasons you may want to consider signing up for that older card, the Sapphire Preferred, instead.

Read on to see reasons that you may want to go for the Sapphire Preferred instead of the Reserve.

Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred from Business Insider's partner: The Points Guy.

Keep in mind that we're focusing on the rewards and perks that make these two cards great options, not things like interest rates and late fees, which can far outweigh the value of any rewards.

When you're working to earn credit-card rewards, it's important to practice financial discipline, like paying your balances off in full each month, making payments on time, and not spending more than you can afford to pay back. Basically, treat your credit card like a debit card.

1. The Sapphire Preferred has a (much) lower annual fee

I often argue that the Reserve's $450 annual fee is actually just $150. That's because each card-member year with the Reserve, you'll get $300 of statement credits on travel purchases. In other words, the first $300 of travel purchases you make, whether one big purchase or a lot of smaller ones, will be canceled out by the credits. It's basically a rebate of $300 of the annual fee.

Still, $150 is still a decent bit of money. And though you'll get value back in the form of travel statement credits, you'll still need to pay $450 for the fee on your first statement, and not everyone has that amount of cash to float or is willing to put up that much.

The Sapphire Preferred, on the other hand, has an annual fee of $95, a relatively standard fee for a rewards card.

Looking at the fees over the first 24 months makes the differences even clearer — you'll pay $900 for the Sapphire Reserve (with up to $600 in statement credits) compared with just $190 for the Sapphire Preferred.

Readmore: 8 lucrative credit-card deals new cardholders can get this month — including up to 75,000 Delta SkyMiles

2. The Sapphire Preferred has a higher sign-up bonus

Though the Sapphire Preferred has a much lower annual fee, it offers a higher sign-up bonus than the Sapphire Reserve— 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. When you have the Sapphire Preferred, that's worth $600 as cash, $750 as travel booked through Chase, and potentially even more when you transfer those points to a hotel or frequent-flyer partner.

For comparison, the Sapphire Reserve offers only 50,000 points when you meet the same spending threshold.

Readmore: 5 reasons the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a powerhouse within the increasingly competitive credit card space

3. The Sapphire Preferred has fewer perks than the Reserve but offers many of the same crucial benefits

The Sapphire Preferred doesn't come with the more premium Reserve's airport-lounge access, concierge service, or a credit to cover the cost of enrolling in Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, but other than that the two cards have almost the same benefits — that's impressive, considering the Preferred's much lower fee.

Both cards offer trip-delay insurance. If you're traveling by common carrier — airplane, train, ferry, bus, and similar public forms of transportation — and your trip is delayed, you can be covered for up to $500 of expenses, including a change of clothes, hotel room, toiletries, and meals. Both cards' trip-delay insurance kicks in when the delay forces an overnight stay, or, if you aren't stuck overnight, the Preferred's coverage kicks in after 12 hours, and the Reserve's after six hours.

Similarly, both cards offer primary rental-car damage/loss coverage, trip cancellation/delay insurance, lost-luggage insurance, and various purchase protections. There are minor differences in some of those benefits between the cards, but for most instances, they're effectively identical.

4. You'll still earn bonus points on dining and travel with the Preferred

There's no question that the Sapphire Reserve's earning rate of 3x points on dining and travel makes it easy to earn points quickly. But you'll still earn bonus points on the same categories with the Sapphire Preferred, even though they won't add up as fast. For every dollar you spend on dining and travel, you'll earn 2x points, and 1x point per dollar on everything else.

These categories are particularly useful because of how broadly they're defined. Dining includes restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries, ice-cream shops, fast-food stands, brewery tap rooms, and delivery services like Seamless and Grubhub.

Travel, similarly, includes just about everything, big or small. You'll earn 2x points on taxis, Uber/Lyft rides, subways, commuter trains, parking, tolls, rental cars, airfare, hotels, cruises, and tours.

5. The Chase Sapphire Preferred has access to the same great transfer partners as the Reserve — and offers similar flexible ways to redeem points

As with the Sapphire Reserve, Ultimate Rewards points earned with the Sapphire Preferred can be exchanged for cash back, with each point worth $0.01, or points can be used to purchase travel through Chase. When you do that, you'll get a 25% bonus, effectively making your points worth $0.0125 each (the Sapphire Reserve offers a 50% bonus, making points used to purchase travel through Chase worth $0.015 instead).

Much more value could be gleaned from points, however, by transferring them to one of Chase's nine partnering airline frequent-flyer programs or four hotel loyalty programs. The two cards have access to the same transfer partners.

While this is more complicated, you can generally get more value by booking frequent-flyer award tickets than you can by using your points as cash or through Chase. You can even book flights in business or first class for fewer points than it would cost if you used them as cash or through Chase's website to buy the flights. For example, my wife and I used the points from our Sapphire Preferred cards to fly to Japan in first class for our honeymoon.

You can read more about why transferable points are so valuable here.

6. The card doesn't charge a fee for authorized users

If you're planning to add a partner, a child, a friend, or anyone else as an authorized user on your account, you may be better off with the Sapphire Preferred. That's because you can add as many users as you want to your account free. You'll even get 5,000 bonus points if you add an authorized user and they make a charge within your first three months. The Sapphire Reserve, on the other hand, charges $75 for each user you add. Those users will get access to Priority Pass lounges, at least.

7. It's easier to get approved for the Sapphire Preferred

While there's no official publicly available formula for how banks approve credit cards, common knowledge is that the Sapphire Reserve— which is a Visa Infinite card — has higher standards for approval than the Sapphire Preferred— a less-exclusive Visa Signature card. You'll still need a solid credit score for the Preferred, but you have better odds of getting approved if you have a shorter credit history.

The bottom line

Regardless of which card you choose, both offer class-leading value.

Though the Sapphire Reserve is an excellent card — I personally went with the Reserve over the Preferred — the annual fee is a lot to stomach. Depending on your cash flow, how you budget, or how you view these benefits and rewards, the Sapphire Preferred may be a better option for you.

Don't forget to also check out the reasons you may want to consider the Reserve over the Preferred, instead.

$95 annual fee: Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card from Business Insider's partner The Points Guy.

$450 annual fee: Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve card from Business Insider's partner The Points Guy.

For more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred:

• This is one of the most recommended rewards credit cards — here's why
• Chase's Sapphire Preferred is one of the best credit cards with an annual fee under $100 — the sign-up bonus alone is worth at least $625 in free travel
• The best Chase cards you can sign up for now
• Here are all the amazing ways you can use the points from your Chase credit card
• This is the only rewards credit card most people will ever need to open

SEE ALSO: The best Chase cards you can sign up for right now

Join the conversation about this story »

• If you cancel an Amazon Prime free trial membership as soon as you sign up for it, you can continue to reap the benefits of Prime for a full month.
• You can cancel your Prime free trial on Amazon.com or through Amazon's mobile app with these steps. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Every now and then Amazon offers a free month-long trial to Amazon Prime. Maybe you took advantage of the deal to get that last-minute birthday gift for your friend, or to binge-watch "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," but have now decided to cancel your membership and avoid being charged $12.99 every month.

Like most subscription-based service providers, Amazon doesn't make the cancellation process particularly clear. You'll be asked three times to confirm you really want to cancel.

If you're only in it for the free trial, it's best to cancel your membership right after you've set it up, so you don't forget and end up paying for an upgrade to a paid membership at the end of your trial. Amazon allows you to continue using the benefits of a Prime membership for a full-month after you've cancelled your free trial. 

When you're ready to end your free trial membership, here's how to cancel it on desktop or mobile:

How to cancel an Amazon Prime free trial on Amazon's website

1. Go to amazon.com and sign into your account.

2. Scroll over "Accounts & Lists" on the right side of the screen to open the menu.

3. Click on "Your Prime Membership." This will open the Prime membership page.

4. On the left side you'll see a ton of information regarding your trial. This includes the date your trial ends, the card that will be charged on that date, and the confirmation that you have yet to be charged for your membership. At the bottom left under "Membership Management" you'll see "End Trial and Benefits." Click on that option.

5. Now for the fun part: Amazon's first effort to stop you from cancelling Prime, and the first time you'll have to click a button to say you want to cancel. At the bottom of the page click "End My Benefits." Don't get distracted from the pop-up to the right encouraging you to keep your benefits.

6. Now comes the second attempt to thwart your cancellation quest. Again, at the bottom you'll see three options, so click "Continue to Cancel." No pop-ups this time — you're getting closer.

7. Finally, you'll land on the last cancellation page. Here, you'll want to click "Cancel Membership."

8. Your Amazon Prime trial has now been canceled and you won't be charged a penny. Two alert boxes on the membership page will confirm the cancellation of your Prime membership, and the date on which it will end.

How to cancel an Amazon Prime free trial using the Amazon mobile app

The cancellation process on the Amazon app follows similar steps:

1. Open the Amazon app.

2. Press the three horizontal lines in the top left corner to open the menu.

3. Under "Programs and Features," click "Prime."

4. Scroll down to the bottom and click "Manage Prime Membership."

5. Scroll down to "Membership Management" and click on "End Trial and Benefits."

6. Here you'll encounter Amazon's first attempt to change your mind. Scroll down and click "End My Benefits."

7. On to the second attempt to halt your cancellation — scroll down and click "Continue to Cancel."

8. Now for the third and final attempt (you're almost there!) — scroll down and click "Cancel Membership."

9. The Prime page will now display two warnings stating that your Prime membership will expire, and on what date it will end.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to get free stuff on Amazon without an Amazon Prime membership

• How to cancel an order on Amazon

• How you can archive your Amazon order history to keep it private

• 'What is Amazon Locker?': Everything you need to know about Amazon's convenient delivery pick-up system

SEE ALSO: The best cheap phones you can buy unlocked on Amazon

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• Amazon has an extensive trade-in program that allows you to turn used electronics, tech, and books into credit that is placed on an Amazon gift card.
• By visiting the trade-in page, you can check the highest value of your item, which will then be further evaluated by an Amazon employee before the trade-in is complete. 
• If you follow the steps to submit your item and your product is accepted, you'll receive an Amazon gift card within ten days of beginning your application — a win-win for anyone looking to get old items off their hands while being able to earn some money to spend on new products. 

When work, social plans, and springtime tasks start to populate your calendar, it's easy to let other things that aren't on the top of your to-do list, pile up (quite literally). I'm referring to the household clutter that appears out of thin air — the kind that should be sorted through in a timely manner, but continuously gets pushed to the "I'll take care of that tomorrow" agenda. 

It's normal to donate or sell old clothing and last season's winter-weather gear, but getting rid of electronics typically gets overlooked during the spring cleaning process. Considering the number of new releases and upgrades that happen in the tech world, it makes total sense to have unused electronics lying around the house — and due to environmental concerns, a lot of people avoid tossing their unwanted items in the trash.

Amazon makes the task of tech liquidation a piece of cake by providing a pretty extensive trade-in program. By visiting the Amazon trade-in page, shoppers have the opportunity to browse and send in thousands of eligible items in exchange for a gift card they can use throughout the website. After locating the product you're considering for trade-in and clicking on the "trade-in" button (highlighted in green), you'll be prompted to answer some basic questions about the current condition of your item as well as if it works as described. By filling in this information, you'll see the highest trade-in value of your used product — but the item still has to go through thorough analysis before officially becoming eligible for trade-in. 

Basically, products in near-new or excellent condition will result in more money in the form of a gift card, whereas items in poor shape will trade at a lower value. So, when submitting your product for evaluation, make sure you're as detailed and honest as possible so you can be accurately informed about the value of your item. Customers who want more information about the eligibility of their product can visit the Product Eligibility Criteria page for more details. 

The online application takes a couple minutes max, and from there, Amazon will provide you with a free UPS shipping label, meaning you won't incur any cost for shipping.

Amazon Prime members are used to waiting very little time for the processing and shipping of their favorite items, but the trade-in process takes a little more time due to the full evaluation procedure. You will be notified about the acceptance or rejection of your product within a couple business days via email, and should receive your shiny new gift card within ten days. Otherwise, Amazon will safely recycle your tech for you.

Former Insider Picks tech reporter Brandt Ranj swears by this program for ridding his house of unwanted products and claims that their trade-in values are fair and that the process from start to finish, is easy to complete. 

So do yourself a favor, and get to your "I'll take care of that tomorrow" list. Check out Amazon's trade-in program to see what eligible items you have lying around that could result in some extra spending money. 

Check out some of the eligible items below and be sure to visit the site to search more products that are trade-in worthy. 

• Fire HD 8 Tablet 16GB (7th generation), up to $10 trade-in credit
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 8GB, up to $30 trade-in credit
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 32GB, up to $50 trade-in credit
• Kindle Paperwhite E-reader (7th generation), up to $25 trade-in credit
• Echo Spot Smart Alarm Clock, up to $30 trade-in credit
• Echo (2nd generation), up to $30 trade-in credit
• Echo Show (1st generation), up to $30 trade-in credit
• Sonos Play 1, up to $50 trade-in credit
• JBL Pulse 3, up to $65 trade-in credit
• Sonos Playbar, up to $250 trade-in credit
• Bose SoundLink Revolve, up to $60 trade-in credit

See eligible devices and start your Amazon trade-in here

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• Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of the blood-testing startup Theranos, reportedly got married in secret.
• Holmes has been in a relationship with Billy Evans, a 27-year-old heir to a hotel chain, and the two have been living in San Francisco.
• Before getting into a relationship with Evans and being charged with fraud for her Theranos dealings, Holmes was dating a fellow Theranos executive, Sunny Balwani.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of the disgraced blood-testing startup Theranos, reportedly got married recently in a secret wedding ceremony.

Sources told the Vanity Fair reporter Nick Bilton that Holmes married her boyfriend, a 27-year-old hotel heir named Billy Evans. Bilton said no Theranos employees were invited to the wedding, even though she's "still friendly" with some of her former coworkers.

News of the secret wedding comes months after Bilton reported Holmes, 35, was engaged and living in San Francisco. It was later revealed that Holmes' fiancé was Evans. The couple met at a party in 2017, according to Elle, and were spotted attending Burning Man together in August 2018, days before Theranos shut down fully.

The couple has kept a low profile and is rarely spotted out in public. The couple was living in a $5,000-a-month apartment near San Francisco's Lombard Street, but they recently moved. Holmes wears Evans' signet ring from his alma mater MIT on a chain around her neck, according to the New York Post.

Read more:Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is engaged and living in a luxury apartment with her hotel-heir fiancé, William 'Billy' Evans

After Page Six reported last week that Holmes may have secretly gotten married, Bilton confirmed the news with his sources, the Vanity Fair reporter said in an episode of his podcast "Inside the Hive."

Bilton floated several theories as to why they got married, including that Holmes needs access to Evans' funds to pay for her legal bills. Holmes is facing almost a dozen federal charges of fraud related to her time at Theranos, a biotech startup once valued by investors at as much as $9 billion that shut down after it was revealed to be based on faulty science and bogus claims.

Now Holmes and her previous boyfriend — Sunny Balwani, Theranos' former president — are facing up to 20 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. The next status hearing is scheduled for July 1, and the trial could start as early as July 8.

A representative for Holmes did not immediately return a request for comment.

SEE ALSO: Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is engaged and living in a luxury apartment with her hotel-heir fiancé, William 'Billy' Evans

DON'T MISS: Take a look inside the $5,000-a-month San Francisco apartment that Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes reportedly once called home

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