September 30, 2014

The high cost of college may be a matter of unrealistic expectations as well as expensive tuition. About nine out of 10 freshmen think they’ll earn their bachelor’s degrees within the traditional four years, but nearly half aren’t done in six years. Students need to take more classes per term and schools need to make more classes available. Source Link

When does high fat equal better health? A new study found that eating and drinking high-fat dairy products was linked to a lower risk of getting type 2 diabetes. But it’s not a green light for all kinds of high fat foods, because eating a lot of meat and meat products was linked with greater risk. Source Link

Those “senior moments” may not be as innocent as they seem. Experts say people who were aware of having more small memory lapses in their 50s and 60s went on to suffer from dementia later. The best advice is to talk to your doctor if you notice that memory lapses are becoming an issue. Source Link

September 29, 2014

There’s good news for more Baby Boomers who are yearning for an empty nest. Census figures show that Millennials are becoming less likely to live at home and are moving out. But many 18-to 34-year olds are still not financially able to become homeowners, so they’re doubling up with friends or other relatives. Source Link

Switching from sugar to artificial sweeteners can help you shed pounds, but it may also have side-effects that increase the risk of diabetes. New research has found that artificial sweeteners may interact with gut bacteria to raise your blood sugar level. Food makers dispute the findings from the small study. Source Link

Food safety also includes those meals for the four-legged members of the family. Experts say a pet’s food can be contaminated with germs that can make you sick. Avoid touching pet food, wash hands after feeding, and refrigerate unused moist pet food and store it away from human food. Source Link

September 26, 2014

What if that police radar was aiming to catch you texting instead of speeding? A company is developing a new kind of radar gun that can detect the frequencies used by phones to send and receive text messages. Texting while driving is banned in 44 states, but police say it’s difficult to have evidence of the crime that would stand up in court. Source Link

That bright light from your favorite screen could ruin more than your sleep. Steady artificial nighttime light when you're trying to sleep can make it harder to conceive or even affect fetal development if you’re already pregnant. Researchers say it disrupts the hormone melatonin, which protects the egg during ovulation. Source Link

If you’re enjoying a new iPhone 6, you may want to be careful it doesn’t get a severe case of the bends. Some owners of the thinnest iPhone ever are posting videos showing how the aluminum case can easily bend and even crack. Apple hasn’t commented on the issue, and it’s not known if this is a problem for all new iPhones. Source Link

September 25, 2014

Your mother was right -- posture is important and can even affect your outlook on life. Testing that measured blood pressure and heart rate found that people who were standing up straight had better mood, self-esteem and stress levels. People who were slumped felt more fearful, nervous, passive, and sluggish. Source Link

Plenty of vitamin D throughout menopause can protect women from broken bones even before their senior years. Women who maintained high vitamin-D levels by eating dairy and fish during menopause had a more than 40% reduced risk for fracture. Researchers say the results were seen regardless of a woman’s bone density. Source Link

Trying to decide if that email from your bank is real or a scam? Check the greeting. Experts say many fraudulent emails will look like the real thing except they use “Dear Customer” instead of your name in the salutation line. That’s because scammers often have email addresses but not the real names that go with them. Source Link

September 24, 2014

It’s no surprise that the dreams you remember are usually the strangest ones. Researchers have discovered that the longer you sleep, the weirder your dreams are. Early evening dreaming usually involves things you read or saw that day. Later, the brain is blending memories of experiences that can make for some strange combinations. Source Link

America’s obesity rate may be levelling off, but our waistlines continue to expand. A report says the average waist size has grown to just under 39 inches, and women are adding to their belt sizes twice as fast as men. Waistlines larger than 35 inches for women and more than 40 inches for men are considered abdominal obesity and a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes. Source Link
 
Regardless of age, race or political views, there’s one value that parents say they want to instill in their children. A survey found that teaching responsibility is the most important thing that parents can pass along to their child. That was followed by hard work, helping others, good manners, independence, and creativity. Source Link

September 23, 2014

Federal health officials are reminding everyone that getting a flu shot should be a family affair. Too many young and middle-aged adults are skipping the annual vaccination. Everyone over six months of age needs a flu shot, and options this year include a nasal spray for kids and a combination pneumonia vaccine and flu shot for seniors. Source Link

Now hear this -- researchers say eating more fish may reduce a woman's risk for hearing loss. A long-term study found that consuming at least two servings of fish and omega-3s each week could prevent or delay hearing loss. But scientists don’t know exactly why a diet high in fish leads to better hearing. Source Link

Could your body be the source for the world’s best password? A group of scientists has developed a wristband that can use the unique pattern of your heartbeat as an authenticator for security access to a website or service. The wristband is available for pre-order now at a price of $79. Source Link

September 22, 2014

Moms-to-be might want to dial back on the celebrity bump-watching. A study found that pregnant women who track celebrity pregnancies had more issues when it came to their own bodies, and less connection to their own developing baby. The intense interest in pregnant celebrities was seen in women who had less prenatal attachment to their own child. Source Link

Here’s one to share with the boss -- research shows that you can be more productive when you take time at work to deal with your personal to-do list. A study found that people who mixed some errands into the work day reported a better life balance even though they clocked more hours on the job. Source Link

Maybe you didn’t get the new iPhone, but are you ready to upgrade to a new iPad? Industry reports say the next generation of the world’s most popular tablet could be unveiled next month. Just in time for holiday shopping, the new editions of the iPad Air and iPad Mini could be the focus of an Apple event in mid-October. Source Link

September 19, 2014

If you’re buying for kids, here’s some good news for this year’s holiday shopping budget. Industry watchers say you can expect more price wars between big retailers that will save you money on toys. But don’t expect a deal on some of the hottest items, like the LeapTV gaming system and the Snow Glow Elsa Doll from the hit movie “Frozen.”  Source Link

Maybe it’s true when they say, “happy wife, happy life.”  A study found that an older husband who’s unhappy with his marriage is still likely to be happy with his life if his wife gives their marriage high marks. Experts say that’s important because attitudes about the quality of a marriage can affect the health and well-being of older adults. Source Link

That sweet tooth may be the one thing causing you to lose the real ones. A worldwide study points to sugar as the prime culprit for tooth decay. Fruit juices and sodas are a chief source of sugar in American diets, contributing to tooth decay as well as other health problems such as obesity and diabetes. Source Link

September 18, 2014

Hyperactive kids who start their day with exercise will do better at school. A study found that daily before-school, aerobic activities to could help younger children reduce the symptoms of ADHD in the classroom. Experts say it’s another good reason to incorporate physical activity into the school day. Source Link

The Millennial generation isn’t forsaking the pleasures of a book over the attraction of the small screen. A survey found that a higher percentage of today’s young people are readers, as compared to people who are over age 30. But fewer young Americans are fans of the public library. Source Link

Forget Black Friday -- the holiday shopping rush is already on for retailers who want you to buy now and pick up later. Layaway plans with no money-down are growing in popularity and even include online layaways. But experts say you still need to be a good financial planner to manage those payments in order to get your gifts. Source Link

September 17, 2014

A stroll around the office can help you beat the bad effects of sitting on the job all day. Researchers say the key is to take frequent short walks, and just five minutes an hour will do. The decreased blood flow that comes from prolonged sitting has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. Source Link

If you’re the kind of person who posts to Facebook and later regrets it, this could be for you. The social network is testing a feature that allows users to set how long they want posts to show before they disappear.  Users would have a range of self-destruct times, from 1 hour to 7 days. Source Link

In households where e-cigarettes are used, adults need to be sure to keep those supplies out of the hands of children. Doctors warn that nicotine refill cartridges can be opened by young children, putting them at risk for poisoning. There’s been a massive rise in calls to poison centers about accidental swallowing of liquid nicotine, which can be deadly in small amounts. Source Link

September 16, 2014

Want the new iPhone for free? In the battle to get more customers, the top three carriers are offering the iPhone 6 at no cost to those who trade-in an older working phone and sign a two-year contract. That’s a $200 savings over the typical contract cost of the new iPhone, which goes on sale beginning Friday. Source Link

More Americans are clearing the air at home. A survey found that 83-percent of American homes are now smoke-free, compared to just 43-percent two decades ago. Researchers credit a shift in social norms, saying people no longer think it’s acceptable to smoke around non-smokers. Source Link

Making a real break-up easier online takes a few steps in your Facebook feed. If unfriending is too harsh, experts suggest that you unsubscribe from their posts and delete or hide mutual friends. Leave your relationship status blank and consider a password change if your ex had access to your computer or phone.  Source Link

September 15, 2014

Women who suffer from breast cancer and choose a double mastectomy may not be improving their odds of survival. A study found death rates are similar for women who have both breasts removed and those who opt for a lumpectomy. But experts say a double mastectomy can provide more peace of mind for women who worry about breast cancer returning. Source Link

A new free service could help you hang up on those automated political calls. Nomorobo is now tracking phone numbers of those political pitches. The service can intercept a call and compare the number against a list of telemarketers and political robocallers to keep it from ringing through to your phone. Source Link

It's a case of mind over nose. Experts say an asthma attack can be triggered by just thinking an odor is harmful. Asthmatics often are anxious about scents and fragrances, and when you expect that an odor is harmful, the body can react as if that odor is indeed harmful and trigger an asthma attack. Source Link

September 12, 2014

For kids, the worst bullies may be the ones you live with. A new study suggests that siblings who tease, make fun of and physically hurt their brothers and sisters leave the most lasting marks. Youngsters who were bullied by siblings were more than twice as likely to report depression and anxiety as they entered adulthood. Source Link

It’s time for the Apple Watch. The long-awaited smartwatch that needs to be paired with an iPhone can run apps, monitor your heart rate and even offer turn-by-turn directions by vibrating to one side as you move. The Apple Watch will go on sale early next year for price of $349. Source Link

Today’s moms are feeling the stress to make those home-cooked meals. A study found that women of all incomes are struggling to balance work, family responsibilities and the expectation to provide fresh, healthy meals right from the kitchen. But experts say a meal doesn’t have to be gourmet to feed a family and provide an opportunity for them to share their day. Source Link

September 11, 2014

Are e-cigarettes a solution to end smoking or a gateway to harder drug use? A study claims the electronic versions deliver nicotine that can prime users to turn to harder drugs like cocaine to keep the brain’s reward system satisfied. Some in the health community have supported e-cigarettes as a tool to help smokers quit. Source Link

If you want to prevent your baby from becoming a picky eater, you’ll need to start soon. Researchers say taste preferences may be set by age one, so parents should encourage fruits and vegetables by late infancy. And for breastfeeding babies that taste preference may depend on Mom’s diet. Source Link

The countdown is on to the first driverless car that you can buy. GM says a Cadillac model in 2017 will feature “Super Cruise” that allows the driver to take the foot off the gas and hands off the wheel. The feature would be able to handle highway speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and stop-and-go traffic. Source Link

September 10, 2014

Just how badly are America’s young people hooked on their cellphones? A survey found that college-aged women spend 10 hours a day using a cellphone, and young men use their phones for about 8 hours a day. Sixty percent of college students admit they may be addicted to their cell phone. Source Link

Science had debunked the myth that wearing a bra can increase the risk of breast cancer. A study of postmenopausal women found no connection between bra-wearing and breast cancer. The theory grew out of observations that women in developed countries have higher rates of breast cancer than places where women don’t wear bras. Source Link

Answering the phone could be hazardous to your financial health because of new credit card scams. Watch out for the call warning that your card has been frozen and you need to provide your account number, expiration date and verification code. Another new con targets business owners saying they must phone-in transactions instead of using a card machine. Source Link

September 9, 2014

Pack an apple in your lunch and your heart might thank you for it. A long-term study found that eating fruit every day can lower the risk of heart and stroke problems by up to 40-percent. Only about one-in-five people ate a daily serving of fruit, but the more fruit people ate, the more their risk declined. Source Link

Facebook will come calling soon to ask you to check your privacy. The social network says all of its users will get a notice to complete an online review of who can see your posts, which third-party apps you use, and what you share in your bio. The checkup will appear first for desktop users of Facebook. Source Link

Don’t hate those people who say they feel great with less sleep, because they may have been born with it. New research says “short sleeping” can be a genetic variation, and it may hold the key to understanding obesity and bipolar disorder, because true short sleepers rarely suffer from these problems. Source Link

September 8, 2014

If you’re feeling sleepy, you can take a nap or a shot of caffeine -- or do both for the best results. Drinking a cup of coffee followed by a 20-minute nap will refresh and energize you. Timing is everything, because it takes about 20 minutes for caffeine to reach your brain, and you can use that time to catch some z’s with a quick coffee nap. Source Link 

Super-sized smartphones are on-track to become one of the biggest selling tech products. Industry experts say the “phablets,” which are bigger than typical smartphones but smaller than a tablet, will beat laptop sales this year and outpace tablet sales by next year. It’s believed that Apple is ready to unveil a larger iPhone phablet model. Source Link

Here’s a topic to discuss -- does social media make us more politically opinionated? A national survey found that frequent users of Facebook and Twitter were less likely to share their opinions, both online and offline. Researchers say unless people know their audience agrees, they are likely to shy away from talking about hot-button issues. Source Link

September 5, 2014

If your tastes in TV run to action shows, your preference might show up on the bathroom scale. Researchers found that people eat much more snack food while watching action  programs. Fast-paced shows can make you eat more because you're distracted by the action and paying less attention to how much you’re putting in your mouth. Source Link

For many of us, the 40-hour work week comes up short on the time we actually spend on the job. A new Gallup survey found that half of all adult workers clocked over 40 hours a week, and about four out of ten work at least 50 hours each week. Only 8-percent of full-time employees claim to work less than 40 hours. Source Link

Encouraging baby talk from your infant may help them develop the real thing. A study showed that when parents listened and responded to baby talk, infants began to form complex sounds. The babies whose parents responded to babbling also started using language more quickly. Source Link

September 4, 2014

The world’s biggest social network is the setting for lots of scams designed to hack your Facebook account. Experts say you should beware of come-ons that promise you can see who’s viewing your profile, or change the Facebook theme, or drop the blue color of your Facebook page. All are designed to get access to your account. Source Link

Slimming down may be good for your brain as well as your waistline. Studies show that body fat releases proteins that can cause inflammation which can affect the brain. Obese men and women are 35-percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and getting rid of excess fat improves brain function. Source Link

Whether you think it’s half-empty or half-full, pouring a partial glass of wine could keep you from drinking too much. A study found that people who aimed for half a glass usually poured a bit less. That can help prevent overdrinking, as compared to those who topped-off with each new round. Source Link

September 3, 2014

Waiting before a movie, a meal, or a concert is more fun than standing in line for a new thing that you buy. Studies found that people were happier while anticipating an experience than when they were waiting to buy items. Folks waiting in line for an experience were also better behaved than those who were waiting to shop. Source Link

Is our economy taking the heat because of menopause? A study found that women with untreated menopause symptoms like hot flashes had up to 80-percent more outpatient health care visits and more time off work. Experts think the problem has worsened since hormone therapy was linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Source Link

Digital screen time is quickly becoming a handheld affair. A new report says the typical American is now spending more than half of their online time on a phone or tablet rather than a laptop or desktop computer. And nearly all of that mobile time is spent using apps, as opposed to web browsing. Source Link

September 2, 2014

Parents, drivers and kids need to be especially vigilant about traffic safety this month. September has the most pedestrian accidents involving children, and experts say distractions can be to blame. Parents should remind children to make eye contact with drivers and turn off handheld devices and remove headphones before they cross the street. Source Link

Can yoga build a better brain? A study found that people who practiced yoga were more likely to think faster and better remember things. Exercise alone wasn’t the reason, because testers who did regular stretching and toning exercises didn’t see the same improvement in brain function. Source Link

It’s a sign of the times that are a-changin’ in the annual Mindset List for incoming college freshmen that’s published by Beloit College. For 18-year-olds today, a “chat” rarely involves face-to-face talking and they never need directions -- just an address and GPS. And none have ever seen an actual airline ticket.  Source Link