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America’s pediatricians are making an important distinction about how to talk with children who are overweight. Because guilt and blame don’t help, it’s recommended that parents avoid the words “obese” and “fat” and talk about “weight” or “body mass index.” And describe a youngster as “a child with excess weight” instead of an overweight or obese child. Source Link
When does more money mean less financial stability? When it’s in your checking account. Experts say most people feel they can spend freely when there’s a bigger checking account balance. The solution is to move that extra money to a savings account with automatic transfers or have money directly deposited from your paycheck into a savings account. Source Link
Does your “healthy” snack list include any of these nutritional no-no’s? Dietitians say baked chips are so low in fat you’ll eat plenty of them before you feel full, pretzels have no nutritional value and store-bought smoothies are often loaded with sugar. And read the labels for granola or cereal bars and choose one that’s high in fiber and lower in sugar. Source Link
Science says you should listen up when making that holiday gift list. A study found that recipients are more appreciative of gifts they specifically ask for. Researchers say you shouldn’t try substituting, so if they ask for a fitness tracker, don’t buy them a gym membership. Source Link
If your Thanksgiving menu was high on calories, you can dish-up desserts that won’t bust the scale come Christmas. When baking, try using whole-grain flour or at least a half and half mix. Use bananas or applesauce in place of fats and make portion-controlled desserts like mini-cheesecakes or cupcakes. And serve fruit on the side with every dessert. Source Link
When you’re holiday shopping do you want to compare in-store prices with other offers in just a snap? There’s an app for that. ShopSavvy lets you scan a product’s barcode to compare prices from dozens of online competitors and local stores. The bad news? Amazon.com prices are not included in the app. Source Link
“Netflix and chill” isn’t something to do only when you’re sitting on the couch. A survey of subscribers showed about 40 percent watch while on a plane or bus, 27 percent watch while in a car and and one-third watch Netflix while they’re at work. And 12 percent of those surveyed admit to watching Netflix in a public restroom. Source Link
If saving for a down payment on a house seems too difficult, consider this. A report says skipping one night out per week, giving up takeout food and brown-bagging your lunch could save up to $15,000 a year. Doing that for five years might put you well on the way to affording that down payment. Source Link
Science is proving that having a furry, four-legged friend can lead to a longer life. A long-term study found that middle-aged men and women with a dog had a lower risk of death due to cardiovascular disease than people who didn’t own a pet. The effect was strongest for those who lived alone. Source Link
Driving may not be the worst thing you can do while using your smartphone. Researchers found that, mile for mile, distracted walking results in more injuries than distracted driving, and makes pedestrians 60 percent more likely to veer off course. It’s not just texting because the biggest risk of injury was when someone was walking and playing a game on their phone. Source Link
We know that stopping smoking and maintaining a healthy weight can add years to your life, but there may be one more key to longevity. A study found that people who were open to new experiences and who had higher levels of learning tended to live longer. Every year spent studying beyond school added almost a year to a person's life span. Source Link
The early risers may be the big earners. In a study of wealthy individuals nearly half of them said they wake up at least three hours before their workday starts. Getting up that early gives them time to do things like exercise, eat a healthy breakfast and organize their day before it begins. Source Link
Falls are the leading cause of death for people over 65 and you can help prevent a fall by picking the right shoes. Look for a shoe that doesn’t twist in the middle when you press on it and wear the socks you normally would while shoe shopping. And measure your feet every time you buy shoes because sizes can change even for adults. 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
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
There’s one family member who shouldn’t partake in the Thanksgiving feast. Experts warn that feeding table scraps to dogs or cats can lead to food poisoning, vomiting and diarrhea. If guests want to share with your pet give them a dog or cat treat and try to feed your pet at the same time your meal begins to avoid begging. Source Link
Could you lessen the risk of dementia by playing brain games? Testers found that seniors who had specific training that required them to quickly identify objects on a computer screen were 30 percent less likely to have dementia 10 years later. Training to improve memory or problem solving was not effective. Source Link
If you’re among the four in ten Americans who plan to buy a smart appliance this year be sure it doesn't open your home to hackers. WiFi connected thermostats, smoke detectors, baby monitors and lights can be a easy path into your home network to hijack your computer. Look for models that require a username and password and change those default settings to lock down the device. Source Link
Big holiday meals can be real diet busters and there are other danger zones for people who want to watch their weight. You can avoid overindulging on cake at the office birthday party by eating beforehand. And don’t go to the shopping mall on an empty stomach because those big cookies and gooey cinnamon rolls are waiting to trip you up. Source Link
Whatever way you travel this holiday season, there’s one essential you should always pack. A blanket helps you maintain the right body temperature in a car, plane or bus. Choose one that’s easy to wash, big enough to cover your feet and can fit in a bag. And use the same blanket on every trip because that familiar feel can condition you to fall asleep faster. Source Link
There’s a new way to have Alexa, Siri or Google run your outdoor Christmas lights. The iHome Smart Plug works over WiFi with your favorite virtual assistant to control the power for any plug-in device including holiday lights. The $40 Smart Plug can work from a schedule or take voice commands to control your outdoor display. Source Link
If you’re trying to tackle a stubborn cough, there isn’t any treatment that’s proven to work. A doctor’s report says no over-the-counter products can be recommended as effective. Painkillers like Aleve, Advil and Motrin don’t help and there’s slight evidence for zinc lozenges. Taking honey and drinking plenty of water may be the best way to wait out that cough. Source Link
It’s an alarming twist on cyberbullying. Experts say they’re seeing cases where teens anonymously post hurtful messages to themselves. They warn that this digital version of self-harm should be a red flag for parents and may indicate a higher risk of suicide. Source Link
So the view on the new iPhone X isn’t big enough for you? Just wait. Reports say Apple’s new models in 2018 may include an iPhone X Plus with a bigger screen. It’s also rumored that the next generation of the iPhone 8 may inherit some iPhone X features like an edge-to-edge display. Source Link
Looking for a popular name for your baby? Try one that ends with an “a” or the “a” sound. The latest list of most popular baby names from mom365.com includes Emma, Noah, Olivia, Ava, Isabella, Sophia, Elijah and Mia. The Top 10 list rounds out with Liam and Logan. Source Link
If you love to “Netflix and chill” beware of a real side-effect of binge-watching. Researchers found that people who watched TV the most were 50 percent more likely to develop a dangerous blood clot. The solution? Try using a treadmill or stationary bike while you watch or take a break to do something physical between episodes. Source Link
When it comes to where bugs like to call home, it isn’t a matter of cleanliness. A study of insect life in homes found that the presence of pets or plenty of dust bunnies didn’t affect where bugs appeared. The favorite haunt of most creepy crawlers was a carpeted, airy, ground-floor residence in a wealthier neighborhood. Source Link
A safety tool in many homes may be unsafe to use. More than 40 million Kidde fire extinguishers made between 1973 and 2017 are being recalled because they can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge. You can check to see if your fire extinguisher is being recalled by going to kidde.com and clicking on “Product Safety Recall.” Source Link
You like the idea of getting Black Friday deals and even more discounts when you sign up for a store credit card, but think twice about using that kind of plastic. Experts say that upfront discount and zero percent financing for six months are fine as long as you mind the calendar. Leaving any balance due after the term is up will mean a high interest charge on the entire cost of the purchase. Source Link
When the workday is dragging, try this five-minute pick-me-up. First, stand up and stretch or take a walk for 60 seconds. Spend two minutes completing a short online errand and then take a minute to write down your weekend plans. Finally, send a text or use a messaging app to check-in with someone you care about. Source Link
Can you save money buying an airline ticket at the last minute? Sometimes you can, but with two important caveats. Experts say don’t pick a flight that’s popular for business travelers who will pay more for a last-minute ticket and avoid non-stop domestic flights because those prices begin to soar about 14 days before takeoff. Source Link
More than half of dogs and cats are overweight or obese, so how can you tell if your pet is tipping the scales too much? If their belly is dragging near the ground or you can’t feel the ribs it’s time to put less in the food dish. You can also substitute fresh snacks like baby carrots or green beans instead of store-bought treats that can be high in calories. Source Link
You’ll want to splurge on a good case for your new iPhone X. Testing shows the flagship model is extremely fragile thanks to a glass back and a face recognition feature that won’t work if the screen is broken. Look for a case with a lip that extends beyond the front and will absorb the shock if the phone lands screen-down on a hard surface. Source Link
There are easy ways to get the most mileage in airline travel rewards. Sign-up for every airline’s program to get credit for any trip and look for alliances with credit cards, hotels and travel partners that can add more points. And don’t cash in too soon, because many programs offer bigger rewards for those who use more points per transaction. Source Link
You want to stop wasting time mindlessly scrolling through apps on your smartphone, but how? Experts say you can turn off alerts that prompt you to pick up your phone and leave it somewhere out of sight. Set the countdown timer to trigger an alarm after a few minutes of use and move those favorite time-wasting apps off the home screen. Source Link
You can have a hand in stopping your emotional eating. That’s when someone eats to relieve stress, anxiety or boredom. When you feel like eating, try doing something with your hands like a crossword puzzle or knitting to preoccupy yourself until the urge passes. Finding ways to manage your underlying stress and anxiety will help, too. Source Link
What can you do when the pleasure of eating ice cream brings on the pain of a brain freeze? Try pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth to warm the spot where nerves can trigger that icy pain. You can avoid brain freeze my eating cold foods toward the front of your mouth and by eating more slowly. Source Link
Kicking the habit means more than quitting smoking. You need to look at why you light-up. If it's to relieve stress, try exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques. If having a drink makes you want to smoke, switch to non-alcoholic beverages and socialize in places where smoking is prohibited. And take work breaks with non-smokers or simply take a walk instead. Source Link
Should you buy or lease your next car? If you drive a lot of miles annually or want to modify your car or keep it for many years then leasing probably isn’t for you. Buying is a better long-term deal but leasing helps you afford more car now. Just remember to keep your car costs including insurance to under 10 percent of your gross income per month. Source Link
There’s one simple thing you can do to improve the odds that you’ll hit your retirement savings goal -- write it down. People with a written retirement plan were 60 percent more likely to increase their 401-k contributions and twice as likely to stick to their savings plan. Only one out of four people say they have a written financial plan. Source Link
When you’re getting ready to visit the doctor be sure to bring everything you need besides an insurance card. Experts say that includes a written list of any questions and copies of any online health research that you can discuss with your doctor. And consider bringing a friend or family member who can offer support, take notes and advocate for you. Source Link
How can your smartphone help you declutter your house? Testing showed that people were more likely to donate an old unused item with sentimental value if they took a picture of it. Having a photo of the item served the same purpose to help people remember the moment. Source Link
One out of three people say they eat lunch on the job, but there are better ways to use your mid-day break. Leave the office or take a walk for a change of scenery that will help revitalize your mind. Spend some time reading or taking an online course, and don’t pass up the chance for a brief nap to help you be rested and ready to complete the workday. Source Link
If you have trouble remembering where to store your fresh fruit and produce to make it last the longest, try this easy trick - store it where it grows. That means tropical fruits like bananas or mangoes can sit in room temperature on the kitchen counter. Apples, berries and other produce grown in Northern climates need to be in the refrigerator. Source Link
So what do IT professionals do to avoid being hacked? Keep social media accounts as private as possible and ask friends and family to do the same. Hover over links in emails to see if the destination address matches what’s in the text. And change your router’s name and password to make it harder for cyber-thieves to break into your home network. Source Link
If late-night snacking is a problem for you, the solution might begin in the early morning. People who eat breakfast are less likely to overeat later and getting more protein and fiber during the day can limit those refrigerator raids. And turn off the TV, tablet and cell phone earlier because more screen time can lead to mindless eating. Source Link
Every weekend can be an extended one by making it new. Studies show that people who had new experiences over the weekend felt like it was longer come Monday. A new experience can be a weekend getaway to a new place, trying a new restaurant or reading a new book. Source Link
We know about coffee, but what other foods can give you that natural pick-me-up? Experts say the sugar in apples, the spice of hot sauce and herbs like rosemary and peppermint offer a natural boost. On the other hand, you can head off to sleep faster with avocados, hummus, bananas, cherries, dark chocolate or red wine. Source Link
Introducing solid foods to your infant doesn’t have to mean spooning out jars of baby food. A study found that babies who fed themselves with regular food seemed less fussy and enjoyed eating more. In the technique called baby-led weaning you offer bite-sized pieces of food and let your child pick it up and eat it. Source Link
If you have a public service job, Uncle Sam might help pay off those student loans and a new website is making it easier to find out if you qualify. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness checker has you enter information about your loans and employment to see if you can have the balance of your student loans forgiven after 10 years of regular payments. Source Link
We know about the higher odds of catching a cold on an airline flight, but what else can put your health at-risk at 30,000 feet? Experts say seatback pockets and tray tables are Ground Zero for germs and you should never put any food in or on them. And be careful with the top of aisle seats because many people touch these as they’re walking through the plane. Source Link
You don’t need a new car to have some high-tech safety features. You can buy a tire pressure sensor system that works with your phone using Bluetooth or add a device that can automatically call for assistance after an accident or breakdown. And a $249 dash camera sold by Garmin can trigger an alert if you’re too close to the car ahead or start to drift out of your lane. Source Link
If you’re a night owl on the job, you’re more likely to tip the scales even further. A look at previous studies found that people who worked a night shift were 30 percent more likely to be overweight or obese. Researchers say the human body is programmed to sleep when it’s dark, and sleeping at other times can prevent you from resetting the hormones that impact hunger. Source Link
So you can’t have a dog or cat but you still want a family pet? Gerbils and guinea pigs can be fun for kids but might nip while they’re being held. Cold water fish like goldfish are easy to care for and birds like the budgie are affectionate and can often be taught to speak. A ferret is also a popular pet but isn’t legal in some areas, so check first. Source Link
You can make the fall back to Standard Time easier on your body by forgetting about that extra hour of sleep. Experts say you should go to bed and your regular time and wake up at the same time. Being in sunlight during the daytime can also help your body clock reset itself after Daylight Saving time ends. Source Link
The 12 most satisfying jobs range from firefighters to authors and physical therapists to office supervisors, but they all have one thing in common. A survey of 27,000 people found that the most satisfying jobs involve caring for, teaching, and protecting others. Other jobs on the list include operating engineers, painters and sculptors, and security and financial service sales. Source Link
Can the best defense against children’s allergies come on four legs? Researchers found that pregnant women with a dog in the home had babies with half the risk of eczema by age 2. Experts say eczema in young children can be a warning sign of more allergies to come. Source Link
Could “Cyber Monday” overtake “Black Friday” for holiday sales? For the first time, a national survey has found that more holiday spending will take place online instead of in a store. About half of holiday shoppers say they’ll buy gift cards and clothing and one-quarter will give “experience” gifts like concert tickets, vacations and restaurant meals. Source Link
If you feel a cold coming on, reach for the tea kettle. Research has shown that drinking black tea can boost your immune system and the antioxidants in green tea can slow down viruses that cause the common cold. You don’t have to wait until you’re feeling sick because drinking tea every day can build your defenses against colds and flu. Source Link
You can make your iPhone safer from thieves and hackers with one simple step. Experts say you should select the option to "turn off Siri" when the phone is locked. With a press of the home button anyone can use Siri to access lots of information on your locked iPhone. Source Link
When you raid your kid’s Halloween haul for a sweet treat, try to avoid candies that are tough on your teeth. Caramels, taffy and gummy candies stick around in your mouth, giving them additional time to cause tooth decay and sour candies contain sugar and acids. Healthier choices include Three Musketeers bars, peppermint patties and peanut M&Ms. Source Link
Smartphones are keeping teens up at night. Researchers found that high schoolers who were on their phones five hours a day were 50 percent more likely to be sleep-deprived than classmates who only had an hour of screen time per day. Studies have shown that light from smartphones and tablets can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Source Link
Charging your phone while you’re using it in the car may not be the best idea. Experts say USB ports on cars typically don’t provide enough power to replace what you’re using and if your car has an older battery it could be drained by charging your phone. The best advice is to top-up at home and use a portable power pack to run the phone when you’re on the road. Source Link
