September 30, 2015

More fruits and veggies on your plate can mean less pounds on the scale. A 24-year study found that people who ate more fruits and vegetables had a lower risk of excessive weight gain. But the study showed that eating starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn and peas was linked with weight gain. Source Link
 
When it comes to beating hot flashes, it may be a case of mind over matter. The North American Menopause Society says there’s solid evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis can work, but exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and over-the-counter and herbal remedies could not be proven effective against hot flashes. Source Link 
 
If you’re sampling new TV shows, here’s proof that you’re rarely hooked after just one episode. Netflix looked at its viewing records and found that it takes a while for most people to commit to watching a full season. For shows like “Scandal” and “The Blacklist” it took six episodes, but “The Walking Dead” and “Breaking Bad” had people hooked after the second show. Source Link

September 29, 2015

If you have to sit on the job, you can do your health a favor by not sitting still. A study found that people who fidgeted a lot when they sat had the same mortality rate as those who were on their feet more often. Sitting for long periods has been linked to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Source Link
 
Last week it was new phones from Apple, and now Google is unveiling its latest Nexus smartphones and taking a page from the iPhone playbook. Google has two new models, the Nexus 5X and the larger-screen Nexus 6P. One big difference is price - the Nexus 5P will sell for about $400 versus the $650 price tag for a similar iPhone 6S. Source Link
 
It’s not true that red car owners pay more for auto insurance, but that’s one of the misconceptions discovered in a recent survey. Many drivers also falsely believe that auto insurance won’t cover repairs for the party at fault, but think it does pay for items stolen from a car, although it’s homeowners or renters insurance that covers these thefts. Source Link

September 28, 2015

When it comes to bringing up baby, many parents are turning to the plastic to do it. A survey of mothers found that nearly half of them say they’ve gone into debt to cover child-rearing expenses. About half of the moms say they're stressed out by trying to create "perfect" childhoods for their kids. Source Link
 
It looks like an apple a day is the favorite way for American kids to get their fill of fruit. A study found that apples were the number-one fruit choice for kids followed by citrus juice, apple juice and other fruit juices. Bananas were the next most-popular whole fruit. Only 40-percent of  kids eat the recommended one to two cups of fruit a day. Source Link 
 
You’ll probably be hearing more people singing “Happy Birthday to You” in movies and on TV. That’s because a judge has thrown out a 80-year old copyright claim that allowed the owners of the song to charge royalty fee every time it was sung. Those fees had generated up to $2 million a year in revenue. Source Link

September 25, 2015

We often hear about the dangers of text messaging, but can it be good for you too? Researchers found that regular text message reminders helped people with heart disease stick to a healthier lifestyle. And there was an added benefit because the text messages also helped many to quit smoking. Source Link
 
Keeping prescription drugs out of the wrong hands and out of the water supply is the idea behind the National Take-Back Day on Saturday. Collection sites in most communities will be accepting expired, unwanted, or unused prescription and over-the-counter medications for safe disposal. Source Link
 
There are three months until the big day, but it’s not too early to begin your holiday shopping. Experts say layaway can make buying more affordable and some items like high-end electronics and gift cards won’t see any discounts come Black Friday. And sign up for e-newsletters from brands you like to get special discount offers. Source Link

September 24, 2015

Can we add an Apple car to the list of products from the tech giant? Reports say Apple is aiming for 2019 as the year when it will be ready with an electric car model. Apple has been hiring auto industry veterans for the project and would join Google as the second tech firm with plans to become an automaker. Source Link
 
Health experts say this year’s flu vaccine should be a better match to prevent more illnesses, but only if more people get vaccinated. Last year’s flu season was difficult because the vaccine missed the predominant flu strain. About 50-percent of Americans and only 50-percent of pregnant women get their flu shot. Source Link
 
What sounds like an elegant snack might really be brain food. Experts say red wine and dark chocolate could help to combat the effects Alzheimer’s disease. The compound resveratrol is found in both and a study showed that taking high doses of it helped to stabilize brain chemicals and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Source Link

September 23, 2015

That cup of coffee or caffeinated drink at night can literally stop the clock on your body. New research found that nighttime caffeine can reset the body’s internal clock by about 40 minutes, delaying the surge of melatonin that triggers the start of the sleep cycle. It’s not clear if daytime caffeine use has the same effect. Source Link
 
Could your visit to the ATM or a bank teller go faster if you started sooner? That’s the idea behind a test of “pre-staging” that begins a transaction using a smartphone app. A bank customer would start with the app and finish the transaction quickly at the ATM or in the office by providing a code number that can be scanned from your phone. Source Link
 
Science is no match for scrubbing when you’re keeping your hands clean. A study found that plain soap worked as well as antibacterial handwashing products. That’s because the typical person washes their hands for a matter of seconds, and that’s not enough time for antibacterial ingredients to do much good. Source Link

September 22, 2015

These days, few would work in an office filled with chain-smoking colleagues, but there’s a health threat just as big lurking everywhere. A new report says workplace stress is as dangerous to your health as breathing secondhand smoke. Chronic stress can lead to insomnia, hypertension and heart disease and costs businesses billions of dollars in lost productivity. Source Link
 
What if you could combine the size convenience of a flip phone with the features of a big-screen smartphone? Reports say Samsung is ready to try it with a folding smartphone that would have a continuous display on one side. Testing is underway and the flip smartphone could be unveiled sometime next year. Source Link
 
As if the Internet itself wasn’t already the ultimate time waster, Google has made digital daydreaming as easy as typing three words. A new feature provides a random bit of trivia when you enter the words “I’m feeling curious” in the search box. You can click to keep seeing more fun facts for as long as you’d like -- or until the boss shows up. Source Link

September 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
 
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
 
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

September 18, 2015

If you’ve always wished there were a “dislike” button for Facebook posts, your wait is almost over. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg says the social network is getting ready to add a “thumbs down” icon after years of requests from users who want to express empathy for friends with not-so-happy news. Source Link

It’s not too early for one group of people to be getting their flu shots. Experts say pregnant women or any woman who plans to start a family soon should be first in line for a flu shot. Early protection lessens the risk of birth defects that can occur when an unvaccinated mother is exposed to the flu virus. Source Link
 
It may not be a combo dish that tastes good together, but apples and green tomatoes could be a recipe for stronger muscles as we age. A study found that the natural chemicals in apple peels and green tomatoes can slow down the genetic process that leads to muscle loss. Source Link

September 17, 2015

Taking a super-sized portion in a restaurant meal will have you eating more, even if you’re not that hungry. A study found that people who took large portion sizes ate more, regardless of their appetite or body type. Experts say eliminating jumbo servings from menus could cut the nation’s caloric intake by 29-percent. Source Link 
 
One-in-five Americans is providing financial support to an adult child or aging parent, according to a new survey. The average cost is $12,000 a year, and it’s not just Baby Boomers footing the bill. About 20-percent of Millennials say they are providing financial support to their parents. Source Link
 
When it comes to young love, the sound of keystrokes may be more soothing than the human voice. A study of college students found that an email was more effective in expressing romantic feelings than leaving a voicemail message. Researchers think it’s because senders engage with email messages longer and may think about the task more deeply than when leaving voicemails. Source Link

September 16, 2015

Could seafood help put a smile on your face? Studies show that people who ate the most fish had a significantly lower risk of depression than those who ate the least. Some researchers think that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish might modify the brain chemicals that calibrate our moods. Source Link 
 
If you’re on a diet, here’s some bad news -- your body is probably fighting against the effort to lose weight. That’s because the nervous system is constantly adapting to find ways to burn fewer calories. Experts say this kind of hard-wired conservation of energy is good news if you’re running a race, but not so good if you’re trying to trim those pounds. Source Link
 
What could cars and iPhones have in common soon? Both might have a booming market in lower-priced gently used models. Experts say the popularity of easy upgrade plans for the iPhone could lead to a big inventory of used phones in a few years as last year’s models become trade-ins. That could make used iPhones cheaper for people who want to buy their own phone. Source Link

September 15, 2015

So what’s the most expensive pet to own? Size matters, but it’s not everything. Data from the ASPCA shows that a large dog can cost an owner nearly $900 a year for food and care. Number two on the list? A rabbit at $730 a year, with over half of that being spent on litter. Keeping a cat costs an owner just over $600 a year. Source Link
 
Half of Americans have diabetes or are well on their way to getting it. That’s according to a new study that says 38-percent of American adults have blood sugar high enough to put them in what’s called pre-diabetes. And another 12-percent of the population has already been diagnosed with diabetes. Source Link
 
Being hooked on your smartphone is a common problem. A new study found that one-third of people check their phone at least 25 times a day and 16-percent do it over 50 times daily. Half of people checked their phone within 15 minutes of waking up, and 10-percent said grabbing the phone is the first thing they do each day. Source Link

September 14, 2015

If you’re a clockwatcher when it comes to mealtime, you’re probably eating better. New research suggests that people who eat at regular times and pack lunches instead of eating out have healthier diets. People who ate on the run, or used media while they ate or purchased food often didn’t eat as well. Source Link
 
Forgiveness could be the best medicine for peace of mind for older women. A study found that women who forgave others were less depressed, even when others didn’t forgive them. But men who forgave but felt unforgiven had higher levels of depression, and for men and women forgiving yourself didn’t help.  Source Link
 
You may not be ready to shell out for the newest iPhone, but Apple has a free consolation prize. The new iOS 9 operating system debuts this week and offers better battery life and improvements to the Siri virtual assistant, along with new features that can learn your usage habits and load apps as you need them. Source Link

September 11, 2015

Getting a good night’s sleep could make the difference in whether you get a cold. New research found that people who slept six hours a night or less were four times as likely to get sick after being exposed to the cold virus compared with those who got more sleep. Scientists say sleep plays an important role in regulating the immune system. Source Link 
 
Just a minute of the latest hits on high could be enough for lifelong hearing loss. Experts say listening to very loud music with earbuds can do permanent damage in as little as 60 seconds. The solution is  the “60-60” rule -- keep the volume under 60 percent and only listen for a maximum of 60 minutes a day. Source Link
 
Amazon may be betting that a hot product for the coming holiday season will be a $50 tablet. Reports say a new 6-inch tablet from Amazon could be priced at $50, or half the cost of the current lowest-priced model. The low-end tablet would be about the same size as current phablet phones and would also display ads along with content. Source Link

September 10, 2015

A diagnosis of strep throat usually means time off from school for kids and scrambled plans for working parents, but how soon can they return to the classroom? New research says it might take only 18 hours for an antibiotic to begin to work. That could mean back to school the next morning after an initial dose is administered. Source Link 
 
You probably didn’t need a study to confirm this, but new research shows your cat doesn’t really need you. Scientists found that cats show little or no separation anxiety when they’re away from their owners. And if or when they decide to stick around their human, it’s because they really want to. Source Link
 
Google is making those popular Street Views a standalone feature for your smartphone. The new app for Android and iPhone will let you browse the many panoramic views of streets and locations worldwide. You can even make your own 360-degree shots to contribute to Google Maps. Source Link

September 9, 2015

So what’s your heart age? It’s a new way to convince people to take better care of themselves. The CDC says three out of four Americans have a heart age that’s older than their real age, based on risk factors like blood pressure levels, whether they smoke and how much they weigh. The CDC has a new online tool to help you gauge your heart age. Source Link
 
Science is disproving those who brag that they can drink all they want and avoid a hangover. Two new studies found that drinking to excess always has side effects that can range from headaches to nausea, or just feeling tired. And eating food or drinking water had little effect on easing those symptoms. Source Link
 
If you crave the newest iPhone, today’s your day. Apple is unveiling its latest smartphone models that will add an “S” to the current name rather than a new number. The bigger news might be a larger iPad and a redesigned Apple TV video player to set the stage for the launch of an Apple multi-channel streaming service. Source Link

September 8, 2015

At what age should parents begin to talk with kids about drinking? Maybe before they reach double digits. The American Academy of Pediatrics says parents should talk to kids about drinking alcohol as early as 9 years old. They say attitudes can begin forming between 9 and 13 that could lead to underage drinking. Source Link
 
The simple stethoscope is getting a high-tech makeover with the help of a smartphone app. The Eko Core attaches to a stethoscope and allows the user to record a heartbeat using audio and visual representations of the sound. Experts say the $199 tool will make it easier to store, analyze and compare heart sounds for better diagnosis. Source Link 
 
The top streaming video service for network TV programming is offering to ditch the commercials for a price. Hulu has a new $12 a month plan with no ads to better compete with Netflix and Amazon’s commercial-free services. Users can also pay $8 a month and see limited commercials or use a free service that includes a full slate of ads. Source Link

September 4, 2015

Parents might need some schooling to keep from making their kids too anxious about math. A study found that parents who express their own worries about understanding math can affect their child’s success. Experts say parents can use books, computer and board games and online programs or apps to help with math. Source Link
 
Could a midday siesta be good for your heart? A study showed that people with high blood pressure who napped for an hour had lower readings during the day and while sleeping at night. Researchers say midday sleepers may have less damage from high blood pressure in their arteries and heart. Source Link
 
The number-two streaming video service is offering something that number-one Netflix doesn’t have. Amazon Prime Video programs can now be downloaded for later viewing on smartphones and tablets. Amazon says the new feature allows subscribers to watch Prime Video programming in places where WiFi or data service may not be available. Source Link

September 3, 2015

That before-dinner drink could be the key to losing weight, as long as it’s plain water. A study showed that obese adults who drank 16 ounces of water before every meal lost more weight. Researchers say the water provides a sense of fullness to help people eat less at every meal. Source Link
 
Many adults who use e-cigarettes in homes with children are unaware of the dangers they can pose for kids. A survey found that one-in-three adults did not lock up bottles of liquid nicotine and did not use childproof caps. Liquid nicotine is often fruit-flavored and drinking just a teaspoon can cause death for a child. Source Link
 
Can the people who make the world’s favorite smartphone score a hit on-screen? Reports say Apple is in discussions to begin producing original programming that would be part of a new Apple TV service. The company is expected to unveil a new version of its Apple TV streaming player next week. Source Link

September 2, 2015

Getting better shuteye might mean getting more time outdoors. Research found that people who were exposed to more sunlight and green space reported better sleep. The sleep benefits from the outdoors were the greatest for men and for people over the age of 65. Source Link
 
Parents who are true partners in raising children are also better partners behind closed doors. A study found that couples who share the responsibilities of child care end up feeling more satisfied with both their sex lives and their overall relationship. That was true for both married couples and couples who were living together. Source Link
 
Would you buy a smartphone with the classic Blackberry keyboard paired with a big screen and the Android operating system? Leaked photos claim to show such a phone. Blackberry officials won’t confirm the rumors about the new model that sports a slider physical keyboard and a phablet-sized screen. Source Link

September 1, 2015

The FDA is asking makers of testosterone supplements to prove that the treatment can help restore virility for men. Millions of men use so-called “low T” therapy to combat the effects of aging, but studies don’t show a proven benefit, and testosterone treatment can raise the risk for heart attack or stroke. Source Link
 
If your meals are often the “grab and go” variety, you may be gobbling more than you should. A study found that dieters who ate while walking, watching TV or having a conversation ate much more than others later in the day. Researchers think they may not be fully aware of what they're eating, or feel like they deserve more food later on because they’ve been active. Source Link
 
The new public etiquette of cell phone use seems to be, “it’s okay when you’re on the move, but shut it down when you gather together.” A national survey found that most people approved of using a phone while walking on the street, on public transportation, or waiting in line. But it was a major no-no for family dinners, at meetings, in theaters, or in church. Source Link