skip to main |
skip to sidebar
If your son dreams of someday playing in the World Series, teach him to bat from the other side. A study found that high school baseball players who throw right-handed but bat left-handed are up to nine times more likely to play on a Major League team. Hall of Famers with this skill include Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, Yogi Berra and Wade Boggs. Source Link
Millennials get a bad rap for being less-than-enthusiastic workers, but there’s one time they should stay home. In a survey about three out of four people between the ages of 18 and 34 said they go to work when they’re sick. On average, about half of all workers don’t stay home when they’re ill and that can spread colds and the flu. Source Link
Would you give Amazon a key to your house to deliver packages inside? Amazon Key is a new service that uses a special electronic lock to allow access to your home so packages can be placed inside the front door. The service also uses an cloud-connected indoor security camera so you can monitor package deliveries as they happen. Source Link
Could a weight loss technique improve your budget’s bottom line? A financial fast has you spend three weeks making no unnecessary purchases and taking one day a week to make no purchases at all. Experts say it can help you reset your spending priorities and show how much you could be saving. Source Link
Taking steps to prevent smartphone addiction in kids starts with a few basic rules. Don’t allow smartphones in bedrooms because they can disrupt sleep. Use apps or tools from your service provider to filter content and limit data usage. And create a device contract with rules like no smartphones at the dinner table, or no more than an hour of social media use after school. Source Link
Would you like a Facebook news feed for your friends only? The social network is testing a plan that would split the news feed in two, with posts from friends in one and the other for anything else. Advertisers would still be able to place promoted posts in either news feed. Source Link
We always hear that it’s important to get enough sleep, and here’s an
easy way to see if your slumber is sufficient. On the weekend, don’t
set an alarm and sleep until you wake up on your own. If that’s longer
than your typical shuteye, adjust your weekday routine to get that much
sleep every night. Source Link
So
where’s the best place to stand at a party or business event if you
want to meet new people? Studies have shown that typical busy spots like
the entrance, near bathrooms or at the food table don’t generate good
contacts. Try the area at either end of the bar or right near the host
to meet more new people. Source Link
Things
like yoga, Tai Chi and meditation may improve your health because you
can feel it in your genes. Research found that these activities can
reverse molecular reactions in DNA. This can help the brain steer our
DNA processes along a path to defend against poor health and depression.
Source Link
Don’t let your kids play with any stuffed animals in the waiting room at the doctor’s office. Plush toys can harbor germs and are difficult to clean, so bring toys from home for your child to play with while waiting. Experts say infection control in the doctor’s office should be as strict as it is in a hospital. Source Link
If you’re tired of having a product follow you in online ads after you’ve searched for it, there may be a solution. The Digital Advertising Alliance offers a way to opt out of interest-based ads. You’ll still see ads, but they shouldn’t be based on past searches. Visit aboutads.info/choices. Source Link
A Netflix favorite and a big-screen superhero are among the top picks for this year’s trendy Halloween costumes. Look for lots of people dressed as Wonder Woman or as characters from the series “Stranger Things.” And the man in the Oval Office will be everywhere as Donald Trump masks are top sellers at Halloween costume shops. Source Link
They say hard work builds character, so why not homework too? A study found that middle school students who invested more time and effort into their homework became more conscientious. Researchers say that boost could help to offset lackluster teen attitudes about work. Source Link
Skipping breakfast may not be good for your heart. In a study, people who skipped or skimped on breakfast were more likely to have early signs of heart disease. Experts say skipping breakfast can cause hormonal imbalances and alter circadian rhythms, and that it can lead to eating more calories and more unhealthy foods later in the day. Source Link
Cutting down on credit card fraud could be as simple as saying, “smile.” Visa is offering banks an option to allow online purchases to be verified with a selfie that’s compared to a photo you took when you applied for the card. The new feature could also match your voice or fingerprint to confirm that’s it’s you making the purchase. Source Link
Do you know when to rush your toddler to the emergency room? Some
parents say they’d go to the ER if their child was choking, had
swallowed pills or got a burn from a hot pan. Experts say choking
requires an immediate call to 9-1-1 and contacting Poison Control is a
first step when pills are swallowed. A minor burn is usually something
you can treat at home. Source Link
If
you want a younger-looking face, focus on what’s above your eyes and
below your nose. A study found that people with lips and eyebrows that
showed more contrast were perceived as younger. Brow color was the most
powerful influence in determining if someone had an older or younger
face. Source Link
You
may have a longer wait for the new flagship iPhone. Reports say Apple’s
production of the iPhone X isn’t keeping pace with expected number of
people who will want the latest model when sales begin on November 3rd.
Experts say you’ll want to get your order in as soon as Apple begins
taking them at Midnight Pacific Time on Friday. Source Link
College students who take ADHD drugs thinking it will improve
classroom performance are failing to see the truth. A survey found that
nearly a third of students believe that using drugs like Ritalin and
Adderall will lead to better grades. Experts say there’s no evidence
that taking the ADHD drugs improves school performance. Source Link
There’s
a downside to those reusable shopping bags. Testing showed that almost
all used bags contained bacteria that can contaminate food and make you
sick. The solution is to wash cloth bags every two weeks in hot water
and wipe down plastic bags with a disinfectant. It’s also a good idea to
pack meats and raw foods in separate bags. Source Link
It’s
a morbid-sounding way to declutter your home and some say it works.
Death Cleaning has you downsize your possessions as if you were clearing
things after you die. That means keeping what you absolutely love or
definitely want to pass on to your family. You can even create a box
with keepsakes that you want but will be thrown out after you’re gone. Source Link
Can you sweat your way to better heart health? A study found that
people who took more sauna baths cut their risk of high blood pressure
by up to half. When body temperature rises it widens blood vessels. This
improves the way blood vessels work on the inside and that can lower
blood pressure. Source Link
The
contents of our carry-on bag for that next long-haul flight should
include a piece of sports gear. Experts say you can pack a tennis ball
and use it to roll on your shoulders, lower back, legs, and the bottoms
of your feet to help get your blood flowing again. Dangerous circulation
problems can occur when sitting for long periods on a plane. Source Link
Planning
ahead can help your child enjoy an allergy-safe Halloween. Don't let
children consume any candy that isn't clearly labeled for indications of
potential allergens and bring safe treats for your child at school. And
if your child has asthma bring an inhaler for trick-or-treating in case
of exposure to smoke machines or mold while running door-to-door. Source Link
In years to come you may be keeping your seat belt fastened
throughout that international flight thanks to climate change. New
research suggests that global temperature changes will make severe
turbulence two or three times more likely on a Transatlantic flight.
Severe turbulence is strong enough to throw people and luggage around
the cabin. Source Link
Make
sure homework help you’re offering your child is really helpful. Start
with a set schedule that gives kids time to relax or play right after
school and then hit the books early in the evening. Allow for a break
between subjects and set limits so that homework doesn’t cut into sleep
time. Source Link
The
break room vending machine is getting a high-tech upgrade. A micro
market might supply fresh snacks like sandwiches and salads and include
items for workers with special diet needs. And forget about needing cash
or a card because biometric systems record who’s buying and
automatically charge it to your account. Source Link
When a smoke alarm goes off in a house fire you may have no more than
two minutes to escape, so be sure you know two ways out. Fire safety
experts recommend a two-step training. First, make sure you and your
family know two ways to escape from any room and then rehearse a safe
escape from your home. Source Link
If
you think you’re allergic to penicillin you may want to confirm it
before any surgery. Studies show that nine out of ten people who think
they’re allergic really aren’t. That’s important because when doctors
need to substitute another antibiotic for penicillin it can increase the
risk of an infection after surgery. Source Link
“I
love standing in line to return something” -- said no one ever. Walmart
feels your pain and relief may be on the way. It’s new Mobile Express
Returns program will let you return an item online and get store credit
within one day without going to the store. The service will start with
products purchased at walmart.com and could include in-store purchases
beginning next year. Source Link
It’s a classic debate - is it okay to leave your smartphone charging
overnight? - and the answer is, “yes and no.” Experts say chargers are
designed to stop sending power to the battery when it reaches 100
percent. But it will continue to top-off your phone as the charge dips
slightly from 100 percent throughout the night, and that’s not good for
the battery. Source Link
A
popular way to relieve pain during childbirth doesn’t slow down the
progress of labor. A new study found that women who underwent an
epidural had no difference in the stage of labor when the mother pushes.
Some doctors reduce or stop epidural pain management to speed up
delivery. Source Link
What
if moviemakers wanted you to fall asleep during their film? That’s the
idea behind “Baa Baa Land” - an eight-hour epic that’s only sights and
sounds of sheep grazing in a pasture. The film’s executive producer says
it’s the ultimate insomnia cure. You can watch it on YouTube and
producers are in talks to bring the sleep-inducing cinema to an American
cable channel. Source Link
Americans are more worried than ever about the environment. An annual
survey found that fears about air pollution, unsafe drinking water and
pollution of rivers, lakes and oceans was among the Top Ten for the
first time. Government corruption, not having enough money in the future
and health care concerns were the top worries. Source Link
What
does it take to join the millionaires club? An author who interviewed
hundreds of wealthy Americans found that most are early to bed and early
to rise, read lots of nonfiction, make time for meditation and
exercise, and work on improving their communication skills. Many also
talk to themselves to create an inner dialogue for motivation. Source Link
The
Windows Phone is dead. Microsoft says it won’t have any more hardware
or software updates for the platform that ran a distant third to Android
and Apple. There will be security updates for current users. Microsoft
admitted they could not entice developers to create versions of their
apps for the Windows Phone. Source Link
If you like to catch some sleep on an airline flight, don’t close
your eyes until you’re up in the air. Experts warn that sleeping through
takeoff or landing doesn’t allow you to adjust to rapid air pressure
changes. That could leave your ears blocked up and cause dizziness, ear
infections, eardrum damage, or even nosebleeds and hearing loss. Source Link
Take
it from breast cancer survivors - radiation therapy isn’t as bad as it
seems. In a survey nine out of ten said radiation therapy was less scary
than they feared and 80 percent said the side effects were better than
expected. Studies have shown better survival and quality of life for
patients treated with breast-conserving surgery and radiation rather
than mastectomy. Source Link
Facebook
wants to help you find fake news posts. The social network is testing a
new feature that lets you click on an icon in each post to learn more
about the publisher and how the post is being shared. You’re part of the
test if you see an “i” button the upper right-hand corner above an
article's title. Source Link
The average American throws out 20 pounds of food a month, so how can
you stop wasting and lower your grocery bill? Creating a weekly menu
will help you match activity plans with food shopping. Leftover fresh
produce can be frozen to add to smoothies, sauces or casseroles. And
remember that “sell by” dates are about quality and not safety. Source Link
The
Millennial father is a lot like his 20th Century dad in one way. A
study found that on weekends younger fathers are more likely to relax or
have fun while mom is working around the house or taking care of the
kids. Men and women did split household chores and childcare duties more
evenly on weekdays. Source Link
Remembering
to take that pill has gone high tech. The MedMinder pill dispenser case
stores a week’s worth of medications in separate trays that open as
needed. And if you forget to take that pill the MedMinder has a flashing
light, audio alarms and can phone or text you with a reminder and can
also alert caregivers or a medical professional if something goes wrong.
Source Link
Those infotainment systems in new cars may be making it less safe
behind the wheel. A study by AAA found that using voice commands,
dashboard touchscreens and steering wheel controls distracted drivers
for up to 40 seconds. The worst was when people tried to set a
navigation system while driving. Source Link
If
you’re taking a low-dose aspirin to protect against a heart attack or
stroke, don’t stop before consulting your doctor. Researchers found that
people who quit a daily aspirin regimen saw their risk of heart attack
or stroke rise quickly. A rebound effect made blood clots more likely
for those who stopped taking a daily aspirin. Source Link
Getting
kids to eat a good breakfast may mean you have to think outside the
cereal box. Last night’s leftovers or healthy lunch fare can work as a
first meal of the day. And for those who don’t have time for a sit-down
breakfast you can offer a grab-and-go option like trail mix, a shake
made with fruit and yogurt or a whole wheat tortilla spread with peanut
butter. Source Link
Is meditation good for your heart? A review of studies found that Zen
meditation, Raja yoga and transcendental meditation may be associated
with decreased stress, anxiety and depression and better sleep, and
those are factors that can reduce the risk of heart disease . Mediation
may also lower blood pressure and has helped some to quit smoking. Source Link
If
you’re looking for a workout you can stick with for the long haul, find
a sport that you enjoy. Researchers say playing a favorite sport often
was the key to people staying active in their 70s, 80s and beyond. Even
those who took up sports later in middle age were more likely to be
active in old age compared to those who never did. Source Link
The
store that’s famous for super-sized products wants to help you stock-up
for the apocalypse. Costco is offering an emergency kit with a year’s
supply of canned fruits and vegetables, rice, granola, beans, beef,
chicken, milk, sugar and salt that will last for 25 years. The
one-person kit sells for $1,000 and your can keep a family of four fed
for a year for $3,999. Source Link
Here are some ways to safeguard your personal information in case of a
major website hack. Consider using a master email address that’s only
for recovering account information. Make sure you're not searchable by
phone number on Linkedin or Facebook, and don’t use social media
accounts to log in to other websites or apps to avoid sharing too much
information. Source Link
If
you’re ready to add more fiber to your diet be sure to pace yourself.
Natural fiber that’s found in fresh fruits, leafy raw greens, nuts,
beans and whole grain breads, oatmeal, brown rice and even popcorn can
help you feel full without adding all those calories. But flipping the
fiber switch too fast can be tough on your digestive system, so add more
fiber gradually each day. Source Link
We’re
pampering our four-legged family members with treats that go way beyond
the dog biscuit. A survey found that 60 percent of pet owners say they
celebrate their pet’s birthday with a cupcake or cookie. And one out of
five new pet products are seasonal items ranging from heart-shaped dog
cookies for Valentine’s Day to cranberry treats at Christmas time. Source Link
Gluten-free is a popular choice, but is it good for you? Only if you
have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Health experts say avoiding
gluten can keep you from getting essential proteins in grains that can’t
be found in other foods. Instead of going gluten-free for a healthier
diet, try eating nutritionally-rich foods and manage your portion sizes.
Source Link
Does
your nose know when you’re at-risk for dementia? Testing found that
older adults who’d lost their sense of smell had higher odds of
suffering with memory issues. Those who could not identify four of five
common smells were twice as likely to have dementia five years later. Source Link
If
you’re looking to buy a new TV you may want to hold off for about eight
weeks. Industry watchers say this year’s Black Friday bargains could
include ultra-low prices for televisions. One report predicts a 55-inch
4K set will sell for $275 and a 30-inch 1080p TV could be priced as low
as $50 on Black Friday. Source Link
It’s trendy, but is it safe to eat your placenta? A new look at
dozens of studies found no evidence of health benefits but did warn that
placenta capsules have been found to contain bacteria that can cause a
strep infection. Researchers say the only culture in the world that eats
their own placenta is upper-class American women. Source Link
What
kind of dog is the best pet for your family depends on your habits.
Experts say people who are active outdoors might pick a Retriever, but a
Pug could be a better choice if your favorite place is on the couch.
Also think about how much space you have for a dog to exercise and
decide who will care for the dog and if that will be a shared
responsibility. Source Link
Google
has a new way for you to monitor your child’s smartphone use. The free
Family Link app lets parents control what can be installed on a child’s
phone, monitor screen time and app use, set time limits and even lock
the device remotely. Family Link is available to parents with iPhones or
Androids but the child’s phone needs to be an Android device. Source Link
How can you save millions of lives in 30 minutes? Health researchers
say a half-hour of physical activity a day could prevent millions of
early deaths and cases of heart disease worldwide. Beneficial activity
can include household chores, gardening, on-the-job movement or walking
for 30 minutes on most days of the week. Source Link
Bedbugs
may be hitching a ride home with you after a vacation in your dirty
laundry. A study found that bedbugs were attracted to soiled laundry
that has the same smell as the human body. The best advice is to keep
dirty laundry in a sealed bag during your vacation to prevent the pests
from finding a way to follow you home. Source Link
You
might want to stop using a finger swipe to unlock your Android phone.
Testing showed that two out of three people could remember a swipe
pattern that they casually saw from five or six feet away, but only one
in 10 people could replicate a six-digit PIN code seen from the same
distance. Source Link
Your infant child might learn how to stick with tasks by watching you
“try, try again.” Testing found that 15-month old babies would try
harder at a task after watching an adult struggle before they succeeded.
Researchers say it’s okay to not be perfect in front of children
because seeing your determination shows them how persistence can pay
off. Source Link
You
can build a home gym around the kinds of activities that you enjoy. If
that’s walking or running, try a treadmill or an elliptical trainer or
rowing machine if you like cross-country skiing. A thick, washable mat
is a must for floor exercises and strength training can use a simple set
of resistance bands, dumbbells and free weights or a multi-station home
weight machine. Source Link
If
having someone else shop for groceries and deliver them isn’t
convenient enough for you, what if they also put the food away? Walmart
will try a service that takes home delivery all the way to the
refrigerator. Testers will use a special WiFi-enabled electronic door
lock to give a delivery person one-time access to their home and keep
track of the visit. Source Link
If eating out is taking a toll on your diet plan you can try these
tips. Choose a restaurant with healthier fare, like Asian cuisine or
Greek or Spanish that feature fish, grilled lean meat and vegetables.
Look for online menus and know what you’ll have before you arrive. And instead of an entree try sharing several appetizers and have one dessert for all. Source Link
Talking
with your hands could make the spoken word more productive. Researchers
found that using body gestures got responses faster when someone asked a
question during a conversation. Head and hand movements can signal that
a speaker is about to end and help the listener to respond faster. Source Link
It’s
not too soon to ask what will be the hot toys for the holidays. One
must-have list includes the Scoop and Learn Ice Cream Cart for toddlers,
Fun Roaring Tyler the Tiger for preschoolers, and returning favorites
like LEGO Star Wars, Fingerlings, Hatchimals, Teddy Ruxpin and the new
Nintendo Switch game console. Source Link
