June 30, 2020

Eating a meal just before bedtime might have you gaining weight in your sleep. Because of metabolism changes, late diners can have higher blood sugar and burn less fat overnight. Eating before dinner, eating dinner and then snacking until bedtime can bring on the same problem. Source Link 

If you haven’t flown recently you’ll find some changes during security check-in the next time you’re at the airport. Screeners no longer handle boarding passes and food must be in a clear bag removed from your carry-on to prevent false alarms that require a hands-on check. But you can bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer on board with you. Source Link 

Slipping into a wet t-shirt might be better than using a fan to stay cool in hot weather. In a study, the wet t-shirt alone was most effective at easing heat strain. Sitting in a wet t-shirt in the breeze from an electric fan didn’t improve cooling and was the same as just wearing a dry t-shirt. Source Link 

June 29, 2020

What foods can you add to your diet to reduce stress? Fish has omega-3 fatty acids that can decrease depression and anxiety and compounds in avocados can improve concentration and mood. Probiotics can help with gut health that impacts anxiety and depression and dark chocolate has antioxidants to lower the production of stress hormones. Source Link 

The best kind of face mask is one made with natural materials in more layers. Studies found that a four-layer mask made of cotton muslin could stop up to 99 percent of airborne micro-organisms. A cotton-flannel scarf or bandanna can also work if it’s worn in multiple layers. Source Link 

How will the age of COVID change the way we use public restrooms? Experts think you’ll see more space, automatic doors and even UV disinfection technology to kill germs fast. But you’ll also find fewer places to go because many buildings will close public restrooms unless they’re required to have them by law. Source Link 

June 26, 2020

Picking the right channel isn’t just a TV thing -- it’s also important for your WiFi router. Streaming video generally works best using the 5 GHz channel and other devices can use 2.4Ghz. And locate your router away from cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers, microwave ovens and baby monitors that give off signals that can interfere with your router. Source Link 

How many of these myths about eyesight do you believe? Reading in dim light does not worsen vision but it may tire your eyes more quickly. Likewise, staring at a computer screen will not permanently harm your eyes, but it may cause eyestrain. Wearing glasses won't worsen vision and eye exercises won’t help you see better. Source Link 

There are some simple ways to help you remember to take medications. Use a pillbox with spaces for daily doses and place it in an area where it will be easily seen. If you take your medication first thing in the morning, put it near an alarm clock or coffee pot or set an alarm when its time to take your medications. Source Link 

June 25, 2020

If you're among the 50 percent of Americans who say they use retail therapy to cope with stress, the “30-day rule” may be a way to slow down on the compulsive shopping. Wait one month before making that impulse buy. If you still want it 30 days later, it’s probably a worthwhile purchase. Source Link 

No one likes to be caught with a phone battery that’s dying fast but there are ways to hang on longer. Look for the “low power” setting on your phone or switch to Airplane Mode if you can work without a data connection. When you can charge it use a rapid wall unit and take the phone out of the case because keeping it cooler helps a phone charge faster. Source Link 

You disinfect to kill viruses and germs but do the safe way. A survey found that one-in-five Americans have applied bleach to their produce and that’s not safe. You also should not use household cleaning products on hands or skin, don’t mist your body with a cleaning or disinfecting spray and don’t drink or gargle diluted bleach solution, soapy water or other cleaners. Source Link 

June 24, 2020

Are you guilty of any of these common mistakes when handling your money? You build up a rainy day fund but neglect to budget for retirement savings or you buy food in bulk only to throw half of it away. Or maybe you use a store credit card for a discount on purchases but then make a minimum payment and get hit with high finance charges. Source Link 

When you want to add more vegetables to your diet do it the right way. 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 more beans for fewer calories and more fiber. Source Link 

Your heart and head might thank you for taking up an ancient Chinese mindfulness exercise. Seniors who had heart problems, high blood pressure or survived a stroke and practiced tai chi had lower levels of depression and improved quality of life. Tai chi includes controlled breathing that’s been shown to reduce stress. Source Link

June 23, 2020

They say it’s the small things that count and that’s true when it comes to budgeting. Most of us worry about the “pop” of big expenses like when an appliance breaks down unexpectedly but those “streams” of smaller spending can have an effect on your budget too. For example, a $5 latte every workday equals $1,000 a year that you could save to afford a new refrigerator. Source Link 

If you’re losing sleep over working at home here are some tips to improve your slumber. Have a daily routine for waking up, showering, eating, relaxing and going to bed at set times. Take 15-minute breaks from the computer throughout the day and keep work and sleep areas separate -- resist the urge to make your bedroom a home office. Source Link 

You want them to stay tasty but is there a right way to store tomatoes? Probably not. Researchers used a group of expert taste testers to try tomatoes that were stored in the refrigerator or on a kitchen counter. There wasn’t a real difference in flavor but tomatoes will taste better when stored for a shorter amount of time. Source Link

June 22, 2020

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 

We think about spices as something that can turn up the heat in food but they might also dial down inflammation in the body. Testing showed that heavy meals prepared with a combination of spices such as ginger, thyme, oregano, cinnamon, red pepper, cumin, rosemary and basil triggered a lower inflammatory response in the body. Source Link

Your eyes are one way into your body for viruses so how do you stay safe if you wear glasses or contact lenses? There's no evidence that wearing contacts increases the risk but be sure to wash your hands properly before inserting or removing them. Eyeglasses are good but won’t protect your eyes on all sides as safety glasses or goggles can do. Source Link 

June 19, 2020

You should “Take 10” before heading to the doctor for an antibiotic prescription for that cough or sinus infection. Up to 50-percent of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary, so wait 10 days for symptoms to resolve unless you're running a high fever, have severe pain or if symptoms appear rapidly. Source Link

Buying medical insurance to use when traveling out of the country is a good idea but be sure you’re getting all of the coverage you need. Most policies are designed to cover illness or injuries that happen on your trip and pre-existing conditions don’t qualify. If you have a medical condition ask if your policy offers a waiver for a pre-existing exclusion. Source Link

If coffee is essential to your wake-up routine you might try a less-caffeinated approach to the start of your morning. Listen to an upbeat music playlist, perform morning stretches like head and shoulder rolls, splash your face with cold water or drink a cold glass of water and have a healthy and balanced breakfast. Source Link

June 18, 2020

When it comes to classifying foods that are good or bad for you, the basic labels don’t always fit. Bread, pasta and rice made with whole grains are good for you and healthy fats like those found in avocados and nuts are part of a balanced diet. And three daily servings of low-fat dairy products can be a better choice. Source Link

Here are some natural ways to keep your home smelling fresh. Avoid the lingering aroma of fried fish by adding a dollop of peanut butter to the oil first. An open bowl of white vinegar can absorb many kitchen odors and a spray bottle filled with unflavored vodka can be used to kill odor-causing bacteria on smelly clothing. Source Link 

It’s a staple found in many pantries, but just how long can you keep that flour? White flour is highly processed and has a longer shelf life than whole grain flour with the bran and germ layers with oils that can lead to a bad odor and rancid taste. The key to long-lasting flour is to keep it in a sealed container in a cabinet or cupboard where it’s not exposed to light. Source Link 

June 17, 2020

It’s a twist on the old suggestion to beat sleeplessness by counting sheep. If you suffer from insomnia caused by stress, try counting every breath in and out and count up as far as you can. Another technique to get back to sleep is to stare at a point on the wall until your eyelids get so heavy you have to close them. Source Link 

You can make life at the keyboard easier by avoiding these common computer mistakes. Keeping tabs and windows open that you're not using can slow down computer performance and the same is true if you have a lot of programs that run at startup. And remember that the fastest fix for a problem is often a simple reboot of your computer. Source Link

Separation anxiety is common for pets and there are ways to ease those meltdowns. If the anxiety starts when you grab the keys do it a few minutes before you leave and they’ll learn to relax. Or you can distract your pet with a treat stashed inside a play toy that will keep them occupied when you head out the door. Source Link

June 16, 2020

Is a hotel or an Airbnb rental a better choice for a healthy stay this summer? National hotel chains have consulted with medical experts to improve cleaning and will offer safety procedures like contactless check-in. Airbnb is certifying properties that will follow CDC protocols and wait at least 24 hours after a guest checks out before anyone else enters the home or apartment. Source Link 

You can accurately track your blood pressure at home with the right equipment and techniques. Use a device that measures with a cuff on the upper arm and don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before taking a reading. Sit quietly for about five minutes beforehand and be sure to have an empty bladder for the most accurate reading. Source Link 

Your car’s key fob may do a lot more than unlocking the doors and trunk. Many have a feature to roll down all of the windows at once or fold in your side mirrors. And if you park your car outside you can have the fob nearby at night and use the panic button to sound the horn to scare off any home intruders. Source Link

June 15, 2020

Are pools a coronavirus risk this summer? There’s been no specific research but the chlorine used to keep pools clean effectively inactivates similar viruses. The bigger health risk would be from close contact with other swimmers or at an indoor pool with poor air circulation or from contaminated surfaces such as poolside tables or handrails. Source Link

If you think that young picky eater in the family will grow out of it, think again. A study found that it’s more of a trait than a phase and choosy 4-year-olds were still turning their noses up at many foods at age 9. Ultimatums about eating usually don’t work but involving kids in food shopping and meal preparation can help along with exposure to foods prepared for others in the family. Source Link 

If you need a fast budget overhaul try compiling a financial report card. Separate your living expenses into two groups -- “need to have” and “nice to have” -- and cut as many of the “nice to have” expenses as possible. Focus on essentials like your mortgage, utilities, groceries, and car payments and look for savings in internet and phone plans, cable service and subscriptions. Source Link 

June 12, 2020

Some people say they can’t think right on an empty stomach, but is there a good food to eat before you make a big decision? Choose food high in tryptophan like chicken soup or chocolate. Tryptophan helps to make the brain chemical serotonin that plays a major role in the decision-making process. Source Link 

Looking for a natural energy boost that’s not caffeinated? Hazelnuts, cashews or almonds are rich in magnesium, and whole eggs are packed with protein and B vitamins, which help convert food into energy. Fresh fruit can also provide natural sugar along with beneficial fiber and vitamin C from oranges, kiwi, mangoes, pineapple or strawberries. Source Link 

Watch for these red flags to avoid being scammed when renting a vacation home or apartment online. Beware of owners who want you to communicate or send money outside of the rental platform. And do some homework online by checking to see if the address exists or using a Google image search to find out if the pictures in the listing are from elsewhere. Source Link 

June 11, 2020

If you want to get a leg-up against Alzheimer’s try learning a second language. Studies have shown that bilingual persons with Alzheimer’s function better than those with the same level of impairment who only speak one language. Researchers think the kind of brain activity associated with knowing two languages keeps the mind more nimble and able to overcome some of the effects of dementia. Source Link 

Need a summer vacation destination that will be safe from coronavirus this year? Outdoors is best but crowded lakes, parks and beaches would make social distancing a challenge. Camping or backpacking in a less-crowded spot is also an option or you could rent an RV that can provide a clean safe place to stay throughout your trip. Source Link 

Tough choices about major decisions might be easier to live with if you simply flip a coin. A study found that people who go through with their coin flip choices were living happier lives six months later. If you don’t want to flip a coin try choosing the action that represents a change rather than continuing the status quo. Source Link 

June 10, 2020

If cereal, eggs or oatmeal don’t sound good for breakfast, you can mix it up with that first meal of the day. Try leftover veggie pizza or peanut butter and sliced bananas on whole-wheat toast. Or roll up a tortilla with sliced turkey, lettuce and low-fat cheese for a homemade grab-and-go breakfast. Source Link 

Need a new side hustle that won’t break a sweat? Rent out the stuff you’re not using. There are websites that help you rent your bike, boat, surfboard or paddleboat on a daily or weekly basis. And if you own acres of land you can rent out some of that space to campers who want a unique getaway spot. Source Link

A favorite annual event for online shoppers may fall victim to pandemic worries. Amazon Prime Day set for mid-July is being postponed and may not happen at all this year. Experts say Amazon would need to reschedule before Labor Day to avoid competing with fall events that quickly lead to the holiday shopping season. Source Link 

June 9, 2020

Con artists are upping their game to take advantage of the pandemic financial freefall and you should do the same. Through April 2021, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax will provide free weekly credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. Finding unfamiliar information on your credit reports is one of the strongest signs of identity theft. Source Link 

It’s a tempting snack in a two-pet household but dogs should not be eating cat food. It’s usually higher in protein and fat and that could give Fido an upset stomach. If your cat eats slower and leaves food in the bowl you can put it up where it’s accessible for the cat but out of reach for the dog. Source Link 

“Doctor Google” gets a failing grade when diagnosing what ails us. A study found that online symptom checkers rarely provide the correct diagnosis on the first try and the right medical problem was found in the top three results only half of the time. There are about 70,000 health-related searches on Google every minute. Source Link 

June 8, 2020

Add car buying to the list of things that may change in a post-COVID world. Some dealers are now delivering cars to a prospective buyer’s home for a test drive without a salesman. This could mean less pressure and a better buying decision that isn’t rushed because everything has to be done in one visit to the dealership. Source Link 

What kinds of incentives might make it easier to sell a home in a turbulent market? Offering a home warranty or picking up a portion of the buyer’s closing costs could help. And if the property is in need of some minor updates, offering a remodeling allowance at closing is another incentive that buyers might like. Source Link 

You should be putting more than just bank statements and old bills through that shredder. Airline boarding passes, prescription paperwork, free return labels and even extra birth announcements have information that could be used by identity thieves. And a vet bill may include a pet’s name which many people use in an online security question. Source Link 

June 5, 2020

What kinds of used products are a better buy? Exercise equipment, hand tools, sports gear, bikes and furniture may have plenty of life in them for a second owner. Used clothing can be a big saver even when compared to prices at a discount store and buying a used car helps you avoid the fast depreciation that happens with a new one. Source Link 

Staying sharper as we age could mean more shuffling cards and breaking out the board games. Researchers found that people in their 70s who regularly played board games scored higher on tests of memory and thinking skills. And those who played games were more likely to maintain thinking skills as they age. Source Link 

Houseplants are more than just pretty to look at -- they could also improve your health. The scent of rosemary may help with memory by boosting a brain neurotransmitter. Peace Lillies can purify the air by removing toxins from paint and varnish and a spider plant can clean dangerous formaldehyde from indoor air. Source Link

June 4, 2020

Don’t let the answer to the question, “What’s in your wallet?” include these items. A Social Security card should never go with you and don’t carry old receipts with shopping and financial information that can help identity thieves. Don’t carry every credit card and avoid using a phone case that doubles as a wallet should your phone be lost or stolen. Source Link 

Frequent handwashing may safeguard you from coronavirus and might also help to ease anxiety about the pandemic if you add an extra step to the process. While washing your hands for 20 seconds try taking five deep, abdominal breaths. Doing this at least five times a day can reduce anxiety and may even lower your blood pressure. Source Link 

How can you break the habit of spending so much time on your phone? Turn off biometric screen unlocking to make it harder to dive into a scrolling session and use a smartwatch that lets you see text messages without picking up your phone. And don’t incorporate work email into your private email program and you won’t be tempted by work-related messages after-hours. Source Link 

June 3, 2020

Burning that midnight oil doesn’t burn more calories. Studies show that people who got too little sleep ate the equivalent of another meal a day with more fat and less protein. Researchers think a lack of sleep might affect hormones related to hunger. Source Link 

Cut your younger kids a break and cross lawn mowing off their chore list. Nearly 10,000 American children are injured by lawn mowers each year and it’s not just while they’re cutting the grass. Small children who get rides on lawn mowers for fun are more likely to run outside into the path of a rider mower and be injured. Source Link 

How will the office look in the post-COVID world? Experts say companies will have to design workspaces and employee schedules with an eye toward reducing disease transmission. That means the open office is out and workers could spend fewer days in the office per week with staggered schedules to cut the number of people there at the same time. Source Link

June 2, 2020

Summertime means cookouts, but be sure to have one indoor cooking tool with you at the outdoor grill. A meat thermometer is a must to ensure that hamburgers are fully cooked to 160 degrees, poultry to 165 degrees and whole cuts of other meats and seafood are fully cooked to 145 degrees. Source Link 

So how do you raise kids who are smart about money? You can build their awareness by pointing out prices on a menu or comparison shopping at the supermarket and educating them about the costs of living like paying for a house, car, and utilities. And use that magic word “no” to teach budgeting and demonstrate the difference between wants and needs. Source Link 

If you’re ready to make the switch to whole grains be sure you’re getting all that you want. Many foods that are labeled “made with whole grains” or “multigrain” could be using a tiny percentage of whole grains while the rest is refined flour. Only foods labeled “100% whole grains” use just that. Source Link 

June 1, 2020

The terms may be used interchangeably but there’s a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning helps to remove dirt while disinfecting helps kill bacteria and viruses. Cleaning comes first by using a towel or soap and water, followed by a disinfectant product or a solution made from four teaspoons of bleach for each quart of water. Source Link 

Improving your memory may as simple as counting to one. Focusing on doing one thing at a time can improve your ability to store and process information. Researchers found that heavy multitaskers significantly underperformed at doing things that required working memory and sustained attention. Source Link

Want your kids to eat better? Get them cooking in the kitchen to help develop long-lasting healthy habits. Studies have shown that kids between the ages of 5 and 12 who learned to cook ate more fruits and vegetables and were more willing to try new foods. Source Link