January 31, 2013

Hearing loss can do more than silence the world around you -- it can affect memory too. A new study found that those with hearing loss had significant mental impairments three years earlier than those without them. Researchers want to study whether hearing aids can slow mental decline in the elderly. Source Link

The nation’s homeland security chief is asking Congress to pass legislation to improve cybersecurity, saying the next 9/11 could target the nation’s computer infrastructure anytime now. A major cyber-attack is a looming threat, and much like Superstorm Sandy, it could knock out water, electricity and gas service for millions. Source Link

The next miracle weight-loss product could come from the break room. A study found that an extract made from raw green coffee beans promoted weight loss in subjects who did not go on a diet. But don’t try to brew up a smaller you -- researchers say the substance disappears after coffee beans are roasted. Source Link

January 30, 2013

Long-lasting relief from migraines is on the way. The FDA has approved a skin patch that can deliver one of the most widely prescribed medications for migraines. The patch could be the solution for sufferers whose nausea makes it difficult to keep down pills. Source Link

For more people, the computer of choice is the one they carry in their pocket to make phone calls. New figures show that worldwide sales of smartphones surged at the end of last year with Samsung leading the way, followed by Apple. At the same time, annual sales of PC’s declined in 2012 for the first time ever. Source Link

America’s epidemic of obesity has another side effect. Researchers say obese drivers are up to 80% more likely to die in a car crash. It’s known that seat belts don’t protect them as well, and car designers may need to take heavier drivers into consideration to keep them safer. Source Link

January 29, 2013

Some employer rules limiting what you can say about the job on Facebook may not stand a legal test. Recent rulings have defended your right to use social media to complain about working conditions. But virtual attacks on co-workers and offensive comments can still leave you open to discipline or firing. Source Link

There’s a real disconnect between what we think of our multi-tasking skills and what we really can do. A new study found that 70% of college-aged subjects thought they were good at talking or texting while driving. In fact, those who believed they were above-average tested among the worst at multi-tasking while behind the wheel. Source Link

A new study shows that when you’re happy in your marriage, you’ll probably be heavier on the scale. Researchers who followed newlyweds for four years say spouses who were more satisfied in marriage tended to gain more weight, perhaps because they could stop watching their weight once they’d found a mate. Source Link

January 28, 2013

A new study tallies the years of life that you’ll lose to smoking, and how many of those you can get back if you quit. Researchers say a lifetime of smoking costs you about 10 years, but you can get it all back if you quit by age 35. Kick the habit by 45 and you’ll regain nine years, or get back six years if you stop smoking by age 55. Source Link

Not sure if your child’s illness is serious enough to skip a day of school? Doctors say keep them home if they throw up twice in a 24-hour period, have a fever of 101 or more, severe coughing, repeated severe diarrhea for a day, or stomach pains that last for more than two hours. Colds, the "stomach flu," and strep throat are the cause of most missed school days. Source Link

Call it the silver lining to the icicle that was much of the United States during last week’s bitter cold snap. Experts say the big chill may have been cold enough to kill off more mosquitoes, ticks and other bugs that go dormant over the winter. But the bitter cold can also kill birds who are natural predators of such pests. Source Link

January 25, 2013

Exercise is great for your body, but skip that trip to the gym if you come down with a cold or the flu. Experts say you should stop your exercise routine while you’re sick and for a few weeks afterwards. That’s because exercise can raise the level of hormones that naturally lower your body’s immunity. Source Link

Many of us can say “goodbye” to using an old cell phone for service with a new carrier. A new government ruling is making it illegal to unlock cell phones that are programmed for use with a particular service. The rule change will affect the resale market for cell phones, but some carriers like AT&T will unlock phones after a contract is complete. Source Link

Here’s a tip for whenever you pick up a toothbrush -- don’t follow-up with a glass of water. The habit of rinsing your mouth after brushing washes away the fluoride protection that comes from the toothpaste. Experts say if you’re thirsty, have a drink of water before you brush your teeth. Source Link

January 24, 2013

Free access to the Internet is now nearly as important to library patrons as borrowing books. A survey from the Pew Internet and American Life Project also found that more people would like to try new technology devices through their library and receive customized book and music recommendations as they do from online retailers. Source Link

Don’t expect to see the gun ownership debate diminish in the years to come. A survey found that 40% of high school and college-aged Americans plan to own a gun when they’re older and another 20% are considering it. High school students who play video games daily were 50% more likely to say they plan to own a gun.  Source Link

 
That Whole Grain Stamp may not necessarily mean the food is the most healthy. A study found those products were high in fiber but also generally higher in sugar and calories. The best were foods that follow the American Heart Association guideline that sets the ratio of carbs to fiber at no more than ten-to-one. Source Link

January 23, 2013

You’ll have to wait, but there is a time in your life when you don’t have to watch what you eat. A new study found that there’s no benefit in putting people over age 75 on a restrictive diet to manage their weight to combat heart disease or diabetes. Researchers say if you’ve lived that long, there’s no need to change eating habits. Source Link

If you’re trying to get over a breakup, resist the urge to write about it. A study of recently divorced or separated people found that they had more trouble moving on the more they journaled about it. Researchers say the findings show that indulging your angst only prolongs your suffering. Source Link

Do you prefer to use a combination lock or a key? That could be the choice in the future of personal cyber-security. Passwords are like a combination, but a new option is a small USB key that uses high-tech coding to identify you to online services. Google could be among the first to support the USB security key for use with its Chrome web browser. Source Link

January 22, 2013

In today’s keyboard world, you may curse the old days when you had to use cursive, but some experts say handwriting could be good for your health. Writing by hand uses motor-skills, memory, and more, and it’s good cognitive exercise for baby boomers who want to keep their minds sharp as they age. Source Link

This could be a “berry” good way to better heart health for women. Researchers say young and middle-aged women who eat blueberries and strawberries regularly may help lower their risk of a heart attack later. The benefit comes from the natural antioxidants that create red, blue and purple colors in fruits. Source Link

A new study found that a Facebook comment was more easily remembered than a line from a book or recognizing someone’s face. Researchers say that’s because virtual chatter is very similar to actual chatting in real life, making it something that our mind can process and remember more easily. Source Link

January 21, 2013

On this federal holiday that celebrates the birth of Martin Luther King Junior, President Obama will use one of King’s bibles to take the oath of office for his second term in the White House. Most of the day’s events, including the parade and inaugural balls, are being paid for with private money. Source Link

Parents who want to lessen the risk of a bad reaction from their child’s vaccination should ask the doctor to avoid the arm. A new study found that a vaccination given in the thigh had less chance of causing soreness and swelling that was serious enough to warrant a return visit to the doctor. Source Link

If you’re having a blue Monday, it’s not a surprise to some who say today is the bluest of them all. The combination of winter cold, lingering holiday bills, and wrecked New Year's resolutions makes this the Blue Monday of 2013. Experts say you can fight the blues with exercise or sunlight therapy, but the passing calendar may be the only true remedy.  Source Link

January 18, 2013

Need a reason to skip the fast food drive-thru for your family dinner? A new study found that kids who eat fast food at least three times a week are more likely to have severe allergic reactions and conditions like asthma and hay fever. The results were true for boys and girls regardless of family income. Source Link
 
Now might be a good time to update your Facebook privacy settings as the social network rolls out its new Graph Search feature that lets you look for information across other people’s Facebook pages. It will only show what you decide to share publicly, and you can use your Activity Log from your profile page to see settings for your posts. Source Link


The biggest collection of new wheels on the continent opens this weekend at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit where the public can get an up-close look at the first new Corvette in nine years. Automakers are mixing it up too, showing a diesel version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and dreamers can gawk at the new $235,000 Bentley convertible. Source Link

January 17, 2013

Be careful what tunes you play when you put the pedal to the metal because it could cost you a speeding ticket, or worse. A study that tracked driver listening habits in the car found that heavy metal caused men to go faster and hip-hop made women drivers more aggressive. Experts say music that is noisy, upbeat and increases your heart rate is a deadly mix on the road. Source Link

For seniors, poor vision means more than just difficulty reading the newspaper or watching TV. A study found that nearly half of seniors with eye disease limited their outside activities because of a fear of falling. Researchers say that can lead to social isolation, depression and disability. Source Link

If you want to make the best use of study time, drop the highlighter and pick up the calendar. A new report says highlighting text as you read can be counterproductive because it focuses too much on key phrases. The best strategy is to spread out study time over a period of days and take frequent practice tests. Source Link

January 16, 2013

Video games have been blamed for breeding a generation of out-of-shape kids, but there’s an upside that could help battle childhood obesity. Researchers say active video games that get kids moving are proving to be a valuable tool for at-risk youngsters in elementary school phys-ed classes. Source Link

A new government report says climate change isn’t a future threat but a present concern that’s already affecting how Americans live. The authors say climate change is causing more extreme weather events, wildfires, decreased air quality, and diseases transmitted by insects, and is impacting food and water supplies. Source Link

Does our taste of food depend on the color of the cup or plate that it’s served on? Researchers found that people preferred hot chocolate served in orange or cream-colored plastic cups, but not in white cups. The color factor could be important element for food packaging or serving-up dishes in restaurants. Source Link

January 15, 2013

A high-fiber diet can help prevent some kinds of cancer, but what about as a treatment? A new study found that elements in a high-fiber diet could slow or stop the progression of early-stage prostate cancer. Men in Asian cultures who generally eat a high-fiber diet rarely see prostate cancer tumors progress. Source Link

The move to electronic health records was supposed to bring new efficiencies and big cost savings, but a report says it hasn’t happened that way. In fact, the switch to paperless records has made it easier for doctors and hospitals to bill for more services. Experts say the rush to digitize also yielded systems that don’t easily share information with patients. Source Link


Keeping that smartphone on your desk may not best the best way to work. A new study found that just a three-second distraction like checking a text message can double your odds of making a mistake. It’s called contextual jitter and experts say you should silence those phone alerts when working on critical tasks. Source Link

January 14, 2013

It can be hard for new parents to do, but a new study says tough love is the best approach for a fussy baby who won’t go back to sleep. When mothers tune in to nighttime awakenings or if a baby is in the habit of falling asleep during breast-feeding, they may not learn how to self-soothe, which is critical for regular sleep. Source Link 
 
A new government report could lead to faster web surfing while you’re at the airport or a convention center. The FCC plans to make more wireless spectrum available for improved wi-fi service at public sites where big crowds and lots of smartphones and tablets can make for a telecommunications traffic jam. Source Link

The old “dial-a-prayer” service has been updated to the new millenium so now you can request a prayer by text message. The largest group of Franciscan friars in the United States is offering the free service. Just text the word “prayer” to 30644 and you can send your request from your phone’s keypad. Source Link

January 11, 2013

More Americans are literally shopping for their health care. A new survey found that one out of five people have used walk-in health clinics at superstores or pharmacies. The retail clinics are most popular with those under age 40 for routine care for colds, the flu, minor injuries and blood pressure and cholesterol checks. Source Link

Ever wonder why you get wrinkly fingers or toes after a bath or a swim? Researchers who studied this say it’s the body’s way of giving you a better grip. Just like the tread or a tire, the wrinkled skin makes it easier to keep a grip in wet conditions, and then return to normal to give you the best sensitivity to touch. Source Link

The annual Consumer Electronics Show is a launching pad for more than just new TV’s and computers. Some of this year’s stranger offerings include a training toilet for toddlers with an iPad holder, a wireless sensor to monitor the health of your plants, and a motion-sensing fork with a timer to help you eat more slowly. Source Link

January 10, 2013

It’s official -- 2012 was the hottest year ever in the United States, beating the previous record set in 1998. A final review shows that all 48 states had above-average temperatures and 19 states hit all-time highs last year. Officials say nearly 100 million Americans endured at least 10 days with temperatures over 100 degrees. Source Link

If weight loss is one of your New Year’s resolutions, a new survey found the most popular plan is one that’s free. A Consumer Reports reader survey ranked the free food and exercise tracking web site MyFitnessPal.Com as tops. Weight Watchers got the highest marks among commercial diet plans. Source Link

America’s true wordsmiths have chosen the “Word of the Year” for 2012. It’s “hashtag” -- the combination of a pound sign and a word or words used to classify topics in Twitter posts. The American Dialect Society says hashtag is a word for a written symbol that’s crossed over into general speech, making it worthy of the award. Source Link

January 9, 2013

If you’re in a hurry to get in shape, it’s best to drop those barbells and just pick up the pace. A new study found that when it comes to weight and fat loss, aerobic training is faster and better than resistance training. Experts say fat loss also helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Source Link

Drowsy driving may be more common than we think. A new report says about 4% of drivers report feeling sleepy behind the wheel each month.  Experts say coffee, cool air or loud music won’t help, and the only remedy for feeling tired while driving is to pull over and rest. Source Link

Television makers are hoping that consumers will want even higher definition for their home viewing. The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is featuring new “4K” TV’s with ultra-high definition in sizes that fit the typical living room. But some say those extra pixels won’t matter much in smaller screen sizes. Source Link

January 8, 2013

Talking to your baby before it’s born could help their language skills. A new study found that babies just a day old could recognize their mother’s native language versus a foreign one. Researchers say unborn babies are listening to their mothers talk during the last 10 weeks of pregnancy. Source Link

New research suggests that maybe you shouldn’t sweat those few extra pounds you’re carrying. People who were just slightly overweight tended to live longer than those who are either normal weight or very obese. The researchers did not look at the quality of the longer lives and whether people were in good health. Source Link

Drivers know that green is for “go” and red is for “stop,” so why not orange for “time to buy a new tire”? That’s the idea behind the concept for a new tire design that would include an orange-colored layer beneath the tread. When the tire wears down to show the color orange, it’s time for a new one. Source Link

January 7, 2013

Women who are overweight or obese should gain less weight during pregnancy than moms-to-be of normal weight. The group that represents America's obstetricians says if overweight and obese women gain too much weight, they could be at increased risk of gestational diabetes or having a C-section. Source Link

Want to know which places are “senior-friendly?” There's an app for that. Age-CAP uses GPS to locate restaurants, shops, and even transit stops that can be rated for service, ease of access or safety concerns. The user base is a big one, as it's estimated that up to 70% of seniors have a smartphone. Source Link


If you’re starting the new year planning to “double down” on completing your “bucket list” because “you only live once,” here’s a “spoiler alert” -- you’re using some of the phrases people love to hate. They’re all on Lake Superior State University’s 2013 list of banished words that also includes overused terms like “trending,” “job creators” and “fiscal cliff.” Source Link

January 4, 2013

The small screen reading revolution has now reached one in three Americans. A new report says one-third of those surveyed own a tablet or e-reader. One in four people say they read an e-book in 2012. That's a 50% increase over the last year, but many of those surveyed didn't know that libraries lend e-books. Source Link

If you're battling a bad cough, don't bother asking your doctor for an antibiotic. A new study found that commonly prescribed antibiotics don't help cure most coughs in adults. Only a few patients benefit from antibiotics and they can be identified with new blood tests for bacterial infections. Source Link

It's something that mom's have often told their kids, and now a study proves that a healthy snack can be just as filling as potato chips. Kids who ate the cheese and vegetables felt as full but consumed 72% fewer calories, and overweight kids saved even more calories by skipping the chips. Source Link

January 3, 2013

What do depression and diabetes have in common? It's possible that both could be treated by the same medication. Researchers have discovered that an active compound in the antidepressant Paxil could prevent some of the vascular complications that come with diabetes. Source Link

Smartphones and tablets were some of the hottest Christmas gifts, setting a new daily record for devices that were activated. A report says new owners switched-on 17 million iOS and Android devices, half of which were tablets, and downloaded over 300 million applications. The numbers broke the old records that were set on Christmas Day 2011. Source Link

If your New Year's resolution involves getting fit, start by finding a stronger workout partner. That's the conclusion of a study showing that competition with a teammate helps people ramp up their exercise. The technique works just as well with a virtual partner like you'll find in an workout DVD or an exercise video game. Source Link

January 2, 2013

It’s a hopeful sign that the tide may be turning in the war on childhood obesity. A new study found that the number of extremely overweight children began to decrease slightly in 2010.  Researchers are hopeful for even better results when new prevention efforts that are underway now begin to appear in future reports. Source Link

The world’s biggest online store is tops in customer satisfaction too. A new survey found that Amazon.Com got the highest marks from customers, followed by L.L. Bean and QVC. Slipping in the customer service ratings were Apple, Dell and J.C. Penney. Source Link

The experts who track the bad guys say 2013 will bring more ways for computer hackers to invade your virtual life. A new report says one of the biggest threats will be wider deployment of so-called ransomware. That’s a computer virus which locks up your PC and then asks for a payment to remove itself, even though the paid ransom rarely leads to freedom for your computer. Source Link