May 28, 2021

 Here are some ways to safeguard your personal information in case of a major website hack. Consider using a master email address that’s only for recovering account information. Make sure you're not searchable by phone number on Linkedin or Facebook, and avoid sharing too much information by not using social media accounts to log in to other websites or apps. Source Link 

Household dangers for pets go beyond that leftover chocolate bar and certain flowers. Experts say a tiny Lego piece can also look like a treat to your dog but will be big trouble if he eats it. And be sure you don’t have any twist ties, rubber bands, cotton swabs or dental floss laying on the floor. Source Link 

Breakfast gets all the glory but lunch sets the stage for dinner and there are ways to do the mid-day meal right. You can graze with handfuls of raw vegetables, a few hard boiled eggs and popcorn, or go for takeout with lean chicken, fish, and black beans but no buns or shells. Or you can make an extra portion of dinner the night before and pack that for today’s lunch. Source Link 

May 27, 2021

 Can you improve comprehension by taking 10 after a lesson? Researchers found that people who rested quietly for 10 minutes after learning something improved their ability to remember fine details. Sleep relaxes the synapses in your brain to improve neuroplasticity that’s necessary to build memory. Source Link 

If you wash dishes by hand it’s time for your tools to come clean. A damp sponge is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria so clean it regularly in a solution of bleach and water or put a wet sponge in the microwave to disinfect it. Better yet, try a plastic or silicone scrub brush that can dry out after every use. Source Link 

The FCC wants to know if the nation needs more speed in its internet connections. The agency is crowdsourcing speed test results in order to improve the accuracy of the broadband maps from Internet providers. The free FCC Speed Test app for iPhone and Android lets you submit data about your internet performance. Source Link 

May 26, 2021

 It takes more than ultimatums to manage your kids screen time. You need to monitor them with apps or in-person to know what they’re doing. You should also spend time together on that phone, tablet or TV and model good behavior yourself. Studies show most kids get about twice the screen time that parents think they do. Source Link 

How can you keep a social media life from interfering with your work world? Try using automation tools to write posts on your own time and schedule them for later publication. Have separate personal accounts that make it clear you’re not speaking for the company and remember that any post can be set for friends-only viewing. Source Link 

There’s been lots of talk about government student loan forgiveness and scammers are taking advantage of this to rip off unsuspecting borrowers. Bogus debt forgiveness schemes can steal a victim’s personal data, as well as their money. Beware of companies promising to reduce debt by lowering payments through enrollment in student loan forgiveness or other programs. Source Link 

May 25, 2021

 A bobby pin can do more than keep your hair neat. Use one to safely hold a nail in place as you hammer it or to replace a missing zipper tab. A bobby pin can easily pit a cherry or olive and can secure the loose end of a belt that’s just short of a pants loop. And use a bobby pin to mark the end of a roll of tape for an easy start the next time you use it. Source Link

If you’re carrying some extra pandemic pounds after a sedentary year there are some simple ways to get more active. Set reminders to move around for five minutes multiple times a day and get off the couch between TV episodes to move for a few minutes. Active chores such as vacuuming and tidying up can also help you move more. Source Link

Being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is stressful but you can take steps to reduce the risk of burnout. Set realistic goals and be adaptable to adjust to situations in constructive ways and deal with what you can control. And take care of your health by eating right and clearing your mind with exercise, yoga, meditation, listening to music or deep breathing. Source Link

May 24, 2021

 Looking for a good 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. The slow, mindful movements of Tai Chi work on the sympathetic nervous system to reduce stress hormones that take a physical toll on our bodies. Source Link 

How can you avoid being shocked by what you see when you step on the bathroom scale? You can stop sneaky weight gain by evaluating your activity level and checking to see if some bad food habits have crept into your diet. Swap those low-nutrition items with more fruits and vegetables and commit to 30 minutes of exercise each day. Source Link 

If you load that toothbrush with a long stripe of toothpaste, you’re using too much. A pea-sized dollop is all you need to get the job done. Using lots of toothpaste can give you too much fluoride and that’s especially bad for youngsters whose developing teeth can become streaked or spotted. Source Link 

May 21, 2021

 You need to lower your blood pressure and you can do it faster with these foods. Dark chocolate, chamomile tea, berries and olive oil for cooking are great for the heart. You can also lower your blood pressure by keeping sodium intake under 1,500 mg per day. Source Link 

Not all debt is created equal. A mortgage lets you build wealth through rising home values and a student loan for an education to get a good job will pay off with much more in lifetime earnings. But debt from credit card balances you can’t pay off every month or an auto loan or lease every few years will have you spending more instead of living within your means. Source Link 

You want a snack but want to stay under 100 calories? Try a salty treat like 2 tablespoons of guacamole and 5 tortilla chips, or get some crunch with 3 cups of air-popped popcorn. Satisfy a sweet tooth with 2 tablespoons of frozen yogurt sandwiched between 2 graham crackers or get tart with 6 ounces of no-fat lemon yogurt. Source Link 

May 20, 2021

 Are you putting your body’s internal cleaning system to good use? Autophagy is the process of removing damaged cells and generating new ones and it’s believed that autophagy can attack cells that lead to cancer. Intermittent fasting and regular exercise are ways to stimulate autophagy in your body. Source Link 

If your phone is slowing down because there’s too much stuff on it, it’s time for a good internal cleaning. Open app settings for your web browser and clear the history and website data. Delete old text threads that can take up lots of storage and pare down that list of apps to only those you regularly use and delete the rest that are hogging storage space. Source Link

A beeping alarm may not be the best way to wake you from sleep. Researchers found that “melodic” music -- anything you could easily sing or hum along to -- was more effective at reducing sleep inertia, the groggy feeling you can have just after waking up. It’s known that music activates certain brain regions which control attention. Source Link 

May 19. 2021

 Studies show that regularly experiencing the outdoors can reduce stress and there’s a 20-5-3 formula for doing it. The “nature pyramid” is built from 20 minutes three times a week in nearby nature like a park, five hours each month in a semi-wild place like a national park and three days a year off the grid and in nature while camping or renting a cabin. Source Link 

They keep your laundry soft and smelling fresh, but dryer sheets have many other uses. Dryer sheets in a suitcase can freshen the smell of travel-weary clothing and using them in a sock drawer does the same. A used dryer sheet with a few drops of water can clean bathroom soap scum and wiping baseboards with a dryer sheet can minimize static and keep them clean for longer. Source Link

Gut bacteria does a body good but some foods can do a number on it. Studies found that people who ate more meat, processed foods and sugar had gut microbes associated with inflammation that can damage the body. People who ate more fruits, vegetables and foods high in fiber had gut bacteria that was anti-inflammatory. Source Link

May 18, 2021

 If you want to be happier on the job you might start with your seat. Poor posture while sitting can put you in a sour mood and make you feel more stressed and depressed. Just like Mom said you should sit up straight to avoid being hunched over and get out of your seat and on your feet as often as possible. Source Link 

There could be a scientific reason why you feel refreshed after a day spent in the great outdoors. Research has shown that hearing a bird sing or the sound of lapping waves can combat feelings of stress. Even in busy national parks, listening to natural sounds along with human noise still provided some health benefits. Source Link

That Fitbit or Apple Watch could be a dieter’s best friend. In a study, personal trackers that let you measure daily exercise levels, footsteps and calories helped people lose more weight and reduce body mass. The key is to set a goal and keep at it with some encouragement and accountability from family or friends. Source Link

May 17, 2021

 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 

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 

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 

May 14, 2021

 Have you tried these old school cleaning tricks? Coffee beans neutralize unpleasant odors and plain white toothpaste will polish silverware. Leaving salt to dry on a stain can remove much of it and a paste of baking soda and water can conquer burnt-on food in pots and pans. Source Link 

Your kitchen and bathroom may be safe from tiny hands, but is your technology toddler-proofed? You can disable power buttons on laptop or desktop computers and use power strip covers to prevent accidental switch-offs. And be sure your smartphone has a good screen lock to keep a curious child from opening apps or dialing a call. Source Link 

Here are some ways to safeguard your personal information in case of a major website hack. Consider using a master email address that’s only for recovering account information. Make sure you're not searchable by phone number on Linkedin or Facebook, and avoid sharing too much information by not using social media accounts to log in to other websites or apps. Source Link 

May 13, 2021

 A new exercise regimen can be a real pain but that’s to be expected. Soreness after a workout isn’t usually a problem unless it’s focused on one side of the body or lasts more than a few days. And watch out for a darker or brown color in urine because that could be a warning sign of dangerous muscle breakdown caused by over-exercising. Source Link 

These simple kitchen tricks make for tastier food. Your pancakes will be fluffier when you use carbonated water in the mix and grating a hardened stick of butter will evenly distribute it into pie or dessert dough. And putting a slice of white bread in an airtight container with freshly baked cookies will keep them soft for days. Source Link

It can be costly to drop that old cell phone into a drawer and forget it. Surveys show that an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phone can lose up to 40 percent of resale value in just one year. Tablets can take a 25 percent hit and game consoles can lose up to 80 percent of value while gathering dust for 12 months. Source Link 

May 12, 2021

 The 20/4/10 rule can show how much car you can afford. If you make a 20 percent down payment and take out a four-year loan, your monthly car expenses should be no more than 10 percent of your monthly gross income. That total includes the loan payment and cost of gas and auto insurance. Source Link 

So what’s the magic number for eating fruits and vegetables to give you a longer life? Try five. Researchers found that having five servings of fruits and vegetables a day was linked to a longer life span. Participants in a study who ate five servings a day had a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and respiratory disease. Source Link

Nearly all seniors take a medication that can increase their risk for a fall. Drugs that can increase the risk of falls include antidepressants, some high blood pressure and anti seizure medicines and tranquilizers. That’s why you should ask your doctor about the risks and benefits from any prescription medication. Source Link

May 11, 2021

 Your nose knows something’s not right but what’s causing those strange home smells? A slight whiff of smoke when you turn on a light switch could be faulty electrical wiring and a fishy smell can be caused when bad wiring starts to melt plastic or rubber in an appliance. And a musty odor in the kitchen might be caused by an unseen leak in a sink pipe. Source Link 

Here are four cornerstones to raising kids who will have a good relationship with money. Help them understand that you earn money for the work you do and that saving now helps you afford a major purchase later. Explain that it’s important to be patient and satisfied with what they own now and to think of others and be charitable. Source Link 

A question like, “How was your weekend?” may be a key to boosting productivity at work. Researchers found that simple small talk between co-workers made people happier and enjoy their tasks more. But the casual conversations need to be about things that are not related to your work. Source Link 

May 10, 2021

Does your “healthy” snack list include any of these nutritional no-no’s? Dietitians say baked chips are so low in fat you can eat plenty of them before you feel full. Pretzels have no nutritional value and store-bought smoothies are often loaded with sugar. And read labels for granola or cereal bars to choose one that’s high in fiber and lower in sugar. Source Link 

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 

May 7, 2021

 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 

May 6, 2021

 Exercise shouldn’t put your health at risk and you can avoid injuries by making the right choices. If you have trouble with balance, swimming may be safer than running and arthritis sufferers should avoid high-impact exercise that can put more stress on joints. An exercise class instructor can help you modify movements to safeguard against injury. Source Link 

Looking for a gift to give that can also be good for you? An activity tracker is a great choice for the gadget fan and people who exercise might like a new yoga mat, exercise ball or slip-resistant socks. And a juicer can help anyone create a healthy breakfast. Source Link 

There’s a kitchen gadget that’s a time and money saver and is good for your health. A vacuum sealer inhibits bacteria growth and can keep foods fresh for longer. You can also use a vacuum sealer to prepare your own meal kits by combining seasonings with individual portions of an entree that can go from the freezer to the oven or grill. Source Link 

May 5, 2021

 It’s a less-cluttered connection but is that wireless charger sucking the life out of your smartphone battery? Wireless chargers create a great deal of heat and when phone batteries reach high temperatures they burn out faster. Be sure to align your phone carefully on a wireless charger to reduce the effects of the extra heat. Source Link 

Your phone is low on power but resist the urge for a free public top-up. Charging stations in airports, coffee shops and even libraries can be infected with malware that gets into your phone through the power cord. A better solution is to carry an external battery and use it to power your phone. Source Link 

Personal safety at night takes a bit of vigilance and some common sense. If you walk your dog in the evening attach a pepper spray can to the leash and don’t use earbuds when walking alone at night. And if you suddenly notice someone following you call the police to send your location to them. Source Link 

May 4, 2021

 Nighttime snacking can set up a vicious loop that keeps you eating more and sleeping less. Late-night snacking has been shown to increase cravings for junk food and disrupt sleep patterns, making it more likely that you’ll conduct another midnight raid of the fridge. Overeating can lead to obesity and that also can cause problems with sleep. Source Link 

Most of us have thrown out food based on expiration dates, but you might not need to trash it. Milk is typically safe for two to three days after the “sell by” date, as are many perishables once they’ve been refrigerated. But if something smells bad, curdles or turns a suspicious color, toss it. Source Link 

If you like to scroll through your smartphone or tablet in bed at night, be sure to get lots of sunlight during the day. Research showed that people who had plenty of exposure to daylight were less likely to have their sleep disturbed by a glowing screen. The light from smartphone and tablet screens can confuse your internal time clock and make it harder to fall asleep. Source Link 

May 3, 2021

 Vitamin-enhanced foods are probably too little or too much of a good thing. Foods can be enriched to replace nutrients lost during processing but it might not fully substitute for the real thing. And a vitamin-fortified food might give you too much if you already take a multivitamin or add a false sense of healthiness to what’s otherwise junk food. Source Link 

If you really want to enjoy TV you need to #no live-tweeting. People who tweeted about a program while they were watching didn’t enjoy it as much as those who concentrated on just the show. Researchers say live-tweeting prevents a viewer from being transported into the story for full enjoyment. Source Link 

Buying online can often mean savings but some Internet purchases may have a downside. Furniture, mattresses and home appliances are all items that could be difficult to return and shoes, makeup and vintage clothing bought online may be a bad fit. And you’ll often get fresher flowers from a local store than you would from an online florist. Source Link