August 29, 2014

There could be more than just a new iPhone coming soon from Apple. Reports say the company now plans to unveil a new wearable device alongside the next-generation iPhone 6 on September 9th. The long-rumored iWatch could work with Apple’s new health and fitness apps, as well as programs for controlling home devices. Source Link

A staple of dorm room diets that’s making its way into more menus may be bad news for your heart. A study found that Korean women who ate instant ramen noodles twice a week had a 68-percent higher risk for heart disease, type-2 diabetes and stroke, and that was regardless of whatever else they ate. Source Link

Why is it that kids who exercise regularly often do better in school? A new study suggests that exercise improves the brain from the inside. Researchers say children who are more fit have more white matter in their brains. That’s important for attention and memory and for linking different parts of the brain together. Source Link

August 28, 2014

Smartphone theft could become much less profitable after legislative action in the Golden State. California has passed a law to require that all new phones sold in the state be equipped with a “kill switch” to disable them remotely if lost or stolen. That could set a national standard for phone makers and cut smartphone thefts across the country. Source Link

The makers of e-cigarettes are getting an endorsement of sorts from an unlikely source. The American Heart Association says electronic cigarettes may help people who otherwise can’t stop smoking. But the group is calling for more regulation of e-cigarettes to keep them from being marketed to young people. Source Link

America’s pediatricians are siding with teens who’d like to sleep in later on school days. The doctor organization says later starting times could cut chronic sleep loss that contributes to obesity, diabetes, mood changes and behavior problems. Nearly nine out of ten high school students don’t get the recommended nine hours of sleep. Source Link

August 27, 2014

One of the nation’s top consumer advocates is advising pregnant women to avoid eating any canned tuna. Consumer Reports says the levels of mercury found in tuna prompted the warning, but some experts disagree. Salmon, scallops, shrimp, crab and tilapia are better choices because of lower mercury levels. Source Link

Is a good pair of glasses a key to a longer life? A study found that good vision made it more likely that older people could continue to independently manage their lives. A loss of vision equal to one letter on the eye chart each year increased the risk of death by 16-percent, due to the loss in independent living abilities. Source Link

Limiting screen time for children may improve their face-to-face social skills. Researchers found that kids who were away from screens for five days got much better at reading people’s emotions than those who continued their normal screen-filled lives. Connecting mostly by screen instead of in-person lead to reduced social skills. Source Link

August 26, 2014

Being a good neighbor may be good for your heart. A study found that people over 50 with close community ties were up to 70-percent less likely to have suffered a heart attack. The biggest benefits were seen in people who thought their neighbors were trustworthy, reliable and friendly. Source Link
 
You can expect a retro look when the new iPhone 6 is unveiled next month. Pictures of the new phone show that it’s returned to the the all-aluminum and glass build with rounded edges like the original iPhone. The 4-point-7-inch iPhone is expected to go on sale after an Apple event on September 9th. Source Link

Looking for the perfect college roommate? There’s a Facebook app for that. RoomSync includes a detailed questionnaire for the best match. Schools that use RoomSync say it’s greatly reduced the number of students who ask to switch roommates. Source Link

August 25, 2014

Here’s a good reason to reach for water when your child is thirsty. Research found that soft drinks, fruit juices and sports beverages that are high in acid can do permanent damage to a child’s teeth in a matter of minutes if they are a regular habit. Tooth erosion can lead to a lifetime of compromised dental health. Source Link

Your next health insurance plan at work could come with high out-of-pocket costs and a health savings account. A report says many companies and public sector employers will be offering the so-called consumer-directed health plans next year to save on premiums and make people more careful about how they use health care. Source Link 

Plenty of things can bring people together on specialized online dating sites, including a love of pets. Sites like PetsDating.com and YouMustLoveDogsDating.com are connecting dog owners to potential mates who share a love of four-legged friends. Members say they can screen out dates who might not appreciate their love of pets. Source Link

August 22, 2014

A newborn baby could come with a price tag that reads a quarter-million dollars. A government report says it now costs the average family about $250,000 to raise a child to age 18. Housing and child care are the biggest expenses. Even when adjusted for inflation, that tab is 50-percent higher than what it was for children born in 1960. Source Link 

Whatever the workplace, the motto should be, “let the sunshine in.” A study found that exposure natural light during the work day can help employees improve their quality of life. Workers with more exposure to natural light especially during the morning slept longer and better at night, and got more exercise than those who only worked under artificial light. Source Link

Is the best time to quit smoking when you leave the hospital? A study found more success when patients were given free quit-smoking drugs upon discharge. The effort also included follow-up phone calls to encourage smokers to kick the habit and help them manage their medications. Source Link

August 21, 2014

More isn’t always better when it comes to exercise after a heart attack, and a new study puts a number on just how far you should go. Researchers say that running more than 4 miles a day or walking more than 7 miles a day led to an increased risk of death after a heart attack. But exercise is still recommended for cardiac rehabilitation. Source Link

The FDA has approved the first at-home test for colon cancer. The test that requires a doctor’s prescription uses a stool sample to detect the presence of blood and DNA mutations that may indicate cancerous and precancerous growths in the colon. Experts say it could replace colonoscopy for those who have no symptoms of colorectal disease. Source Link

Tired of having calls to your kid’s cell phone always going to voicemail? A mother has created a new Android app that shuts down a phone until the child calls back. “Ignore No More” allows parents lock their kids’ phones from a separate device, forcing them to call a list of select numbers to regain access to their phone. Source Link

August 20, 2014

Kids who pack a lunch for school can eat healthy and avoid foodborne illness with a few tips. Packing a frozen juice box can keep yogurt, lunchmeat or eggs fresh and then thaw to provide a cold drink by lunchtime. And don’t reuse food packaging or paper bags because they could contaminate fresh food. Source Link

Older women can step away from the risk of breast cancer by walking for about 30 minutes a day. That’s the finding of a study looking at the activity levels of postmenopausal women. Researchers say the women needed to walk for four hours a week to see a decreased risk for invasive breast cancer. Source Link

When you encounter a “hot mess” on the web, should you “throw shade” or just share a link with “ICYMI” for “In Case You Missed It?” Those are all terms that have been officially added to the online edition of the Oxford Dictionary. Other additions include “binge-watch,” “bro-hug,” and “listicle.” Source Link

August 19, 2014

Is the “five-second rule” safe to live by? It depends on where the food lands. Researchers found that a cookie or sticky food dropped on carpeting was unlikely to pick up much bacteria in just five seconds. But dropping the same food on a hard floor or outdoors had a higher risk of bacterial transfer. Source Link

A happy hubby seems to be the key to a long, successful marriage. A study found that long-term unions tend to stay happy if the husband has an agreeable personality and is in good health. Researchers say an agreeable wife was less of a factor in predicting marital harmony. Source Link

A bottle of beer before bed could be a cure for insomnia, but not any brew with a kick in it. A study found that the hops in non-alcoholic beer work with the body’s sleep hormone to help you doze off faster. Regular beer has the same hops, but the alcohol will interfere with natural sleep patterns. Source Link

August 18, 2014

Who’s fault is it that our teenagers are talking on the phone while driving? Often, we're to blame. A study found that up to half of teens talking on cellphones while driving were speaking with their mother or father. Experts say parents need to better role models to prevent distracted driving that is blamed for one-out-of-ten fatal crashes among teens. Source Link

Pregnant women may want to think twice about what they use to wash their hands. New research suggests that exposure to the common antibacterial ingredient triclosan can affect the growth of a fetus. The FDA is is reviewing the safety of triclosan following animal studies that showed the chemical can affect the way hormones function. Source Link

How could a bug bite turn you into a vegetarian? Health experts say victims of a Lone Star tick bite have developed a temporary allergy to eating red meat. The tick was first identified in Texas, but has made its way across the United States and to countries as far away as Japan, Germany and Australia. Source Link

August 15, 2014

This weekend may be one of the best times of the year to buy a car. A look at five years of industry sales data found that prices are lowest in the month of August, with Saturdays and Sundays the best days of the week to buy. The first few days of the month usually bring the best bargains on car prices. Source Link

Eating out usually means eating more. A study showed that people consume an average of about 200 calories more a day than when they cook at home. Those extra calories at the restaurant typically come from more energy-dense foods, larger portions, and more empty calories such as sugar-sweetened beverages. Source Link

What’s the go-to gift for grandma? How about a tablet? A new report says one-in-four Americans over 55 owns a tablet computer. Experts say the tablet computer poses much less of a challenge to operate than a laptop or desktop, and has just as much power and versatility with apps. Source Link

August 14, 2014

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

August 13, 2014

When it comes to kids playing video games, a little bit of fun might make for a better child. Researchers found that kids who played video games for less about an  hour a day were more likely to be happy, helpful and emotionally stable than kids who never grab a controller. Kids with over three hours of video gaming  per day were moody and acted out more often. Source Link

Walking that mixes a fast pace with a leisurely stroll might be a better exercise for people with type 2 diabetes. A study showed improved blood sugar control among people who mixed power walking with slower walking. High-intensity exercise is best, but that can be hard to stick with and also increases the risk of injury. Source Link

So where can you find the fastest free public WiFi? A new report says Starbucks offers the fastest average download speeds among the most popular public providers. If you want fast food with your fast WiFi, McDonald’s also ranked high. Hilton was the fastest public WiFi provider among hotel chains. Source Link

August 12, 2014

It’s role reversal behind the wheel, as kids are calling parents on their bad driving habits. A survey found that 60-percent of teens have asked a parent to stop driving dangerously. Eight out of ten parents admit to speeding or talking on a cell phone, 40-percent text while driving, and 20-percent don’t wear a seat belt. Source Link
 
The debate over the standard test for prostate cancer continues. A study of 162,000 men who had a PSA test found that it does reduce prostate cancer deaths, but 40-percent of cancers detected by screening were over-treated with side-effects such as incontinence and impotence. Researchers say they don’t recommend routine use of PSA test. Source Link

Making a snap judgement is something our brains are hard-wired to do. Scientists found that people could say whether a person looked trustworthy after their face was flashed on-screen for a tiny fraction of a second. Even though the time was too short for conscious processing, a part of the brain can still evaluate an image without us seeing it. Source Link

August 11, 2014

If air travel takes you across multiple time zones, going hungry for a bit might save you from the sleeplessness of jet lag. Research suggests that humans have an internal time clock linked to eating that keeps us awake until we’re fed. Experts say if you skip a meal or two before your long flight, you’ll eat after landing and then be ready for some shuteye. Source Link

That daily low-dose aspirin is proving to be more of a cancer fighter for middle-aged people. A major review of previous studies found that a daily aspirin can cut the risk of bowel, esophageal and stomach cancer by up to 50-percent. But you’ll need to take a daily aspirin for at last 10 years after age 50 to see those benefits. Source Link

There are there are some simple steps that can protect your passwords and safeguard your online life. Experts suggest that you use a free password manager program and look for multiple uses or passwords that are too simple. Search your email and delete any that may have a password or login, and use two-step authentication for financial websites. Source Link

August 8, 2014

If you’re holding out for a new iPhone, your day of salvation is on the calendar. Apple is planning an announcement on September 9th that’s expected to be the unveiling of the iPhone 6. Apple is said to be offering two models, but the new super-sized iPhone may not be available until later in the year. Source Link 

Not getting enough sleep might make it hard for you to remember things correctly when you’re awake. Research found that people who were sleep-deprived were more likely to form false memories. Failing to get that solid 8 hours of sleep can impair thinking as well as memory function. Source Link

Believe it or not, scientists have developed a formula for what makes up happy, and looking forward to something plays a big role. Using MRI testing to track brain activity, the findings show that your anticipation is more important than the potential reward. Having high expectations for an activity or event can make for the most happiness. Source Link

August 7, 2014

It’s another reason to head for the seafood section at the grocery store. A study found that people who ate baked or broiled fish at least once a week had larger brain volumes in the regions that are linked with thinking and memory. And it didn’t matter whether or not the fish they ate was high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Source Link

Something that hangs from your car keys could help you decide whether to hand them off after a few drinks. New keychain breathalyzer devices that work with your smartphone let you test whether you’re near the legal limit. But experts warn that the personal testers aren’t as precise as those used by police and drinkers should err on the side of caution. Source Link

How you eat during pregnancy may affect the health of your grandchildren. Scientists found that poor diet among pregnant mice raised the risk of diabetes for their male offspring and their children, too. Researchers think that diet during pregnancy can change settings in male DNA to raise the diabetes risk for future generations. Source Link

August 6, 2014

Has our love affair with the tablet computer turned into just another fling? Sales are dropping for the iPad, the world’s favorite tablet, as smartphones get bigger and people see less need to upgrade a tablet as often as they get a new phone. Apple is hoping to boost iPad sales to businesses as part of a new partnership with IBM. Source Link 

When you’re on your way to better health by quitting smoking, can taking a walk help you kick the habit? A study found that smokers trying to quit who walked regularly had fewer withdrawal symptoms. Researchers say almost any type of extra exercise could help people quit smoking faster. Source Link

There’s new proof that women are lied to more often than men, and it isn’t just the guys who are to blame. A negotiation test showed that men lied to women eight times as much as they fibbed to other men, and even women lie more often to other women. Researchers say a woman’s warmer personality could lead people to think that she’s easier to fool. Source Link

August 5, 2014

Could the lack of a lively step be a sign of dementia to come? Researchers say the combination of slow walking and memory complaints were seen in more people who went on to develop Alzheimer’s disease. A simple early diagnosis is important because the sooner dementia is discovered, the more effective the treatment can be. Source Link

Here’s a tip for better sleep when you wake up in the middle of the night. Experts say you should avoid the urge to check the clock to see what time it is. That time check can set the brain in motion thinking about the day to come, and looking at a bright smartphone screen to see the time can trigger hormones that tell your body to wake up. Source Link

It doesn’t take a long-distance jog to outrun your risk of heart attack. A new study suggests that just five minutes of running per day can make a big impact on health and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The conventional wisdom was that it took 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week to maintain good health. Source Link

August 4, 2014

Don’t just dismiss those teenaged growing pains because they can persist long past adolescence. New research found that knee pain which went untreated could become chronic for some young people. That can set the stage for a less-active life and a better chance of needing knee replacement. Source Link

Young people are opening their wallets to pay for some of that back-to-school gear. A national report says retailers expect Millennials to spend almost one billion dollars of their own money this year on items that include clothing for school. On average, that’s $34 per teen and $22 from each pre-teen. Source Link

This year’s winner in an annual Extreme Eating survey is a burger, fries and milkshake meal with enough calories to equal nearly two days worth of food. The Monster Burger combo from Red Robin clocked-in at 3,540 calories and 69 grams of saturated fat. The Bruleed French Toast at Cheesecake Factory will start your day with 2,780 calories and 93 grams of saturated fat. Source Link

August 1, 2014

Are breast cancer cells afraid of the dark? Researchers say sleeping in a completely dark room boosts the natural hormone melatonin, which can slow the growth of tumors. Tests showed that sleeping with a night light or other light coming into a room reduced the effectiveness of the breast cancer drug tamoxifen. Source Link

If you want to avoid germs and still be sociable, make a fist. A scientific study found that a fist bump spreads far fewer germs than a traditional handshake. Researchers say adopting the fist bump as a greeting could substantially reduce the transmission of infectious diseases between individuals. Source Link

Eating healthy is getting a thumbs-up in America’s school cafeterias. A national survey found that the same number of kids are eating school lunches after new healthy food choices were mandated in 2012. And results showed that kids aren’t throwing away any more food than they were before the changes. Source Link