May 31, 2017

The college grad in your life could use a gift to help them in the work world. HR pros suggest a book on time management or an organization tool like a personalized portfolio to keep paperwork in one place. And graduates who land a job in an open office might appreciate having a pair of noise canceling headphones to use at work. Source Link

Putting a stop to teasing teens about their weight might help prevent life-long eating problems. Researchers found that people who were insulted about their weight as teenagers were twice as likely to become obese as adults. Women were also more likely to engage in unhealthy dieting and men became emotional eaters. Source Link

Everyone from streaming services to cell phone providers is creating original video programming these days, so why not the biggest social network? Facebook says it will produce scripted TV shows to air on Facebook Live. Facebook already has live streaming deals with news outlets like CNN and the New York Times. Source Link

May 30, 2017

Could a glass of water a day keep the pounds away? Researchers found that people who drank one glass of water each day instead of a beer or a sugar-sweetened soda lowered their risk of obesity by up to 20 percent. The study showed no benefit from drinking water instead of milk, coffee, juice or diet soda. Source Link

A century-old treatment could become a modern tool to help couples who have trouble conceiving. A study found that one treatment of iodized poppy seed oil to flush out the fallopian tubes significantly improved the odds of a successful pregnancy. Experts say the technique has been used since 1917 and is proven safe. Source Link

iPhone fans anxiously awaiting this year’s model can breathe a bit easier. Reports say production of the iPhone 8 is back on track for an expected mid-September debut. There were concerns that problems with new components might delay introduction of the iPhone 8 until November. Source Link

May 26, 2017

It’s the unofficial start of the summer season and a good time to talk about skin care in the sun. First, slip into long-sleeve shirts or long pants to minimize skin exposure and then slap on a hat that protects your face, ears and neck. And don’t forget to slop on plenty of sunscreen and reapply every few hours or after swimming. Source Link

You might know real beauty when you smell it. Research found that a person's scent and their voice can be just as important as physical appearance in how attractive someone is to others. Scientists think the combination of three senses dates back to prehistoric times when humans needed to judge others from afar with sight and voice and up close with scent. Source Link

How can you make $250 a week for doing nothing? You can sign-up to take part in a documentary film project about universal basic income. The film’s directors want to pay people about $13,000 a year so they can occasionally follow them around and document their lives for  two years. Source Link

May 25, 2017

When it comes to reading a person’s face, there’s no advantage for either sex. Contrary to popular belief, a study found that women weren’t better than men at reading facial expressions that help you quickly determine whether a person is trustworthy, competent, attractive, warm, or caring. Source Link
 
If you suffer from allergies you might find relief by moving up your laundry day. Experts say sheets and pillowcases can hold onto allergens as well as dirt, sweat and skin oils. The best advice is to wash your pillowcase every week and always change all of your sheets after you’ve had a cold. Source Link
 
A coastal rivalry over who serves America’s best hamburgers is moving east. An annual poll found that the Five Guys chain based in Virginia has topped California’s In-And-Out Burger to be named the best in America. The rest of the top five were Shake Shack, Wendy's and Culver's. Source Link

May 24, 2017

Don’t put fruit juice on the shopping list for your baby until after a 1st birthday. That’s the new advice from America’s pediatricians who say infants should only be drinking breast milk or formula until age one. Doctors say it’s still okay to introduce fruit at six months, but not fruit juice. Source Link
 
How do you know if you’re addicted to your smartphone? Experts say people with a cell phone addiction check their phones constantly, feel impatient or irritable if they’re not holding it, and think about their smartphone when they’re not using it. And when cell phone use interferes with work and makes it hard to focus on tasks, it’s time to get help. Source Link
 
If you love your Oreo cookies, you could pocket a cool half-million dollars to help pick their next flavor. You can make your suggestions through Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag MyOreoCreation. The winner will be announced in September. Some Oreo flavors that didn’t make the cut before included caramel apple, banana split and watermelon. Source Link

May 23, 2017

We all cringe at those failing grades on restaurant health inspections, but most home kitchens wouldn’t pass the test either. A study found that two out of three homes had a kitchen sponge or dishcloth that harbored bacteria and the sink and the fridge were other hot spots for germs that can make you sick. And watch out near your pet’s food bowl that can be a free buffet for ants, roaches and flies. Source Link
 
Exercise can make you younger right down to your cells. A new study found that people who exercised the most had biological aging markers that appeared nine years younger than those who were sedentary. A part of every cell in your body called a telomere shrinks a bit as we age, and people who exercised the most had longer telomeres. Source Link
 
This sounds like a great new twist on laundry day. Researchers have built an energy-efficient clothes dryer that blasts a wet load with high-frequency sound waves. The ultrasound vibrates water droplets out of fabric, forming a fine mist that's siphoned out like a regular dryer. The research was  sponsored by GE, which plans to use the technology in a future product. Source Link

May 22, 2017

Gardening is a form of exercise and you need to take steps to avoid injury when you’re planting and pruning. Experts suggest doing some stretches to loosen joints before you start and to avoid staying in the same position too long. If you’re moving rocks or other heavy objects be sure to lift with your legs and use a garden stool to reduce the strain from kneeling. Source Link
 
There’s evidence that being healthy and obese still includes some serious risks. Researchers found that healthy obese people had 50 percent higher chance of heart disease than normal-weight people. Healthy obese means you’re extremely overweight but don’t have metabolic disorder that can lead to diabetes and heart disease. Source Link
 
If you want the new top-of-the-line iPhone when it debuts this fall, you’ll need to dig deeper in your wallet. Reports say the iPhone 8 will have a price tag that starts at $999. The 10th anniversary iPhone is expected to sport a 5.8 inch edge-to-edge display, 3D sensing technology and biometric authentication. Source Link

May 19, 2017

There’s no income test at the front door of a McDonald’s. A study found that Americans ranging from rich to less well-off enjoy eating fast food and eight out of ten do it at least once a week. Those in the upper income range indulge their fast food fix less often than those near the bottom rung of the economic ladder. Fast food’s top customers are middle income Americans. Source Link
 
The smartphone may go hand in hand with attention and behavior issues in kids. Tweens and teens showed more signs of attention deficit disorder when they used smartphones the most. On the positive side, the study found that children who sent more text messages in a day seemed less anxious and depressed. Source Link
 
Before you pack your bags for that holiday road trip, be sure to pack your car with some safety essentials. Along with your cell phone, AAA recommends a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a basic toolkit with tire pressure gauge and adjustable wrench, and jumper cables and emergency reflectors. Also bring drinking water and extra snacks for people and pets. Source Link

May 18, 2017

The early bird might get the worm and a better shot at staying healthy. A study found that early risers who ate at the beginning of the day had a lower risk of obesity. Experts say night owls may suffer from hormone spikes later in the day that make it more likely they’ll eat poorly. Source Link
 
What food can you put on your plate that will help put a better smile on your face? Think about the basic nutrients that can build stronger teeth, like calcium in dairy products and eggs, and fish, meat and poultry that are rich in phosphorus. Vitamin C can come from citrus fruits, and sweet potatoes, leafy greens and fish are good sources of vitamin A. Source Link
 
It’s a high-tech home improvement that could cut your energy bills from the top down. Tesla is taking pre-orders for a new line of solar roof tiles that can replace typical shingles and generate electricity. Developers say the price tag will be similar to a traditional roof plus the cost of wiring. Source Link

May 17, 2017

Smooth-sounding and biblical are the trends in baby names these days. A new report says Noah and Liam were the most popular boy’s names in 2016. Emma returned to the number-one spot for girls and Olivia was number-two. And that preference for smooth may have helped Elijah nudge out Alexander in last year’s list of top ten names for boys. Source Link

Is it a disease you could catch on your summer vacation? Health experts call it “creeping obesity” and six out of ten people say they gain weight while on vacation. And it’s not the buffet that’s to blame as most people say those extra calories were picked up at the bar with alcoholic beverages. Source Link

What do you get when you combine the selfie with a popular feature in messaging apps? Google Allo is rolling out cartoon stickers made to mimic your smartphone self-portrait. The process uses computer intelligence and a huge library of cartoon stickers designed by humans. The selfie sticker feature is available now for Android users and will be coming soon to Apple devices. Source Link

May 16, 2017

What usually follows a mild winter? More ticks in the spring and summer. Officials are warning of another bad year including a new potentially deadly tick-borne illness that’s been seen in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. You can prevent tick bites by avoiding areas with high grass and vegetation, staying to the center of walking trails and using repellent on skin and clothes. Source Link
 
Staying fit might take only 10 minutes of exercise, but it won’t be easy. Testing showed that interval training with 10 one-minute bursts of high intensity exercise followed by 90 seconds of rest could provide a full day’s workout. The key is to hit 90 percent of your maximum heart rate during each minute of exercise. Source Link
 
They’re soft and fuzzy and found in many a medicine chest and also responsible for sending thousands of children to the emergency room each year. Pediatric experts say cotton swabs can cause injuries and should not be used to clean the ears. The inside of your ear is naturally self-cleaning and doesn’t require a deep dive with a cotton-tipped applicator. Source Link

May 15, 2017

Dramatic dieting may not work better than a slow and steady approach to weight loss. A study found that most people who alternated fasting days with regular eating didn’t lose more weight than those who stuck to a daily diet. Researchers say fasting was very effective for a small number of test subjects. Source Link
 
What’s in your head space and in your ears can help you get better sleep. Experts say meditation using a mobile app can help ease you into sleep and get you back to sleep if you wake up overnight. And research has shown that listening to nature sounds can trigger a relaxation response in the brain to help you get to sleep. Source Link
 
More people now have phones in their pockets than ones on the wall. It’s the first time that cell phones have outnumbered landlines in an annual government survey. About one-third of people who have a home phone say they rarely use it and depend on cell phones to make their calls. Source Link

May 12, 2017

Your indoor comfort should take a cue from Mother Nature and have more ups and downs in temperature. A scientific report says setting home and office thermostats to have slight variations throughout the day may boost metabolism and that could help your body burn fat more efficiently. Source Link
 
When you’re looking for career advice, try the person at the desk next to you instead of family and friends. A survey showed that more people got good guidance from co-workers than from friends, parents and other family members. The exception was that spouses almost always had good advice to share. Source Link
 
If you want to put the brakes on constant use of your smartphone, try something else that sits in your hand. Users report that a fidget spinner can be a good substitute for grabbing your phone when you’re bored. The handheld playthings feature a bearing in the center that allows it to spin. Source Link

May 11, 2017

Want an effective exercise that won’t make you break a sweat? Studies have shown that Tai Chi may improve fitness of the heart and lungs and could be as effective as jogging to help lower the risk of death. Experts say the slow, mindful movements of Tai Chi work on the sympathetic nervous system to reduce stress hormones that can take a physical toll on our bodies. Source Link

Imagine having a stroke and not knowing it. Surveys show that one out of three Americans has experienced symptoms of a warning stroke, but almost none have sought treatment. A warning stroke can be a brief episode of numbness in the face, arm or leg on one side of the body, dizziness, or trouble speaking and understanding. Source Link
 
A popular virtual assistant is getting a touch better. The new Amazon Echo Show lets you ask Alexa questions and see answers and make video calls on a seven-inch touch screen. The Echo Show is priced at $230 with pre-orders open now for delivery in late June. Source Link

May 10, 2017

Is putting that smartphone or tablet in the hands of your toddler delaying their speech development? Researchers found an association between handheld screen time and a slower start to talking for 18 month-olds who used devices for more than an hour a day. Pediatric guidelines call for little or no screen time for children under 18 months old. Source Link
 
You probably can’t blame genetics for obesity. While there are genes that can make it more likely you’ll gain weight, a study found that exercise can largely counteract those effects. Experts say an improved diet along with exercise is the best way to lose weight. Source Link
 
Chalk up another way that aspirin may be a wonder drug. Women who took a baby aspirin each day had lower rates of the most common type of breast cancer. Regular-dose aspirin and pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen were not linked to lower breast cancer rates. Source Link

May 9, 2017

Need an energy boost on the job? Instead of reaching for caffeine, try walking up the stairs. A study found that easy stair walking provided a better pick-me-up than the caffeine in a can of soda. Researchers say stair walking is something that most people can do on a break during their workday. Source Link
 
If grandma is your child care provider, make sure she’s up-to-date on safety for kids. A survey showed that some older adults who watched their grandchildren weren’t aware of new guidelines like babies should be put to sleep on their backs. Parents can make the mistake of thinking that grandparents know everything about child care because they raised children already. Source Link
 
Believe it or not, we’re spending more time each day consuming media than we do sleeping or working. A new report says the average US adult has six hours a day with digital media on a mobile device, desktop, laptop, or tablet and four hours in front of the TV.  Radio accounts for an hour and a half a day and print media was about 25 minutes. Source Link

May 8, 2017

If you’re like most people and can’t avoid indulging that sweet tooth every now and then, there is a right way to eat those sugary foods. Minimize the time sugar is in your mouth and eat treats with meals and not as a stand-alone snack. Rinse with water after eating sugary foods but don’t brush for 30 minutes because scrubbing right away could damage your teeth. Source Link
 
Keeping air travel safe for your pets begins long before the plane leaves the ground. If your dog or cat is traveling in cargo, get them acclimated to the kennel they’ll be staying in to avoid injuries from biting or scratching at the cage. Stop solid food at least six hours before the flight and consult with your vet before giving pets any sedatives. Source Link
 
Those virtual likes you get from social media don’t do much to improve your real feelings. A study found that people who went to extremes to receive more online approval were more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and to be less trusting. Research has shown that those who spent more time on social media were more likely to suffer from depression. Source Link

May 5, 2017

Using food as a tool to keep kids calm can backfire in the long run. It’s called “emotional feeding” and a new study found that children who are offered junk food, desserts or other sweets to stop those tears can become overeaters who might also deal with bulimia and binge-eating later in life. Source Link
 
Don’t just blame the young folks for using cellphones while driving because grandma and grandpa do it too.  A survey found that 60 percent of seniors talk on the phone when they’re behind the wheel. That’s even worse because some seniors also suffer from poor vision, frailty and memory impairment that can diminish driving skills. Source Link
 
It’s great news for guacamole lovers on Cinco de Mayo. Scientists say eating avocados could help prevent the first stage of type-2 diabetes by improving cholesterol, triglycerides and lipid counts, all of which can contribute to metabolic syndrome. That’s the combination of high blood pressure and other conditions that can lead to diabetes or heart disease. Source Link

May 4, 2017

Mom was right -- you should chew your food completely because it might help control your weight. Research found that chewing until no lumps remain helps the body burn more calories during digestion. By spending more time chewing, you might shave about 2,000 calories from your diet each month. Source Link
 
You don’t have to become an online seller to turn your old tech into new money. Trade-ins are a popular option, from kiosks that will take that two-year old smartphone to stores like Best Buy, Staples and Office Depot that will trade for a gift card. Amazon’s trade-in plan lets you ship the old items to them free for evaluation. Source Link
 
Within a few years, we could be getting more of our TV from streaming services than from cable and satellite. That’s the prediction in a survey of industry leaders who say over-the-top video from sources like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and others will account for over 50 percent of TV viewing by 2020. Source Link

May 3, 2017

Could one hour of exercise extend your life by seven hours? Maybe if that exercise is running. A study found that runners lived about three years longer than the average person, even if they ran slowly and even if they smoked, drank or were overweight. No other form of exercise showed similar impacts on life span. Source Link
 
Amazon’s innovation upended retail shopping and it may do the same for clothing. The online giant has a new patent for an automated on-demand apparel manufacturing system that would use your measurements to quickly create custom-tailored clothing. The system might also be used to make custom-fit shoes, bedding, curtains and towels. Source Link
 
Cinnamon might make the move from the spice rack to the medicine chest. A study found that people with type-2 diabetes who took daily supplements of cinnamon saw reductions in blood sugar that could rival prescription drugs. Researchers say adding more cinnamon to what you already eat could also have anti-aging benefits. Source Link

May 2, 2017

What’s the best way to lose weight -- getting your heart pumping or pumping some iron? A new study says it’s cardio training that sheds pounds faster  because cardio burns more calories per minute than strength training. To supercharge a fat-busting workout, doing strength training first will help you burn even more calories with cardio. Source Link
 
Getting the cold shoulder happens in the office. Research shows that rudeness can be contagious, quickly infecting and eroding your work atmosphere. If you want your workplace to be more friendly,  follow the 10-5 rule -- smile and make eye contact when you see a co-worker within 10 feet of you, and when they’ve five feet away, say hello. Source Link
 
Is safely crossing the street alone something that’s beyond anyone who’s under high school age? Simulated experiments showed that children under the age of 14 lacked the ability to judge traffic and move quickly enough to consistently get across the street safely. Researchers say parents should teach children to be more patient and to choose traffic gaps that are even larger. Source Link

May 1, 2017

Lunch or recess? What comes first may determine how school kids will eat and exercise. Researchers found that students who had recess before lunch wasted less food, but kids who had lunch before recess ate more vegetables. Those with a longer lunch and recess who ate before they played were more active and those with a shorter lunch hour exercised more before they ate. Source Link
 
Surveys show that one in three of us is making a computer hacker’s job very easy by using exceptionally weak passwords. Experts say you should not use a password with all letters or all numbers or use the same pattern of letters and numbers for all of your passwords. And don’t be obvious by starting a password with a capital letter or ending it with an exclamation point. Source Link
 
The main dish takes a backseat to those add-ons when it comes to what’s most profitable on a restaurant menu. Things like extra toppings on a pizza, cheese on your hamburger or sour cream for that baked potato are marked up by at least 500 percent. But overall profit margins for restaurants are only about 5 percent. Source Link