July 31, 2014

Parents and kids have one thing in common -- both say they worry about how much time the other is spending in front of a screen. A survey found that more children were concerned about it than adults, with one-third of kids saying their parents had a tough time separating themselves from their gadgets. Source Link
 
The swing shift could put diabetes on your life schedule. Studies showed that people who work odd shifts or rotate were at higher risk for type-2 diabetes. Experts say shift work makes poor sleep morei likely, and that may worsen insulin resistance, and shift workers should be monitored for signs of pre-diabetes. Source Link
 
Most of us are members of the “Clean Plate Club” and that can be measured on our waistlines. Surveys show that most adults finish all the food that’s put on their plate at mealtime. Experts say knowing that you're likely to eat almost all of what you serve yourself can help you be more mindful of correct portion size. Source Link

July 30, 2014

Back-to-school spending means more than buying backpacks, pens and paper. It’s estimated that parents spend over $650 a year on school expenses annually. That includes the cost of extracurricular activities like sports teams, clubs and class field trips and making purchases for school fundraisers. Source Link  

Jealousy isn’t just a human trait, because it’s also seen in Man’s Best Friend. Testers found that puppies exhibited signs of jealousy when their owner showed interest in a stuffed dog instead of them. Experts think it’s the same kind of basic jealousy seen in human babies who will cry to get a parent’s attention. Source Link 

It will soon be easier to switch cell carriers and take your old phone with you. A new federal law allows consumers to unlock phones that they own for use with another cell phone carrier. Previously it was up to the cell carrier to allow unlocking when someone wanted to switch service and keep their phone. Source Link 

July 29, 2014

More teenagers are looking for an athletic boost from human growth hormones. A national report says one-in-ten teenagers admit to using performance enhancing substances without a prescription. Experts say teens are taking dangerous risks with their health by using HGH and other supplements that are sold online or in stores. Source Link

That cup of Joe or can of soda may be turning up the heat for some older women. Surveys show that drinking caffeine may worsen the hot flashes and night sweats experienced by women as they go through menopause. But caffeine can boost mood, memory and concentration for younger women before they enter menopause. Source Link

How much time do you spend on Facebook? The company says its average user is on the social network for 40 minutes each day and spends nine hours a day engaging with digital media of all kinds. Facebook is tops on small screens, as 20-percent of all mobile use is time spent browsing those News Feeds. Source Link

July 28, 2014

It’s not every lottery player’s dream to retire after hitting the big jackpot.  A survey found that half of people would keep working after a lottery win, and one-third of them would stay at their current job. Most who would keep working say they’d be bored or lose a sense of purpose without work, and one-quarter say they’d miss their fellow employees. Source Link

Reaching for the Tylenol may not provide relief for lower back pain. A new study found no difference in recovery time for people with lower back pain who used acetaminophen pain relievers versus dummy pills. Acetaminophen, which is a first-line treatment for lower back pain, was also no help in improving sleep. Source Link

Most parents are underestimating the time that their kids spend in front of small screens. Nearly nine out of ten children said they spend at least three hours a day using electronic devices, but only 40-percent of parents set the time that high. Extended screen time can mean more eye strain and possible vision problems. Source Link

July 25, 2014

It’s good news in the battle of the bulge as America’s kids are holding the line on their waistlines. The latest figures show the rate of childhood obesity has held steady at 18-percent for nine years. Experts are crediting healthier school breakfasts and lunches and the removal of soda and candy from schools. Source Link

Grandma and Grandpa are no longer the generation of adults most likely to be living with relatives. About one-in-four adults aged 25 to 34 now live with their parents. Besides economic issues, the rise of Millennials in multigenerational households is linked to the trend of people marrying at at older age. Source Link 

What would you pay for a TV with a screen the size of a picture window? Samsung has put a $120,000 price tag on its new 105-inch 4K TV. That six-figure tab gets you a giant curved display that promises four times the resolution of a standard HDTV and a better field of view. Bargain hunters can find an 105-inch 4K curved TV from LG priced at just $70,000. Source Link 

July 24, 2014

Have you ever wanted to save those gems from your Facebook News Feed for later viewing? Well, now you can. The social network has added a “save for later” feature that lets you bookmark a favorite post, picture or video for later viewing. You can save an item in News Feed by clicking the drop down menu in the post's upper right-hand corner. Source Link

A tasty cure for poor digestion might also help to keep your blood pressure in-check. Studies show that probiotics like those found in yogurt could ease hypertension. The benefits were greatest for people with higher blood pressure levels who ate a product with multiple types of the good bacteria for over two months. Source Link

So who’s more talkative -- men or women? It may depend on the setting. Researchers who followed test subjects say that women were slightly more talkative in social settings like a lunchroom, but much more likely to engage in long conversations in academic settings when in smaller groups. Men did the most talking in large groups. Source Link 

July 23, 2014

When stress sends you to the fridge, it could amount to even more pounds on the scale. A study found that people burned fewer calories when they ate high-fat meals after a stressful day. Researchers say that the combination of stressful eating and a lower metabolism could lead to 11 pounds a weight gain in a year. Source Link 

Would you pay about $10 a month for all the e-books you can read? Amazon is hoping you’ll want its new “Kindle Unlimited” plan that also includes 2,000 audio books. About two out of three Amazon e-book titles are included in the unlimited plan that will compete with other all-you-can-read services like Oyster and Scribd. Source Link

Medical experts are warning parents that an unregulated diet supplement being used by some teens could be deadly. Caffeine powder is used to charge-up workout sessions and control weight gain, but just one teaspoon has the caffeine of 16 cups of coffee. That could be a lethal dose and the FDA is considering regulatory action regarding caffeine powder. Source Link 

July 22, 2014

Could your nose know if you have the early signs of dementia? Studies show that the decreased ability to identify odors is associated with the loss of brain cell function and progression to Alzheimer's disease. An inexpensive simple smell test could spot those who need more extensive screening for dementia. Source Link 

The difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon is making sick kids even sicker. Parents are twice as likely to make a dosage mistake when children’s medicine uses teaspoons and tablespoons for measurement. Doctors can switch to milliliter dosing and most pharmacies will provide oral syringes for accurate measurements. Source Link

You don’t need to feel guilty about using the same password for most of your websites. Microsoft researchers say it’s too hard for most people to manage a slew of complex passwords. They suggest reusing simple passwords on typical websites, and selecting unique passwords for sites where you bank or shop using credit card information. Source Link 

July 21, 2014

Can a simple mind trick make exercise more effective? Researchers say people who thought of exercise as fun were less likely to overeat following a workout. Playing music, watching a video, or doing anything that brings a smile is likely to get you to eat less after your exercise session. Source Link 

Facebook is teaming up with the nation’s TV ratings service to track what shows you’re watching online. This fall, Nielsen will begin using data that Facebook gathers from its users to measure online viewing in its ratings. Facebook says the information will include demographics like age and gender, but not names. Source Link 

Older women may want to think twice about the pain reliever they reach for regularly. A study found an increased risk of heart attack and stroke among postmenopausal women who used naproxen products such as Aleve twice a week. The study did not show any increased risk from using ibuprofen pain relievers. Source Link 

July 18, 2014

Pregnant women can do their babies a favor by exercising. A study found that babies born to women who exercised in late pregnancy had less body fat. Experts think that body fat composition at birth may set the stage for weight issues in childhood and beyond. Source Link

Going hungry before your cholesterol test may not provide a better result. A long-term study found no difference in outcomes if people did or didn’t fast before they had their blood tested. Experts say fasting is inconvenient and might mean a less-accurate reading because people aren’t eating as they normally would. Source Link 

Having a green thumb might help to ease the effects of dementia. A study conducted in care homes found that gardening can promote relaxation, encourage activity and reduce agitation. Gardens could also offer a place for interactions with visitors, helping to stimulate memories for dementia patients. Source Link 

July 17, 2014

What will the family photo albums of tomorrow look like, and will we be able to keep track of all those pictures we’re taking with our smartphones and tablets? A survey of parents found that half of them haven’t done anything to organize and preserve their photos for the future. It’s estimated that Americans will take 880 billion photos this year. Source Link 

There’s more of the good stuff and less of the bad in organic foods. A review of multiple studies found that organically-grown fruits, vegetables and grains have substantially higher levels of cancer-fighting antioxidants and lower levels of pesticides. But researchers say the findings don’t prove that eating organic food leads to better health.  Source Link 

Could your iPad make you itchy? A medical report says the nickel used in making an iPad case can trigger an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the metal that’s also found in jewelry. Apple says an allergic reaction to an iPad is extremely rare. Nickel is also used in some laptop and smartphone cases. Source Link 

July 16, 2014

What can make up for a day of sitting? How about an hour of exercise? Research shows that exercise has a more powerful effect in helping the heart than sitting does in harming it, so one hour of physical exercise could counteract the effects of sitting for six to seven hours a day. Too much sitting has been linked to obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure. Source Link

Delaying motherhood until your 30s might help your odds of becoming a grandmother or even a great grandma. That’s because women who are able to have children after the age of 33 have a greater chance of living longer. Experts say genetic variations that go into making a woman fertile longer may also increase her chances of having an unusually long life. Source Link

The world’s biggest Internet store appears to be serious about launching an airborne delivery service. Amazon has asked the FAA for permission to operate an experimental program with small drone aircraft that would carry packages. The testing would take place in the Seattle area near Amazon headquarters. Source Link

July 15, 2014

Could it be the kind of aromatherapy that really heals? A study showed that skin cells have the ability to breathe and exposure to the scent of sandalwood triggers changes in cell activity that could facilitate wound healing. Researchers think the discovery could have applications for cancer, because some cancer T-cells have these olfactory receptors. Source Link 

Older adults may not have to choose between saving another life and staying healthy. A study found that people over 55 can donate a kidney without increased risk for heart problems and premature death. Older donors and non-donors had similar rates of heart disease, diabetes and death. Source Link

Would you like to enjoy a quiet “tech free” meal at a restaurant today? The Applebee’s chain wants to trademark the phrase “No Tech Tuesdays” that’s been used to promote days when restaurants ask patrons to shut off their smartphones. No word on how that would square with Applebee’s plan to equip all of its locations with tablets for customers to place orders. Source Link 

July 14, 2014

If you’re looking for an exercise that will make you happy right now, you’ll find it right under your nose. A worldwide survey found that cracking a smile was the most effective exercise to quickly increase happiness. Other popular ways to feel good fast were socializing, regular exercise, and taking a nap. Source Link 

The idea that the pain in your back is triggered by the weather may just be in your head. A study found no connection between recorded weather conditions and episodes of lower back pain. Researchers may take a look at how changing weather might affect those who suffer from fibromyalgia or arthritis. Source Link

Introducing your parents or grandparents to a tablet computer could help keep their minds sharp. A study found that older adults who used tablets for 15 hours a week scored better on mental tests that those who watched movies, completed puzzles, or socialized. Researchers say almost any learning effort that demands more brain work can help. Source Link 

July 11, 2014

Obesity is known to run in a family, but don’t just look to your mother or father for clues about your risk. Having an obese older sibling may raise the risk more than fivefold for a younger child, whether or not the parents are obese. Researchers say that’s because children often model their behavior on that of their older siblings. Source Link 

The home phone is becoming an endangered species. The Centers For Disease Control says their recent telephone survey found that 41-percent of American households used only wireless telephone service. The highest concentration of wireless-only households were found in the Midwest and the lowest in the Northeast. Source Link 

July is National Ice Cream Month -- are you doing your part to keep this $10 billion a year industry from melting away? Those annual sales amount to 10 quarts of ice cream for every man, woman and child in the U.S. Ice cream is an old school product; many sellers are family-owned businesses that have been in operation for more than 50 years. Source Link 

July 10, 2014

Kids whose lives are overscheduled may end up as adults who lack the skills to manage their world. A study found that the more time children spent in structured activities, the less they were able to use thinking skills like planning, problem-solving, and making decisions. Kids with more free time were better at so-called executive functions. Source Link 

Could using more screens mean less distraction while multi-tasking? That’s the theory being put to the test by people who move email or social networking off their main computer screen and onto a nearby tablet. Experts say it’s similar to spreading out your paperwork on a real desktop to visually organize multiple tasks. Source Link 

A big night on the town could lead to a big hangover on your belt. A survey found that those who went a binge drinking blitz consumed an average of 6,300 extra calories in 24 hours. About one-quarter of that was from the drinks, and the rest from additional food eaten that night and the following day. Source Link 

July 9, 2014

Removing your left shoe when you get in the car with your baby on-board could prevent a tragedy. Place the shoe next to the baby carrier and you’ll always remember to check the back seat. Nearly 1 in 4 parents of a child younger than 3 admits to forgetting their child in a car, and more than a dozen children have died in the U.S. this year after being left in a hot vehicle. Source Link 

All those online electronic devices in your home that never sleep carry a huge power bill for the world. A new report says $80 billion in energy is wasted annually, or the equivalent of 200 coal-fired power plants. Printers, modems, computers and game consoles can be unplugged when not in use, or attached to power strips that shut down automatically to save electricity. Source Link 

If you don’t like to be alone with your thoughts, you’re not alone. A study found that most participants of all ages didn’t like spending even short periods of time alone in a room with nothing to do but think or daydream. Without training in meditation or thought-control techniques, experts say most people always want to have something to do. Source Link 

July 8, 2014

Women who use drug treatments to help become pregnant might not need to worry about raising their risk of cancer. A large study has found that fertility drugs don’t appear to increase a woman's long-term risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers. Fertility drugs increase levels of hormones that have been associated with women's cancers. Source Link 

Many of America’s Baby Boomers may be unable afford the nursing home care needed as they age. Experts say at more than two-thirds of older men and women are overweight or obese, which leads to more chronic illnesses. But that generation also has fewer children, so there’s less family to provide for long-term care in the future. Source Link
 

Biggest isn’t best in the minds and mouths of America’s burger lovers. A Consumer Reports survey found that McDonald’s finished last among places to buy a fast-food hamburger, while In-And-Out Burger and Five Guys were at the top of the list. The top-rated fast-casual restaurant was Chipotle. Source Link 

July 7, 2014

Diabetics may be able to skip some shots and take a deep breath instead. The FDA has approved the first inhaled medicine for the blood sugar disease. The new treatment option is for patients who require mealtime insulin injections and would work in combination with long-acting insulin for Type 1 diabetes and pills for those with Type 2 diabetes. Source Link 

More of Man’s Best Friends may be unwelcome in your home by your insurance company. It’s not just pit bulls either; a survey of major insurers found that German Shepherds, Great Danes and Huskies are often blacklisted because of the risk of dog bites. Even mixed breeds can lead to cancellation of a home insurance policy. Source Link 

The apps on your smartphone can do more than map your summer vacation. Roadtrip MixTape creates 15-minute Spotify playlists based on the most popular artists in places as you pass through. The iExit app details all services available at every exit on the Interstate Highway system, and Roadtrippers shows you unusual attractions complete with mileage and accommodations. Source Link 

July 3, 2014

Americans love their smartphones more than sweet treats, a stiff drink, or even that cup of morning joe. A new survey found that people would give up chocolate, alcohol, or even coffee before they would part with their smartphone. Nearly half of those surveyed said they could not do without their phone for even one day. Source Link 

With summer sports practices coming soon, experts are recommending a new strategy to keeping young athletes safe from heat stroke. Trainers are being advised to cool the victim first, then transport for medical care. Heat stroke deaths continue to rise every year and are the leading cause of death and disability among high school athletes. Source Link 

The rocket’s red glare with bombs bursting in air isn’t the only summertime threat to your hearing. Fireworks, construction and outdoor concerts bring excessive noise that can lead to permanent hearing damage. Experts say it’s a good idea to keep a pair of earplugs handy in your pocket or purse to protect your hearing whenever noise threatens. Source Link 

July 2, 2014

Letting children use less-powerful fireworks like sparklers and bottle rockets might seem like a safe way to celebrate the Fourth of July. But a new report says those items accounted for more than 40-percent of fireworks injuries last year. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, and that’s hot enough to melt some metals. Source Link

When it comes to dieting, eating fruits and vegetables is not the answer to melting those extra pounds. A review of studies found that eating more fruit and vegetables does not increase the risk of weight gain, but people shouldn't expect these foods to help them slim down. Cutting calories remains the the proven way to lose weight. Source Link

Squeezing into the seat is the pet peeve of frequent flyers. A survey showed that uncomfortable seats with limited leg room was the number-one complaint among air travelers, followed by high ticket prices. Passengers say the biggest improvement in air travel is the availability of streamlined check-in to avoid long lines at the airport counter. Source Link 

July 1, 2014

America’s pediatricians have a prescription for healthier kids -- read to them every day. The doctors want parents to read aloud to their children each day beginning as infants to promote literacy and strengthen family ties. About two out of three children in America fall short of reading skills by the third grade. Source Link

Could too much sitting in front of the TV lead to an early death? Researchers studied people who sat for long periods while driving, using a computer, or watching television. They found that those who watched three hours or more of TV  each day had twice the risk of premature death, but there was no difference for driving or working at a computer. Source Link 

If you love your Android phone, you’ll soon be able to get that experience built-in behind the wheel. Android Auto will let drivers access everything from Google Maps to text messages and music without ever having to take their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel. The system will use a screen built into the dashboard that interfaces with your smartphone. Source Link