Shower Power

If you’d like to meditate – without meditating – do this...

We’re all supposed to meditate for serenity – but there is hope for multi-taskers. Just sing in the shower! Thea Singer, author of “Stress Less,” says singing is like mediation because it uses the breath in a conscious way – and the shower is the perfect steamy environment for us to adjust our tone, rhythm and inflection – which lowers heart rate and stress levels.

Save the Peels!

When we eat citrus fruit – most of us skip the best part!

That juicy orange or grapefruit comes in some handy wrapping – the rind. Most of us just toss those peels but they’re full of good stuff. Laura Pensiero, author of “The Cancer Prevention Cookbook,” says that natural citrus packaging is super healthy. Lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit and tangerine peels all contain powerful compounds that can lower the risk of some cancers and even reduce cholesterol.

Chomping on a peel may not seem appetizing – but chop some up and toss them into some of your favorite recipies. They add a great burst of flavor and zest to just about anything.

Football vs. Baseball

Which would you prefer – a touchdown – or a home run?

Football or baseball? The results are in – and the Harris poll declares football the winner. Of course it’s okay to love both – but if forced to choose 31% of the pollsters ranked professional football as their favorite sport over 17% of pro baseball fans. Here’s how some other sports scored:

• College football: 12%

• Auto racing, including NASCAR: 7%

• Men's professional basketball: 6%

• Hockey: 5%

• Men's soccer and men's college basketball: 4% (tie)

• Men's golf, track and field, bowling and men's tennis: 2% (tie)

Coming in at 1% were: boxing, horse racing, women's tennis and swimming.

Forgive and Forget?

Is it a virtue to forgive and forget? Not always...

If your spouse behaves badly – should you forgive and forget? No. According to a recent study by the University of Tennessee, spouses who were forgiven for bad behavior were almost TWICE as likely to repeat it. Family therapist Kay Francis says bad behavior MUST be confronted. Couples need to deal with the causes and motivation behind it in order to move on. The forgiveness can come over time once it’s clear that bad behavior is gone for good.

Color My Work

If your workspace is blue – you might feel depressed...

The color of your office walls can have a big effect on the mood around there. A recent study from Konica Minolta has broken down the scheme of things – by color:

• Blue paint can make workers feel depressed.

• Yellow makes workers feel happy with high energy and focused on work.

• Red can make workers feel angry, but also more passionate.

• Black makes workers feel tough.

• Gray can make every day feel like Monday – it makes workers feel dull.

The color white may seem like a safe bet – but it’s effect can go two ways – clean and pure – or cold and sterile.

 

Vending machine Don'ts

The next time you hit that vending machine – choose carefully!

What do you go for in that vending machine? Shop Smart Magazine tells us to steer clear of the Pop Tarts, the Hostess Powdered Donettes and the Austin Cheddar Cheese crackers. The best picks in there are the Snyder’s Pretzels, Sun Chips – or if you want the chocolate fix – go for the Peanut M&Ms – there’s a dash of protein and fiber in there.

Over the Hill Resume

Your resume could make you look past your prime...

If you have a fax number listed on your resume – you’re a dinosaur! Wendy Enelow, author of “Expert Resumes for Baby Boomers,” has a few other indicators on your resume that SCREAM “I’m old!”…

• Too many contacts. Multiple phone numbers make your resume look dated. Just list your cell number and email – without labeling them as such.

• Cliches. Skip words and phrases such as innovative, motivated, team player and dynamic.

• Dates on the left - that’s old school. List the years – not months – on the right.

• Leading with your objective. They don’t care – you’re a dime a dozen. Instead, start with a summary of your career and what you can contribute.

• Noting when you got your degrees. For some people those dates are before the reader was born. There’s no reason to emphasize that – list the degrees and skip the dates.

Out With the Old - In With the Cash!

That pile of sports equipment in the garage could be worth big bucks!

Most of us have about $7,000.00 worth of junk just lying around! That’s according to the market research group NPD - and there are more ways than ever to sell or trade in that stuff you don’t want anymore. Second hand retail is big business for sporting and fitness equipment, musical instruments, gaming systems and video games. A lot of main stream retailers are getting in on the trade-in market too – including Amazon, Best Buy, Circuit City and Apple. Before you invest in new stuff – take a good look around – that old stuff might just pay for it – and then some.

Play It Again Sports, Game Stop, Music Go Round, Buffalo Exchange Apparel, Babies R Us and Sears are all really good options for selling or trade-ins.

Dream Land

Are you somewhere mysterious in your dreams – or right at home?

The most common setting for dreams is our own home. Here are a few more dreamy statistics:

• If you’re snoring – you can’t be dreaming.

• On average – we have about 4 to 7 dreams a night over the course of 1 to 2 hours.

• The average dream can last anywhere from 20 seconds to 20 minutes – even if it felt like an eternity.

If you’ve ever wondered if blind people have visual dreams – that depends whether they were blind at birth. Those without the visual part still dream vividly with a heightened sense of sound, touch and smell.

Bone Busters

Some foods and drinks we love can actually weaken our bones...

There are some things we take in every day that can actually do a number on the strength of our bones. Here are some foods we need to be careful with:

• Salt saps calcium from the bones, weakening them over time.

• Soda can be a problem too. The fizziness from phosphoric acid causes us to excrete precious calcium.

• Coffee and tea can be hard on the bones. For every small cup of coffee we drink – we lose about 6 milligrams of calcium.

• Alcohol is a calcium-blocker; it prevents the bone-building minerals you eat from being absorbed. And if you suffer a fracture – alcohol can interfere with healing.

Vanity Food

We are what we eat – and some foods can actually make us look better.

Here’s what’s on the good looking menu:

 

• Spinach. It can make the whites of your eyes whiter.

• Eggs. They help keep your hair and skin soft – and can even prevent hair loss.

• Bananas. They add elasticity to your skin.

• Beets: They help break down body fats.

Travel Rookies

A lot of us are rookies when it comes to foreign travel...

Most of us can spot a tourist a mile away. Frequent travelers can spot a rookie just as easily – and we drive them nuts. Here are some things NOT to do on your next trip abroad:

• Don't add an “o” to the end of a word to communicate to locals. “Por favor, can I have another beer-o?” It sounds ridiculous – but LOTS of rookies do that.

• Don't fumble for your ID. Have your passport open to the picture page at security checkpoints.

• Don't hover over the luggage carousel. Stand back until you see your bag – then step forward to retrieve it.

• Don't keep your wallet and passport handy. They should be well hidden – unless you’d like to spend at least a day at a police station or Embassy.

• Don't take pictures of locals without permission. In some cultures – it’s the equivalent of stealing their souls. Learn the customs and ask permission first.

Source: Paul Eisenberg, author of “The Worst Rookie Travel Mistakes”

The Day After

If you take allergy medicine today – you'll probably feel it tomorrow...

Over the counter allergy and cold medicines can be great at relieving congestion or that runny nose – but there’s a good chance you won’t function quite as well the NEXT day. They work by decreasing our secretions – that’s why drowsiness, dry mouth and eyes set in. Those active ingredients stay in the body for up to18 hours. If you take them to get a good night’s sleep – there’s a good chance you’ll feel groggy well into the next day.

Source: James Rudolph, MD

Slow It Down

If you’d like to eat less – slow down...

In order to eat less – you’ll need to do two things – chew more and slow down. According to Kathleen Melanson, professor of nutrition science at the University of Rhode Island, slow eaters weigh less and have lower BMIs. You can put your fork down between bites and chew everything 30 times – but who has time for that when you’re hungry? Try these tricks instead:

• Use chopsticks instead of a fork.

• Eat with the opposite hand.

• Match the pace of the slowest eater at the table.

Man Bag

More guys are carrying man-bags these days...

It used to be mostly women who dragged around those big pocketbooks and bags – but with laptops and portable offices – the man-bag is getting really big now. Guys need to know what most women already do – they can lead to back problems. Toting around that laptop or portable office can do a number on your shoulders and neck too. Make sure to keep the strap short – and alternate the shoulder you’re slinging that man bag over.

Real Maple Syrup

The next time you buy syrup – go ahead and splurge on the real thing.

Real maple syrup is expensive – but it’s got some good stuff in there. It’s a rich source of manganese and zinc which can boost energy levels and even stave off aging. Maple syrup is organic and naturally sweet – and it’s actually got LESS calories than sugar.

Maple syrup is unique because it’s the only commercial product that comes from a plant’s sap. Because it’s located just below the bark and exposed to the sun, it’s high in antioxidants like those we get from eating brightly colored berries.

Source: Navindra Seeram, URI College of Pharmacy

New Buzzwords

Love them or hate them – there’s a new crop of industry buzzwords out there...

Entrepreneur Magazine is keeping us in the jargon loop:

• Digital Nomads – They’re the ever-growing coffee shop or wireless hot spot workers eliminating the need for an office.

• Trep - That’s an abbreviation for an entrepreneur.

• Scooby Snacks - It's a buzzword for the tokens employers toss out as incentives.

• Hit the Slide - To quit in a spectacular fashion like JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater who blew his top at a passenger, grabbed a beer and exited via the plane's emergency slide.

Never Sick

How is it some people go through life with hardly a sniffle?

Gene Stone, author of “The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick,” found some unusual regiments of really healthy people:

• Brewer’s Yeast. One tablespoon has all the B vitamins and folate we need in a day. Disolve it in water – or sprinkle it on yogurt or cereal. Start with small amount and work up to the tablespoon.

• Cold Showers. 30 seconds is all it takes – that shock of cold gives your system a healthy jolt and increases levels of disease-fighting white blood cells.

• Garlic. Chew a raw clove when you feel a cold coming on. People who did this reduced sick days by more than 50%!

Good Gossip

Gossiping can be mean and uncalled for – AND it could be good for you too!

Healthy gossip can actually help you come across as well-informed and a good conversationalist.  It’s best to leave people you actually know out of it – and stick to celebrity gossip. Let’s pick on Angelina and Brad – they won’t mind…

• Healthy gossip: I just read Brad Pitt’s parents are moving in with them to help raise the kids. That’s going to be one crowded Chateau!

• Lame gossip: I just heard Brad Pitt’s parents are moving in with them to help with the kids – because Angelina is a NUT job and fired all the Nannies!

Even if it's tempting - trashing someone never reflects well on you.  Know your audience. Use gossip sparingly as a conversation skill and NOT as a crutch. Some people use gossip for attention – and they get it – but not in a good way. Positive gossip is pretty safe – only share the negative stuff in private with someone you know REALLY well.

Dog IQ

How smart is your dog?

If you think your dog is smart – yawn. If your dog yawns too – that’s one smart pooch! Researchers at London’s Birkbeck College tested a bunch of dogs – and 72% of them were sensitive enough to yawn when seeing a human yawn. Contagious behavior like yawning suggests a rudimentary capacity for empathy – something scientist believed only applied to humans and chimps.

Think Twice

Sometimes its better NOT to go with that gut instinct. ..

If you rely on gut instinct – there are some scenarios where that could be off a bit. Wray Herbert, author of “On Second Thought,” says think twice if:

• You’re in a group. Most of us subconsciously mimic others – and that can influence behavior and decisions.

• You’re financially strapped. Feeling deprived can increase appetite and desires.

• You’re cold. Most people are less interactive and a bit more isolated when they’re cold. You’ll get a more accurate perception of them in a warm environment.

I Do - Again

Do second marriages have better odds than the first?

Over 50% of marriages end in divorce – but those aren’t all first timers. The divorce rate for first marriages in the U.S. is around 41%. You’d think the second time around might have better odds – but that’s not the case. According to The Enrichment Journal of the Divorce Rates in America – that second marriage is even riskier – with a 60% divorce rate. If you think that third time might be a charm – think again. 74% of 3rd marriages end in divorce.

Paying More For Less

Not only are we paying more for stuff – sometimes we’re getting less of it...

We expect prices to go up from time to time – but for some products the quantity is going down. Consumer Reports has some popular products we’re getting less of for more:

• Scott Toilet Paper shrunk 9% – a roll used to be 115.2 square feet – now it’s 104.8.

• Tropicana Orange Juice was 64 ounces – now it’s 59. That’s 8% less.

• Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream has got one less scoop – that 16 ounce container is now 14 ounces.

People know prices but not sizes – so it’s easy for brands to shave a little off here and there without us noticing. If you DO notice – call the 800 number on the package and complain. You’ll almost always get a coupon for the product.

Pre-Spring Perk

If you’re feeling blah – Try one of these...

Staying upbeat towards the end of winter can be tricky – but there are a few things you can try for a pre-spring perk:

• Yawn – it stimulates the nervous system by saturating the lungs with oxygen.

• Change your desktop wallpaper – you glance at it several times a day – it might as well be something visually stimulating.

• Lay a hot water bottle on your belly. That shifts brain-wave activity from the negative right side to the more positive left.

Refrigerator Door

The refrigerator door is a handy spot for stuff – but...

What’s in your refrigerator door? It’s a great spot for easy access to things like ketchup, salad dressing, olives or maybe some white wine – but some things SHOULDN’T be there. The temperature in your fridge fluctuates a lot in the door area and at the front of your shelves. Eggs and meat should always be kept near the back. The same goes for any leftovers with mixed ingredients. It’s fine to keep butter in the door shelves – it’s got a lot of fat to inhibit microbial growth.

Wearing Red

If you’d like to attract the opposite sex – wear some red!

Wearing the color red can have a big effect on the opposite sex. It’s nothing new – in primitive societies sacred things were painted or adorned in red to convey a sense of great importance. In a recent study – men either wearing or surrounded by the color red were perceived as more attractive and of higher status by women. Women in red were perceived as sexy by the guys.

You CAN overdo it with red. Too much of it can actually make you appear intimidating and unapproachable. Smaller accessories like a belt, scarf or red tie are enough to achieve that red impact.

Source: Journal of Experimental Psychology

Wash Your Decisions

If you’ve got a decision to make – wash your hands first...

Before you buy that new car – or decide what restaurant to go to – wash your hands. It could actually change your decision. Humans tend to repeat past decisions instead of trying something new – but a new study found that washing our hands can override that process. Researchers say the reason it works is because washing our hands is pretty much a mindless activity that can have a subconscious “wiping the slate clean” effect. It can help reset the thought process to focus on current needs and separate them from past decisions and influences.

Source: Discovery News

Resume Reader

Your resume might look all screwed up if it’s sent electronically...

You go to a lot of trouble to get that resume or document formatted just right – but there’s a chance it could open up all discombobulated on the other end – or not at all. Some formats or programs just aren’t compatible when sent electronically. That’s where PDFs come in. To be on the safe side – save your document in PDF form first – and attach that file instead. If your computer doesn’t give you the PDF option when you click print – there are a lot of free options out there – just search free PDF.

Get a Dog

Having a pet could actually save your life!

We know animals can be therapeutic – but having a pet can actually be life-saving! Scientists took a look at 421 heart attack victims – some dog owners – some not. They found the dog owners were FAR more likely to survive the heart attack than the non-dog owners. Dog owners are less obese and more active physically and socially. Another study found pet owners visit the doctor less than petless people.

They studied kids too – and those with pets had stronger comforting and empathy skills and a better sense of overall well-being.

Source: The National Institute of Health

Retail Tactic

If you’re going shopping – beware of the music...

If you hear a slow song playing in that store – watch out! Retailers have us figured out and they know we’ll slow down and spend more with that relaxing soundtrack. The same trick works in trendy teen stores with popular music – they hear their favorite song and they feel good and stay longer. People who talk on the phone while they shop may be annoying – but they spend a LOT less. Shopping with a friend works too – chat more – spend less.

Dry Eyes

Do your eyes feel extra dry lately? Join the club...

Dry winter air can take a toll on our tear ducts – and for those of us who work on a computer – our eyes can dry up even faster. There are a few things you can do that really help:

• Blink – a lot of us just don’t do it enough – especially while on the computer, watching TV or driving.

• Humidity – running a humidifier when the heat is on will help.

• Flaxseed – the fats in there help replenish the natural oils in our tears.

• Warmth – you can increase circulation and unclog tear ducts by holding a warm compress over your closed eyes for about 10 minutes.

DON'T Throw Away

The next time you come across one of those Silica Gel packets printed with “THROW AWAY” – don’t...

Shoes and other merchandise usually have one of those little packets of Silica Gel in there printed with “THROW AWAY – DO NOT EAT.” By all means, don’t eat them – but don’t throw them out either. They’re actually handy little gadgets that can extend the life of household tools and keep jewelry or flatware shiny. The beads inside those packets absorb moisture and prevent metals from rusting or tarnishing. Throw a few into your camera or laptop case too – anywhere you’d like to reduce moisture.

Source: Popular Mechanics

Can You Hear Me Now?

Which ear is your phone ear?

Most of us use the same ear every time we talk on the phone – and that’s bad. People who do that are 71% more likely to develop ringing in that ear. There’s a simple way to lower your risk – try to make a conscious effort to switch ears – especially for a call lasting longer than 10 minutes. If you’re on the phone a lot – do your ears a favor and use hands free whenever you can.

Source: Medical University of Vienna

Coffee Shower

If you’d like that coffee to REALLY perk you up – take a shower with it!

There’s another way to get a boost from coffee – rub it all over your body. According to dermatologist Ava Shamban, a coffee grind scrub not only lifts away dead skin cells – the caffeine in there helps reduce swelling and puffiness from excess fluids.

You can buy expensive java scrubs – or make your own. Mix equal parts coffee grounds and sugar in a container – with a bit of olive oil. Massage that into your clean damp skin – then rinse and dry off.

PC Shock

Wash your hands BEFORE you go online…

Static electricity is at an all-time high in dry winter air – it’s annoying - and for the sensitive electronics inside a PC, static can be a computer-killer. Walk across that rug and touch a grounded metal object, and the voltage can be in the 10 to 12 thousand volt range. You might barely even feel it – but some of those components can. Washing your hands before you approach the computer – or using some hand lotion can help prevent any shocking damage.

If you do zap your PC – unplug it, remove the battery – and put it aside for about a half hour. Go ahead and try to reboot. If it won’t go on or if you experience any more static from the computer – you might need to replace some parts in there.

Kissing Tip

The next time you kiss your sweetheart – open your eyes!

95% of women admit to closing their eyes when they kiss – and beyond. Michael Christian, author of “The Art of Kissing,” says by closing our eyes we are really tuning our partner out a bit. Opening your eyes to romance can really deepen the connection - and can even provide a stimulating rush if you’re the type that usually avoids that intimate eye contact.

Pushing Pills

If you hesitate taking a generic drug instead of the one you recognize – don’t.

We’re inundated with TV and magazine ads for the latest and greatest drugs for whatever ails us – and those billions spent on advertising works! About 1 in 5 people who take medication have asked their doctor to prescribe it because they’ve seen it advertised. But what the ads DON’T tell you is that those newer drugs are usually no safer or more effective than older medications or generics that are a fraction of the price.

In order to get FDA approval – the less familiar drug has to meet the same standards as that big-name version – but could cost up to 80% less!

Source: Consumer Reports

Help For Hair

If your hair is not as thick and luxurious as it used to be - try this...

For men – hair can start thinning any time after puberty. Most women start losing some hair by age 35. For a lot of us – regular scalp massage can really make a difference. It stimulates blood flow to the follicles which can help prevent some of that hair loss – and even stimulate new growth for some people.

To massage your scalp – use your fingertips – not your nails. Start at the hairline and work your way back making small circles with your fingers. You’ve got to be pretty diligent. Do it twice a day – morning and afternoon – for about 10 minutes. If you make it part of your daily routine – you’ll be saving some hair and you’ll probably be reducing stress and preventing headaches too.

Facebook Photo Viewer

If you find that new picture viewer thing on Facebook annoying - you can make it go away...

Facebook’s been making a lot of changes – and some are more subtle than others. Now – when you click on a picture to view it – a big popup version appears obscuring everything else. For some users – this interferes with the ability to right click, copy or save – but there is a fix. When the popup picture appears – just hit your refresh button. That will take you back to the classic Facebook photo view we’re used to.

:) !

Do you use smiley faces in your emails?

A lot of us are not using enough emoticons in our typed correspondence. You might think they’re annoying – but according to Daniel Goleman, author of “Social Intelligence,” if an email’s tone is neutral – we assume the tone is negative. Using caps is a pretty effective way of conveying shock or anger – and the same goes for that typed facial expression.

That smiley face will never replace that warm human smile – but it’s a newer form of punctuation that can change the whole tone of what you’re trying to convey – as long as you don’t overdo it.

Not-So-Fresh Flowers

If those flowers you just got seem kind of sad now...

...You can perk them up and get a few more days out of the blooms. Now is the time to trim the stems again and change the water. Throw an aspirin or two in there if you can. It’s best to keep them out of bright light and away from any fruit – which actually speeds up wilting. If you’ve got any hairspray handy – hold the arrangement upside down and give the blooms and leaves a shot underneath. That will keep them in place for longer.

Source: The Irish Gardeners Forum

Audit Odds

What are your chances of being audited by the IRS?

The dreaded tax audit – some of us are more at risk than others. CPA Martin S. Caplan has the odds for us:

• If you make under $200,000 – you have about a 1% chance of being audited.

• $200,000 to 1 million – 3%.

• If you make over a million – the odds are doubled to 6%.

Your home office could be another red flag to the IRS. If you want to avoid an audit – consider making that space LESS than 20% of the total space in your home – or avoid declaring it all together.

Which One Is Smarter?

Who is more intelligent – the night owl – or the early bird?

If you’re a night owl – you might be a little smarter than your early bird counterparts. In a recent study - children with “dull” IQs grew up into early-to-bed adults. Kids with an IQ over 125 had an average adult bedtime of 12:29 am.

This phenomenon is linked back to our ancient ancestors. Unlike true nocturnal species – humans don’t have those built in tools – we rely heavily on eyesight to get through life. Those who ventured out in the dark had to tap into and strengthen other instincts for navigation and self-preservation.

Source: The Scientific Fundamentalist

Medical Confession

The next time you’re due for a checkup – tell your doctor these three things...

There is some important information a lot of us forget to tell our doctor about. Make sure to tell them if…

• You’re taking any vitamins or supplements. They can pose serious health risks when taken with certain medications.

• You’ve skipped your medication, diet or exercise. That could throw off any tests they order – and subsequent doses they prescribe.

• You’re going through a bad time. Life traumas like a death, layoff, divorce or loss of job will most likely have an effect on your vitals.

A shocking 25% of us lie or withhold information from our doctors. If you feel uncomfortable being completely honest with your doctor – it’s time to fess up or find one you can talk to.

Source: GE study, Patient-Doctor Disconnect on Healthy Living Revealed

Can You Feel Me Now?

If you can feel that weather in your bones – it’s not just in your head...

A sudden change of barometric pressure causes our joints to swell. Some of us feel it more than others – especially those with arthritis or a prior injury. If you get a headache before or after weather changes – that’s pretty common too. Dr. Merle Diamond, a headache specialist in Chicago said she was flooded with phone calls a few days before the recent mega storm. The complaints were consistent - she says weather related headaches usually start with some facial pain and sinus pressure, followed up with some light-sensitivity.

Ditch the Cover Letter

Are resume cover letters a thing of the past?

Some hiring experts say we can ditch that resume cover letter. According to David Silverman, author of “Typo,” not only does that cover letter get you nothing, it could actually REDUCE your chances of getting hired. He says most cover letters are redundant and a waste of the reader’s time – and they’re one more opportunity to make a mistake. Silverman says the primary reason for that cover letter on the OTHER end is to look for reasons to weed you OUT – not in. If you skip the letter – the reader is forced to look at the resume – which should be polished and perfect – and speak for itself.

Overdoing D

We all need some extra vitamin D in the winter right? Not so fast...

If you take vitamin D supplements – you may want to reconsider. According to Dr. Alan Gaby, author of “Nutritional Medicine,” some of the recommendations out there have us overdosing on D. Vitamin D is vital to good health – but the best way to get it is still from the sun and from food. Too much vitamin D can be toxic – and if you’re getting enough the natural way you should really skip the supplements.

Getting the right amount of D is actually pretty simple for most of us. Spend 15 minutes in the midday sun – WITHOUT sunscreen – exposing as much of your skin as possible.

Warming Up the Bed

If you’d like to feel extra warm in bed tonight...

On a cold winter night – we might throw another blanket on the bed – but consider putting that blanket UNDER you instead of on top. If you make the bed with a blanket under the fitted sheet – that extra layer will help retain your body heat and keep you snuggly warm. If you hate sliding into a cold bed – throw a blanket in the dryer for a few minutes – and lay on top of that instead.

Workout Woes

You finally start working out – and you get sick...

If it seems like you come down with something after you commit to a new workout routine – it’s not just you. Intense exercise decreases your white blood cell levels – and can mess up your immune system’s ability to fight off colds. If you’re new routine is at the gym – your risk is two-fold – because there’s a good chance you’ll pick up some germs from the equipment or the locker room.

The best approach is to start out with moderate exercise – that will actually beef up your immune system. If you keep it steady and regular – you’ll be able to work up to a heftier workout and muscle out the germs.

Source: David Nieman, Dr. PH., Appalachian State University

Digital Depression

There’s a link between depression and the Internet – but which comes first?

If you know someone who is on the Internet excessively – chances are they’re depressed. A new study shows the link is pretty clear – and it’s hard to determine which comes first – the surfing or the sadness. Experts say people prone to depression are more easily sucked into gaming, social media sites and beyond. It’s a viscous cycle because it leads to isolation and a false sense of friendship or satisfaction – which ultimately enhances symptoms of depression in life off line - and sends them back searching for relief.

Source: Dr. Catriona Morisson, Journal Psychopathology