The odds are your next restaurant meal will be a diet buster. A study
found that 92-percent of meals from large-chain and local restaurants
had more calories than recommended for the average person. Researchers
found that a single restaurant meal usually contained enough calories
for about half of a person’s typical daily recommendations. Source Link
It’s
down to the wire for those who still haven’t signed-up for health
insurance to avoid paying a fine. January 31st is the deadline for open
enrollment in the healthcare marketplace. Those who are not insured
could see their income tax refund cut by $695, or 2.5 percent of
income, whichever is greater. Source Link
If
you’re a longtime Netflix customer still paying $7.99 a month, expect
to see a price hike soon. The streaming service says customers who want
to keep high-definition quality will be charged $9.99 a month. You can
avoid the price hike if you want to downgrade to standard-definition
quality. Source Link
January 28, 2016
Students who are out of their seats in school be onto something. A
study found that standing desks were linked to better classroom
behavior. Kids who used standing desks burned more energy throughout the
day and also spent less time at home watching TV or using computers. Source Link
The oldest Americans who have reached the century mark are living even longer these days. The “100-plus” club is a growing demographic with some 72,000 people over the age of 100. But some experts wonder if quality of life is keeping up with healthcare advances that allow people to live longer. Source Link
Health officials are advising that you “Take 10” before heading to the doctor for an antibiotic prescription for that cough or sinus infection. Up to 50-percent of antibiotics may be unnecessary, so you should wait 10 days for symptoms to resolve unless you're running a high fever, have severe pain or if symptoms appear rapidly. Source Link
The oldest Americans who have reached the century mark are living even longer these days. The “100-plus” club is a growing demographic with some 72,000 people over the age of 100. But some experts wonder if quality of life is keeping up with healthcare advances that allow people to live longer. Source Link
Health officials are advising that you “Take 10” before heading to the doctor for an antibiotic prescription for that cough or sinus infection. Up to 50-percent of antibiotics may be unnecessary, so you should wait 10 days for symptoms to resolve unless you're running a high fever, have severe pain or if symptoms appear rapidly. Source Link
January 27, 2016
Fish could be good brain food for your unborn baby. A study found
that pregnant women who ate fatty fish such as tuna three times a week
had babies who scored better on IQ testing at age five. The children
also scored better on a scale measuring the risk of autism. Source Link
So how much Netflix are we all watching? The service says it streamed 42.5 billion hours of programming in 2015 and that would be an average of one and a half hours of Netflix per day for each subscriber. Netflix had 75 million subscribers at the end of 2015. Source Link
We have patches to stop smoking, but how about one to help prevent skin cancer? A new skin patch from L’Oreal works with a smartphone app to track your sun exposure. The heart-shaped patch is half the thickness of a human hair and you can apply sunscreen over it to measure the actual effect of the sun’s rays. Source Link
So how much Netflix are we all watching? The service says it streamed 42.5 billion hours of programming in 2015 and that would be an average of one and a half hours of Netflix per day for each subscriber. Netflix had 75 million subscribers at the end of 2015. Source Link
We have patches to stop smoking, but how about one to help prevent skin cancer? A new skin patch from L’Oreal works with a smartphone app to track your sun exposure. The heart-shaped patch is half the thickness of a human hair and you can apply sunscreen over it to measure the actual effect of the sun’s rays. Source Link
January 26, 2016
Could adding more fats to your diet help you live longer? A worldwide study claims that one million deaths from heart disease could be prevented each year by eating more healthy fats and less saturated fats like red meat and dairy products. Healthy fats include fish such as salmon, soybeans, vegetable oils and walnuts. Source Link
Most parents say they keep track of their kid’s digital activities. A survey found that 60-percent of parents have checked which websites their teens visit and nearly half admitted to looking through their children's text messages and call records. But only one-in-four parents say they use any kind of technology to control their child’s online behavior. Source Link
Would you pull the plug on Sportscenter to save some money on your cable bill? More than half of cable subscribers surveyed say they’d drop ESPN if they could save the $8 a month that goes to the sports cable network. Experts say if only those who wanted ESPN had to pay for it, the service could cost $30 a month. Source Link
January 25, 2016
Switching to e-cigarettes instead of the real thing might not help
you kick the habit. A new study found that e-cigarette use actually
lowered the chances of quitting smoking by 28-percent. E-cigarette
advocates say it’s a healthier alternative to tobacco cigarettes because
users aren't inhaling carcinogenic smoke. Source Link
There’s encouragement for couples who want to try to conceive again soon after a miscarriage. A study found that those who waited just three months had the best chance of getting pregnant. But experts say couples should be able to emotionally heal first before trying to conceive again. Source Link
Americans want their tech gadgets to do it all -- except when it comes to tracking them. A survey found that most people weren’t interested in devices like a thermostat that would know where you are in your home to save energy costs. And nearly half of people don’t want something that will track their driving habits to save on insurance premiums. Source Link
There’s encouragement for couples who want to try to conceive again soon after a miscarriage. A study found that those who waited just three months had the best chance of getting pregnant. But experts say couples should be able to emotionally heal first before trying to conceive again. Source Link
Americans want their tech gadgets to do it all -- except when it comes to tracking them. A survey found that most people weren’t interested in devices like a thermostat that would know where you are in your home to save energy costs. And nearly half of people don’t want something that will track their driving habits to save on insurance premiums. Source Link
January 22, 2016
Looking for a natural energy boost that’s not caffeinated? Hazelnuts,
cashews or almonds are rich in magnesium, and whole eggs are packed
with protein and B vitamins, which help convert food into energy. Fresh
fruit can also provide natural sugar along with beneficial fiber and
vitamin C from oranges, kiwi, mangoes, pineapple or strawberries. Source Link
When your work has you sitting most of the day, try to “take ten” on your feet to beat the bad health effects of a sedentary job. Researchers found that just ten minutes of walking could restore blood flow to legs affected by prolonged sitting. A walking meeting is just one way to add more steps to your work day. Source Link
Whether you’re a first, last or middle-born child may not have much effect on your personality. An international study found that traits like emotional stability, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were not affected by birth-order position. The findings refute the common beliefs that first-born are perfectionists, middle children are peacemakers and the youngest are most rebellious. Source Link
When your work has you sitting most of the day, try to “take ten” on your feet to beat the bad health effects of a sedentary job. Researchers found that just ten minutes of walking could restore blood flow to legs affected by prolonged sitting. A walking meeting is just one way to add more steps to your work day. Source Link
Whether you’re a first, last or middle-born child may not have much effect on your personality. An international study found that traits like emotional stability, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were not affected by birth-order position. The findings refute the common beliefs that first-born are perfectionists, middle children are peacemakers and the youngest are most rebellious. Source Link
January 21, 2016
January is the month for resolutions to lose weight and find love.
Experts say it’s the busiest month of the year for online dating and
users who log on now are 15 percent more likely to get a match than any
other time of year. But don’t wait because just like gym clubs, online
dating sites begin to thin out come February. Source Link
Should you skip the spuds for a more-healthy pregnancy? A study found that women who eat more potatoes before conceiving may face a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Women who substituted vegetables and whole grain foods had a lower incidence of diabetes during pregnancy. Source Link
The same technology that powers your personal fitness tracker is helping Hollywood add more heart-pounding action to movies. Studios are using wristbands that track heart rates during test screenings to identify scenes that have an audience at the edge of their seats. The data could help with final editing of an action movie. Source Link
Should you skip the spuds for a more-healthy pregnancy? A study found that women who eat more potatoes before conceiving may face a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Women who substituted vegetables and whole grain foods had a lower incidence of diabetes during pregnancy. Source Link
The same technology that powers your personal fitness tracker is helping Hollywood add more heart-pounding action to movies. Studios are using wristbands that track heart rates during test screenings to identify scenes that have an audience at the edge of their seats. The data could help with final editing of an action movie. Source Link
January 20, 2016
Pregnant women are being warned to avoid travel to more than a dozen
South American and Caribbean countries where a mosquito-borne virus
could cause birth defects. Places like Brazil, Columbia, Mexico and
Puerto Rico are on the list. The CDC says mothers-to-be or women
planning a pregnancy should consult their doctors before travelling to
these areas. Source Link
Cuddling with your furry friend is safe for both of you when you have a cold or flu. Experts say dogs and cats won't catch human viruses and can’t spread your cold to someone else who pets them. Avoiding close contact with sick humans and washing your hands are the best protections against the spread of colds and flu. Source Link
If a beeping alarm won’t get you out of bed, how about the smell of coffee? The new Sensorwake alarm clock pumps out familiar scents like coffee, chocolate, fresh-baked croissants and a beach smell to rouse you from sleep. And if the nose doesn’t know it’s time to get up, there’s a backup buzzer. Source Link
Cuddling with your furry friend is safe for both of you when you have a cold or flu. Experts say dogs and cats won't catch human viruses and can’t spread your cold to someone else who pets them. Avoiding close contact with sick humans and washing your hands are the best protections against the spread of colds and flu. Source Link
If a beeping alarm won’t get you out of bed, how about the smell of coffee? The new Sensorwake alarm clock pumps out familiar scents like coffee, chocolate, fresh-baked croissants and a beach smell to rouse you from sleep. And if the nose doesn’t know it’s time to get up, there’s a backup buzzer. Source Link
January 19, 2016
A do-it-yourself remedy could be a better prescription to beat back
pain. Researchers found that exercise reduced the risk of low back pain
by 35-percent. But it’s not a one-time therapy because ongoing exercise
is necessary to provide protection against future back pain. Source Link
Going it alone may help you meet that special someone. Experts say solo travel is becoming a popular option for people to want to mingle with other singles. Solo travel now accounts for one-third of all first-time travelers and has sparked a new wave of specialty packages from hotels and tour agencies. Source Link
Your smartphone soon may know where you’re going and map the route before you ask for it. A new feature of Google Maps called Driving Mode uses Internet searches and recent location data to guess where you might want to go. It also analyzes the path ahead to alert you to traffic slow-downs. Source Link
Going it alone may help you meet that special someone. Experts say solo travel is becoming a popular option for people to want to mingle with other singles. Solo travel now accounts for one-third of all first-time travelers and has sparked a new wave of specialty packages from hotels and tour agencies. Source Link
Your smartphone soon may know where you’re going and map the route before you ask for it. A new feature of Google Maps called Driving Mode uses Internet searches and recent location data to guess where you might want to go. It also analyzes the path ahead to alert you to traffic slow-downs. Source Link
January 18, 2016
People who use a common drug to treat heartburn may be in for a
more-serious malady. A study found that users of drugs such as Prilosec,
Nexium and Prevacid were up to 50-percent more likely to suffer chronic
kidney disease. Health experts say as many as 25-percent of people who
take these long-term medications don’t need them to control their
heartburn and acid reflux. Source Link
That big, jolly waiter may be helping you pack on a few more pounds. Researchers found that those served by heavier waiters or waitresses were four times more likely to have dessert. And the effect heavy servers had on customer ordering was strongest for the skinniest diners. Source Link
Some of us are so attached to our smartphone that we imagine it ringing when it isn’t. Phantom vibration syndrome occurs when you think you feel your phone vibrating to signal a call or text. One expert says it isn’t really new -- a similar condition was reported a generation ago when people carried pagers instead of cell phones. Source Link
That big, jolly waiter may be helping you pack on a few more pounds. Researchers found that those served by heavier waiters or waitresses were four times more likely to have dessert. And the effect heavy servers had on customer ordering was strongest for the skinniest diners. Source Link
Some of us are so attached to our smartphone that we imagine it ringing when it isn’t. Phantom vibration syndrome occurs when you think you feel your phone vibrating to signal a call or text. One expert says it isn’t really new -- a similar condition was reported a generation ago when people carried pagers instead of cell phones. Source Link
January 15, 2016
Obesity and diabetes could be curbed significantly by making soft
drinks and fruit juices less sweet. A study suggests a five-year plan to
reduce sugar content by 40 percent without adding artificial
sweeteners. The gradual decline would be less noticeable and could save 1
million people from obesity and prevent 300,000 cases of diabetes. Source Link
Screen fatigue happens when you spend lots of time looking at displays and odds are, your eyes have it. It’s estimated that 65-percent of people suffer from dry or irritated eyes, blurred vision or headaches. That number jumps to 75-percent for those who use more than one screen at a time. Source Link
The closet may be the next stop on the road to automating your life. Companies have unveiled high-tech accessories like a new belt that tracks the size of your waistline and steps taken. There’s also a bra that can track heart rate, breathing rate and calories burned, and sneakers that track steps and can also can heat your feet. Source Link
Screen fatigue happens when you spend lots of time looking at displays and odds are, your eyes have it. It’s estimated that 65-percent of people suffer from dry or irritated eyes, blurred vision or headaches. That number jumps to 75-percent for those who use more than one screen at a time. Source Link
The closet may be the next stop on the road to automating your life. Companies have unveiled high-tech accessories like a new belt that tracks the size of your waistline and steps taken. There’s also a bra that can track heart rate, breathing rate and calories burned, and sneakers that track steps and can also can heat your feet. Source Link
January 14, 2016
More than exercise or eating right, your connections with other
people may be the key to long-term health. Surveys found that the more
social ties people had at a young age, the better their health was early
and late in life, measuring factors linked to heart disease, stroke,
cancer and other diseases. Source Link
A website that offered games to build your brain power is not making the grade with federal regulators. The FTC says Lumosity has agreed to refund subscribers $2 million after making deceptive claims that its products could improve attention and memory and lead to better school performance for students. Source Link
Young visitors to “The Happiest Place on Earth” seem content with eating healthier foods. A study found that 50-percent of kid’s meals at Walt Disney World were served with vegetables or fruit instead of a typical side order of french fries. The theme park made fruit or vegetables and water or milk the default choice rather than fries and soda. Source Link
A website that offered games to build your brain power is not making the grade with federal regulators. The FTC says Lumosity has agreed to refund subscribers $2 million after making deceptive claims that its products could improve attention and memory and lead to better school performance for students. Source Link
Young visitors to “The Happiest Place on Earth” seem content with eating healthier foods. A study found that 50-percent of kid’s meals at Walt Disney World were served with vegetables or fruit instead of a typical side order of french fries. The theme park made fruit or vegetables and water or milk the default choice rather than fries and soda. Source Link
January 13, 2016
Winter may be the worst time to keep that New Year’s resolution to
lose weight. Experts say humans evolved as overeaters to survive the
winter months and that compulsion to maintain body fat continues. And
today’s foods with so much sugar and flavor don’t make it any easier to
resist the urge to eat. Source Link
With a Powerball jackpot well past a billion dollars, you might think it’s time to bet the bank on a big win. But even buying 100 tickets would still make the odds only about one in 3 million. The best strategy is to let the computer pick the numbers and if you do win, take the annual payments to ensure you get the most money. Source Link
Old school meets a new generation of filmmakers to bring back the tool that made home movies a half-century ago. Kodak plans to debut a new Super 8 movie camera that would shoot on film and include modern touches like an electronic viewfinder. The camera would be priced at about $500 and film and processing would cost $50. Source Link
With a Powerball jackpot well past a billion dollars, you might think it’s time to bet the bank on a big win. But even buying 100 tickets would still make the odds only about one in 3 million. The best strategy is to let the computer pick the numbers and if you do win, take the annual payments to ensure you get the most money. Source Link
Old school meets a new generation of filmmakers to bring back the tool that made home movies a half-century ago. Kodak plans to debut a new Super 8 movie camera that would shoot on film and include modern touches like an electronic viewfinder. The camera would be priced at about $500 and film and processing would cost $50. Source Link
January 12, 2016
A 10-percent limit on saturated fat and added sugars is part of the
new official dietary guidelines for Americans. Along with plenty of
fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, the recommendations
include one or two alcoholic drinks per day, but no set limits on
consumption of red meat or processed meats. Source Link
Are all those screens taking life out of focus for kids? An expert panel says more time on computers, tablets and phones and less time outdoors has lead to more nearsightedness among children. Doing close-up activities in low light contributes to children becoming very nearsighted. Source Link
You may soon be able to blow way past that 140-character limit for your tweets. Twitter is experimenting with introducing a longer form of tweet, perhaps as long as 10,000 characters. The long tweets would look the same in a timeline, but you’d have to click on a link to see more. Source Link
Are all those screens taking life out of focus for kids? An expert panel says more time on computers, tablets and phones and less time outdoors has lead to more nearsightedness among children. Doing close-up activities in low light contributes to children becoming very nearsighted. Source Link
You may soon be able to blow way past that 140-character limit for your tweets. Twitter is experimenting with introducing a longer form of tweet, perhaps as long as 10,000 characters. The long tweets would look the same in a timeline, but you’d have to click on a link to see more. Source Link
January 11, 2016
America’s pediatricians say home remedies are safer and often just as
effective as over-the-counter medicines for kid’s coughs and colds. For
children over the age of one, a teaspoon of honey can ease a cough.
Saline spray or using a humidifier can help unclog a stuffy nose and
using a tissue to blow is an effective way to deal with a runny nose. Source Link
Mindless eating often goes hand-in-hand with watching TV, but does what you watch affect how much you eat? Researchers found that action shows prompted people to eat twice as much as talk shows. Sad programs are also more likely to make you pile on the calories compared to upbeat programs and comedies. Source Link
Want to use your smartphone to see if you’re pregnant? Now there’s an app for that. The new First Response Bluetooth-enabled pregnancy test will sync with an app to track the test in real time and manage test results. The app can also predict a due date, show pregnancy milestones and updates about the baby’s growth, and offer questions to ask the doctor. Source Link
Mindless eating often goes hand-in-hand with watching TV, but does what you watch affect how much you eat? Researchers found that action shows prompted people to eat twice as much as talk shows. Sad programs are also more likely to make you pile on the calories compared to upbeat programs and comedies. Source Link
Want to use your smartphone to see if you’re pregnant? Now there’s an app for that. The new First Response Bluetooth-enabled pregnancy test will sync with an app to track the test in real time and manage test results. The app can also predict a due date, show pregnancy milestones and updates about the baby’s growth, and offer questions to ask the doctor. Source Link
January 8, 2016
A diet plan designed to reduce high blood pressure has been named the
best overall for a sixth consecutive year. The latest rankings by US
News and World Report were topped by the DASH diet, which emphasizes
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while lowering salt. Weight
Watchers was named the best diet for weight loss. Source Link
The smartphone is becoming the most popular way to access the web at home and away. A new survey found that more people are using their smartphones for Internet access rather than home broadband service. But those who are going “smartphone only” are facing higher charges and data caps for service. Source Link
Looking for an investment that’s better than gold? Head for the toy store. A study found that the value of Lego building sets has risen at more than twice the rate of gold prices since 2000. But don’t raid your kid’s toy cabinet for a hidden treasure, because the high resale value is for Lego sets that are in pristine condition. Source Link
The smartphone is becoming the most popular way to access the web at home and away. A new survey found that more people are using their smartphones for Internet access rather than home broadband service. But those who are going “smartphone only” are facing higher charges and data caps for service. Source Link
Looking for an investment that’s better than gold? Head for the toy store. A study found that the value of Lego building sets has risen at more than twice the rate of gold prices since 2000. But don’t raid your kid’s toy cabinet for a hidden treasure, because the high resale value is for Lego sets that are in pristine condition. Source Link
January 7, 2016
Those tiny fingers are pretty handy at putting a tablet or smartphone
to use. In fact, a new study found that children as young as age 2 are
adept at swiping, unlocking and actively searching for apps. Researchers
say touch-screen applications are more like traditional play and could
open the door to new developmental assessments to help identify
high-risk children. Source Link
Want to build a better memory? Try sleeping on it. A study found that test subjects had better recall of new information after a full night’s sleep. Earlier studies have shown that taking a nap can also improve your ability to learn. Source Link
Money may buy you happiness, but it depends on whether you enjoy an instant high or long-lasting comfort. Experts say purchasing something like a car with lasting value can give you long-term happiness, but spending money on experiences like a concert or a vacation can provide more-intense but short-term joy. Source Link
Want to build a better memory? Try sleeping on it. A study found that test subjects had better recall of new information after a full night’s sleep. Earlier studies have shown that taking a nap can also improve your ability to learn. Source Link
Money may buy you happiness, but it depends on whether you enjoy an instant high or long-lasting comfort. Experts say purchasing something like a car with lasting value can give you long-term happiness, but spending money on experiences like a concert or a vacation can provide more-intense but short-term joy. Source Link
January 6, 2016
If those New Year’s resolutions are already lagging, here are some
tips to help you succeed. Be sure your goals are specific and record
your progress on a daily basis. Eliminate barriers to success, like
removing sweets from your home or packing a gym bag each night. And let
your friends and family know about your plans, so they can help you
reach your goals. Source Link
It’s a five-letter word that could solve the puzzle of how to find an effective diet. Fiber -- and more of it -- could be the simple way to produce clinically significant weight loss, lower blood pressure and improve insulin resistance. Experts say increased fiber intake may be an effective alternative for people who find it difficult to stick to a more complicated diet. Source Link
Could one little dot change the tone of that text message? A study found that ending your text with a period may make you seem more insincere. Text messages are informal and chatty, and adding a period may have seemed a bit stuffy. Source Link
It’s a five-letter word that could solve the puzzle of how to find an effective diet. Fiber -- and more of it -- could be the simple way to produce clinically significant weight loss, lower blood pressure and improve insulin resistance. Experts say increased fiber intake may be an effective alternative for people who find it difficult to stick to a more complicated diet. Source Link
Could one little dot change the tone of that text message? A study found that ending your text with a period may make you seem more insincere. Text messages are informal and chatty, and adding a period may have seemed a bit stuffy. Source Link
January 5, 2016
You can make a New Year’s resolution to protect your health and get a
flu shot. Experts say flu activity usually peaks in January or February
and a vaccination now will protect you as the flu season ramps up.
Anyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to get a flu shot. Source Link
The old joke is about walking and chewing gum at the same time, but walking and texting can be dangerous too. “Digital deadwalking” is when a pedestrian focuses on a smartphone screen and can step into traffic or run into something. A survey found that 40-percent of people had witnessed distracted walking and 25-percent say they’ve done it themselves. Source Link
There isn’t a “secret sauce” to “walking back” the kind of trite phrases that might “break the Internet.” All you need to do is heed the warnings in Lake Superior State University’s annual list of misused words that should be banned. Also on the overused words list were “problematic,” “stakeholder” and “vape.” Source Link
The old joke is about walking and chewing gum at the same time, but walking and texting can be dangerous too. “Digital deadwalking” is when a pedestrian focuses on a smartphone screen and can step into traffic or run into something. A survey found that 40-percent of people had witnessed distracted walking and 25-percent say they’ve done it themselves. Source Link
There isn’t a “secret sauce” to “walking back” the kind of trite phrases that might “break the Internet.” All you need to do is heed the warnings in Lake Superior State University’s annual list of misused words that should be banned. Also on the overused words list were “problematic,” “stakeholder” and “vape.” Source Link
January 4, 2016
Ever wonder what it would take to undo the calories that you add with
a trip to the fast food drive-thru? A Big Mac and fries would cost you
about 90 minutes on an elliptical machine, while that three-piece KFC
meal clocks-in at about an hour in the gym. A slice of pizza isn’t much
better, requiring about 59 minutes of cardio or even more weightlifting.
Source Link
The FDA wants to make the tanning bed an adults-only experience. Proposed rules would keep anyone under the age of 18 from using high-powered UV sunlamps, such as those in tanning beds. And those over the age of 18 would need to sign a waiver every six months saying they understand that using these lamps has health risks that include burns and skin cancers. Source Link
If you like to binge on Netflix, you’re not alone. In fact, the popular streaming service is number-one in usage and accounts for about one-third of all Internet traffic through homes. But on our smartphones, it’s a different story. YouTube and Facebook are number-one and number-two in mobile broadband traffic. Source Link
The FDA wants to make the tanning bed an adults-only experience. Proposed rules would keep anyone under the age of 18 from using high-powered UV sunlamps, such as those in tanning beds. And those over the age of 18 would need to sign a waiver every six months saying they understand that using these lamps has health risks that include burns and skin cancers. Source Link
If you like to binge on Netflix, you’re not alone. In fact, the popular streaming service is number-one in usage and accounts for about one-third of all Internet traffic through homes. But on our smartphones, it’s a different story. YouTube and Facebook are number-one and number-two in mobile broadband traffic. Source Link
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