Inlander says the best way to go about finding a qualified health coach is to check with your health insurer. If they don’t offer health coaching, check with your local hospital or a group such as the American Heart Association. Most of these services will be covered by insurance if your doctor Okays it. Just be aware that anyone can claim to be a health coach and if your insurance does not cover it, it could cost anywhere from $50 to $150 an hour. Be sure to ask for credentials, references and state licensing status before signing on to work with a health coach.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
If you have concerns about your health – professional guidance could be just a phone call away...
Email scam of the week...
These phony emails often have AARP misspelled in lower case and may even come in the form of a text message. The gift cards promised may also be from Walmart, Best Buy or Target.
If you do receive one of these emails or texts – do NOT click the link. It will just take you to a consumer survey asking for your information. You would then be prompted to download something in order to claim your fake gift card.
If you love Siri, you might be tempted to dump her for Iris. Who she is and what she does...
And Iris isn’t as picky as Siri. You won’t need an iPhone to use her, any smartphone, computer or tablet will do. She’s state-of-the-art and can even provide enhanced security monitoring and streaming video of your home.
Men and women do lots of things differently – especially when it comes to lying....
Some of these stereotypical gender lies may come as no surprise:
• Women lie “down” – preferring people to think of them as younger and lighter than what they really are. Men lie “up” boosting their earnings and their height.
• With sexual prowess, it's the opposite. Men tend to lie "up" with their numbers, women lie "down."
• Men are also ten per cent less likely to disclose their infidelity than women, while women are more likely to tell lies about other people rather than themselves.
You’re probably storing your fruits and vegetables in the wrong spot...
In a recent study, college students reached for the most produced when it was displayed in clear, uncovered containers, within arm’s reach. If you want your family to reach for the good stuff first, location and presentation is everything. The best spot for that fresh, healthy produce is front and center. Keeping them in clear glass bowls either on the counter or eye level in the fridge will almost guarantee that they’ll be seen and eaten. Make sure they’re washed and ready to eat and a lot less will go to waste.
How good are you at spotting your own mistakes? How to proofread like a pro...
1. Never proofread your own stuff.
2. Read everything straight through from the beginning to end.
3. Read backward to catch spelling errors.
4. Read pages out of order.
5. Have guest proofreaders initial everything they check.
6. Have someone read numbers while you check hardcopy.
7. Take short breaks so you can concentrate more clearly.
8. List errors you spot over a month.
9. Alter your routine.
10. Make your marks legible and understandable.
Don’t get too dependent on spell checker – it can actually work against you. Not only will a spell checker miss mistakes, it may autocorrect to a word or spelling you don’t want. If there’s nobody else to proofread for you, reading your work out loud can really help you see AND hear any hidden mistakes.
Is that pain in your ear swimmer’s ear or something else? How to diagnose it...
If you are stuck with swimmer’s ear, skip the Q-Tips! They’ll only make matters worse. Use ibuprofen and apply a warm compress to ease the pain. You’ll most likely be able to treat the condition with over-the-counter drops.
Buying used tires can be economical, environmentally friendly – and dangerous!
He says it’s also important to remember that tires degrade over time and unused tires become compromised after a number of years. Even if you’re buying a new set, check the DOT code on the sidewall. The last 4 digits indicate the week and year the tire was made. You want to be sure it hasn’t been sitting around in a warehouse for too long.
Monday, July 30, 2012
If you’d like to lose weight – just eat more...
Don’t forget plenty of fiber too. Whole wheat bread, brown rice and oatmeal are all good options. Jonathan also says green tea can work wonders and will help you burn more fat than plain water. Drink 5 to 15 cups a day, hot or cold, caffeinated or decaf.
You expect germs in the bathroom or doctor’s office – but the toy store? Some other filthy spots...
• Fitting rooms: It’s not the hook or the chair you need to worry about – it’s the garments themselves. You’re sharing skin-cells and who-knows-what left on there by anyone else who tried them on. Be sure to wear full-coverage underwear when trying on clothes. No thongs!
• Gadget shops: Those techy toys are fun to play with – but image the filthy fingers that have touched those buttons and screens before you. Use hand sanitizer after you’re done.
• Makeup counters: Do NOT be tempted by those samples. Studies have found them to be crawling with bacteria such as staph, strep and E. coli.
If your opponent is left-handed, you could be at a disadvantage...
Experts say lefties have a stronger connection between the left and right sides of the brain which helps with split-second reaction and reasoning. The research also determined that the stronger left-handed the participants were, the better the performance.
Losing your job can be devastating. Don’t make matters worse by saying any of these things...
• “This place is going under anyway.” Even if it’s true, it’s a bad idea and you’ll look like a jerk.
• “I should have left years ago.” All that does is make people wonder why you stayed so long. You’ll just look disgruntled.
• “I quit before they could fire me.” That just makes you sound impulsive and not in control.
• “Let me give you some advice.” Anything you have to say is likely to be discounted. You’re better off choosing something that person did best and letting them know you admired that.
• “Expect to hear from my lawyer.” You’ve just ensured you won’t receive a positive reference. You’ve also just given them some extra time to lawyer up and prepare their defense. Keep any legal plans to yourself.
Can cherry juice really help you get to sleep?
If you want to give the tart cherry juice a try, have one glass when you wake up in the morning and another before bed. Make sure to do this for 7 consecutive days – and you could be enjoying about 39 MORE minutes of quality sleep. Tart cherry juice can help you recover from jet lag too.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Social Jetlag
Monday’s are no picnic – but if you’re suffering from social jetlag, they can be miserable. Social jetlag is a phrase coined by researchers who have decided that sleeping in and having fun on the weekends comes with a price on Monday morning, leaving us feeling sluggish and drained. What’s more, you may not fully recover until Wednesday.
Sleeping in on weekends is what really sets the potential jetlag in motion. In only takes a 2 hour shift in your sleep pattern to throw your system off. When we do that on a weekly basis, the negative effects are cumulative.
Social jetlag may sound harmless – but according to German researcher Till Roenneberg, who coined the phrase, it can take a hefty toll on our health, raising the odds we’ll turn to drinking, smoking and caffeine for relief.
If you or someone you know is suffering from arthritis – grab the gin!
The drunken raisin antidote will take a while to concoct. You’ll need to fill a shallow bowl with golden raisins, pour in enough gin to cover them and let them soak for at least a week, until the gin evaporates. Once they’re ready, store them in an airtight container.
To relieve the arthritis pain, just eat 10 of those raisins a day for one month, then 9 a day after that. You might want to make sure you have another batch of drunken raisins brewing as soon as the first batch is done.
If your boss is assembling a S.W.A.T. team – should you be worried? The latest in business jargon...
1. Core Competency: Referring to a company or person's fundamental strength.
2. Buy-In: Agreement on a specific course of action. Typically this involves someone who was not part of the discussion or planning.
3. S.W.A.T. Team: A group of business "experts," who are assembled to solve a problem.
4. Empower: This suggests the boss wants you to feel important and do someone else's work, while letting you know that he is still the one in charge.
5. Open the Kimono: Revealing information.
6. Bleeding Edge: Referring to something that is SO cutting-edge it needed a new term.
7. Scalable: A business or activity that requires lots of effort, time and money - but distributing it is easy and painless.
8. Best Practice: This refers to a method or technique that delivers superior results.
9. Think Outside the Box: Not so new, but still overused, it’s approaching a business problem in an unconventional fashion.
10. Leveraging: Using a situation or environment that to manipulate or control, as in "we are leveraging our assets."
Some hotels have the best pillows. How you can get the same one...
• Four Seasons has a Phoenix Down 75% White Goose Feather/25% White Goose Down Pillow that may be the best down/feather pillow on the market for side sleepers. Cost: $60
• Marriott usually provides the Pacific Coast Down Surround Pillow, which is a great choice for back and stomach sleepers. Cost: $50
• The MGM Grand in Las Vegas has the Down Etc Diamond Support Feather Pillow. 95% Grey Duck feathers and 5% Grey Duck down. Cost: $65
• Ritz-Carlton provides the Pacific Coast Double DownAround Pillow, another great choice for side sleepers. Cost: $65
If you stayed at a hotel and just HAVE to have that pillow, ask the hotel for specifics and brand names. You can also check out PacificPillows.com which lets you search pillows by hotel name.
There is one word that could actually prevent you from getting that job...
Hiring managers seemed to prefer the person who was able to limit the use of those words, especially “I” during the interview. In most cases, they are looking for a team player who cares about the company rather than someone who is full of themselves or more concerned with what they want or need.
What do soda and strokes have in common? Unfortunately, a lot. The disturbing link...
Here’s what Dr. Adam Bernstein, lead author of the study, had to say about soda. "Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption has increased dramatically in the United States over the past three decades and it's affecting our health. These findings reiterate the importance of encouraging individuals to substitute alternate beverages for soda."
What’s the worst seat on an airplane?
Experts say those of us on long-haul flights sitting in economy class are at the highest risk of developing deep venous thromboses - so much so that it’s even been dubbed "economy class syndrome."
One of your appliances could be a huge fire risk...
• Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes.
• Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically.
• Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up.
• Do not dry clothing or fabric on which there is anything flammable, such as alcohol, cooking oils, gasoline, spot removers or dry-cleaning solvents. Flammable substances give off vapors that could ignite or explode.
If you notice that it's taking longer for your clothes to dry, it's likely that lint is clogging the venting system. Also, the white vinyl venting a lot of us have no longer meets national fire code standards in the U.S. If that’s what you’ve got, consider replacing that with aluminum ducts.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
If you’ve got a TV in the kitchen – get it out of there!
• For one week, keep a journal of all screen time and what you eat during it. You may be shocked at what you hadn’t noticed the week before.
• Put some post-it notes on your TV and computer reminding you to eat somewhere else.
• If you’ve got a TV in the kitchen – get it out of there. You’ll be doing the whole family a favor.
The shows you watch can make a difference too. Dr. Clark points out that if a TV show excites you and inspires conversation with family or friends, you’re less likely to eat during it. But if a show leaves you feeling flat or bored, hide the snacks! That will make you much more prone to emotional eating.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? That tough interview question is old school. The new gotcha questions...
Just about every interview has a dreaded question or two...
Because “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” and “What is your biggest weakness?” are pretty much expected now, hiring managers are digging a little deeper to put us on the spot. Here are some of the new popular “gotcha” questions:
• Which superhero would you be?
• If you could trade places with anyone in the world – who would it be?
• If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
• What animal would you compare yourself with?
• In the news story about your life – what would the headline be?
Katharine Hansen, career expert and author of “A Foot in the Door,” says these types of gimicky interview questions are usually designed to see if you can think on your feet, how you’d respond when put on the spot, or in some cases, they are intended to gauge your creativity or political correctness. So how do you respond? She says don’t let it rattle you. Simply smile, take a deep breathe, and take a moment to compose your response. A little bit of silence is better than blurting out something even sillier than the question. If all else fails, ask if you can come back to that question later. You may lose a few thinking-on-your-feet points, but you'll gain points for handling a difficult situation with poise.
If it’s too hot outside for your daily walk, there’s something even better you can do inside...
We might associate hula hooping with the 1950s – but hula hoops have been spinning around for thousands of years. In ancient Greece and Egypt, they were made from grapevines or stiff grasses and were used by kids and adults alike for exercise.
The hula hoop has come a long way since then. Adult fitness models are now wrapped in friction tape, allowing you to spend more time hooping and less time picking it up.
The dog days of summer ain’t what they used to be. How and when they changed...
Originally, the dog days were counted from 20 days before the Sirius-Sun conjunction to 20 days after. But due to the precession of the equinoxes, a gradual drifting of the constellations over time, the dog days have shifted a bit and we have settled on July 3rd to August 11th.
Blondes may be the butt of many jokes – but research shows they’ll also be laughing all the way to the bank...
• Blondes equaled other women on test scores and education.
• Blondes have the highest percentage of college degrees and master diplomas.
• Blondes’ wages were 7% higher.
• Blondes’ spouses also earned 6% more than other husbands.
Brunettes scored the highest in the self-esteem department and reported feeling the most respected at work, while redheads had the most drive and logged the most on-the-job hours.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Quick – call the plastic surgeon! You’ve got a double chin on Facebook!
The most popular procedure is chin augmentation. Those are up 71% in just the past year. So what’s the connection with social networking? According to Manhattan Plastic Surgeon Dr. Adam Schaffner, patients come into the office and say they didn’t realize how they really looked until they saw themselves on Facebook or their iPhone.
Dr.
Robert K. Sigal, a Washing D.C. area surgeon has even created the "Facetime
Facelift" which reduces heaviness, fullness and sagging of the face and neck
emphasized by the angle at which the phone is held.
There are lots of uses for good old baking soda. Let’s review...
• Squeaky clean hair: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to your usual shampoo bottle to help remove buildup from hair products. If you spend a lot of time in the pool, a baking soda and water rinse will remove the chlorine. You can even use baking soda as a dry shampoo on oily hair. Just comb through and blow dry.
• Hands: Remove fish, onion, or garlic odor from hands by washing them with a solution of baking soda and a bit of liquid soap.
• Elbows: Rub a baking-soda paste onto your elbows to smooth away rough skin.
• Feet: Massage rough calluses and heels with a baking soda paste or soak tired feet in warm water with a few tablespoons baking soda.
• Soothe minor mishaps: For sunburn pain, poison ivy or bee stings, apply baking soda with a saturated washcloth to the area.
• Relaxing baths: Baking soda added to the bathwater has a softening effect on the skin. Add 1/2 cup to a full bath.
• Organic Deodorant: Apply cornstarch to your underarms with a powder puff first and then apply the baking soda.
• Nail care: Clean fingernails and toenails by scrubbing them with a nailbrush dipped in baking soda. This also softens cuticles.
• Facial Care: Baking soda is an excellent exfoliant and leaves your skin nice and smoothe. It’s also great for razor burn relief.
Cool as a cucumber...
• Mint: Toss some in your salad or stick a sprig in your drink. It affects the nerves in the mouth and throat, creating a cooling sensation.
• Coconut water: It’s even more hydrating than water.
• Green tea: Drinking it hot cools you down by triggering the pores in your skin to open.
• Ginger: The compounds in ginger help regulate your internal temperature, making you feel more comfortable. It can cool you down in the summer and warm you up in the winter. And its effects can last for a few hours.
Ironically, vacations make some people sick! Why that happens...
If you or someone in your family is prone to leisure sickness, don’t skip the vacation – you really do need it. Dr. Robinson suggests you work on relaxing BEFORE you go. Take some short breaks each day prior to leaving. Once you’re they’re – don’t stray too far from your normal routine. You can even stay connected to real life a little by designating check-in times at the beginning and end of each day.
For those who get them, migraines can be much worse in the summer. Here's what to do...
• Skip the hot dogs. They contain additives that can trigger the headaches. Opt for turkey or vegetarian hot dogs that are nitrite-free instead.
• Have sunglasses and a visor handy at all times. Bright light is a huge trigger of migraines. Put the shades on before you even step outside.
• Drink lots of water. Dehydration is double trouble for someone prone to migraines. Water is the best defense because summer drinks such as lemonade and iced tea can make matters worth with high sugar and caffeine levels.
• Sunscreen, insect repellent and body sprays are also filled with migraine triggers. Make sure to choose products that are fragrance free with fewer chemicals.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Have you brushed your lymph system today? The benefits of dry-skin brushing...
Robert suggests using a long-handled natural bristle brush for your skin. Start lightly and always brush towards your heart. Start at your feet and work your way up. The whole dry-brushing routine should take about 5 minutes and be repeated daily.
If you’ve got a stressful situation to deal with today – hum a tune first...
You can hum anything you like – a favorite tune or a healing hum of the letter m or n. To get full advantage of your hum, concentrate on the soothing vibrations you’re creating and find that sweet spot that feels good on your vocal chords and sounds good to your ear.
If you’d like some valuable personal insight – ask your friends this question...
Most of us have the ability to call on other “animals” if need be. If you could use a dose of bravery – picture yourself as a lion. If you need some patience – channel your inner tortoise. Need to think fast or outsmart someone? Envision yourself as a fox. Zander says the animal strategy is a fun way to think outside the box, using the power of your mind to enhance the quality of your life.
Nice Melons!
Smell, squeeze, shake won’t work with a watermelons. For those, you need to knock and lift. The knock should sound like a thud – not hollow. You don’t want a dried out watermelon. The heavier watermelon is the better choice – that one will be sweet and full of juice.
If you’d like to reduce your risk of heart attack someday – get some sun today...
Getting a healthy dose of sun each day won’t require sunbathing. The benefits are actually received through the eyes – not the skin. That’s important because sunscreen and clothing won’t lessen the heart protection and we can even get our daily sun indoors, near a bright, sunny window
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Where you exercise can be even more important than how you do it. The ultimate workout spot...
Dr. Mathew White, who analyzed the survey, says it’s an evolutionary instinct. Humans naturally have a preference for aquatic environments. The sounds, sight and smell of water just make us feel better.
If you don’t have an ocean handy for your workout, head for the nearest lake, pond, river or stream – even if it’s just a few times a month. You’ll get a lot more benefit from those workouts than the ones in your basement or stinky gym.
Don’t fear the shark attack – you’re more likely to be injured by something else this summer...
So what should we be wearing instead of flip-flops? Podiatrists agree the best everyday footwear for anyone is the not-so-mellow supportive athletic shoe, something that laces up – along with padded, acrylic-blend socks, preferably color coordinated with your shorts, sundress or bathing suit.
There are some pets that can actually make your kid smarter. Which critters test the best...
The study also provided some insight to kids with pets and self-esteem. Children with pets rated themselves 50% happier, 13% calmer and 20% smarter than those without pets.
Run for your lives! Dad is mowing the lawn!
• Clear your lawn of all twigs, rocks and other objects before you start.
• Check the blade regularly for damage, bends and dullness. A blade should be replaced every 1 to 2 years.
• Keep children and pets inside when the lawn mower is in operation.
• Do not remove or adjust the position of the mower’s deflector. That can result in debris flying at a longer distance.
• Check the protective rubber trail shield at the back of the mower for damage or tears every season.
There’s a common childhood virus that is now targeting adults...
In order to protect yourself and your family from the Coxsackie A6 virus – check with your doctor to see if it’s been cropping up in your area. If you know a child with the virus, or a noticeable rash, don’t be fooled into thinking you can’t get it. Avoid contact and wash your hands frequently. Also, keep in mind the virus can stay active in the body for weeks after the symptoms have gone.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Are your communication skills in sync with your partner’s? Probably not. How men and women differ in that department...
...especially when there is a man and a woman involved. Christiane Northrup, author of “Women’s Wisdom,” says men and women have very different styles with feelings and communication. She says Men compartmentalize feelings, while women remember everything. When a woman brings up an issue in a relationship, she tends to include everything that is related – and that’s a big mistake. That’s because most men find this approach overwhelming.
Dr. Northrup says women need to save the long-winded moaning sessions for their girlfriends. The best approach for a woman to take to effectively communicate with her partner is to remember that less is more. Her point will be much clearer and easier for him to digest if it’s direct and to the point.
Everyone makes mistakes – even hospitals. How to protect yourself from further injury...
• Bring a friend or family member. Your companion should help you during check-in and discharge – and visit daily, especially in the evening and on weekends and holidays.
• INSIST that anyone who touches you washes his or her hands first.
• Make a list of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take, including vitamins and supplements. Take multiple copies of that list and share them with doctors and pharmacists in the hospital.
Dr. Pronovost says above all else, ask questions – and keep asking until things are explained in a way you really understand. A health-care system that doesn’t address all of your concerns is a risky one.
You’ve cleaned the spam out of your inbox – but what about the bacn?
In order to stop the bacn, you’ll need to unsubscribe. All legitimate commercial emails are required by law to include an unsubscibe link or clear instructions on how to do so. Many stores are now saying your receipt will be emailed to you. Beware, that receipt WILL come with a side of bacn. Think twice before giving that out and ask for a paper receipt instead.
If your child is in summer camp – don’t forget to tip the counselor. How much to give...
If your child is in a summer program like tennis or swimming lessons, you’re off the hook. No tip is required for a paid professional instructor, unless you feel they’ve gone above and beyond.
Something your kid does may be turning him into a weakling!
Even if your child will not be going for the gold in the long jump any time soon, let him know that the muscle lost while watching TV could not only affect performance in other sports – but could even leave them weaker in adulthood.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
What's your favorite Olympic event? Here are some winners and losers...
1. Gymnastics
2. Swimming
3. Track and field
4. Soccer/football
5. Basketball
6. Boxing
7. Table tennis
8. Volleyball
9. Tennis
10. Equestrian
Rounding out the rest of the list in order of popularity are:
• Beach volleyball
• Wrestling
• Badminton
• Archery
• Triathlon
• Water polo
• Fencing
• Sailing
• Taekwondo
• Modern pentathlon
• Cycling
• Synchronized swimming
• Weightlifting
• Canoe/kayak
• Field hockey
• Judo
• Rowing
• Shooting
• Handball
Two discontinued summer Olympic events this time out are polo and tug of war.
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