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Experts have some advice if you’re heading to the pool to cool-off this summer -- swim, but don’t swallow. Even a well-maintained pool can have bacteria lurking in the water that could cause gastrointestinal illnesses. The worst spots are kiddie wading pools with warm, shallow water and kids in poor-fitting swim diapers. Source Link
It sounds like advice that Mom would give you, but a new campaign is stressing a good night’s sleep as one of the pillars of better health. Just like good nutrition and exercise, sleep is a key component, and catching up on the weekends won’t help. A typical adult needs at least seven hours a night, and setting a regular bedtime is the first step to getting more shuteye. Source Link
In a world of cars that can drive themselves, who needs things like a steering wheel or a brake pedal? A new high-tech self-driving car from Google does away with those manual controls. The test vehicles could be on the road this year in California, but Google says it has no plans to market its own self-driving car. Source Link
The families of tomorrow may include fewer children but with parents who are better off financially. That’s because birth records show that four times as many women are waiting until their mid-30s to start a family than did a generation ago. The downside is that waiting brings a higher risk of health complications in pregnancy and more infertility issues. Source Link
Do you want to know about baggage fees and special seat charges upfront when you look for the best airfare price? Government regulators think you should. They’re proposing new rules to require such fee disclosures in price listings whether you buy a ticket in-person, on the phone or online, in order to avoid surprises after you’ve purchased that airfare. Source Link
Is it convenience or just a bit too creepy? A new Facebook feature can identify what TV show you’re watching or music you’re listening to by using the microphone on your smartphone. Facebook says the feature is optional and can help users quickly share their viewing or listening preferences with other friends on the social network. Source Link
What does a blue dinosaur have to do with privacy on the Internet? That’s the cartoon mascot in a new program to remind Facebook users to check their privacy settings when posting to the social network. Facebook is reminding users when their posts are going public for all the world to see, and a privacy settings check-up will soon be available for everyone. Source Link
Using an electronic cigarette may help you stop smoking the real thing. A British study found that smokers who used e-cigarettes to kick the habit were 60-percent more successful that those who used nicotine patches or gum. The vapor from an e-cigarette contains nicotine but not tobacco smoke, and researchers say that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Source Link
Keeping the peace with your family could mean a longer life. A study found that people who argue often with spouses and children had up to three times the risk of dying in middle age. It’s believed that higher levels of stress hormones and increased blood pressure from conflicts are factors in raising the risk for early death. Source Link
Can lots of exercise be bad for you? New studies have shown that intense workouts can raise the risk of death in older people with heart disease and may put young people at-risk for heart problems later in life. Experts say moderate exercise programs offer the best health benefits for everyone. Source Link
Picking up a musical instrument could do your brain some good. Researchers say tests showed that just 30 minutes of musical training led to increased blood flow to the left hemisphere of the brain. That part of the brain processes music and language. Source Link
Pregnant women may want to be more mindful about safe driving when they’re behind the wheel. A study found that accident rates jumped for women in their second trimester of pregnancy. Researchers aren’t sure what might cause the increase, but it was seen regardless of age, education level, or season of the year. Source Link
Taking meals in front of the TV is a bad habit for expectant moms that could lead to health problems for their children. A study found that mothers who watch TV at mealtime can raise kids who do the same. Research has shown that youngsters who spend a lot of time in front of the TV, especially during mealtime, are at risk of becoming overweight or obese. Source Link
How can doing the dishes lead to more marital bliss? A study of newlywed couples found that those who have similar expectations for dividing household chores are more likely to have longer-lasting marriages. Experts say it’s important to decide on household tasks during the first years of marriage to establish patterns that will last. Source Link
The lingo of social media is making its way into the dictionary. Merriam-Webster is adding the words “hashtag” “tweep” and “selfie” to its latest Collegiate edition. Other new words getting the official nod are “crowdfunding,” “fracking,” and “turducken” - the combination dish of turkey stuffed with a duck that’s stuffed with a chicken. Source Link
The recipe for better health after a heart attack may include more fiber. A study found that people who survived a first heart attack lived longer if their diet included more fiber from grains and cereals. Researchers say cereal fiber, especially from breakfast foods like oatmeal, had the biggest effect on survival rates. Source Link
The days of fretting over a cellphone that’s been dropped in water may be soon be a thing of the past. A British company is marketing a new technology called Dunkable that coats a phone’s inner components with a super-thin waterproof seal. The first phones using the Dunkable technology will go on sale later this year. Source Link
Taking a daily aspirin isn’t a heart-healthy prescription for everyone. The FDA says studies show no benefit in taking a low-dose aspirin for people who have never had a heart attack or stroke. In fact, a daily aspirin can put healthy people at risk for side effects such as dangerous bleeding in the brain or stomach. Source Link
The nation’s biggest cellphone providers are now supporting a service to allow you to use text messaging to reach a 9-1-1 operator. The availability of texting to 9-1-1 depends on the local safety agency and many have not upgraded yet. Text messaging to 9-1-1 can be useful in an emergency when a caller is unable to speak to an operator. Source Link
Experts are warning that baby gates are not foolproof safety devices for infants and toddlers. Parents should avoid pressure-mounted gates on stairs and use a model that’s bolted to the wall. Thousands of youngsters are injured every year from falling through or climbing on safety gates. Source Link
America’s kids are relying too much on a ride from Mom or Dad instead of stepping up to better health. That’s the conclusion in a report on fitness that says today’s young people don’t walk or bike to the places they go. Only one in four children are getting the recommended 60 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Source Link
If you’re looking for a straight answer from someone, ask them in the morning. A study found that people were more likely to lie or cheat in the afternoon. Experts say our moral compass is more accurate in the morning because the brain is rested after a night’s sleep. Source Link
Don’t waste your money on programs that offer to teach your baby to read. That’s the conclusion from a study that tested the claims of reading programs aimed at children under two years old. Experts say the testing showed that babies cannot gain any reading skills from DVDs, flash cards, or word books. Source Link
Baby
Boomers take note -- just one drink may be one too many when you get
behind the wheel. A simulator study found that even small legal levels
of intoxication can affect the driving skills of people 55 to 70 years
old. Researchers say the findings show that it could be time to reassess
legal blood alcohol levels for all drivers. Source Link
Could
a weekly “movie night” for couples help to cut the divorce rate? A study found that spouses who watched films about relationships and then
discussed the issues together had just half the divorces. Experts say
the “movie and talk” approach may be a good alternative for those who
don’t want to go to counseling. Source Link
If
you’re aiming to lose weight, keep an eye on your eating Monday thru
Friday, and don’t worry so much about the weekend. A new study says
people who successfully lose weight and keep it off are those who
maintain healthy eating habits during the week. Researchers say almost
everyone weighs the most on Sunday evening and the least on Friday
morning. Source Link
Dogs may be hard-wired to hear if you’re happy or sad. New research found that a dog’s brain can tune into the tone of a human voice and emotional sounds, like breaking glass. It’s similar to how humans process sound, and the combination may explain why dogs can distinguish a happy voice from a sad one. Source Link
It’s
no guarantee of happiness, but wedding insurance is becoming a popular
way to take the financial risk out of expensive plans to say “I do.” The
protection can cover the cost of everything from no-show limousines to
meeting halls that shut their doors. There are even policies to protect
against loss from a wedding cancelled by runaway bride or groom. Source Link
Cutting
down the drama in the office could be as easy as dimming the lights. A
study found that bright light intensifies emotional responses, and
dimming the lights had a calming effect on people. Researchers say that
while bright light on a sunny day can make some people feel better, it
can also make people who are already depressed feel worse. Source Link
It
sounds like a recipe for anarchy at the dinner table, but experts say
it’s healthier to let kids serve up their own portions of food. A new
study says young children will learn to recognize when they're full if
they serve themselves instead of being given a plate with food already
on it. Family-style meals give kids a chance to learn about portion size
and food preferences. Source Link
Living
with Man’s Best Friend may be nothing to sneeze at for youngsters.
Researchers say infants who live in homes with a dog are less likely to
develop asthma and allergies. They believe that exposure to pet dander
changes the microbes that live in an infant's gut to reduce immune
system response to common allergens. Source Link
The
cure for stagefright might be getting more excited rather than trying
to calm down. Researchers say test subjects performed better by telling
themselves they were excited rather than trying to talk themselves into
calming down before a speech. The difference is that being excited
focuses on the positive instead of worrying about what could go wrong. Source Link
Young
people seem to have better memories because they’re remembering in HD.
Testing found that young and older people had about the same ability to
store memories, but people in their early 20’s recall images in higher
definition, meaning they can remember details better. Source Link
Playing
a musical instrument can build a child’s brain for the better.
Researchers say musical training improves the ability to process
information from several senses at once and improves connections between
parts of the brain associated with creativity. The findings could help
with development of therapies for people with brain injuries. Source Link
It’s
not just how much you sleep that can affect your weight -- a study
found that having a regular bedtime is also important. Researchers say
consistency in sleeping times can influence body fat. Those who went to
bed and woke around the same time each day and slept about eight hours
had the lowest body fat. Source Link
Listen
up -- a long-term study has found that carrying lots of extra weight
may be hard on your hearing. People with a higher body-mass index or
larger waist size faced a higher risk for hearing problems compared to
those of normal weight. The ear is dependent on an adequate blood supply
and obesity can compromise blood flow by narrowing blood vessels. Source Link
Make
sure your mobile manners are at their best when you’re in a business
meeting. A new survey of business professionals found that the use of a
smartphone in a meeting can be bad news for career advancement. Even
during an informal business lunch, one in five thought it was rude to
have a mobile device out. Source Link
Letting
your thumbs do the talking may not be the best way to stay in touch
with the one you love. A study found that too much texting can
create disconnects in committed relationships. For men, more texting
isn’t better and women don’t want text messages to work out differences
or make decisions, but both like texts that express affection. Source Link
A
happy marriage may depend on the wife being able to calm down after a
heated argument. A new study looked at how couples recovered after a
disagreement and found that a woman’s ability to manage emotions was a
key to long-term happiness. On the other hand, a man who moves too
quickly to problem-solving can be an issue for a wife. Source Link
It
sounds like familiarity breeds better listening, or maybe none at all. A
study involving middle-aged couples found that we’re better able to
pick out the voice of our spouse in a crowd. On the other hand, people
can more easily tune out that familiar voice when trying to hearing
someone else talking. Source Link
Good
dental hygiene may be a hedge against Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers
say the bacteria that causes gum disease has been found in the brains of
Alzheimer’s victims. The oral bacteria which could damage brain tissue
can enter the bloodstream during chewing. About two out of three older
Americans have moderate or severe gum disease. Source Link
In
order to grow their language skills, toddlers need to be part of the
conversation. A new study found that talking directly to young children
helps them process language better and build their vocabulary. Simply
overhearing words does not improve speech processing skills as well as
when talking directly with the child. Source Link
There are new concerns about cancer risks associated with some e-cigarettes. Researchers say some larger models of e-cigarettes get so hot that they can produce carcinogens such as formaldehyde. The FDA is considering new rules to regulate e-cigarettes, which are being touted as a cancer-free alternative to smoking tobacco. Source Link
Having our babies on-board doesn't prevent us from chatting-up our friends. A study found that parents driving with their children in the car are just as likely to use cellphones as other drivers. Two-thirds of the parents said they had used cellphones while driving with their child, and 15 percent said they had texted while driving with their child. Source Link
Does the price of your meal make the food taste better? A study found that people who ate the same item but paid a different price said it tasted better when it was more expensive. But researchers said the higher or lower pricing did not make a difference in how much people ate. Source Link
For two decades, health experts have been advising parents to put babies to sleep on their backs to avoid sudden infant death syndrome. But a new survey found that one-third of parents still aren’t getting the message. SIDS is the number-one cause of death for babies under the age of one. Source Link
Millions of Americans could soon have a new tool to combat their sleep apnea. Regulators have approved the first implant designed to treat the condition in which breathing stops during sleep. The device is implanted like a heart pacemaker and stimulates a nerve to keep breathing at a regular pace. Source Link
America’s pediatricians have a message for parents of toddlers and pre-schoolers -- turn off the TV. A survey found that many young children are watching too much television every day. Children between the ages of two and five should only be watching TV for two hours a day, and TV viewing is not recommended for children under the age of two. Source Link
Your baby’s brain power makes it possible to begin learning well before their first birthday. A study found that infants as young as 9 months old can use pictures to learn about an object and later recognize the real thing. Researchers say babies are capable of learning about the real world indirectly from picture books with realistic images. Source Link
Want to stay healthy? You can start by grabbing the vacuum cleaner. A study found that even routine tasks like housework or pushing a shopping cart can dramatically reduce your risk of becoming disabled. People who spent more than four hours a day doing light physical activity had more than a 30 percent reduction in their risk for developing a disability. Source Link
The world’s biggest Internet store may want to add smartphones to its list of branded products. Photos have surfaced of an Amazon smartphone that could be coming to market. Reports say the phone could include a “Prime Data” package for free or discounted wireless data service. Source Link
If you’re a mom-to-be, don’t forget to bring along dad when you have that baby ultrasound. A survey showed that seeing the first ultrasound images of their unborn babies helps fathers bond with their children. Researchers say viewing the ultrasound reassured the men and also prompted them to think deeply on their roles as fathers. Source Link
You can get the creative juices flowing by putting one foot in front of the other. A study found that creative thinking improves while a person is walking and shortly thereafter. Environment was not a factor because the improvement was seen whether people walked indoors or outdoors. Source Link
It’s a losing battle against the legalise, but you may be surprised about what you agree to in the terms of service for many major websites. A study found that major social media sites often can reuse or resell your pictures, videos and writings without your permission.The typical terms of service agreement has thousands of words written for college-level comprehension. Source Link
The number-one viewing screen for Americans isn’t one that hangs on a wall. A survey found that we’re now spending more time per day looking at our smartphones than watching TV. And about 40-percent of people are using both screens at the same time, usually checking something on the smartphone that’s not related to what we’re watching on television. Source Link
A hearty laugh may be as good as meditation for mellowing the mind. Researchers found that laughing creates the same kind of brain waves that occur during meditation. They say laughter engages the whole brain and offers a good mental workout to help you think more clearly. Source Link
There’s new scientific proof that your pets can actually experience love. Testing found that dogs had a big spike in the brain chemical oxytocin after playing with another animal. Oxytocin is the neurochemical that’s released when humans interact with those they love, such as their children or their partner or their pets. Source Link
First, it was the “Polar Vortex” of winter. Now, get ready for the “Pollen Vortex” of spring. Allergy experts say the cold winter kept trees dormant for longer than usual, which means tree pollen season will overlap with grass pollen and mold seasons. And for those with multiple allergies, that will mean extra misery this year. Source Link
So what will the new, bigger iPhone look like? Pictures that were part of plans sent to accessory makers show the model with a 4.7-inch screen is taller and a bit narrower than the iPhone 5S, and also slightly thinner. No sign yet of exact dimensions for the new 5.5 inch iPhone, which may not go on sale at the same time as the standard model. Source Link
People who are on cholesterol medication may think it’s a prescription for bigger meals. A study found that those who are taking statin drugs today are eating more calories with more fat than a decade ago. Experts say those eating habits can undermine the effectiveness of statins, which have been prescribed to one-in-six American adults. Source Link
When it comes to your smartphone, are you a “mobile addict?” That’s a person who uses apps on their phone at least 60 times a day. A report says one out of five smartphone users qualify as mobile addicts. For people ages 38 to 54 it’s more than one-in-four, although some of that could be sharing a smartphone with other family members. Source Link
They’re already on food labels and coming soon to restaurant menus, but where else should you see calorie counts for food that you purchase? A battle is brewing over requiring places like pizza shops, convenience stores and deli counters to include calorie counts on prepared food. They say it would be too difficult to calculate calories for their variety of offerings. Source Link
It doesn’t take two natural parents to make for a happy child. That’s the conclusion in a study which found that children who lived with a stepparent or a single parent were just as happy as kids in homes with two biological parents. Experts say it's the quality of the relationships in the home that matters and not the family composition. Source Link
