April 30, 2015

There’s new evidence that it’s never too late to stop smoking. A study found that quitting after your 60th birthday can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers say kicking the habit can potentially add years to your life, even when you stop smoking in your senior years. Source Link

Don’t use the car seat or baby swing as a spot for your child to sleep. That’s the message from experts who say carrying devices and swings are not designed to help babies sleep safely. There’s a risk of suffocation and death if an infant leans against straps or if their head tilts forward too long while sleeping. Source Link

Getting that song to stop playing in your head could be as simple as popping a stick of gum. A study found that chewing gum can help to stop what’s called “last song syndrome.” Up to 90-percent of the population experiences so-called “earworms” and for some people the tiresome tune can play for days. Source Link

April 29, 2015

The smartphone has made its way into the crib. One-third of parents surveyed say their one year olds have used a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet. By age 2, most kids had used mobile devices, often to calm or entertain themselves while parents were busy. Source Link

Most Americans miss the mark trying to figure out when they will retire. Only one in 10 workers say they’ll retire before age 60, but over one-third stop working by that time, and only 6-percent stay in the workforce until age 70. Sixty percent of premature retirees had to quit working because of health issues or a disability. Source Link

You might enjoy the best sleep of the week tonight. A study using data from a popular sleep tracking app found that Wednesday was the night that people slept the best. Most people grabbed some extra shut-eye on Saturday morning, but also struggled to get to sleep on Sunday night after later bedtimes on Friday and Saturday. Source Link

April 28, 2015

If spring allergies are bothering you, start your battle to breathe easier in the bedroom. Keep your sleeping area allergen-free by washing blankets and sheets on a weekly basis, put pillows in the dryer at a very hot setting. Also use an allergy-proof cover that completely contains your mattress and box spring. Source Link

Google is making it easier to see everything you’ve ever searched for on the web. You can go to history.google.com to download a complete archive of your Google searches. You can also use the same page to cover your tracks and delete some or all of your Google search history. Source Link

Is love between dog and man the real thing? A study found that when dogs and people stared into each other’s eyes, the dogs produced oxytocin, a natural substance known as “the love hormone.”  Humans had the same chemical reaction, but much stronger than the dogs. Source Link

April 27, 2015

Experts are warning of a new wave of scams involving phony debt collectors. The calls could involve real debt, and you can find out by asking for a validation notice showing details. And remember that a real collector will never verify a debt over the phone using part of your Social Security number.  Source Link

Hyperactive kids may need the freedom to fidget in order to learn. A study of children with ADHD found that they could perform better on tests while shifting in their seats, tapping their feet and swinging their legs. One solution could be to allow ADHD students to sit on exercise balls during class. Source Link

Saving the Earth can start in the shower and the car. Water conservation is as easy as taking shorter showers and turning off the water while you brush your teeth. Transportation accounts for one-third of our contribution to climate change, so try to consolidate trips and drive less. Source Link

April 24, 2015

Mom and Dad continue to be financing much of the Millennial generation. A survey found that 40-percent of America’s 18-to-34 year-olds get financial help from their parents, including 20-percent of those who have a partner or a spouse. Student loan debt and slow job growth are among the reasons why Millennials are less financially independent. Source Link

A government health panel says women in their 40s should make their own decisions about getting a mammogram to screen for breast cancer. The guidelines recommend mammograms every two years beginning at age 50. The American Cancer Society and many doctors still recommend annual breast cancer screenings starting at age 40. Source Link

Could plain water be a true diet drink? Experts say drinking cold water can speed metabolism within 10 minutes and help to burn calories for up to 40 minutes. A person who drank an extra one-and-a-half liters of water per day could burn off five pounds of weight a year without any additional exercise. Source Link

April 23, 2015

More teenagers are now using electronic cigarettes rather than the real thing. A new report says e-cigarette use among middle and high school students tripled in one year with 2.5 million teens now vaping. Critics say e-cigarette makers are marketing to teens with free samples and offering products with fruit and candy flavors. Source Link
 
A clean home can lead to a happier life for senior citizens. A study found the exercise it takes to get housework done helped people feel emotionally and physically better. It’s not just chores for healthy seniors, because those who participated had at least one chronic illness and some physical limitations. Source Link

Facebook may be making it easier for people to avoid mispronouncing a tricky name. The social network is testing a feature that lets you create a pronunciation guide for your name as part of your profile. The guide would include a written phonetic pronunciation and an audio clip that says your name. Source Link

April 22, 2015

Snoring can do more than keep someone else awake. Experts now think breathing problems like sleep apnea that cause snoring may affect the brain and lead to memory problems and even dementia. It’s estimated that up to half of older men are snorers. Source Link

Long lines of first-day buyers have been a standard feature in every launch of a new Apple product, but those who want an Apple Watch won’t be able to get one in the store when it debuts on Friday. Because of high demand, Apple says the new smartwatch will only be sold online through the month of May. Source Link

It’s a dieter’s dream and an inspiration too -- an app that can show what you’ll look like after losing those extra pounds. The “Visualize You” app transforms a facial photo into a slimmed-down version of you at your target weight. The app can also show someone what they’d look like with an additional 20 pounds. Source Link

April 21, 2015

Could there be a silver lining to those extra pounds on the scale? A new study suggests that people who are overweight or obese in middle age may be less likely to develop dementia. But researchers caution that you may not live long enough to enjoy the benefit because obesity carries other health risks that can shorten your life. Source Link

Three little words could help you find your missing Android smartphone. Now you can type the words “find my phone” into a Google search box on any computer and your phone’s GPS will be used to locate it on a map. You can also trigger the phone to ring, lock it down or wipe the phone’s memory if you think it’s been stolen. Source Link

Parents who wonder why their child isn’t interested in school may find the answer in the mirror. A study involving identical twins found that as much as half of a child's motivation to learn is based on genetics. But that doesn’t doom a child to poor grades, because creating a positive environment for learning can make a difference. Source Link

April 20, 2015

If you have a car with keyless entry, you may want to keep the fob in your freezer when the vehicle is parked outside. Authorities say thieves are using devices that can amplify the signal from a keyless fob to open a car door and steal items. Putting the fob in your freezer will block it from transmitting a signal to open the door. Source Link

The old myth that smoking helps you stay slim is keeping more women from kicking the habit. Women who believe smoking helps control weight were less likely to try quitting. Research shows that heavy smokers are more likely to be overweight than those who smoke less. Source Link

Texting might be a full-time job for the average college student, according to a new survey. The young adults said they send an average of 100 texts a day and some check their phones for messages up to 16 times an hour. Some admit that they text while in the shower, on a date, or even at a funeral. Source Link

April 17, 2015

There’s a crafty way to stay sharp in your golden years. A study found that people who do creative activities like arts and crafts could delay the development of memory problems in old age. Hobbies like drawing, painting, woodworking and sewing were helpful, and computer use also kept older minds sharp. Source Link

If you write a rent check every month, expect to see it go up again this year. Average rents are rising annually at twice the rate of home values. The market is hot because young people who’ve been living with their parents are finding jobs and moving out, while climbing home prices have many long-time renters to stay put. Source Link

A new feature of Amazon’s streaming video player can save you the trouble of reaching for your smartphone to find the name of that actor in the TV show or movie you’re watching. The feature called X-Ray that‘s available on Amazon Fire TV devices integrates the IMDB database to show the names of actors and songs used in the program. Source Link

April 16, 2015

New research debunks the old belief that reading in poor light or sitting too close to the TV can ruin a child’s eyesight. Experts say there is a way to determine if a child will need glasses by middle school. Kids who were farsighted in first grade were more likely to become nearsighted by age 13. Source Link

If you’re dealing with a bad case of the blues, you may want to avoid Facebook. A study found that symptoms of depression were increased when people scrolled through their news feed. That’s because much of what’s posted on Facebook is other people’s good news, and that can aggravate those feelings of inadequacy. Source Link

When resuming your exercise routine for warmer weather, the experts say don’t wait until the weekend to do it. Many people try to get back to running or other recreational sports too fast and risk injury. Try to exercise twice a week to help strengthen the muscles you use in your favorite sport. Source Link

April 15, 2015

It’s D-Day for filing your federal income taxes. April 15th is  the deadline for completing tax returns and about one-in-four tax filers waits until the last week to submit their 1040. Last-minute filers will find some Post Office locations accepting tax returns into the evening, but e-filers can make the all-important deadline without leaving home. Source Link

Does a brutal winter mean a bad allergy season to come?  One one hand, experts say the more snow we get in winter, the more pollen the trees will likely make come spring. But pollen counts often depend on the amount of rain that falls, so those April showers could bring May flowers along with fewer sneezes and less-watery eyes. Source Link

The Force can now be with you on your favorite digital device. For the first time, the original six-film Star Wars saga is available as a download from iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. The streaming set debuts ahead of the December release of the seventh movie in the Star Wars series. Source Link

April 14, 2015

It’s the original household cleaner, but could bleach be making kids sick? A study found more cases of flu and recurrent tonsillitis in homes where bleach was used once a week. Researchers think airborne particles from bleach may irritate children’s lungs and trigger inflammation that makes it easier for colds to take hold. Source Link

If you’ve ever quit a job to get away from a bad boss, you’re not alone. Half of people surveyed say they’ve changed employment because of a bad manager. Half of workers also say they’re completely comfortable approaching their manager with any type of question, but only 12-percent say they get the right amount of guidance from the boss. Source Link

Stopping food from spoiling in now as easy as swiping your smartphone screen. The USDA has unveiled a new FoodKeeper app with storage advice for more than 400 food and beverage items. A calendar function lets you enter when you purchased an item and will send you an alert before things start to go bad. Source Link

April 13, 2015

You might as well skip the scalpel and go with the exercises to treat a common form of chronic lower back pain. A study found that physical therapy was just as effective as surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. Up to 20-percent of people who get the surgery suffer adverse side effects, and some are life-threatening. Source Link

The free versions of your smartphone apps might be costing you more than the paid ones. Researchers compared the free and paid versions of some of the most popular apps and found the free ones used up to 79-percent more network data. That could be costly for users who are trying to stay under a data cap to avoid overage charges. Source Link

Most Americans think they have a handle on their finances, but some numbers tell a different story. A survey found that nine out of ten were confident they made the right choice for a credit card, auto loan or mortgage. But 70-percent still worry about finances and 60-percent admit they don’t have a household budget. Source Link

April 10, 2015

If you’ve got a minute, you could recharge your phone with a new battery that promises full power in just 60 seconds. The aluminum-ion battery is also safer than the lithium-ion that powers today’s smartphone and could be recharged 7,000 times. Scientists now need to perfect the technology to make it work outside the lab. Source Link

Doctors say it’s time to skip the spoon when it comes to kid’s medicines. The American Pediatrics Association is recommending liquid medication for children be administered in metric milliliters. More than 70,000 children end up in emergency rooms each year because of accidental overdoses using teaspoon measurements. Source Link

Would you like to make your online ordering as easy as pushing a button? Amazon thinks so and is offering a new service that lets you order household products with a press of a WiFi-connected button that can be placed in the laundry room or kitchen. The first product available for order with the Dash button is laundry detergent. Source Link

April 9, 2015

The age of Google is making more of us feel smarter than we really are. A study found that people inflate their own intelligence because they can answer questions quickly using online sources. Experts saying knowing what you don’t know is important when making decisions in areas of life that have big consequences. Source Link 

Letting your child take a sip of beer or wine could have consequences years later. Researchers found that children who had sampled alcohol by the sixth grade were five times more likely to drink in high school and four times more likely to get drunk. Experts say it’s important to give kids the message of responsible drinking along with any sips of alcohol. Source Link

Do animals have a sixth sense that lets them predict an earthquake? Studies in the wilds of South America found that animal activity diminished in areas that were struck by an earthquake days later. Scientists think animals can detect positive ions that are released in the air by underground rock movements that occur before an earthquake. Source Link

April 8, 2015

Diets often aim to help you lose weight, but there’s a new one designed to let you keep your senses. The anti-Alzheimer's diet emphasizes healthy grains, vegetables, beans, poultry and fish with limited amounts of red meat, butter and sweets. It’s a combination of the Mediterranean Diet and the heart-healthy DASH diet. Source Link

Working moms-to-be are staying on the job longer and returning to the workforce sooner after delivering. A new survey shows that eight out of ten women work into their eighth month of pregnancy and 73-percent return to work within six months, compared to only one-in-five women in the 1960s. Source Link

It’s a parents dream and maybe a teenager’s nightmare. The 2016 Chevy Malibu offers a Teen Driver feature that maximizes safety, like muting the car speakers if all seat belts aren’t fastened and setting alerts to record driving speeds. The US fatality rate for drivers aged 16 to 20 is three times higher than those 21 and over. Source Link  

April 7, 2015

If you’re planning to put your income tax refund toward paying down debt, you’re not alone. A survey found that debt reduction is the number-one way people will use that refund money. Adding to savings was second, and only 3-percent say they’ll use their tax refund to splurge on a vacation or other spending spree. Source Link

So what’s the limit on drinking to lessen the risk of liver cancer? Researchers say three or more alcoholic drinks per day raises the odds for liver cancer. The beverage of choice may be coffee, because it appears to protect against liver cancer, which kills three-quarters of a million people worldwide each year. Source Link

The world’s biggest online store now wants to deliver a plumber or electrician to your door. Amazon Home Services lets you order any professional to your home from 700 kinds of businesses. The services come with what Amazon calls a “Happiness Guarantee” and a full refund if you’re not satisfied with the work.  Source Link

April 6, 2015

Up to half of the people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's never know about it. A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association says doctors are often reluctant to give the bad news, are afraid of the reaction, or fear they won't be believed. Alzheimer’s now affects over 5 million Americans, including 200,000 people under the age of 65. Source Link

If you want to avoid germs in the kitchen that can make you sick, ditch those cloth towels. Testing shows hand towels are the top contamination hazard because people use them to wipe off kitchen surfaces that carry bacteria. And don’t handle your cellphone when preparing food because it can also harbor those bad bugs. Source Link

The generation gap in social media has the reigning champ catering to a growing older crowd. A survey found that Facebook is most popular with the Baby Boomer set. Their children or grandchildren ages 18 to 34 say their favorite social network is Snapchat, followed by Tumblr and then Twitter. Source Link

April 3, 2015

Why 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

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

If you want your kids to eat better, get them into the kitchen. Experts say cooking programs and classes for children might help them develop long-lasting healthy habits. Kids between the ages of 5 and 12 who learned to cook ate more fruits and vegetables and were more willing to try new foods. Source Link

April 2, 2015

Is it true that an apple a day can keep the doctor away? A study found that people who ate an apple a day did not have fewer doctor visits than the average, but they did take fewer prescription drugs. Less than 10-percent of people enjoyed a daily apple, which is a good low-calorie, high-fiber food. Source Link

In most of America, babysitting is hardly a minimum wage job. A national survey found that the average babysitter gets paid about $13.50 an hour. And if they’re watching more than one, expect to pay the babysitter up to $5 per hour more for each additional child. Source Link

Now you can trade-up to an Apple by trading-in your Android. The Apple Store is accepting Android, Blackberry and Windows phones for a credit towards the purchase of an iPhone. Apple has about 15-percent of the market share for smartphones versus 81-percent for Android phones. Source Link

April 1, 2015

April Fool’s Day is for pranks and hoaxes that got their start in a battle over the calendar more than 500 years ago when January 1st became the start of the new year. Traditionalists who kept celebrating April 1st as New Year’s Day were called “April Fools” and targeted for pranks that continue to this day. Source Link

It may not feel like Spring just yet, but springtime allergies are here. Experts say trees have started budding and they produce pollen that creates major problems for people with allergies. A preemptive strike may be in order, because taking medicine early can prevent symptoms before they begin. Source Link

The nation’s official music playlist just got bigger. The Smithsonian’s National Recording Registry has selected two dozen songs and recordings for preservation. Among them is The Doors’ self-titled 1967 debut album, the Righteous Brothers’ ”You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin'” and Ben E. King’s ”Stand By Me.” Source Link