Money may buy happiness, but not if you’re just spending it on
things. A study found that people who spent money on life experiences
were happier than those who bought material goods. Researchers say many
people have a hard time placing an economic value on memories compared
to the price tag on a product. Source Link
Does
the early bird get the slimmer waist, too? A study found that people
who were exposed to sunlight early in the day tended to weigh less.
Experts say morning sunlight might affect hormones that influence
appetite and help set the proper body rhythms for better sleep and a
healthy metabolism to keep weight in-check. Source Link
You
can dial-up a clearer mind when you set the thermostat at home. A study
found that you think best when the room is at an air temperature that
makes you feel the most comfortable. Researchers believe that working in
a comfortable temperature slows the use of energy required to do mental
tasks. Source Link
November 26, 2014
Keeping a clean house might also help you keep your conscience clean.
A study found that people who focused on cleanliness were more likely
to engage in ethical behavior. Researchers say a clean workplace could
even affect an employee’s willingness to cooperate with others and
improve productivity. Source Link
Convincing smokers that their habit stinks is something you can do in your sleep. Smokers who were exposed to the smell of cigarettes along with an unpleasant odor during a single night of sleep smoked less for days afterward. Scientists believe the negative conditioning occurs because of the strong connection between the brain and our sense of smell. Source Link
Can your toilet seat beat those unpleasant odors in the powder room? Kohler says its new deodorizing toilet seat can eliminate those embarrassing smells at the source using a battery operated built-in fan that pulls air through an odor-eating carbon filter. The Purefresh seat sells for $90. Source Link
Convincing smokers that their habit stinks is something you can do in your sleep. Smokers who were exposed to the smell of cigarettes along with an unpleasant odor during a single night of sleep smoked less for days afterward. Scientists believe the negative conditioning occurs because of the strong connection between the brain and our sense of smell. Source Link
Can your toilet seat beat those unpleasant odors in the powder room? Kohler says its new deodorizing toilet seat can eliminate those embarrassing smells at the source using a battery operated built-in fan that pulls air through an odor-eating carbon filter. The Purefresh seat sells for $90. Source Link
November 25, 2014
A national survey of cell phone customers could be summed up this way
-- love the service, but hate the price. Consumer Reports says
number-one Verizon scored high for call quality but received a very poor
rating for value. Smaller providers such as Ting, Republic Wireless and
Consumer Cellular got the highest marks. Source Link
Turkey time will take a slightly bigger toll on your wallet this year. The annual tally of costs for a Thanksgiving dinner pegs the price at just under $50 to feed a table of ten. Rising prices for the all-important sweet potato casserole combined with higher costs for dairy products and coffee to boost the average price for this year’s feast by a mere 37 cents. Source Link
If you want to track your fitness without wearing something on your wrist, you can slip on a smart hat. The new LifeBeam hat can track your your heart rate, cadence, gait, steps, and calorie consumption. The LifeBeam comes in ball cap and visor styles and sells for $99. Source Link
Turkey time will take a slightly bigger toll on your wallet this year. The annual tally of costs for a Thanksgiving dinner pegs the price at just under $50 to feed a table of ten. Rising prices for the all-important sweet potato casserole combined with higher costs for dairy products and coffee to boost the average price for this year’s feast by a mere 37 cents. Source Link
If you want to track your fitness without wearing something on your wrist, you can slip on a smart hat. The new LifeBeam hat can track your your heart rate, cadence, gait, steps, and calorie consumption. The LifeBeam comes in ball cap and visor styles and sells for $99. Source Link
November 24, 2014
Taking statin drugs in middle age could protect you from heart
problems for the rest of your life. A long-term study found fewer heart
attacks decades later among men who took statins for five years.
Researchers saw new benefits from the drug that developed later in life
to protect against heart disease. Source Link
Your Thanksgiving feast can be a meal that’s responsible as well as ample. Make a shopping list and check your cupboards first to see what you already have. Plan to use leftovers for additional meals or give food to guests to take home. And consider composting food waste to create fertilizer to help next year’s garden grow. Source Link
Apparently it doesn’t take much to get a fan of scary movies into the theater. A survey by Google found that fans of drama movies cared most about the plot, action fans liked the director, comedy lovers wanted for a good cast, and family moviegoers looked for positive reviews. Horror fans were most interested in convenient showtimes. Source Link
Your Thanksgiving feast can be a meal that’s responsible as well as ample. Make a shopping list and check your cupboards first to see what you already have. Plan to use leftovers for additional meals or give food to guests to take home. And consider composting food waste to create fertilizer to help next year’s garden grow. Source Link
Apparently it doesn’t take much to get a fan of scary movies into the theater. A survey by Google found that fans of drama movies cared most about the plot, action fans liked the director, comedy lovers wanted for a good cast, and family moviegoers looked for positive reviews. Horror fans were most interested in convenient showtimes. Source Link
November 21, 2014
Maybe your plans for Black Friday should be to sleep-in because it’s
“been there, bought that.” A report says many of the shopping deals
being offered are no better than last holiday season, or even a week or
two earlier. The study of Black Friday advertisements and found that 25
of 27 retailers listed the same products for the same prices as they did
in 2013. Source Link
Home cooking can help you beat the battle of the bulge. Researchers found that people who eat the most home-cooked ones end up eating healthier with fewer calories. The kitchen mavens saved the equivalent of one pound a month by staying home for most of their meals. Source Link
The latest trend in high-tech smoking has a name that’s become the word of the year. Oxford Dictionaries.Com says “vape” is their top new word for 2014. Vape can be used as a slang name for an electronic cigarette, or as a verb to describe the act of smoking by using an e-cigarette. Source Link
Home cooking can help you beat the battle of the bulge. Researchers found that people who eat the most home-cooked ones end up eating healthier with fewer calories. The kitchen mavens saved the equivalent of one pound a month by staying home for most of their meals. Source Link
The latest trend in high-tech smoking has a name that’s become the word of the year. Oxford Dictionaries.Com says “vape” is their top new word for 2014. Vape can be used as a slang name for an electronic cigarette, or as a verb to describe the act of smoking by using an e-cigarette. Source Link
November 20, 2014
Many parents think that technology is a good thing in their
children’s lives, with one exception. A new survey found that 40-percent
of parents believe the harmful aspects of social media outweigh the
benefits. And three out of four parents worry about how their kids are
being followed online by marketers who track their every move on the
web. Source Link
Kids may have good intentions when picking healthy foods, but eating them can be a different matter. A study found that 60-percent of children choose vegetables in the school cafeteria line but only one-quarter actually eat them. Researchers say distractions during a short lunch break can leave those greens being left behind on the plate. Source Link
There are 80 million reasons why you shouldn’t lock lips with someone. That’s how many germs can be transferred in one romantic kiss. But experts say there’s a silver lining to all that spit-swapping, because many microorganisms help with tasks like fighting disease and digesting food. Source Link
Kids may have good intentions when picking healthy foods, but eating them can be a different matter. A study found that 60-percent of children choose vegetables in the school cafeteria line but only one-quarter actually eat them. Researchers say distractions during a short lunch break can leave those greens being left behind on the plate. Source Link
There are 80 million reasons why you shouldn’t lock lips with someone. That’s how many germs can be transferred in one romantic kiss. But experts say there’s a silver lining to all that spit-swapping, because many microorganisms help with tasks like fighting disease and digesting food. Source Link
November 19. 2014
For many Americans, losing sleep may be the only only way to get
everything done. A new survey found that about one-in-three people
believe that if they want to work and care for their families they must
do so on less sleep than needed. About one-third say work or family
worries cause them some sleepless nights. Source Link
Are walnuts a wonder food for men? New research found that a diet rich in walnuts may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and could also lower cholesterol and increase insulin sensitivity. Prostate cancer the second most deadly cancer for men. Source Link
Has Google Glass jumped the shark even before its big debut? About half of the developers who were planning to create applications for the smart eyewear have bowed out. Experts say there an growing privacy concerns about the glasses that can take pictures and record videos of anything the user sees. Source Link
Are walnuts a wonder food for men? New research found that a diet rich in walnuts may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and could also lower cholesterol and increase insulin sensitivity. Prostate cancer the second most deadly cancer for men. Source Link
Has Google Glass jumped the shark even before its big debut? About half of the developers who were planning to create applications for the smart eyewear have bowed out. Experts say there an growing privacy concerns about the glasses that can take pictures and record videos of anything the user sees. Source Link
November 18, 2014
About a million contact lens wearers suffer eye infections each year
from bad habits and improper care. The CDC says those who wear contacts
overnight are 20 times more likely to get an eye infection. Proper
cleaning and basic hygiene like washing hands before touching a contact
lens can prevent many problems. Source Link
Facebook is taking another crack at making it easier to understand their privacy policies. An online tutorial called “Privacy Basics” explains the tools you can use when posting to Facebook. A new study found that nine out of ten Americans feel they’ve lost control over how companies collect and use their personal information. Source Link
One out of five people with private health insurance pay significant out-of-pocket costs on top of premiums and many are cutting back on their own care. A survey found that 40-percent skipped needed care because of deductible costs, and one in four didn’t have a test or go to a specialist despite a doctor’s advice to do so. Source Link
Facebook is taking another crack at making it easier to understand their privacy policies. An online tutorial called “Privacy Basics” explains the tools you can use when posting to Facebook. A new study found that nine out of ten Americans feel they’ve lost control over how companies collect and use their personal information. Source Link
One out of five people with private health insurance pay significant out-of-pocket costs on top of premiums and many are cutting back on their own care. A survey found that 40-percent skipped needed care because of deductible costs, and one in four didn’t have a test or go to a specialist despite a doctor’s advice to do so. Source Link
November 17, 2014
If you’re looking forward to saving money by shopping online on Cyber
Monday in two weeks, you may want change your plans to Turkey Day. A
look at last year’s sales found that Thanksgiving Day offered the best
online prices, followed by Black Friday, the Monday before Thanksgiving,
and then Cyber Monday. Source Link
What can’t people stop texting behind the wheel, even if they know it’s wrong? Experts say you can blame it on brain chemistry. When a text message appears on a driver's phone, the brain releases the hormone dopamine that causes a feeling of excitement. For some, the compulsion of texting while driving could be an addiction that’s hard to break. Source Link
For better brain power, skip the puzzles and training games and pick up a second language. Research has found that bilingual speakers process information more efficiently and more easily. That’s because the bilingual brain is constantly activating both languages and choosing which one to use. Source Link
What can’t people stop texting behind the wheel, even if they know it’s wrong? Experts say you can blame it on brain chemistry. When a text message appears on a driver's phone, the brain releases the hormone dopamine that causes a feeling of excitement. For some, the compulsion of texting while driving could be an addiction that’s hard to break. Source Link
For better brain power, skip the puzzles and training games and pick up a second language. Research has found that bilingual speakers process information more efficiently and more easily. That’s because the bilingual brain is constantly activating both languages and choosing which one to use. Source Link
November 14, 2014
Researchers have a name for the habit of checking your work email
after-hours and on weekends. It’s called “telepressure” and it’s taking a
health toll because people don’t have downtime to mentally recover from
the workday. Half of workers admit to doing it, but only 20-percent of
businesses ask employees to check emails anytime. Source Link
Millions of Americans are expected to head back online as enrollment opens for 2015 health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. This year, the online process has been streamlined and experts say premiums are expected to rise an average of 6-percent. Enrollment is open from November 15th to February 15th. Source Link
A review of the most popular diet plans found that none of them stands out when it comes to long lasting success. Weight Watchers was the most consistent, while Atkins had a wider range of weight loss. Over a two-year period, people on both diets often regained some of the pounds they lost. Source Link
Millions of Americans are expected to head back online as enrollment opens for 2015 health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. This year, the online process has been streamlined and experts say premiums are expected to rise an average of 6-percent. Enrollment is open from November 15th to February 15th. Source Link
A review of the most popular diet plans found that none of them stands out when it comes to long lasting success. Weight Watchers was the most consistent, while Atkins had a wider range of weight loss. Over a two-year period, people on both diets often regained some of the pounds they lost. Source Link
November 13, 2014
If you can’t kick the habit of screen time after bedtime, try to keep
that gadget dimmed and at arms length. Light from a tablet or
smartphone screen can disrupt your body’s natural sleep cycle. But
experts say you can minimize those effects by dimming the brightness
settings and keeping the device at least 14 inches from your face. Source Link
What does a water balloon have to do with weight loss? It’s the concept behind an alternative to traditional stomach-shrinking surgery in which a balloon filled with salt water is inserted into the stomach. The temporary device limits eating and has yielded faster weight loss without the risk of surgery. Source Link
The official start of winter is still over a month away, but Mother Nature is getting in the game now with the first major cold snap of the season. Temperatures will feel more like January from the Canadian border to Texas and east to the Atlantic Seaboard and forecasters say the cold won’t ease up for nearly a week. Source Link
What does a water balloon have to do with weight loss? It’s the concept behind an alternative to traditional stomach-shrinking surgery in which a balloon filled with salt water is inserted into the stomach. The temporary device limits eating and has yielded faster weight loss without the risk of surgery. Source Link
The official start of winter is still over a month away, but Mother Nature is getting in the game now with the first major cold snap of the season. Temperatures will feel more like January from the Canadian border to Texas and east to the Atlantic Seaboard and forecasters say the cold won’t ease up for nearly a week. Source Link
November 12, 2014
The school cafeteria provides a more nutritious lunch than one that
comes from home. A study of what kids were eating found that packed
lunches generally had more fat, and included more desserts and sugary
drinks than the school lunches did. About 40-percent of children eat a
lunch that they bring from home. Source Link
Nearly two out of three Americans believe that having a gun in the home makes them safer. The new survey results are double the number from a similar poll in 2000. But the actual number of homes with guns has remained steady at about 40-percent. Source Link
If it works for smartphones, why not have a virtual assistant you can call on from your computer? That’s the idea behind Amazon’s Echo, a wireless device that uses your voice commands to access information and services. The Amazon Echo carries a $199 price tag is available by invitation only. Source Link
Nearly two out of three Americans believe that having a gun in the home makes them safer. The new survey results are double the number from a similar poll in 2000. But the actual number of homes with guns has remained steady at about 40-percent. Source Link
If it works for smartphones, why not have a virtual assistant you can call on from your computer? That’s the idea behind Amazon’s Echo, a wireless device that uses your voice commands to access information and services. The Amazon Echo carries a $199 price tag is available by invitation only. Source Link
November 11, 2014
It sounds like good news, as nearly everyone agrees that texting and
driving is wrong. But many still do it. A survey found that 98 percent
of motorists who own cellphones and text regularly said they were aware
of the dangers, yet three-quarters of them admitted to checking texts
behind the wheel, and more than a quarter said they’ve sent texts while
driving. Source Link
It isn’t just the ladies who are using Botox injections to battle those wrinkles. A new study says that last year 385,000 men had the treatments that have been dubbed “Bro-Tox.” The study found that found laser, Botox and filler treatments to fight the signs of aging are very safe with essentially no risk of severe or dangerous side effects. Source Link
America’s veterans and active duty military should be eating good on the holiday that honors their service to the country. Restaurant chains including Applebee’s, Chili’s, Golden Corral, Olive Garden, Denny’s, Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster and Red Robin are offering free meals to them on Veterans Day. Source Link
It isn’t just the ladies who are using Botox injections to battle those wrinkles. A new study says that last year 385,000 men had the treatments that have been dubbed “Bro-Tox.” The study found that found laser, Botox and filler treatments to fight the signs of aging are very safe with essentially no risk of severe or dangerous side effects. Source Link
America’s veterans and active duty military should be eating good on the holiday that honors their service to the country. Restaurant chains including Applebee’s, Chili’s, Golden Corral, Olive Garden, Denny’s, Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster and Red Robin are offering free meals to them on Veterans Day. Source Link
November 10, 2014
It goes against the stereotype, but women may be the ones less likely
to go to the doctor when it comes to heart health. A study found that
women more often thought that symptoms like chest pain would pass and
get better on their own. Men acted more quickly when they developed
symptoms and spent less time dismissing them. Source Link
Jobs that require workers to rotate shifts can take a long-term toll on the body and the mind. Researchers say people who did shift work for more than 10 years had memory and thinking skills that aged faster. They believe it might be tied to an increase in stress hormones when shift work disrupts of the body's internal clock. Source Link
Would you like to trade your reading glasses for a permanent solution to seeing close-up? American researchers are testing a corneal implant that can adjust the eye to see near and far. The thin ring can be inserted in a 10-minute office procedure and yielded 20-40 vision for most users. Source Link
Jobs that require workers to rotate shifts can take a long-term toll on the body and the mind. Researchers say people who did shift work for more than 10 years had memory and thinking skills that aged faster. They believe it might be tied to an increase in stress hormones when shift work disrupts of the body's internal clock. Source Link
Would you like to trade your reading glasses for a permanent solution to seeing close-up? American researchers are testing a corneal implant that can adjust the eye to see near and far. The thin ring can be inserted in a 10-minute office procedure and yielded 20-40 vision for most users. Source Link
November 7, 2014
Being a busy working mom might be good for you on the job. A study
found that mothers of at least two children were more productive than
mothers of only one child, and mothers in general were more productive
than childless women. The productivity gains for moms were seen as their
children grew into adolescence. Source Link
That high-tech view from Google Glass may run into an old-fashioned problem. The structure of the frames can block peripheral vision and could create dangerous blind spots when driving or walking. The glasses have a small screen above the frame that projects information onto the lens. Source Link
Lower blood pressure may be yet another health benefit from drinking tea. Researchers have found that people who drank tea for more than 12 weeks experienced a reduction of blood pressure, and green tea provided the most benefit. Tea has been shown to help lower cholesterol, encourage weight loss and improve memory. Source Link
That high-tech view from Google Glass may run into an old-fashioned problem. The structure of the frames can block peripheral vision and could create dangerous blind spots when driving or walking. The glasses have a small screen above the frame that projects information onto the lens. Source Link
Lower blood pressure may be yet another health benefit from drinking tea. Researchers have found that people who drank tea for more than 12 weeks experienced a reduction of blood pressure, and green tea provided the most benefit. Tea has been shown to help lower cholesterol, encourage weight loss and improve memory. Source Link
November 6, 2014
A new survey found that Americans are only using three out of four
vacation days per year, but experts say with planning, you can take all
the time off that’s coming to you. Start by scheduling your vacations
for the whole year in January, and then set up cross-training with
co-workers who can cover for you and vice-versa during vacation time. Source Link
When it comes to weight loss surgery, the easier method may not be the most effective. A study found that laparoscopic gastric bypass helped patients shed nearly twice the excess pounds as compared to adjustable gastric banding. The laparoscopic procedure did carry a higher risk of short-term complications and hospitalizations. Source Link
It’s like stepping back into the video arcade of your youth but with no quarters required. The new online Internet Arcade features playable versions of hundreds of video games that were popular in the 1970s through 90s. The project is part of the online historical collection of the website archive.org. Source Link
When it comes to weight loss surgery, the easier method may not be the most effective. A study found that laparoscopic gastric bypass helped patients shed nearly twice the excess pounds as compared to adjustable gastric banding. The laparoscopic procedure did carry a higher risk of short-term complications and hospitalizations. Source Link
It’s like stepping back into the video arcade of your youth but with no quarters required. The new online Internet Arcade features playable versions of hundreds of video games that were popular in the 1970s through 90s. The project is part of the online historical collection of the website archive.org. Source Link
November 5, 2014
Different prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause unsafe
side effects when taken together, and the same can be true for dietary
supplements. The FDA is warning that dietary supplements may increase or
decrease the effect of your medication. Always be sure to tell your
doctor about any supplements that you use. Source Link
America’s biggest bricks-and-mortar discounter appears ready to go toe-to-toe with online rivals like Amazon to get more holiday sales. Wal-Mart is testing a program that would match its prices to online retailers. Best Buy and Target already match online prices, and experts say Wal-Mart’s move could open the door to even more savings for holiday shoppers. Source Link
It might be better to make decisions after a good night’s sleep, but what about on an empty stomach? A study found that participants who skipped breakfast made better long-term choices than those who had eaten first. Researchers think that hunger and appetite may encourage people to rely on true gut feelings rather than impulsive choices. Source Link
America’s biggest bricks-and-mortar discounter appears ready to go toe-to-toe with online rivals like Amazon to get more holiday sales. Wal-Mart is testing a program that would match its prices to online retailers. Best Buy and Target already match online prices, and experts say Wal-Mart’s move could open the door to even more savings for holiday shoppers. Source Link
It might be better to make decisions after a good night’s sleep, but what about on an empty stomach? A study found that participants who skipped breakfast made better long-term choices than those who had eaten first. Researchers think that hunger and appetite may encourage people to rely on true gut feelings rather than impulsive choices. Source Link
November 4, 2014
Americans are worried about how to do their holiday shopping without
becoming a victim of card hackers. Nearly half of those surveyed say
they’ll avoid stores that have been hit by a data breach. Experts say
the only way to minimize your risk is to use a credit card instead of a
debit card because your loss is limited to just $50. Source Link
Older moms of young children and women raising grandkids may have a built-in aid to beat the symptoms of menopause. A study found that menopausal women had fewer hot flashes and night sweats when young children lived in their homes. Researchers think there’s a connection to the natural hormone oxytocin, which is associated with nurturing care. Source Link
Over-the-counter cough medicines are not recommended for children under two, so how do you ease those symptoms? A study found that agave nectar can be effective and is safe for infants. Honey is a traditional cough remedy but cannot be given to children under age one because of the risk of infantile botulism. Source Link
Older moms of young children and women raising grandkids may have a built-in aid to beat the symptoms of menopause. A study found that menopausal women had fewer hot flashes and night sweats when young children lived in their homes. Researchers think there’s a connection to the natural hormone oxytocin, which is associated with nurturing care. Source Link
Over-the-counter cough medicines are not recommended for children under two, so how do you ease those symptoms? A study found that agave nectar can be effective and is safe for infants. Honey is a traditional cough remedy but cannot be given to children under age one because of the risk of infantile botulism. Source Link
November 3, 2014
Tis the season for SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder is the winter
depression that strikes millions of people as the days grow shorter, and
researchers may have a new treatment. They found that the condition was
caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals and could respond to
antidepressant drugs like Prozac that can boost serotonin levels. Source Link
Teens who sit down for family meals might have a better chance of becoming slimmer adults. A study found that just one or two gatherings around the kitchen table each week were well worth the effort. Researchers think the family meal offers a supportive environment to help kids learn how to regulate emotions and manage their eating. Source Link
What if you could swallow a pill that seeks out cancer, heart disease and other ills and reports back to you? That’s one project in the works from the Google X science research program. The pill would be packed with microscopic magnetic particles that can cling to troublesome cells and link to a wearable device that gathers the information. Source Link
Teens who sit down for family meals might have a better chance of becoming slimmer adults. A study found that just one or two gatherings around the kitchen table each week were well worth the effort. Researchers think the family meal offers a supportive environment to help kids learn how to regulate emotions and manage their eating. Source Link
What if you could swallow a pill that seeks out cancer, heart disease and other ills and reports back to you? That’s one project in the works from the Google X science research program. The pill would be packed with microscopic magnetic particles that can cling to troublesome cells and link to a wearable device that gathers the information. Source Link
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