February 29, 2016

Students might do better in the three “R’s” when you add some “E” to the lesson. A study found that schoolchildren may have an easier time learning if exercise is part of their math and spelling classes. Researchers say adding movement to traditional lessons could help kids learn and stay healthy. Source Link
 
Facebook wants more “reactions” to what you see in your News Feed. Joining the “like” button are five new reaction emoticons --  love, ha-ha, wow, sad and angry. In testing, the love button was the most common reaction used. Source Link
 
What will you do on leap day? This February 29th, many are celebrating their first real birthday since 2012. People who were born on a leap day even have their own club. The Honor Society of Leap Year Babies has 10,000 members worldwide. Source Link

February 26, 2016

The stick might work better than the carrot to encourage healthy habits for employees. A study found that workers did better at meeting physical activity goals when every missed day meant money removed from a set monthly reward. Fear of a loss was a better motivator than earning a bonus. Source Link
 
MasterCard wants to ditch the old-fashioned password and use selfies to approve purchases. Card users will soon be able to snap a photo of themselves to authorize transactions. The company says the facial recognition technology can’t be fooled by taking a photo of a picture and can even account for a bad hair day. Source Link 
 
The Labs still have it, but a four-legged French competitor is closing in fast. The latest AKC registration figures show the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in America for the 25th consecutive year, the longest reign of any one breed. The French Bulldog is quickly growing in popularity, moving from ninth to sixth. Source Link

February 25, 2016

It could be the toughest job you aren’t paid to do. A study found that caregivers for older disabled parents or relatives were twice as likely to experience physical, financial and emotional difficulties. And if they worked for a living, they were three times more likely to be less productive on the job due to fatigue and dealing with issues related to caregiving.  Source Link
 
If that New Year’s plan to exercise more and lose weight is flagging even before February is through, there are ways to get back on-track. Experts say adjust your exercise goals to make them manageable for the long haul. And if weight loss is your target, consider professional help to create a successful diet plan. Source Link
 
Samsung has unveiled the newest versions of its flagship Galaxy S smartphone. The Galaxy S7 will come in three varieties, including an Edge model and a new Plus size with a 6-inch screen, and marks the return of the micro SD card for additional storage. Pre-orders are available now and the Galaxy S7 will be priced between $20 and $30 a month depending on your carrier. Source Link

February 24, 2016

Old-fashioned social networking could be the key to a longer life in your golden years. A study found that staying active by joining book clubs or church groups may add years to your life after retirement. Researchers say the sense of belonging that social group connections provide helps people sustain a meaningful and healthy life. Source Link 
 
When it comes to protecting young kids against one of the top cancers, the best approach is “more is more.” A study found that children aged 2 through 6 had less damage from the sun when parents were educated about the risks of skin cancer and were given a sun-safe swim shirt for their child. Melanoma is the second most common cancer among teens. Source Link
 
A tune you hear at many a birthday party can once again be part of your favorite movies and TV shows. The company that claimed the rights to the song “Happy Birthday to You” has settled a class action lawsuit and will pay $14 million to producers who paid for the right to use it. The song was copyrighted but evidence showed that those rights expired in 1921. Source Link

February 23, 2016

Cranberries have long been touted as a natural cure for urinary tract infections, but don’t head to the juice aisle for relief. A study found that the cranberry juice you find at the grocery store doesn’t have enough cranberry in it to be effective. Cranberry capsules do work and there’s some evidence that foods rich in probiotics may also help prevent UTIs. Source Link
 
If you own a Samsung smart TV, you may want to be careful what you say in front of it. The company has warned owners that the TV can capture any nearby conversation and transmit it to a 3rd party company that manages the television’s voice control system. Owners have the option to turn off the voice feature. Source Link
 
Do you find solace in your News Feed after a sleepless night? You’re not alone. A study found that too little sleep was linked to more frequent online activities such as browsing Facebook. Experts say lack of sleep makes us more distracted and scrolling through a Facebook feed is an easy way to deal with fatigue. Source Link

February 22, 2016

Could looking in the mirror help a man determine if he’s at greater risk of dying from prostate cancer? Researchers have found that moderate baldness is tied to a 83-percent higher chance for prostate cancer death. Hormones called androgens play a role in hair loss and in prostate cancer development. Source Link
 
Getting your own set of wheels isn’t tops on the list for many of today’s young people. Only seven out of ten teenagers have a driver’s license and a declining trend is being seen across all age groups. Millennials who do have a license often don’t own a car, instead opting for car-sharing services or booking rides with Uber or Lyft. Source Link 
 
Kids of the 1960s might remember the “ThingMaker” that let you bake your own little creepy crawlers, and now the concept is getting a high-tech makeover. Mattel is bringing back the ThingMaker as a 3-D printer that creates tiny toys ranging from dolls and dinosaurs to jewelry and robots. The new ThingMaker will be available exclusively through Amazon. Source Link

February 19, 2016

Sudden cardiac arrest can kill in an instant, but often there are warning signs. A study showed that nearly half of victims experienced chest pains or shortness of breath in the days or weeks before they died. Health experts say such symptoms should always be checked by a doctor or with an emergency room visit, if necessary. Source Link
 
So what’s the magic number on the scale for a weight loss that others will notice? A study involving before and after photos found that an 8-pound weight loss can be seen in someone’s face. But it took 16 pounds of weight loss before people said a dieter looked more attractive. Source Link
 
Being a grump apparently isn’t something that will kill you. A 10-year study involving one million women found unhappiness or stress had no direct effect on mortality. Experts say Illness can make you unhappy, but unhappiness itself doesn't make you ill. Source Link

February 18, 2016

Researchers say all the buzz of life today could make it harder for kids to learn. Young children’s brains are more distracted by noise, especially when multiple voices are heard in a loud environment. The advice to parents is to limit background noise like a TV, look children in the eye when you talk to them and speak clearly. Source Link
 
Getting the right kind of job after college could make it easier to pay off those federal student loans. A report says up to 4 million borrowers may be eligible for loan forgiveness with jobs in the public sector. This includes full-time jobs in a federal, state, or local government agency, a tax-exempt nonprofit or a not-for-profit provider of public services. Source Link
 
So what’s the secret to staying slim without a strict diet or strenuous exercise? Get busy in your own kitchen, listen to your stomach and enjoy what you eat. Researchers found that people who are mindlessly slim enjoyed high-quality food cooked at home and followed their internal cues to eat only when hungry and stop when satisfied. Source Link 

February 17, 2016

Do the seasons affect how we think? A study found that short-term memory was best in fall and worst in spring. Attention skills peaked at the start of summer and bottomed out near the first day of winter. The impact could be even stronger for people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Source Link
 
Pregnant women are the focus of government efforts to prevent infection from the Zika virus. The CDC is recommending that all pregnant women who have visited countries affected by the virus be offered a test for Zika. Only one in five infected people show any symptoms of the virus that can cause birth defects. Source Link
 
Cabbage Patch Kids are coming back with a 21st century makeover. The new version of the popular doll of the 1980s has upgrades like touch sensors on its feet, face, legs, and back, speech abilities, and LCD eyes. There’s even a companion smartphone app that serves as a baby monitor. Source Link 

February 16, 2016

Healthy eating may be catching on with America’s teens.  A study found fewer who had the warning signs for type-2 diabetes. Researchers say the teenagers studied were eating fewer calories, less carbohydrates and more unsaturated fats, which are all recommendations for a healthy diet. Source Link 

Are you losing sleep over your News Feed? Research shows  that a lack of sleep is linked to a higher level of online browsing, including checking social media websites such as Facebook. The bright glow of a smartphone or tablet screen is intensified in the dark, delaying the release of melatonin, the hormone that makes you feel sleepy. Source Link 
 
This could put a crimp in your binge-watching habits. Some television producers want to delay the release of full seasons and end next-day viewing of programs on services like Netflix and Hulu. They’re concerned that making streaming TV too convenient might encourage viewers to cut back or drop their cable service, which provides billions of dollars a year in revenue. Source Link

February 15, 2016

If your New Year’s resolution to lose weight is lagging, it’s time to step on the scale. Studies show that daily weight measurement is a more effective way to keep the pounds from piling on. Seeing that number prompts people to make small changes in behavior every day, whether it’s eating less or exercising more. Source Link
 
Moms-to-be might indulge that sweet tooth just a bit for the sake of their baby. A study found that pregnant women who nibble a small piece of dark chocolate each day may improve the circulatory health of their unborn child. Chocolate contains flavenols that are known to have health benefits. Source Link
 
We may be just one month away from a new iPhone, but it won’t be a bigger and better model.  Reports say Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 5se on March 15th. The smaller iPhone has a 4-inch screen and would add a lower-priced model to the lineup that includes the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Source Link

February 12, 2016

If your vacation plans include more trips to the bar, you may have a different kind of souvenir to bring home. A study found that the most people gain weight while on vacation and many keep those extra pounds for good. Additional calories from alcohol consumption was one of the top reasons why vacationers gained weight. Source Link 
 
That bubbly drink probably isn’t doing any favors for your smile. Carbonated beverages get their fizz from acids that can wear away your tooth enamel. Sipping a sparkling drink is the worst for your teeth because it exposes them to acids for even longer than a quick swig. Source Link
 
People who love to post lots of selfies may find that real romance is more elusive.  A survey of Instagram users found that the more selfies someone posted, the more likely the behavior was tied to jealousy and arguments with their partner, along with infidelity and breakups or divorce. Source Link

February 11, 2016

It’s an annual ritual -- the price increase on your cable or satellite TV bill -- and this year will be no different. Most subscribers will see a price hike of about $3 to $4 a month. Providers blame the price increases on higher licensing fees from local stations and networks and say that cable and satellite operators aren’t passing along all of the higher costs. Source Link
 
For pregnant women, getting just the right amount of shuteye could determine how much weight you gain. A study found that women who sleep too little or too much are more likely to gain extra weight.  About two-thirds of the women slept between seven and nine hours a night. Source Link
 
Facebook thinks there should be more to your News Feed than whether you “like” something. The social network is rolling out an expansion of the Like button that will let users express more specific emotions instead, such as anger, sadness or love, to find better ways to determine what appears in your Facebook News Feed. Source Link

February 10, 2016

Kids might let their fingers do the walking on the way to better results on math problems. Students who used their fingers to trace over examples while reading arithmetic and geometry material were able to perform better. Researchers think the technique makes it easier for the brain to remember complex information. Source Link
 
A new online tool will help you fight back quickly if you’re the victim of identity theft. The website identitytheft.gov run by the Federal Trade Commission features an all-in-one tool that will provide the necessary paperwork to undo the normal effects of identity theft and offers advice on specific kinds of fraud, like credit card theft. Source Link 
 
There’s hope for all the nice guys out there who are looking for love. A study found that men who are concerned for others have a better chance in winning over the ladies, versus those who get by on good looks alone. Women in the study said that men appear more attractive when they are doing something heroic, kind or generous. Source Link

February 9, 2016

If you’re a spouse considering weight-loss surgery, you might get less than you bargained for. A study found that married people shed fewer pounds than singles after weight-loss surgery and some marriages suffered. Researchers say food is so central to routines and celebrations that eating much less can impact family relationships. Source Link
 
When it comes to Man’s Best Friend trying to figure out his master, it’s all in the eyes. A study found that dogs look to the eyes first to determine your mood. And unlike staring down another angry canine, when a dog senses anger in a human, it tends to look away quickly. Source Link
 
Maybe you’re proud to have lots of Facebook friends, but how many really care about you? A survey showed that the average Facebook user only counts about a quarter of their virtual buddies as genuine friends. And among those, only about four people are someone you could turn to for support in a time of crisis. Source Link

February 8, 2016

There’s something in those flavored e-cigarettes that could trigger a coughing spell, or worse. The chemical benzaldehyde is a flavoring agent found in foods as well as medicines, such as cough syrup and can taste like cherries or almonds. It’s safe to eat, but when inhaled it can irritate the lungs. Source Link
 
Post-menopausal women can turn down the body heat by breaking a sweat. A study found that sedentary women were 21% more likely to experience hot flashes. Women had fewer hot flashes when they spent 30 minutes three times a week in physical activity, such as walking or jogging, bicycling or swimming. Source Link
 
First it was Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, and now Apple is getting in the game to produce original programming for its streaming customers. No word on what kind of shows might be created for the Apple TV service. The tech giant is expected to announce the programming venture this fall. Source Link

February 5, 2016

Our four-legged friends are needing a flu shot too. Canine influenza has caused outbreaks in 26 states and some dogs get seriously ill. Humans can’t catch the flu from a dog, but those whose pets use doggy daycare or spend time in dog parks should have their dog immunized. Source Link
 
Your thumbs may be fast on the keyboard, but they’re no match for old-fashioned face time. Studies show that face-to-face interaction does a better job of conveying emotional support. And preteens who spent five days away from screens improved their ability to recognize nonverbal emotional cues. Source Link 
 
That long run probably isn’t doing much to help melt away your middle. Researchers found that moderate exercise such as walking a few miles per day may be the best way to burn extra calories. Beyond that, the body’s metabolism adapts to reduce calorie consumption from exercise. Source Link

February 4, 2016

Even as technology reshapes the lives of today's teenagers, some things stay the same. A survey of parents found many who worry that smartphones and social media are a new avenue for bullying. And parents are concerned that kids are losing too much sleep because they keep phones turned on around the clock for texts and messages. Source Link 

If you’re trying to quit smoking, is it better to slap on a patch, pop a lozenge or swallow a pill? Researchers say all three methods appear to work equally well. After six months, about one-in-four smokers are successful in kicking the habit, whether they use a nicotine patch or lozenges, or the drug Chantix. Source Link
 
All pregnant women and new mothers should be screened for depression. That’s the recommendation from the nation's leading preventive medicine panel that says depression can harm the mother and put the child’s care at-risk. Up to 10-percent of new moms and pregnant women can suffer from major depression. Source Link

February 3, 2016

Using an indoor tanning bed as a teenager can lead to a different kind of mid-life crisis. A study found that the risk for deadly skin cancer before age 50 was greatest for those who used tanning beds in their teens and 20s. The FDA has proposed a ban on indoor tanning for anyone under the age of 18. Source Link
 
Raising kids with good eating habits doesn’t mean they lose that taste for junk food. A study found that preschoolers who ate fruits and vegetables and drank milk on a regular basis were just as likely to eat foods high in sugar, fat and salt. Researchers say parents may need to do more to discourage unhealthy foods as well as promote healthy choices. Source Link
 
Some day soon, your Internet connection to the world could be coming by way of the ocean floor. Microsoft is testing underwater data centers. The trailer-sized capsules with computer equipment would connect faster using less power because there’s no air conditioning needed and might even use wave action to generate their own electricity. Source Link

February 2, 2016

The FCC is ready to let you ditch your cable box for a better TV experience. Regulators want to unbundle the box from your bill and give you the option to buy your own. Experts say companies like Apple and Google would jump at the chance to sell set-top boxes that combine cable TV channels and streaming video services. Source Link

America’s 12-inch fashion icon is getting a makeover. The Barbie doll is now available in tall, petite and curvy varieties. With four body types and seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles, the makers of Barbie hope to boost sagging sales and counter critics who say the look of the classic doll sets an unrealistic standard for body image.  Source Link 

Punxsutawney Phil may not be seeing much wintry weather outside his lair in Pennsylvania, but that doesn't mean there isn’t seasonal misery elsewhere on Groundhog Day. Forecasters say Winter Storm Kayla could bring heavy snow and blizzard conditions from Denver to Minneapolis. Source Link

February 1, 2016

Need some help to get out of your seat and get moving? There could be an app for that. A study found that simple smartphone reminders about getting up and moving around may help boost people's physical activity levels. Inactivity increases the risk of overweight and obesity and has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Source Link
 
The first generation of social media may be experiencing more sleepless nights. Researchers found that people aged 19 to 32 who spend the most time on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram were three times more likely to have sleep problems. The typical person in the study spent an hour a day on social media sites. Source Link
 
If you’re changing jobs or moving, it might also be a good time to break a bad habit. A study found that people in the midst of a major change were also more likely to change their ways. The disruption that occurs with life transitions might open the door to other changes that are hard to make. Source Link