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Maybe your weekend shopping plans should include buying that next airline ticket. A new study found that Saturdays and Sundays were some on the best times to book flights for leisure travel. But look for a more out-of-the-way destination, because there were not weekend savings on airfares to popular spots like Orlando or Las Vegas. Source Link
Some parents are striking out when it comes to protecting their young baseball players against pitching injuries. A new study says the rate of serious throwing injuries has grown 16-fold in 30 years. Researchers say parents and kids are to blame for pitching too many games without rest, playing baseball nearly all year long, sometimes pitching on multiple teams. Source Link
The company that brought you the Walkman wants to put a computer on your wrist. The Sony Smart Watch 2 would use Near Field Communication technology and Bluetooth to link to your smartphone to answer calls, use apps, and read texts and emails. Apple, Samsung and Microsoft are also rumored to be working on interactive smart watch models. Source Link
It’s
getting harder to predict the course of Mother Nature’s weather
express. The jet stream that directs weather systems across North
America is bobbing and weaving, leading to more extremes, including
heavy storms and heat waves. One spot in Alaska recorded a record high
in the 90s this month, just two weeks after the thermometer dropped to
15 degrees. Source Link
Being
up-to-date on your immunizations isn’t just kid’s stuff. Health
officials say cases of whooping cough are on the rise because many
adults haven’t had a booster shot every 10 years. Whooping cough spreads
easily most infants who get whooping cough are infected by an older
person with the illness. Source Link
They
say that size matters, but do the dimensions of the screen on your tech
gadget determine the size of your ego too? In a study with smartphones,
tablets, laptops and desktops, participants tested a device and then
were asked to wait in the room for a payment. The bigger the screen, the
less time that people were willing to wait. Source Link
Getting
some extra “z’s” may help you lower your risk of the big “d.” New
research found that catching up on your sleep on weekends may help
protect you from developing diabetes. Sleep-deprived people who had
three nights of extra shut-eye showed an improved ability to maintain
good blood sugar levels. Source Link
Does
going online to find a mate make for a lasting marriage? A new survey
showed that married couples who met online were more likely to be happy
and stay together than those who met the traditional way. One theory is
that people looking online may be more serious about finding a long-term
relationship. Source Link
Anxious
pet owners will soon have a new way to keep an eye on Fido or Kitty
while they’re away from home, and even entertain their four-legged
friends from afar. The makers of the Petcube say the device combines a
WiFi camera with a laser pointer. With it, you can see and talk to a dog
or cat, and use the laser pointer for a bit of entertainment. Source Link
Americans
are anxious to put their tech gadgets to work to help them stay
healthy. A new survey found that one-in-three are interested in using
smartphones or tablets to ask their doctors questions, make appointments
or get medical test results. Health monitoring apps already exist, but
most doctors don’t have systems in place to use such information. Source Link
The
summer cold that has you sniffling and sneezing may actually be an
old-fashioned allergy. While spring and fall are the prime seasons,
allergies are also common in the summer and can even last year-round for
some sufferers. Grass pollens and mold spores are the most common
allergy triggers during the summer. Source Link
Could
your plumbing be to blame for that bad hair day? New research claims
that the copper found in home water pipes can make hair weaker and and
lead to split ends, especially in hair that’s been colored. Proctor and
Gamble is developing a hair dye that would combat the frizzy effects of
copper. Source Link
If
you’re excited about going to work today, you may be in the minority. A
new Gallup Poll found that only 30% of employees say they’re working
with a passion and feel connected to their company. About half admit
they’re just putting in time, and the rest are actively disengaged and
acting out their unhappiness on the job. Source Link
The
occurrence of HPV infections that are a prime cause of cervical cancer
has dropped by half in teenagers since the introduction of the HPV
vaccine in 2006. The sharp decline comes even as 40% of parents surveyed
say they will not vaccinate their child against HPV. Only about
one-third of American teens have received the HPV vaccine. Source Link
Soon
you may be able to skip the “switch-off” before take-off. It looks like
the FAA is ready to lift the ban on using electronic devices at the
beginning and end of airline flights. But the ban on cell phone calls
during the flight is expected to stay in place. Source Link
More
than one-third of American adults and one-in-five children now
officially have a disease. The American Medical Association has declared
obesity to be a disease, rather than a chronic condition or disorder.
The AMA hopes the move will influence policy changes and lead to more
health insurance coverage for obesity treatments. Source Link
A
new study says that reducing the number of unnecessary and high-dose CT
scans given to children could cut their lifetime risk of associated
cancers by up to two-thirds. CT scans that use x-rays to show
cross-sectional images of the body are frequently used in cases of
children’s injuries, and have been identified as a procedure that could
be overused. Source Link
Is
that young computer expert in the family looking for a part-time job?
Microsoft is recruiting people to help find and fix major security holes
in their Windows operating system. The company will pay up to $150,000
and anyone 14 or older can participate in the program, but minors will
need their parent’s permission. Source Link
Using
“hands-free” devices to talk or text while driving does not make you
safer behind the wheel, according to new study. Drivers still had major
distractions when using voice-to-email or voice-to-text systems.
Researchers said test subjects missed seeing traffic hazards while
talking to their phone or in-dashboard devices. Source Link
You
may want to reach for the sanitizer before you reach out to shake
hands. An observational study found that only one in 20 people wash
their hands properly after using the restroom. Many didn’t wash long
enough, one-third didn’t use soap, and 10% didn’t wash their hands at
all. Source Link
Could
a smartphone be a handy tool to detect cancer and diabetes? Soon there
may be an app for that. Scientists have developed a sensor that finds
clues about diabetes and lung cancer from substances in your breath. The
sensor could be attached to a smartphone to allow for easier screening.
Source Link
Helping
others may also help protect yourself against high blood pressure.
Researchers found that older adults who volunteered at least 200 hours a
year decreased their risk of hypertension. Studies have shown that
having good social connections promotes healthy aging. Source Link
For
many, it’s “goodbye laptop” and “hello tablet.” Analysts now predict
that tablet computer sales will surpass laptop sales this year, as
consumers hold off on replacing aging PC’s. With many of the devices
running on Google’s Android system, tablet sales will grow nearly 60%
this year and average prices will drop by about 10%. Source Link
It
doesn’t take much to help heavyweight teens lower their risk of
diabetes. Researchers found that obese teenagers who reduced their
body-mass index by just 8% had improvements in insulin sensitivity. The
teens combined healthy eating habits with increased physical activity
and support from their families. Source Link
Are
you losing sleep over your smartphone or tablet? You could be if you
take that gadget to bed with you, because the bright screen can disrupt
the natural hormone that controls your sleep cycle. Experts suggest that
you dim the screen brightness and hold the device at least a foot from
your face when using it in the dark. Source Link
The
nation’s staggering student loan debt may be the real fiscal cliff. A
survey found that monthly loan payments are preventing half of young
adults from buying a house or a car. One in four say they’ve put off
plans to start a business, and three-fourths are saving less for the
future because of student loan debt. Source Link
Putting
limits on the sale of super-sized sodas could help nearly one in 10
people avoid obesity. Researchers using a national survey found that
both low-income and higher income groups drink the big gulps, and
overweight people would benefit the most from a big soda ban. Source Link
Beating
diabetes can start with a short stroll after each meal. A new study
found that older adults who took a 15-minute walk after breakfast, lunch
and dinner improved their blood sugar levels. The after-dinner walk
was especially important because insulin production decreases, and you
may go to bed with extremely high blood glucose levels, increasing the
chance of diabetes. Source Link
Summer
is the most dangerous time of the year for teen drivers and distracted
driving is often the reason why. Seven of the ten deadliest days for
teen crashes occur in June, July and August. A new campaign is
encouraging young drivers to put on sunglasses, adjust seats, set the
radio or music player, and load GPS information before putting the car
in “drive.” Source Link
The
tablet computer is fast becoming a favorite tech tool for Americans. A
new survey found that one-third of adults now own a tablet, just three
years after the introduction of the iPad. The ownership trend cuts
across gender, ethnic and racial lines, with parents in their 30s and
40s among the biggest adopters. Source Link
Law
enforcement leaders are pushing cell phone makers to add a simple
feature to every device to help end a surge in smartphone thefts.
Officials want manufacturers like Samsung and Apple to add a remote
“kill switch” that could disable a phone after it’s been been reported
stolen. Smartphone thefts account for up to half of all street crimes in
some major cities. Source Link
So
what’s the extra cost of hiring a smoker? A study claims it’s about
$6,000 a year, including $2,000 in extra medical claims and $3,000 in
lost time for smoke breaks. Researchers also took into account the fact
that employers might save on pension costs since smokers typically die
younger. Source Link
If
listening to music isn’t motivating you to exercise more, how about
being chased by zombies? That’s one of several new smartphone fitness
apps to combine exercise goals with a little fun. Another simulates the
running of the bulls in Spain. Experts say something as simple as an app
that counts your steps can prompt better performance. Source Link
Apple
made it easy to own digital music with the iTunes store, and now is
bringing its own brand of streaming radio to iPhones and iPads. iTunes
Radio will be a free, ad-supported music service to rival Pandora and
Spotify. Some think Apple is too late to compete in the streaming music
field, but others say it has an advantage with over 500 million iTunes
users. Source Link
Despite
all the hype, a new study says there’s just one ingredient in energy
booster drinks that will perk you up. Researchers say caffeinated water
got the same results as an energy shot for test subjects. Two cups of
coffee would give you the same amount of caffeine. Source Link
For
all of the concern about America’s growing addiction to the
smartphone, there is a silver lining. A new survey estimates that
smartphone use saves the average person nearly an hour and a half every
day. People said the biggest timesaver app was texting, followed by
email. Source Link
What
would you pay for a little extra vacation time this summer? Some
employers are now offering an option that lets their staff members buy
and sell vacation time among co-workers. The unused time off is sold
into a pool and can be purchased by other workers through payroll
deduction. Source Link
It’s
a hot topic for some family experts, but a new survey found that most
parents are not concerned about their young children’s screen time.
That’s because many younger parents spend large amounts of their own
leisure time with media. The survey found that 40% of these families
have a combined 11 hours of screen time per day using television, smart
phones and tablets. Source Link
Despite
the old saying, it’s more than just practice that makes perfect.
Researchers looked at chess players and musicians and found that natural
ability was the key factor for excellence. They say the the path to
perfection starts by picking something that matches your talents,
combined with lots of practice. Source Link
Thinking
about buying Dad a gift for Father’s Day? You’re in the minority. Only
one-third of those surveyed plan to buy a Father’s Day gift, and few of
them will spend more than $50. Half of the dads who were surveyed said
they’d be happy with a family outing as their gift on Father’s Day.
Source Link
On
your list of the best job perks, maybe you should add “a room with a
view.” A new survey found that those who work in a office with a window
get more and better sleep at night, are more physically active, and have
a higher quality of life. Experts say it’s proof of the positive
physical effects from exposure to daylight. Source Link
What
if pool safety could be a wireless wristband for kids that warns when
the youngster is under water too long? That’s the concept in a new
product called The Seal, which can also be set to send an immediate
alarm if a toddler falls into a pool. The inventor is in the midst of an
online fundraising effort to bring the product to market. Source Link
The
smartphone now rules as the gadget of choice for most Americans. For
the first time, an annual survey shows that a majority of American
adults have a smartphone. One-third are using so-called feature phones,
and only 9% of adults do not own a cell phone at all. Source Link
In
the wake of recent deadly tornado outbreaks, experts are advising
families to make a severe weather preparedness plan with a focus on
safety for children. Make sure that kids know where to go in the home if
a tornado strikes, and consider keeping a safety kit that includes a
sports or bike helmet that a child can wear to protect against head
injuries. Source Link
They
may be an easy choice for summer footwear, but flip-flops can be a real
flop when it comes to protecting your feet. Choose a sturdy pair made
of leather that are long enough to fit properly and only bend at the
ball of your foot. To avoid foot injuries, don’t wear flip-flops for
long distance walking, sports, or doing yard work. Source Link
Sunscreen
could do more than prevent skin cancer -- it may also keep you looking
younger. A new five-year study found that people who used sunscreen
daily had smoother and more resilient skin. But starting a daily
sunscreen regimen in middle age may not reverse the effects of a
lifetime of exposure. Source Link
Two
out of three people say they waste time at work, but how much and
what’s to blame? A new survey found that one-third say they lose a
half-hour a day and one-in-four admit to killing up to an hour daily.
The Internet is the big culprit; checking news sites is the top time
waster, followed by social media and online shopping. Source Link
Mowing
the lawn may seem like a tedious task, but keeping your mind on the job
is important to avoid injury. Distractions are a top cause for
lawnmower accidents. Also remember to skip the sandals or sneakers and
wear sturdy shoes. There are a quarter-million lawnmower accidents
reported each year. Source Link
Government
regulators want to come along for the ride into the world of driverless
cars. New federal guidelines would still prohibit cars that drive
themselves, while encouraging automated features that can maintain a
safe distance in traffic or keep a car in its proper lane. Self-driving
cars are being tested, but there are no plans for any production models.
Source Link
When
something’s on the tip of your tongue, you may be able to coax it out
with a clenched fist. A study found that making a fist and holding it
for a minute or so increases brain activity and could help people
remember a word. Researchers say it’s better for a right-handed person
to clench their right hand first. Source Link
Is
America’s love of the Internet keeping kids in front of a screen
instead of behind the wheel? A new study claims that a drop in driving
is occurring because virtual contact online is replacing the need to be
mobile for face-to-face encounters. Today’s younger people are less
likely to drive or even to have driver’s licenses than previous
generations. Source Link
Not
getting enough shut-eye could mean more than just fatigue. A new study
says that a lack of sleep is the number-one risk factor for stroke in
people who are not overweight. Researchers say getting less than a
minimum of six hours of sleep per night increased the risk of stroke in
middle-aged and older people of normal weight. 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
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
More
moms are bringing home the bacon in a big way. A new report says 40%
of American households with children under 18 are headed by a woman who
is the primary earner. Of those, about 8 million are single moms, and
over 5 million are married women who earn more than their husbands. Source Link
Kidney
stones are a painful health problem for millions of Americans, but an
ounce of prevention -- or 12 for that matter -- could go a long way.
Experts say drinking more fluids, specifically coffee, tea, wine, beer
or orange juice, can help prevent kidney stones. But sugar-sweetened
cola and non-cola soft drinks increase the risk. Source Link
Would
you buy a “made-in-the USA” smartphone? Motorola has announced plans to
assemble its new Moto X smartphone at a plant in Austin, Texas.
Officials don’t expect the first U.S.-built smartphone to cost more
because most of the expense is in components and not the labor to
assemble it. Source Link
The
start of hurricane season and prime time for summer storms could mean
more cell phones ringing with special alerts. This is the first year
that many smartphones are equipped to use the new Wireless Emergency
Alert System. It triggers an alert tone and shows a short text message
on smartphones to warn of weather emergencies where you are. Source Link
It’s
a tough sell to get young women to skip the beach in favor of a sunless
tan from a bottle or spray. A new survey of college women found that
most still put looks over skin safety when it comes to tanning.
Bronzers, tanning creams and lotions are a much safer alternative than
the use of tanning beds or the sun for tanning. Source Link
A
new service could help to end schoolyard bullying one text at a time. A
company that provides technology to about half of the nation’s schools
says it’s rolling out a free service to allow kids to report bullying to
school officials via a confidential text message. The TipTxt service
will be offered to 31,000 school districts. Source Link
