March 29, 2019

A parking lot, a flight of stairs, a street corner and even your bathroom can be places for exercise. Try a combination of fast running and then walking 50 yards in a parking lot or take a flight of stairs two steps at a time. When waiting to cross the street, alternate standing on each leg for 10 seconds or add 10 reps of standing up from sitting on the toilet. Source Link 

Why is chicken noodle soup a superfood for when you’re sick? The clear warm broth hydrates and can soothe a sore throat and those noodles provide carbs to fuel your body. Chicken is high in protein and vegetables like carrots, celery and onions are rich in vitamins and minerals that boost immunity and help with digestion. Source Link 

Some simple hacks can help your health without a lot of effort. Improve your balance by standing on one foot when brushing your teeth and wash bed linens once a week to get rid of bacteria and fungus that makes us sick. Use colored plates if you want to eat less white bread or rice and satisfy that sweet tooth with natural sugars in fruit instead of candy. Source Link 

March 28, 2019

If there’s a DIY painting project on your to-do list, remember these tips to get the job done right. Start with a pint of paint to see if you like the color on your walls and then buy the best paint to get quality coverage that will last longer. And have the primer tinted to match your color and you’ll need only one coat of paint. Source Link 

What’s a sure way to derail that diet? Eat more meals away from home. A study found that eating at a restaurant with friends or family may up your odds of cheating by about 60 percent. And you’re even more likely to ditch the diet plan when dining at someone else’s home. Researchers say social settings may distract you and lead to mindless eating. Source Link 

Getting kids to brush their teeth doesn’t have to be a chore. Instead of setting a two-minute timer, try playing a fun song or reading a silly story to them as they brush. Don’t ever let kids skip brushing and encourage them by brushing your teeth together and offering rewards for good habits. Source Link

March 27, 2019

Some simple things when done in bed can make it harder for you to sleep. Reading, writing or doing puzzles teaches your mind to associate the bed with activity and lying in bed trying to force yourself to sleep makes your brain think that’s normal. And plan afternoon activities to avoid taking a nap that could leave you awake at night. Source Link 

When you might fall victim to a telephone scam could depend on the day and time. Testing found that people were least likely to take the bait on a Monday but by Friday two out of three gave away secure data over the phone to someone posing as an HR rep. After 5 pm was when scammers were the most successful. Source Link 

Finding the perfect roommate takes some extra steps to ensure it’s someone you can really live with. Compare your styles - do you like quiet time at home or having lots of friends visiting? Get details in writing about sharing household costs and chores and consider a test run by sharing a vacation rental home or apartment. Source Link 

March 26, 2019

If you give an allowance to your kids it’s important to be consistent about the rules you set for how they spend that money and the amounts you give. But avoid the urge to link an allowance to chores unless you plan to negotiate each time you want your child to clean their room or empty the dishwasher. Source Link 

How can you speed up your metabolism to burn more calories? Evenly-spaced meals let your body avoid the starvation mode that stockpiles calories and staying hydrated helps you burn more calories. Watch alcohol intake because it diverts the liver from burning fat and get enough sleep to regulate the hormones that affect hunger. Source Link 

Serving your dog raw food can be risky for them and for you. High levels of harmful bacteria in raw food can be a health risk for dogs and people, especially the elderly, the young and those with weakened immune systems. Unlike commercial dog foods, raw meat products are not heat-treated or freeze-dried to kill bacteria like e Coli or salmonella. Source Link

March 25, 2019

You might be surprised at all the things that can dull your bright smile. Teeth stains can be caused by drinking dark beverages like coffee, red wine or tea or using tobacco. But using an antihistamine, high-blood pressure medication, some chemotherapy drugs or anti-psychotic medications can also cause stained teeth. Source Link 

When you need a vaccination but don’t have time for an office visit your local pharmacy may be able to help. Common adult vaccinations for the flu, pneumonia and shingles are often available from a pharmacist and no appointment is needed. Just be sure that the pharmacy reports the vaccination to your doctor and the state health department. Source Link 

That set of blocks your pre-schooler plays with could be a real building block to being better at math. Researchers found that young children who were encouraged to build towers and other structures with blocks had gains in math skills and complex thinking. A key element was setting goals for the child to achieve with the building blocks. Source Link

March 22, 2019

Tackling a sinkful of dirty dishes may be just the thing to boost your creativity. That’s because doing mundane tasks and simple chores can provide time for more deep thinking. The technique has some big proponents like billionaires Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos who have both said that they do the dishes at home. Source Link 

When it comes to the most effective way to argue with your spouse or significant other, the eyes have it. Experts say looking eye-to-eye provides the visual cues that add context to what you’re hearing and help you avoid misunderstanding what’s being said. It’s only after you each get better at communicating that you should consider a debate that’s done by text. Source Link 

You may have heard that the acids in sparkling water aren’t good for your teeth, but here’s something to smile about. Studies have shown that the effects of sparkling water versus regular on your teeth are about the same. But if your sparkling drink has citrus you should have it all at once like during a meal instead of sipping it slowly. Source Link 

March 21, 2019

Budgeting your personal finances can be easier if you stick to the 50/20/30 rule. Half of your income goes to essentials like food, housing, utilities and transportation and 20 percent is for savings. The other 30 percent covers expenses that are personal choices like your cell phone plan, gym membership, or dining out with friends. Source Link 

What food is high in protein and fiber and loaded with good fats? Nuts are a natural hunger-buster as a handy snack. Just watch the portion and limit yourself to about 10 or 12 peanuts, walnuts or pistachios and you’ll stay around 100 calories. Source Link 

It’s challenging to stay close as a couple after a baby arrives but there are ways to keep that connection. Prioritize couples time over household chores, find ways to do things together like taking a walk and don’t abandon the niceties like compliments for each other. And make a plan to help both of you get as much sleep as possible. Source Link 

March 20, 2019

Free samples like you see in grocery store aisles might be showing up in your mailbox. Amazon is using its knowledge of what you buy from them in programs that will send free samples of other products. Pet food, peanut butter, protein bars and beauty products are some of the free samples being mailed out by the online giant. Source Link 

Looking for a natural way to a whiter smile? You can brush once a week with a paste made from baking soda or use a five-to-one mix of water and apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash. Rubbing your teeth with orange or lemon peels is another whitening method and brushing with activated charcoal can absorb plaque and compounds that can stain your teeth. Source Link 

A good place to start your spring cleaning is in the medicine cabinet. Properly dispose of old prescription drugs that could be dangerous for children or abused by teenagers. Surveys show that one-quarter of Americans hang on to their old drugs and one in five don’t keep prescription drugs locked up. Source Link 

March 19, 2019

Many household plastics that go into the trash could have a second life in your home. Gardeners can use yogurt cups to grow seedlings and those clear plastic containers used to package salad mix or berries can store loose items in your fridge. And an old peanut butter jar is perfect for making salad dressing or overnight oats. Source Link 

Most people don’t think about foot care until they’re in pain but some common problems can be prevented with a few simple steps. Always wear water shoes around public swimming pools and in showers at the gym to avoid viruses that can cause nail fungus or athlete’s foot. Wear socks and tights made from breathable fabrics and if shoes hurt the first time you try them on, don’t buy them. Source Link 

When you want a loan or a credit card there’s a difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval. With pre-qualification, you ask the lender to look at your credit report to decide if you’re a good candidate. With pre-approval, lenders will get information from credit bureaus to generate a list of people who get offers for a loan or credit card. Source Link 

March 18, 2019

You’ve heard of refinancing your mortgage, but how about your loan for that set of wheels? Auto loan refinancing may be an easy way to save money because many people don’t shop around for the best rates when buying a car. Refinancing an auto loan is much simpler than a mortgage and may take just one day to complete. Source Link 

What form of exercise can help you beat depression without breaking a sweat? Yoga has been shown to ease the symptoms of depression for those who are on medication and those who aren’t. The deep breathing and precise movements of yoga can release “feel good” brain chemicals and block others that can worsen depression. Source Link 

For better self-esteem, look for ways to build on your strengths instead of just fixing the weaknesses. Discover what skills make you feel the best about yourself and find activities to stimulate that. If it’s critical thinking, go to lectures or take a class. Creatives can start a new project and or can strengthen perseverance by taking on a new responsibility on a short timetable. Source Link 

March 15, 2019

You can raise kids who are smart about money by starting early. Point out prices on a menu or on sales receipts at the supermarket and explain the costs of living like paying for a house, a car, and utilities. And use that magic word “no” to teach budgeting and demonstrate the difference between wants and needs. Source Link

Staying light on your feet could keep your body in shape and brain sharp as you age. Studies have shown that physical activity like dancing helped people remain independent as they age. Dancing requires balance, strength, endurance, concentration and memory for choreography and all of that can be good for mind and body. Source Link 

Need a plan to manage credit card debt and boost your credit score? Pay those bills early and often. Don’t go over 30 percent of your total credit limit at any time even if you pay the full balance each month. Instead, make several smaller payments throughout the month and don’t close unused cards because that can hurt your credit score. Source Link 

March 14, 2019

Learning skills to manage money can be fun and games for kids. Playing games like Monopoly or chess can teach your child to plan ahead and play to win. And if there’s a Fortnite fan in your family give them an allowance for in-game purchases to help them learn how to budget their spending. Source Link 

It’s not just those midnight feedings that are to blame for new parents losing sleep. A study found that sleep disruption for parents can last for up to six years including the occasional sleepless night worrying about childcare issues. The best advice for young parents to stay rested is to catch a nap at the same time your child does. Source Link 

Instead of dinner and a movie, that art class or game night may bring the two of you even closer. Couples activities like painting or playing a board game can spark the release of oxytocin, the hormone associated with romantic bonding. Researchers say any activity with physical touch, social interaction, novelty and partner encouragement could also work. Source Link 

March 13, 2019

Fast food meals have gotten bigger and saltier in the past 30 years and we’re heavier for it. A study looking back to 1986 found that today’s average fast food entree has 27 percent more calories and 50 percent more sodium. And new calorie-heavy side dishes and more desserts are boosting ticket orders and expanding our waistlines. Source Link 

Frozen vegetables can be as tasty as fresh and easy to use when you remember these tips. Be careful not to overcook and try defrosting frozen vegetables in a colander under cold running water instead of using a microwave. You can add vegetables directly from the freezer in soups, stews and chilis and in that breakfast smoothie. Source Link 

Now's the time to think about preparing your kids to handle allergies during summer camp. Consult with your allergist who can provide a care plan to share with the camp and teach your child to advocate for themselves and watch for food allergens. If your child suffers from asthma or food allergies, consider sending them to a camp that specializes in these conditions. Source Link

March 12, 2019

You may not have to choose between an evening workout and a good night’s sleep. A study found that 30 minutes of high-intensity interval training in the evening had no negative impact on sleep. While most people try to schedule a morning workout the research found that those who exercised in the afternoon slept the longest. Source Link 

Could your skin art make getting an MRI riskier? The pigments in tattoo ink can interact with magnetic fields from an MRI and absorb energy that could cause skin burns. A new study found no side effects for people with tattoos who underwent an MRI, but no one in the study group had very large tattoos on more than 5 percent of their body tattooed. Source Link 

If you don’t want to do your own taxes, be sure your preparer is legit. The IRS is warning about so-called “ghost tax preparers” who aren’t registered and make a fast buck by falsely promising bigger refunds. Avoid anyone who requires payment in cash without a receipt or charges a fee based on a percentage of the refund. Source Link 

March 11, 2019

If you’re feeling ill and wondering should you go to work today, let the calendar answer the question. You’re most contagious during the first 48 hours of a cold or the flu, so stay home at the first sign of symptoms. A wet cough, a runny nose, fever or aches are things that should encourage you to call in sick. Source Link 

Shopping from the weekly grocery sales may not be the best for your health. Researchers found one-in-four sale items were protein-based foods but fewer than 10 percent were fresh produce and hardly any were healthful dark green, red and orange vegetables. Skipping the sales doesn’t have to be expensive because eating healthy might only cost an extra $1.50 a day. Source Link 

There’s no wage growth for those who earn with every tooth they lose. A survey of parents found that the Tooth Fairy was paying 43 percent less in 2018 for an average of $3.70 for each baby molar that’s left under a pillow. It’s the second straight year that the payoff for a gap-toothed smile has been shrinking. Source Link 

March 8, 2019

A credit freeze to stop identity thieves is a good idea for everyone in your family, including the kids because their names could also be used to open bogus accounts. All three major credit bureaus allow a parent to request a credit freeze for a child. You’ll need to mail a copy of their birth certificate and Social Security card to set it up. Source Link 
Drawing a blank when you try to remember things? Then it’s time to do some real drawing. Studies have shown that making a drawing of an important thing can help you remember better. It doesn’t have to be a work of art because the process of drawing is what helps your brain lock-in the memory. Source Link 

Here’s a pop quiz - what’s the value of everything in your home? It’s a good idea to document your belongings room-by-room and your smartphone can make the job easier. Take a video of each room that you can pause to see everything that’s there when making a list. It’s also good to have individual photos of big-ticket items like electronics. Source Link 

March 7, 2019

More people are using the higher standard deduction in this year’s tax returns but there are still ways to save if you don’t itemize. Contributions to IRAs and Health Savings Accounts can reduce your tax bill and you can still write off some costs from self-employment. Alimony payments and college tuition may also be claimed without itemizing. Source Link 

An infrared snapshot can’t replace a traditional test for breast cancer. The FDA says there’s no evidence that thermography which shows heat and blood flow beneath the skin can be as effective as a mammogram. The devices are being touted by some as a non-invasive alternative to screen for breast cancer. Source Link 

Instead of dinner and a movie, that art class or game night may bring couples even closer. Activities, like painting together or playing a board game, can spark the release of oxytocin, the hormone that’s associated with romantic bonding. Researchers say any activity with physical touch, social interaction, novelty and partner encouragement could work as well. Source Link 

March 6, 2019

In the race to shed those pounds and improve your health, it doesn’t matter if you're the tortoise or the hare. Research has shown that losing weight quickly doesn't offer any more health benefits than slimming down slowly. Some believe that faster weight loss may be better in reducing risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Source Link 

Can a popular technique to cut clutter in your home also work for your finances? Look at the things you spend money on and ask yourself if it brings you joy. If not, it needs to go. Plenty of us have subscriptions or memberships we don’t use, new clothes that never make it out of the closet or too many tech toys that lose their thrill quickly. Source Link 

If you love to get that Amazon Prime purchase shipped free in two days, a new plan lets you do slow down a bit and do your part to help Mother Earth. With “Amazon Day” you can choose one day a week when Prime purchases will be delivered. That makes it easy to plan for when things hit your doorstep and also cuts your carbon footprint from all those delivery trucks. Source Link 

March 5, 2019

If you want to eat more vegetables, here’s what to look for in the produce section. Dark and leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are among the best, along with cauliflower and broccoli. Fresh or frozen vegetables have more nutrition than canned varieties. And swap the corn, peas and potatoes for beans to get fewer calories and more fiber. Source Link 

Self-esteem is considered a must for emotional wellbeing but it's also important to know how to give yourself a break. With self-compassion, you can show yourself the same empathy that you extend to others. Being understanding with yourself, rather than judgemental offers a kind of immunity against negative influences like fear. Source Link 

Is a steady diet of reality TV a blessing or a curse for teen girls? Maybe a bit of both. Studies have shown that watching reality TV was tied to a higher level of respect that girls wanted when dating. But it also was linked to an increased focus on appearance and a willingness to compromise values for fame. Source Link 

March 4, 2019

So what will or won’t improve your credit score? Experts say carrying a credit card balance won’t help but having more available credit will. Closing an unused credit account may hurt if it’s one that’s been part of your credit history for years. And paying your phone bill on-time won’t help your credit score because those accounts aren’t reported to credit agencies. Source Link 
Is there a big threat to your waistline lurking on desktops and in the break room at work? A study found that the typical worker ate nearly 300 calories a day in food from the office and that can add up fast. Think before you grab a free cookie or cupcake and avoid the urge to hit that candy dish by bringing your own healthy snacks to work. Source Link 
If you think that what you drink first will ease a hangover, this may sober you up. A study found no difference in how people felt the morning after if they started a heavy drinking session with beer or wine. Researchers say the best way to avoid a brutal hangover is simply to drink moderately. Source Link 

March 1, 2019

Keeping a loved one with dementia safe means thinking about meals, wheels, bills and pills. Plan meals that don’t require using an oven or stove and keep them from driving but arrange other dependable transportation. Monitor finances to ensure they pay their bills and don’t fall victim to a scam and manage medications with a pillbox that can prevent accidental overdosing. Source Link 

How can a kitchen timer help you keep your home cleaner? If you avoid chores, set a kitchen timer to find out just how long it takes to wash a few dishes or pick up some clothes. Seeing how little time it takes to do a chore can encourage you to do those things right away and not let them pile up into a big job. Source Link 
Don’t let the answer to the question, “What’s in your wallet?” include these things. A Social Security card should never go with you and don’t carry old receipts with financial information that could help identity thieves. Don’t carry every credit card with you and avoid using a phone case that doubles as a wallet, in case your phone is lost or stolen. Source Link