Can
school lunchrooms take a cue from the supermarket to get more kids to
eat healthy? A new study found that simple changes like moving fresh
fruits and vegetables near the cash register increased sales of the
healthy fare, and kids actually ate more fruits and vegetables. Source Link
Volunteering
may be good for the soul and the heart. A study of high school students
who volunteered one hour a week found participants had better readings
for cholesterol, inflammation and body mass index. Researchers say
caring about others helped the young people improve their own health.
Source Link
Some of the nation’s biggest internet providers are starting an effort to cut down on illegal file sharing. The Copyright Alert System will give up to six warnings before action is taken to slow the computer’s connection or force the customer to review educational materials about copyright law. Source Link
February 27, 2013
America’s
pediatricians are advising a “wait and see” approach to treating ear
infections in children under age 2. The new recommendations suggest
close follow-up by a doctor for a few days and waiting to prescribe
antibiotics, and children should not be on long-term antibiotic
treatment to prevent recurring ear infections. Source Link
Music sales that were devastated with the dawn of digital file sharing over a dozen years ago may be poised for a turnaround. New figures show that worldwide music sales inched up last year for the first time since 1999. The majority of music sold in America now is digital downloads rather than CDs. Source Link
It’s your chance to be among the first to wear Google Glass. The initial shipment of the $1,500 head-mounted video display and camera will be sold to those who win a contest. You can enter by posting a message on Twitter or Google Plus saying what you’d do with it, and include the hashtag “if I had glass.” Source Link
Music sales that were devastated with the dawn of digital file sharing over a dozen years ago may be poised for a turnaround. New figures show that worldwide music sales inched up last year for the first time since 1999. The majority of music sold in America now is digital downloads rather than CDs. Source Link
It’s your chance to be among the first to wear Google Glass. The initial shipment of the $1,500 head-mounted video display and camera will be sold to those who win a contest. You can enter by posting a message on Twitter or Google Plus saying what you’d do with it, and include the hashtag “if I had glass.” Source Link
February 26, 2013
You
may want to think twice about giving your kids all the details of your
experiences with alcohol, tobacco or drugs. Experts say open
communication about the topic is good, but a new study found that
parents who confessed to their own youthful bad habits were more likely
to have children who experimented with drugs. Source Link
A national doctors group representing over two dozen medical societies has published a list of nearly 100 procedures that are often unnecessary and could even be harmful. It’s part of a project called “Choosing Wisely.” The list includes everything from annual pap tests for women between 30 and 65 years old to routine CT scans for kids with minor head injuries. Source Link
Soon it’ll be more than just regular TV viewing that makes up the Nielsen ratings. The survey firm says it will start to count those who watch on game consoles, iPads, and streaming services like Netflix and Amazon to calculate total program viewership. The change is expected to be in place for the start of the fall television season. Source Link
A national doctors group representing over two dozen medical societies has published a list of nearly 100 procedures that are often unnecessary and could even be harmful. It’s part of a project called “Choosing Wisely.” The list includes everything from annual pap tests for women between 30 and 65 years old to routine CT scans for kids with minor head injuries. Source Link
Soon it’ll be more than just regular TV viewing that makes up the Nielsen ratings. The survey firm says it will start to count those who watch on game consoles, iPads, and streaming services like Netflix and Amazon to calculate total program viewership. The change is expected to be in place for the start of the fall television season. Source Link
February 25, 2013
The
nation’s epidemic of diabetes now touches nearly one in three people. A
new survey found that over 30% of Americans say they have been
diagnosed with diabetes or have a family member who suffers from it. The
estimate of 29 million victims may be low, as nearly four out of five
say they are not well aware of the symptoms and risks of diabetes. Source Link
Consumption is down a bit, but America is still a fast food nation. A new survey shows that the average American gets about 11% of their calories from fast food. Those under 40 eat even more from the drive-thru, and young black adults are fast food’s favorite customers with an average of one out of five meals. Source Link
We can’t seem to part with our old cell phones. A new survey says Americans are holding onto $34 billion worth of used phones in desks and junk drawers nationwide, and iPhone users are the worst offenders. The old phone hoarding is one reason why used phones can still cost up to $200 on the resale market. Source Link
Consumption is down a bit, but America is still a fast food nation. A new survey shows that the average American gets about 11% of their calories from fast food. Those under 40 eat even more from the drive-thru, and young black adults are fast food’s favorite customers with an average of one out of five meals. Source Link
We can’t seem to part with our old cell phones. A new survey says Americans are holding onto $34 billion worth of used phones in desks and junk drawers nationwide, and iPhone users are the worst offenders. The old phone hoarding is one reason why used phones can still cost up to $200 on the resale market. Source Link
February 22, 2013
Pregnant
women would do well to watch their caffeine intake from coffee, sodas,
and even chocolate. A study found that women with higher daily amounts
of caffeine had longer pregnancies and babies who weighed less. The
current recommendation is no more than 16 ounces of coffee a day. Source Link
If you’re planning to sign-up your child for piano lessons, a new study says the sooner the better. Researchers found that musical training can result in long-term changes to children's brain structure and motor skills to help boost brain connections that are vital for improvements later on, but only if the lessons begin between 6 and 8 years old. Source Link
America is going mobile in a big way when it comes to getting information on the web. A new report says now that more than half of all cell phones are smartphones, consumers are using them for more searches, and that’s pitting Facebook against Google to be the go-to source, while photo sites like Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram are growing fast. Source Link
If you’re planning to sign-up your child for piano lessons, a new study says the sooner the better. Researchers found that musical training can result in long-term changes to children's brain structure and motor skills to help boost brain connections that are vital for improvements later on, but only if the lessons begin between 6 and 8 years old. Source Link
America is going mobile in a big way when it comes to getting information on the web. A new report says now that more than half of all cell phones are smartphones, consumers are using them for more searches, and that’s pitting Facebook against Google to be the go-to source, while photo sites like Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram are growing fast. Source Link
February 21, 2013
Just
letting kids play can give you happier children. A new study found that
hovering mothers who try to tell their young children how to play with
their toys can turn kids off. The happiest children had the least amount
of interference from mothers who were gently encouraging. Source Link
The bionic eye is within sight now that regulators have approved a new device that can help the blind see again. It uses an eye implant linked to special glasses to allow limited vision for some forms of blindness. Subjects with retinitis pigmentosa could see objects, and some could even read newspaper headlines. Source Link
What places in America have a serious case of happy tweet? Researchers looked at words in Twitter messages that were rated on a happiness scale and found the most joyous state was Hawaii and the happiest city was Napa, California. On the other end, people in Louisiana had the blues and Beaumont, Texas was in dire need of more “LOL’s”. Source Link
The bionic eye is within sight now that regulators have approved a new device that can help the blind see again. It uses an eye implant linked to special glasses to allow limited vision for some forms of blindness. Subjects with retinitis pigmentosa could see objects, and some could even read newspaper headlines. Source Link
What places in America have a serious case of happy tweet? Researchers looked at words in Twitter messages that were rated on a happiness scale and found the most joyous state was Hawaii and the happiest city was Napa, California. On the other end, people in Louisiana had the blues and Beaumont, Texas was in dire need of more “LOL’s”. Source Link
February 20, 2013
If
you think America’s youth are the ones most addicted to their
smartphones, think again. A new survey found that Baby Boomers are most
likely to check their phones during a meal. And most people say they’ve
become less patient as a result of smartphone usage. One-in-three say
they’ll wait only 8 seconds for a website to load on their phone. Source Link
It sounds like bad news, whether or not you like snow in winter. Climate experts say we should expect less snow overall, but more blizzards in years to come. One theory is that climate change is raising temperatures closer to the freezing mark where storms can hold more moisture to bring bigger blasts of snow. Source Link
Making better choices for TV viewing for kids can lead to better behavior. A new study found that parents reported less aggression in their young children who watched less programming with action and violence. Researchers say the debate over kid’s TV viewing could be more about changing the channel than turning it off completely. Source Link
It sounds like bad news, whether or not you like snow in winter. Climate experts say we should expect less snow overall, but more blizzards in years to come. One theory is that climate change is raising temperatures closer to the freezing mark where storms can hold more moisture to bring bigger blasts of snow. Source Link
Making better choices for TV viewing for kids can lead to better behavior. A new study found that parents reported less aggression in their young children who watched less programming with action and violence. Researchers say the debate over kid’s TV viewing could be more about changing the channel than turning it off completely. Source Link
February 19, 2013
Are
you starving for a good night’s sleep? A study found that people with a
well-rounded diet had the best sleep. Long sleepers consumed less
chocolate and tea, saturated fats, fatty meats and eggs. Short sleep is
associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Source Link
The right kind of praise for young children can build self-esteem that helps them tackle new challenges. Researchers say kids with parents who praised specific actions rather than general validations were more likely later to work hard, confront challenges and learn how to deal with failure. Source Link
So who are all the people tweeting, pinning and shooting to share on the Internet? A new survey found that the average Twitter user is under 30 and a city-dweller. Women make up four out of five users on Pinterest, and African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely to share photos on Instagram. Source Link
The right kind of praise for young children can build self-esteem that helps them tackle new challenges. Researchers say kids with parents who praised specific actions rather than general validations were more likely later to work hard, confront challenges and learn how to deal with failure. Source Link
So who are all the people tweeting, pinning and shooting to share on the Internet? A new survey found that the average Twitter user is under 30 and a city-dweller. Women make up four out of five users on Pinterest, and African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely to share photos on Instagram. Source Link
February 18, 2013
Who needs the gym when everyday life can be your exercise space? Health experts say an active lifestyle can be as effective as structured exercise in preventing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and risk factors associated with heart disease and type 2 diabetes. More walking can help many reach the suggested 30 minutes a day of exercise. Source Link
A majority of Americans believes that the downturn of the Great Recession signals a permanent economic change for the nation. A new survey found that one in four people believe the economy will never recover to levels before the financial meltdown five years ago. Three out of four people say they lost a job or had a friend or loved one left unemployed. Source Link
Facebook is turning to one of the best names in animation to re-invent the emoticon. A veteran of Pixar is working with the social network to design a new set of face drawings to better express a wide range of emotions, including gratitude, relief, awe, and guilt. No word on when the new emoticons may appear on a smartphone near you. Source Link
A majority of Americans believes that the downturn of the Great Recession signals a permanent economic change for the nation. A new survey found that one in four people believe the economy will never recover to levels before the financial meltdown five years ago. Three out of four people say they lost a job or had a friend or loved one left unemployed. Source Link
Facebook is turning to one of the best names in animation to re-invent the emoticon. A veteran of Pixar is working with the social network to design a new set of face drawings to better express a wide range of emotions, including gratitude, relief, awe, and guilt. No word on when the new emoticons may appear on a smartphone near you. Source Link
February 15, 2013
This
year, more tax refund checks will be heading to the bank instead of the
mall. A survey found that 47% of people will put refund money into a
savings account and 44% will use it to pay off debt. Only 15% say they
plan to spend their tax refund on discretionary items. Source Link
Deep-fried cuisine is being blamed for the health woes of the nation’s “stroke belt.” Researchers say diets that are heavy in fried and salty foods could be the most dangerous in terms of stroke risk. Deep-fried chicken and other scrumptious Southern fare are popular in areas with some of the highest incidence of stroke. Source Link
Apple may be eyeing another place on your person to put a new must-have gadget. Rumors are flying about an “iWatch” that would sync with your iPhone to bring favorite features to a flexible screen worn on your wrist. Connected watches aren’t a new idea, but the marriage of smartphone and smart watch is a different approach. Source Link
Deep-fried cuisine is being blamed for the health woes of the nation’s “stroke belt.” Researchers say diets that are heavy in fried and salty foods could be the most dangerous in terms of stroke risk. Deep-fried chicken and other scrumptious Southern fare are popular in areas with some of the highest incidence of stroke. Source Link
Apple may be eyeing another place on your person to put a new must-have gadget. Rumors are flying about an “iWatch” that would sync with your iPhone to bring favorite features to a flexible screen worn on your wrist. Connected watches aren’t a new idea, but the marriage of smartphone and smart watch is a different approach. Source Link
February 14, 2013
Love is in the air on Valentine’s Day, and ladies are leading the way in romantic gifting, at least on the Internet. Google says searches for "gifts for boyfriend" outpaced "gifts for girlfriend" by over 240% in the last 30 days. Meanwhile, searches for "how to propose" jumped up by 66 percent in the last month. Source Link
There’s a new health risk for people whose stress level is stuck on “high” -- experts say you have a better chance of developing type 2 diabetes. The link between stress and diabetes was found even after adjusting for age, physical inactivity, weight, and health issues such as high blood pressure. Source Link
E-reading is easier on older eyes. That’s the finding from a new study showing that senior citizens find tablet computers with backlit screens like the iPad, Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 easier to read. But traditional e-readers without illuminated screens led to slower reading habits. Source Link
There’s a new health risk for people whose stress level is stuck on “high” -- experts say you have a better chance of developing type 2 diabetes. The link between stress and diabetes was found even after adjusting for age, physical inactivity, weight, and health issues such as high blood pressure. Source Link
E-reading is easier on older eyes. That’s the finding from a new study showing that senior citizens find tablet computers with backlit screens like the iPad, Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 easier to read. But traditional e-readers without illuminated screens led to slower reading habits. Source Link
February 13, 2013
For
more Americans, reaching the web means first reaching for a phone or a
tablet. A new survey shows one-in-three people are bypassing their PC to
go online from a mobile device. One out of four smartphone owners say
their use their laptop or desktop computer less in favor of their phone
when browsing the web or Facebook. Source Link
Here’s a tip to keep you healthy after a hospital stay -- don’t wait until you’re heading out the door to learn what you need to do to continue the healing at home. Experts say patients should be briefed on the next steps throughout their hospitalization, because instructions just prior to discharge often are forgotten in the rush to leave. Source Link
Thinking happy thoughts can make the rest of your brain work easier as you age. A study found that being in a good mood improves decision-making skills and working memory among older adults. Researchers say it’s a simple way to overcome some of the mental declines that are a natural part of aging. Source Link
Here’s a tip to keep you healthy after a hospital stay -- don’t wait until you’re heading out the door to learn what you need to do to continue the healing at home. Experts say patients should be briefed on the next steps throughout their hospitalization, because instructions just prior to discharge often are forgotten in the rush to leave. Source Link
Thinking happy thoughts can make the rest of your brain work easier as you age. A study found that being in a good mood improves decision-making skills and working memory among older adults. Researchers say it’s a simple way to overcome some of the mental declines that are a natural part of aging. Source Link
February 12, 2013
A
smartphone could become a remote weather station to help improve storm
forecasts. Researchers have created an app that uses a feature in the
newest smartphones to monitor air pressure readings. The real-time data
could help forecasters pinpoint the movement of weather fronts. Source Link
Besides keeping you alert, that coffee habit could help you fend-off type 2 diabetes. A study found that drinking four cups of coffee a day reduces your risk for type 2 diabetes by 50%. Caffeine and other compounds in coffee can prevent damage to the building blocks of diabetes-preventing proteins. Source Link
The kind of mixer you add to that alcoholic drink could determine how fast you reach the legal limit. A new study found that when diet sodas were mixed with alcohol, subjects had higher blood alcohol levels in breathalyzer tests. Researchers think higher-calorie sodas act much like food and slow down the body's absorption of alcohol. Source Link
Besides keeping you alert, that coffee habit could help you fend-off type 2 diabetes. A study found that drinking four cups of coffee a day reduces your risk for type 2 diabetes by 50%. Caffeine and other compounds in coffee can prevent damage to the building blocks of diabetes-preventing proteins. Source Link
The kind of mixer you add to that alcoholic drink could determine how fast you reach the legal limit. A new study found that when diet sodas were mixed with alcohol, subjects had higher blood alcohol levels in breathalyzer tests. Researchers think higher-calorie sodas act much like food and slow down the body's absorption of alcohol. Source Link
February 11, 2013
Unfriending
someone on Facebook could cost you a face-to-face acquaintance too. A
new study found that nearly half of people who are unfriended by someone
on Facebook say they’d avoid that person in real life. More women than
men said they would shun someone after a Facebook snub. Source Link
Relief will soon be as close as the drug store shelf for 20 million American women who suffer with an overactive bladder. The FDA has approved the first over-the-counter remedy to treat the condition. The medicine is delivered through a skin patch that’s applied every four days. Source Link
Want to play with your dog in the name of science? That’s the idea behind the “Dognition” project that’s recruiting people around the world to take part in simple play experiments with man’s best friend. The research could help answer questions about whether different dog breeds really have different levels of intelligence. Source Link
Relief will soon be as close as the drug store shelf for 20 million American women who suffer with an overactive bladder. The FDA has approved the first over-the-counter remedy to treat the condition. The medicine is delivered through a skin patch that’s applied every four days. Source Link
Want to play with your dog in the name of science? That’s the idea behind the “Dognition” project that’s recruiting people around the world to take part in simple play experiments with man’s best friend. The research could help answer questions about whether different dog breeds really have different levels of intelligence. Source Link
February 8, 2013
The
folks who make greeting cards are just one group that will fight a
Postal Service plan to end regular Saturday mail delivery. The post
office says it can reduce red ink by $2 billion a year by limiting
Saturday delivery to packages only. Congress may still need approve the
change set to begin in August. Source Link
A new study claims there’s no benefit in annual mammograms for older women. Researchers say there was no increase in late-stage breast cancer in women between 66 and 74 years old who had a mammogram every other year. Annual testing increased the risk of false positives and the need for biopsies and other follow-up testing. Source Link
Cats rule -- at least when it comes to America’s favorite buying and selling board game. The newest Monopoly playing piece will be a cat, as chosen in fan voting on Facebook. The cat piece joins the game as the iron token is being retired, also by a vote of Facebook fans. Source Link
A new study claims there’s no benefit in annual mammograms for older women. Researchers say there was no increase in late-stage breast cancer in women between 66 and 74 years old who had a mammogram every other year. Annual testing increased the risk of false positives and the need for biopsies and other follow-up testing. Source Link
Cats rule -- at least when it comes to America’s favorite buying and selling board game. The newest Monopoly playing piece will be a cat, as chosen in fan voting on Facebook. The cat piece joins the game as the iron token is being retired, also by a vote of Facebook fans. Source Link
February 7, 2013
That
“empty nest” time when parents enjoy a home to themselves after raising
their kids is disappearing, according to a new study. Experts say more
young adults are moving back home after college because of a tough job
market, and today’s Baby Boomers are shouldering more responsibilities
to care for elderly parents who are living longer. Source Link
Grabbing a candy bar from a school vending machine may soon be a thing of the past. New proposed government rules would ban the sale of high-salt, high-calorie items on campus, to be replaced by more nutritious fare with less fat and sugar. The rules would not affect food brought from home or bake sales. Source Link
Nearly two out of three people say they take a break from Facebook, sometimes for weeks at a time. A national survey shows that users of the world’s biggest social network can grow tired of the drama and irrelevant trivia found in many Facebook posts. Two-thirds of American adults who use the Internet have a Facebook account. Source Link
Grabbing a candy bar from a school vending machine may soon be a thing of the past. New proposed government rules would ban the sale of high-salt, high-calorie items on campus, to be replaced by more nutritious fare with less fat and sugar. The rules would not affect food brought from home or bake sales. Source Link
Nearly two out of three people say they take a break from Facebook, sometimes for weeks at a time. A national survey shows that users of the world’s biggest social network can grow tired of the drama and irrelevant trivia found in many Facebook posts. Two-thirds of American adults who use the Internet have a Facebook account. Source Link
February 6, 2013
Attention single ladies: if you want to find a man, forget about your hair, your clothes, or even your nails, and first brush-up on your grammar. A survey of single men by Match.com found that the number-two desirable trait in a women is proper grammar. Only good teeth ranked higher than good speaking skills. Source Link
It could be double trouble when you battle a cold or the flu. Experts are warning against using multiple medications with acetaminophen pain relievers such as Tylenol. Using two over-the-counter medicines with acetaminophen could lead to an overdose and possible liver damage. Source Link
Is the iPhone ready for a big brother? The latest rumors about the next generation of the world’s most popular phone claim that Apple may offer a big-screen iPhone Plus along with the current smaller screen model. Analysts say iPhone sales are taking a hit from competitors that offer phones with larger screens. Source Link
It could be double trouble when you battle a cold or the flu. Experts are warning against using multiple medications with acetaminophen pain relievers such as Tylenol. Using two over-the-counter medicines with acetaminophen could lead to an overdose and possible liver damage. Source Link
Is the iPhone ready for a big brother? The latest rumors about the next generation of the world’s most popular phone claim that Apple may offer a big-screen iPhone Plus along with the current smaller screen model. Analysts say iPhone sales are taking a hit from competitors that offer phones with larger screens. Source Link
February 5, 2013
Early
to eat will seem very wise, especially if it helps you to drop down a
size. A new study found that eating lunch as your main meal of the day
promotes weight loss. The findings support research showing that the
timing of meals affects how the body processes food. Source Link
Many of America’s parents are in the dark about a big drug risk for their children. Only one-in-five are very concerned about possible abuse of prescription narcotics. Two-thirds of families have had prescription painkillers in the home, and there are more drug overdose deaths from narcotic pain medicines than from heroin and cocaine combined. Source Link
Americans still love their Labs, but there’s a new favorite breed trying to bulldog it’s way to the top spot. The American Kennel Club says the Labrador retriever remains the most popular dog for the 22nd consecutive year. The number-two breed was the German shepherd, followed by the golden retriever, the beagle, and the bulldog rounding out the top-five. Source Link
Many of America’s parents are in the dark about a big drug risk for their children. Only one-in-five are very concerned about possible abuse of prescription narcotics. Two-thirds of families have had prescription painkillers in the home, and there are more drug overdose deaths from narcotic pain medicines than from heroin and cocaine combined. Source Link
Americans still love their Labs, but there’s a new favorite breed trying to bulldog it’s way to the top spot. The American Kennel Club says the Labrador retriever remains the most popular dog for the 22nd consecutive year. The number-two breed was the German shepherd, followed by the golden retriever, the beagle, and the bulldog rounding out the top-five. Source Link
February 4, 2013
That
next credit card swipe at the checkout could cost you more than you
bargained for. New government rules now allow retailers to add a fee to
your total bill to cover their cost of processing your credit card
transaction. But most major retailers say they won’t pass along the cost
to their customers. Source Link
For kids, screen time before bedtime means less sleep time. A study found that children and teens who spend time watching television, playing video games or using the computer right before bedtime are likely to take longer to fall asleep. Researchers say parents should set a bedtime for devices that’s earlier than when kids go to sleep. Source Link
Talk about your healthy snacks -- popcorn is more that just high in fiber. New research shows that popcorn has higher levels of healthy antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables. Based on fiber, whole grains, and antioxidant levels, experts say popcorn is the king of snack foods. Source Link
For kids, screen time before bedtime means less sleep time. A study found that children and teens who spend time watching television, playing video games or using the computer right before bedtime are likely to take longer to fall asleep. Researchers say parents should set a bedtime for devices that’s earlier than when kids go to sleep. Source Link
Talk about your healthy snacks -- popcorn is more that just high in fiber. New research shows that popcorn has higher levels of healthy antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables. Based on fiber, whole grains, and antioxidant levels, experts say popcorn is the king of snack foods. Source Link
February 1, 2013
Energy
drinks are landing more people in the hospital emergency room,
particularly those over age 40. A new study found that the number of ER
visits by energy drink users has doubled in four years. Experts say the
high doses of caffeine in energy drinks can have unexpected side
effects, especially when mixed with prescription drugs. Source Link
A new study found that women who’ve a hysterectomy and their ovaries removed earlier in life may face an increased risk of memory loss later. Estrogen can help protect against memory loss and researchers said women on longer hormone replacement therapies had slower mental declines. Source Link
Call it a crisis for menu planners ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl, as there will be fewer chicken wings available for those big-game food spreads. Chicken producers blame high feed prices last year for the smaller supply of birds. Pound for pound, wings are the most expensive meat on a chicken. Source Link
A new study found that women who’ve a hysterectomy and their ovaries removed earlier in life may face an increased risk of memory loss later. Estrogen can help protect against memory loss and researchers said women on longer hormone replacement therapies had slower mental declines. Source Link
Call it a crisis for menu planners ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl, as there will be fewer chicken wings available for those big-game food spreads. Chicken producers blame high feed prices last year for the smaller supply of birds. Pound for pound, wings are the most expensive meat on a chicken. Source Link
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