Would you like a trick to remember when to use affect and effect?

Do you ever wonder whether you should be using the word “affect” with an “a” or “effect” with an “e?” 

Most people do. If you’re not sure, there is a pretty straight forward rule to the affect vs. effect dilemma. “Affect” with an “a” is a verb. “Effect” with an “e” is a noun – a very easy noun. The rule is in that tag line – “A Very Easy Noun.” If you can remember that, you’ll find your answer in the first letter of each word. A: affect, V: verb, E: effect, N: noun. Another common trick is the word AVENue.  Which avenue should I take with this sentence?  These tricks will either have an effect on you – or not affect you at all. 

Of course this IS English – which means there are some scenarios that affect, or have an effect on the rule. If you happen to be discussing psychology – the verb/noun rule doesn't necessarily apply – and can even be reversed. 

We've got some interesting new options in the gum chewing department...

Chewing gum is great at freshening breath and relieving stress...

Some manufacturers are kicking their gum up a notch, giving us more reasons to chew:

• Dentyne Ice Vanilla Chill: Chewing vanilla gum helps reduce anxiety and can make quitting cigarettes easier. 

• Bach Flower Rescue Gum for Stress Release: These nuggets have a liquid center with a blend of six flowers that help fight stress.

• Trident Vitality Vigorate: Get 10% of your daily vitamin C in one of these sticks.

• Spry Green Tea Gum: This one’s rich in the amino acid that helps keep you calm, yet alert.

Really old family photos a mystery? Look closer...

Old family photos that have been passed down through generations often get more mysterious over time... 

If you’re wondering which generation that woman with the big hands or grumpy looking man are from – there are likely some clues in or on the photo to help you solve the mystery. Maureen Taylor, “The Photo Detective,” tells us what to look for:

• If there is a stamp on the back – it was taken between 1864 and 1866 when US photos required a tax stamp.

• If there is a double gold border around the image – it’s probably from the 1860s. A thin, red border indicates the 1870s.

• Check the background. If the props are simple – a table, chair and drapery – it was probably taken before 1870. If there are bear rugs or elaborate furniture – that’s closer to 1890. A child on a donkey or in a cart pulled by a goat -1900.

• Check the attire. Women’s padded bustles were all the rage in the 1860s and 70s. Puffy sleeves – 1893 to 1898. Men’s jackets were tight in the 1880s and ties weren’t popular until the late 90s.

• Check the hair. Men wore theirs very short in the 1880s and 90s. Longer hair was in before that. If a young child in the photo has hair parted on the side – it’s a boy. Hair parted in the middle for girls.

Have you written anything today? You probably should...

You don’t need to be an author to put some really powerful words in writing... 

Kathleen Adams, author of “Journal to the Self,” says your pen can help tackle lots of things, from relationships and anger to back pain and stress. Here are a few writing assignments:

• Unsent Letters: If you’re angry with someone in your life, go ahead – write them a scathing letter. Just don’t send it. Be brutally honest and express exactly how you feel. This will help you vent and deal with the situation more rationally. Read it over a few times and then tear it up.

• Dialogue with a person: This exercise can help with shyness or lack of confidence. Write an imagined conversation. Start with your part and then write what you think the other person would respond with. It will help your conversation and negotiating skills.

• Dialogue with a thing: This can actually help you brainstorm solutions from the other side. For example, if you suffer from chronic back pain, write a dialogue between you and your back. “You: What will it take to make you feel better?” “Back: You don’t get enough exercise. Building up your strength would help.”

• Listing: This technique can help with depression or if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Take a few minutes each day to list three to five pleasant experiences you had since your last entry. When we’re stressed out – we tend to not notice those things. 

It’s important to remember that you have complete control over everything you write. Reviewing, editing and changing what you’ve written can enhance the benefits
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Every season has its share of scams – and tax season is no exception.

It's peak tax season - and the IRS says scammers could be trying to rob you blind... 

Here are some warnings:

• Do NOT respond to email from the IRS looking for personal information – or click on any links. It’s bogus. The IRS does NOT contact you by email. 

• If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS – don’t give them any information. Call the IRS to confirm that person is an employee.

• Don’t fall for phony refunds. The IRS says scammers are trying to convince people they’re eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit in order to get information.

The IRS is on Twitter now - you can follow them @IRSnews. They’ve even got a free app for your Android or Apple phone. It’s IRS2GO and it lets you check out your refund status and tax records.

If you’d like to save some gas – take the back roads...

The way you drive has a big impact on the amount of gas you use – and waste...  

Here are a few adjustments you can make that can really add up:

• Braking: Try to anticipate when you’ll need to stop. The less accelerating you do, the more gas you’ll save. If you’re in traffic, a little anticipation can keep some of your momentum going.

• Cruise control: Use it – it really does save gas by maintaining a constant speed.

• Neutral: Get in the habit of shifting into neutral when idling, at a stoplight or in a jam. It reduces transmission strain and helps save fuel.

• Check the trunk: The heavier your car is – the more gas it takes to move it. Wait until you’re close to empty before filling up the gas tank for the same reason.

• Check your air filter: Replacing an inefficient one can improve gas mileage by 10%.

• Back roads: Choose the most gas-friendly route – which is not always the shortest. Roads with traffic and traffic lights require more braking and accelerating, which uses up more gas. Opt for low-traffic highways or back roads instead.

If a family member wants to borrow some money – should you do it?

Loaning money to a friend or family member might be a bad idea...

...but in some cases it could be worse, or too difficult to say no. If you do need to make the loan, here are a few things you can do that might help both of you:

• Ask what the money is for. Loaning someone money for a trip to the doctor might make more sense than a trip to the hairdresser or casino.

• Is this person reliable? If not, you may still decide to take a chance in good faith, knowing the risks. Jot down the terms of the loan – and make a copy. It’s a good way of letting the other person know you’re counting on them.

• Consider forgoing money for skills. If it’s too difficult for the person to pay the money back in a reasonable amount of time – there may be some work they can do for you instead.

• Never give cash. It may be easier for you both – but it’s worth the trouble of loaning in the form of check or money order. It provides proof of your loan. Write the word “loan” in the subject field. That prevents someone from claiming the money was a gift.

The kiss of death...

If you’re faced with the difficult task of saying goodbye to a beloved pet – don’t KISS them goodbye...

It’s pretty common for pet owners to want to comfort a sick or dying pet – but snuggling or kissing a terminally ill animal could be deadly. A new study says too much close contact puts devoted animal owners at greater risk of contracting life-threatening infections. 

Most cats and dogs have specific bacteria in the mouth that is a common cause of skin infections from animal bites and scratches. More serious forms of infection from the bacteria can occur through interactions with animals such as licking or kissing. Infants, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are most at risk – but there have been cases of infection reported in healthy, middle-aged people as well.

You handshake speaks volumes about your health. Here's what it's saying...

A firm handshake indicates you’re confident and friendly – and probably in pretty good health...  

A new study found some links between handshakes and potential health risks. Researchers followed 2,500 people for a decade and determined that those with a firm handshake were at a significantly lower risk of stroke and dementia than those with the flimsy or limp grip.

Author of the study, Dr. Erica Camargo, says vascular problems in the brain manifest themselves in a variety of ways. A weak grip could be a sign that your overall cardiovascular health isn’t in the best shape.

Are you ready for allergy season? This will help...

A relatively mild winter means a bumper crop of allergies this season...  

Experts say we should brace ourselves, due to an earlier release of tree pollen which could lead to a longer, harder allergy season than normal. If anyone in your family is prone – a dehumidifier can make a big difference. The goal is to keep the relative humidity in your house below 50 percent. That starves the allergy-inducing dust mites and mold of the moisture they need to thrive. 

The most effective spots for your dehumidifier are in basements, bathrooms and kitchens. They are natural breeding grounds for mold, mildew and bacteria. Balancing the moisture in those areas will do a lot to improve overall air quality throughout the house.

If your doctor suggests you take a new drug – ask this first!

If you like your doctor – you probably assume he or she knows what’s best...

But according to Marianne Legato, author of “Eve’s Rib,” there are some important questions to ask before taking a new medicine they suggest. She says many new drugs are riskier than most people think – and the extent of risks for any given drug are generally not known until after it has been used by far more people and for longer periods of time. Before agreeing to take a new medication, be sure to ask:

• Why do I need to take this drug? Your doctor should clarify why this drug is better than any other.

• What are the possible side effects? There is no such thing as a drug with zero potential adverse effects. Your doctor should know them all, no matter how rare - and outline what to do if problems arise.

• How long has this drug been on the market? Unless absolutely necessary, try to avoid taking a brand new medication.

• What is your own experience in prescribing this drug? Your doctor should have firsthand knowledge of the medication, rather than prescribing it based solely on its reputation.

Dr. Legato says women should be especially careful. They are much more prone to adverse drug reactions than men because of differences in hormones, metabolism, biochemistry and anatomy. If a new drug is prescribed – women should ask specifically how women reacted in clinical trials.

Having a streak of bad luck? Try this..

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If you’re having one of those days – when nothing is going right, wash your hands! 

It actually makes a difference and can break a streak of bad luck. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found people who washed their hands for a full minute after a making mistakes or experiencing some bad luck significantly increased their success rates. Washing your hands sends a subconscious message to the brain that you’re ready to start over. Those who tried it were more likely to take chances with clean hands – increasing their odds of good fortune.

If you’d like a really good night’s sleep tonight – do this today...

Would you like a deeper, longer sleep tonight? 

Take a walk today. Researchers at the University of Arizona say those of us who walk every day sleep much better at night. Try for at least the equivalent of 6 city blocks. That’s 3 blocks out and 3 blocks back. That 6 block distance could add 15 to 60 minutes to your deep sleep cycle. Walking reduces stress and will lessen any anxiety or restlessness that prevents us from getting to, or staying in that valuable deep-sleep mode.

Driving at night can be tricky. These tips can help...

If you dread driving in the dark – there are a few things you can do to improve your night driving:

• Angle your headlights properly. Over time, they get out of whack - and badly aimed headlights can distort your vision or blind oncoming drivers. Check them about once a year by parking on a flat seurface about 10 feet from a wall or garage door – and take note of low and high beam alignment. 

• Angle your mirrors. If you’ll be on the highway for any length of time, it’s worth adjusting your side mirrors slightly down. You’ll have to adjust your head a bit before changing lanes – but it will cut night driving glare significantly. 

• Clean your headlights and windshield, inside and out. It’s common sense but a lot of people don’t do it - and it makes a huge difference at night.

• Watch the white line. When oncoming traffic is blinding you – focus on the white or yellow line to your right until they pass. You’ll save your eyes the trouble of trying to adjust to extremes.

• Back off. Leave a little more room between you and the car in front of you at night. It will reduce red light glare for you – and rear-view glare for them.

If you’ve upgraded your phone – put your old one to use...

If you just couldn’t resist that last mobile phone upgrade – and you’ve got a perfectly good “backup” phone lying around... 

Keep using it. Most people tend to forget about that best friend as soon as they upgrade to a flashier, smarter best friend. Old faithful would still be happy to help you out. 

Before deactivating a phone, load it up with free apps and use it as another portable entertainment or gaming device. The calculator, camera, calendar, clock and alarm will all still work without phone service – and could come in handy. An old phone designated to the kitchen can be a great spot to store recipes, addresses or the community shopping list.