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A new smartphone app makes it easy to send a digital S-O-S when you need help right away. The Panic Button app for Android sends a text message with your location to up to three emergency contacts when you press the phone’s power button five times. The app was designed to protect activists around the world who face the ever present threat of arrest or attack. Source Link
Botox might be able to turn that frown upside down from the inside. Researchers say the injections that are used to smooth wrinkles can also ease the symptoms of depression. Facial muscles send feedback signals to the brain to reinforce emotions, and treatment with Botox interrupted that cycle and led to improvements in nearly half of test subjects with depression. Source Link
Parents may want to join their teens on the Web before they get behind the wheel for the first time. An online training program for parents and teens with videos showing many driving scenarios helped most participants pass their licensing exam. The program called Teen Driving Plan could be available to the public by the end of the year. Source Link
The youngest sun worshippers who get their fix indoors are at greater risk for skin cancer in mid-life. A study found that people who tanned indoors as teens and young adults were especially vulnerable to the most common form of skin cancer. The FDA has warned that no one under 18 should use indoor tanning, but has not banned it. Source Link
The best defense against dementia might be a lifetime of learning with a mentally stimulating lifestyle including reading, arts and crafts, or playing music and games. Research showed that people with the lowest educational and occupational scores gained the most protection against dementia by including intellectual activities from middle-age onward. Source Link
When it comes to your next smartphone, bigger is better for many people. A global survey found that nearly half of all people plan to buy a smartphone with a five to seven-inch screen. The popularity of big-screen phones is one reason why Apple is said to be adding a large-size model to the iPhone line-up this year. Source Link
Cranking up the A-C might help dial down some readings for diabetics. A study found that cooler indoor temperatures stimulate the growth of healthy brown fat that burns energy in the body. People with more brown fat required less insulin after a meal to bring their blood sugar levels down. Source Link
If you like to punctuate your text messages with cute symbols, you’ll have a lot more to choose from soon. The world agency that manages the list of emojis is adding more than 250 symbols that can be used in text. The next step is for Apple, Google and others to create the actual icons to work with keyboards on their devices. Source Link
She’s been a nurse, a pilot, and even the President, and now Barbie is becoming a business pioneer. The new Entrepreneur Barbie will come complete with tools of the trade, including a doll-sized tablet computer and smartphone. And Entrepreneur Barbie will have her own LinkedIn page to help her stay connected with new and existing business associates. Source Link
The FDA may be ready to approve a new device that could be a pacemaker for your appetite. The Maestro System sends electrical signals to block nerves around the stomach to decrease hunger pangs and make a person feel full. The device would be used by severely obese adults for whom weight-loss surgery isn’t an option. Source Link
When it comes to millennial moms, education seems to be the key to whether they’re married or single. A large study found that most non-college graduates who have children in their 20s are not married. The figures show that most college graduates do not begin to have children until after they are married. Source Link
From plastic bricks to virtual clicks, a new twist on a classic toy lets kids put their physical creations into video games. Lego Fusion lets kids create buildings and cars using real blocks on a special base. The creations are photographed with a smartphone or tablet and then imported as elements in games that can be played on iPhone or Android devices. Source Link
We already know that spending much of the day sitting can increase your chances of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, and now you can add some cancers to that list. Studies found that being sedentary raised the risk of colon cancer by 24-percent. And that risk doubled in cases where the sitting was done in front of a television, probably because TV viewing can also come with unhealthy eating habits. Source Link
College students who think they’re smart enough to multi-task online in class should think again. A study found that even the smartest college students suffer academically when they wander onto the Web during lectures. All students had lower exam scores the more they used the Internet to read the news, send emails and post Facebook updates. Source Link
If it helps to sell cars, why not cell phone service too? T-Mobile is offering a no-obligation one-week test drive of the iPhone 5S on its network. Customers need a credit card to get the loaner iPhone but are not charged if it’s returned after seven days of use. Source Link
More people with federal student loans will soon have a more-affordable payment option. The “Pay As You Go” plan is being expanded to those who took out student loans before 2007. It sets the top payment at 10-percent of discretionary income for 20 years, after which the remaining debt is forgiven. Source Link
Menopausal women who take a “no sweat” attitude may suffer less from hot flashes. A study found that avoiding negative thoughts at the onset of a hot flash can ease its effects. Experts say being mindful to be easier on yourself can make the experience less overwhelming, and give it less power to interfere with daily life. Source Link
It’s an airfare deal that’s out of this world, because just $10 could get you a ride into space. A private company that will begin passenger space flights next year says people who donate $10 to a select group of charities will get a raffle ticket for the chance to win a seat on its new space shuttle. The regular price for the space ride is $100,000. Source Link
If you want to get more out of your next meeting, get rid of the chairs. Researchers found that people who stood during a meeting were more productive and creative than those who sat at a table. Removing chairs and adding whiteboards were inexpensive ways to encourage staff to brainstorm and collaborate. Source Link
Noise can be a health concern, even when you’re not awake. Studies show that your auditory system doesn’t shut off while you’re asleep and loud noises can cause spikes in blood pressure, even if they don’t wake you up. Experts suggest earplugs, noise-canceling earphones, or white noise such as a fan to smooth your way to better sleep. Source Link
Amazon is entering the smartphone arena with its own model. The Fire Phone offers double the memory of a comparably-priced Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy and has a feature that can identify images, products and music to buy from Amazon. The Fire Phone will be available exclusively through ATT beginning July 25th. Source Link
Taming heartburn with an over-the-counter medicine should be part of a morning routine. New studies show that many people with heartburn aren't taking their acid-reducing medicine in the morning, and that makes the drugs less effective. Medicines like Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec need to be taken with food and breakfast is the best time. Source Link
Toddlers and TV are not a good mix, even if the child isn’t watching. A study found that having the television on in the background while you play with your toddler could hinder the child's language development. That’s because parents were paying attention to the TV and doing less talking, which can help children develop language skills. Source Link
Are you ready for the government to regulate how you use Google Maps behind the wheel? Officials want a new federal transportation law to include regulation of built-in automobile navigation aids and apps on smartphones. Such devices can lead to distracted driving, but software makers say proposed regulations would be impractical and impossible to enforce. Source Link
Can fasting help you build a better body? New research shows that not eating for several days can rid the body of old damaged cells and stimulate it to generate new stem cells. That could be a bonus for those with a compromised immune system, such as people who are undergoing chemotherapy. Source Link
It may take a wedding ring for a man to live a healthier life with a woman. That’s the conclusion of a study which found that men who live with a woman, but are not married weren’t as likely to see a doctor regularly and have preventative testing. Researchers think the commitment of marriage encourages wives to push their husbands to take better care of themselves. Source Link
Having your home security system live in the cloud could open your doors to an invasion of privacy. Security camera footage from smart home systems can be subject to search warrants or subpoenas for criminal or civil cases. Providers say they notify customers about requests unless a search warrant is sealed by the court. Source Link
Facebook wants you to fine-tune the ads that you see in your News Feed. A new option will let you review and change your likes and interests that are used to pick ads for you. You’ll also be able to opt-out of features that let Facebook track your other web activity in order to find topics for the ads that you see. Source Link
Can your home to be too clean for your baby’s health? A study showed that infants were much less likely to suffer from allergies when exposed to household bacteria and allergens from pets and insects during their first year. Researchers think children in overly clean houses don’t develop natural defenses to allergens and suffer more because of it. Source Link
If your car is barely a 21st Century model, you’re not alone. A report says the average car on the road today is about 11 years old, and one out of five cars is more than 15 years old. Cars less than five years old make up about one-quarter of all vehicles, and experts say that will rise as more buyers are returning to the new car market. Source Link
How you handle credit could make a big difference in what you pay for car insurance. A study of rates for the top five insurance companies found that a driver could pay up to 65-percent more for coverage if they had a poor credit score or no credit history. Allstate relied the most on credit history, followed by Farmers, Geico, Progressive and State Farm. Source Link
The FDA’s new advice for pregnant women, new moms and young children is to eat more fish, but choose the right kind. New recommendations suggest 2 or 3 servings of seafood per week from species that are lower in mercury. That includes salmon, shrimp, light canned tuna, tilapia, catfish, and cod. Source Link
Here’s a tip for servers hoping for more cash -- look for a table with more gray hair. A survey found that older restaurant customers said they were consistently more generous, but younger patrons were more likely to leave an unexpected big tip. Men were better tippers than women, and only 1-percent of people said they leave no tips. Source Link
Could how a man carries his cell phone determine whether he ever gets to celebrate Father’s Day? Research showed that men who keep their phone in a front pants pocket were more likely to have problems that could lead to male infertility. Research has suggested that electromagnetic radiation emitted by cellphones can harm male fertility. Source Link
“Mister Mom” isn’t a rare sighting anymore as millions of men are staying home these days. A new report says the number of stay-at-home dads has nearly doubled in 25 years. Among dads at home today, four times as many say they are staying home to be the primary caregiver for their children. Source Link
Dads can play a vital role in giving voice to their children. A study found that a father’s education and use of vocabulary when reading picture books to his infant child were related to advanced language skills by age three. This was true regardless of the mother’s education or how she spoke to the children. Source Link
Here’s some advice for parents who want their kids to eat more healthy foods -- skip the hard-sell and just serve it up. A study found that children ate more of a food when they were not encouraged to try it. Experts say parents simply need to choose the foods to serve and then let kids decide. Source Link
Getting the message to kick the habit may be easier when it comes by text. Research showed that smokers trying to quit were twice as likely to succeed when they got text messages providing tips, reminders and advice. More than 75,000 people have enrolled in programs that send up to five text messages a day. Source Link
It could be a new blanket of protection from natural or man-made dangers. An Oklahoma company has unveiled the Bodyguard Blanket made from a high-density plastic that’s used in body armor. The developers say the blanket could protect a child from flying debris in a tornado and is strong enough to stop a bullet. Source Link
The old saying that “a happy wife makes a happy life” might also make for a good night’s sleep for husbands. A study found that married couples are more likely to sleep in sync when a wife is more satisfied with her marriage. While most sleep research is done on individuals, experts say sleep patterns are a shared behaviour between partners. Source Link
An Apple for your wrist is on the way, as reports say the company is gearing-up to manufacture from 3 to 5 million smart watches per month. The long-rumored iWatch would monitor activity and other health functions. No official launch date has been set, but observers expect the iWatch to be unveiled in October. Source Link
When you’re looking for nature’s nutritional powerhouse vegetables, think dark green and leafy. Researchers found that chinese cabbage, chard and beet greens, spinach, leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce and collard greens were tops in vitamin density. You can cook or eat them raw, but don’t boil vegetables because this will drain them of vitamins. Source Link
Skipping breakfast may not be the diet disaster that we thought it was. A new study found that bypassing the first meal of the day didn’t have any effect on people’s efforts to lose weight. Experts have long said that skipping breakfast could contribute to obesity by encouraging overeating later in the day. Source Link
Americans are losing sleep over their four-legged friends. About one-in-ten people report sleep-time trouble with their pets, whether it’s late-night trips to let the dog out or cats that wake them up. Experts think the growing trend of having multiple pets could be to blame for more problems. Source Link
Keeping your kid’s math skills sharp over summer vacation may be as easy as picking up a tablet computer. A division of Amazon is offering a free summer math program that takes about one hour a week and promises a personalized curriculum based on a diagnostic assessment of your child’s math abilities. Source Link
What if someone could insure you against the worst experiences of air travel, like long delays, lost luggage or a missed connection? A new plan called Air Care charges $25 per flight and will pay up to $1,000 for lost or stolen luggage. The policy pays $50 for a two-hour flight delay and $500 if any delay makes you miss a connecting flight. Source Link
If you’re a white bread fan, you may need to watch your waistline more closely. A study found that people who only eat white bread were more likely to become overweight or obese. Researchers think the processed carbohydrates in white bread may be to blame for the weight problems. Source Link
When it comes to the chemistry of coffee, experts say it’s the water you brew as well as the beans you grind that make a perfect cup. Cold tap water is okay if you let in run for a few moments, but bottled or filtered water can be a better choice to avoid a chlorine taste. And never use distilled or softened water when making coffee. Source Link
Can a walk a day help keep disability away? A study found that older adults who walked for 20 minutes a day were more mobile and better able to avoid injuries that can lead to disability and loss of independence. Reduced mobility is a risk factor for illness, disability, hospitalization and death. Source Link
You can expect to see fewer notices in your Facebook news feed about your friend’s music listening habits, photos, or game play. The social network is changing settings to downplay automatic posts that come from third-party apps like Spotify and Instagram. Facebook says it’s answering a call from users to who want to limit news feed posts that are not explicitly shared by friends. Source Link
Are you planning to give your Dad a gift for Father’s Day? A survey found that dads just don’t rate as high as mothers do when it comes to their special day. One in ten say they’ve forgotten the day before, and 20-percent think an email or text message is good enough for Dad on Father’s Day. Source Link
From keeping track of your health to managing devices in your home, your iPhone will soon have some new tricks. Apple says the next version of the iOS operating system will include home automation to manage connected systems and appliances. And a new Healthkit app could work with a rumored iWatch that would offer fitness tracking features. Source Link
There’s more evidence that drinking diet beverages can help you lose weight. A study found that dieters lost 44-percent more weight drinking diet sodas, teas and flavored water as compared dieters who drank plain water. The diet beverage drinkers reported feeling significantly less hungry and had better improvements in cholesterol. Source Link
How could last winter’s “polar vortex” pay-off for summer travel this year? Experts say there are bargains to be found now because of slim business during the worst of winter. Hotel prices are down in places like New York City, California, and Hawaii, which are also among the top vacation destinations for summer travelers. Source Link
Need a reason to be less cynical? It could help you avoid dementia. Believe it or not, a study found that very cynical people were three times more likely to develop dementia than those with a more trusting personality. Researchers think cynicism may cause chemical or structural changes in the brain that could contribute to dementia..Source Link
Like it or not, music has more power to move you when you’re pregnant. A study found that moms-to-be had stronger feelings about hearing pleasant and unpleasant music. Researchers think that higher levels of estrogen may play a part in the stronger impact because the hormone affects the brain's reward system. Source Link
A new app makes finding your misplaced iPhone as easy as child's play. “Marco Polo” listens for you to call out to it and then responds out loud, just like the classic kid's hide-and-seek game. You can customize the voice and change the phrase that triggers the response to help locate the phone. Source Link
Tipping the scales too much is a problem for pets as well as people, but there are ways to keep dogs and cats from becoming overweight. Experts recommend using a measuring cup to serve food and to consider whether your pet gets enough exercise for that daily portion. And make sure that treats are no more than 10 percent of your pet’s diet. Source Link
That midnight raid on the fridge could be the death of us. Scientists think late-night eating and oversleeping can disrupt the body’s natural clock that regulates our metabolism. Disruption of circadian rhythms might play a key role in the development of metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Source Link
First, it was streaming video and free book downloads, and now Amazon’s popular Prime service is getting another media add-on. Reports say Amazon will unveil Prime streaming music that will be included in the $99 a year service. But Amazon Prime music won’t offer every song like other streaming services and will exclude the latest titles. Source Link
When it comes to sunscreen protection, those big SPF numbers don’t always add up. Consumer Reports says less than half of sunscreen products they tested this year live up to their label claims. Spending more didn’t ensure better quality, as some private label brands from Target and Walmart got high marks along with expensive name-brand sunscreens. Source Link
Reducing your waistline can be good for your heart at any age. A six-decade study found that people who lost weight at any age during adulthood saw long-term benefits in cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. This was true even if they regained the weight later. Source Link
Dads who defy some gender-based roles at home may raise daughters who aim higher in life. A study found that fathers who perform household chores are more likely to bring up daughters who break out of the mold of traditionally female jobs. The research found that girls grow up with broader career goals when domestic duties are shared by both parents. Source Link
