Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide – you can’t see, smell or taste it – but there are a few warning signs of exposure...

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a terrifying thought – and this can be the most dangerous time of year. Although you can’t see, smell or taste the gas – there are a few warning signs that you’re being exposed, including dull headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or chest pain. People who have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning usually feel very ill before they realize something is wrong. If you suspect you’ve been exposed – get outside immediately for some fresh air and call 911. The American Lung Association says installing carbon monoxide detectors, especially in bedrooms, is our best defense.

Designated Driver

Who wants to be the designated driver?

 

If you’ll be out celebrating this weekend – hopefully you’ve got a designated driver. If it’s NOT you – have some mercy. If it is – here’s what you’ll need:

• Non-alcoholic beverages – obviously.

• Responsibility. The designated driver should have a reliable vehicle, a good driving record, and all necessary documents in order.

• Designated departure time. Agree on this BEFORE the others start drinking – time flies when they’re having fun.

• Designated passenger. Getting angry or yelling at intoxicated passengers can make that ride home MUCH worse – designate someone else in the car to deal with any distractions.

• Number for a cab. You’ll be the best judge concerning others at the party. Go ahead and call a cab if you run out of seats – or if there’s someone you’re not comfortable inviting into your car.

Offering to be the designated driver has its perks too – you’re doing EVERYONE on the road a favor – and you’ll feel a LOT better on New Year’s Day.

Fighting Fair

When a personal relationship hits the skids – it’s important to fight fair...

Even the closest relationships are prone to fights. Whether it’s a partner, sibling, parent or child – fighting fair can minimize the damages. Personal coach Lauren Zander has some fighting don’ts:

• Don’t pretend it never happened – it just erodes intimacy in the long run.

• Don’t try to resolve things in the heat of battle.

• Don’t use anything said in those agitated moments against each other later.

It’s important to address hurt feelings after the dust has settled – but it’s not always easy. Try to stick to the issue at hand – and avoid throwing in any other gripes. Once you’ve stated your case – it’s their turn. Hear them out without interrupting. Sometimes it’s more about being heard than being right.

Sugarless Gum

If you get a stomach ache after chewing gum – there’s a connection...

What’s the harm in sugarless gum? It’s a sweet treat with no calories. But if you chew too much of it – you could be in for some stomach trouble. The sweeteners used in sugarless candy and gum - in large quantities - can cause abdominal pain, bloating and gas. No warnings are required on the labels because a stick of sugarless gum contains about a gram or two of sorbitol, but it only takes 5 to 20 grams a day to trigger bloating and cramps – depending on how sensitive the chewer is.

Kids or people with digestive problems are at the most risk and should really opt for natural treats without preservatives or additives.

Source: Andrew L. Rubman, ND, Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines

Working In

If working out is on your list of resolutions – consider working in first....

Working out is one of the top resolutions each year – and if you’re starting from scratch – you might want to consider working in instead. Fitness trainer Kristin McGee says that starting with yoga or Pilates at home is a good way to start concentrating and get your body and mind in sync. Combine something you love with your new routine, music, scents or a TV show – and there’s a good chance that resolution might just become more of a treat than a chore.

Talking Too Much

If you have a problem communicating in your relationship – stop talking!

Good communication is key in a relationship – but talking too much can ruin it. Marriage therapist Steven Stosny explains, if you spend years talking to someone – using the same language and inflections – it’s easier for them to tune you out. Once that happens – it’s a natural reaction to talk even more to get your point across – which usually backfires.

When you REALLY need to talk – make it count. Consider reaching out and touching your partner first. Stick to the point you really want to get across and consider changing your usual tone a bit.

Drink LESS Water

We should be drinking 8 glasses of water every day, right? Not really.

We hear it all the time – we should all be drinking 8 glasses of water a day. All that water should help our skin and clear toxins from our body. But according to kidney specialist Stanley Goldfarb, those 8 glasses a day isn’t really necessary. It’s the kidney’s job to filter out toxins – and too much water can actually decrease their efficiency. He says it’s really important not to get dehydrated – and to drink water when you’re thirsty – but there’s no real evidence that forcing down more than that really helps in other departments.

Gamer Skills

If your kid got a new all-consuming violent video game for Christmas – don’t despair...

We’re supposed to limit our kids’ screen time with video games – but those virtual play games are all the rage. Before you give the kid and the gaming system a time out – you might want to engage in a round of battle for yourself. It’s faced paced, action based play – and it’s far from mindless. Some studies show it can actually improve some real world skills for people of all ages. People who play those games have better vision, reflexes and stay more focused on attention and speed tests.

Skilled gamers use their frontal lobe more than non-gamers do, which actually improves their thinking skills and eye-hand coordination. Gaming time limits are still important – but at least that time spent playing is not a complete waste.

Source: Daphne Bavelier, University of Rochester

Child-Proof Meds

If you’ve got visitors in town – check their medications!

Grandparents and other guests aren’t always as careful as you are keeping their meds kid-proof. Dr. Richard Besser put some medicine bottles to the test with a group of toddlers. Those pill organizers were simple to get into – and they got the easy-open prescription bottles in under 30 seconds – those are common containers for senior citizens. The child-proof bottles could NOT be cracked by the team of toddlers – but only if they were completely closed and locked.

Keeping pills out of reach isn’t good enough. Small children watch where we put things – and are excellent climbers. And it’s not just prescription drugs we need to worry about - acetaminophen is the most common accidental ingestion by kids – and it can be deadly.

Bad Mood Food

If you’re feeling down in the dumps – here's some good food for that bad mood...

Feeling stressed out, sluggish or blue? There’s a food for that. Here’s what’s on the menu for your mood:

• Stressed – opt for chocolate – the darker the better. It helps to block anxiety.

• Sluggish – munch on some popcorn. Its carbs can fire up your metabolism.

• Sad – have some tuna. Salmon works too. The Omega-3s keep your brain walls flexible. If they’re too stiff – your mood can take a dive.

Source: Lakatos Shames, R.D.

It's Just a Cold

Is it okay to exercise when you’ve got a cold? That depends...

If you’ve got a cold – you might want to skip that exercise routine for a few days. It all depends on your symptoms. Skip the physical activity if you’re suffering from:

• Chest congestion

• Hacking cough

• Nausea

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Body and muscle aches

Dr. Randy Eichner, physician for the University of Oklahoma football program, advises doing the “neck check.” If all the symptoms are above the neck – such as runny nose, congestion, sneezing or sore throat – moderate exercise should be okay.

Skip the Middle Aisles

In order to eat healthy – we need to shop healthy...

You’ve probably heard that shopping the perimeter of the grocery store is really all you need – that’s where the healthiest stuff is. Produce, bakery, butcher, dairy. The trick is to head straight for the produce section first. Once we’ve got a bunch of fruits and vegetables in there – we’ll shop to complement those. By choosing your other mainstays from the perimeters – like bread from the bakery instead of the mass produced isle – and meat from the butcher department – we’ll have more quality products in our carts - and less room for the processed junk in the middle isles.

Smoke Gets In Your Ears

There’s a new risk for hearing loss – and it’s not your iPod....

If you need yet another reason to quit smoking – we found one. Smokers are 70% more likely to suffer hearing loss! And secondhand smoke counts. Researchers say tobacco smoke causes a disruption of blood flow to the ear – depriving it of oxygen which results in a buildup of toxins. This type of hearing loss makes it difficult to hear conversations in a noisy situation – which is different than the types we’re already getting from age and loud noise.

Source: University of Miami and Florida International University

Flight Delays

The next time you get stuck at the airport – here's what to expect...

All it takes is one big snowstorm to throw everyone’s flights off. Genevieve Shaw Brown from Travelocity tells us what to expect:

• If you’re already at the airport – make yourself comfortable – there’s not much you can do – it doesn’t give you priority over ticketed passengers.

• Take any flight headed in the right direction. You might not be able to get to your destination – but if you’re brave and able to improvise – you WILL make progress.

• You’ll probably get a refund – so if you can reschedule – do it.

A lot of people think they’ll have more access to information if they’re at the airport – but you might have better luck on the phone. If you’re not already there – don’t go – the most you’ll get is a food voucher and a cot - if you’re lucky.

Warming Up Your Car

If you warm up your car before heading out – it doesn't take long...

Warming up your car could actually do some damage to the engine. Excessive idling decreases the life of your engine – and of course wastes some gas. It forces the engine to operate in an inefficient gasoline-rich mode which can reduce performance and mileage over time. Newer engines are designed to get oil circulating in about 10 seconds – and they actually warm up more efficiently in drive mode.

On really cold or icy days – there’s just no getting around the warm-up time. Giving the defrosters enough time to do their job is worth any gas you’re wasting in idle mode - safety first.

Source: Rob Maier, Maier’s Garage, Bridgeport, CT

Unwanted Gifts

If you don’t have the receipt – or can’t return that gift – there are some other options...

Returning gifts can be a hassle – especially if you don’t have the receipt. There are some other options out there for unwanted stuff:

• Selling gifts. Thanks to the internet – there are plenty of sites where you can list your items. Just be sure to check the fee’s involved – most of them charge the seller – not the buyer.

• Donating gifts. Search for local organizations that are accepting unwanted gifts – you’re bound to find a worthy cause out there.

• Swapping gifts. Hosting your own unwanted gift swap can be fun. There are also plenty of websites out there for gift swapping – but again – make sure you’re aware of any fees involved.

Source: Money Central, MSN

Power Rest

If you’d like to take a rest – without sleeping – you can do it in 1 minute...

No time to sleep? You can still take a rest – and it only takes about a minute. The key ingredient is music. You’ll need one fast song and one slow song. Sit comfortably – and listen to the FAST song for about 30 seconds. Then strike up the SLOW song and give that a listen. The next step is to replay those songs – it can be in your head – and walk to their rhythms – around the room, down the hall or across a parking lot. Fast song first – and then the slow song.

You can make this musical exercise as long as you’d like for maximum rest effect. It creates a mental and physical diversion – in harmony – and boosts mood and energy more effectively than a nap.

Source: Matthew Edlund, MD, Center for Circadian Medicine

Misery Loves Company

If you have to deal with a really crabby person – here's what to do...

If you know a real grouch – or someone who’s consistently negative – Dr. Judy Kuriansky, author or “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to a Healthy Relationship,” tells us what to do:

• The business as usual approach is your best bet. Ignore the crankiness and try to respond without emotion. It helps defuse the situation.

• Try picturing their true source of misery. Most of us have a little more tolerance towards someone once we determine why they’re suffering.

When all else fails – walk away – at least temporarily. It will help you both reflect on how you want to handle the situation without blowing your stack.

Did You See That?

We look at lots of stuff – but we don’t always see it...

Even when we’re looking – our brains don’t always register what’s really there. Dr. Daniel Simmons, author of “The Invisible Gorilla,” explains why these illusions can be dangerous. When we’re looking for something specific – we can miss the things we don’t expect. A driver watching for other cars might not see a pedestrian or motorcycle right in front of them. In one study – participants were asked to watch a video of a basketball game and keep track of how many times the ball was passed. Over half of them failed to notice the person in a gorilla suit walk right across the screen.

Computer Vision Syndrome

If your eyes feel dry or irritated – it could be CVS...

Carpal Tunnel and Blackberry Thumb have been taking a back seat to C.V.S – Computer Vision Syndrome. 70% of us have it – and we can blame the computer. It only takes about 2 hours of use a day to wind up with C.V.S. Dry, irritated eyes; headaches and fatigue are the primary symptoms.

The best defense against Computer Vision Syndrome is the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes – look away from the computer. Focus on something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps your eyes refocus and rest a bit. And don’t forget to blink more often – it’s important to keep those eyes moisturized.

Source: Dr. Jennifer Ashton, CBS News

Beware the Food Court!

For that final trip to the mall – you might want to pack a lunch!

If you’re headed to the mall to complete your mission – beware of the food court. Sure, it’s convenient – but try not to let that aroma draw you in. First of all, eating on the run is never really good. You’ll be much more satisfied if you opt for a sit down restaurant and savor the meal. Taking snacks along will save you time and money – and will probably be healthier than anything you’ll find in the mall. Most of those mall snacks have as many or more calories than a full meal! Finally, some of that food court food sits around for hours – definitely avoid it later in the day or at night.

If you need a caffeine break – opt for plain tea or coffee – and make it a small. Those festive coffee drinks you’ll find in the mall are loaded with extras – extra flavoring, calories and price.

Source: Cynthia Sass, Registered Dietitian

Wi-Fi Warning

If you ever use public Wi-Fi – I’ve got a few steps to protect yourself and your computer...

It’s convenient to sign on to free Wi-Fi at a Starbucks, airport or hotel – but there are a few important things to check for to protect yourself – and your computer:

• Check for a privacy statement. If you can’t find one - you’re better off not using that network.

• Don’t type in credit card numbers or passwords. Thieves pray on public networks – and usually have ways to get past security.

• Once you’ve logged on – don’t forget to log off when you’re not using it. It’s a good idea to disable the wireless network while you’re not using the web on your computer.

Finally, always check the name before you agree to the terms on a public network. Most of them have a name that reflects the business. If it’s totally unfamiliar – it could be a trap set up by hackers.

Source: Microsoft.com

Old Age Perk

We lose a lot of good stuff as we age – but we gain some things too...

If you’re sick of hearing you’ll lose your memory, hearing and more when you get old – I’ve got some good news. Your emotions will be better than ever! At least how you handle them will. New research shows that seniors are much better at showing and expressing emotion. In the study group – young and middle aged people were more prone to detaching from emotions they weren’t comfortable with – but the older people had more authentic reactions and were much better at expressing how they felt.

Experts agree – the old folks are on to something good. They're better at getting their point across, controlling their impulses - and NOT being influenced by peers.

Source: Laurence Steinberg, Ph.D., Temple University

Non-Stick Pan Savers

If you’d like to NOT ruin a non-stick pan – read the directions!

How many people bother to read the instructions on a Teflon or non-stick pan? They’ll last a LOT longer if you do. Most brands suggest you pre-season the pan – which means washing and drying it BEFORE you use it – and rubbing some oil on there. Reed Winter, director of research and development for Nordic Ware, says we should really rub a little oil or butter on that pan each time we use it.

We’re also supposed to skip the cooking spray. It builds up in areas where the heat doesn’t burn it off – especially the sides – that’s why they get sticky or pasty.

Home Alone

If you need to leave your dog home alone for the day – do this before you go...

If the whole family is headed out and leaving the dog behind – there are a few things you can do to make the separation a little easier for your best friend:

• Give them some good hard exercise before you go.

• Put away the food bowl and consider a food toy to keep them interested for longer. Don’t have a food toy? Consider scattering some dry food around to give them something to hunt for.

• Leave some noise on for your dog. A television with voices talking is a good choice – or there’s always the radio.

• Avoid making a big production out of your departure – the more subtle your exit – the less stressful it is for the dog.

Meet Dr. Jetson

If you miss the good old days when doctors made house calls, you might like this futuristic medical trend...

We might not have those flying cars yet – but how does a virtual visit with the doctor sound? It’s telemedicine - and sometimes it involves a live video chat with a doctor – or maybe a phone call. It’s not for serious scenarios – but the common ones like pink eye or a cold – or a diagnosis of symptoms. You could potentially get a prescription without taking time off work or getting some other bug in the waiting room. These virtual visits won’t be able to help you out with pain killers or Viagra – they’re really just for run-of-the-mill ailments that might require an antibiotic or antihistamine prescription.

Telemedicine visits range in price from about $25 to $40. There are directories available online – just search the phrase “telemedicine”.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Measure, Don't Weigh

The next time you want to check your progress on your diet – skip the scale...

If you dread stepping on the scale – use a tape measure – it’s more accurate anyway. A trimmer waistline puts you at less risk for type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease – and those inches matter more than overall weight. So what should that circumference be? 37 inches or less for men - 32 inches or less for women. And go ahead and suck it in before you measure – that counts.

Source: Jorge Cruise, Fitness Expert

Christmas Heart Hazard

Christmas Day could be the most dangerous day for your heart...

Hospital emergency rooms get extra busy on December 26th – with heart related issues. Researchers chalk that up to over-indulging on Christmas day or night. Eating or drinking too much of the stuff you’re not supposed to is the primary problem, according to cardiologist Gerald Fletcher - but there are some other triggers too. Money woes sometimes set in after the merriment subsides, then stress levels start to go up.

Another danger is that people often ignore important warning signs while socializing – blaming shortness of breath or chest pain on a big dinner. It may be inconvenient on Christmas day – but getting immediate attention could help insure you’re here for next Christmas.

Dressing Your Way Up

Do you dress for the job you have – or the job you want?

If you’re afraid to dress up a notch at work – don’t be. Sure, you might look like you’re eager for a promotion – but according to life coach Dr. Dawn Chandler – there’s no real harm in that. Looking a little more polished than your peers can make you stand out a bit and can even have a positive effect on your productivity and determination. It is important to keep it in context of your industry – and not to overdo it.

For interviews you’re better off dressing for the position you’re applying for – and not the one you wish was available. Coming across as overqualified could actually hurt your chances of landing the job.

Don't Touch That!

If you’re boarding a plane this holiday season – DON'T touch these...

There are more sick people flying around than ever at this time of year – and if you’ve got to fly there are some spots on the plane to avoid touching:

• The seat pocket – it’s where people put their personal stuff for easy access – or stash their used tissues and gum wrappers. Stay out of there.

• The tray table – it’s a petri dish of germs – just ask a flight attendant. All sorts of disgusting stuff ends up on there – even dirty diapers.

Also, you’re better off skipping the coffee and tea. Some airlines use the water from their tanks – and they’re not brewed at hot enough temperatures to kill bacteria. Stick to bottled water or sealed drinks like juice.

Source: Douglas Wright, Budget Travel

Gift Basket Alert!

If we receive a gift basket this year – we're supposed to throw these items out...

Edible gift baskets are popular – but if you get one – proceed with caution. If you’re watching your weight or blood pressure – toss out the processed cheese and meat – they’re super high in sodium and other bad stuff. Cookies and fruitcakes should really go too – the gift basket types usually have a lot of preservatives – it’s like eating plastic. And if the crackers are not whole grain – more bad news.

If you like giving edible gifts – consider dark chocolate, fruit and nuts – those are all pretty good for you. Substitute the overly preserved stuff with a bottle of wine – and you’ve got a fairly healthy gift to enjoy.

Source: Dr.Michael Aziz, Diet Expert, Lenox Hill Hospital

Good Old Ginger

If you don’t have any ginger on hand – you should really get some...

Got an upset stomach? Eat some ginger. Sore throat? Drink some ginger. Ginger is a pretty amazing root – it’s an anti-inflammatory – and is good for all sorts of stuff. Another nice thing about ginger is that there all lots of ways to take it - ginger root powder, ginger supplements, ginger tea, ginger candies and ginger bread – you’ve got a lot of options. Most ginger ale doesn’t really have that much ginger in it – but some do. A few more things ginger can help with – heartburn relief, morning sickness, cramps, motion sickness, arthritis and migraine relief.

Source: Chris Kilham, The Medicine Hunter

Winter Wipers

It’s time to change your windshield wipers...

Most of us don’t change our windshield wipers often enough – we really should about every 6 months. If yours are due for a change – go for special winter blades – they’re much better at coping with clearing ice and snow. The kind with the rubber covering around the working parts are the best – they freeze up less and flex more.

You don’t have to splurge on the pricier high tech or heated winter blades. According to Paul Brand, author of “How to Repair Your Car,” those are just marketing gimmicks that don’t do much for performance.

UGG - My Feet!

If you’re giving someone pair of UGG boots this Christmas – get these too...

UGG boots are once again one of the most popular gifts this season – and if you’re giving them to someone – throw in a pair of orthotics. Most UGG lovers agree – they’re soft and cushy and warm – but podiatrist Edward Chairman says they can cause foot and back problems if you wear them too often – or for too long. There’s just not enough support in the arch area of your foot – and that puts extra stress on all the wrong spots. Dr. Chairman is not anti-UGG at all. He says an inexpensive pair of contoured support insoles should give you the support you need – and authentic UGG boots do have more support than

Sing-Along Smarts

Family sing-alongs help children develop stronger language skills.

Experts with the literacy group Basic Skills Agency, say Christmas carols, nursery rhymes and lullabies actually help stimulate a kid’s mind and focus – and help develop their ear for conversation. And the more you sing together – the better. Sing-alongs can make cleaning up less of a chore, make bath time more fun – and even make that car ride seem a little shorter. It’s good for grown-ups too – humming and singing are natural stress relievers.

Sit Down Ladies!

60% of women do this in a public bathroom - and shouldn't!

If you’re a woman – and need to use a public restroom – have a seat! At least 60% of women avoid sitting all the way down – and that can cause problems. According to Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Hospital researchers – that awkward position can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. And if you just avoid using public bathrooms all together – don’t. Waiting too long can damage bladder muscles and nerves – and ultimately cause you to have to go more often.

Merry Sickness!

Are you’re bound to get sick for the holidays – or on vacation?

It’s not just bad luck – there are reasons we’re more likely to get sick for a holiday or on vacation. The main culprit is stress. We push ourselves leading up to a holiday or vacation – which raises hormones and lowers immunity. It takes about 48 to 72 hours for a virus to take hold – which explains why it seems to flare up as soon as you’re done running around.

In this final stretch – it’s important to get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and keep washing those hands. If someone’s not feeling well – DON’T hug or kiss them. It’s also a really good idea to open a window – in your house and in your car. Get some fresh air circulating - that burst of cold will be a lot more tolerable than feeling crummy for a week.

Source: Dr. Robert Hasty, Nova Southeastern University

Hide Your Credit Cards!

Are you being electronically pickpocketed?

There’s a handy electronic device out there for thieves. It’s the R.F.I.D. reader - or radio frequency identification reader. It’s a gadget a thief can just wave pass your purse or wallet to electronically pickpocket your credit card information without even touching you. There are new products on the market to protect us – wallets and card holders equipped with a frequency shield. If you don’t have one of those yet – consider keeping your credit cards higher on your body – maybe in a chest area pocket – especially if you’re in a crowd. Electronic pickpockets LOVE a crowd – especially sporting events, concerts and crowded malls.

Source: Walt Augustinowicz, Identity Stronghold

Merry Birthday!

If someone you know has a birthday this month – I’ve got a NOT to do list...

Have some sympathy for that December baby. After all – they’ve been sharing the spotlight for years – they shouldn’t have to share the paper too! A recent survey says birthday presents wrapped in Christmas paper is one of the pet peeves for those with December birthdays. Add to that list Christmassy cakes, cards and gifts too. Save the wintery gift for Christmas – and consider getting them something to use in the summer or year round for their birthday – they’ve got a long way to go.

Source:  Me (December 30th)

Beware the Friendly Interview

If that interview is going great – don’t get too comfortable...

My last boss was an IDIOT! That’s one of the things we’re NOT supposed to say on an interview, according to CareerBuilder. It might seem obvious – but a good interviewer can put us at ease – and it’s important not to get too comfortable. Here are some other things to keep in mind if you do hit it off:

• Save the drink invite for AFTER you get the job.

• Unless you’re pursuing a career as a Rabbi or Congressman – avoid religion and politics.

• Don’t let your weaknesses show. You are there to sell yourself – and it’s easy to let your guard down once you get friendly.

• Stick to the interviewer’s name. Buddy, Honey and Man are WAY too casual.

Roasting Chestnuts

You don’t need an open fire to roast chestnuts – your oven or microwave will do just fine...

Using a sharp knife, score the nuts with an X. Soak them in cool water for about 15 minutes. Pop them in a 400 degree oven for another 15 minutes until the shells start to roll back. Try peeling them while they’re still warm – it’s a little harder once they’re cool. To microwave chestnuts – just cut them in half and place them face down in a shallow dish of water – and cook for about a minute.

If you’d rather attempt the open fire method – score and soak the chestnuts first to prevent exploding – then roast them over your open fire using a pan with a really long handle or your fireplace shovel.

Source: Chef Jason Hill, Chef Tips