April 28, 2017

How often do drivers use their cell phones when they’re behind the wheel? A new study tracked three million drivers for over five billion miles and found that cell phones were in use on 88 percent of trips for about 4 minutes of every hour of driving. The city with the most distracted drivers was Los Angeles, but the state of California overall had the least distracted drivers. Source Link
 
A breast milk test may someday join the mammogram as a cancer screening tool. Scientists say altered proteins in breast milk might be a potential biomarker of breast cancer. The technique could be useful for younger women whose breasts are often too dense to get an accurate view with a mammogram. Source Link
 
If you worry about your kids getting too much screen time, here are some ways to make it more productive. Encourage them to create by composing a song or making an ebook or producing a podcast. Let kids plan and prepare a family meal using recipes they find online or have them research the itinerary for a family vacation. Source Link

April 27, 2017

It’s not just flowers that are blooming this time of year. AAA says gas prices are on the rise in nearly every state as oil refineries switch over from their winter blend to the summer mix. With more driving expected this year those prices could average about $2.70 a gallon by summer. Source Link
 
There’s a new treatment option for one of the worst kinds of headaches. The FDA has approved a handheld device that reduces cluster headache pain by transmitting mild electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve through the skin on the neck. The gammaCore can ease the pain of occasional cluster headaches without the side effects of medication. Source Link
 
First it was smartphones and now your credit card may ask for a fingerprint before it works. Mastercard is testing a card that uses a PIN, a chip, and a built-in fingerprint scanner to authenticate each purchase. The company says the new scanner card is no thicker than current credit and debit cards. Source Link

April 26, 2017

Now’s a good time to be more skeptical when you answer the phone. From fake IRS agents to con men posing as tech support employees, imposters have officially overtaken identity thieves to top the list of consumer fraud complaints. Remember that IRS agents never call to ask for money and never agree to let someone on the phone download software to fix your computer problem. Source Link
 
Stronger muscles can also make for a stronger brain for kids. Scientists found that muscle fitness in middle school children was directly related to a more accurate memory for kids who scored well in typical fitness testing. Researchers think stronger muscles could help connections develop between brain neurons. Source Link
 
If you’ve been talking a lot with Amazon’s Alexa, you can listen back to all those virtual conversations. The Alexa app lets you hear every voice recording made by your Amazon Echo. Go to Settings and History to hear your voice recordings and delete them if you’d like. Source Link

April 25, 2017

Is your toddler losing sleep over that smartphone or tablet you let them use? Researchers found that for kids up to 3 years old the more they used touch screens during the day, the longer it took them to fall asleep and the less sleep they got. Every hour of touch-screen use was associated with about 15 minutes less total sleep. Source Link
 
That glass of white wine may be adding some color to your cheeks that you don’t want. Women who drank one glass of white wine per day were 50 percent more likely to have rosacea that causes redness and flushing on the face and the neck. The same study found that women who drank liquor five times a week were also more likely to have rosacea. Source Link
 
Google Earth has been the go-to place to see satellite imagery and up-close views of our planet and now it offers more. Google has partnered with BBC Earth, NASA and even Sesame Street to provide video features linked to places that you virtually visit. The new Google Earth is available on Android and the Chrome browser and an iOS version is in the works. Source Link

April 24, 2017

Some health apps may be promising more than they can deliver. The New York Attorney General’s office has settled with the makers of Cardiio and Runtastic over unproven claims that the apps could measure a runner’s heart rate using a smartphone. And the makers of My Baby Beat will stop claiming that it can turn a smartphone into a fetal heart monitor. Source Link
 
Bug bites are no fun and can even spread illness, but what’s the right way to protect yourself when you visit places with insect-borne diseases? The best advice is to cover up and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and use bug spray after sunscreen has dried on your skin. Source Link
 
It could be a five-step plan for a happier, healthier life. A study found that people who had emotional stability, determination, control, optimism and conscientiousness suffered from fewer chronic diseases, had less depression, less social isolation and were more likely to be financially stable. Source Link

April 21, 2017

A hands-on treatment could be just what the doctor ordered for chronic low back pain. People who had massage therapy experienced less back pain and the treatment worked best for those over age 50. Massage therapy is recommended before the use of opioids to treat lower back pain. Source Link
 
It’s a long way from finger painting and naps. A study found that kindergarten is the new first grade when it comes to learning reading skills. Students entering first grade had much better reading skills than those from 12 years earlier. Even low-achieving students had gains in basic reading. Source Link
 
You can celebrate the rebirth of vinyl and pick up some special releases on Record Store Day on Saturday. Independent record stores nationwide will be offering dozens of new titles including compilations from Prince and Leonard Cohen and children’s records featuring music and celebrity narrators. Source Link

April 20, 2017

Experts say plain water is better than sports drinks for your young athlete. Most children don't exercise hard enough to need a sports drink with extra salt and sugar that can put them at risk for weight gain and tooth decay. Some drinks also contain caffeine and other stimulants that aren’t good for kids. Source Link
 
Want to know what’s heading for your mailbox before it’s delivered? That’s the idea behind Informed Delivery from the US Postal Service. The new free service lets you use a website or get a daily email to see images of the envelopes to be delivered to your home today.  Source Link
 
Earth Day is just around the corner and here are some easy ways to do your part to protect the environment. Use your own refillable water bottle instead of a throwaway plastic one. Switch from charcoal to cleaner-burning propane for your barbeque and recycle your household batteries with free drop-offs at retailers like Best Buy, The Home Depot, Lowe’s or Staples. Source Link

April 19, 2017

A nagging symptom of menopause could be an early warning sign of heart disease. Researchers say frequent hot flashes in younger women going through menopause may be linked to poor function in blood vessels and that could be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Source Link

 Most people know that scratching an itch only makes it worse, but why is that? Scientists say the act of scratching creates pain that cancels out the itching sensation, but the brain overrides that pain and the itching returns. Experts say the best way to deal with an itch is to give the spot a slap or a rub. Source Link

You’d like to take advantage of price-matching offers from retailers that can save you money after your purchase, but who has time for that? The Paribus app does it for you by keeping track of your purchases and automatically requesting refunds if the price drops. Paribus is free to use but will keep 25 percent of any savings it finds. Source Link

April 18, 2017

If you want an exercise that’s good for your brain, try hitting the dance floor. A study found that older adults who took line dancing lessons scored better on cognitive tests. Researchers say learning the complex choreography that’s part of dance lessons helps to build brain matter. Source Link
 
They say you can’t learn much from success and there’s new evidence to back that up. People in a study who heard stories of success or failure were more likely to apply what they learned from the failure. Those stories can have more impact because disappointment moves people to reflect harder on how to change for the better. Source Link

You might call them fitness trackers for your mood. The Spire clips to your shirt or belt and tracks breathing patterns as well as movement to detect when you’re stressed. And the Muse has sensors to measure brain waves in a headband with earbuds that provides audible feedback to help you focus during meditation. Source Link

April 17, 2017

Kids who play outdoors may become the next generation of environmentalists. Researchers found that young adults who had more outdoor play as children were more likely to be concerned about protecting the environment. The outdoor experience should go hand in hand with learning how to protect the environment with practices like recycling and saving energy. Source Link

Can music soothe the post-op back? A study found that a 30-minute session of music therapy helped ease pain for patients after back surgery. The music session didn’t replace medications but did reduce the pain that is often hard to treat after back surgery. Source Link

Ever wonder if stormy weather or traffic snarls might stretch your commute time? Now there’s an app for that. Easy Riser is a smartphone alarm clock that will wake you up earlier when conditions are bad. The app keeps track of real-time traffic and weather reports to see if you need extra time to commute. Source Link

April 14, 2017

What’s the best way to spend a 15-minute break to make your day go smoother? A study found that workers who spent a quarter-hour on a leisurely walk through a nearby park and focused on the natural surroundings were able to concentrate better when they got back to work.  If you can’t find any green space for a break, you could try meditation in a quiet place for 15 minutes. Source Link
 
About seven out of ten Americans are considered overweight, but most of them don’t think so because there’s a new normal for what’s considered “fat.” Researchers say as more people become obese, more of them are fine with their weight because they see others with even larger bodies. That cuts the motivation to lose weight and we can gain even more. Source Link
 
Someday soon you might not have to head out on a midnight drive to get your fussy baby back to sleep. Ford has developed a crib that mimics the soft hum of an engine using an app that links to your own car sounds. The crib is just a prototype now but after plenty of positive reaction from parents the car company is considering production. Source Link

April 13, 2017

The prescription for healthier kids could be, “Take 10 minutes to sweat.” A study found that 10 minutes of vigorous exercise each day could help overweight children and teens reduce their risk of developing heart problems and diabetes. Researchers say a 10-minute exercise session is something that most children could do every day. Source Link
 
LinkedIn is today’s digital resume and here are some tips to improve your online profile. Use a quality photo that isn’t odd or distracting and make your summary reflect your personality. Drop the cliche words like “strategic,” “passionate” or “track record” and keep your LinkedIn profile active and up-to-date in every way. Source Link
 
That microchip implanted in your dog can do a lot more that identify them. The Sure Flap is a high-tech doggie door that works with a microchip to open and close only for your pet. The internet-enabled egress will send you alerts on your dog’s comings and goings and can even set a curfew time when the door will be locked at night. Source Link

April 12, 2017

How can changing one word make that self-critical voice in your head become a cheerleader? Experts say swap the word “I” for “you”. Making your mental narrative sound like a friend’s advice can produce more positive self-talk and strengthen your resolve to get things done. Source Link
 
Here are some food hacks that can make it easier to eat healthy. You can make a lower-fat creamy tomato sauce by adding hummus instead of cream. Mix cottage cheese with your salsa for high-protein snacking and add white beans to your smoothies for a fiber-rich drink. Source Link
 
YouTube isn’t just for videos anymore. It’s launching a new streaming service that will include live TV from your local network stations and about 40 cable channels. YouTube TV is priced at $35 a month and is rolling out in a handful of major cities now with plans to expand to other areas soon. Source Link

April 11, 2017

What’s your risk for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or lung or liver disease? You’ll soon be able to find out using a home genetic test that’s been approved by the FDA. Experts say the test kit from 23 and Me isn’t a diagnosis but could uncover genetic markers that may prompt you to talk with your doctor. Source Link
 
Your resume may need reworking to keep up with what employers want to see in 2017. Scrap the objectives statement at the top and replace it with online links to examples of your work. Ditch that Yahoo, AOL or school email address that makes it look like you’re living in the past.  And use a clean font type with a pop of color to make your resume stand out. Source Link
 
We’re still five months away from the debut of this year’s iPhone but the rumors are flying about what Apple will include in this 10th anniversary edition. One report says the iPhone may drop the physical home button and add a virtual one on a screen that covers the entire front of the phone. Source Link

April 10, 2017

If you’re not getting a tax refund this year, you’re doing it right. Experts say you should adjust withholding so tax refund money goes to your paycheck instead of Uncle Sam. Using that extra money to pay more on a credit card bill or to invest in a 401-k can earn more for you instead of being a zero-interest loan to the IRS. Source Link

The sounds of nature really can calm you. A study found that people who were stressed felt more relaxed after listening to nature sounds. But you might not want to use those chirping birds or running water in the background all the time. Those who were calm to begin with felt a bit more stressed after listening to nature sounds. Source Link

The battle over who dominates the world of wireless home assistants could take a new twist. Google may be adding a WiFi extender to its Google Home smart speaker to improve Internet coverage in your home. Amazon’s Echo dominates the market for the devices that use voice commands to answer questions, play music and operate smart home appliances. Source Link

April 7, 2017

A drug that’s taken by millions of older Americans for overactive bladder could increase the risk of dementia. Researchers say the way the drug Ditropan affects brain chemicals in elderly people may contribute to dementia. Older patients using Ditropan should be sure that their doctor is monitoring for any signs of cognitive problems. Source Link
 
You want less sodium in your diet, but which foods have the most? Here’s a hint -- it’s not pretzels or potato chips. A CDC report says the top five foods with the most sodium are bread, pizza, sandwiches, cold cuts and soup. Processed foods and restaurant meals in general had the most sodium and home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients were lowest in sodium. Source Link
 
A new online start-up helps decipher your medical bills to save you money. Remedy is a service that identifies medical billing errors and can negotiate for you. Remedy takes a 20 percent cut of what you save up to a maximum of $99 per bill and charges nothing if it can’t find any savings for you. Source Link

April 6, 2017

What’s one way to keep the weight off? Turn off the TV when you’re eating. A study found that people who watched TV during meals were more likely to be obese. Eating home-cooked meals also reduced the risk of obesity, but eating a family meal together didn’t have much effect on the weight of adults. Source Link

When you calculate its price per gallon your printer ink is like liquid gold, so here are some tips to get the most from it. Try switching font type and size -- Times New Roman is better and Arial is worse. Use Print Preview to avoid wasting ink and paper when printing a web page. And forget the warnings and replace a cartridge only when it’s completely empty and can no longer print. Source Link
 
You’ve heard about saving money by packing your lunch, but what’s it really worth? There’s an app for that. The free Lunch Tracker app calculates the amount you spend each year on lunch to build awareness of your spending habits. You can even take a 30-day challenge to begin spending less on lunchtime meals. Source Link

April 5, 2017

It could be good news for millions who suffer from nut allergies. A study found that up to half of people with a peanut allergy did not have allergic reactions when eating other kinds of nuts. You can talk to your doctor about a blood test that may be a more accurate way to identify your nut allergies. Source Link
 
The home stretch of tax filing season is prime time for scam artists who want to steal your identity. Experts say don’t fall for emails that appear to be the IRS asking you to go to a web site to update your personal information. The same goes for similar emails that claim to be from your tax filing software. Source Link
 
Is it a toy that the boss wants you to play with at your desk? Fidget toys let you transfer nervous energy into repetitive clicking, snapping and turning in the palm of your hand. Research has shown that fidgeting can clear away mental distractions and help you focus on a task. Source Link

April 4, 2017

How great is it to get a good night’s sleep? A study found that people who got adequate sleep for years had the same level of happiness as someone who’d won a quarter-million dollar lottery prize. Researchers say the physical effects of sleep mostly come on the downside when you get too little. Source Link
 
The FCC is giving phone carriers more ways to crack down on robocalls. A new rule would let phone companies block any robocaller that uses a number that’s not been assigned to any customer or has a nonexistent area code. The junk calls often have Caller ID numbers that are fake. Source Link
 
Your spring cleaning can extend to the refrigerator. Experts say now is a good time to empty the fridge and clean all surfaces with a mixture of mild soap and water. Toss those half-empty condiments and don’t store milk, yogurt or cheeses in the door. And keep the eggs in their original container in the middle of the fridge. Source Link

April 3, 2017

When selling your home, you can really clean up with the number-one improvement that buyers want to see. In a survey that compared cost versus value, new appliances, a new patio and new exterior lighting were good, but the most popular improvement for buyers of all ages was a new laundry room. Source Link

Time to bust some popular myths about your own cyber privacy. First, don’t think your emails are always secure unless you use a service like Gmail or Yahoo that encrypts by default. Private browsing can’t shield your activity from the boss or from your internet provider. And turning off GPS doesn’t make you untrackable because there’s still a record of cell towers and WiFi hot spots that you’ve used. Source Link

It’s the latest online dare that can be hazardous to your kid’s health. The “Eraser Challenge” has you rub your skin while reciting the alphabet with the most injured player being the winner. Health experts say erasers can cause pain, burns and even serious infections because an eraser surface is a good carrier for bacteria. Source Link