Which laxatives are best?

The well-being of your digestive system can have a direct impact on your overall health. When a poor diet, new medication or lack of exercise leads to constipation, it can create uncomfortable symptoms. At some point in their life, most people will need the help of a laxative when their digestive system cannot relieve itself.

Laxatives are not long-term solutions for constipation, but they are an excellent short-term remedy to soften hard stools that quickly prompt relief. There are many laxative choices in the market, but for gentle relief without negative side effects, the top choice is MiraLAX Laxative Powder.

What to know before you buy a laxative

What is the likely cause of your constipation?

Constipation has many causes. Knowing what is likely causing your constipation can help you choose the best laxative. Common causes of constipation are a low-fiber diet, a lack of exercise during the day and some medications and supplements. Some illnesses and chronic conditions also cause constipation and will warrant a consultation with your health care professional to make sure the laxative side effects are not detrimental to your condition.

What else have you tried to relieve your constipation?

If your constipation is a recent occurrence, you may want to try natural remedies, such as increasing your fiber and water intake. Walking and exercising also stimulate your body to keep the digestive system actively pushing waste through it. If these steps do not work, then a laxative may be a viable option.

What type of laxative should you use?

There are several types of laxatives available. Stool softeners and osmotics work with the body’s water to increase the moisture content in the stool, which softens stool and makes bowel movements easier. Increasing your water consumption while taking these types of laxatives is important to prevent dehydration.

Stimulants are taken orally and jump-start the digestive system by stimulating the bowel muscles. These laxatives often work quickly, but they can cause uncomfortable side effects, like gas and cramping.

Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as fiber supplements, typically are mixed in a large glass of water or juice. This type of laxative prompts the intestinal muscles to contract, normalizing your digestive system. Be sure to drink a lot of fluids before starting fiber supplements. Although they are usually safe, if you have not been drinking enough liquid, your constipation could actually worsen.

Suppositories are inserted directly into the rectum and cause the bowel muscles to contract while softening the stool at the same time. They work the fastest of all laxative types. Suppositories should be used on a limited basis and according to your health care professional’s advice, since they can cause laxative dependency if used too often.

What to look for in a quality laxative

Fewest active ingredients

Look for laxatives with fewer active ingredients to reduce the potential for uncomfortable side effects. Some laxatives use natural plant-based sources, while others incorporate synthetic chemicals. Also, be aware that some laxatives include lactose, which could be problematic for someone who is lactose-intolerant.

Delivery method

The three main forms of laxatives are pills, powder and suppositories. Capsules are excellent for traveling. Powders are the best way to stay hydrated, since they are mixed with liquid. Suppositories work faster than other forms.

Side effects

Read the label and instructions to be aware of any potential side effects. Common side effects of laxatives include diarrhea, bloating, gas, cramping, nausea and dehydration. Talk to your health care professional about how your current medications may interact with laxatives.

How much you can expect to spend on a laxative

Most laxatives can be purchased over the counter for under $10. Children’s laxatives cost a bit more but are still less than $20.

Laxative FAQ

How is constipation defined?

A. Constipation is typically considered less than three bowel movements in a week. Each person has different bowel regularity, so you should base the definition on what is normal for you. If the normal pattern has changed, you could be constipated.

Can children use laxatives?

A. Laxatives are generally not recommended for children. If your child is experiencing constipation, talk to their health care professional first before trying a laxative.

What if the laxative doesn’t work?

A. If you have been constipated for a while and a laxative is unsuccessful, talk to your health care professional before taking more laxatives. They can help you determine if another condition may be causing your constipation.

What’s the best laxative to buy?

Top laxative

MiraLAX Laxative Powder

What you need to know: A gentle laxative that works with your body’s water to naturally unblock your system.

What you’ll love: There are no harsh side effects, such as bloating, gas or cramping. Free of gluten and preservatives, the powder is tasteless and can be mixed into any liquid. Dosing is done with a premeasured bottle cap.

What you should consider: This laxative costs a bit more than other over the counter products and can take up to 24 hours to work.

Top laxative for the money

Dulcolax

What you need to know: A trusted laxative that provides quick results in 6 to 12 hours.

What you’ll love: Using the time-tested ingredient bisacodyl, this product stimulates the bowel muscles for a fast effect. Coated tablets are easy to swallow. This is the laxative of choice when other methods have been unsuccessful.

What you should consider: Cramping and strong bowel movements are potential side effects.

Worth checking out

Prunelax

What you need to know: An all-natural laxative that works in 8 to 12 hours and doesn’t cause negative side effects.

What you’ll love: Made from Senna leaves and dried plums, this laxative does not absorb into your bloodstream, so there is no risk of dependence. It can be used for up to seven days. Bedtime dosing generally leads to morning relief.

What you should consider: The manufacturer does not recommend using the product for children under 15 years old.

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Which kids’ karaoke machine is best?

Many kids who love singing get excited every chance they get to belt out lyrics to their favorite tunes. If you’d like to support their musical interests, invest in a kids’ karaoke machine.

There are now several kids’ karaoke machines available, including a few models for toddlers with preloaded songs and interactive games. If you’re looking for a Bluetooth model for easy audio streaming, Singing Machine Karaoke Machine is the top choice.

What to know before you buy a kids’ karaoke machine

Types of kids’ karaoke machines

Karaoke machines for kids: These are designed to be fun and easy to use through pared-down or simplified versions of adult machines. There are three main models on the market:

Deluxe karaoke machines: These are all-in-one machines that have powerful speakers and several features, which may include audio controls, voice effects and Bluetooth capabilities. Many of them have more than one jack to support multiple microphones.
Microphone stand karaoke machines: They have smaller speakers, but they still project plenty of sounds. They often have onboard screens for lyrics as well as built-in stands to hold devices or water bottles.
Microphone karaoke machines: These are usually wireless Bluetooth models that stream music through companion apps. Although the speakers are obviously limited in these models, they still offer an enjoyable singing experience with decent sound.

Corded vs. cordless karaoke machines

Cordless karaoke machines are convenient options because they allow singers to move around while they perform. Although they’re more portable, they often require batteries or constant recharging — and when they run out of power, karaoke sessions get cut short.

Corded karaoke machines, on the other hand, have unlimited power because they’re connected via AC or USB power cords. Some models, however, have an unusually short microphone or power cords, which may be fairly limiting in certain situations. Cords may be prone to damage from wear and tear, as well.

What to look for in a quality kids’ karaoke machine

Audio format support

Karaoke machines may support one or more audio formats. Older models have CD players that read regular CDs as well as CD+G discs, which have both audio and graphics like scrolling lyrics. Newer karaoke machines have Bluetooth capabilities and can stream music from popular apps. A few karaoke machines also play MP3s.

Audio adjustments

Besides volume controls, kids’ karaoke machines may have other audio adjustment settings for balance, treble, bass or echo. A few models even have effects like echo, chipmunk or reverb. Some karaoke machines may offer speed controls for incoming audio as well, giving kids the option to slow down or speed up songs.

Built-in screen

Certain kids’ karaoke machines have built-in screens that display scrolling lyrics. Depending on the machine’s design, the screen may have interactive games or moving images to accompany the music. While built-in screens are popular alternatives to hard-wiring the machine to TVs, they may not be the ideal option for everyone. The screens on karaoke machines tend to be small and have low resolutions, which could make lyrics hard to read.

Built-in recorder

A few karaoke machines for kids have built-in recorders so kids can replay their performances. Most models only record up to five minutes of audio, though expensive machines with more memory may record up to an hour. Although the recording quality isn’t the best, it’s a fun feature that both kids and adults can enjoy using.

How much you can expect to spend on a kids’ karaoke machine

Basic karaoke machines with a limited number of preprogrammed songs cost $20-$40. All-in-one kids’ karaoke machines cost between $50-$100, and any machines over $100 will have premium features like high-quality speakers and built-in screens.

Kids’ karaoke machine FAQ

Are karaoke machines portable?

A. To some extent, yes. Even deluxe karaoke machines have handles or wheels to move around more easily. If they don’t, they’re easily transported inside spinner luggage. Microphone stand karaoke machines can usually be broken down into small pieces that fit into a backpack.

Should I get a karaoke machine with LED lights?

A. Because karaoke is largely a performance, LED lights are an easy way to make singers feel like they’re on stage. The flashing lights add a touch of theatrical excitement to the show, especially when karaoke singers are belting out tunes at night or in darkened rooms.

What’s the best kids’ karaoke machine to buy?

Top kids’ karaoke machine

Singing Machine Karaoke Machine

What you need to know: This deluxe Bluetooth karaoke machine has kid-friendly controls and powerful speakers, making it ideal for parties.

What you’ll love: The machine streams kids’ favorite tunes from compatible devices and also plays CDs. It’s equipped with 54 colorful LEDs to put on a disco light show during performances. It also comes with TV cables so kids can sing along to scrolling lyrics displayed on the TV screen.

What you should consider: There are some reports that the machine lacks reliable Bluetooth connectivity.

Top karaoke machine for the money

Move2Play Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone for Kids

What you need to know: The Bluetooth karaoke microphone is an affordable introductory model with a simple, straightforward design.

What you’ll love: The microphone is preloaded with 30 iconic songs and lets kids stream from popular music apps, like Spotify or YouTube. It comes with four-voice effects, including a chipmunk. On average, the rechargeable battery lasts through eight hours of singing.

What you should consider: The microphone isn’t very durable and may break if you drop it, according to some customers.

Worth checking out

VTech Kidi Star Karaoke Machine Deluxe

What you need to know: It’s a pared-down version of a full-fledged karaoke machine, so it’s fairly approachable for younger kids.

What you’ll love: Besides eight built-in songs, the system connects to MP3 players for sing-alongs. The machine has six musical games to boost memory and rhythm skills. It is well-made and designed with durable plastic components as well as a mic stand that is easy for kids to adjust.

What you should consider: It lacks the Bluetooth streaming capabilities seen in comparable models.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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The first time Brad TeGantvoort and Jana Armstead got engaged was at the State Capitol.

Jana Armstead, right, holds up her engagement ring from Brad TeGantvoort, left, near the Quadriga on a roof of the Minnesota Capitol on Aug. 21, 2017. TeGantvoort chose the day of the Great American Solar Eclipse to propose– again — an the two soon after got stuck on the terrace, locked out until the next tour arrived. (Courtesy of Jana Armstead)

It was August 2017, the day of the total solar eclipse, and the pair were on a rooftop tour of the “Progress of the State” quadriga statues. They lingered a few minutes after the tour for TeGantvoort to propose — but when they went to rejoin the tour inside, they found the door had locked.

“We’re pushing the security button, and they’re like, ‘Hello, can we help you?’ and we said, ‘Uh, we’re kind of stuck,” Armstead said, laughing. “But we were just living the dream, being stuck up there together, and then we went and had a celebratory dinner.”

What TeGantvoort didn’t know, though, is that Armstead had also been planning a proposal of her own.

Brad TeGantvoort, right, and Jana Armstead stand in front of the Winter Carnival Ice Palace in 2018, holding up a medallion Armstead created to propose to TeGantvoort. The proposal, which also included a flash mob, was covered by the Pioneer Press as the couple had met in 2002 while participating in the paper’s annual medallion treasure hunt. (Courtesy of Jana Armstead)

During the Pioneer Press’ annual medallion treasure hunt in January 2018 and during a lunar eclipse, Armstead sent TeGantvoort on a mock scavenger hunt that ended at the massive ice palace built for that year’s Winter Carnival. When TeGantvoort came out of the palace, as documented by the Pioneer Press at the time, he encountered a flash mob of people in Vikings jerseys.

On the backs of the jerseys were the words “Will You Marry Me2,” a nod not only to the second proposal but also to the couple’s origin story nearly two decades earlier.

In the 1990s, alongside the Pioneer Press’ annual treasure hunt, the paper hosted an early online forum for hunters called the Water Cooler. Die-hard medallion hunters, a.k.a. the Cooler Crew, adopted virtual screen names. TeGantvoort chose “Cluemaster,” which was frequently shortened to “Cluey.” Armstead went by “Me2.”

They got to know each other on those online forums and met in person for the first time at the “Rehash Bash,” a post-hunt celebration, in 2002. Later, the duo began hunting together with a couple other friends and, eventually, Armstead and TeGantvoort began dating.

Brad “Cluey” TeGantvoort, 60, died unexpectedly at home in Inver Grove Heights on Dec. 8, 2025.

To help support expenses, family friends are hosting a silent auction Saturday, Dec. 20, at Carbone’s in Cottage Grove, with items including a replica of the forthcoming medallion for the 2026 hunt. (The design of the medallion remains a secret and the auction winner will receive it after the 2026 hunt has concluded.)

“When you saw him, you saw his smile, you saw his scruffy face, you saw his kindness,” Armstead said.

He and Armstead were planning to marry on August 8, 2026 — at the State Capitol.

“For a long time, I’ve been working in my head on a wedding speech for when they finally got married,” said longtime friend and Treasure Hunt teammate Jason Michaelson. “And it’s like, damn it, now it’s turning into a funeral speech.”

‘It’s his home’

Brad TeGantvoort, left, smiles with fiancee Jana Armstead during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. March 17 was also TeGantvoort’s birthday. (Courtesy of Melissa Weeks)

TeGantvoort, who was born March 17, 1965 — on St. Patrick’s Day, and he was proud of it — started hunting for the Pioneer Press medallion in about 1980.

“The man just lived for it. He never missed a hunt,” Michaelson said.

For many years, TeGantvoort worked in skyscraper facility management, and it was not unusual to see him noodling over clues or even hunting in the snow overnight while still wearing the suit he’d worn to work that day, Michaelson said.

Each winter, he’d load up his trunk with champagne and fireworks in case he found the medallion, though he never did. And all throughout the hunt, in whichever park you ran into him, you could count on him offering you a shot of peppermint schnapps and taking too many photos.

In Treasure Hunt spaces, “if Brad wasn’t there, you’d notice,” said friend Melissa Weeks, who met TeGantvoort and Armstead in the early 2000s through the Cooler Crew. “And if he was there, it was like, of course he’s there. It’s his home.”

More than anything, friends said, TeGantvoort wanted everyone to not only enjoy the hunt as much as he did but to genuinely feel included in the treasure-hunting community. When Jerome Krieger found the medallion in 2017 as a solo hunter, it was TeGantvoort in particular who helped Krieger feel welcomed into the Cooler Crew’s traditions, he recalled.

“He was refueled by energy from other people, and just the camaraderie,” Weeks said. “He embraced it more than anybody. I think he just loved bringing people together. I was new once; he welcomed me, and then he would always bring the new people in and introduce them to us.”

You could also probably count on TeGantvoort playing a prank or two. He’d hide “Cluey Coasters,” good for a free beer, for medallion hunters to find. He’d crack jokes. Near the end of the 2018 hunt, as hunters descended on Harriet Island, TeGantvoort got ahold of the phone number of a payphone in the park and kept dialing it, crank-calling unsuspecting treasure hunters as Armstead, Michaelson and hunting teammate Alex Valen watched from the parking lot, laughing.

“Every year, there’s only going to be one winner, but the greatest treasures that 99.9% of us have ever found are the lifelong friendships from people that we’ve met over the years that just don’t go away,” Michaelson said. “Those are the huge treasures. And some of us found romantic relationships out of it.”

One of the last text messages Armstead received from TeGantvoort sums up his personality, she said. TeGantvoort, who had mobility issues in recent years, was watching TV at home, and Armstead texted to let him know her errands were taking longer than expected.

“I’ll wait for you, my everything…,” he wrote, with two heart emojis.

“We had such an entwined love story; anything that was him was me, and anything that was me was him,” Armstead said. “He could have been sitting there for hours, and I’d walk in the door and he wouldn’t be mad. He’d be like, “You’ve done everything you have to do, and I’m just so glad you’re here.” And that’s the kind of guy he really was.”

Brad TeGantvoort is survived by his fiancee Jana Armstead, his daughter Alicia TeGantvoort, his father Larry TeGantvoort and his siblings, cousins and other extended family. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 19 at Kok Funeral Home (7676 80th Street S. Cottage Grove), with visitation from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The silent auction will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20 at Carbone’s (7155 Jorgensen Ln. S.; Cottage Grove), and attendees are invited to wear Vikings or rock music-related t-shirts.

“We are committed this year; we have to be the ones to find the medallion in his memory,” Michaelson said. “But like I said, the greatest treasure any of us found was all those friendships, and this is a big one lost. This is a big one lost.”

By RAJESH ROY and SIBI ARASU

NEW DELHI (AP) — Dense toxic smog blanketed India’s capital on Monday, pushing air pollution levels to their worst levels in weeks, disrupting travel and causing authorities to impose the strictest containment measures.

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More than 40 flights were cancelled and several dozens delayed. Over 50 trains arriving and departing from New Delhi were delayed by several hours, authorities said.

Healthcare experts warned residents to avoid all outdoor activities as hospitals reported an influx of patients with breathing difficulties and eye irritation.

“New Delhi is a gas chamber right now. Air purifiers can help only a bit, so it’s high time the government comes up with some permanent solutions” said Naresh Dang, a physician at Max Healthcare.

Delhi’s air pollution levels have remained at what the federal government calls a “severe” level for the last two days, which the government says can cause respiratory effects to healthy people and seriously affect the health of people with heart or lung disease.

On Sunday, official index readings were over 450 at several monitoring stations, up from 430 on Saturday and the highest so far this winter season, as per data from Central Pollution Control Board. On Monday, it stood at 449.

Readings below 50 are considered good. During periods of severe air pollution, the government advises people to avoid going outdoors as much as possible and wear N95 masks when going outside. Children, pregnant women, elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are at higher risk and officials advise them to be extra cautious.

“I have never seen this kind of pollution ever. Last year I came to Delhi, it was polluted. This year it is more polluted. I can feel the smoke while I breathe the air,” said Tiam Patel, a tourist.

Traffic moves through dense smog in the morning in New Delhi, India, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo)

To stem pollution, Indian authorities have banned construction activities and restricted use of diesel generators and cars. Water sprinklers have been deployed to control the haze. Schools and offices are allowing many students and workers to stay home.

But environmentalists say that the country’s air pollution crisis requires long-term changes.

New Delhi and its surrounding region, home to more than 30 million people, routinely rank among the world’s most polluted. India has six of the world’s 10 most polluted cities, and New Delhi is the most polluted national capital, according to a report from Switzerland-based air quality monitoring database IQAir earlier this year.

Air quality worsens in New Delhi every winter as farmers burn crop residue in nearby states and cooler temperatures trap the smoke, which mixes with pollution from vehicles, construction activity and industrial emissions. Pollution levels often reach 20 times higher than the World Health Organization’s safe limit.

People walk through a public park in a dense smog-covered morning in New Delhi, India, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo)

But Vimlendu Jha, a Delhi based environmentalist, said that the air is not healthy even at other times of year.

“Delhi’s air doesn’t get cleaner at all, we only see it visibly from October to December, but the reality is that it remains polluted through the year,” he said.

Earlier this month, residents of New Delhi staged protests to express frustration and anger about the government’s failure to address pollution.

A study last year by medical journal Lancet linked long term exposure to polluted air to 1.5 million additional deaths every year in India.

A man pushes a cycle cart in a smog-covered morning in New Delhi, India, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Piyush Nagpal)

“Deaths related to air pollution are not being counted. And the reason why its not being counted is because there are no systematic mechanisms to do so,” said Shweta Narayan, a campaign lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance.

Indian authorities in October carried out a controversial cloud-seeding experiment over smog-choked New Delhi to induce rainfall and clear the city’s toxic air. The experiment ended without rainfall.

Arasu reported from Bengaluru, India. AP video journalist Piyush Nagpal contributed to the report.