May 31, 2016

There’s new evidence that more exercise can mean less risk for many types of cancer. A worldwide study found that people who engaged in moderate exercise had lower rates of 13 types of cancer. The benefits were seen even when someone was overweight or if the exercise was just a few hours per week. Source Link
 
Imagine swallowing a pill containing a balloon that could keep your stomach full to help you eat less and lose weight. That’s the idea behind two medical products making their way through testing now. One uses a balloon filled with gas that stays in your stomach for six months and is removed in a doctor’s office. The other uses a water-filled balloon that dissolves after four months. Source Link
 
Twitter is making it easier to fit more of what you want to tweet in the 140-character limit. The service says “@” names in replies and media attachments like photos, videos and GIFs won’t count toward the character limit. And a new button will let you re-tweet yourself to get more exposure to a previous message. Source Link 

May 26, 2016

Don’t put too most stock in the protection claims on that bottle of sunscreen. A Consumer Reports study found 4 out of 10 sunscreens that were tested didn’t offer the SPF protection that was listed. Experts say it’s another reason to use plenty of sunscreen and apply it more often to get the best protection from dangerous UV rays. Source Link
 
Most Android users can’t use the new features coming in latest version of the smartphone operating system. Fewer than 10 percent have a phone that can run the new system because cellphone carriers are slow to allow updates for older models. One way to ensure timely updates for Android is to buy your own phone and choose a model from Google or Motorola. Source Link
 
Ever wonder why it can be so calming to stand on a beach looking out over the water?  It could be a matter of science. Researchers say people who had an ocean view every day recorded lower levels of stress. The findings might help with urban design in shoreline cities where more buildings can be constructed to offer a view of the ocean. Source Link

May 25, 2016

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
 
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
 
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

May 24, 2016

Those nutrition labels on packaged food will soon have more to offer to help you make healthy choices. The FDA is redesigning the label to put serving size and calories in bigger print and add a column showing the totals for the package as well as individual servings. And the food label will now list added sugars as well as total sugar. Source Link
 
Classic fun is a great way to help your preschooler be active and creative while limiting their screen time. Experts suggest old favorites like Limbo, Duck, Duck, Goose, Simon Says, Follow The Leader or a game of tag. And you can head out for a nature walk to explore a nearby park and talk about the sights and sounds. Source Link
 
What’s the best state where you can spend your retirement years? It’s probably not Florida or Arizona. According to a new survey, South Dakota ranked No. 1 with Iowa, Minnesota, Alaska and Oregon rounding out the top five. The rankings were based on quality and cost of elder care services such as home health aides, adult daycare, assisted-living facilities and nursing homes. Source Link

May 23, 2016

Just in time for fireworks season, there’s new help for dogs who panic whenever they hear a loud noise. The drug Sileo is designed to block the brain chemical that fuels anxiety and was effective for three out of four dogs in testing. Unlike tranquilizers or anti-anxiety medication, Sileo is fast acting but only stays in the system for a few hours. Source Link
 
Why is texting behind the wheel so dangerous? Maybe because it short-circuits your sixth sense that makes it easier to drive. Researchers found that drivers who were texting were unable to tap into the brain’s ability to automatically compensate for distractions. Texting breaks the eye-hand coordination loop that helps you react quicker when driving. Source Link
 
A favorite name from the early days of cellphones is making a comeback. Soon you’ll see Nokia phones and tablets that operate on the Android system. The brand was sold by Microsoft and the new Nokia will use handsets built by the same Chinese company that makes the iPhone. Source Link

May 20, 2016

That activity tracker on your wrist may not be the best gauge of what you can put on your plate. Some users have complained that calorie recommendations from a Fitbit or other devices have them putting on pounds. The best advice is to use a fitness band as an exercise tracker and set calorie consumption separately based on your goals for a healthy weight. Source Link
 
Avoiding extra sugar in your diet isn’t as simple as skipping the sweets aisle in the grocery store. Experts say you need to watch for snacks such as chips and pretzels rich in carbohydrates that can become sugar as they break down. Look out for added sugars in food and choose natural sources of sweetness like you’ll find in whole fruits. Source Link
 
There’s no generation gap when it comes to why people join Facebook. A survey of those aged 60 to 86 found their main reasons for joining Facebook were to stay connected to relatives and keep in touch with old friends. Researchers say developing social connections is also the main reason why kids and younger adults are on Facebook. Source Link

May 19, 2016

A natural health product that’s in many homes could be anything but healthy for young children. Experts say more kids are being poisoned after drinking essential oils that are derived from plants and used in aromatic and homeopathic products. Drinking just a half-teaspoon of an essential oil could damage the lungs and cause pneumonia. Source Link
 
Imagine a tractor-trailer rolling down the highway and being piloted by robotics instead of a human driver. One start-up company is betting on that future with plans to create self-driving big rigs. Backers say the systems could allow a truck driver to rest while on the road but critics worry that self-driving trucks could mean the end of thousands of good-paying jobs. Source Link
 
If that triple-digit cable bill has you boiling mad, these tips can take some of that bite out of your budget. Re-think which premium channels and packages you really watch and call to ask about discount promotions. You can also save on cable box rentals by using a streaming player to watch cable programming in some rooms of your home. Source Link

May 18, 2016

Do you need to wear sunscreen every time you get behind the wheel? There are more left eye cataracts and skin cancers on the left side of the face that can be caused by sun exposure through the driver’s window. Experts say sunscreen is always a good idea and you can have protective tinting added to the driver's window to cut your exposure to harmful UV rays. Source Link
 
Seniors may be able to combat memory loss through meditation. A study found that older adults with mild impairment performed better after practicing meditation or yoga compared to a group that tried a memory training program. Researchers say meditation can reduce anxiety and that could help to ease the effects of memory loss. Source Link
 
You can buy and sell almost anything on Amazon and now that includes your streaming videos. The online retailer has launched Amazon Video Direct that will make uploaded videos available to rent or own, or to view free with ads. Anyone can sell their videos and Amazon will share 50-percent of the receipts from purchases, rentals or ad revenue. Source Link

May 17, 2016

Pumping iron in older age could add years to your life. A study found that when people 65 and older did strength training twice a week, they lowered their odds of dying by almost half. Experts say strength training can improve cardiovascular health and preserve muscles to help seniors avoid falls that are a leading cause of disability. Source Link

If you have to use the smell test to see if food in your fridge is still good, your smartphone can help. The USDA’s FoodKeeper app lets you set up a calendar as you buy items to alert you when food is no longer safe to eat. The free app shows you how to get the most from foods and beverages that are stored in the refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Source Link
 
Imagine a contact lens that could double as a camera to take shots at the blink of an eye. That’s the idea in a patent application from Sony for a contact lens camera that would take pictures with a blink and wirelessly send photos to a smartphone or tablet. But don’t expect to seeing and shooting soon because the technology for the camera contacts doesn’t exist yet. Source Link

May 16, 2016

If a two-minute warning is part of your strategy to get kids to turn off the TV, you may need a new plan. A study found that children were more upset when an early warning was given rather than simply turning off the set. Making screen time part of a routine with a regular schedule was also an effective approach. Source Link
 
Here’s a health plan for your golden years - go walk the dog. A study found that dog walking helped trim excess weight and lead to fewer doctor visits for people over 60. Researchers say the emotional bond with Man’s Best Friend encourages more walking and that’s good exercise and a great opportunity to socialize with other pet owners. Source Link
 
Does a man’s deep voice draw the ladies? Maybe not.  A study found that those dulcet tones had more of an effect on other men than women. Testing showed that a man’s deep voice demonstrated power and dominance to other men but didn’t trigger a similar reaction in women. Source Link

May 13, 2016

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
 
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
 
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

May 12, 2016

When it comes to stomaching your favorite beverage, coffee, tea and wine are better for your gut than soda. Studies show that fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, wine, yogurt and buttermilk can boost the power of natural bacteria in your intestines to help ward off illness. But simple carbs like those found in sugar-sweetened sodas, white bread and snacks do the opposite. Source Link
 
Experts have some tips on how to get a better start to your day. Begin by skipping the snooze button and setting your alarm for the actual time you need to get up. Move your exercise routine to the morning and sit down to breakfast for a better morning meal. And look for ways to be more active on the way to work, like biking, walking or parking further away. Source Link 
 
Next-day delivery is yesterday’s news, and now Amazon is making it even easier for its Prime customers to get what they want delivered in just a few hours. Shoppers in two dozen cities can use the new Amazon website primenow.com to place orders for groceries, pet supplies, electronic gadgets, and even toys for free two hour-delivery -- tip not included. Source Link

May 11, 2016

Safety advocates hope to make selfies and texting behind the wheel taboo just like drinking and driving. A  public campaign could promote designated drivers who pledge to not use their phones. And police in the state of New York may begin using a “textalyzer” device that can quickly scan a driver’s cellphone to check for use prior to a traffic stop. Source Link
 
Three out of four Millennials who make a good living say they still take money from their parents. A survey found the generation that came of age during the Great Recession holds twice as much cash versus stocks and bonds.  Millennials are borrowing from Mom and Dad for health insurance, housing, auto insurance, and utilities. Source Link 
 
Biblical and British could sum up the baby names that once again top the list of America’s favorites. The Social Security Administration says Emma and Noah were the most popular names for babies born in 2015 and the same names were tops in 2014. What dropped off  the 1,500-name list? Isis. Source Link

May 10, 2016

The social network is occupying our time like almost nothing else. Figures show the average American spends 50 minutes a day using a Facebook app. That’s more time than we spend with real live friends and more than any other leisure activity except for watching television and movies. Source Link
 
The FDA is banning the sale of e-cigarettes to anyone under 18. The agency also plans to evaluate and regulate e-cigarette products as it does with tobacco. Surveys show that 3 million American middle school and high school students are using e-cigarettes. Source Link
 
Can a tight hair style cost you some of the lovely locks? A study found a link between scalp-pulling hair styles and gradual hair loss. A tight hair style can cause tension at the hair root and damage to the follicle that leads to hair loss. Source Link

May 9, 2016

When it comes to kids and social media, many parents send the message, “do as I say and not as I do.” Researchers found a similarity between the time that kids and their parents spend with social media, but two-thirds of parents say they’re concerned about their children’s media habits. Experts say parents need to lead by example if they want better balance for their kids. Source Link
 
Garden planting is in high gear and experts have some advice on how to keep that green thumb safe. The right wardrobe is important and that means wearing garden gloves, sunscreen, a hat and long sleeves to reduce the risk of sunburn or bug bites. Always read warning labels when using garden chemicals and keep kids and pets away after treatments. Source Link
 
If you’re planning that next vacation, here’s how far ahead you should book your flight to get the best price. A survey by the website cheapair.com found that domestic tickets are the most affordable about 50 days before takeoff, but you’ll have to buy your tickets to Europe 120 days ahead of time to get the best deal. Source Link

May 6, 2016

Americans are still taking too many antibiotics. A report says one-third of antibiotics use is unnecessary because it won’t help ailments such as colds, bronchitis, sore throats, and sinus and ear infections. Misuse has fueled the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that infect 2 million Americans and kill 23,000 people each year. Source Link 
 
In this age of Bluetooth-connected smartphones, podcasts and streaming programs, what do most Americans listen to when they’re driving? The old-fashioned radio. A survey found that nine out of ten commuters sometimes listen to AM-FM radio. CDs came in second, followed by digital files, Internet radio, satellite radio, audio books and podcasts. Source Link
 
If getting up on Monday morning is tough, your weekend plans should include a special Sunday routine. Experts say you can get better sleep on Sunday night with exercise early in the day and by cutting out caffeine and nicotine at least six hours before bed. A short afternoon nap is okay, but end your Sunday with a warm bath or a mug of hot tea to help you relax. Source Link

May 5, 2016

America’s doctors say the first remedy for chronic insomnia should not be sleeping pills. The American College of Physicians is recommending a combination of talk therapy and behavior training as a first step to help cure insomnia before drugs are prescribed. One in ten adults is affected by insomnia. Source Link
 
Don’t become one of the quarter-million Americans whose computers are held for ransom each year. Experts say a virus that locks up all your files until a ransom is paid can infect a computer through attachments in emails or by simply visiting a website like those that offer free TV shows and movies. Keeping anti-virus software up-to-date is a must. Source Link
 
If you want to know whether a product is worth buying, you might be better off flipping a coin than reading an online review. An academic study of online consumer ratings found there was about a 50-50 chance the favorite product was no better than others. Researchers say there are often not enough reviews or too much disagreement to make a rating significant. Source Link

May 4, 2016

Are you grabbing for that sweet or fatty snack because you’re hungry or because you’re bored? A study found that more people avoided healthy snacks while watching a boring TV program or doing something that didn’t stimulate the brain. That’s the key because fat and sugar might be a substitute for low levels of brain chemical dopamine. Source Link
 
If you’re getting ready for outdoor grilling season, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind. Check the hose, regulator and fuel tank on your gas grill to make sure they’re leak-free. Keep the grill surface clean to avoid flare-ups, and set up the grill well away from your home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Source Link
 
The bottom line on your paycheck may not determine happiness as much as the balance in your checkbook. A study found that the amount of easily accessible cash predicted how satisfied people were with their lives. Researchers said it was true no matter how much people earned or how much debt they had. Source Link

May 3, 2016

It’s a couch potato’s dream come true -- the one-minute exercise plan. A study found that 60 seconds of extreme exercising offers the same health benefits of a 45-minute moderate workout. Experts say the findings could be good news for those who don’t exercise because they can find the time to do it. Source Link
 
Listen up -- there’s new evidence that better hearing can keep you sharper as you age. A study found that older people who used hearing aids had much better scores on tests of mental function than those who didn't use a hearing aid. Researchers say mental function was directly linked to hearing ability in those who didn't use a hearing aid. Source Link
 
A new high-tech home pregnancy test helps women kill some time while waiting to learn if they’ll be giving birth. The $11 First Response Pregnancy Pro home test connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth and offers a choice of videos that play for three minutes until test results appear. The clips include calming ocean waves, cooking tips and cat videos. Source Link

May 2, 2016

If you’re a longtime subscriber, that Netflix fix is about to get more expensive. The online video service is now charging $9.99 for its standard two-stream, high definition service that’s been priced at $7.99 for anyone who signed up before 2014. Subscribers can stay at $7.99 a month by choosing a plan that offers one stream without high definition. Source Link
 
Could your sweet tooth during pregnancy affect the long-term health of your baby? Animal tests showed that high consumption of fructose during pregnancy increased the risk factors for heart disease in offspring. Fructose is the most common sugar sweetener used in foods and beverages. Source Link
 
Imagine if remembering any address in the world was as simple as knowing three words. In fact, it already is. A company called “What 3 Words” has mapped the globe and assigned a unique three-word term for 57 trillion spots on Earth. Backers say the system is simpler than GPS and more accurate for businesses that deliver. Source Link