Allergies are taking a toll on more people than ever this season. Here's some advice and relief...

This allergy season is more intense than most...  

Some people are suffering for the first time, while others are getting clobbered a little harder than usual. Here are a few things you can do to alleviate some of the high levels:

• If you like to exercise outdoors, do it after work. The air is thickest with pollen dust between 5 and 10 A.M., so wait until early evening when pollen counts are typically lower. 

• Don't eat peaches if you have seasonal tree-pollen allergies, a cross reaction can occur between the proteins and the pollens in the air. Others to avoid are apples, pears, cherries, and hazelnuts, which can increase congestion, tingling in the mouth and throat itchiness. If you're allergic to pollen from grass or ragweed, avoid bananas, watermelons, sunflower seeds and chamomile tea. All of these can trigger the same reaction. 

• Antihistamines are still your top choice for allergy relief. Studies show that an antihistamine such as Benadryl is 20% more effective in treating itchiness and sneezing caused by hay fever than any over-the-counter allergy medicine. 

Beans, beans, the magical fruit...

Beans are really good for us – but what about the gas?

According to some new research, we shouldn’t put much stock in that childhood rhyme. Volunteers who participated in a study involving a lot of beans on a regular basis for several weeks did not have a big problem with gassy side-effects. The trick is to get your body used to eating beans. Once your system starts getting enough of that fiber and protein the beans have to offer, it adjusts and handles it just fine.

To work more beans into your diet with fewer side-effects – start with varieties lower in fiber like black-eyed peas and work your way up to the higher-octane pinto and navy beans.  

You’ve got your reading glasses and your sunglasses – but what about your diet glasses?

Before you reach for that donut – grab your diet glasses... 

They’re one of the latest diet fads Japanese scientists are taking a look at. Diet glasses are supposed to help curb your appetite by making your food look bigger. These high-tech specs have a built-in camera system that morphs the size of your bites as they get closer to your mouth. Volunteers who wore the diet glasses while eating a plate of cookies claimed they felt satisfied sooner and resisted polishing off the plate. 

The diet glasses worked best with symmetrical food like cookies or donuts. odd shaped food such as a banana posed more of a problem by confusing the eater. 

You’re probably covered in germs before you even get to that store or office...

We’re often warned about germs on shopping carts and door knobs... 

...but a new study has analyzed and found some more germ hotspots in common U.S. metropolitan areas. Here are the surfaces they swabbed for illness-causing bacteria which are considered high-risk:

• Gas pump handles 

• Mailbox handles

• Escalator rails 

• ATM buttons 

• Parking meters and kiosks

• Crosswalk buttons

• Vending machine buttons

Charles Gerba, professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona, said the tests underscore the importance of maintaining good hand hygiene, noting that most of us don’t realize how many germs we’re exposed to just getting there and back.

Your kids are probably vaccinated – but what about you?

One of the perks of adulthood is no more shots at your checkups...  

But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most of us still need more vaccines to protect our health. That could mean boosters, or in some cases, new vaccines for adults with certain risk factors. If you think vaccines are just for kids, consider this: As many as 45,000 Americans die on average each year from diseases that may have been prevented by vaccinations, according to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Here are five of the top vaccines worth asking your doctor about:

1. The flu vaccine.

2. The pneumococcal vaccine (for pneumonia).

3. Herpes zoster vaccine (for shingles).

4. Tdap vaccine (for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis).

5. HPV vaccine

Don’t assume that your doctor will bring up the topic, many don’t. Dr. Carolyn Bridges, director of adult immunization for the CDCP, says of you’re not sure whether or not you’ve already gotten some of these vaccines, let your doctor know. When it comes to vaccinations, it’s important to be a proactive patient.

Have you ever experienced beginner’s luck? What’s really going on...

Beginner’s luck is a real phenomenon – but luck has nothing to do with it...  

What we chalk up to beginner’s luck is actually two-fold. First of all, beginners or novices often fail or don’t perform well on a first attempt – that’s no surprise. When a beginner does get “lucky,” surprise! We naturally notice and respond to a surprise more than the predictable. 

The other all-important aspect of beginner’s luck is pressure. Experts focus on success and often pay too much attention to detail or what has worked in the past. They’re expected to succeed - and performing under pressure is always more of a challenge. Beginners, on the other hand, often don’t care how they perform on that first attempt and the pressure is off. A novice is also more likely to take a risk that just might pay off.

When is the last time you checked your pulse? How and why to do that...

Do you know your resting heart rate? 

It’s a good thing to check once in a while, because having a heart that can’t slow down enough could indicate high blood pressure. According to a recent Norwegian study, keeping your resting heart rate at 70 beats per minute or less can reduce the risk of heart disease by almost 50%.

To check your resting heart rate you’ll need to relax. Find a watch with a second hand and find a pulse. Try for the inside of your wrist or the side of your neck. Count the beats of your heart for 10 seconds. Multiply that number by six and you’ve got your resting heart rate.  

There’s a tick on the dog! What to do next, in a moment…

The next time you find a tick on your dog or cat – don’t just rip it of willy-nilly...  

You’ll need some tools first, including a pair of tweezers, a baggie and some alcohol. Using the tweezers, grasp the tick as closely to the skin as possible. Gently and slowly pull the tick out – and try to get the whole thing, including the biting head. Do NOT use Vaseline on the tick or touch a burned match head to it – and avoid squeezing the tick too hard. You want to prevent any of the tick’s contents from being ejected onto you or your pet. 

Treat the area where the tick was with some alcohol – but wait until the tick is out. If you suspect the tick is a deer tick – it can be tested for Lyme disease. Alcohol and antiseptics could interfere with the testing process, so keep the tick naked in a Ziploc baggie or sealed container.  

Forget the end of the world in December 2012 – July 9th could be doomsday...

Have you heard about the July 9th virus? 

It’s for real – and according to the FBI, hundreds of thousands of people already have it – on their computer. The DNS virus lays dormant until July 9th, 2012. On that day, PCs and MACs which have been infected will not be able to access the internet.

An estimated 350,000 of us already have the virus. To determine if you’ve got it, the FBI recommends going to www.DNS-OK.US. It's okay, I've check it myself.  It just takes a minute and it will display a green screen if you’re clear, red if you’re not. 

If you do have the virus, experts say it will be easier to fix now by updating your antivirus software. Just be wary about sites claiming to check your computer for the DNS virus. It may come as no surprise that some scammers are taking advantage of the situation.

What’s your favorite movie? Here's why you need to watch that again...

If you’ve got a favorite book – read it again...  

The same goes for that favorite movie, meal, song or vacation. A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research says reruns are really good for us. Not only does repeating a favorite experience tap into the good vibes we felt the first time around, we’ll see, hear or feel some stuff we missed while we were absorbing all that new information.

Just like that line you missed the first time you watched Young Frankenstein, or the strings you didn’t notice in that Beatle’s song – your brain WILL find something new to discover when it’s taking in a familiar favorite.

If you know a foreign language, even just a little – think in it...

Are you bi-lingual? 

Even if you only know the basics of a second language, you can put that to good use today. You won’t necessarily need to speak it, just think in a foreign language. A new study published in the journal Psychological Science says we make MUCH better decisions if we think out the options in another language. That’s because our brains will focus more on just the facts, which helps to block out bias and reduce any emotion connected with the decision.

What should you do with those old electronics collecting dust?

Getting rid of old electronics can be a hassle... 

You can’t throw them out with the trash – and they usually wind up taking up space in the basement, closet or drawers. You could probably get some cash for that stuff. Selling your old gadgets is getting easier all the time. Lots of big-name stores and online retailers are getting in on the action and will offer cash or trade-ins for those old gadgets. 

Radio Shack, Target, Best Buy, Gazelle and Amazon.com are all good places to start. In most cases, you’ll get a gift card in exchange for your outdated tech stuff. You can get some decent cash for some hot products like iPhones and iPads. And the next time you buy a gadget, remember to hang on to accessories, cases, chargers and original boxes. That will get you the best return when it’s old, which will be sooner than you think.

Too much sun is no good for us – and neither are tanning beds. So what about sunless tanning?

Sunless tanners seem harmless enough – so are they safe? 

Dermatologist Arthur Perry says, not really. Sunless tanners contain a chemical called DHA. You smear or spray that on and it turns your skin brown – instant tan! But DHA is toxic if you inhale it or if it gets in your mouth or eyes. Holding your breath won’t eliminate the risks. Once you apply the sunless tanner, that DHA chemical combines with the amino acids in the skin, increasing free-radicals by 180% - not good. Dr. Perry also says DHA is mutagenic, which means it damages DNA and kills healthy cells.

Is it ever okay to hug your doctor? Let's ask one...

Do you plan to hug your doctor at your next checkup? 

Some people do. Dr. Mark Cuczewski, director of Bioethics and Health Policy at Loyola University Chicago, says it’s not that unusual. Once a patient develops a rapport with a caregiver, he or she may reach out for signs of support such as a hug. But Dr. Mark says we need to remember that professional distance is important in the physician/patient relationship. If a patient spontaneously hugs their doctor after some particularly good or bad news, that’s understandable. Social hugging or kissing, even if it’s innocent, could make the patient, the doctor, or other patients and staff uncomfortable.

There’s a trendy new exercise out there called hot yoga – but is it safe?

Most of us think of yoga as pretty mellow and harmless – but there’s a new yoga trend that could be dangerous... 

It’s called hot yoga. Diana Zotos, yoga instructor and physical therapist, says people need to be warned about hot yoga. It’s definitely not for beginners – and could lead to dehydration, fainting, heatstroke, cramping and muscle injury. 

Hot yoga is performed in a room heated to between 90 and 105 degrees. Diana says the potential problem with hot yoga isn’t the poses themselves—which often are the same ones that you would perform in any other yoga class—it’s that the heat adds a new dimension, in that it puts more strain on your cardiovascular system.

While you’re prepping that grill for your first cookout of the season – check the condiments too...

If you’ve had that mustard since last summer’s cookout, that’s okay...  

Mustard keeps for about a year in the fridge. The Food Safety and Inspection Service says you’ll need to check some dates on your other condiments though. Here are the general life spans of our favorite toppers, sauces and sides:

• Ketchup, cocktail or chili sauce: 6 months

• Chutney: 1 to 2 months

• Horseradish: 3 to 4 months;

• Pickles and olives: 2 weeks

• Mayonnaise and salad dressing: Up to 2 months

• Barbecue sauce: 4 months

• Worchestershire sauce: 12 months

• Jams and jellies: 6 months

If you’re tempted to “treat” your car to premium fuel – don’t bother..

If you’re driving a high performance sports or luxury car – chances are you’ll need to pay extra for some fancy fuel...

But for the rest of us, regular will do just fine. Consumer Reports’ Jeff Bartlett says the reality is, most cars don't need premium. If your owner's manual specifies regular fuel, don't be tempted to treat it once in a while to premium. If you must treat the car, instead invest in routine maintenance, quality tires with low rolling resistance and an occasional hand wash.

If premium is "recommended," rather than "required," that means that premium gasoline will deliver the engine's peak performance - but unless you're racing, the difference in performance from one fuel to another is negligible.

What is it about fingernails on a chalkboard that makes our skin crawl?

Fingernails on a chalkboard is generally considered the most irritating sound out there...

So what makes that so much worse than other sounds? For most of us, the pitch of that hair-curling sound falls right in the human hearing sweet spot. We are particularly sensitive to pitches in that range – and the anatomy of the ear canal actually amplifies them. That’s why one slow abrasive pass of the nails over a slate surface sounds louder and more deafening than your favorite song or live concert, on 11.

If you’d like to save some money, make sure to use your Catalina coupons!

Most of us overlook or throw away free money every day... 

Kendal Perez, creator of the Haassle-Free Savings website, says there are some significant savings out there that many consumers don’t even know about. Here are some you could be missing:

• Catalina coupons: Similar to receipt coupons, Catalina coupons are usually printed from a small machine at the register. These coupons are triggered by your purchases and give you decent discounts on products you typically buy. 

• Customer service surveys: The next time your cashier suggests you visit a website and take a survey – do it. Some of those will pay $10 or more in discounts or certificates.

• Mobile coupons: If you have a smart phone, you have easy access to coupons while you're shopping. Just download a free coupon app, such as Coupon Sherpa. Perez says she saves up to 40% on purchases using mobile coupons. 

• Peelies: These are coupons attached to a product for immediate use. But they’re no help if you don’t peel them off and hand them to the cashier.

If you’d like to freshen up from head to toe – have some vodka!

You might want to consider adding a bottle of vodka to your supply of beauty products... 

A shot of vodka can do wonders for several body parts:

• Astringent: To tighten your pores, get rid of grime and refresh your skin, use straight vodka as an astringent. Apply with a cotton ball both morning and night.

• Shampoo: Put a shot of vodka into your bottle of shampoo to help cleanse your hair and scalp. Some say that vodka can also stimulate hair growth.

• Mouth wash: Mix 1/4 cup of cinnamon with two cups of vodka. Seal in an airtight container for a week. Strain through a coffee filter then mix the liquid with an equal part of warm water to create the mouthwash.

• Dandruff treatment: Put three teaspoons of crushed rosemary into a cup of vodka. Let it set overnight and then strain through a coffee filter. Massage the liquid into your scalp and let it dry. Rinse with cool water.

• Foot wash: For foot odor, wash your feet in straight vodka or add a little to your foot bath when giving yourself a pedicure or soaking your feet after working out.

Scam of the Week

If you get an email from the U.S. Postal Service – proceed with caution...

There’s a new email scam out there, and it can really mess up your computer. It’s disguised as a message from the U.S. Postal Service and it contains a link or attachment that can install a virus or steal personal information. On its website, the USPS writes that "The Postal Inspection Service is working hard to resolve the issue and shut down the malicious program."

Aside from the link, the email may contain a message regarding an unclaimed package waiting for you or information about online postage charges. If you do receive the email, do NOT reply or click on any links or attachments, and delete the message. 

You can tell a lot about someone – by their dog...

If you’ve got a dog – its breed says a lot about your personality... 

A new study found that people subconsciously match themselves with pets they share something in common with. Here are a few common connections between breeds and people:

• Sporting Dogs: Labrador retriever and cocker spaniel owners tend to be more agreeable and conscientious.

• Herding Dogs: Shepherds and sheepdogs are more extroverted – and so are their owners.

• Hound Dogs: If you know someone with a greyhound or beagle, they’re probably calm, consistent and emotionally stable.

• Toy Dogs: Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers are open to new experiences. You’ll probably see the owner AND the dog at the new hot-spot in town.

• Utility Dogs: English bulldog and Chow Chow owners are conscientious and curious.

• Terriers: People with Staffordshire bull or Scottie dogs are the most middle-of-the-road bunch.

• Working Dogs: Doberman and schnauzer people are pretty mellow and friendly – and tend to blend in.

What's green and fuzzy and PACKED with nutrients?

The next time you’re in the produce isle – grab a few kiwifruit! 

Those fuzzy little orbs are packed with nutrients. One kiwifruit has more vitamin C than an orange and about the same amount of potassium as a small banana. There’s vitamins E and K in there - and then there’s the fiber – as much as a cup of cooked oatmeal.

Kiwifruit can be tricky to peel – but you can skip that step. That fuzzy skin is edible too. If you leave it on, you’ll be getting even more fiber and some polyphenols too. Just be sure to buy organically grown kiwifruit if you plan on eating the fuzz. If you want just the flesh, cut the kiwifruit in half and scoop it out with a spoon.

Could junk food be good for you? No! But some of it is less bad for you...

If you’ve just got to have junk food – there are a few varieties that are less junky than others... 

Consider these versions of some snack favorites:

• Potato chips: They’re not exactly good for you, but the baked taste pretty good and are less junky than the fried variety.

• Cheese puffs: Frito-Lay has a low-fat version now and Annie’s Homegrown Cheddar Bunnies are a good choice – and they both taste just as good as the junkier varieties.

• Pretzels: Look for low-sodium and low-fat. You won’t miss the fat and some brands are now flavored with other spices that help make up for any lack of salt.

• Chocolate bars: Sometimes there’s just no substitute for chocolate. Opt for a bar that has sections and eat half. Kit Kat is a less junky choice.

• Cookies: The Italians developed a low-calorie, low-fat cookie thousands of years ago. Biscotti are satisfyingly sweet and crunchy, and a whole bar only contains 90 calories and 3 grams of fat.

You might want to get that bar of soap OUT of your shower...

If you’d rather have less soap scum and fewer clogged drains in your shower, lose the bar soap! 

Mary Findley, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Cleaning,” says most commercial brands of bar soap are made of substances that stick to surfaces like the walls, door, floor and drain of your shower. That residue builds up over time, especially in the drain where you can’t see it. If you switch to liquid soap or use a glycerin-based bar in the shower, you’ll eliminate that problem and some of that scrubbing in between showers.

The umbrella you carry can have a BIG impact on your looks...

What color is your umbrella? 

If you’d like to look more beautiful on the next rainy day, have a white, cream or pink umbrella handy. Those colors in your umbrella act like a mini photo studio for your face, reflecting flattering light tones onto your skin.

If you’ve got a red, bright green or blue umbrella – you probably won’t be winning any beauty contests. Those colors reflected back onto your skin are not as flattering. If you’d rather just blend in on that next rainy day, go for the basic black umbrella.

If you’re working late tonight – don’t say it out loud...

“Looks like I’m working late – again!” 

Announcing that to your co-workers or boss is probably a bad idea. Alan Axelrod, author of “How to Say It,” says there are a few things you should refrain from saying out loud at work. By verbalizing your long hours or extra effort, you risk giving the impression that you’re complaining about your workload or struggling. Here are a few more statements to keep to yourself:

• “I’ll get to it when I can.” That suggests you don’t take the assignment seriously.

• “I can do it better alone.” You’re really saying “I’m not a team player.”

• “The way I’ve always done it is fine.” Resisting new ideas is a bad idea. Show some enthusiasm about the new approach and give it a try. You can question it later without seeming hostile.

Are you suffering from spring fever?

Most of us think of spring fever as a state of mind – but there’s more to it than that...  

Dr. Jon Abramowitz, a professor at the University of North Carolina, says there are some very real symptoms to spring fever. They can include daydreaming, falling in love and an overwhelming urge to be outside. That’s because nice weather signals the brain to secrete endorphins, triggering a strong feeling of well-being. 

There is no known cure for spring fever – and some people are more at risk than others. If you think you may have it, don’t ignore the symptoms – make an appointment with Mother Nature. Your body is probably trying to tell you it could use a change of scenery, some fresh air and some vitamin D.

Could weight gain actually shrink the brain?

For every extra pound you put on, your brain shrinks... 

That’s what a recent study from UCLA is suggesting. They looked specifically at elderly people who are obese or overweight and found they have significantly less brain tissue than people of normal weight. The heavier the subject, the smaller the brain was. People categorized as overweight had brains that looked about 8 years older, while those who were obese shrunk their brains by about 16 years.

The authors of the study say most of the brain tissue that is lost with the weight gain occurs in the frontal and temporal lobe regions of the brain, which governs decision-making and memory.

If you’re looking for Mr. or Miss Right – don’t look too far...

Could the man or woman of your dreams be at work? 

The odds are pretty good. A recent study looked at 11,000 people to determine where they met their match. Here are the top spots:

• Work or school: 36%

• Through a friend or family member: 26%

• Dating websites: 17%

• Bars, clubs and social events: 11%

• Places of worship: 4%

If you’re out of school, out of work or out of options at work, consider getting involved in a job-related networking event or an adult education class. That will increase the odds of meeting someone local, that you’ve probably already got something in common with.

If you talk to yourself, are you crazy – or smarter?

Do you talk to YOURSELF? 

That’s okay! A recent study published in Science Daily suggests that talking to yourself could actually be helping you get through life a little easier than those who don’t. In two experiments, participants were given a list of objects to find. The first group had to remain silent during their search. The second group was encouraged to repeat the names of the hidden objects and talk their way to them. The self-talkers found all the stuff a LOT faster than the silent searchers.

Give it a try the next time you lose your keys. Repeat the word “keys,” out loud, over and over. By doing that, you change your perceptual processing - and temporarily turn your visual system into a keys detector.

A lot of our favorite products are labeled with LIES!

Do you buy oil-free products for your face? 

A lot of women do. That’s why so many cosmetic companies are making oil-free versions of just about everything. But unfortunately, many of that “oil-free” labeling is just a marketing trick. Turn the bottle over and you’re likely to find oils in the list of ingredients. Synthetic oils, which can be even more irritating to the skin, are often used to replace the natural versions.

Another labeling lie to beware of in beauty products is “Natural.” It really means nothing. The FDA requires just 20% of the ingredients to be natural to slap that word on the label. If you’re really trying to avoid chemical ingredients, look for “USDA certified organic” on the label.

If your name is hard to pronounce – that could be a problem...

If your full name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue – it could hold you back professionally...  

A recent study looked at a group of adults – and their promotability. Those with easy-to-pronounce or fluent surnames, such as Dunlop or Stevenson, were 7 to 8% more likely to be promoted. Those with last names including Leszczynska, Nafpliotis and MacEochagan were more likely to be overlooked in the promotion department.

We don’t do it on purpose – but when we are processing names and data, our brains prefer information that is easier to comprehend. With fluent names, there is less of a risk of embarrassing ourselves or insulting anyone. 

If your name is unusual or difficult to pronounce, you could actually put yourself at an advantage by choosing a nickname. Participants in the study who had a nickname listed on their resume or contact information actually stood out more and were easier to recognize.

How often should you really change your pillow?

You’ve probably heard we should be changing our pillows about every two years...  

But if you LOVE your pillow – does it really have to go? Consider this: A new, 10 ounce pillow can double its weight in three years. Those extra 10 ounces are a combination of skin, dirt, dust mite remains and mold. 

Using a zippered pillow liner under your pillowcase can save your favorite pillows a bit longer. And if you just can’t part with your favorite pillow, wash it! For foam pillows, use mild detergent and warm water in a large sink or bathtub. Air-dry them. Foam can fall apart in the dryer. Polyester and down pillows can be washed and dried in machines on gentle – do two at a time to balance the load.

If you need to book a flight somewhere – do that tomorrow...

If you’re planning to fly anywhere soon – check out the air fares tomorrow... 

Industry experts say most airlines launch their sales on Monday night – and the competition begins. By Tuesday afternoon, several airlines have most likely adjusted their prices to stay close to, or beat their competitors. 

The sooner you can book your flight, the better. Those last minute deals are hard to come by these days. Airlines are scheduling fewer flights to reduce the number of unsold seats, so holding off usually doesn’t pay off.

Some of our favorite fairy tale characters did NOT live "happily ever after."

Most of our favorite fairy tales were originally intended to teach children some important lessons – and scare the bejeebers out of them... 

They've been a bit sanitized over the centuries. Here are some examples of the original bedtime stories children were expected to sleep on:

• Sleeping Beauty: In the original version, it wasn’t the kiss of a handsome prince that woke Sleeping Beauty – it was the nudging of her newborn twins. While asleep, she was impregnated by a monarch, who’s wife tried to kill them all.

• Snow White: At the end of the original German version, the wicked queen is punished for her evil deeds. She had to dance wearing a pair of red-hot iron shoes until she falls over dead.

• The Little Mermaid: The REAL mermaid was duped into drinking a magic potion by the man of her dreams, who wound up marrying a different woman. Distraught, the Little Mermaid threw herself into the sea where her body dissolves into sea foam.

What’s the difference between a legal pad and another pad of paper?

When you think “legal pad” – you probably think “yellow.” 

Although it is the most common color for legal pads, it’s not what makes them legal. The legality is actually in the margin. According to the American Pad and Paper Company, the only thing that technically sets a legal pad apart from other notepads is a wider 1.25 inch left margin. 

Thomas Holley, the original legal pad guy, added that left margin in the early 1900s at the request of a loyal customer, a judge who needed that space to write comments on his notes.

If you’re buying or selling a home – there are some red flags to watch for...

If you drive by a house for sale – make sure to look for a few red flags before you fall in love....

There are some things visible on and around the exterior that might scream, "keep on driving!"

• Broken or damaged gutters and downspouts.

• Cracked, curled, or missing shingles.

• Visible mold or mildew.

• Foundation cracks, bulges or buckling.

• Cracks at upper corners of windows and doors.

• Mushrooms or fungus growing out of siding.

• Soft boards or loose rails on outdoor decks.

• Soggy ground and lush vegetation around septic tank or leach fields.

• Scratches or algae on siding.

These are some indications that the house might be due for some costly repairs. Spotting those on your own can save you time, money and disappointment before you invest in an inspector. If you’re selling a home, you’ll need to look for and address these problems first.

Do you like a little ice cream before bedtime?

Some late-night snacks are worse than others... 

Unfortunately, some of our favorites are on that “worst” list:

• Ice Cream: It’s loaded with fat and sugar that your body won’t have time to burn off. It can even result in bad dreams.

• Celery: It sounds healthy – but it’s a natural diuretic. Celery before bed could result in getting up before morning.

• Cereal: A lot of people LOVE that before bed. Just know that the sugar and carbs could keep you up a bit longer.

• Dark Chocolate: That could delay your bedtime a bit too. Most dark chocolate contains caffeine and another stimulant called theobromine.

Do you have a stash of random stuff in your desk drawer?

You’ve probably got some files, office supplies and snacks in your desk drawer at work – but what else have you got in there? 

Deborah Sweeney, of Forbes Woman, has some essential items we should all have in our stash:

• Chargers: The death of a phone or gadget can put a big crimp in your day. It can’t hurt to have a spare universal charger at work.

• Lint Roller: It’s a lot easier than wrapping tape around your hand for the job or borrowing one from a coworker.

• Deodorant, Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Simple travel-sizes will do.

• First Aid Supplies: It’s a good idea to have more than a stray Band-Aid on hand. Invest in a small first-aid kit with lots of goodies in there.

• An Umbrella: The one in the car won’t be much help.

Germy Stuff

You would expect that public bathroom to have some germs – but what about that lemon wedge? 

When researchers ordered drinks at 21 different restaurants, they found a host 25 of different microorganisms on the lemons, including E. coli and other fecal bacteria. Here are some other filthy finds:

• Restaurant menus: Hundreds of people handle your menu – and cold and flu viruses can survive for 18 hours on there. 

• Condiment dispensers: They’re just as dirty, if not more so, than the menu.

• Soap dispensers: About 25% of public restroom dispensers are contaminated with fecal bacteria. 

One sided conversations are EXTRA distracting...

Just about anywhere you go these days - you’re likely to hear one side of a conversation from someone on a cell phone...  

Researchers at Cornell University say those half-conversations are MUCH more distracting than other noises and talk. That’s because our brains have an innate ability to ignore things that are predictable. When we hear regular chit-chat, there’s not much guessing about the subject matter. One sided conversations throw our brain a bit of a curve-ball. It can’t help but tune in a bit more in an attempt to fill in the blanks.

How do you beef up a resume with little or no work experience?

If you’re just entering, or re-entering the looking-for-work-force, your resume might need a little extra substance... 

Marketing expert Ashley Faus, says this is a great opportunity to put some stuff on your resume that there probably won’t be room for some day:

• Volunteer work: Helping out at a school or church or giving time to a local non-profit can give insight to your passions and are a great substitute for full-time work experience.

• Relevant Hobbies: Interests like writing, photography or computer programming can be perfect for your resume. If it applies to the industry you’re interested in, start a portfolio with some of your work.

• Non-Professional Experiences: If you studied abroad or contribute to a blog, those can show good use of your time off. Don’t forget to add any language or technical skills you picked up along the way.

Ashley says, your "off hours" don't mean that you're wasting time. Give yourself credit where it's due. If you’re wondering where you should list some of these assets on your resume, they can usually be worked into an “Additional Skills” paragraph.

Some of us are speeding up the aging process for our skin every day...

We all get a little older every day...

...but some of us are aging our skin faster than we should. Here are some common mistakes we make that make us look old:

• Skipping sunscreen is an obvious one. We should be using one with an SPF of at least 30 every day, year-round.

• Sleeping with makeup on is a big no-no. You’re not just sleeping in chemicals and goop, all the day's toxins are still on there too.

• Neglecting your hands and neck can add years to your look. Those spots are just as exposed as your face – they deserve the same attention.

• Spot treating pimples dries out the skin, leaving raw irritated areas. It’s best to treat the entire face with something recommended by a dermatologist.

• If you love trying new products – cut that out. Switching too often can be hard on your skin. Using too many products at once is irritating too.

Could a mid-morning snack help you lose weight?

If you’re going to have a snack today – wait until the afternoon... 

New research suggests that the timing of your snack can determine whether it helps or hurts your diet. Dieting participants who snacked mid-morning lost LESS weight than those who scheduled an afternoon snack. 

The reason was two-fold. People who snack between breakfast and lunch usually do so because they are bored or socializing. Those who snack between lunch and dinner tend to rustle up something healthier like fruit or nuts.

If your brain can’t remember something, your body might...

Can’t remember someone’s name? 

Shift your eyes from left to right for about 30 seconds. According to a British study, that move can improve your instant recall by engaging both sides of your brain which activates long and short-term memory.

If shifting your eyes doesn’t work – start swinging your arms or rock back and forth. That reduces stress and resets your brain. If the person is still there, you’ll be able to ask them by name not to call the police.

Should you help with your kids’ homework – or not? The correct answer...

If you’d rather not “help” your kid do their homework – you’re off the hook! 

Experts say we should NOT be correcting that homework before it goes back to school. According to Julie Freedman Smith, co-founder of Parenting Power, intervening with those mistakes could do more harm than good. If their homework is stellar but they can’t back up that performance in the classroom, it can erode motivation and confidence over time. 

Allen Koh, CEO of Cardinal Education, says parents need to resist the urge to correct homework. We naturally want our kids to succeed – but giving them correct answers without thoroughly explaining them could have just the opposite effect.

Does your dog walk in circles before lying down?

Why do dogs circle and scratch before they lie down? 

That spot might look comfortable to us – but most modern dogs cannot shake that ancient canine ritual. Your dog’s ancestors likely slept outside without much shelter from the elements. Circling their sleeping spot helped them check and tamp down the potential bed. Most dogs will even give a scratch or two to the surface before hitting the sack.

While circling and scratching is perfectly normal, you do want to take note if your dog does this excessively and can’t seem to get comfortable. That could indicate an underlying health problem such as arthritis or neurological problems.