February 28, 2018

The best way to chart the progress of your healthy eating plan may not be that bathroom scale. Use a tape measure to find your waist size that can indicate the risk for heart disease and diabetes or try on a tight pair of pants every two weeks to know if you’re dropping pounds. If you use the scale make it a weekly weigh-in on Friday morning because most people eat more on the weekend. Source Link 

When your mind races after you wake up in the middle of the night you can try these tips to get back to sleep. Get out of bed and read a book - but nothing too exciting - or listen to an audio book or a podcast that’s not a shoutfest. You can also head to the kitchen for a light snack like whole-grain crackers or popcorn that has carbs to help switch-on the body’s sleep hormones. Source Link 

It’s a car seat that alerts you if your child is left behind. The $330 Cybex Sirona M uses Bluetooth to trigger an alarm if a child is left in the car alone for a few minutes and can call you if someone else is driving. The app-enabled car seat can also send out a warning if a child has unbuckled a safety belt during the drive. Source Link 

February 27, 2018

There’s more evidence that speaking a second language can help your brain bulk-up to beat the effects of dementia. MRI testing showed that being bilingual can exercise different parts of the brain and make it more resilient. The benefits were seen in bilingual testers who had Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. Source Link 

Taking care of yourself during pregnancy could help your child grow up to avoid type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity. It starts with watching your weight gain and getting the right nutrients from whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meat, skinless poultry and seafood. And you should take folic acid supplements if you’re pregnant or planning to be. Source Link 

You don’t want to brush with a good burgundy, but researchers say the antioxidants in wine can prevent bacteria from sticking to the gums. That’s what causes plaque, cavities and gum disease and that bacteria can enter your bloodstream to increase the risk of heart disease. The findings might lead to toothpaste with antioxidants like those found in wine. Source Link 

February 26, 2018

Could hairspray, perfume, deodorant or household cleaners contribute as much pollution as a car’s tailpipe? A report says all of the products made with compounds refined from petroleum now release as many smog-producing particles as vehicles do. To reduce those emissions you can use these products sparingly or switch to unscented versions. Source Link 

It’s rich in vitamins and a natural choice but there’s a unhealthy side to that daily glass of fruit juice. The habit could be adding to your weight because fruit juice has as much sugar as sweetened soda. Experts say you can get the same nutritional benefits without the weight gain by eating one serving of whole fruit instead of drinking a glass of juice. Source Link 

You can take a paper airplane to new heights of technology with a power kit that works with your smartphone. The PowerUp Dart gives you a motor and propeller that can be mounted on a paper airplane and controlled by a smartphone app. The $37 standard kit with a motor, special paper and landing wheels can be pre-ordered now. Source Link 

February 23, 2018

Noise pollution could be bad for your heart as well as your hearing. Researchers say loud noise induces stress and that triggers a spike in our stress hormones, which can lead to vascular damage and contribute to heart disease and diabetes. The body’s reaction to noise can also affect heart health while you sleep, even if the noise doesn’t wake you. Source Link 

It’s a treatment for mental illness that comes on four legs. They won't replace medication or therapy, but experts say a pet can offer comfort, alleviate worry and provide distraction from symptoms of mental illness. The benefits aren’t limited to dogs or cats and you should select a pet that fits your needs and living situation. Source Link 

Will that high-tech car make you safer behind the wheel? Half of people surveyed admit to texting or setting navigation systems while driving and those in cars equipped with the latest safety technology tend to be slightly more distracted. One in three said the warning sounds triggered by safety alerts interfered with concentration while driving. Source Link 

February 22, 2018

If all the bad news of the world today has you stressed there’s a good news solution -- help others. Experts say making a donation or volunteering your time can ease feelings of helplessness from the weight of the world’s problems. You can also seek social support by joining a club or group to do something you enjoy. Source Link 

Is “mind over matter” the answer to eating healthy? People who lose weight and keep it off are mindful of limiting calories and avoiding distractions like watching TV during meals but they also avoid severe limits on food that can lead to over-indulging. Mindfulness training can help emotional eaters avoid the urge to grab food when they’re stressed out. Source Link 

So what’s the sweet spot for a salary that will make you the happiest? A study found that people who made $60,000 to $75,000 a year were the happiest and a $95,000 a year salary made people the most satisfied with life. Making more money didn’t equal more happiness for those who were surveyed. Source Link 

February 21, 2018

There’s another warning about children and teens and energy drinks. The American College of Sports Medicine says energy drinks like Red Bull and Full Throttle should not be marketed to anyone under 18 because excessive levels of caffeine can have serious side effects. And that’s especially true when young people combine energy drinks with vigorous exercise. Source Link 

A new tax season scam could put a fake refund check in your bank account. The scammers are using stolen personal information to file a fake tax return and have a refund deposited. Then they call to say it was an error and have you return the money but it goes to the scammer. If you get a refund check that you weren’t expecting your should contact the IRS. Source Link 

If you have a bucket list for your life you may want to share it with your doctor. Whether it’s travel, a personal goal such as running a marathon or achieving a milestone like 50 years of marriage, sharing your bucket list helps your doctor provide personalized care and suggest lifestyle changes that may help you achieve more. Source Link

February 20, 2018

If the morning routine starts with checking your phone, making the bed and pouring that first cup of coffee, you may want to rethink your habits. Experts say diving right into social media can leave you stressed and the caffeine in coffee is more effective a few hours after you wake up. And letting your bedding air out for a while reduces the moisture that can feed dust mites. Source Link 

Women are more likely than men to die from a stroke and we now know who may be at the highest risk. Researchers found that women who had their first period before age 10 and used birth control pills and went into menopause before age 45 had the highest risk of stroke. A history of pregnancy complications can also indicate higher stroke risk. Source Link 

You won’t find a key feature in your next Google image search. Google has removed the “view image” button that made it easier to see just what you’ve found. The change makes it harder to grab a copy of an image and is part of a deal to allow Google to index millions of photos from the world-famous Getty Images collection. Source Link

February 19, 2018

Ever wonder why President’s Day became an occasion for mattress sales and great deals on new cars? The third Monday in February is officially called “Washington’s Birthday” to commemorate our first president, but in the early 1970s the name “President’s Day” became popular with retailers who used the holiday as a hook for their mid-winter sales. Source Link

Here’s a safety tip you can count on every time you fly. Experts say count the number of rows between you and the nearest exit. That way you can reach out and count the seats by touch as you pass them to make it to the exit in the dark, in smoke or even if the plane is under water. Source Link 

When it comes to creepy crawlers, you could grab for a dinner plate instead of the bug spray. Insects are digestible and tasty when cooked and are a staple in diets around the world. Researchers say about 1,900 insect species are edible and can provide healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins and essential minerals. Source Link 

February 16, 2018

Are you hearing a song you can’t get out of your head? You’re not alone. Nine out of 10 people say they often have “earworm” songs playing on endless repeat. Researchers think they’re triggered by experiences that connect you to the song. The remedy may be finding a mentally demanding task that keeps your brain busy. Source Link 

Your glass of wine with dinner could be doing double duty as a garbage disposal for your brain. Scientists found that the alcohol in two drinks a day can improve the process that clears toxins from your brain. But heavier drinking can impair that natural clean-up and increase brain inflammation. Source Link 

It’s a one-touch answer for quick replies in your online chats. Google is expanding it’s Smart Replies to work with Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Twitter direct messages. The feature that works on Android phones offers several short replies tailored to the message that you can send with one tap. Source Link 

February 15, 2018

If you’re planning to get a DNA test kit to check your ancestry, be prepared for a surprise. Experts say most people’s DNA is an odd mixture and each company offering these services uses its own database of DNA samples. That means results could be different for the same DNA tested between different services. Source Link 

Don’t let the thermometer fool you - it may be winter but sunscreen is something you need in every season. Sun damage can occur year-round, even on cloudy or rainy days and you get sun exposure through windows at the office, at home or in cars. Dermatologists recommend using a broad spectrum sunscreen every day and all year long. Source Link 

Want to eat like an Olympian? It’s a good idea but with one important exception. Many Olympic athletes have just the right amount of protein in their diet coupled with plenty of exercise to build muscles. But you won’t need all the calories that Olympians eat to fuel their bodies through those grueling physical events. Source Link 

February 14, 2018

It’s a day that’s awash in red and has retailers seeing green. Americans are expected to spend nearly $20 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts for significant others, friends and even pets. Candy, greeting cards, flowers and an evening out are still the top ways to say “I love you” while gifts of an experience are something that four out of ten people plan to give. Source Link 

Here’s a diet plan that can get everyone up on their feet. A new study suggests that standing instead of sitting for six hours a day could help people lose weight over time. Standing burns more calories and researchers say with six hours less sitting each day you could lose five pounds a year. Source Link 

If you’re feeling a bit salty or want to show everyone just how hot or cold it is, soon you can say it in a single symbol. This year’s list of new emojis includes a salt shaker and faces that are layered in ice or dripping with sweat. The 158 new icons range from an abacus to a woozy-looking face and all should be available on your phone later this year. Source Link

February 13, 2018

Following your doctor’s orders could help you save $100,000 for retirement. A report says a 45-year old with high blood pressure could save about $3,000 a year in health care costs for the next 30 years with a few simple lifestyle adjustments like taking medication as directed. About half of all American adults have at least one chronic health condition. Source Link 

It could be bad news for people who switched to e-cigarettes in hopes of finding a healthy alternative to lighting-up. Researchers say the flavorings used in e-cigarettes can cause inflammation that’s a trigger for heart disease and other ailments. The worst were the cinnamon, vanilla and buttery flavors. Source Link 

If that New Year’s resolution is already labeled “maybe next year” you can get back on track with a new outlook. First, remember that multiple failures can be part of the path to success and look for situations in your life that might sabotage the effort. And pick a day that’s significant for your resolution reboot, whether that’s a birthday, an anniversary or the first of the month. Source Link 

February 12, 2018

Can Tylenol or Advil treat emotional pain along with your headache? A review of studies found that women who regularly used ibuprofen or acetaminophen were less likely to have hurt feelings from emotionally painful experiences. On the other hand, men who used the over-the-counter pain relievers were more sensitive to personal slights. Source Link 

It’s arrival spelled the end of the music cassette, but now the CD’s days may be numbered. Best Buy says it will stop selling music CD’s and experts predict that Target stores may follow their lead. CD sales peaked 17 years ago and tens of millions of Americans now get their music from streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Source Link 

Here’s a good reason to print your boarding pass at home before that next flight. A study looked at the dirtiest places in an airport and found that self check-in kiosks had ten times the bacteria of water fountains or armrests on seats near the gate. And that airport kiosk was a thousand times more dirty than the typical home toilet seat. Source Link

February 9, 2018

If you don’t buy your milk in the dairy section there’s a healthy alternative but it doesn’t grow on trees. Testing showed that soy milk compared best to cow’s milk for nutrients and was the highest in protein among plant-based milks. Almond milk was lower in proteins and carbs, coconut milk had no protein and and rice milk was high in calories. Source Link 

That email saying your Netflix account has been deactivated? Don’t believe it. The new scam looks like a real message directing you to click on a link to re-enter your billing information. Instead, go to Netflix.com to check it out and avoid becoming the next victim of cyber-thieves. Source Link 

Experts say there are real-life lessons to be learned from the tragedy in a popular TV show. Most house fires begin in the kitchen and not having a working smoke alarm or going back into a burning home can be deadly. A character on the TV drama “This Is Us” died in a house fire that started in a kitchen without a smoke alarm and after he went back into the house to rescue a dog. Source Link  

February 8, 2018

How much fat and not how much weight you carry may be a bigger risk factor for breast cancer. Researchers found that even women with a normal BMI who had a higher percentage of body fat were more likely to have invasive breast cancer. The study used new technology to measure body fat more precisely than can be done at home or in a gym. Source Link 

The term “shopaholic” may seem funny but it’s no laughing matter for millions of people. A study found that 5 percent of the adult population suffers from compulsive shopping disorder and about one in six people have a mild form of it. Those most likely to shop to relieve stress, gain social approval, and improve their self image were younger women with lower incomes. Source Link 

There’s a new kind of smart glasses you may actually want to wear. The Vaunt smart glasses from Intel look like regular horn-rimmed spectacles and use a special laser to bounce an image from the eyeglass lens to your right eye. The Vaunt smart glasses will work with iPhones and Android but there’s no word yet on when you’ll be able buy a pair. Source Link 

February 7, 2018

Commuting to work by car, bus or train could be adding pounds. Research showed that daily commuters gained weight over a year’s time even if they were active on the weekends. You don’t have to swap the car for a bike -- try parking further away from work or getting off the bus sooner to add a 15-minute walk to your daily commute. Source Link 

If that New Year’s resolution to stop smoking is still on your to-do list, the first step is to remind yourself why you want to quit. Make a list of all the reasons why you want to kick the habit and keep it where you can read it. Experts say fear of failing shouldn’t stop you because it usually takes multiple tries and each will strengthen your resolve to finally quit smoking. Source Link 

Wondering why your phone battery can never make it through the day? You can save power by reviewing Location Services to limit apps that can use GPS and turn off background refresh for apps that don’t need it. You can also save power by turning off push notifications for email, Facebook and Twitter. Source Link

February 6, 2018

You can see if your pet is overweight without needing a scale. Look at your dog from above and if you can see a waist they’re probably not overweight. Run your fingers across their sides and with a healthy weight you should feel ribs easily without pressing. And you don’t want to be able to grab a handful of fat on the stomach. Source Link 

When it comes to sticking to a diet while dining out, it may about who you’re eating with. Studies show that people are more likely to binge at a buffet when they’re eating with a person who’s overweight. And seeing a dinner companion overeat -- even if they’re slim -- can trigger someone to fill their plate. Source Link 

How can you find out if your online profile photo is helping or hurting you? PhotoFeeler.com gives you feedback from its users about whether your photo looks like you’re friendly, likable, confident or influential. You get more free ratings of your photo when you rate other users or you can buy credits to get ratings of your profile photo. Source Link 

February 5, 2018

Just one cigarette a day can’t do much harm, right? Wrong. A new report says lighting-up even once a day can significantly increase your risk for stroke and heart disease. Researchers looked at five studies over 20 years and found that any smoking raises the risk of heart disease by at least 30 percent for men and by 50 percent for women. Source Link 

So, you want to do your part for the environment but you can’t swap your car for a bike, switch to all-solar energy or recycle everything? Spending one minute less in the shower each day would save thousands of gallons of water a year. You could also stop using disposable products and keep a few plastic bags in your car so you don’t use more of them on every grocery trip. Source Link 

That premium price tag on the iPhone X may be putting the brakes on sales. Reports say Apple is cutting production of the $999 smartphone because of weaker demand. Analysts say more Apple buyers may be opting for the new iPhone 8 or 8 Plus that cost less and don’t challenge owners by removing the Home button or using Face ID that’s slower than Touch ID. Source Link 

February 2, 2018

A group of health experts is asking Facebook to pull the plug on its new children’s messaging app, saying elementary school children aren’t developmentally ready for social media. Facebook Kids can be used by children as young as 6 but at that age they may not be able to distinguish fantasy from reality or understand nuances in communication. Source Link 

Is eating less the wrong way to lose weight? A study found that eating more of nutritious, low-calorie foods was far more important for diet success than trying to eat less. Researchers say eating bigger servings of the lower calorie foods worked better for dieting than eating smaller portions of higher calorie foods. Source Link

The namesake of Groundhog Day gets more than one shot in the spotlight each year. Punxsutawney Phil has his own Facebook page with over 70,000 followers and an Instagram account, plus Groundhog Club chapters in 19 states and two foreign countries. Phil’s annual appearance in search of his shadow generates an estimated $1 million in tourism. Source Link 

February 1, 2018

Can exercise delay the onset of Alzheimer’s or improve symptoms for older adults who have the disease? Researchers say “yes.” Studies show that moderate exercise like 150 minutes a week of brisk walking could ease symptoms for those who had Alzheimer's and others who exercised were less likely to have an early diagnosis. Source Link 

If you’re trying to dodge the flu this winter don’t forget your dog. Canine flu is flaring-up in locations across America and looks a lot like the human kind with coughing and sneezing, weepy eyes, fever, and tiredness.You can’t catch the flu from your dog but you can get them a canine flu shot. Source Link 

When something’s top quality and half the price why buy anything else? That’s the pitch from the makers of the Sonos One smart speaker that works with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home. Sonos is offering two speakers for $349 -- the price of one new Apple HomePod smart speaker. Source Link