November 30, 2012

A colorful diet can be an effective weapon against cancer, as experts say many colorful fruits and vegetables provide cancer-fighting nutrients. Apples can help prevent throat, mouth and lung cancer, while cranberries have a natural substance that could inhibit leukemia. To get the most benefit, remember to eat fruits and vegetables raw and with the skin on. Source Link

When it comes to cell phone customer satisfaction, Verizon can hear the praise now, but AT&T is America’s biggest disappointment. In the annual Consumer Reports reader poll, 4G customers were the most happy and AT&T’s 4G got the top marks for a high-speed service.  Source Link

Old school and space age are taking center stage among this year’s entries in the Toy Hall of Fame. Star Wars action figures and dominoes are entering the pantheon of play favorites. The finalists for the Class of 2012 included the Fisher-Price corn popper, Lite-Brite, Clue, the Magic 8 Ball, Simon, and Twister. Source Link

November 29, 2012

All those wild moments you share on Facebook don’t have to come back to haunt you. A new survey found that most people are worried now that half of all employers say they check Facebook profiles of applicants. But only one-third of Facebook users take advantage of privacy features that let you group friends to limit who can see certain posts. Source Link

Scientists say they may be able to predict what time of day your time will be up. They’ve identified a genetic marker that indicates whether you’re a morning person or a late sleeper. Early risers tended to pass away before 11 a.m. while late sleepers generally died after 6 p.m. The genetic research cannot determine how long you’ll live. Source Link

So which companies are making the Consumer Reports “naughty list” this year? Ticketmaster gets knocked for charging customers to print their own tickets and BMW for eliminating spare tires in their cars. On the “nice list” is Home Depot for adding free delivery and installation on all new appliances, and PNC Bank for being the only one in the top ten to offer a free basic checking account. Source Link

November 28, 2012

A favorite fling for kid’s parties is sending some of them flying to the hospital. A report says as many as 30 children per day nationwide are injured in bounce houses. Researchers say parents need to be careful not to allow too many kids in a bounce house and avoid mixing smaller and bigger children. Source Link

This may make you think twice about eating lunch at your desk. A new study found that the typical office desktop has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Keyboards and phones aren’t much cleaner either, making it a good idea to move your daytime dining to the lunchroom or elsewhere. Source Link

In a twist on the old adage, you may be only as old as you shop. A study found that older people who still shop for themselves or take care of their own household chores are less likely to be perceived as old. Researchers said people in their late 80s who were aware, active, and independent were treated as being not old. Source Link

November 27, 2012

Black Friday wasn’t just about standing in line for the best deals. For the first time, online sales on the day after Thanksgiving topped $1 billion. Amazon.com was the most-visited retail website on Black Friday and Wal-Mart was second, followed by websites for Best Buy, Target and Apple. Source Link

A lot of things have changed on fast food restaurant menus in 15 years, but a new report says overall calorie counts aren’t among them. A study of eight top restaurant chains showed  they’re offering over 50% more items, including more salads. But average calories barely dropped, as more desserts and high-calorie condiments are on the menu. Source Link

Want to keep that cash in your wallet longer? Ask for crisp new bills at the bank. A study found that people tended to spend more with worn bills than new ones. And having new money could reverse the habit of holding large bills and spending smaller denominations faster. Source Link

November 26, 2012

You can switch from fighting the crowds to clicking the mouse as the holiday shopping frenzy moves online for Cyber Monday. Hundreds of retailers are offering online specials to take advantage of the virtual visitors on the back-to-work day after Thanksgiving.  Last year’s Cyber Monday sales topped $1 billion. Source Link

If you’re coming off a weekend when you slept-in, you may be setting yourself up for a shock when you step on the scale. A new study found that the varying sleep patterns known as social jet lag can increase your risk of obesity. That’s because getting too little sleep and then trying to catch-up disrupts the body’s natural rhythms that also manage your metabolism. Source Link

Researchers say one way to get more exercise is to keep track of how much you’re doing. A study found that older adults who wore a pedometer to count their steps walked nearly twice as much while using the device. The extra walking didn’t necessarily lead to weight loss, but it did help participants lower their blood pressure. Source Link

November 23, 2012

Many people heading out on the first big weekend of the holiday shopping season will have a high-tech personal assistant with them. A survey found that two out of three shoppers plan to use their smartphone to compare prices with another physical store or to check the prices of online retailers. One in four say they’ll use a smartphone to buy gift cards. Source Link

There’s more evidence that Mom was right about breakfast being the most important meal of the day. A new long-term study found that people who ate a daily breakfast were less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes or become obese, as compared to those who rarely ate breakfast. The type of breakfast didn’t matter either, as long as people didn’t skip the meal. Source Link

If you’re running a bit late on the way to work, the odds are your boss won’t mind, because you’re on the job already. A new survey found that over 70% of employers are more flexible about keeping precise hours, since they trust their staff is working long before they actually get to the office, using technology to stay connected via home computers and smart phones. Source Link

November 21, 2012

Black Friday’s morning frenzy is creeping further into Turkey night. Sears and Target stores will be open Thanksgiving evening for the first time to join the retail jump-start to the holiday shopping season. And some malls will open their doors Thanksgiving night as more of their tenants enter the rush to snag early-bird shoppers. Source Link

A new study has linked diabetes to hearing loss. Researchers said the connection was strongest in people under the age of 60. Poor blood sugar control damages blood vessels and nerves throughout the body and that could explain the link, as diabetics were twice as likely to have hearing problems. Source Link

What’s that high-speed Internet connection worth to your budget? How about over $8,000 a year in savings?  A new study claims that broadband  Internet users save that much with online price comparisons, bill paying, reading news, watching entertainment, and shopping on the web, and spending less on gas to travel to stores. Source Link

November 20, 2012

Turning 50 is the age when most baby boomers turn attention to their health. A new study found that the early 50s are a time when people are most interested in health issues with milestones like colonoscopies, mammograms and prostate tests. The focus on health wanes but returns again near age 65 as many become eligible for Medicare. Source Link

Are you using all of your vacation time this year? If the answer is “no” you’re not alone. A new survey found that American workers average 14 days of vacation annually but take only 12 of them. Japanese workers use the fewest vacation days at only five per year, while the French are the world’s vacation leaders with 30 days off each year. Source Link


If you want to avoid ending your Thanksgiving with a visit to the ER, here are some tips for a healthy holiday meal. Be sure your turkey is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees to avoid food poisoning. And take your time finishing off the feast: eating too quickly can cause heartburn and indigestion that may create chest pain and prompt a call to 911. Source Link

November 19, 2012

So what’s the value of healthy living in terms of a better life? Researchers who looked at a range of health studies found that middle-aged people with optimal health lived about 14 years longer without signs of heart problems. On average, about six-in-ten adults develop cardiovascular disease sometime in their lives. Source Link

If it’s true that you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, be sure that it includes a handshake. Using brain scans, scientists found that a firm, confident but friendly handshake offered as part of an introduction triggered the part of the mind that creates positive feelings. Source Link

Americans are spending less time letting their fingers do the talking on their cell phones. The average number of text messages being sent each month has declined for the first time. Experts think it’s because more people are using services like Facebook rather than texting to stay in touch with friends and family. Source Link

November 16, 2012

Can you  name the saltiest foods we eat? Here’s a hint -- potato chips aren’t among them. A new report entitled “The Salty Six” lists the highest-sodium favorites as bread and rolls, cold cuts and cured meat, pizza, packaged raw chicken, soup, and sandwiches. Health advocates and the food industry differ on what is a safe daily level of sodium. Source Link

Talking turkey has never been easier now that the top name in Thanksgiving's main course is as close as your smartphone or tablet. The Butterball turkey hotline is going high-tech with iPhone and iPad apps, Twitter posts, and Facebook live chats. The Butterball toll-free phone line offers live advice on cooking the perfect turkey. Source Link

The word of the year is both a noun or a verb, and there’s some debate about how it’s pronounced, but the editors of the Oxford American Dictionary say that “gif” wins the top honor. The simple animated images exploded in popularity on the web this year. Among the other finalists for word of the year were “superstorm” and “yolo.” Source Link

November 15, 2012

For the fourth consecutive year, the number of Americans traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday will increase. AAA predicts that just over 43 million people will travel more than 50 miles for the holiday, and nine out of ten will be driving. Gas prices are nearly the same as they were last Thanksgiving and airfares are about 10% lower this year. Source Link

Millions who suffer from low vision ailments like macular degeneration could have an easier time reading with a tablet computer. That’s what researchers found when they conducted tests with the iPad and other tablets. The back-lit displays improved contrast and made letters stand out better so they were easier to see. Source Link

Today’s the day to kick the habit. It’s the 37th annual “Great American Smokeout” sponsored by the American Cancer Society when smokers are encouraged to quit, if only for one day. The benefits can begin right away, as health experts say in just 20 minutes after quitting smoking, heart rate and blood pressure will drop. Source Link

November 14, 2012

What was once the biggest name in smartphones is hoping to regain its relevance in a world now ruled by iPhones and Androids. Blackberry says it will unveil a new operating system in January that will feature a touchscreen phone. The Blackberry 10 system is considered the last best hope for the company to survive. Source Link

Kids with allergies to eggs may have a delicious new  way to overcome the problem. A study found that eating baked items like cakes or breads with the equivalent of one egg per day can help children outgrow the allergy. But before you start such a plan, check with your doctor to be sure it’s safe for your child. Source Link

The traditional Thanksgiving meal won’t cost you much more this year. The American Farm Bureau Federation says the total price tag for a turkey dinner will rise only 1% and feed 10 people for just under $50. When adjusted for inflation, this year’s Thanksgiving feast will be lower in price than when the annual survey began in 1986. Source Link

November 13, 2012

Dining out is one reason why kids are packing in more pounds. A study found that children and teens are likely to consume more calories, sugar, fat and salt when they eat out, and a lot of those extra calories came from sodas. About 40% of youngsters eat a meal at a restaurant every day. Source Link

Cyberbullying isn’t just a problem for teenagers. A study found that eight of of ten workers say they’ve been the victims of cyberbullying in the workplace, by being humiliated, ignored or gossiped about in emails, texts or web postings. The cyberbullying had a more-negative effect that face-to-face harassment. Source Link


When it comes to the holidays, most shoppers say don’t put the Santa before the turkey. According to a new survey, three out of four people think stores should not play Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. The same percentage think that stores should hold off on putting up Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving. Source Link

November 12, 2012

It’s Veterans Day, when the nation honors those who have served in the military. America has about 21 million veterans, nearly half of whom are 65 or older. Nearly two million veterans are under the age of 35, and there are about one-and-a-half million female veterans. Source Link

New research suggests that looking older than you are is a warning sign for heart problems. People with a receding hairline, baldness on the top of ther head, creases in the earlobe and fatty deposits on the eyelids were 50% more likely to suffer heart attacks. Grey hair and general wrinkles were not warning signs. Source Link

So what are the most innovative tech items for this holiday season? A Consumer Reports Top Ten Electronics list for 2012 includes the Samsung Note 10.1 tablet, and the Nikon Coolpix S800 digital camera that uses WiFi for online photo sharing. And the Apple iPhone 5 ranks as the top smartphone in the annual listing of recommended products. Source Link

November 9, 2012

The turkey won’t be the only thing that’s stuffed come Thanksgiving. Look for near-capacity on most flights during the upcoming holiday as the number of Thanksgiving air travelers will increase to 24 million passengers. The industry says the busiest travel days will be the Wednesday before and the Sunday after the holiday. Source Link

Adding more exercise and meditation to your daily routine could be nearly as effective as getting a flu shot in preventing a bout with respiratory illness. A study found that adults who began daily exercise and used mindful mediation were more protected against colds and flu. Experts think the exercise and meditation can reduce stress and build the body natural defenses. Source Link

A new survey says you won’t go wrong shopping for a new tablet computer for someone on your holiday list this year. Tablets are a top pick for holiday gifts and the new Apple iPad Mini is the leading choice among lower-priced models. The Kindle Fire HD is the favorite e-reader, and the LeapPad Explorer 2 is the top tablet for kids. Source Link

November 8, 2012

It works to help stop smoking and lose weight, and now hypnotherapy is being used to turn down the heat on menopause. A new study found that women who underwent hypnosis reported 75% fewer hot flashes. Researchers think hypnotherapy may influence part of the nervous system to unconsciously slow the heart rate and reduce body heat. Source Link

Just like the National Guard provides a military homefront defense, the government wants to create a “cyber reserve” of computer security experts to safeguard the nation's tech infrastructure. Officials are concerned about the possibility of a “cyber Pearl Harbor” in which the computing backbone of American government and industry could be targeted by a foreign enemy. Source Link

A favorite photo sharing app for smart phones is heading for the web. Instagram is launching web profiles for all of its users that will share your uploaded photos for all the public to see. Instragram users who don’t want their snapshots available to everyone can choose to keep their account private. Source Link

November 7, 2012

Mother Nature threatens to add insult to injury in areas ravaged by superstorm Sandy. An Atlantic storm system headed for the Northeast could bring rain, wet snow and high winds to the same places where Sandy destroyed beachfront communities and caused major flooding last week, and where many are still without power. Source Link

Researchers are warning that women who are trying to become pregnant should avoid taking one of the most common antidepressant drugs. A study found that women treated with Paxil were less likely to become pregnant and had a higher risk of pre-term birth. Depression is common for women who struggle with infertility. Source Link

Those free apps on your Android smartphone may come at the price of privacy and security. A new study found that free Android apps were four times more likely to to access your contact list or track your location data. Gambling and racing games were two categories with the most security issues. Source Link

November 6, 2012

The battle for the White House comes to a conclusion on this Election Day 2012 as voters go to the polls to choose between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to be the next President of the United States. Weather should not have an impact on turnout. An estimated one-third of voters nationwide have already cast their ballots in early voting.  Source Link

It's the most dangerous month of the year for close encounters of the worst kind between deer and drivers. Experts say the most likely time for deer-car collisions is between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Drivers should be alert in areas marked as deer crossings, use high-beam headlights, and don't attempt to swerve away from a deer if a collision is unavoidable. Source Link


You’ve heard people say that doing math makes their head hurt, and now there may be scientific proof to back it up.A study found that math problems triggered the pain area of the brain in people with high math anxiety. It wasn’t the calculating itself that hurt, but the anticipation of needing to do math that triggered the pain reaction. Source Link

November 5, 2012

Could the outcome of the presidential election take some of the “Ho Ho Ho” out of holiday shopping? A Consumer Reports survey found nearly a third of Americans expect their holiday season to be less cheerful if their candidate loses. About half say higher gas prices and the overall economy will also impact their gift-giving this year. Source Link

Here’s a good reason for young women smokers to kick the habit. A new study found that women who quit smoking before the age of 40 reduced their risk of death by as much as 90%. Overall, smokers had a lifespan that was 10 years less than those who had never smoked. Source Link

If you want to avoid an accident with that expensive smartphone, you’d do well to be more careful around the house. A survey of iPhone insurance claims showed that the kitchen was where the most mishaps occurred. Accident spots also included phones left in a washing machine, on top of a car, and nearly one out of ten that were dropped in a toilet. Source Link

November 2, 2012

Clean-up from superstorm Sandy is just starting, but already some are asking if the hardest-hit areas should take precautions to prevent another such catastrophe. That could include the construction of seawall barriers to prevent flooding in New York City and less re-building along the Jersey shore where the storm devastated many vacation homes. Source Link

Couch potatoes can really learn from this -- a new study shows that middle-aged people improved their brain power by starting an exercise program. The sedentary adults who spent about two-and-a-half hours a week doing moderate to vigorous exercise found that their ability to think, recall and make quick decisions had improved significantly. Source Link


Black Friday is just three weeks away and some think it’ll bring record low prices for HDTV’s. One report says the after-Thanksgiving sales could feature 32-inch models priced as low as $139 and name-brand 50-inch L.E.D. flat screens under $500. And the hottest deals may be on screen sizes over 55 inches. Source Link

November 1, 2012

“Can you hear me now?” may be a big question for many in the aftermath of Sandy. Federal officials say one-quarter of all cell phone towers are out of service in the 10-state region that was hit by the superstorm. And the problem could get worse as towers that are being powered by diesel generators run out of fuel. Source Link

When should your baby be vaccinated for whooping cough? How about before they’re born. An expert panel is recommending that mothers-to-be get a whooping cough vaccination in the last three months of pregnancy to help protect their baby. The childhood disease is on the rise this year with the most cases reported in over half a century. Source Link

Google plans to go toe-to-toe with Apple in the tablet wars. The company has unveiled a 10-inch Nexus tablet to compete with Apple’s iPad and will double the storage capacity on its Nexus 7-inch tablet that’s priced $130 less than Apple’s new 7-inch iPad Mini. The iPad is the world’s biggest-selling tablet model, but more tablets run on Google’s Android system. Source Link