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If you’re prone to dialing calls with your derriere, you might blame it on the voice that runs your smartphone. Using helpers like Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant can make a butt dial more likely, so check the sensitivity settings. And be sure to trigger your lock screen by hitting the power/sleep/wake button before you slip that phone into your hip pocket. Source Link
For a job that keeps your mind sharp even into retirement, think high-level creativity and service. Researchers found that those with complex jobs working with data and with other people had longer-lasting memory and thinking ability. Such jobs include surgeon, lawyer, architect, musician, graphic designer and social worker. Source Link
Remember how Mom said to wash your hands before every meal? She was right. A study found that the best way to prevent food poisoning is hand washing. Researchers who looked at norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships said hand washing before every meal was the best way to prevent the spread of illness. Source Link
Being a mother to a big family could mean a bigger risk for Alzheimer’s. A study found that women who gave birth to five or more children were 70 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to women who had fewer births. Researchers say repeated exposure to increased levels of estrogen and stress hormones that occur in pregnancy could affect the brain. Source Link
If that gym membership is going unused there are ways to get back on track for fitness. Set specific goals you can achieve at the gym and ask a trainer for one-on-one instruction to learn the best way for you to exercise. You can also try new classes each week to explore different techniques and maybe find a new favorite. Source Link
How can aluminum foil prevent your car from being stolen? Experts say the radio signals from car fobs that let you start a vehicle without a key can be hacked by thieves when the car is parked nearby. Keeping a car fob wrapped in aluminum foil when it’s not being used can stop a thief from taking over the keyless controls. Source Link
It’s something found in most medicine cabinets, but you might want to ditch the cotton swabs. More than 12,000 children suffer ear injuries each year and many occur when kids try to use cotton swabs by themselves. It might be good advice for everyone because the ear is self-cleaning and a cotton swab usually pushes wax deeper into it. Source Link
If you need to lose weight, you can help everyone when you make it a family affair. Studies show that when overweight parents shed pounds, so do their overweight kids. Even if others don’t need to lose weight, the habits formed with healthy eating as a family can make that a lifestyle instead of a temporary dieting choice. Source Link
There are some telltale signs that you might be a victim of identity theft. If a merchant refuses your check or that monthly bill you’re expecting never comes in the mail, or you get a credit card you didn’t open, your personal information may be compromised. Experts say keeping a close eye on bank statements and bills is the best defense. Source Link
Can smartphone addiction cause mental or behavioral issues in teens? A new study found that teenagers who constantly use their smartphones may be at higher risk of developing symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Researchers say an unanswered question is how a parent’s rules about smartphones or their own phone use might be a factor. Source Link
Hitting your weight loss goal is great but it’s only half the battle. To keep that weight off, experts say don’t ease off on exercise, choose a forever diet and increase food intake very gradually. And maintain the support network of friends, family or health professionals who helped you achieve your weight loss goal. Source Link
One new feature of the next iPhone is sure to catch your eye. Reports say Apple will offer the smartphone in a variety of colors including grey, white, blue, red and orange. It’s expected that Apple will have three versions of the new iPhone including the color models, a new iPhone X Plus and an iPhone X with a lower price tag of $700. Source Link
Imagine having an assistant who keeps an eye on your subscriptions, spending and bills to uncover savings for you. That’s the idea behind Trim - an online service that tracks your finances to look for unclaimed rebates, cancel memberships you don’t use or negotiate lower rates for things like a cable bill. Source Link
You can step off, speed up or dive into a new exercise plan. Start by scheduling a daily walking session and find other ways to take more steps each day. You can also pick up the pace with things like house cleaning to make it more of a workout or take a water fitness class that lets you exercise with less resistance. Source Link
It may be yet another reason to call aspirin a wonder drug. That low dose you take for heart health could also reduce the risk for ovarian cancer and improve the survival rate for ovarian cancer patients. Aspirin has been shown to lower the risk of other types of cancers, including colon cancer. Source Link
Planning ahead can help you put the brakes on emotional eating. Keep a food journal to understand what triggers emotional eating and be prepared with healthy snacks. You can also exercise, enjoy your favorite TV show or talk to someone instead of reaching for extra calories to help you cope. Source Link
When your home WiFi won’t fly, look to your router for relief. Experts say your home router’s power plug could be the culprit so make sure it’s tightly connected to an outlet. Keep it cool by not placing your router in a cabinet or anywhere with little ventilation. If all else fails, reboot your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds. Source Link
Sleeping in a bedroom that isn’t black as night could be making you blue. Researchers found a strong association between even low-level nighttime light exposure and depressive symptoms. Seeing any light at night might throw off the body’s internal clock and change hormonal functions in the brain and that could lead to psychological problems. Source Link
You can still eat healthy when fast food is your only choice for a meal. Look for the lowest calorie selections and go for lean protein like grilled or broiled meats served in a salad instead of on a bun and without fatty or sugary dressings. And resist the urge to eat in your car - walk into the restaurant and take the time to enjoy your food. Source Link
Getting rid of car clutter is easy with these simple tips. Keep an envelope in the glove box to quickly stash receipts and check it once a week to see what you need to keep. A silicone muffin tin liner can protect a cup holder from dirt and spills and an use empty tissue box as a trash container. Attach Velcro strips and stick it to the carpeting near the passenger seat. Source Link
The foldable smartphone is coming. Reports say the next Samsung Galaxy flagship model will fold out to reveal a seven-inch flexible screen that’s the size of a tablet. The smartphone that folds like a wallet could come with a wallet-busting price tag of $1,500. Source Link
Preparations to send a child off to college should include some straight talk before moving day. Discuss what decisions you expect them to tackle on their own and when to ask for help. Talk about academic priorities and healthy ways to manage stress and plan for weekly video chats or occasional visits to look for any worrisome changes. Source Link
Don’t expect the government to help you stretch out more on your airline flight. The FAA says the issue of smaller seats isn’t a matter of safety and they can’t intervene. The average seat has been shrinking in size while Americans are becoming larger with two out of three people now overweight or obese. Source Link
The sound of your baby’s cry may foretell the voice you’ll hear from them as an adult. A study found that the pitch of a four-month old’s cry predicts their voice pitch at age five and maybe even into adulthood. Researchers say voice pitch may be affected in the womb and is a factor in how attractive a person is to others. Source Link
There’s a new warning for dog owners to avoid potato-based pet foods. The FDA is looking at a link between these foods and more incidents of a type of canine heart disease not usually seen in smaller dogs. The pet foods in question use peas, lentils, potatoes and other legume seeds. Source Link
Giving your to-do list letter grades might help you complete more assignments. An “A” item is significantly important with serious consequences if it’s not done. A “B” is something you should do but has a minor downside. A “C” would be nice to accomplish but not vital. A “D” is something to delegate to others and an “E” task is one you can eliminate. Source Link
When you’re looking for an easy, affordable and effective exercise plan, you have two choices. Health experts say yoga and Pilates can improve physical and mental health for people of all ages. After initial training, these low-impact exercises can be done at home for free without any equipment. Source Link
Are you falling for some of these myths about motoring? Experts say you don’t get better fuel mileage with a truck tailgate down and you won’t get more gas if you fill up in the cool of the morning.Your coolant and air filter don’t need to be changed every time with the oil and you can replace just one tire if it’s the same brand, model and size. Source Link
If your summer vacation is in a warm place you should prep yourself before the trip. Know the signs of heat exhaustion like headaches, cold skin and weakness and make sure you're drinking enough water or non-alcoholic beverages. And ease into any strenuous vacation activities like hiking or biking. Source Link
Want to make money renting space at your home but don’t want visitors in your house? Nooksy is a new service that lets users rent your backyard by the hour. The founders say it’s a way for urban dwellers to have a place to host a gathering and enjoy everything from hot tubs to swimming pools and gardens. Source Link
Safety experts say you can prevent tragedies in a hot car by remembering to “ACT.” “A” is to avoid ever leaving a child alone in a car. “C” is to create reminders like putting your briefcase or purse next to the child, and “T” is to take action and call 9-1-1 if you ever see a child alone in a car. Source Link
You’ve heard it time and again, but almost no one washes their hands properly after handling food in the kitchen. A study found that 97 percent of people didn’t follow recommended steps and still had bacteria on their hands after handling raw meat. Proper hand washing uses soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then drying your hands with a clean towel. Source Link
Can putting a smile on your face help you avoid identity theft? It might if it’s in your passport photo. Testing found that screeners were more likely to catch someone trying to impersonate another when there’s a smile on the face in the photo. State Department rules allow you to smile in a passport photo as long as you don’t show any teeth. Source Link
Here’s how you can take that airline flight without someone sitting right next to you. Experts say when flying solo choose an aisle or window seat in the back of the plane because that’s were middle seats are often left empty. When traveling as a couple you should pick the window and aisle seats to increase your odds of having an empty seat between you. Source Link
If you’re deep into major planning for your time on vacation, you might want to ease off a bit. Research has shown that keeping to a tight schedule for activities can leave you watching the clock instead of enjoying the moment. Remember to under-schedule those vacation days so you have the freedom to do things spontaneously. Source Link
Is that iPad a real pain in the neck for you? The condition is called iPad Neck or Tablet Neck and is caused by using a tablet when hunched over without back support with it in your lap or on a flat surface. The stiffness, soreness or pain in the neck, upper back, shoulders or hands is more common in younger adults and women. Source Link
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
Your smartphone is a target for hackers but some simple steps can safeguard you. Don’t use social media logins for other websites to limit the damage if your Facebook account is hacked. Disable the ability to auto-connect on public wi-fi that’s and never use it with finance or banking apps and switch to a six-digit passcode for your phone. Source Link
Getting the perfect shave can be a matter of timing. Wait until after a shower when your skin is warm, moist and free of dead skin cells and let the shaving cream sit for a few minutes before you begin. Rinse the razor after each swipe and finish by splashing your face with cold water to ease any inflammation. Source Link
America’s pediatricians want you to ask a question when your child is going to a friend’s home - “Is there an unlocked gun in the house?” If the answer is “yes” ask your child’s friend to come to your house. Experts say young children are curious and often don’t follow safety rules and teens can be impulsive and both can lead to deadly accidents with unsecured guns. Source Link
If you use a wire brush to clean your grill you could be getting something extra in that burger. That’s because tiny bits of wire brush can stick to the grill during cleaning and end up in your cooked food and that can cause internal injuries. The best advice is to wipe down your grill before you cook to remove anything that may be sticking to it. Source Link
Could a pair of $159 Apple AirPods help millions of people who have hearing loss but can’t afford hearing aids? Apple is adding a new feature that allows iPhone users to hear live conversations and other sounds using the wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Developers say it’s not meant to replace hearing aids but testing shows it can improve hearing for users. Source Link
It’s the absence of Mr. Right and not the quest for a career that’s prompting most women to freeze their eggs. A study found the top reason women stored their eggs for later pregnancies was worry about not being able to find a man to start a family with. The second reason was a divorce or a breakup and career focus was a distant third. Source Link
We’re in the middle of summer vacation but now is the time to book that flight for an early Fall getaway. A report by CheapAir.com looking at nearly 3 million fights found the best time to buy a ticket is roughly 70 days before departure and there is no best day of the week to buy that ticket .Experts suggest using a fare-watch feature on a travel website to get alerts when prices drop. Source Link
High-tech and old fashioned tools can help you lose weight and keep it off. Using a diet app to track the food you eat and writing a weekly meal plan can help to keep you disciplined. When you can’t plan ahead a cooked rotisserie chicken is a good choice for a quick meal and stock up on fresh fruits and nuts to help at snack time. Source Link
Kids sleep schedules take a beating during summer but there are ways to help them get their Z’s. Younger children usually wake up at the same time every day regardless of whether school is in session so keep them to within an hour of regular bedtimes. Most teens have mastered the art of sleeping in but you should limit that to a few hours in the morning. Source Link
The real estate market is red hot but there are some pitfalls that can keep the “For Sale” sign in your yard longer. Experts say unique decor can be a turn-off so consider using a staging service. And expect some sales challenges if your home has a swimming pool or “green” features like a compost pile or solar panels. Source Link
If you’re new in town or tired of going solo to a restaurant or the show, you might be ready to rent a friend. The creators of RentAFriend.com say it’s not a dating or escort site but a service for those who want a platonic companion. Membership is $69 a year and you can earn from $10 to $50 an hour when you work as a rented friend. Source Link
Google wants to let you handle text messages without handling your phone. A new feature in the Android Messaging app lets you send and receive text messages from a computer’s web browser. Go to the Messaging app and tap the three dots and select “Messages for web” to set up a computer to work with your text messaging. Source Link
A green thumb can make your home more healthy when you keep plants that clean toxic chemicals from the air. A spider plant, bamboo plant or aloe vera plant can remove formaldehyde from indoor air and a philodendron can remove chemicals from paint thinners. All are easy to care for and only need occasional watering. Source Link
Summer is salad time but make sure you’re having one that’s good for you. A taco salad can pack as much fat as a cheeseburger and a chef’s salad is often loaded with processed meats with nitrates and cheese that’s high in saturated fat. And that Caesar salad is topped with a heavy, creamy high-calorie dressing, so order it on the side and use it sparingly. 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
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
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
Security screeners may want a closer look at the food you pack for that next airline flight. Passengers at airports across the country are being asked to remove food items from carry-on bags and place them in a plastic bin for scanning. Officials says this can speed up the screening process because the food items are easier to identify outside your bag. Source Link
A two-part test could make it easier to find out if student athletes have recovered from a concussion. “Walk and think” requires you to spell a word backwards or recite the months of the year in reverse order while walking. The same type of tests are routinely used to monitor patients with brain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Source Link
Sharing time with your long-distance grandchildren doesn’t have to be just a phone call or a FaceTime session. You can work on projects together, whether that’s drawing in a shared sketchbook or building the same hobby items. You can also read the same books and then discuss them with your grandchildren. Source Link
How do you celebrate July Fourth with a bang but without the danger? Leave fireworks displays to the pros. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says nearly 12,000 people were treated last year for fireworks injuries and sparklers were the number-one cause. Experts say even legal fireworks can be extremely dangerous to use. Source Link
You can enjoy a holiday barbeque and not worry about cancer-causing chemicals created in charred meat. Don’t put the meat directly over the flame and flip it if it’s exposed to direct flame. Trim any parts that are charred and add some color to your picnic plate with fruits and vegetables that contain cancer-fighting antioxidants. Source Link
A few of your favorite scoops is a great way top off a holiday meal and July is National Ice Cream Month. An industry survey found that vanilla and chocolate are the most popular flavors, followed by cookies n’ cream, mint chocolate chip and chocolate chip cookie dough. Pecans and strawberries are the favorite add-ins and waffle and sugar cones are equally popular. Source Link
Do you want your credit card to be a rewarding experience or a real deal? It depends on how you use it. Rewards credit cards are good for people who pay off their balance each month and those who carry a balance are better off with the lowest interest rate. A survey found that nearly half of Americans don’t understand the basics of credit cards. Source Link
To jump-start that new diet you might want to stock-up in the produce section. A study found that people who followed a vegan plan for three weeks lost about twice the weight of non-vegetarians, but you’ll need to go strict vegetarian and give up meat, seafood, poultry, eggs and dairy. Source Link
Opening an Etsy shop as a side gig takes some planning before you start selling your wares online. Experts suggest you start by browsing other shops that match your interests and talents to check the success rate. Keep your shop as full as possible and add new items monthly and use quality photographs with detailed and unique descriptions. Source Link
