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If your child is already struggling to keep up with schoolwork, there are some ways to help. Show them how to use a planner guide to work day-by-day to complete long-term projects. Provide a quiet study area away from phones, tablets or screens and enforce regular bedtimes with 30 minutes to unwind before sleep. Source Link
Now that you're back to packing school lunches, why not make them healthier ones? Concentrate on basics like whole grain bread, lean meats and lettuce and tomato for sandwiches. Pack raw vegetables and a low fat-low sugar dipping sauce and favorite fruits for snacks. And when kids buy lunch at school, remind them that hot dogs or mac and cheese should only be occasional meals. Source Link
Brown-bagging your mid-day meal doesn’t have to be boring if you can think outside the lunchbox. Try adding a new vegetable or fruit each week. Pack more than lunch and include healthy snacks to make it through the day. And watch out for too much sugar at lunchtime because it can cause a mid-afternoon energy crash. Source Link
If you’re in the habit of flushing your old contact lenses or washing them down the drain, it’s time to stop that. Experts say disposable contact lenses don’t dissolve and can absorb contaminants and make it through a sewage treatment plant and into waterways where those tiny bits of plastic can threaten the health of marine life. Source Link
It’s a two-step plan to feeling younger as you age. Research has shown that when older adults are more in control of their lives and get more exercise they feel younger and that improves their thinking, overall quality of life and longevity. It’s also good to develop skills to help you cope with the things in life that you can’t control. Source Link
How can you make that long weekend feel like a real vacation? Plan ahead for what you want to see and do so you don’t waste time making choices and try something new rather than that same short trip. Don’t check email or do any job work and unplug from social media to focus on what’s happening now. Source Link
When the health care you need isn’t an emergency, take time to explore all the options. Look for information from trusted sources like websites of medical organizations and have a thorough discussion with your doctor about what’s best for you. And remember there’s nothing wrong with getting a second or third opinion about how to proceed with treatment. Source Link
Maybe math has never been your strong suit, but it doesn’t mean your kids have to struggle. You can start them early with counting games like tallying the number of spoons and forks in a drawer, counting items as you unpack groceries, or looking for a certain number on the pages of a book. And resist talking about your dislike of math in front of your child. Source Link
The basement may be your go-to storage spot, but there are a few things that should never be kept downstairs. Rolled up rugs and carpeting are a perfect home for bugs and can absorb moisture and odor. The same goes for wood furniture and upholstered items. And fur and leather clothing, books and toys need to be in sealed containers to prevent damage. Source Link
If you think your teen spends too much time on their phone, they might agree with you. Just over half of teenagers surveyed say they should cut back on phone time. With girls the problem is social media and with boys online gaming, but parents have issues too. They were more likely to respond to messages instantly and be distracted by phones during the working day. Source Link
Women can improve their heart health by the numbers. Start by maintaining a healthy BMI and each week get two and a half hours of physical activity but only seven hours of TV watching. For your diet, aim for five servings of vegetables, four servings of whole fruit and five servings of whole grains each day and zero sugar-sweetened drinks or fruit juices. Source Link
People who love getting their Amazon shopping fix might save money with a few simple tricks. Use apps that can track Amazon prices and alert you when they drop and others that compare Amazon prices with major competitors with match prices. And look for free return options like drop-off of the item at an Amazon Locker or campus store or at select retailers. Source Link
A special kind of 10-minute break can help you clear your head and work better. People who used a 10-minute meditation recording were able to complete cognitive tasks faster than others who had the same break without meditation. The benefits were seen with everyone who used the recording, including people who had no prior training in meditation. Source Link
Here are some suggestions on how to be a four-star hotel guest. It’s customary to tip your housekeepers based on the cost of your room, starting at a dollar a day. And keep your cool when there’s a problem because yelling won’t help. Ask for assistance before you fire off a scathing online review because most issues can be resolved quickly. Source Link
Watching your weight can be a team event whether the scale is heading up or down. People who have friends of the same gender that are overweight were 50 percent more likely to pack on the pounds. But teaming up with others to exercise in a friendly competition lead to more weight loss and better health for most people. Source Link
Identity theft isn’t something to worry about only when you’re online. A lost or stolen wallet can expose you, so limit what’s in there and never carry anything with your social security number. A mailbox with a lock can keep someone from stealing credit card offers or bank statements and shredding important papers before tossing them is an easy way to prevent identity theft. Source Link
So what are the bad habits that can put on more pounds? Health experts list the obvious ones like too much fast food, plenty of snacking and mindless eating while watching TV. But not planning how much you’re going to eat at each meal is a big problem too because you can overeat long before that feeling of fullness hits you. Source Link
It’s commonly found on resumes and might cost you a job offer. Employment coaches say you should never list that you are “proficient in Microsoft Office” unless you’re an Excel expert or a real wiz at PowerPoint. Everyone these days should know how to use Microsoft Office programs and seeing this can be a tip-off that you’re padding the resume. Source Link
That one-page resume is no longer the fast track to a job interview. You still need one but experts say an online presence like a LinkedIn profile is more likely to attract employers. Keep it updated with specific examples of your success and don’t underestimate the value of recommendations and references that can showcase your soft skills. Source Link
It’s been the subject of debate for years - should your morning workout come before or after breakfast? Research now shows that people who eat breakfast before exercising burn more carbs and digest their post-workout meals faster. Eating breakfast before exercise may prime the body’s systems for rapid storage of nutrition. Source Link
If you like to speak emoji on your phone there will be some new ways to express yourself in pictures. The international committee that approves new emojis may be adding a service dog, deaf people and mixed race couples. On the fun side, you might be filling those future messages with emojis of an ice cube, waffles or a flamingo. Source Link
The question “boxers or briefs?” may be important if you want to start a family or add to one. A new study found that men who wore boxer shorts had a higher sperm count and better levels of the hormone that controls sperm production. Researchers say loose boxer shorts reduce the adverse effects of body heat that builds up when wearing tight briefs. Source Link
If you’re tasting chocolate in your head and it’s making you hungry, try putting the other senses to work to combat food cravings. Picture an image of some place or something you enjoy that’s not food or look at actual photos that you load to your phone. You can also counter the real aromas of food with a whiff of perfume or scented oil carried in a purse-sized vial. Source Link
It isn’t news that most people aren’t happy with the price of cable TV, but here’s a pleasant surprise - there’s a good chance for relief if you ask for it. A survey by Consumer Reports found that 70 percent of cable subscribers tried to negotiate a better deal and 80 percent were able to get a new or extended promotional rate or a price cut. Source Link
Want a family planning option that uses your smartphone instead of pills, shots or implants? The FDA has approved the Natural Cycles app as a form of birth control. It uses an oral thermometer to track body temperature and calculate fertility. The method can be 97 percent effective but critics say that’s only when women strictly follow the program each and every day. Source Link
If you've always got your mind on your money, give yourself a break by automating your budget. Experts say you can manage your money without the headaches by using direct deposit of your paycheck with automatic bill payments and automatic transfers to savings. And if you budget correctly what’s left is money you can spend any way you’d like. Source Link
Forget about chewing gum - the bigger problem is that most people can’t walk and use their cellphone. A study with video cameras at a busy intersection found more than a third of pedestrians were distracted by texting or talking on a cell phone. That made them more likely to trip on potholes or sidewalk cracks or step into traffic without looking. Source Link
Parents who hang on next to the crib until their baby falls asleep may be sabotaging themselves. Experts say if your baby sees you there as they drift off to sleep they’ll expect you to be there every time they wake up during the night. Leaving a baby to sleep while they’re awake helps them learn to fall asleep without you in the room. Source Link
A headache is always a pain, but when is it an emergency? If a headache comes on suddenly and feels explosive, is accompanied by high fever or nausea, or causes slurred speech, dizziness, confusion or an inability to move one side of your body, you should call 911. Such headaches could be the sign of a stroke, a brain tumor or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Source Link
Recycling can be more than plastic, paper and glass. There are national programs to recycle things like used crayons, wine corks and old eyeglasses. A juice box can’t go into home recycling because of the mix of plastics and aluminum but the company that makes juice boxes will donate two cents to charity for every one that you send to them and shipping is free. Source Link
For some seniors, a few weeks in the hospital or on bed rest might trigger diabetes. A study of overweight seniors with pre-diabetes showed that two weeks of inactivity could lead to elevated blood sugar levels and the onset of type-2 diabetes. Researchers say some patients didn’t fully recover even after resuming normal activity. Source Link
You can reduce the risk of an electrical fire in your home with a safety check every six months. Make sure all bulbs in lamps are the proper wattage and that all electrical outlets and switches feel cool to the touch. Flip circuit breakers to see if any are stuck, check for damaged power cords and unplug all bathroom and kitchen small appliances when you’re not using them. Source Link
Try these tips from travel experts to save on your next airfare. Use several price comparison sites that sometimes have special deals with airlines, especially for travel packages. Check for other airports near your destination that may have lower ticket prices and use the calendar view in your search to see airfares and possible savings on other days of the week. Source Link
Need some simple hacks to help your diet be more successful? Keep your appetite down during grocery shopping by eating a piece of fruit before you hit the store. Always have snacks from a bowl and not the bag while watching TV. Get in the habit of weighing yourself every day to be aware of changes and learn what’s a healthy portion for the foods you eat. Source Link
You can probably declare a truce with your elementary schooler in the war over daily bathing. Health experts say most kids between 6 and 11 years old only need a bath or shower a few times a week. The exceptions are when they’re really dirty, develop body odor or have been swimming in a lake or ocean. Source Link
If you have a fax machine connected to a home or office network, you need to update its software. Security experts discovered that malicious files disguised as a real fax can be sent to a connected machine and infect the computers on the network. If you can’t update the fax machine software you should move it to a network that’s not connected to other computers. Source Link
Can a picture of food help preschoolers eat more veggies? A study found that young children ate more of their vegetables on plates that were segmented and printed with pictures of vegetables. The special plates that are commonly available online are based on the USDA’s myplate.gov dietary plan. Source Link
If you’re a middle-aged person who feels a little dizzy whenever you stand up, you might have more concerns about dementia later in life. The dizziness is caused by a sharp drop in blood pressure and is common in those over 70, but people who experienced it in middle age were 50 percent more likely to develop dementia in the next 25 years. Source Link
Your college student should probably put away that smartphone or tablet when they head to class. In a study, students who used electronic devices for non-learning while in lectures had lower grades on the final exam. Researchers say it’s more proof that dividing your attention in a classroom setting can impact learning. Source Link
How can you enjoy the flavor of real chocolate without all the calories? Add unsweetened cocoa to fat-free milk, mix it into low-calorie yogurt or use it to make your own chocolate gelato. If you’re eating chocolate, be sure it’s at least 70 percent cocoa and limit your portion to one that’s about the size of a Hershey’s Kiss. Source Link
It’s a simple step that might save your child’s life. Millions of car seats are recalled every year for safety issues, so you should mail in the warranty card or register online to be notified if there’s a problem with the car seat you use. You can also see a listing of car seat recalls for the past 10 years at nhtsa.gov. Source Link
What you’re wearing and what you’re doing may determine whether a mosquito wants to make a meal of you. Experts say mosquitoes are highly visual and attracted to people dressed in dark colors who are moving around. Chemical smells also attract mosquitoes and that could be lactic acid given off through your skin after exercising or the carbon dioxide you exhale. Source Link
If your exercise routine is stuck in neutral, you can get back in gear by getting real. If you use a stationary bike, try riding outdoors on a real bike or step off the indoor running track and into nature by running on a park trail. Interval training with a number of exercises can add new variety and setting a new goal for weight loss or performance can help jump-start your exercise efforts. Source Link
Need a reason to switch to automatic bill payment? Experts say missed payments are the number-one reason why your credit score can drop. And while you’re setting up those automatic payments, take a moment to check your credit report because mistakes there can also damage your credit score. Source Link
If you want to be an organ donor you need to get it in writing. The American Heart Association says surveys show that 95 percent of people would like to be an organ donor but only about half take steps to make their wishes known. The supply of donor hearts continues to lag behind the need and most transplant recipients wait up to two years for a new heart. Source Link
Consumer fraud can happen in many ways. Experts say never send money from an unexpected request in a phone call, email or text and don’t believe Caller ID because scammers can fake it. Do an online search of a company or product name and the word “review” or “complaint” and avoid wiring money or using a reloadable card that doesn’t have built-in fraud protection. Source Link
Less light near bedtime can mean more sleep for kids. Exposure to bright light can short-circuit the hormones that help you sleep, so keep room lighting dim during a bedtime story on when preparing children to go to sleep. Keep hallway and bathroom lighting dim and shut off any devices with screens at least one hour before bedtime. Source Link
There’s a dark side to those apps that help your selfies look perfect. Some people are trying to make their real selves match the virtual “you” created by photo filters. A survey of plastic surgeons found that more than half have seen patients who want a nip or a tuck in order to look better in selfie photos. Source Link
Not drinking enough water might make you feel bad and think worse. Testing showed that mental performance lagged when people were just mildly dehydrated. That could happen with only an hour of brisk outdoor activity in the summer sun. Source Link
Battling with a young picky eater can create tension but won’t do much to change the habit. In a study, toddlers who were choosy about food maintained a similar weight whether or not parents made an issue of it. Better to introduce a new food over time once a week in smaller portions and mix it with a fruit or vegetable that your child enjoys. Source Link
What should you do when you’ve forgotten the phone charger on vacation? Turn on the TV. The USB port on many hotel room TVs can double as a charging station, but it will be slower. The better solution is to buy a separate charger that always stays in your suitcase so you never forget to pack one. Source Link
Many kids spend twice as much time in the virtual world as they do in the great outdoors. A new survey found that the typical child spent about two hours a day gaming, watching TV, surfing the web or listening to music. But one-third of children surveyed said they were open to visiting a local park. Source Link
Setting new goals can help to keep you on-track for lifelong fitness. Identify an area that needs work, like cardio endurance or flexibility, and focus on that. You could master an activity that’s new to you, like running, swimming or cycling, or exercise for a good cause by signing-up for an event like a 5K run or a bike ride for charity. Source Link
What kid of new job perks could be coming in the years ahead? Experts predict that by 2028 driverless cars may be used to offer free work commutes for employees and universal student loan reimbursement could be part of a job contract. And day care benefits might be extended to those who need help caring for an elderly parent. Source Link
A new study is shedding light on a simple way to help Alzheimer’s patients. Researchers say lighting that mimics natural night-day patterns could improve sleep and mood problems. This could be done with table lamps or individual room lighting that brightens and dims through the course of the day. Source Link
There’s a strategy to using a balance transfer credit card to get rid of higher-interest debt. Look for a card with no initial transfer fees and zero-percent interest and use transfer checks to pay down non-credit card debt. But don’t be tempted to use that new card for purchases just because it has zero interest. Source Link
It’s happened to all of us, but how can you avoid that awkward moment when you’ve forgotten someone’s name? When you first meet, repeat the person’s name in your head through the conversation and use their name as you’re talking. You can also envision the setting where you met the person to retrace your mental steps and recall the name. Source Link
It’s a common ingredient in diet supplements, but don't count on caffeine to help you lose weight. A study found that a caffeinated drink in the morning did limit eating at breakfast but people ate more later in the day to make up for it and caffeine did not make them feel less hungry. Source Link
You can avoid being ripped off at the auto shop by doing a little work before your car needs it. Shop around for a mechanic by asking friends or checking online reviews and take your car in for a small service to see if you’re comfortable there. And don’t be afraid to have your car towed somewhere else if you feel like you’re being cheated. Source Link
If you want to put one of those tracker tiles on your keyring, tablet or laptop there’s a powerful caveat to keep in mind. The Bluetooth-enabled devices don’t have a replaceable battery and last for only one year. Some buyers are upset that the limited life isn’t clearly stated in advertising. Source Link
Cutting carbs. Getting more protein. Eating healthy fats. Take your pick because experts say there’s no such thing as a single “best” diet. Recent scientific reports say you get the same weight-loss benefits from low-carb versus low-fat diets and vegetarian and Mediterranean diets are equally heart-healthy. Source Link
Keeping your kitchen healthy means more than tossing out the mystery leftovers in the back of the fridge. Experts say you should change your cleaning sponge often because even microwaving it won’t kill all of the germs. And throw away a cutting board that has lots of cracks where bacteria can survive a good cleaning. Source Link
A flip of the switch can help prevent being hacked at home. Turn off your computer when it’s not in use and doing the same with your router, which should be located in a central part of your home and further away from the street where someone can cruise by looking for home networks to invade. Source Link
When the job gets to be too much, you might be tempted to take a hike - and you should. Testing showed that a workday walk helped to improve mood and relieve job stress. A 30-minute walk during the lunch hour three times a week made workers less tense, more enthusiastic and better able to cope. Source Link
Trying an alternative treatment for cancer may make it less likely that you’ll be a survivor. A study found that people who used a treatment like vitamins or herbal supplements had twice the risk of dying from breast, prostate, lung or colorectal cancer. Experts say cancer patients who use alternative treatments often refuse radiation, chemotherapy or surgery. Source Link
Could a $20 security gadget prevent your Gmail or Facebook account from being hacked? The YubiKey plugs into your computer like a thumb drive and must be in place for you to use these services. No one can from impersonate you if they don’t have the YubiKey that’s linked to your account. Source Link
The effectiveness of low-dose aspirin for heart health might depend on how much you weigh. A study found that people who weighed over 154 pounds did not benefit from taking a daily low-dose aspirin. But those who weighed more and took a regular aspirin each day did have less risk of a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular disease. Source Link
For many of us, there’s no escape from the digital world even when we’re on a getaway. In a survey, people said they checked their phone an average of 80 times a day while on vacation. Most of that time they were using smartphones to share vacation fun on social media and to keep tabs on things back home. Source Link
If you’re the kind of person who would do anything for your dog, the feeling may be mutual. Testing showed that dogs were more likely to take action quickly when seeing and hearing their owner’s cries of distress. Researchers say dogs who scored higher on a bonding test were the fastest to comfort their owner when seeing them crying. Source Link
