July 30, 2021

 When you want to commit something to memory, try doing nothing. Studies have shown that a 10 to 15 minute break after a learning session helped people retain information better. But the break time must be just that -- a complete break from thinking -- so no doing errands, checking emails or surfing the web. Source Link 

Are you guilty of these bad habits when cooking on a stove? You fill a pan to brimming and don’t give ingredients room to breathe and cook properly. You don’t fully preheat a pan before using it or use a non-stick pan to sear or consistently cook foods. Or you move your food around too much while cooking and it doesn’t have time to develop a better texture and flavor. Source Link

How can you give your brain a boost in just 15 minutes? Lace up some comfortable shoes and step out. Researchers found that a quick, light jog can leave you feeling more energetic, lift your spirits and make your thinking more effective. Compared to simply resting, movement can improve your mood and brain function. Source Link 

July 29, 2021

 Are you falling for some of these myths about motoring? You don’t get better fuel mileage with a truck tailgate down and you won’t get more gas if you fill up in the cool of the morning. Your coolant and air filter don’t need to be changed every time with the oil and you can replace just one tire if it’s the same brand, model and size. Source Link 

A short stroll might make up for those long hours of sitting. Research showed that getting up and walking for two minutes every hour could help reverse the negative health effects from prolonged sitting. Other studies have shown that sitting a lot every day can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and premature death. Source Link

Getting kids in the habit of doing chores starts early. Toddlers can learn by helping to put away toys and books or put dirty clothes in a hamper. Pre-schoolers can make a bed on their own or help clear the dinner table. And by the age of six many kids can feed pets and help pull weeds and water plants. Source Link

July 28, 2021

 You can still eat healthy when fast food is your only choice for a meal. Look for the lowest calorie selections and go for lean protein like grilled or broiled meats served in a salad instead of on a bun and without fatty or sugary dressings. And resist the urge to eat in your car - walk into the restaurant and take the time to enjoy your food. Source Link 

Coffee this morning can only go so far to make up for a lack of sleep last night. Researchers found that caffeine will likely improve your mood and alertness for a while but does little to help you do complex tasks. And coffee becomes less effective the more days you go on short sleep. Source Link

You can clean your house like a pro, but are you making some of these rookie mistakes? Don’t use the same cleaning rag throughout the home. Instead, have one for each room. Feather dusters spread dust around and a microfiber cloth with cleaning solution is a better choice. And work from the highest points down so dirt doesn’t fall back on your clean spots. Source Link

July 27, 2021

 You can step off, speed up or dive into a new exercise plan. Start by scheduling a daily walk and find other ways to take more steps each day. You can also pick up the pace with things like house cleaning to make it more of a workout or take a water fitness class that lets you exercise with less resistance. Source Link 

Every snore isn’t a sign of sleep apnea, but it’s worth a closer look. Talk with your doctor about other warning signs like choking or gasping during sleep or high blood pressure. Sleep apnea can also leave you feeling tired after a full night's sleep or make it difficult to stay awake while watching TV or driving. Source Link

Don’t let the convenience of online shopping blind you to the downside of doing business with a virtual store. Paying with a credit card gives you the option to dispute a false charge and it’s good to know what personal information a site or service is collecting when you choose to interact with it. And comparison shop and read reviews but remember that some of those might be fake. Source Link

July 26, 2021

 What can make up for a day of sitting? How about an hour of exercise? Research shows that exercise has a more powerful effect in helping the heart than sitting does in harming it, so one hour of physical exercise could counteract the effects of sitting six to seven hours a day. Too much sitting has been linked to obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure. Source Link 

You change bedsheets to keep sleep time feeling fresh but do you know the right way to clean a mattress? Using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment or soft brush is a fast way but you can also sprinkle a box of baking soda on the mattress and leave it to sit there for a day. If you can flip your mattress, remember to do it every three months. Source Link 

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 

July 23, 2021

 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 

July 22, 2021

 If your home WiFi won’t fly, look to your router for relief. Your home router’s power plug could be the culprit so make sure it’s tightly connected to an outlet. Keep the router cool by not placing it in a cabinet or anywhere with little ventilation. If all else fails, reboot your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds. Source Link 

When it comes to eating, size and speed are two factors that could have you tipping the scales even more. In a study, people who were given more food ate as much as 43% more when the portion size was increased by 75%. And those who ate faster or took bigger bites also tended to eat more food. Source Link 

Need a game plan for ridding your home of too much stuff? Rather than once a week, commit to 30 consecutive days of tidying up. Put everything you don’t need in a box and seal it up for 12 months. If you haven’t opened it in a year you can discard it. And after you’ve cleaned, turn down that internal nick-picking voice that says it isn’t good enough. Source Link

July 21, 2021

 Hitting your weight loss goal is great but it’s only half the battle. To keep that weight off, experts say don’t ease off on exercise, choose a forever diet and increase food intake very gradually. And maintain the support network of friends, family or health professionals who helped you achieve your weight loss goal. Source Link 

Preparations to send a child off to college should include some straight talk before moving day. Discuss what decisions you expect them to tackle on their own and when to ask for help. Talk about academic priorities and healthy ways to manage stress and plan for weekly video chats or occasional visits to look for any worrisome changes. Source Link 

Tin foil isn’t just for cooking or leftovers. Fold a 12-inch long sheet of heavy-duty tin foil into six layers and cut with a pair of scissors to sharpen them or line an ironing board cover with tin foil to press both sides of an item at the same time. And a ball of crumpled tin foil can be used with soap and water to scrub burnt-on food from pots and pans. Source Link

July 20, 2021

 Safety experts say you can prevent tragedies in a hot car by remembering to “ACT.” “A” is to avoid ever leaving a child alone in a car. “C” is to create reminders like putting your briefcase or purse next to the child, and “T” is to take action and call 9-1-1 if you ever see a child alone in a car. Source Link 

How can you know if you’re having a “silent” heart attack that happens without any of the typical symptoms? A silent heart attack may include indigestion, feeling like you have a strained muscle in the chest or upper back, or prolonged, excessive fatigue. Diagnosis after the fact is important because having a silent heart attack increases the risk of heart failure. Source Link

Listening to music to fall asleep may actually leave you wide awake. Researchers found that the brain keeps processing “earworms” that are catchy parts of a tune and this can interfere with getting to sleep. The more you listen to music at bedtime, the more likely you are to catch an earworm that won't go away. Source Link

July 19, 2021

 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 

July 16, 2021

 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

Here's a three-step plan to avoid being a victim of online hacking. Start by using a password manager for automatic strong protection that you won’t have to remember. Log onto financial sites using only one device like an old phone, tablet or laptop. And set up alerts so your bank will email or text you about any large transactions. Source Link 

If you have a traditional IRA now might be a great time to switch and save on taxes. Converting to a Roth IRA and paying taxes now could cost you less than doing it later. That's because experts say it’s unlikely individual tax rates will drop any lower in the years to come when Congress will have to deal with a growing budget deficit. Source Link

July 15, 2021

 Giving your to-do list letter grades might help you complete more assignments. An “A” item is significantly important with serious consequences if it’s not done. “B” is something you should do but has a minor downside. A “C” would be nice to accomplish but not vital. A “D” is something to delegate to others and an “E” task is one you can eliminate. Source Link 

There’s no upside to sharing your bed with your baby. A study found that bed-sharing did nothing to boost mother-infant bonding and increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, even when parents are careful. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing with an infant but not bed-sharing. Source Link

You can protect your pet from fleas and ticks using pills, chews, collars, sprays, dips, shampoos, powders and liquid products, but which one is right for your dog or cat? Get your veterinarian’s advice before using any product, especially for weak, old, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets. And don’t use flea and tick control on kittens or puppies unless the label says it’s made for them. Source Link

July 14, 2021

 Sharing time with your long-distance grandchildren doesn’t have to be a phone call or a FaceTime session. You can work on projects together, whether that’s drawing in a shared sketchbook or building the same hobby items. You can also read the same books and then discuss them with your grandchildren. Source Link 

How could online grocery shopping be healthier for you? A study found that people who shopped for food online spent less on junk food like candy, frozen desserts, cookies and cakes. But sugary beverages and sweet and salty snacks were still being purchased online probably because these are usually not impulse buys. Source Link

Few people look forward to jury duty and scammers are using that to try to cheat you. Victims get a phone call saying they’re up for jury duty that day but can avoid it by paying a fee. Real jury duty issues are handled by mail and no court threatens you with imminent arrest. If you get such a call, hang up and call the court directly to confirm that there’s a problem. Source Link

July 13, 2021

So, you’re heavy into planning for what to do while on vacation? You might want to ease off a bit. Research has shown that keeping to a tight schedule for activities can leave you watching the clock instead of enjoying the moment. Remember to under-schedule those vacation days so you have the freedom to do things spontaneously. Source Link 

Adopting a kitten can be exciting but consider the options before you become a new pet parent. Adopting from an animal shelter often provides you with full health checkups and necessary shots. And if you’re ready for it two kittens adopted together can keep each other company and encourage exercise and play. Source Link 

Intermittent fasting to lose weight may be all the rage but old-fashioned calorie counting can add up to more pounds that are dropped. A clinical trial found that people who simply cut their daily calories by 25% lost more weight and fat compared to those who tried intermittent fasting. And there was no difference in heart health between calorie counting and fasting. Source Link 

July 12, 2021

 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

July 9, 2021

 Adult coloring books are more than a pleasant pastime. Coloring can give your brain a break from the everyday stress of so many decisions and help you maintain dexterity as you age. And picking up a coloring book instead of your phone or tablet before bed can help your wind down more easily and may even improve your sleep. Source Link 

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 

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 

July 8, 2021

 Uncle Sam is getting ready to send out the first monthly payments for the new federal child tax credit. They’ll start with electronic deposits on July 15th with paper checks to follow. Through the end of the year, parents who meet income guidelines can receive $300 a month for each child under age 7 and $250 a month for other children under age 18. Source Link 

If that gym membership is still going unused there are ways to get back on track for fitness. Set specific goals you can achieve at the gym and ask a trainer for one-on-one instruction to learn the best way for you to exercise. You can also try new classes each week to explore different techniques and maybe find a new favorite. Source Link 

A used car can be a major investment for any make or model so always do your homework before you buy. Research the car’s history for possible accidents or collisions and take it out for a test spin to get the sound and feel of the drive and to test the AC, heater and radio. Then have a car mechanic do an independent inspection of the vehicle. Source Link 

July 7, 2021

 Scam artists are targeting travelers as more Americans plan long-awaited vacations and reunions after Covid vaccination. You can sidestep rental-car scams by going directly to a company’s website for online reservations or to find phone numbers. And avoid fake vacation rental listings by always using the service’s website or app to contact a host. Source Link 

Good posture can help reduce neck and back pain and you don’t need to balance a book on your head to improve. A few times a day, sit with your feet flat on the floor or stand up tall. Look straight ahead, bring your shoulders back and down, and slightly tuck in your chin. Now hold this position for a count of five. Source Link 

How can aluminum foil prevent your car from being stolen? Those radio signals from a car fob that let you start a vehicle without a key can be hacked by thieves when the car is parked nearby. Keeping a car fob wrapped in aluminum foil when it’s not being used can stop a thief from taking over the keyless controls. Source Link

July 6, 2021

 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 

July 2, 2021

 If you use an app to remotely deposit checks into your bank account, don’t be quick to toss out that paper. Hang on to the check for two weeks in case the deposit doesn’t clear and you need to provide it to your bank. And when it’s safe to dispose of the check be sure to shred it so it can’t fall into the wrong hands. Source Link 

Are there “superfoods” that can boost your brain health? Health experts say there’s no one food that can be the answer but an eating plan like the Mediterranean Diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts can lead to better cognitive abilities in old age. On the other hand, the sluggishness you feel after a heavy meal is your brain reacting to all that fat and sugar. Source Link 

Be sure your next load of laundry doesn’t include these items. Washing a rubber-backed mat may damage the pump from pieces of rubber that can break off. And if you put running shoes in the washing machine remove the insoles and place each shoe in a separate pillowcase. Then, wash the shoes with bath towels to act as cushions. Source Link 

July 1, 2021

 A specific way of breathing might help keep your stomach from feeling the effects of stress or anxiety. Try taking deep breaths from your diaphragm that expand your abdomen. This activates the autonomic nervous system and makes your GI tract less sensitive to stimuli that could cause an upset stomach. Source Link 

Summer is salad time but make sure you’re eating one that’s good for you. A taco salad can pack as much fat as a cheeseburger and a chef’s salad is often loaded with processed meats and cheese that’s high in saturated fat. And that Caesar salad is usually topped with a heavy, creamy high-calorie dressing, so order it on the side and use the dressing sparingly. Source Link 

You can make a weekend seem longer by making every day or each hour a discovery for you. That might be a two-day getaway to a new place out of town or staying close to home to explore new neighborhoods, try new restaurants or read a new book. That time seems to last longer because your brain is focused on collecting unfamiliar information into a memory. Source Link