skip to main |
skip to sidebar
We
know that drinking a daily glass of red wine is good for your heart,
but your digestive system may thank you too. Researchers say compounds
found in red wine can improve the way that good bacteria works in your
colon. The red wine drinkers also had lower blood pressure, and
decreased triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Source Link You
can make more of your workout with a partner who pushes you harder, but
that exercise buddy doesn’t have to break a sweat. A new study found
that cyclists worked out longer when they used a cyber partner.
Researchers say participants also improved their performance when they
were told that their video partner was better than they were. Source Link
Can
technology be put to work to pick up after you? Scientists have
developed a robot that can keep a room neat. The high-tech helper is
programmed to know where things belong in a room and then surveys the
space to see what’s out of place. In testing, the robot was 98%
effective in placing things back where they belong. Source Link
Nearly
all of the quarter-trillion dollars collected by states in tobacco
settlements have gone up in smoke without much to show in anti-smoking
efforts. A new report says only about 4% of the $244 billion was spent
on tobacco control programs. In states that spent more than that,
smoking rates went down. Nationally, the smoking rate has stayed steady.
Source Link First
there were printed tomes, then e-books, and now you can read a story
published by tweets. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan is
premiering a short story on Twitter. Egan’s 8,500-word story titled
“Black Box” is rolling out in one tweet per minute for an hour each day
through June 2nd on the New Yorker Magazine Fiction Twitter feed.Source Link Would
you eat less if your snack food had a built-in “stop sign” to limit
your portions? A study found that people ate fewer potato crisps when a
red one was placed in the can between every 14 others. Researcher say
some snack foods could have similar built-in portion controls to help
prevent mindless overeating. Source Link
Heart
problems may not be just a middle-age concern for the next generation
of adults. A CDC report says half of today’s overweight teens have
unhealthy blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar levels that will
put them at risk for heart attacks. The health study found that
one-in-five teenagers already have symptoms of diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Source Link
Forget
about horsepower -- the numbers that make all the difference for car
buyers these days are spelled “m-p-g.” A new Consumer Reports survey
says fuel economy is the number-one consideration for car shoppers. And
three out of four drivers would consider buying an alternate-fuel
vehicle such as a hybrid gas-electric car. Source Link With
the summer sun now upon us, it’s a good idea for everyone in the family
to keep those shades handy. A new report says three out of four adults
wear sunglasses regularly, but only about half of them have their
children wear sunglasses too. Experts say it’s never too early to put
sunglasses on kids because it’s the cumulative effects of UV rays that
can damage eyes over time. Source Link
Memorial
Day weekend kicks off the summer travel season with mostly good news
for drivers who had been bracing for record high gasoline prices.
Triple-A predicts a national average of $3.66 a gallon for the holiday.
In early spring, analysts were expecting $4 a gallon gas nationwide by
this time, and that price point has been surpassed in places like
California. Source LinkHistory
is being made high above the Earth as the first private cargo
spacecraft is docking at the International Space Station. The flight is
the first of several private ventures being supported by NASA. The
success could pave the way for private flights that will transport
astronauts, to take the place of the Space Shuttle fleet that was
retired last year. Source Link It’s
the DVR of your dreams that’s a nightmare for the broadcast networks.
Satellite provider Dish Network’s new device automatically records all
prime time programming from the four broadcast networks and removes all
commercials. Broadcasters are crying foul and some have refused to air
Dish Network commercials for the new DVR. Source Link
This
year’s college graduates are ready to make a move for a new career, but
many still count on Mom and Dad for advice -- and more. A new survey
found that the Class of 2012 expects to be job hopping for years to find
the right position. One-third say their parents are helping with the
job search and over half say they’ll still be getting financial support
from their families. Source Link
The government panel that sets standards for cancer screening is
sticking to its recommendation that most men should skip the PSA
prostate cancer test. They say the test does more harm than good,
prompting treatments that save few lives but have serious side effects.
Some cancer experts are disputing the findings and still support using
the PSA test. Source Link
You
may want to hit the “mute” button on your remote for a moment of
silence for the man who made it possible to control your TV viewing from
the couch. The inventor of the television remote control has died at
the age of 96. Eugene Polley created the first wireless remote that
debuted in 1955 and used flashes of light to control channel changing.
Source Link
You
can add one more danger to the health risks associated with sleep
apnea. Researchers say the nighttime breathing disorder that affects
some 28 million Americans may increase your risk of cancer. The lack of
oxygen from sleep apnea can cause the body to create more blood vessels,
which can feed cancerous tumors and cause them to grow more quickly. Source Link
Looking
for the greatest summer vacation with the family that’s affordable too?
Head for an iconic national park. U.S. News and World Report has ranked
Yellowstone National Park as the best family summer vacation. And
Yellowstone, along with Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon
ranked as the top three most affordable family vacations. Source LinkMove
over flat iron and so long New York Strip -- beef experts say they’ve
discovered a new cut of steak that’s lean, flavorful and easy to
prepare. The Vegas strip steak is a cut from the cow that used to be
relegated to roasts. The big selling point of the Vegas strip steak is
that its tenderness doesn’t require aging or marinating. Source Link
In
time and money, the Great Recession cost the average American plenty.
According to a new study, 40% of older Americans say they postponed
their plans for retirement because of the economic meltdown of 2008. The
typical household lost about 5% of its total wealth, and the average
person would need to work an additional five years to make up for that
loss. Source Link Want
to know if you’re at-risk for sudden cardiac death? Look down and try
to see your toes. Researchers say they now have proof that carrying
extra weight around your waist is an independent risk factor for sudden
cardiac death. Having a pot belly raised the risk of sudden death
regardless of other conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Source Link There
could be a price to pay to make sure your Facebook friends see your
latest status update. The social network is testing a feature that
allows you to pay for top placement in the News Feed. The service called
Highlight is being tested at various price points and could be another
way that the newly-public company to earn money for shareholders. Source Link
What’s
the State of the Union’s health? According to an annual CDC report,
we’re living longer, but tipping the scales more with higher rates of
obesity. Teen pregnancies are at a record low, but fewer people can
afford the prescription drugs and medical care that they need. Health
care costs totaled $2.5 trillion, or an average of $8,000 for every
American. Source Link
Like
drugs or alcohol, there’s now a list of warning signs that you may be
addicted to Facebook. The new Facebook Addiction Scale includes
questions like, “do you use Facebook in order to forget about personal
problems?” and, “have you have tried to cut down on the use of Facebook
without success?” Researchers say women are more likely than men to be
addicted to Facebook. Source Link As
viewers prepare to crown this year’s “American Idol,” one judge on the
program is already the big winner. Jennifer Lopez is ranked number-one
on the Forbes Magazine list of the Top 100 Celebrities. Her new fame as a
judge on the singing competition helped Lopez score numerous
endorsements on the way to earning $52 million last year. Source Link
The
next iPhone will probably take up more space in your pocket or purse.
There are reports that Apple is placing orders for a bigger four-inch
screen for the next generation of the world’s most popular smart phone.
There’s still no official word on when the new iPhone will debut, but
industry watchers expect it to go on sale sometime in early fall. Source Link
Could
that morning cup of Joe lead to a longer life? A new long-term study
found that people who drank two or three cups of coffee a day had a
slightly lower risk of death. And the benefit was seen regardless of
whether the coffee was decaffeinated or full-strength. Researchers say
the study is evidence that drinking coffee isn’t harmful to your health.
Source Link
Never
mind economic turnarounds -- America’s happiness has made a full
recovery. The latest Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index is at its
highest since the survey began in 2008. Participants were asked about
whether they’ve experienced sadness, happiness, worry, or enjoyed
something interesting in the past day. Source Link
More
Americans will be traveling this Memorial Day weekend, but the budget
squeeze from high gas prices will make for shorter car trips. The
American Automobile Association says about 30 million people will hit
the road for the upcoming holiday. Summer vacation plans call for more
car travel because of high airline ticket prices. Source Link
When
it comes to customer satisfaction with major cell phone carriers, the
gap is narrowing, even as one device leads them all. The latest American
Consumer Satisfaction Index report shows that AT&T has improved and
Sprint took the top spot over Verizon for satisfied customers. And the
iPhone, which is now offered by all three, scored the highest rating
ever for owner satisfaction. Source Link Can
exercise trump genetics to keep you healthy? A new study found that
people with a family history of high blood pressure but physically fit
were 34% less likely to develop the condition. The improvement didn’t
require hours and hours of exercise -- just the equivalent of 15 minutes
of brisk walking each day. Source Link
The
federal government has set 2025 as the deadline to find a way to
effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease. The goal is part of the first
National Alzheimer’s Plan designed to combat the disease that could
define the nation’s aging population. The plan includes the launch of a
new web site www.alzheimers.gov with information and links to resources.
Source Link On
the eve of a $100 billion public stock offering, Is Facebook really
just a flash in the pan? A new AP/CNBC survey found half of Americans
think that Facebook is a passing fad and would be an overvalued stock.
The opinions of the world’s biggest social network run highest among the
youngest, as 81% of those aged 18 to 35 use Facebook, compared to only
20% of senior citizens. Source Link Health
experts say you can take the slow lane to a longer life if you just get
moving. A new study found that just 15 minutes a day of slow jogging
helped people live at least five years longer. Researchers found that
slow or moderate jogging was better than extreme exercise or none at
all. Source Link
It’s
a dangerous example of “do as I say, not as I do” -- three out of four
teens say adults who preach to them about not texting while driving are
doing it themselves. The new survey found that four out of ten teenagers
admit to texting behind the wheel, even though most know that it’s
dangerous. Peer pressure to respond quickly to text messages was the
number-one reason for the dangerous habit. Source Link
Expect
another summer of confusion for people who want the truth about
sunscreen. The FDA has postponed plans to require sunscreen makers to
use new labeling that clearly states whether the product is effective
against ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer. The new rules would
have also prohibited claims that a sunscreen can be waterproof or
sweatproof. Source Link When
it comes to baby names for boys, Jacob rules. The Social Security
Administration’s new list of most popular baby names is Topped by Jacob
for the 13th year in a row, followed by Mason, William, Jayden and Noah.
The top five girl’s baby names for 2011 were Sophia, Isabella, Emma,
Olivia and Ava. Source Link
With
nearly every adult and teen in America already owning a cell phone,
where can the industry look for growth? The nation’s cell phone carriers
are hoping to have more than just phones on your monthly bill. AT&T
is ready to roll out a family data plan that would allow subscribers to
share data between phones and other wireless devices such as tablet
computers. Source Link
All
those warnings about the dangers of overexposure to the sun don’t seem
to be reaching young adults. A CDC survey found that half of adults
under age 30 say they’ve had a sunburn in the past year, and women in
their 20’s use tanning booths on-average about twice a month. Just one
bad sunburn can double the risk of developing the most lethal form of
skin cancer. Source Link
You
can stop the countdown to doomsday based on the Mayan calendar.
Archaeologists have discovered an older version of the ancient
timekeeping tool painted on a wall in ruins being unearthed in the
Guatemalan rainforest. The newly discovered calendar upends the theory
that the Mayans predicted the end of the world on December 21, 2012. Source Link
A
new study shows that a great way to reduce stress and increase
productivity at work is to close up the e-mail in-box. Testing found
that workers who regularly checked e-mail were in a constant state of
high alert, producing more of the body’s hormone that’s linked to
stress. Researchers say it may be a good idea for workers take breaks
from e-mail on the job. Source Link
When
it comes to judging your risk for skin cancer, is it true that “the
eyes have it?” A new study found that people with blue eyes were
genetically less likely to develop vitiligo, which causes white patchy
spots on the skin. Melanoma is the genetic opposite of the condition,
meaning eye color could be a predictor that lets doctors focus on early
screening for skin cancer. Source Link How
can social networking help to save a life? Facebook is encouraging its
users to share their organ donor status as part of their profile, in
hopes that the public acknowledgement will be an incentive to others and
reminder to families about your wishes. The idea came from Facebook
founder Mark Zuckerberg following the death of Apple CEO Steve Jobs.
Source Link
Here’s
good news -- if your summer travel plans include a car trip, it’ll cost
less than expected to fill up the tank. Government analysts now say
it’s unlikely that average gas prices will reach $4 a gallon this
summer. The price of oil has been dropping since a surge between January
and April that hiked gasoline prices by 20%. Source Link Nearly
half of all Americans are stepping off as part of an exercise plan, but
maybe they should pick up the pace. A new report shows 49% of people
say they regularly take leisurely walks, but more walkers are logging
fewer miles overall. The walkers are also more likely to be meeting the
recommended target of 150 minutes of exercise a week. Source Link
More
teens are getting face time online. A new survey says nearly four out
of ten American teenagers now take part in video chats, with girls more
likely to go on-camera online than boys. Experts say that parents
should be mindful of their teen’s video chat habits to ensure they stay
safe when engaging with others. Source Link
It’s
a heavy-duty forecast for the weight of the nation, as a new CDC report
predicts that by the year 2030, four out of ten Americans will be
obese. That’s a 25-percent increase over the current obesity rate, and
all that weight comes with an even bigger number, as researchers say
treating the illnesses associated with obesity with cost the nation half
a trillion dollars. Source Link Take
a drink or take a call -- both can make a driver dangerous behind the
wheel. But a new study claims that using a smart phone while driving is
even more dangerous than drinking. British researchers said that driver
reaction times were the slowest for those who were using a smart phone
for social networking or texting, compared to drivers who were legally
drunk. Source Link
The
leader in video game consoles is taking a page from the cell phone
marketing playbook in hopes of selling even more units. Microsoft is now
offering its xBox 360 console with Kinect for $99 with a two-year,
$15-a-month subscription to its xBox Live Gold online service. The offer
is only available at Microsoft stores but is expected to roll out to
other retailers soon. Source Link
Call
it the rise of the “independent dependent” -- a new study says American
parents are shelling out plenty to support their adult children. Six
out of ten young adults get financial assistance from Mom and Dad, with
nearly half helping with bills and one-third paying tuition. Even the
average low-income family provides about $2,000 a year. Source Link Hopefully
that energy drink will provide enough get-up-and-go to get you to the
dentist. A new report claims that high amounts of acid in energy and
sports drinks are causing irreversible damage to the teeth of teens and
young adults. The acid levels that are higher than most sodas can strip
enamel from teeth, leaving them more prone to decay. Source Link How
can a mouse help you fight dementia? When it’s attached to your
computer. A new Mayo Clinic study says using a computer can help seniors
ward off the forgetfulness that comes with old age. And computer use
along with moderate physical exercise yielded the best results for
people over the age of 70. Source Link
Here’s
a simple prescription to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease -- get any
kind of exercise, anytime. A study found that daily physical activity
may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, even in people older than 80. Tasks
like washing dishes, cooking, even moving yourself a wheelchair count as
physical activity and can help lower risk for mental decline. Source Link If
you’re working on less sleep than you’d like today, you’re not alone. A
report from the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 40 million
Americans are dangerously tired at work, including nearly half of all
pilots and truck drivers. Are you at-risk? Experts say if you hit the
snooze button two or more times in the morning, you’re probably not
getting enough sleep. Source Link
It
may not be not rocket science getting a better deal on a new car, but
there’s evidence that research can save you big bucks on that next set
of wheels. A study found that car buyers could save an average of $800
by bargaining at two dealerships after knowing what the dealer paid for
the car. Those who just knew the cost and visited two dealerships paid
$200 less. Source Link
Dig
out two quarters and a dime, and that’s what it costs you on-average to
drive a mile in your car. An annual AAA survey shows that the cost of
fuel, tires, insurance and maintenance now averages about 60 cents a
mile, or nearly $9,000 a year for the typical driver. Gasoline costs
were up 14% in the past year, along with higher rates for auto
insurance. Source Link
Clear
the desktop and free up your lap -- a new report says the tablet will
soon be the primary computer for people around the world. The
researchers say the popularity of iPads, Kindle Fires and other tablets
will lead consumers and businesses to favor convenience over computing
power for everyday use. The Forrester report predicts over 750 million
tablets will be in use by the year 2016. Source Link Why
are there so few left-handed people? New research says it comes down to
the difference between cooperation and competition. Human nature
favors cooperation and using the same hand. But a tendency to be
competitive also plays a factor and can give southpaws the upper hand,
as left-handed people have an advantage over righties in some sports.
Source Link
America’s
pre-schoolers need more playtime in the outdoors. A new study found
that half of preschool-aged children are not getting outside at least
once a day for parent-supervised playtime, and girls fared even
worse. Outdoor activity can be critical to helping children develop
motor skills, as well as promoting better vision and mental skills.
Source Link Forget
about Mayan calendars -- July 9th could be digital doomsday for some
Internet users who were infected by malware. The bug was discovered by
the FBI, which stopped the scam by setting up a temporary bypass that
will be shut down on July 9th, leaving some without Internet access. To
find out if your computer is infected, go to dns-ok.us. Source Link Looking
for that perfect Mother’s Day gift? Consider whether Mom is a Gadget
Goddess, a Trendsetter Mom, a Fitness Fashionista or an On-The-Go Gal. A
new survey found that nearly half of shoppers thought a tech toy would
be perfect for Mom. Another 25% planned a fashion gift, while 20% looked
for a fitness product and others sought a pampered gift for Mom.
Source Link
You
can get more enjoyment in your golden years by spending less time now
glancing in the rear view mirror of life. That’s the finding in a new
study that looked at how people deal with regret. Researchers say
positive acts such as letting go, forgiveness and being thankful might
reverse the brain dysfunctions underlying regret and help prevent
late-life depression. Source Link Can
you pass the test to be a good American? A new national survey found
that one out of three native-born Americans would flunk a 10-question
civics test that immigrants must pass to become a naturalized U.S.
citizen. For example, nearly two-thirds of survey respondents could not
name one power of the federal government, and over 80% could not name
two rights stated in the Declaration of Independence. Source Link Implants
are some the most popular plastic surgeries now, but to see these
results you’ll need to be looking the person in the eye. “Chinplants”
are the fastest growing plastic surgery, fueled by baby boomers who are
self-conscious about a sagging jawline. Lip augmentation and cheek
implants are also among the newly popular procedures. Source Link
