May 29, 2015

Does the work you do add more pounds to the scale? A study found that about half of professional and business services employees say they’ve gained weight  in their current position, including managers and non-management employees. Some say stress eating is to blame, while others say they’re too tired from work to exercise regularly. Source Link

Happy Hour at the retirement home may not be good news for your heart. Researchers found that drinking two or more alcoholic beverages daily may damage the heart for elderly people. Women were more susceptible than men to the ill effects of moderate drinking. Source Link

Reality isn’t all that catchy, so if you want more “likes” of your photos on social media, flip on the filter. An analysis of photos posted on Flickr found that those with filtering got 21-percent more views and 45-percent more comments. Warm filters were the most effective in drawing more interest in photos. Source Link

May 28, 2015

It sounds like there’s a reason why some airline food has a bland taste at 35,000 feet. A study found that airplane noise can affect your perception of taste, enhancing some flavors while dulling others. The noise reduced the taste of sweets, but increased the flavor of umami, which is found in soup, meats, cheeses and tomatoes. Source Link

Those summer getaways from work are getting shorter for many people. A survey showed that fewer workers are taking full-week vacations and many are not using all their vacation time. It’s estimated that American workers give up 169 million days of vacation per year. Source Link

For the sake of security, you might be better off not selling that old cell phone. Testing uncovered a number of older Android models that failed to completely erase personal information even after a factory reset. Researchers say the problem stems from manufacturer settings and there may be no way to ensure all data is erased. Source Link

May 27, 2015

Those empty nests made when college students are away from home might not stay empty for long. About half of college graduates surveyed say they’d move back home and pay rent, and half say they expect some financial support from parents for up to two years. Only five-percent  of parents say they would not let their child move back in with them after graduation. Source Link

Should human rights apply to all our four-legged and feathered friends too?  A Gallup Poll found that one-third of Americans believe animals should have the same rights as people. Americans are most concerned about animals in the circus, animals used in competitive sports or contests, and animals used in research. Source Link

If you’ve ever opened an app to kill some time while your kids are at the playground, you can understand this. Nearly half of parents said they felt guilty about not restricting their cellphone use while watching their kids at play. But boredom often trumped guilt and was the top reason why people reached for their phones. Source Link

May 26, 2015

Kicking the habit may be easier if you put your money where your cigarettes were. People had more success in stop-smoking program when they made a $500 deposit that would be lost if they failed. Experts say the fear of losing money was a bigger motivator than the promise of a financial bonus if smokers quit. Source Link 

So what does your diet need to help you avoid the risk of Alzheimer’s? Studies show that brain-healthy diets include a glass or two of wine per day, more green leafy vegetables, and berries rather than fruit in general. The MIND diet also includes Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, seeds, nuts, and olive oil. Source Link

Think of it as a fitness tracker for the world’s youngest consumers -- a high-tech onesie that’s wired to monitor a baby’s breathing, body movements, and sleep patterns and connect to a smartphone app. The makers of the $199 Mimo kit say it gives parents data that can help to improve feeding and sleeping schedules for babies. Source Link

May 22, 2015

It’s an easy way to prevent the most common form of cancer, but most people don’t bother with it. A new survey found that only about one-in-three women and just 14-percent of men regularly use sunscreen. To protect against skin cancer, use a sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of at least 30. Source Link

If you’ve ever told a great story about yourself that wasn’t really yours, you’re not alone. Nearly half of college students questioned say they’ve borrowed an anecdote from someone else to use as their own. Some say it’s because attributing the story to another person makes it less exciting to tell the tale. Source Link

This holiday weekend is when we shop for summer, but it’s also the best time to “Think Spring” at the store. Experts say now is when you’ll find the best sale prices on closeout spring apparel. Memorial Day  also a great time to snag a bargain on major appliances, home goods, kitchenware, and mattresses. Source Link

May 21, 2015

It’s round and holds your food, and it could be key to keeping you from overeating. Health experts say using a plate for everything you eat including snacks can help prevent mindless eating and extra calories. Using smaller plates can also help you eat less because it takes less food to make the plate look full. Source Link

Parents of children with asthma need to be on the lookout for another allergic health risk. A study found that sensitivity to peanuts is common among children with asthma and the allergic reaction can mirror an asthma attack. Children with asthma that’s difficult to control should be tested for peanut allergy. Source Link

Texting behind the wheel is just the start of what some drivers are doing with their smartphones. A new survey found that nearly 4-in-10 smartphone users tap into social media while driving, while 3-in-10 surf the net. One in ten admit to using video chat while driving, and 17-percent say they shoot selfies while behind the wheel. Source Link

May 20, 2015

You’ve heard of a heart-healthy diet, but what about one that’s good for your brain? A study found that adding more olive oil or nuts to a Mediterranean diet may help keep your mind sharper as you age. The Mediterranean diet that’s been linked to better heart health is rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains and low in red meat. Source Link

Osteoporosis isn’t just a women’s disease and health experts say older men should be screened for the bone-thinning condition. Men are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis than women, but the effects can be worse for them. More than one in ten men over 50 will have a bone fracture related to osteoporosis. Source Link

It’s not good news for our ability to focus -- in the time it takes to read this, your mind has probably wandered. Scientists using brain scans found that the average attention span is down to 8 seconds. They say you can blame that in part on the rise of smartphones and an avalanche of information that comes with them. Source Link

May 19, 2015

It could be a four-legged prescription for better health.  A new report says dog owners are more likely to have lower blood pressure and get the recommended two-and-a-half hours of exercise per week, often by walking their dog. Owning a dog can also have psychological benefits, such as reducing loneliness, stress, anxiety and depression. Source Link

An outbreak of bird flu may be scrambling prices for eggs and other foods at the supermarket. Farmers in over a dozen states are being forced to destroy millions of poultry affected by the flu that does not threaten humans. In addition to eggs, the outbreak has cut into stocks for turkey and chicken. Source Link

There’s new advice for parents who are looking for educational apps for their kids. Don’t settle for something that keeps their attention simply by swiping the screen or has lots of bells and whistles. And look for apps that encourage social interaction via discussion, competition, or conversation. Source Link

May 18, 2015

It doesn’t take a miracle drug to help you get some sleep when you’re in the hospital. A study found that a one milligram dose of over-the-counter melatonin did the trick for most people. Others used a simple eye mask or earplugs to get their shut-eye in one of the worst places to sleep. Source Link

So how do you find something tasty and healthy in the vending machine? Get a little nutty for starts. Bags of peanuts or almonds will provide some healthy fats and protein, and look for trail mix with nuts and dried fruit. Granola bars are a good choice and plain popcorn is a whole grain snack that’s packed with fiber and antioxidants. Source Link

In ten years, schoolteachers shouldn’t expect to have classes full of kids with similar names. Experts who’ve looked at the latest Social Security list of new baby names say millennial parents aren’t flocking to popular ones like their parents did. The top names in 2014, Noah and Emma, accounted for only one-percent of babies each. Source Link

May 15, 2015

We’ve all heard of seasonal allergies, but how about seasonal diseases? Scientists have discovered that genes which trigger inflammation can be more active in winter. That could account for why arthritis can be worse in wintertime and may also affect people with heart disease or even mental illness. Source Link

In families where both spouses work, new dads may be in denial about how much more they do at home after the baby arrives. A study found that new mothers logged about two more hours of housework daily, compared to dads who added 40 minutes. But fathers thought they were doing about four hours of housework per day. Source Link

Nearly two out of three Americans now own smartphones, but how do we use them besides making calls and sending texts? A new survey found that people use mobile devices for a wide range of life events. The most common uses were following news, looking up health information, online banking and checking real estate listings. Source Link

May 14, 2015

Does parental love blind us to the reality of childhood obesity? A study of overweight children found that nine out of ten parents said their son or daughter was about the right weight. Researchers say parents with accurate perceptions of their children's weight are more likely to implement changes that could lead to weight reduction. Source Link

Cell phone users are learning what car buyers have known for years -- buying a used late model can save you money without sacrificing performance. Used versions of flagship models like the iPhone 6 can cost 20-percent less and let you avoid signing a contract for service, which saves money on your monthly bill. Source Link 

Here’s another reason for men to schedule a visit to the dentist. A study found that treating gum gum disease helped with prostate problems. Researchers say the inflammation associated with gum disease can have an adverse effect on the prostate, but conditions improved after dental treatment. Source Link

May 13, 2015

The old adage may be true that we think better on our feet. A study found that students who used stand-up desks were more engaged in their classwork. And there could be another bonus, because students who used the stand-up desks burned more calories throughout the school day. Source Link

Want to eat better? Try making a list before you go grocery shopping. A study found that people who made a grocery list had healthier weights than those who purchased food without a plan. Researchers say planning your purchases could help you filter out the in-store marketing that pushes snack items and junk food. Source Link

If you enter a baby pool to guess the day and time of delivery, here’s a tip -- pick a Tuesday morning. A review of American birth records found that more babies are delivered between 8 a.m. and Noon, with the most on Tuesdays, followed by Mondays. Experts say that’s likely because more C-section deliveries are being scheduled. Source Link

May 12, 2015

When willpower won’t help in an effort to eat right, try a CAN-do attitude. Experts say making healthy foods convenient, attractive and normal in your home will make it more likely you’ll eat better. That could be as simple as keeping fresh fruit on the kitchen counter and storing junk food in hard-to-reach cabinets or out of the kitchen completely. Source Link

Does your unborn baby answer the call every time your cell phone rings? A study found that fetuses were startled by the sound of their mother’s ringing phone. Researchers say you may want to keep the phone in a purse instead of a pocket that’s near the baby. Source Link

Once upon a time, new parents consulted a book to find a baby name. Now it’s something you can Google, and the search engine has been tracking those inquiries. Google says the most-searched boy names in America are Michael, James and Avery. For girls, it’s Elizabeth, Olivia and Emma. Source Link

May 11, 2015

Foods that contain good bacteria might help you avoid those seasonal sniffles. A review of prior research showed that probiotics may be helpful to people with seasonal allergies. It’s believed that when probiotics change the balance of bacteria in the intestines, they also protect the immune system from reacting to allergens. Source Link

All sugar may not be the same when it comes to boosting your appetite. Researchers found that people wanted to eat more high-calorie foods when they had a drink containing fructose. Some critics say the use of high fructose corn syrup in foods has been one cause for America’s obesity problem. Source Link

If you procrastinate about saving for retirement or starting a college fund for your kids, here’s a trick to beat it. A study showed that people planned to start saving four times sooner when they thought of the coming event in days instead of years. Counting the time in days made people feel more connected to their future selves. Source Link

May 8, 2015

If your job is mostly sedentary,  try to “take two,” as in take two minutes to stand up and walk around. A study found that people who got up and moved around for at least two minutes every hour had a 33 percent lower risk of dying. Researchers say there’s not enough evidence yet to show whether standing on the job is better for you. Source Link 

So which businesses have taken the hardest hit from the digital revolution? New U.S. Census data shows that the number of newsstands has dropped by half in 15 years, while video rental stores declined by 85-percent. The biggest loser was the one-hour photo shop, where 94-percent have closed since 1998. Source Link

What’s the secret to living to be 100 years old? A survey of centenarians found that being around loved ones, laughing and having a sense of humor were tops on the list, followed by a positive attitude. And don't focus on age, because the typical 100-year old said they didn’t start to feel old until they were in their 80s. Source Link

May 7, 2015

Making healthy options for kid’s meals the default choice can pay off for children and restaurant owners. A study of one chain found that nearly half of their kid’s meals were served with fruit, vegetables or salads when healthy side orders replaced french fries and soda on the kid’s menu, and sales increased. Source Link

Here’s a silver lining to having a job that can make your head hurt -- if it challenges your brain, it  may help to protect you from memory loss later in life. A study found that people who had careers with more speaking, developing strategies, conflict resolution and managerial tasks experienced less mental decline on old age. Source Link

Get ready for luggage that tells you where it is. Samsonite and Samsung are developing a line of luggage that will use GPS tracking and a smartphone app to show you it’s location. The smart luggage will also check itself using microchip technology and would even alert you when your bag has been opened. Source Link

May 6, 2015

When planning for your family’s summer vacation, be sure to include the right car seat for kids. Studies show that three out of four car seats are used improperly, and seat belts alone are not designed for anyone shorter than 5 feet. And don’t let younger ones call shotgun, because kids under 13 should not be a front-seat passenger. Source Link

There’s a new non-surgical treatment that could melt away that double chin. The FDA has approved the drug Kybella that’s used as an injection to destroy fat cells under the chin. But before you think that a shot could get rid of all your fat, regulators say the drug has only been approved for use on double chins. Source Link

It’s a high-tech twist on the old carnival game “Guess My Age.” Microsoft researchers have adapted face detection software to guess a person’s age by analyzing a photo. Creators say it’s not perfect, but you can try it for yourself for free at the website how-old.net. Source Link

May 5, 2015

Can an apple on grocery day keep the junk food away?  A study found that eating an apple just before grocery shopping encouraged people to buy healthier foods. Experts say eating something healthy puts you in a better frame of mind to select healthier foods while grocery shopping. Source Link

Turning off the calls and text messages can turn teens into much safer drivers. Testing showed that using a device to block calls and texts when a car was running resulted in 80-percent less risky driving. Parents can do the same thing with smartphone apps and similar devices that are commercially available. Source Link

Working moms continue to shoulder more of the household chores that dads do. A new survey found that mothers spend nearly twice the time on chores per day as do working fathers. That could change some day, because millennial men are more likely to take on housework and child care duties. Source Link

May 4, 2015

Driving while dehydrated could be as dangerous as driving drunk. Researchers found that people who didn’t drink fluids while on long drives made twice the errors behind the wheel. Experts say brain function slows down to conserve energy when you’re dehydrated and that can affect your driving.  Source Link

Is the tablet taking a tumble on the must-have list for tech lovers? Apple reports that iPad sales have dropped by 25-percent. The company says the world’s top-selling tablet is being squeezed between buyers who choose bigger phablet phones or who opt for an ultra-lightweight laptop with more features than a tablet. Source Link

If you want to impress your next boss with that resume, skip the TImes New Roman font. Design experts say using the default typeface shows you don’t put much thought into what you’re presenting. A better choice might be Helvetica or Garamond to set you apart from other applicants. Source Link

May 1, 2015

About half of older adults say they take a daily aspirin to reduce the risk of a heart attack, but many of them shouldn’t. Health experts say the risks of taking aspirin, including ulcers and internal bleeding, are only outweighed if someone has had a heart attack or has major risk factors for heart disease. Source Link

There’s new scientific evidence that reading to young children may help to make them better readers. When researchers used MRI scanning while pre-schoolers listened to stories, they saw increased blood flow to parts of the brain that help with understanding the meaning of language and visualization. Source Link

It’s getting easier to go face-to-face with your Facebook friends when you’re mobile. The Facebook Messenger app now includes free video calling that can be used on WiFi and with cellular data connections. The service is available to Android and iOS users in the U.S. and 17 other countries. Source Link