Monday is April Fool’s Day. What your coworkers might try to pull on you...

Enter the office with caution on Monday...

April Fool’s Day is almost here and some people just can’t resist a good prank. Here are some popular office antics to be on the lookout for, or pull off yourself:

* Paperclip in the copier? Make several photocopies of a paper clip and put them in the paper tray. Watch your coworkers go nuts looking for a paperclip stuck in the copier.

* Surprise! Place several copies of a “surprise” image throughout the paper tray for 9 to 5 entertainment.

* What the.... Swipe the tip of every pen and pencil on the desk with clear nail polish.

* Just missed it. Dial your coworker’s extension every time they walk away from their desk. Then hang up as they answer.

* Wrong number! Switch two of your coworkers’ phone plugs.

* Have a seat. Pulling a chair out from underneath someone is dangerous and mean spirited. But re-adjusting the height can be hilarious.

* Can you hear me now? Clear tape over the holes in the phone mouthpiece is a classic.

* Annoying, yet fun. Disconnect your victim’s keyboard or mouse.

* Possessed computer. Insert a wireless mouse USB in your coworker’s computer and take control from a few feet away.

* Humor your boss. Have everyone in your office request the same day off, one at a time. 

If you suspect someone is lying - ask them to do this...

There are a lot of strategies for detecting a liar...

If you’re just not buying the story that someone is telling, ask them to tell you again - backwards. It’s a favorite of many law enforcement and intelligence experts. Liars often have a very difficult time sticking to their story when telling it out of order. Pay close attention to detail and watch their body language. Liars will often start to fidget if they feel they’ve made a mistake in their story.

Silence can also be golden in lie detecting. Make sure you don’t interrupt the liar. They are waiting for verbal cues that you are buying their story or think they’re lying. No comment from you can be their worst enemy. 

Which is the fattest country in the world?

Congratulations America - you are NOT the fattest country in the world...

Kuwait is, with an average BMI of 29.5. The U.S. is the heavyweight runner up with a 28.8 average BMI. Rounding out the top five heaviest nations are Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Mexico and Egypt.

Some of the skinniest countries may come as no surprise. Bangladesh, Eritrea and Ethiopia have the lowest BMIs and are also among the poorest nations.

So which countries are just right? 18 to 25 is considered the best BMI and Costa Rica, Canada, Switzerland, Brazil and Hungary all fit that bill.

Are you feeding your kids arsenic? A shocking source of concern...

If your children drink a lot of juice - that could be a problem...

A recent analysis of grape juice and apple juice found that 10% of the samples contained levels of arsenic that exceeded federal standards. A common source of arsenic is pesticides. Although these poisons have been banned, traces of them can remain in the soil that those fruits are grown in. 

While the arsenic levels in the test samples of juice were low, it’s important to remember that young children have small bodies and lower tolerance to pollutants. Parents should consider limiting the amount of fruit juice they drink or water it down. 

It’s time to tackle some spring cleaning. Toss these items...

Spring is a natural time for cleaning and purging...

Here are a few things that have GOT to go:

* Toothbrushes: Out with the old and in with the new for the whole family. 

* Batteries: If you didn’t switch them out on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with the time change - do that now.

* Makeup: A new season is a good time for some fresh, new color. Most eye and lip makeup should be tossed after three months of use.

* Kitchen sponge: Start the new season with a fresh batch.

* Baking soda in your fridge and freezer: That should be replaced every three months. Mark the date on your new box as a reminder.

* Pillows: If they’re old, they’re gross. Treat yourself to a new one this spring.

* Sunscreen: It loses potency over time and it’s best to start the season with a new bottle. Check the expiration date.

* Your toilet brush: Just do it.

Do you have trouble remembering names? A simple trick to fix that...

Two of the most important aspects of good social skills are eye contact and name memory...

One simple trick can help you improve both. The next time you meet someone, take a good long look at their eyes. Make a mental note of exactly what color they are and pair that color with their name in your head. 

It’s okay to ask someone to repeat their name if you just met. It can even help let them know they’re important to you. Once you associate their name with their eye color, you’ll naturally make some sincere eye contact the next time you see them to verify your mental rolodex. 

How often do you wash your favorite jeans? Why that's too much...

Are you washing those jeans again?

That’s too much. According to Jeans expert Dr. Denim, we should be wearing that new pair of jeans for six months before washing them for the first time - and then three months between washings after that. Carl Chiara of Levi Strauss and Co. takes his denim washing very seriously. He waits for the six-month mark and then soaks his jeans in the bathtub using very mild soap and then lets them air dry. 

The denim rule only applies to good, durable denim. Other varieties such as stretch jeans or jeggings won’t last as long anyway and need to be washed more often, inside out.

If you’d like to persuade people, consider dressing down...

If public speaking is on your agenda any time soon, don’t undress your audience..

dress LIKE your audience. A recent study found that dressing down a bit could help you get your point across. Students were asked to listen to two presentations. One was delivered by someone in a smart, professional outfit, while the other speaker was dressed casually. The students were more able to listen attentively and follow instructions from the dressed down delivery than from the suit. 

Business casual can be more effective than formal business wear at encouraging camaraderie. If you’d like to be more persuasive and perceived as “one of them,” dress accordingly.

At what age do we look our best?

If you're old enough to know who this is,
you're past your prime.

If you’re 30 something - you look marvelous...

Allure Magazine recently analyzed the good looks of men and women and found our best looking year. For men, it’s age 34. For women, it’s age 30. After that, it’s all downhill. The general consensus was that women stop looking sexy at age 53. By age 55, they are officially considered old. Men have a few more attractive years but achieve geezer status faster. They stop looking sexy at 58 and are officially old at 59. 

Do you know your ABCDEs? How to spot suspicious spots on your skin...

It won’t be long before your outfits get shorter...

If you’ve been covered up all winter it’s time to give your skin a once-over. Melanoma is on the rise and we all need to be on the lookout for anything suspicious. The American Cancer Society wants you to know your ABCDEs. It’s an easy method to help us remember what to look for on our bodies:

A- Asymmetry: Normal moles or freckles are completely symmetrical. In cases of skin cancer, spots will not look the same on both sides.

B- Border: A mole or spot with blurry and/or jagged edges.

C- Color: A mole that is more than one hue is suspicious and needs to be evaluated by a doctor. 

D- Diameter: If it is larger than a pencil eraser, it needs to be examined, even if it doesn’t have the A, B or C.

E- Elevation: Look and feel if the mole is raised above the surface and has an uneven surface. If so, have it checked.

Is that store mannequin watching you? Creepy store surveillance...

Have you ever wondered if that store is watching you try on bathing suits?

They might be, but they have to inform you first. If you’re concerned, look for stickers or other written announcements that the dressing room is being monitored by a camera. You can also ask employees if the dressing rooms are monitored. It’s illegal for a store to watch or film you without disclosing that information.

Even if they’re not critiquing your figure in the changing room, many stores are evaluating your every move when you come out. According to Consumer Reports, gaze trackers are sometimes hidden in tiny holes in store shelving and detect which brands you’re looking at and how long for each. There are even mannequins whose eyes are cameras that detect the age, sex, ethnicity, and facial expressions of passers-by.

Move over Dr. Google, Dr. App is in! How to get a doctor on the phone...

Click for link to app

Most of us wouldn’t call a doctor for every question we have - but now you can, without being a pain. 

It’s an app called HealthTap and it’s free on your smartphone. App creator, Ron Gutman, says it takes an average of 20 days to get an appointment with your doctor and that average is expected to get even longer. But thanks to new technology, it’s getting easier to have medical questions answered in between visits - with just the tap of a finger.

HealthTap gives you access to thousands of doctors and hundreds of specialties. You just enter your health question and it will be routed to the appropriate physician. You’ll be notified by email or text as soon as they respond. Free questions are limited to 150 characters but you can also pay for premium services, which include virtual, private consultations and the ability to ask longer questions.

Are you ready for the Easter Hare?

It doesn’t sound as cute...

...but the Easter Hare originally came here with the Germans in the 1700s.  Children in Pennsylvania Dutch country would wad up their clothes in the form of a nest in hopes that the Easter Hare would stop by and lay an egg there. Over time, the hare became a bunny, another word for a small, young animal. The wadded up clothes nest was replaced with the Easter basket and the hare eggs with candies or a toy.

For the record, hares don’t lay eggs, nor do bunnies or rabbits. Hares and rabbits are an ancient sign of spring, fertility and new life. The eggs came into the picture later when Christians celebrated the resurrection of Jesus with an Easter feast, complete with eggs which they had gone without during the Lent fast.

If you’d like to improve your life - slow down!

How would you like to be richer, thinner and a better parent?

Carol Mithers, author of “Life As We Know It,” says “slow down!” Most of us are moving way too fast and it’s taking a toll on our quality of life. Here are her slo-mo suggestions:

* Slow Spending: Stop and ask yourself if you REALLY need that. Eliminating impulse buys will not only simplify your life but will save you money.

* Slow Weight Loss: When we lose weight slowly, at the rate of one or two pounds a week, we’re far more likely to keep it off long term.

* Slow Parenting: Over-scheduling and rushing to activities and appointments isn’t doing either of you any favors. While you’re scheduling, don’t forget to make an appointment for nothing important.

* Slow Hobbies: Hands-on crafts and hobbies such as knitting, cross-stitching or painting can really help you slow down and can be very therapeutic.

* Slow Conversation: Take it offline and enjoy some face to face communication. Real conversations take more time and are naturally punctuated with laughter, interruptions and even silence. Those elements are what create a bond and are the foundation of healthy relationships and a happier life.

If you’d like to lose weight, have steak and eggs for breakfast...

Steak and eggs for breakfast could be the key to weight loss...

That’s the new delicious data from nutrition experts at the University of Missouri. They say that having protein in the morning can help prevent us from snacking at night. The steak and eggs deliver a dose of high-fat and moderate protein. That combo in the morning leaves us feeling more satisfied and less prone to cravings and snacking. The lack of carbohydrates in the steak and egg breakfast also forces your body to burn that fat as fuel, unlike other popular breakfast items like ready-to-eat cereal, toast or bagels.

Are your Easter eggs all the same size? That’s lame. Dyeing Easter eggs, Martha Stewart Style...

If your Easter egg dyeing routine is limited to eggs, vinegar and a kit from the supermarket, you don’t know what you’re missing...

Martha Stewart would like to complicate matters and enhance your dyeing skills. Here are her suggestions:

* Forget boring old chicken eggs. Quail eggs are adorable. Mix it up a bit and find some goose and ostrich eggs for size variety.

* Hard boiling eggs is for chickens. Blow out your eggs while they’re raw. That way you can display your masterpieces year after year.

* Affix tiny leaves and flowers, or wrap your eggs with thread before dying for an intricate botanical design. Hand paint or glue on some grass after dyeing for your finishing touch.

* Don’t throw your painted eggs back in the carton to dry - that will ruin them. Make a drying rack using pins and a foam board. You’ll need a pencil and ruler to draw your grid.

While your eggs are drying, prepare to display. Ditch the Easter baskets - your ostrich, goose and quail eggs will look best in a nest. You’ll need to gather some grape vines, coconut fiber, pussy willow and 24 gauge brown wire. Start by making a wreath and work your way in, covering any exposed wire with dried grass and goose feathers.

The French are drinking less wine. Why that could be cause for concern...

They’re drinking less wine in France and that could be a problem...

According to a recent study in the International Journal of Entrepreneurship, consumption of wine in France is on a steady decline and is being replaced at the dinner table by soda, fruit juice and water. Some traditionalists are concerned that French heritage, love of conversation and appreciation of the good things in life are on the way out. 

The wine decline is clearly generational. French people in their 60s and 70s grew up with wine on the table at every meal and still consider it part of their cultural heritage. The middle generation - now in their 40s and 50s - sees wine as a more occasional indulgence. Members of the third generation typically don’t start taking an interest in wine until their mid-to-late 20s and have less appreciation for it.

Denis Saverot, co-author of the study, blames the anti-wine French revolution on immigration, politics and pharmaceuticals. He says wine is the subtlest, most civilised, most noble of antidepressants - but now the village bar has gone and has been replaced by a pharmacy.

Don’t throw that banana peel away! How to eat it...

Stop throwing away those fruit peels - they’re the best part...

Many fruit skins have some amazing healthy properties and you might be surprised at the varieties we could and should be eating.

* Banana peels prevent depression. They’re good for eye health too. Asian cultures serve them steamed or fried. You can also boil them for 10 minutes and then chop them up for smoothies.

* Grapefruit peel fights fat and has lots of vitamins. Try grating some into salads, soups or summery drinks.

* Tangerine peels fight cancer. Bake some slivers on a cookie sheet and add to stir fry for an asian twist with a chewy zing.

* Lemon peel is good for your skin. Add some grated lemon rind to water, tea or salad dressing.

* Kiwi skin is fuzzy. But it’s also really good for us. You can eat the fruit whole, with the skin, if you can stand the sensation. Wipe the kiwi down first and a lot of the fuzz will come off.

The next time you’re typing something important - change your font color....

The next time you’re faced with a writing challenge - think green...

Changing your font color to green, or writing with green ink, can have a positive impact on your train of thought. We process green as "go" and the color is also credited with creative properties. When put to the test, work by writers who composed in green was graded as more thought-provoking, resourceful and out-of-the-box. 

If you’re writing for business or school, go ahead and give green a go, then switch it back to the required color before submitting.

The next time you board an airplane, don’t wear shorts. Air attire...

You may be tempted to wear shorts if you’re jetting off to a tropical climate - but that’s a bad idea...

Airplanes are cold, regardless of where they’re going and you’ll want coverage. Here are some other wardrobe don’ts for air travel:

* Heavy perfume or cologne. You may like it but they can be overwhelming in the cabin of an aircraft and even sicken your fellow passengers.

* High heels. They are a hazard, especailly if you are forced to evacuate using the emergency slides. 

* Light colors. Leave those in the suitcase. Dark-colored clothes travel better and hide potential stains and other signs of travel. 

* Tight-fitting clothes. These can be dangerous by escalating deep vein thrombosis. Choose loose-fitting, non-binding clothes.

Don’t forget to pack something to wear in your carry on. If your luggage is lost, it will be your favorite outfit.

There’s a new trend in social media - and you might want to give it a try...

Take a look at your Facebook friends. If the total number is going down, it may have nothing to do with you...

There’s a new trend in social networking - taking a break. 61% of Facebook users have reported recently taking a break for several weeks or more and 20% say they once used Facebook but have now stopped. Here are the top reasons cited for Facebook fatigue: 

* Too busy

* Lack of interest

* No compelling updates

* Excessive gossip or drama

* Waste of time

* Just bored with it

The faces on Facebook are changing too. Originally populated by mostly students, the average age of the new user is now 40 years old, with the fastest growing group age 65 and up. Many younger users blame their parents for their Facebook break and say the 40+ crowd has ruined a good thing.

Who’s your favorite Beatle? The Fab Four popularity poll...

John, Paul, George or Ringo?

Most of us have a favorite Beatle and that could say something about our personalities. Here are some Fab Four favorite statistics:

* Paul is top dog. Dog owners are 18% more likely to pick McCartney.

* George is a cool cat. Cat people can relate to Harrison.

* John and Jesus don’t mix. Lennon is preferred by those who don’t go to church.

* Ringo Starr had no big wins. Everyone likes the underdog.

In overall popularity among Americans, Paul takes the prize, followed by John, George and Ringo.  

If you only eat healthy food, you could be suffering from orthorexia...

Are you obsessed with eating healthy?

That could be hazardous to your health. Jennifer Iserloh, author of “Healthy Cheats,” says a condition called orthorexia is on the rise. It’s a type of food phobia that can turn shopping and meals into a chore and take the function and fun out of food. People who suffer from orthorexia may worry if the food they’re eating is REALLY organic or be preoccupied with possible pesticides. They may even develop a fear of eating food prepared by other people or in restaurants.

Orthorexia can be a serious eating disorder, lead to malnutrition and needs to be addressed. Signs that someone might be suffering may include frequently planning meals 24 hours in advance, bragging about their healthy habits and having a lower opinion of others who don’t.    

What are the odds you’ll find your soul mate online?

Online dating sites rely on a lot of personal data to find you a compatible partner...

New research is suggesting it might actually make it harder to find your soul mate. A team of scientists analyzed the formulas used it pairing up profiles and found a lot of flaws. They say the algorithms are missing the key component of chemistry that is virtually impossible to detect until you are face-to-face. Characteristics that singles seek out online are often very different than what creates a real connection in person. 

The study also found that that bigger dating pools could decrease the odds you’ll find a match. It can quickly become overwhelming to review potential mates and take on more of a shopping vibe. Online dating can be a great way to meet new people but your best bet is to take it offline as soon as you can and move on if it’s not a match.

If you swallow your gum, will it stay in your stomach for seven years?

You were probably warned as a child NOT to swallow your gum - it will stay there for years!

Relax, it won’t. Just like any other food or junk we swallow, our digestive system takes what it needs and “spits” out the rest. While chewing gum is pretty tough and designed not to break down in your mouth, once it goes down your body identifies it as unwanted and will kick it out in a day or two, tops. If you swallow large quantities of gum in a short period of time, that could be more of a challenge for your GI system and even lead to a medical emergency - so don’t do that.

If you’re tempted to post a rant online, don’t bother. The dangers of virtual venting...

Most of us have been tempted to leave an angry comment on that offensive post or article online...

Do so at your own peril. A new study says those who post opposing opinions or leave angry comments, do so in vain. Angry commenters did report feeling a brief surge of satisfaction when airing their grievances, only to feel misunderstood and angrier after the fact.  In reality, you're probably only preaching to the choir or to someone who thinks you're a jerk.

Even just reading the disgruntled posts and comments of others can take a toll on your mood. Participating in virtual bickering, badgering and bashing can leave us with a sense of powerlessness and lack of respect.

Need to get something off of your chest? Talk to the plant! How they can hear you...

If you’d like your plants to grow faster - yell at them...

There’s more scientific evidence that plants can hear us. Researchers tested the theory on pea plants, exposing one batch to kind words, one batch to insults and one batch to the silent treatment. The silent batch was smaller and produced less pods while the other two groups thrived on conversation, regardless of tone. 

Plant psychologist Monica Gagliano says plants can hear all kinds of things. Certain plants even release pollen when they detect the buzzing of bees near them, while others release a toxic chemical when they hear a caterpillar sneaking up.

Which college degrees do employers like?

If you know someone choosing or changing their college major, don’t pick anthropology...

According to human resource experts, that one’s not trending right now. The same goes for history and sociology. Here are their top degree picks for today's job market:

#1 Bachelor's in Business Administration. It the most versatile choice.

#2: Bachelor's in Health Care Administration. the Department of Labor projects health care will create about 28 percent of all new U.S. jobs from now through 2020.

#3: Bachelor's in Accounting. This one gives you the upper hand in a variety of different fields.

#4: Bachelor's in Communications. Social media marketing is huge right now as is public relations.

#5: Bachelor's in Computer Science. Almost every company needs a software engineer. 

If you’re planning to sell your home - build a front porch first. What buyers want...

Location, location... front porch!

Today’s house hunters are picky and priorities are changing. Consumer Reports has a list of which features they really want to buy:

* Energy efficiency. The giant foyers and cathedral ceilings of the McMansion era are expensive to heat and out of style. Energy Star appliances are a big plus.

* Storage - and lots of it. A linen closet and large pantry are preferred over the whirlpool tub and six-burner stove.

* Outdoor living. A front porch is now one of the most desirable features. Any space outside that can be comfortably utilized is a great selling point.

Location is still a huge factor too. Today’s homebuyers are coming out of the woods and looking for something with a shorter commute.

What’s your favorite Easter candy? The results are in and we have a winner...

Congratulations Chocolate Bunny! 

You have been voted most popular in the Easter basket bunch. Most Americans prefer the milk chocolate variety over dark chocolate or white and eating the bunny ears first is the most popular plan of attack.

Peeps are a solid, squishy 2nd favorite. Traditional yellow Peeps are prefered, followed by pink, lavender, blue and white. 

Good old jelly beans round out the top three. Favorite colors to eat are red, pink, purple and orange, with green yellow and black at the bottom of the basket.

What do Alzheimer’s and a stressful job have in common?

Do you get stressed out every day at work?

That could be a big problem, in the future. New research is suggesting there’s a link between work-related stress and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. They tested the theory on mice and found that high levels of stress experienced when pressured or harassed on a regular basis can result in brain damage and increase memory loss and cognitive decline.

Experts say work-related stress can be especially dangerous if it’s part of your everyday routine. That strain on your body and brain can be cumulative and do some real damage over a long period of time. If you work in a stressful environment, it’s important to get some regular relief. Try to schedule some humor, mediation or deep breathing into your day.

You’re still eating too much salt. Where it’s hiding...

Most of us are getting way too much salt, without even touching the shaker...

The majority of salt we eat everyday is already in the food. Here are the most common culprits:

* Bread: A single slice has as much as 230 mg of sodium. Add some butter and the total is 330.

* Poultry: Salt is usually added during packaging to keep it fresh. Look for labels with “no added salt.”

* Cold cuts: A four ounce serving can contain the entire day’s allotment of sodium.

* Soup: Most soups, broths and bullions are loaded with salt.

* Pizza: It’s got salt in the crust, the cheese and the sauce. Add some pepperoni and it’s a sodium pie.

* Sandwiches: All the ingredients have salt, even the mustard and mayo. 

Your doctor wants to smell your breath. What it could reveal...

The next time you visit your doctor he or she might want to smell your breath...

It turns out our breath can be a valuable low-tech screening tool that can tip your physician off to some specific conditions. Fruity breath can suggest diabetes, while fish breath could mean big trouble for your kidneys. 

The world of medicine is now taking low-tech breath tests up a notch in the form of highly sensitive sensors that can help diagnose and monitor certain conditions. Soon, doctors will be able to read our “breath signature” and follow any changes that could indicate a red flag in the status of our health.  

Are you sitting up straight? The surprising side-effects of bad posture...

Check your posture - and adjust...

Bad posture can really screw things up. Here are some surprising side-effects of slumping.

* People who walk with bad posture report feeling more depressed with lower energy levels.

* Slouching can raise your blood pressure by inhibiting blood circulation.

* Chronic slumpers often wind up with leaky bladders due to weakened muscles.

* Poor posture can give you heartburn by pushing everything up towards the esophagus. 

* Slouching can trigger headaches and asthma attacks by inhibiting oxygen intake.

Bad posture can even take a toll on confidence and concentration. Students who sit up straight for tests tend to score better than those who slouch. 

Do you talk in your sleep? Why that could be cause for concern...

If you talk in your sleep, you could have more to worry about than what you say...

People who walk or talk in their sleep could be at risk for some more serious activities like sleep driving! All sorts of scary behavior at night is on the rise thanks to an increase in the use of certain drugs, sleep disorders and lack of quality sleep. You’ll need to let your doctor know if you or your bed partner experience talking, fighting or roaming behavior at night. It could be a form of parasomnia which is dangerous but treatable.

Melanoma is on the rise. How to protect yourself beyond sunscreen...

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and we’re all at risk...

Older adults are more likely to get it but it’s the number one killer cancer in young adults. Most at risk are young women 18 to 39. Everyone should be checked annually, especially if you’re a light-skinned caucasian - but it’s important to know any color skin can get cancer. Don’t be fooled if you use sunscreen or don’t spend a lot of time in the sun. That’s not good enough. Many skin cancers erupt in areas that aren’t even exposed, like between the toes. 

There is new, superior technology available to check for melanoma, it’s called epi-luminescence microscopy. However, that equipment is expensive and many private practices can’t afford it yet. You might want to get your checkups at a medical center or dermatology practice that specializes in early melanoma detection.

You actually get healthier when you hear a song you really like...

You don’t just feel better when you listen to the radio - you ARE better...

If you’re like most people, hearing a song you like triggers some body movement and maybe even some singing. That can activate a powerful response inside your body. A recent study found listeners actually got healthier when a good song came on. Their blood vessels dilated, which instantly improved their flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients. Their favorite songs even upped their levels of immunity, improved memory and decreased levels of pain, nausea, stress and depression.

Spring has sprung. What’s the forecast for allergies? Brace yourself....

We’ve heard this forecast before: This spring’s allergy season will be the worst and longest ever!

That’s the prediction for 2013, according to allergist Clifford Basset. He says this spring is shaping up to be a pollen nightmare. Here are some steps you can take to lessen your exposure:

* Don’t vacuum - or at least make someone else do it and wear a mask. Pollen gets tracked in on our clothing and shoes and vacuuming can really stir things up.

* Replace your HVAC filter. It’s worth your while to pay a little more, they really do filter out pollen, pet dander, dust mites and debris.

* Mow the lawn often. It’s best if someone else can do that but mowing often helps disperse and reduce the effects of pollen.

* Wash your hair at night. It’s probably full of pollen and you don’t want that all over your pillow.

You spent how much on apps? How to control what your kid buys...

There are so many great free or inexpensive apps for kids these days...

You type in your password, hand over the device and let the games begin. But beware! In most cases, the app store stays open for 15 minutes after you’ve entered your password. Developers know this and more offers will pop up for your child in that time frame. Just click purchase and you’ve bought it, no password required. What’s worse, that password clock starts over with each purchase, so theoretically your child could keep buying indefinitely.

Apple devices have parental controls which let you block in-app purchases. Other devices can be protected from your settings screen. You can change the 15 minute time window or find a setting that allows free apps only.  

If you’re looking for a job, you might want to change your profile picture. How to get it right...

A lot of soon-to-be college graduates are looking for jobs...

If you know one, here’s some advice. Change your profile picture on social networking. It’s good advice for anyone who’s looking because you WILL be searched before you’re hired. That shot from St. Patrick’s Day or Spring Break might have seemed funny at the time but it probably won’t do you any professional favors. 

Your best shot is one in which you look trustworthy, responsible and confident. Candid shots are nice, especially if it’s a picture of you working or doing something healthy. It’s also important that your profile picture actually looks like you. Dated, distorted and over-flattering shots can throw a potential interviewer for a loop, or worse, make you look dishonest or deceptive.

What is the number one culprit of child poisonings at home? The surprising answer...

If you’ve got little ones - hide your makeup!

According to Consumer Reports, cosmetics and personal care products are now the leading cause of child poisonings at home. Keep in mind many of these products look and smell pretty, which makes them more tempting to a child. That includes hair care products and toiletries. Nail polish remover poses an especially serious risk. Here are some other items to keep out of reach of children:

* Pain relievers. Not only should they be kept out of reach, you should avoid taking medication in front of a small child. They love to imitate you.

* Household cleaners. It may seem obvious but a lot of parents can’t resist keeping these handy under a kitchen or bathroom sink. That’s a bad idea.

* Topical preparations. Diaper rash creams, acne medications, calamine and camphor-based ointments and lotions are poisonous when ingested. After every diaper change, put all your diaper stuff, including baby powder, out of your child's reach.

I’ll show you mine if you show me yours. What kids are comparing these days...

What is the first thing kids notice about each other?

Their phone. In a recent survey, a whopping 82% of children under 18 said they notice their peers’ devices before other must-have items like clothing, shoes and accessories. Cell phone envy is a factor for young people too. 78% reported they were embarrassed to let others see their phone because it was old or outdated.

The average age children are getting cell phones has been steadily dropping and is now around age 10. Making the leap to smartphones is now averaging around age 13. Malia Obama got her iPhone a year early at age 12.

Planning a tag sale this spring? How to one-up your neighbors...

If spring cleaning inspires you to get organized for a tag sale...

...Lynda Hammond, author of “The Garage Sale Gal’s Guide to Making Money Off Your Stuff,” has some advice. Get a jump on your neighbors and consider having your sale on a Friday. There’s a lot less competition and Lynda says she makes three times as much from a Friday sale. 

Here’s some more good news: No need to waste time pricing and tagging everything. One gal’s trash is another gal’s treasure and someone might offer more for an item than you would expect. You’ll want to advertise your Friday sale in the paper. Yard sale regulars check them weekly.

What do you do at work all day?

Do you waste time at work chit chatting with your colleagues?

34% of workers say they do too - and it’s not about work. Here are some more wasting time statistics from CareerBuilder.com:

* Searching the Internet: 22%

* Personal calls and emails: 17%

* Office drama: 15%

* Daydreaming: 11%

*Gossip: 7%

The survey also revealed that the average worker spends about two hours of their workday not working. That may help account for the 38% that have dated a co-worker.

If you wax or shave your bikini line - you could be at risk....

It will soon be time to start thinking about bikini lines again...

Unfortunately, there’s a new warning about waxing and shaving that sensitive area. French researchers now say that hair removal in the bikini region could increase the risk of a highly contagious viral skin infection. It’s called Molluscum contagium and you don’t even need to own a bikini to get it. It spread through skin-to-skin contact. The bikini virus is a result of trauma to the skin and can spread up the abdomen and down the thighs.  

Your child could be getting stomach aches from that lunch you packed...

There’s a good chance that healthy lunch is spoiled by the time you eat it...

Health Day News unpacked some pre-school lunches and found that 90% of them were at an unsafe temperature. Lunchboxes alone aren’t enough to do the trick. After two hours the temperature of the food is usually over 40 degrees Fahrenheit with bacteria on the rise. 

Placing the lunchbox in the fridge didn’t seem to help much and insulated lunchboxes actually kept the cold out. Extra ice packs still didn’t do the trick in most cases. It’s best if packed lunches are non-perishable. Foods that need to be refrigerated should be taken out of the box and placed in the back of community refrigerators which get opened a lot.

Are you a born worrier? Cut that out...

Some people just can’t help themselves from worrying - and it’s taking a toll on their health...

Research from Ohio University found that worrying and dwelling on negative thoughts or scenarios can significantly compromise the immune system. Worrying also increases inflammation and can put you at greater risk for chronic pain, respiratory issues, heart disease and dementia later in life. 

Could there be such a thing as healthy vodka?

Does healthy vodka sound too good to be true? It is...

A new report from the Marin Institute is bursting the bubble on weight-loss beer and protein vodka. Some booze companies are now trying to put a healthy spin on their product by sponsoring marathons and marketing trendy lines of all-natural or fitness friendly varieties. The trouble is, the alcohol industry isn’t regulated by the FDA and those claims can be misleading. Here are a few of the questionable claims targeted in the report:

* Fortified Vodka: Lotus White is infused with vitamins B3, B6, B9, and B12 and Devotion a "protein-infused ultra premium vodka."

* Antioxidant Liqueur: Fragoli is a liqueur that's loaded with antioxidant-laden berries.

* All Natural Spirits: No real change in the product but some labels now read “All Natural” including Absolut, Skyy, Stoli, and Finlandia vodka.

* Weight Loss Beers: Fewer carbs and calories are a favorite labeling trick. Futuristic bottling is also designed to look sleek and derail your diet.

If your house was built before 1977 - it could be toxic....

You already know PCBs are bad - but your house could be crawling with them...

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, were all the rage in building materials from the 19030s through 1977, when they were finally banned. PCBs were often used in paint, caulk, electrical wiring and fluorescent light fixtures. If you’ve still got the originals in your home those toxic chemicals could be wafting from room to room.

You can have your home tested for the prescense of PCBs for about $500. Most electricians are now trained to check your wiring for PCB material that could be deteriorating and pose a hazard.

What’s so sweet about revenge? The scientific explanation...

Seeking revenge sounds harsh - so why does is it often considered sweet?

Scientists say just the thought of revenge lights up the feel-good regions of our brains. They hooked some spiteful subjects up to a PET scan and let the games begin. When one player was cheated they were given the option to punish their opponent and it was scientifically sweet, stimulating the same areas that sex and chocolate affect. The peeved players would even opt for revenge at their own peril, proving revenge can cloud our judgement.