December 31, 2019

Follow these tips for safer house cleaning. When working with liquid cleaners, wear gloves to protect your skin and consider using a diluted vinegar solution or baking soda instead of stronger chemicals like bleach or ammonia. And remember to open a window and get fresh air in while you’re scrubbing with a strong cleaner. Source Link 

You can do a lot with your old smartphone after you buy that new one. Besides being a hand-me-down, your old phone could be a hands-free screen for use with Siri or Google Assistant or you can put it to work as a dedicated remote for your TV or smart home system. And that old phone can be a new handheld gaming device for young children who won’t need to play with your new phone. Source Link 

Should brushing your teeth be part of the morning ritual right after breakfast? You want to brush every morning but doing it immediately after breakfast or any meal can be hard on tooth enamel that’s been softened by acids in the food we eat. Waiting for 30 minutes to brush can protect your teeth from damage. Source Link 

December 30, 2019

It may be key to avoiding things like diabetes or obesity but what does it take to have a healthy gut? Cut back what can destroy beneficial bacteria like processed foods, pesticides, toxins, artificial sweeteners and antibiotics. Supplements can help but a natural solution includes a diet rich in prebiotic fiber that’s plentiful in many fruits and vegetables. Source Link 

Forget that toilet seat -- the dirtiest thing you’ll touch today might be your smartphone. A survey found that nine out of ten people have their phones out while using the bathroom and 20 percent occasionally put a phone in their mouth while carrying things. And one in four people say they never clean their phone. Source Link 

Getting a good night’s sleep starts long before your head hits the pillow. Have dinner before 7 p.m. to give your body time to digest your meal before bedtime. Use a nightly wind-down routine like brushing your teeth, taking a warm shower, listening to relaxing music and reading a book. And keep electronics out of the bedroom, especially for kids. Source Link 

December 27, 2019

Improving your eating habits could be as easy as 1-2-3 simple steps. First, make better food choices for meals by eating breakfast at home every day. When grocery shopping you can pick more fresh foods and fewer processed items and switch from frying to broiling when you're cooking. 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 buying is a better long-term deal but leasing helps you afford more car now. Whether you buy or lease remember to keep your car costs including insurance to under 10 percent of your gross income per month. 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 

December 26, 2019

Building a better breakfast sandwich starts with what it’s made of. Skip the croissants or biscuits and try a whole-wheat English muffin, tortilla or pita wrap. Include four ounces of protein from eggs, turkey sausage or lean meat leftovers like chicken along with plenty of veggies and add some kick with salsa or hot sauce. Source Link 

You might lower blood pressure, ease depression, improve digestion and sleep better without medicines or treatments by practicing meditation. Start by sitting or laying down for about 5 minutes and let your mind wander without trying to control it. Another technique is to focus on your breathing or stare at an object. Source Link 

TV binge-watching may seem fun but your body and brain might beg to differ. Sitting for long periods and eating junk food isn’t good for your body and watching show after show can have the same effect on your brain as compulsive gambling. Make sure a TV binge doesn’t interrupt your sleep, try standing up for five minutes during each episode and pick healthy snacks. Source Link 

December 23, 2019

Think of it as genealogy that can strengthen your family roots. Create a family health tree that’s a record of medical conditions and lifestyle habits of your close relatives. A family health history helps you and your doctor spot any increased risk of developing serious problems like heart disease, cancer and specific illnesses that are passed from one generation to the next. Source Link 

About one in four people say the current political climate has caused strain within their family but you can manage that disagreement. Avoid polarizing language and personal attacks and find areas where you agree with the other person. Keep calm when tensions rise and accept that you may not change the other person's mind and know when to end the conversation. Source Link 

It takes just a second to make the call but remember this before you dial 9-1-1. Call for true emergencies -- if you are unsure if it's an emergency, still call. Know the location of the emergency and do your best to stay calm and answer all questions. And don’t just hang up if you call 9-1-1 by mistake because that might seem like an emergency to a 9-1-1 operator. Source Link 

December 20, 2019

When shopping for sunglasses, go for bigger but don’t worry if the price tag is smaller. Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection to protect your eyes can be very affordable. Consider a pair with larger lenses or a wrap-around style to maximize your protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Source Link 

There are some simple steps you can take to keep your home healthier. Be sure to replace kitchen sponges regularly and use bleach to sanitize separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables. Change HVAC air filters regularly to improve indoor air quality and set a calendar reminder to change the batteries in smoke detectors every six months. Source Link 

Need a strategy to avoid overeating at the buffet? Start by sitting where you can’t see the food and before you leave your table, pick just 5 to 7 items that you want. And resist the urge to get your money's worth by going back for more food even after you're full. Source Link 

December 19, 2019

Besides the high-fat and sugary foods, what else shouldn’t be in your pantry? You can swap out the white flour and pasta for whole-grain varieties and get rid of bottled sauces and dressings with added fat and sugar. Canned low-salt tomatoes and tomato paste will work for soups and sauces and you can flavor food with vinegar or a squeeze of lemon or lime. Source Link 

A downward dog might help to manage depression. New research showed that people who practiced yoga found relief from the symptoms of depression. It usually lasted less than eight days, meaning a once or twice-weekly yoga session may be necessary to banish the blues. Source Link 

There are ways to manage the stress that’s common during the holidays. Don’t obsess about traditions and avoid unrealistic expectations about what the holidays will mean for your family. Think about quality instead of quantity when giving gifts. Get enough sleep, watch your diet, exercise regularly, and find some time for yourself each day. Source Link 

December 18, 2019

You might open the door to better sleep by opening a door or a window. A bedroom with an open door or window has better ventilation that can reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the air from human breath. And those lower carbon dioxide levels may help you sleep better. Source Link 

If you leave a tablet, laptop or phone in your car be sure to take one step to avoid losing it. Theives are using Bluetooth detectors to find cars with devices that are turned on. Just closing the screen won’t work so be sure to disable Bluetooth or turn the device off before you leave it in a car. Source Link 

Going to a holiday gathering by way of the airport requires some prior planning if the food will be part of what you’re packing. TSA rules will allow pies, cakes, stuffing mix, and even green bean casserole in a carry-on bag but any non-solid food like gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, and jams and preserves should go into a checked bag. Source Link 

December 17, 2019

Your holiday menu can include healthy choices without spoiling the season. Skinless white meat turkey is high in protein and low in fat. Serve homemade cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes minus the sugar, butter and marshmallows. And a baked apple with cinnamon and nuts is a sweet way to top off a holiday meal. Source Link 

What are the right tools to clean your phone or tablet? A can of compressed air will blow dirt and dust out of tight spots and a soft toothbrush can be used on harder-to-reach areas and those that need light scrubbing. To wipe down screens and surfaces use isopropyl alcohol or distilled water on a cotton cloth and never window cleaner or any kind of paper towel or tissue. Source Lin

Now hear this -- a healthy diet might help your ears as well as your waistline. A long-term study found that people with eating habits similar to the DASH diet or Mediterranean diet were less likely to suffer from hearing loss. Those with a poor diet saw hearing loss develop fast and often affected the range of hearing that includes the human voice. Source Link 

December 16, 2019

You can shop for the holidays without bringing something home from a store with an “experience gift” that will help create a memorable moment. It could be tickets to a concert or play, an introductory flight lesson or a cooking class. And remember that the best experience gift is one you can share with someone else. Source Link

A frozen car door lock is no fun in winter weather and using remote keyless entry won’t save you and could even make it worse. That’s because the physical mechanism gets so little use without a key. A squirt of graphite lock lubricant or Teflon spray lube can keep your door lock working smoothly all winter long. Source Link 

Should you pay off student loans sooner or budget that extra money for investing? Experts say it’s okay to invest if the loan interest rate is lower than what your investment might earn and if you have a retirement plan like a 401-k where your employer will match some of your contributions. But first, build a rainy-day savings fund and pay off any high-interest debt. Source Link 

December 13, 2019

It’s what you eat and when you eat it that can make it easier or harder to watch your weight. Front-loading your calories to eat more earlier in the day has been shown to help with weight loss. You can also try a four-meal-a-day plan with a second lunch that you eat at mid-afternoon instead of snacking after dinner. Source Link

Zombie eating isn’t just having a taste for humans. It’s also being glued to a phone or TV screen during a meal and not paying attention to what you’re eating. Nine out of ten people admit to it and a survey found that the average eater will stare at their phone twice during a meal and only have five screen-free meals per week. Source Link 

It can seem like there’s no longer wait than the one when you’re charging a phone but you can speed up the process. The fastest charge comes with your phone off or in Airplane Mode and using a wall outlet instead of plugging into a computer will make it faster. Remember that heat slows down charging so remove the case and keep the phone out of the sun. Source Link 

December 12, 2019

The roads are busy with holiday shoppers but some of the most dangerous driving may be in the parking lots where accidents run higher than normal throughout the holiday shopping season. Experts say people may be less attentive as they’re texting or setting GPS while driving in a parking lot. Source Link 

Two out of three vacationers say they’re “adventure” travelers and if that’s you it’s a good idea to be covered for mishaps that might lead to an injury. Consider buying an accident policy with coverage for out-of-pocket health care expenses while vacationing. And be sure that it covers your whole family and not just you. Source Link 

We know how meditation might reduce anxiety but could it also help you find those missing car keys? Testing showed that just 20 minutes of meditation each day lead to fewer mistakes and less forgetfulness. Researchers say the people who meditated were more likely to recognize when they made an error. Source Link 

December 11, 2019

You can decorate for the holidays with safety in mind for your pet. Avoid edible tree decorations like popcorn strings and holly berries or tinsel that can be harmful if eaten by a cat. And don't forget that winter holiday plants like poinsettia and lilies can be toxic if eaten by a pet. Source Link 

Deep sleep might be key in the fight against Alzheimer’s. New research found that deep sleep triggers a process in the brain to wash away potentially toxic substances including the proteins that clump abnormally in the brains of people with dementia. Unlike REM sleep when we dream, deep sleep shuts down much of the brain’s functions to allow for the cleanup. Source Link 

With a few simple hacks, you can use the camera on your phone to get results that might rival a DSLR camera. Add-on lenses offer more wide-angle, telephoto and macro range and using a tripod will allow for steady shots in low light. You can also try other camera apps that give you more manual settings to fine-tune your pictures. Source Link 

December 10, 2019

If the thought of making small talk at the holiday party has you panicked, there are ways to beat social anxiety. Come prepared with several topics to discuss, but maybe not politics. Rehearse in front of a mirror beforehand, don’t drink too much at the party and set a goal to speak to three new people for five minutes each. Source Link 

Too much screen time may not be good for a toddler’s brain. A study using brain scans found that children who spent more time on phones or tablets or watching TV didn’t have as much brain development as those who watched less. Researchers say screens don’t stimulate young brains like interaction with people and the world around you. Source Link 

There are many reasons why you should keep your home WiFi network secured with a strong password. Freeloaders could slow down your streaming, send you over a data cap or even use your WiFi for illegal activity that’s blamed on you. If you need help changing the password, consult the owner’s manual for your WiFi router or contact customer service for a cable modem. Source Link 

December 9, 2019

Linking a credit card to your smartphone may be the ultimate in holiday shopping convenience, and that's the problem because using a digital wallet instead of cards makes it even easier to spend too much. Research has shown that people spend up to 30 percent less when shopping with cash instead of plastic. Source Link 

Do calorie counts on fast-food menus help people watch their weight? Not so much. A study found that people ate slightly fewer calories after a fast-food chain started including calories on its menus, but the impact weakened over time. Researchers say calorie labeling may be most effective as a short-term strategy for eating less. Source Link 

A new study shows that many parents aren’t getting the message about the safest way for a baby to sleep. Most are putting a baby to sleep on their back but two out of three aren’t always using a firm surface like a crib or bassinet and nearly half still put their baby to bed with blankets, pillows or toys, all of which can increase the risk of sudden infant death. Source Link 

December 6, 2019

It doesn’t take big changes to improve your diet. Small shifts can help, so try one of these each week. Switch from creamy dressings to vinaigrette; replace meat in recipes with beans; switch from white bread to whole wheat or wraps; swap out pepperoni on your pizza for vegetables or switch from potato chips to air-popped popcorn. Source Link 

A bath before bedtime isn’t just a good idea for young children. Researchers found that adults who took a warm bath or shower before going to bed fell asleep faster and slept longer. Cooling down after a warm bath or shower jump-starts the body’s natural process of dropping your temperature to get you ready for sleep. Source Link

Exercise doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. If you’re a creature of habit, set a schedule for a daily workout in the morning or evening. If you want to maximize your effort a personal trainer can help. And if you’re more social you can look for a walking group, find an exercise class or join a club to play a sport like tennis. Source Link 

December 5, 2019

How can you avoid the minefield of political discussions at your holiday party? Set down ground rules for topics or designate a room where guests can talk politics. You can also have board games or other activities ready to substitute for heated discussions. Source Link 

You might beat jet lag with help from your smartphone. The trick is to avoid or get more light at certain times and shift your body to the new time zone. There are apps that set a schedule based on where you’re going, your sleep pattern and whether you’re a morning or evening person. What doesn’t work is fasting before a flight or taking a sleeping pill on takeoff. Source Link 

Is bedtime the best time to take your blood pressure medication? A study found that people who took blood pressure meds before bed had lower blood pressure around the clock compared to those who took their medication in the morning. It’s also important to never miss a dose because swings in blood pressure can be as dangerous as a higher reading. Source Link 

December 4, 2019

It tastes great but you really shouldn’t be eating raw Christmas cookie dough and not just because of the eggs in the recipe. E. coli bacteria can thrive in dry substances like flour used in making cookie dough, so don’t eat it and wash your hands after handling flour when preparing foods. Source Link 

A few simple steps can help you get the longest life from your phone or tablet battery. Avoid going close to zero because batteries work best between 40 and 80 percent charged. Give the device an occasional rest and turn it off and don’t use generic power cords or charging blocks that might undercharge or even damage the battery. Source Link 

Is the best late-night snack really a bowl of cottage cheese? Researchers found that cottage cheese before bed had a positive effect on metabolism and overall health, promoted muscle recovery, and didn’t end up as body fat. If you don’t have a taste for cottage cheese, try any helping of 30 grams of protein about a half-hour before bedtime. Source Link 

December 3, 2019

A holiday party with plenty of food isn’t the only danger zone for people who want to watch their weight this time of year. Avoid overindulging on the cake at the office birthday party by eating beforehand. And don’t go out holiday shopping on an empty stomach because those big cookies and gooey cinnamon rolls at the mall are just waiting to trip you up. 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 a brain freeze my eating cold foods toward the front of your mouth and by eating more slowly. Source Link 

If you’re not looking forward to scraping car windows in winter you can mix up your own quick ice remover. Fill a spray bottle with one-third water and two-thirds rubbing alcohol. A quick spray and wipe can clear a window fast because rubbing alcohol has a lower freezing temperature and will instantly melt the ice. Source Link 

December 2, 2019

Want an effective exercise that won’t make you break a sweat? Studies have shown that Tai Chi may improve the 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 

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 

Here’s a “handy” way to stop eating 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 also help. Source Link