Red Pepper Perk

If you’d like to lose some weight – sprinkle this on your food...

There’s something you can sprinkle on your food that can really help with weight loss – cayenne pepper. A recent study found that sprinkling about a half teaspoon on your food helps to curb appetite and can actually increase calorie burn.

Cooking with red peppers can help too. They contain the chemical capsaicin which can spur increased rates of fat burning.

Kidney Stone Prevention

Even if you’ve never had them – you’ve probably heard horror stories about painful kidney stones...

Contrary to popular belief – you don’t have to be older to get them. People in their 20s and 30s are especially at risk. They’re caused by excess salt and minerals in your system and there are a few things you can do to prevent them.

• Drink LOTS of water – especially in the hot weather.

• Lemon juice has citric acid which is a stone inhibitor. Squeeze the juice of a whole lemon into a glass of water every once in a while. Lemonade made with real lemon helps too.

• Berries, spinach and some nuts are rich in oxalate – and they can lead to calcium stones forming.

• Too much red meat can increase risk of uric acid stones.

People with a family history of kidney stones are more prone to developing them. These types of stones are called cysteine stones. They’re inherited at birth and unfortunately there’s not much you can do to prevent those.

Diagnosing Depression

Most of us associate depression with sadness – but the two don’t always go hand in hand...

Depression is often misdiagnosed, especially in older people because some of the symptoms can be mistaken as symptoms of aging. Symptoms of depression without sadness include:

• Personality changes
• Isolation

• Loss of motivation

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Forgetfulness

• Combativeness

It’s important to know that depression is NOT a normal part of aging. If you notice these symptoms in an elderly loved one – be sure to help them address it. Depression in the elderly is very treatable and can even help to improve symptoms of other conditions.

Dangerous Days

Death rates spike on certain days – and you could be at risk...

Everyone loves payday - and that’s one reason death rates tend to spike right around that time. According to a study published in the Journal of Public Economics, getting paid tends to draw people out of the house and into hazardous situations. The study found alcohol and substance abuse spiked on the first of the month and for a few days after.

Law enforcement is even onto the hazards of payday – many forces enhance patrols for drunk drivers and other crimes around the 1st and 15th of each month.

Bee Sting Protocol

Should you use tweezers to remove a bee stinger? No!

If you happen to get stung by a bee – don’t dig for tweezers – grab your credit card. According to Michael P. Zimring, author of “Healthy Travel,” using tweezers can actually push more of the bee venom into the skin. We’re better off trying to push the stinger out from the side with the edge of a credit card or another sharp edged object.

The sooner you get that stinger out the better. The faster it comes out – the less pain and swelling you’ll have. The most effective relief for the sting is a paste made from meat tenderizer and water. It breaks down the venom and can ease pain in minutes.

You're Late! Now What?

It’s just bad manners to arrive late for something – but it happens to the best of us...

You can minimize the damages if you handle it right. The best approach is to apologize right away for inconveniencing the person – and then launch right into the topic at hand and make up for lost time. People are most annoyed by lateness within the first few minutes of your arrival. In most cases, it will just make matters worse if you drag it out with a boring list of excuses explaining your delay. Ignoring it or playing dumb is not a good approach either. You do need to address it briefly, or you’ll come across as inconsiderate.

Shopping Bag Hazard

Should you stop using that reusable shopping bag? Maybe...

Some reusable shopping bags could contain lead in the paint used to decorate them – especially those made in China and some others with elaborate designs. Those bags should be perfectly safe while they’re in good condition. However, if the paint or decorations start to peel or flake off – you’re better off tossing that bag to reduce the risk of any of it getting into your groceries or food.

If you like using – and reusing shopping bags – opt for one made from natural fibers without a lot of color or decoration involved.

Mozart Effect

Does classical music really make babies and children smarter?

If you inundated your kids with classical music in the womb or while they were babies – they should be geniuses by now, right? Not necessarily. According to Sam Wang, author of “Welcome to Your Brain,” that’s all a myth. The misconception stems from a 1993 study of college students who performed much better at folding and cutting paper after listening to Mozart. Neuroscientists haven’t been able to replicate the “Mozart Effect” with babies or people of any age.

That doesn’t mean you should kick music to the intellectual curb. There is solid evidence that children who learn to play a musical instrument have better spatial reasoning skills than those who don’t. If you’ve got a college student who needs to cut and fold a lot of paper – my all means – crank up the Mozart.

In Case of Emergency

Do you have a master information kit?

It’s not a pleasant thought – but if something terrible were to happen to you – would your loved ones know where to find everything? In case of emergency – it’s a really good idea to have some important stuff all in one place so anyone trying to help you doesn’t have to play detective. That’s where your master information kit comes in. Here’s a list of what should be in there:

• Contact information – closest relatives and employer.

• Your will. You DO have a will – don’t you?

• Insurance information.

• Financial information – a list of banks, phone numbers and accounts.

• Pet information with contact info for a veterinarian.

• Property information –car, home, deeds, etc.

There are several forms and guides available online to help you with a master information kit. The website ready.gov has a step by step guide to help you get a family plan in place.

Medical Scams

If you see an offer for discount medical cards or free medical equipment – beware!

Health care fraud costs all of us a fortune – and there are some really common scams out there to avoid.

• Free medical equipment such as canes, scooters or walkers. If a solicitor asks for a Medicare or insurance number over the phone or internet – don’t do it.

• If your doctor tries to sell you medical products – check to see if it’s something that's available at your local pharmacy.

• Beware of medical discount cards. There are some bogus ones out there. Check to see if your doctor, pharmacy or local hospitals accept them first.

.what?

Remembering your favorite websites could be getting a lot trickier soon...

Move over dot com, dot net and dot org – make room for dot paris, dot coke and dot apple. They’re not valid addresses yet – but they might be in the next few years. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN, just voted to allow a bunch of new domain endings. Right now there are 22 – but under the new rule, people will be able to apply for just about any name in any language as their domain ending.

If you’d like your own, don’t get too excited. It’s going to cost a dot fortune – at least $185,000 per application. That’s great news for big corporations and brand names that can afford it – but not-so-great news for the rest of us. Domain addresses will be harder to guess at AND harder to determine which one is the legitimate one.

Exploding Calm

There’s something you can do over the next week to reboot your brain – and it’s fun...

One of the most enjoyable and effective ways at reducing stress is about to explode – in the sky. Watching fireworks can do wonders for our state of mind. That’s because it gives us about 30 minutes of doing nothing – but watching. Our neurons are stimulated by the colors and noise and taking in those sights and sounds can help our brains reboot because watching fireworks requires zero thought.

The surge of patriotism and pride also boost overall mood and make us feel a bit more connected with everyone around us. Go ahead and let out a few oohs and ahhs while you’re at it. Making those sounds compound the pleasure.

Honey Helps

There’s something in your cabinet that can heal a burn AND help you sleep better...

Just a spoonful of honey can do wonders for your sleep. Dr. Stephen Sinatra, author of “The Healing Kitchen,” says honey increases the activity of serotonin and also helps the bran curtail alertness. He suggests taking a half teaspoon of honey about 45 minutes before you hit the sack.

Honey is also great for minor burns. A recent study found a dab of honey was more effective than the standard dressings at speeding up the healing process.

Smarter Scent

Can perfume make you smarter?

If you wear perfume, you might just be a little smarter. In a recent study, participants who inhaled a floral scent were able to learn new information faster than those without scents or with other scents. Pick roses! Students in a another German study who smelled roses while studying and sleeping scored an average of 97% when tested – compared to the 86% average of the students who didn’t.

If you like perfume, opt for rose or another floral scent and give yourself a spritz before you need to weigh a decision or soak up some new information. Go ahead and use floral scented deodorizers at home to make the whole family a little smarter.

Software Updates

The next time you get a popup on your computer – don't just close it...

If you’re like most people – when you get a popup on your computer regarding a software update – you just close it. It’s worth your while to take a closer look. Those updates usually include patches created to fix new security holes. If we ignore them we could be leaving our computers vulnerable to viruses and hackers.

The next time you’re alerted of a software update – go ahead and click on details. You’ll be able to get an idea of what’s involved and will probably want to go ahead and install that.

Gender Hours

Who works longer hours – men or women?

It’s not clear whether they’re working harder – or whether it just takes them longer – but men have a longer workday on average than women. A study of full-time workers revealed the average workday for a man is 8.2 hours and 7.8 hours for a woman.

If you guessed the women end up doing more housework once they get home – you’re right. The ladies logged in an average of 2.6 hours a day on activities like cleaning, cooking and lawn care – over the guy’s 2.1 hours.

So who works harder at sports, recreation and leisure? Men – 22% of them find time for that on a workday compared to 16% of women.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Secret Weapon

If you’d like to make a good impression at work – try this secret weapon...

There’s something you can do to impress your boss and get noticed at work – bake cookies. Taking a batch of fresh-baked cookies to work can work wonders. The scent triggers happy childhood memories for most people – and they’ll subconsciously connect those feelings to you. It’s also a good reminder that you’re more than just another employee – but that you’re thoughtful and have talents outside of the office. Just remember to leave the nuts or weird ingredients out – any allergic reactions could be connected to you too.

Big Bills

What is the highest U.S. Currency bill?

If you’ve ever heard there is a 1 million dollar bill out there – that’s true – but it’s not real. It’s a novelty item and the Statue of Liberty is usually on there. There are some pretty high valued REAL bills in circulation though:

• Grover Cleveland is on the $1,000 bill.

• James Madison made it onto the $5,000 bill.

• Salmon P. Chase served as U.S. Treasury Secretary under Lincoln – and as the guy on the $10,000 bill.

• Woodrow Wilson almost looks happy to be gracing the highest valued U.S. currency – the $100,000 bill.

Got Goji?

Got Goji? I’ll tell you what it is and why you’ll want to get some, in a moment…

It’s the goji berry. Scientists set out to figure out why one area in northern China had 16 times more centenarians than the rest of the country. It turns out the goji berry is plentiful there and the people munch on them every day. Goji bberries have got 500% more vitamin C per ounce than oranges. These tangy little orange-red berries also release a natural human growth hormone which boosts energy and protects cells from age-related damage.

Dried goji berries are starting to crop up in a lot of U.S. health food stores – but in China they are also eaten raw or used to make tea, juice and wine.

Borrowed Credit

If you’d like to boost your credit score – borrow someone else’s...

If your credit score could use a boost – try borrowing someone else’s. You’ll need permission first of course. If your spouse or another family member has got a really good score – ask them to add you as an authorized user on their credit card account. Their good payment history and spending habits will appear on your credit report – making you look more credit-worthy.

It’s best if they have a card they’ve used for years – with a high limit. It’s also important that they pay their bill on time and that you stay ultra-responsible with their account.

Tylenol or Advil?

The next time you’ve got aches and pains – should you take Tylenol or Advil?

There is a difference between the most popular pain relievers. If you’re not sure which is best for what ails you – Dr. Orly Avitzur, Consumer Reports Medical Advisor, has the recommended remedy:

• Acitominophen – the generic of Tylenol - is the best first choice for mild pain, run of the mill headaches or fever reducer. Heavy drinkers should avoid it though because it can cause serious liver damage.

• Ibuprophen – the generic of Advil and Motrin – is the better choice for pain with inflammation. Just remember It can have dangerous side effects if you take high doses of it, or take it too often. Make sure to check with your doctor if you need it more than a few times a month – or if you already take aspirin to protect your heart.

Sexy Food

If your love life could use a boost – have some black beans for dinner...

Sure, oysters and champagne would make a nice romantic dinner – but if you’d like an extra boost – have some black beans with that. Actually, any black food will do. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, foods that are naturally black can improve sexual performance and energy. That’s because black food strengthens the kidneys, and the kidneys are what govern our sexual vitality. If black beans don't exactly turn you on – try some black olives or black sesame seeds.

Clean Towels?

Do you wash your bath towels too much – or not enough?

How dirty could that bath towel really be - considering you were as can be when you used it? Actually, they’re pretty filthy – microscopically speaking. After we rub our body with a towel, those fibers are filled with skin that didn’t come off in the shower. And the moisture it absorbs pretty much turns that towel into a hanging terrarium.

Washing them after every use could be a bit much - but if you toss that damp towel in the dryer when you’re finished with it, it will be much fresher for the next use. Hanging them in a well ventilated spot out of the bathroom will help too.

ATM Alert

You NEED to shield your hand when you punch in your PIN number - anywhere...

The next time you need to punch in your PIN number at a gas station, store or even the ATM – shield your hand! Thieves are cleaning out accounts thanks to new technology that can make it easier than ever for them to get all your information. First, they place a device called a skimmer right over the actual card reader. There’s a tiny chip in there that copies your account information off of the magnetic strip on the card. Then, they strategically place a camera above or near the machine that captures you punching in your pin.

The next time you swipe your card somewhere – give the card reader a tug. If it feels loose or looks out of place in any way – don’t use it – and let the police know about it. Also, be sure to shield your hand any time you’re entering your pin.

Source: Gregory Antonsen, Deputy Police Inspector, NYPD

Asthma Relief

If you’ve got asthma – skip the artificial sweetener...

Asthma is on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 12 adults have it and 1 in 10 school aged kids. Mark Stengler, author of “The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies,” says there’s more to it than what we’re breathing – what we’re eating can make a difference too. There are some elements in our diets that can actually trigger a problem for asthmatics. Dr. Stengler tells his patients to avoid foods with artificial sweeteners and preservatives, which can aggravate asthma symptoms. Food containing gluten can be a problem too. That’s a group of proteins found in wheat, rye and barley.

Stress is another key trigger of asthma. If you can find a stress management program that works for you, such as yoga or biofeedback, you may ultimately be able to reduce the amount or frequency of your asthma meds or inhaler.

Polish Personality

Before you polish your nails – you should know what that color choice is saying...

Summer is a great time for fun nail color – and according to AOL Stylelist, your choice can speak volumes. Here’s what your nail color is saying:

• Hot pink – you’re sexy and chic. You’ll need to be confident because people WILL notice.

• Bright yellow is in – and it says you’re trendy and maybe a bit of a rocker.

• Shades of coral are popular in summer – it’s very feminine and suggests you’re happy.

• Neon green – you’re the life of the party.

• Off white – you’re classic and confident and probably prefer to be low-profile.

• Light pink is the choice of professionals who like to look well-groomed.

• Blue – it’s youthful and playful and suggests you’re willing to try new things.

• Gold – a combination of subtle and chic – is a good choice for the fashion conscious.

• Purple – can be sophisticated or bohemian – depending on the shade.

• Red is a classic – and is usually the choice of someone in love or someone looking for love.

Famous Insomniacs

If you have trouble sleeping – you’re in pretty good company...

If you toss and turn at night – look at the bright side. Some pretty interesting people have suffered from the same ailment:

• Vincent Van Gogh couldn’t sleep. Unfortunately he thought dousing his mattress and pillow with camphor would help – a relative of turpentine. Some believe it’s what pushed him over the edge.

• Groucho Marx took a different approach to his insomnia. He would write jokes or call strangers in the middle of the night and insult them for fun.

• Abraham Lincoln couldn’t sleep either. He was known for taking long walks at midnight.

• Madonna chalks up her insomnia to the fact that she’s a workaholic and a control freak.

• Margaret Thatcher didn’t sleep much as British prime minister. Her motto: Sleep is for wimps.

Burger Boost

The next time you make hamburgers – add some oregano...

If hamburgers or meatloaf are on the menu any time soon – add some fresh oregano. Researchers at Kansas State University tested a bunch of household spices for their antibacterial properties – and oregano won. Adding about 1 teaspoon per pound of meat can wipe out any potential bacteria in the raw meat.

Also, if you like thick, juicy burgers, consider flattening them out a bit. Fat patties will char on the outside before the inside hits that important 160 degree safety mark.

Cut the Cord

Do you watch $1,200 worth of TV a year?

Most of us pay a LOT to watch TV over the course of a year. A basic cable package runs about $550 – and you’ll shell out closer to $1,200 for a premium package. For those who are brave enough to cut the cord – you can probably watch just as much, if not more, for a LOT less. You’ll need a computer and internet of course. The first place to check is your favorite show’s network. A lot of them stream current shows online for FREE. Sites like Hulu, and TV.com have entire seasons of hit shows available for a lot less per month than we pay for cable – and you’re bound to find some vintage favorites on there too. If sports or movies are your thing – there are plenty of sites for those too, at a fraction of the cost.

There are cables available to view what you’re streaming on your TV – and even wireless boxes now that sell for under $100. Chances are, if you opted for all of the above, you’d have more of what you want to watch and pay a lot less for it per year.

Summer Stink

Summer is full of funky smells...

Ahhh, the smells of summer. Tropical breezes and mildewed clothes. If that bathing suit or beach towel smells a bit funky – try spritzing some vodka on there. Vodka kills bacteria but doesn’t leave a scent. Just make sure to hang the stuff in a well ventilated area to dry. Here are a few more summer scent refreshers:

• The garbage disposal can smell a bit ripe in warm weather. Run some hot water in there, drop some orange, lemon or lime peels in there, and turn it on.

• If your freezer smells weird – wipe some vanilla extract on the walls of it with some cotton.

• Carpets are like odor sponges. To freshen them up – sprinkle some baking soda around, let it sit a few hours, then vacuum.

• If you’ve got a stinky basement – cut an onion in half and let it sit there overnight. The onion smell goes away and takes some musty odors with it.

Ultimate Nap

If you’d like to catch some quality z’s – find a hammock!

New research has found that you’ll actually drift off to sleep faster and sleep sounder in a hammock!  No piña colada required. It’s the swaying action. It turns out adults can benefit from that rocking or swaying motion just as much as babies do.

Researchers say rocking or swaying actually affects our brain waves while drifting off to sleep and enhances the initial light sleep phase known as N1 – and N2 – the next deeper phase of sleep. The volunteer nappers experienced a more satisfying sleep and greater mental refreshment after a snooze in the hammock.

Modern Portions

Serving sizes these days aren’t what they used to be...

That single bagel would have fed two people a few decades ago. Bagels used to be about 3 inches and 140 calories. The modern bagel is closer to 6 inches and 350 calories or more! That modern muffin could feed 3 or 4. They used to be about 1.5 ounces and now they’re closer to 5 and a half.

In one study, nutritionists compared 18 classic recipes in different editions of The Joy of Cooking, first published in 1936. In 75 years, average calories per serving have jumped about 63% in 17 of the 18 recipes.

Hazardous Hose

Is it safe to drink from your garden hose?

It's a hot summer day and you or your kids might be tempted to take a refreshing slurp from that garden hose. Not so fast! You could be getting a mouthful of lead! "Consumer Reports" explains that the PVC that most hoses are made from could contain a dangerous amount of lead. That goes for the brass fitting on the end, too. Some hoses have warning labels on them that they are not to be used for drinking. Others may be labeled "drinking water safe". Even those should be flushed out first.

A lot of hoses aren't labeled at all, so you're better off skipping the sipping. It's also a good idea to wash your hands after handling the hose since the lead can be transferred from there to your mouth.

Iced Coffee Boost

If you want a boost from that iced coffee – skip the flavor, in a moment…

If you’re counting on that iced-coffee to pick you up a bit – skip the flavored variety. Most coffee places flavor their coffee with syrups that have sodium benzoate – and that can actually be an energy zapper. Some flavored waters and soda have it too, like Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper. For a real iced pick-me-up – you’re better off with good old plain iced coffee.

Flash Mob Gone Bad

Flash Mobs are sweeping through malls everywhere – and crooks are catching on...

Even if you haven’t witnessed a Flash Mob in real life – you’ve probably seen one on YouTube or the news. A mob of well-intentioned singers or dancers organize a surprise performance in a terminal, store or mall. If you happen to see one forming around you – hold onto your purses and watch your wallets!

Unfortunately there’s a new crime trend sweeping the malls too – it’s a Flash Rob. They’re organized through social media and take the popular Flash Mob idea to a criminal level. A horde of not so well-intentioned people swarm a store or mall, grabbing everything they can, then make a run for it. Retail personnel and patrons are caught off guard and overwhelmed by the mob.

Law enforcement is onto the new trend and they’re trying to monitor any mob organization on sites like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Buy a New Toothbrush

Is your toothbrush medium or hard?

Medium or hard-bristled toothbrushes are actually too abrasive for most of us. Those bristles can wear away the gum line and the tooth beneath it over time – especially if you tend to brush vigorously. The American Dental Association says we should be using soft-bristled brushes.

Most of us hold our toothbrush wrong too. Try using just your thumb and forefinger – that prevents us from applying to much pressure. A slow, circular, massage-like motion is the best brushing technique.

Hot Car Toxins

If you’re getting into a hot car – roll the windows down...

Getting into your car on a summer afternoon can feel like climbing into an oven. Before you crank up that AC – roll the windows down. In most cars, especially older models, the dashboard and seats have got some toxins in there called Benzene. Those Benzene levels go up considerably when they’ve been heated up in the sun.

Even if it’s hot outside, it’s a good idea to let that car and the interior toxins air out for a minute before you turn on the air conditioning with all the windows closed.

Sources: The Science of the Total Environment, Snopes

Dirty Food

Wait! Before you eat that – let’s find out if it’s dirty...

We all know the 5 second rule – but even if you DON’T drop that food it could be filthy. Jim Gorman, of Men’s Health, has a list of the dirtiest food we eat:

• Chickens are filthy. Opt for the free range variety. They have more room to run around and test lower for levels of salmonella than the cooped up variety.

• Oysters. If you slurp them down raw, you could be slurping some E. coli too.

• Eggs. Make sure to check the expiration date and that they are pasteurized.

• Cantaloupe. Avoid melons with dents or bruising – and wash the outside before you cut any dirt on there right into the flesh.

• Peaches. That fuzzy skin holds on to more pesticides than any other fruit. Go organic.

• Scallions. Bugs and bacteria love them. Make sure to buy them refrigerated and wash them REALLY thoroughly.

Dishwasher Danger

For those of us who like to use the dishwasher – here's one more thing to worry about...

Have you heard the news? Dishwashers are trying to kill us! There is new scientific evidence published in the journal Fungal Biology that says a dangerous fungi known as black yeast thrives in the rubber lining of dishwashers. Apparently, black yeast is resistant to hot water and detergent and could be really bad for us. Of the dishwashers they tested, 62% of them had fungi on the rubber in the door.

Unfortunately, the only practical advice the scientists have for us to keep our dishes, cups and silverware free of the dreaded black yeast – is washing by hand.

Thanks for the Interview

Does it really get noticed if you send a thank-you after an interview?

We hear all the time that we should follow up on a job interview with a thank-you note. But does it really make a difference? Yes! CareerBuilder.com surveyed hiring managers – and more than 1 in 5 were LESS likely to hire a qualified candidate who did NOT send a follow-up thank-you note. Most of them said a simple email would even do the trick.

Following up with that note says a lot more than thank you. It shows you’re serious about the position and have good follow-through skills.

Too Nice

The next time you need to negotiate – forget being nice...

Most of us like to be liked – some of us a little too much. According to Carol Frohlinger, author of “Nice Girls Just Don’t Get It,” in order to get ahead, some of us should stop worrying about pleasing others. She says some people just won’t like you, and they have to get over it. As soon as we accept that, we become a bit more seasoned and much better negotiators.

Carol suggests thinking back to a time when you really stood your ground on something and the benefits that came with that. If we do that more often we’ll find a good balance of being liked – and being respected.

Canine Sensation

Is it okay for your dog to ride with its head out the window?

It’s a familiar sight – a dog in the car – head out the window – ears horizontal in the beloved jet stream. Although there’s no real scientific explanation as to why they love it so much, it’s probably just good scents. A dog’s sense of smell and nose are so much more sensitive than ours that they’re likely experience something we’ll never know.

Now the bad news – we probably shouldn’t let them do it. Aside from the obvious danger of getting hit or falling out – they are exposed to tiny, and not so tiny, particles of dirt and debris that can get into their ears, eyes and nose resulting in injury or infection.

Kids Pool Warning

Before you let your kids go in the pool – here's an important warning...

There’s a hidden danger in the bottom of swimming pools your kids NEED to hear about – it’s the drain. Some kids like to play around or sit on the drain at the bottom of a pool and that suction can cause serious injury or entrapment.

It’s important for parents to check the drains and other openings with suction or covers in any pool their kids will be in. Make sure all covers are intact and warn kids to stay away from them.

Rx: Chewing Gum

If you’d like to reduce your risk of heart attack – chew some gum...

 

You’ve probably heard that taking baby aspirin can help ward against heart attack and stroke – and so can chewing gum. Barry A. Franklin, author of “Take a Load off Your Heart,” says chewing sugarless gum containing xylitol helps suppress mouth bacteria and plaque. When those things build up in our mouths, that bacteria can enter the bloodstream through our gums, increasing our risk of clots and other heart attack factors.

PIN Cracking

How hard is it to crack a 4 digit PIN code?

Most of us have a 4 digits PIN, or personal identification number, somewhere in our lives. Banks and phones use them for security. So how hard are they to crack? Not that hard actually. A 4 digit PIN, without repeating a number, has only 24 possibilities. That’s assuming you know which 4 digits are in there.

When choosing a 4 digit PIN, it’s a good idea to repeat one of the digits. That ups the possible combination to 36. If your PIN is one of these, change it, they’re the most popular and first a hacker will try: 1234, 0000, 1111, 5555, 2222, 1212, 1998, 2580, which is the center row and 5683, which spells LOVE.

Cold Condiments

Do you keep your ketchup OUT of the fridge?

If you’d rather not put cold ketchup on that hot dog, go ahead and keep that bottle on a shelf OUT of the refrigerator. Ketchup will be fine in the cabinet or pantry for about a month after it’s been opened. The same goes for mustard and barbeque sauce. For jars that won’t be used up in a month – you’re better of keeping them in the fridge. Once you open that jar of salsa – you should really use that up within a week.

Addicted to Salt

Is it possible to be addicted to salt? Yes!

A lot of us are addicted to salt and don’t even know it. Sure, it makes our food taste better – but it also has the same effect on the brain as nicotine and cocaine, according to Heather K. Jones, author of “The Salt Solution.” Heather says we can detox from salt in about a week by avoiding processed foods and replacing salt with other seasonings like pepper, hot sauce and other herbs and spices.

Flushing out the excess salt from our bodies can actually block hunger and cravings, decrease fat storage and even unleash some extra energy.

Good Insomnia?

Could insomnia actually be good for you?

We’re told over and over how important a good night’s sleep is – but according to Walter A. Brown, professor of psychiatry and human behavior – insomnia is getting a bad rap. He says it’s perfectly normal for many human adults to wake up in the middle of the night. People who do are considered biphasic – and there are some benefits to that. Those who wake in the middle of the night and then go back to sleep usually have at least two cycles of REM sleep which encourages dreaming, self-awareness and well-being. Some biphasic people even welcome the gift of extra time in between their two sleeps. Quiet time in the middle of the night can be a great opportunity for productive contemplation or to get something done.

If you are naturally biphasic, Dr. Brown suggests you go to bed a little earlier to accommodate that awake break you’ll have between your two sleeps tonight.

Professional Primping

If you’d like to make more money – stop primping...

If you spend too much time getting ready for work – you could be earning less. A recent study found women who spent more than 90 minutes on their makeup, hair and outfit, had salaries about 3.4% lower than their less-primped counterparts. Unless you’re a supermodel or an actress – looking too coiffed could be sending a message that you care more about your looks and fashion than your career.

Read My Fingers!

Have you ever really looked at your own fingerprint?

Our fingerprints reveal something about our personality, according to Richard Unger, author of “Lifeprints.” Here’s what they’re saying:

• If your fingerprint has arc shaped arches – you’re probably laid back and have a fairly balanced life.

• If they’ve got tent shaped arches – that’s the rarest pattern. You’re claim to fame is wisdom and patience.

• If the pattern is circular or like a whirlpool – you’re the generous, helpful type that likes to give back.

• If your print has more of a loop shape – you’re sensitive, emotional and put a lot of emphasis on relationships.

To get a good look at your fingerprint – coat a finger with lipstick and roll onto paper.