If you have concerns about your health – professional guidance could be just a phone call away...

If you or someone you love has concerns about a health condition, don’t just Google the information; look into getting a health coach...

Health coaches are typically nurses, social workers or physicians who will work directly with you as a consultant to help manage your care and overall health. Charles B. Inlander, a consumer advocate and health-care consultant says many hospitals, large employers and insurance companies already offer health coaching in-person, online or on the phone. He says health coaching is especially helpful for people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and various types of cancer – but it can be used for disease prevention as well.

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.

Email scam of the week...

If you get an email that appears to be from the AARP, congratulating you on a $1,000 VISA gift card, don’t bother planning a shopping spree...

 The AARP has issued a warning regarding these bogus emails. It’s a scam that is just looking to collect your personal information. If you give it up, that data will be sold to marketing companies to target you with sales pitches, or possibly even use it to steal your identity.

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...

Sorry Siri, there’s a new girl coming to town who might just make you look like a slouch- and she’s not cheap... 

By the end of August, Lowes home improvement will be tempting you with Iris. For just $179 she will help keep an eye on your kids, keep an eye on your house or even turn the heat up or the lights down if you like. For just $299, she’ll do it all. She’ll also provide some basic services for free.

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....

Men do it, women do it – but they do it differently...  

Michael Lewis, author of the book “Lying and Deception in Everyday Life,” says there’s a big difference in the way men and women lie. He says men are more likely to lie to enhance themselves than women are, while women are more likely to lie to make someone feel better, or to spare them.

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...

You know those produce drawers in your refrigerator?  Don’t keep produce in there!

It’s actually the worst spot for them. Tender fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be crammed or stacked together out of sight, it just increases the odds they’ll spoil faster or you’ll forget about them all together. 

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...

Sooner or later, we all need to proofread something...  

Grammatical errors and mistakes are a big pet peeve for a lot of people and our own mistakes can be the hardest ones to spot. Here are some pro proofreading tips from Jo Van Doren, author of “How to Avoid Costly Proofreading Errors:”

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...

Swimmer’s ear hurts! But so does a sinus infection...

There is a way to help you determine what’s causing that pain in your ear. Grab the edge of your ear and gently pull up and back. If the pain gets worse – it’s probably swimmer’s ear. If that tug relieves the pain, it could be a sinus infection or another condition such as TMJ, and you’ll need to see a doctor for that.

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!

Used tires can cost a fraction of a new set – but even if the treads are great, the risk could be too... 

Consumer Reports’ expert, Jim Travers, says it’s easy to find the right size and good treads – but there is no way of knowing if those tires have been overloaded, under-inflated or driven at excessive speeds – all of which effect quality and safety. 

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.

If you’d like to lose weight – just eat more...

If you think eating more to lose weight sounds like bad diet advice, it’s not...

...as long as you eat more of the right stuff. Jonathan Bailor, author of “The Smarter Science of Slim,” explains: Calories are not all that matter. They’re not all the same. High-quality foods such as protein-rich seafood, poultry, eggs, nuts and seeds and non-starchy vegetables like celery, asparagus and salad greens will actually help you lose weight. They fill you up and keep you full and are burned off with your normal metabolism, unlike process foods and starches. 

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...

Most of us take extra precautions to avoid germs in a public restroom – but the toy store could be just as bad! 

Kids lick toys, touch them to their heads and faces – and who knows where those fingers have been. Wipe down any toy you buy before giving it to your child. Here are some other filthy spots to beware of:

• 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...

The next time you challenge someone to a game of something – pick a righty...  

According to research out of Australia, lefties are winning. That’s because left-handed people think faster than righties when playing computer games and tend to outperform them in sports too. 

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...

“You’ll be hearing from my lawyer!” 

That’s one of the things NOT to say if you happen to lose your job. Sheryl Spanier, career coach and author of “Leave Happy,” says as tempting as it might be, words blurted out in frustration or anger can burn bridges with employers and colleagues you may need later on. Here are a few more things NOT to say on your way out the door:

• “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?

More research is suggesting that tart cherry juice really does improve the quality of our sleep... 

In a recent study, adults who consumed two glasses of tart cherry juice a day fell asleep faster and tossed and turned much less than those who didn’t. 

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.

Social Jetlag

There’s a good chance you or someone you work with is suffering from social jetlag on Monday...

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!

Feeling stiff and achy? Have some drunken raisins... 

It may sound like an old wives tale, but there is scientific evidence that gin soaked golden raisins can actually relieve pain for most people suffering from arthritis. The sulfur in the golden raisins and the juniper extract in the gin combined, result in a very effective anti-inflammatory.

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...

Every few business quarters, some trendy new business jargon seeps in... 

It can be confusing if you’re not on the “bleeding edge.” Forbes has put together a list to help keep us in the loop:

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...

Some of the nicer hotels go all out with their pillows... 

If you've ever checked out, wishing you could take one with you, there is a way to get the same one for your bed at home. Craig Clark, CEO of PacificPillows.com, specializes at pillows found in luxury hotels and resorts. He says some of those primo pillows are more affordable than you might think and worth the investment:

• 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...

You came THIS close to getting that job – but the other guy or girl got it instead... 

Could it have been something you said? Yes. Cosmopolitan magazine asked professional recruiters how they decide when they’ve narrowed it down to 2 candidates – and one answer stood out as the most common: I, me, mine.

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...

More bad news for soda lovers...

...now your go-to beverage has been linked with an increased risk of stroke. Researchers at Harvard University and Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Institute say both sugar-sweetened and diet soda put us at a higher risk for stroke – as much as 16% higher for daily drinkers. 

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?

You might enjoy the view – but according to the American College of Chest Physicians, the window seat is the WORST seat on an airplane – even in first class... 

They say people who sit in window seats while flying on an airplane are more likely to sit longer and move less than people in other seats, putting them at a higher risk for developing potentially dangerous blood clots in the legs. 

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...

According to the CPSC, clothing dryers are responsible for about 7,000 fires each year...

...and in most cases, lint is to blame. Here are a few things we really need to do to prevent potential dryer disaster:

• 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.

If you’ve got a TV in the kitchen – get it out of there!

We love food and we love TV – just don’t mix the two... 

When our brains are focused on a TV or computer screen – there’s a good chance we’ll consume a LOT more calories without even knowing it. Matthew Clark, psychologist and obesity researcher at the Mayo clinic has a few suggestions on how to break the TV eating habit:

• 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...

The next time it’s too hot or rainy for your daily walk – grab your hula hoop...  

You don’t need a lot of space to do it and it’s a super-effective workout, especially with some good music on. Just 30 minutes of hula hooping can burn about 210 calories and will strengthen core muscles and improve balance. 

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...

Right about now, in late July, the Dog Star Sirius is in conjunction with the sun for most of us in the northern hemisphere...

That means we’re smack in the middle of the dog days of summer. In ancient times, those who watched the Dog Star rise and set with the sun believed it was responsible for the added heat of mid-summer.

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...

Do blondes really have more fun? Who knows? 

But new research says they DO make more money. The U.S. survey looked at 13,000 women over the span of 27 years – and some of the results are as follows:

• 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.

Quick – call the plastic surgeon! You’ve got a double chin on Facebook!

New research is suggesting that the facelift industry is seeing a real boost thanks to Facebook, Facetime and Skype...


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...

Baking soda has been around since the 1800s – and we’re still finding new uses for it... 

Here are a few MORE reasons to stock up on it:

• 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...

What we eat and drink can have a big effect on how cool we are – or at least how cool we feel...  

Brian Clement, author of “Living Foods for Optimum Health,” has a list of food ingredients to help us chill on a hot summer day:

• 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...

The general idea of a vacation is to feel great and have a good time – but for some people, it makes them sick...  

Bryan E. Robinson, author of “Chained to the Desk,” says “leisure sickness” is a real phenomenon and it’s not that uncommon. Most at risk are overly worked or busy people who come down with cold and flulike symptoms as soon as they try for some down-time. He says workaholics thrive on working – it energizes them. When the working stops, underlying stress bubbles up and they start to experience a kind of withdrawal. 

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...

Summertime can be a big problem for those who have to deal with migraine headaches...  

The increase in temperature and humidity can add to frequency and intensity. There are a few things you can do to help keep those summer migraines in check:

• 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.

Have you brushed your lymph system today? The benefits of dry-skin brushing...

We brush our teeth and our hair – and new research suggests we should ALL be brushing our skin too!

Dry brushing the skin has been around for a long time. The Russians and Scandinavians have been doing it for centuries. Robert Morgan, Health Education Director at Creative Health Institute in Michigan, says nothing cleanses the lymph system like dry-skin brushing. He points out that the skin is the largest organ on the body and works hard, around the clock, eliminating toxins for us. Brushing the skin exfoliates, increases circulation and clears the way for the pores.

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...

The next time you have to deal with something unpleasant or stressful, consider humming before tackling it...  

Humming can actually do wonders at relieving stress and activating those all-important alpha brain waves. Just 60 seconds of humming will reduce levels of anxiety and leave you feeling more grounded confident. 

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...

“What kind of animal am I?” 

That’s a question you should really ask someone who knows you well. Their answer can reveal a lot about your personality and how you are perceived by others. Life coach expert Lauren Zander, says consider the traits of the animal they associate you with. You may be gentle as a lamb, stubborn as a mule, or strong like bull. Once you’ve identified your animal type – you can use this information to your advantage. 

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 them, squeeze them, shake them...  

That’s what you’ll need to do to find the best melons in the bin at the grocery store. If you’ll be using your melon soon, you need to be sure it’s ripe. In most cases, the smell, squeeze, shake routine will help you determine that it’s ready. For melons such as musk, cantaloupe and honeydew, the smelling step is important. Those varieties should smell like a fragrant flower. Next, give the melon a shake. If you can sense that the seeds inside are loose – you’ve got a ripe one. Finally, it needs to pass the squeeze test. The surface of those melons should give just a bit under the pressure of your fingertips – but not too much. 

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...

The sun gets a lot of bad press in the summer... 

It’s bad for our skin, we shouldn’t get too much and we need protection! There is some brand new research that is shedding some positive light on the sun now. It may actually help protect us from heart attack. The study looked at sun exposure, circadian rhythm and their effects on our heart health. Mice that were exposed to 3 hours of bright light in the morning were less prone to heart attack - and those who did have a coronary suffered less damage.

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

Where you exercise can be even more important than how you do it. The ultimate workout spot...

If you’d like to get the most out of your workout – head for the nearest ocean! 

A recent survey asked participants to state where they exercise and then rate the benefits they got from it. Those who reported exercising in a coastal environment were the most physically and emotionally satisfied with their workout.

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...

Beware the killer flip-flops! 

They may look mellow, but don't be fooled.  According to the just released National Foot Health Assessment, 78% of us are suffering flip-flop inflicted injury. The wounds range beyond the inevitable stubbed toe. Flip-flops are to blame for countless blisters, cuts and punctures. Wearing them can lead to misalignment in your stance, causing pain in the knees, hips and back. There’s also the occasional flip-flop tumble, twisted ankle or broken bone. 

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...

You might want to add a chinchilla to that back-to-school shopping list... 

A new study took a look at pets and academic performance in kids and found some interesting results. Kids who have a pet chinchilla experienced a significant boost in creativity. Those who had a pet mouse or rat scored highest in the homework department. Reptile children had the strongest sense of responsibility, followed by rabbit kids.

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!

If someone in your family is about to mow the lawn, head for the hills – or at least inside... 

According to the CPSC, about 20,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year from power mower injuries. Some of those injuries were even fatal – and most were caused by debris kicked up by the spinning blade. Consumer Reports has a few things we can do to prevent a potential mowing disaster:

• 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...

If you’re familiar with hand, foot and mouth disease, also called the Coxsackie virus, you probably associate it with young children... 

The original virus typically causes a blisterlike rash on the palms of the hands and feet and sores inside the mouth. Unfortunately, there’s a new strain of the virus on the prowl that is targeting adults too – Coxsackie A6. This is a nasty virus you DON’T want to get. Fevers can reach 104 – and it’s got a nasty rash that could spread over the whole body and last for a week.

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.

Are your communication skills in sync with your partner’s? Probably not. How men and women differ in that department...

Every long-term relationship has its challenges in the communication 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...

We depend on hospitals to heal us when we’re sick or injured...

...but unfortunately, for thousands of people each year, hospital errors make matters worse. Dr. Peter Pronovost, senior vice president for patient safety and quality at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, has some important tips to protect yourself or a loved one entering the hospital:

• 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?

You've finally figured out how to cut down on the spam in your inbox...

...but now it’s filling up with bacn. James Siminoff, founder of unsubscribe.com, says bacn are those annoying emails that wind up in your inbox, offering free shipping or other specials from products or companies you already know or use. They’re not quite as bad as spam because they’re legitimate and you must opt IN to receive them. If you don’t recall opting in, it was probably when you gave your email address while making an in-store or online purchase somewhere.

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...

You may have paid a lot of money for that summer camp – but your child’s counselor isn't seeing much of it...  

That’s why most of them are expecting a tip – especially if your kid had a great time. So how much should you be shelling out? According to Marla Coleman, a spokeswoman for the American Camp Association, $10 a week is standard for both day and overnight camp. You might want to check the parent’s handbook distributed by the camp first. Some camps prohibit gratuity. If that’s the case, it’s nice for you or your child to send a thank-you note. The counselor will appreciate it and may even be able to use it as a reference. 

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!

There is one button you can push that may make your child stronger and more muscular... 

...the OFF button on the TV. A new study has established a link between TV and screen time and physical strength in kids. It’s no secret that children who watch too much TV are at risk of gaining weight – but this study focused on some specific muscles. Participants were tested for explosive leg strength. This involved measuring performance and leg power on a standing long jump. The TV kids lost about 1/3 of a centimeter in distance per hour spent watching TV per week. 

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.

What's your favorite Olympic event? Here are some winners and losers...

The London list of Olympic events is pretty long...

...but the favorites haven’t changed much in 4 years. Here are the events and the top 10 in viewer popularity:

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.