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As
the parenting roles converge, both mothers and fathers are facing more
of the same stresses. A new study found nearly as many working dads now
worry about juggling job and family responsibilities as do working
mothers. But while more fathers want a high-paying job, more mothers
seek a flexible work schedule. Source Link
Too
many moms are in a hurry to switch their infants to solid food. Studies
show four out of ten babies are being given solid food before four to
six months of age. Experts say for some mothers the cost of formula may
be a factor in the premature switch to solid food before babies are able
to handle it. Source Link
Can
your smartphone tell if you’re stressed? A new app claims to do just
that. The Android Remote Sensing App looks at surrounding noise level,
social activity based on texts and calls; changing environmental
conditions, measured through air pressure as well as light level, and
even posture, as measured by the phone's accelerometer. Source Link
A
new report says diabetes is an unknown but real danger for tens of
millions of Americans. The CDC estimates that nine of out ten people at
risk for diabetes don't see the danger signs in themselves. Pre-diabetes
can appear as high blood pressure or abnormal blood sugar levels, but
more people need to be aware of their numbers. Source Link
A
new survey paints a bleak picture for the retirement plans of many
Americans. About one in four say they don't think they'll have the money
to retire comfortably. Just over half reported that they have less that
$25,000 in household savings and investments. A 65-year old man today
can expect to live an average of 20 more years. Source Link
There
are many documented benefits to breastfeeding, but preventing obesity
in kids probably isn't one of them. A study found that breastfeeding
didn't make a difference in a child's weight by age 11. Some had thought
that more breast feeding could help stem the epidemic of childhood
obesity in America. Source Link
Living
heart-healthy might also keep you cancer-free. A new study found that
the same healthy habits that can prevent heart disease could also keep
cancer at-bay. That includes being active, maintaining a healthy weight,
keeping cholesterol and blood sugar under control and not smoking.
Source Link
Brick
and mortar retailers are required to make their stores accessible to
the disabled, but what about online sellers? Advocates for the deaf and
blind are bringing legal action to force major retailers to make their
websites more accessible to virtual shoppers who may not be able to see
or hear. Source Link
Everybody
loves a good scare, and you're getting more of them when you crack open
a book these days. Researchers looked at words in a sample of books
that were published over a decade. They found fewer words that express
emotions like joy and surprise and more words related to fear. Source Link
New
research backs up what most couples already know -- keeping score with
chores isn't the best path to a high-quality marriage. A study found
that it's best to do housework alongside your spouse. And the most
important factor in a quality relationship was fathers spending quality
time with their kids. Source Link
Those
last few meals before surgery might make a difference in the success of
your recovery. Researchers say fat tissue is always traumatized during
major surgery and can influence nearby organs, so switching to a
lower-fat diet just before surgery can reduce the adverse effects and
help speed recovery. Source Link
What
happens in Facebook doesn't necessarily stay in Facebook, regardless of
your privacy settings. Facebook posts and photos are being used as
evidence for police and lawyers in civil cases. Experts warn that
anything posted on Facebook can be used, because a court order can
compel the social network to turn over everything from your profile.
Source Link
Could
your text messages become a permanent electronic paper trail for law
enforcement? There’s a proposal to amend federal statutes and require
cell phone providers to keep a record of every text message that’s sent.
A who’s-who of law enforcement groups is backing the idea as part of an
overhaul of electronic privacy law. Source Link
Dementia at the end of life is more common than many had thought. A new study showed that one out of three people has Alzheimers disease or some form of dementia at the time of death. Dementia can speed someone's decline by interfering with their care for heart disease, cancer or other serious illnesses. Source Link
A tablet computer can entertain people of all ages, but what about their feline friends? Tablet games for cats are a new fad and the maker of Friskies cat food is offering $15,000 to the programmer who can create an iPad app to capture a cat's attention even better than a laser pointer and a white wall. Source Link
The
father-daughter dance isn’t the only way for dads to bond with their
girls. A new study found that girls appreciate doing the same things
with their dads that sons typically do. That includes doing household
projects, working together, taking a road trip, and especially playing
sports together. Source Link
Being
a big winner in life doesn’t mean you’ll triumph in the race for
longevity. Researchers compared winners and losers in U.S. presidential
races and found that those on the losing ticket lived about five years
longer than winners. And baseball Hall of Famers had no lifespan
advantage either over typical big-league players. Source Link
Turns
out it’s easy to see how exercise can benefit more than just your
muscles. Experts say daily vigorous activity can cut your risk of
cataracts and macular degeneration. Any workout that pumps up your
cardio fitness can help to protect your eyesight. Source Link
Maybe you don’t have to hide your computer screen while watching the NCAA basketball tournament. A survey found that three out of four managers believe sports-related activities in the workplace have no impact on employee productivity. And 20% of managers said work activities tied to the tournament were good for employee morale. Source Link
That sloppy spelling in a text message may be more than just auto-correct gone bad -- it could be a medical condition called distextia. Health investigators say in one case, a stroke victim had no symptoms other than sending a garbled text message, but was unable to see the problem with the typing. Testing showed he had suffered a brain attack. Source Link
The
move to the mobile web is all but complete for America’s teenagers. A
recent survey showed three out of four teenagers access the web on
handheld devices. And over one-third of teenagers now have smartphones,
and ownership did not vary by family income. Source Link
This
may explain why listening to someone else’s cell phone calls seems so
annoying. A new study found that overhearing a live two-way conversation
as just one side of a cell phone call was significantly more
distracting. Researchers say the mind appears to be less able to tune
out cell phone conversations compared to two-person exchanges. Source Link
For
many of us, a green package means healthy, regardless of the contents. A
new study found that people tend to think a candy bar with a green
calorie label is healthier than ones with red or white labels, even when
the number of calories is the same. The effect was strongest among
people who place high importance on healthy eating. Source Link
Could
“pay for play” work for cable TV viewing? There’s a report that Verizon
is proposing a new model that would pay program providers a fee only if
its cable customers actually watch the channel. Critics say major
players like ESPN rake in big money in monthly fees for subscribers who
never watch the channel. Source Link
A
new study claims that answering cell phone messages behind the wheel is
twice as dangerous as drunk driving. Researchers tested the distraction
levels of subjects who had been drinking and those who were using a
phone. Hand-free accessories did not improve the results for the cell
phone users. Source Link
The
president of the nation’s OB/GYN’s says for most women robotic surgery
isn’t the first or the second best way to undergo a hysterectomy.
Vaginal hysterectomy or laparoscopic surgery is often just as effective
and costs an average of $2,000 less. Hysterectomy is the second most
common surgery for women. Source Link
The government’s top spy agency is reaching out to the next generation of computer hackers in hopes of putting their talents toward a good cause. The National Security Agency is sponsoring an online high school hacking competition with a “capture the flag”-type game to encourage young people to see computer security as an excellent career choice. Source Link
The next big thing in the world of smartphones is poised to take on the iPhone. Samsung has unveiled its new flagship Galaxy S4 phone that’s lighter and thinner than last year’s model and with a bigger 5-inch screen. The Galaxy S4 includes a new feature that tracks your eye movements to automatically scroll web pages. Source Link
Mosquito season is coming soon, and for some folks that could mean a much bigger battle. Florida officials are preparing for the arrival of gallinippers, a mosquito the size of a quarter that’s strong enough to bite through clothing. The monster pests are expected to hatch if the Sunshine State sees another big rainy season this summer. Source Link
Your
Facebook likes may say more about you that you’d think. A new web site
youarewhatyoulike.com uses scientific analysis of your Facebook likes to
determine traits like openness, stability and whether you’re an
agreeable person. The system was also highly successful in predicting
race, gender, political affiliation and sexual orientation. Source Link
The pop quiz isn’t just an effective tool in the classroom. A study found that older adults who haven't been in school for a while learn just as much from tests as do younger adults. And people of all ages learn more when tested on material. Researchers say employers can use tests to boost learning in the workplace. Source Link
Could
bee venom take the sting out of the scourge of HIV? Researchers have
discovered that bee venom kills the HIV virus without damaging healthy
body cells. Scientists say the compounds in bee venom could be injected
to kill HIV in the bloodstream or used in a topical gel to prevent
transmission of the disease. Source Link
In
the battle of the tablets, Android is about to overtake the iPad.
Analysts say shipments of tablet computers running Google’s Android
system will surpass sales of Apple’s iPad this year. One out of two
tablets now sold is below 8 inches in screen size, and that small tablet
market is dominated by Android-powered models. Source Link
In
the battle to quench your thirst, water is winning over the likes of
Pepsi and Coke. A new survey found that the average American drinks 58
gallons of water a year and 44 gallons of soda. That’s the opposite of
15 years ago when carbonated soft drinks were the number-one beverage.
Source Link
This
could be why those all-night fast food drive-thru windows are so
popular. A study found that lack of sleep can lead you to eat larger
portions of high-calorie foods and increase your long-term risk of
weight gain. Researchers say sleep deprivation increases food intake
regardless of whether a person feels full. Source Link
Imagine
being able to detect cancer with a single breath. New research has
yielded a breathalizer test that can identify compounds which indicate
stomach cancer with up to 95% accuracy. Scientists plan further studies
before making the test available to the general public. Source Link
It’s
cancer prevention that’s good for everyone. New research shows that a
colonoscopy can reduce your risk of late-stage cancer by up to 70%, even
for healthy people. And new rules now require health insurance
providers to fully pay for a colonoscopy when polyps are discovered and
removed during the screening. Source Link
Postpartum
depression is often in the spotlight, but more women are simply anxious
about handling the new addition. A new study found that nearly one in
five new mothers reported acute mental stress surrounding delivery and
the transition to a larger family. Researchers say trouble
breast-feeding can be a source of much anxiety. Source Link
Your
Facebook news feed will soon be sporting more big pictures. It’s part
of a redesign that will feature bigger sizes for photos and new
specialized feeds, much like sections of a traditional newspaper. The
new design will also move bigger ads into the main Facebook feed on web
browsers for laptops and desktops. Source Link
Government
investigators have some simple advice for when you receive a spam text
message -- just delete it. Authorities say you should not respond or
request to stop future messages because both will verify your phone
number and lead to more spam texts. The Federal Trade Commission is
filing suit against dozens of spam text operators. Source Link
It’s
been a concern for some, but a new study says all pregnant women should
be using a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car. Researchers say
nearly ten times more fetal deaths occurred in accidents when mothers
were not belted. Expectant women have worried that a seatbelt across
their stomach could injure an unborn child. Source Link
Money
talks and it can make those extra pounds walk. Participants in a study
lost more weight when offered a $20 reward to drop four pounds a month
-- or pay $20 if they failed to hit the mark. The cash incentives
spurred three times as many people to lose weight than those who had no
financial risk or reward. Source Link
One of the most important parts of the school day may be recess. Researchers found that elementary and middle school students who don't get enough exercise are more likely to fail math and reading tests. Many schools are cutting back on phys-ed classes and recess time to focus more on the “3 Rs.” Source Link
Can
a junk food diet during pregnancy make your child crave high fat and
sugar? In a new study, rats that were fed a junk food diet yielded
offspring that were less sensitive to the brain’s natural cues for food
satisfaction. Researchers say the same results in humans could lead to a
junk food addiction in children. Source Link
Experts
say healthy older women should not bother taking daily calcium and
vitamin D supplements to prevent bone fractures. That’s because the
daily doses seem to be ineffective. The new recommendations do not apply
to those who are known to be vitamin D-deficient or who already have
osteoporosis. Source Link
A
daily glass of wine can be good for your heart, but it can also benefit
your bones if you’re a woman. A new study found that women in their 50s
and 60s who consumed one or two drinks a day had higher bone mineral
density compared with heavy drinkers and people who don't consume
alcohol at all. The bone benefit was not seen in men who were moderate
drinkers. Source Link
If
you’re having trouble getting your pre-schooler to go to sleep at
night, you may want to check what they’re watching on TV just before
bedtime. A new study found that 3-to-5-year-olds can lose sleep over
kid’s shows with too much action or cartoon violence. The best advice is
to switch off the TV and read to them or let children play with toys to
ease into bedtime. Source Link
Don’t
have an hour to devote to exercise each day? No problem, because 30
minutes might do even better. A study found that overweight men who
exercised hard enough to raise a sweat for 30 minutes a day lost more
weight than those who exercised for an hour. Researchers think the
30-minute limit might leave enough energy to be more physically active
the rest of the day. Source Link
Attention
deficit disorder isn’t just kid’s stuff. A new study found that nearly
one-third of those diagnosed with ADHD as youngsters still suffered from
it in their late 20s. And more than half of them had at least one other
mental health issue, such as alcohol abuse, depression, or chronic anxiety. Source Link
It’s
that time of the year when cold season can overlap with allergy time,
and that can lead to confusion about how to treat the coughing and
sneezing. Generally a mild winter can mean an earlier allergy season.
Health experts say people with allergies should begin taking medication
now to avoid a hard hit once pollen counts begin to rise. Source Link
If
you’re a person who can’t unplug from work during a vacation, you’re
not alone. A new survey found that 55% of people say they can’t go a
full week on vacation without checking work emails or voicemails. One in
five say they miss out on some vacation fun in order to get business
done. Source Link
Workplace
wellness programs may not do much to help your company’s bottom line. A
new study found that employer programs to encourage healthy habits
reduced hospital stays by some 40% but increased outpatient medical
costs eliminated overall savings. The study did not look at
benefits like better worker productivity or lower absenteeism. Source Link
A
high fiber diet is good for maintaining a healthy weight and a strong
digestive system, but it’s also a heart-healthy choice because dietary
fiber can help lower cholesterol. Experts say you should aim for 14
grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories, with at least 10 grams of
soluble fiber like oatmeal, beans, peas, rice, bran, barley, citrus
fruits, and apples. Source Link
Imagine
never having to scrape frosty car windows again. That day may be coming
soon, as scientists have developed a new coating for automotive glass
that absorbs and holds moisture before it can turn to frost. When the
windshield warms up, the water evaporates and leaves a clear view.
Source Link
There’s
new evidence that even hands-free devices don’t make a phone call while
driving any safer. A study used MRI scans to track brain activity
during a driving simulation. The most risky move was a left turn against
traffic, when the brain slowed down its visual processing to
concentrate during a hands-free conversation. Source Link
Would
you trade five days of freedom to eat anything for a weekend of
fasting? That’s the idea behind a new diet fad. The Fast Diet lets you
eat whatever you want for five days and then limits you to 300 calories a
day for two days. Experts say there’s little scientific proof that
intermittent fasting can really work. Source Link
You
could call it virtual life insurance -- taking steps to protect your
online resources after you’re gone. That can mean saving copies of photo
files that you post online, or giving someone else permission to access
those sites. Managing your digital afterlife could be something to
include in your will. Source Link
There’s
more evidence that the Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy choice. A
new study showed that those eating a diet rich in olive oil, nuts, fresh
fruits and vegetables, along with red wine, had less heart trouble than
those eating a low-fat diet. But remember to substitute rather than
simply add nuts and olive oil to your diet. Source Link
People
looking to experience a cruise on the Titanic without the tragic ending
will get their chance soon. Construction will begin soon on Titanic 2,
an exact replica of the ship that sank in 1912, offering a cruise
complete with period costumes for the passengers. The reincarnation of
the Titanic is scheduled to launch in 2016. Source Link
Maybe the tooth fairy is invested in the stock market. A new survey found that the dollar value of a lost tooth increased last year at the same pace as the S&P 500 stock index. The average baby tooth was worth $2.42, and that’s the best payoff since before the recession took a bite out of budgets in 2008. Source Link
America’s
parents are in denial about their overweight kids. A new survey found
that only 15% think their child weighs too much, even though studies
show up to one-third of children are overweight or obese. Researchers
say that disconnect with reality could continue into adulthood for
today’s kids. Source Link
Here’s
a good reason to get Grandma on Facebook. A new study found that women
over age 65 who use the world’s most popular social network had improved
mental performance. They also reported better social connections, which
can combat the adverse effects of loneliness. Source Link
If a cross-country road trip with your spouse is too much travelling together, you may not be ready for a new space adventure. Planners want to find a husband and wife who can spend 18 months in close quarters piloting a spacecraft for a fly-by of the planet Mars. The mission would take place in 2018, when Earth and Mars are closest. Source Link
