If you get hot when you sleep - check your sheets. The cooler weave...

Are the sheets on your bed 100% cotton?

Quality cotton sheets are expensive but they’re worth the investment if you get hot at night. Anything less than 100% cotton doesn’t breath or feel the same as a premium set of sheets.

When purchasing sheets, look for the terms pima, Supima or Egyptian. Those are made from cotton with longer, stronger, softer fibers. If the label just says 100% cotton, it may cost less but it’s likely a shorter, rougher upland cotton. If you like a lighter, cooler set of sheets, opt for the “percale” weave. The “sateen” weave is a bit heavier.

The next time you go to the dentist - check the gloves...

Your dentist’s office should be impeccably clean...

Dr. Mark Burhenne, founder of AskTheDentist.com, says there are a few things to look for before you open wide:

* Check the office. The whole place should be neat and tidy. This is a good indication of how seriously your dentists takes hygiene. It’s difficult to keep a cluttered space sterile.

* Look for carpeting. Rugs can’t be sterilized - it should be hospital-grade linoleum.

* Count the soap dispensers. They should be all over the place and the staff should be using them in front of you.

* Watch the gloves. Your dentist’s gloves should be coming out of a glove dispenser, not off the top of an unsterilized surface. Once they’re on, your dentists should only touch sterile instruments and your mouth with those gloves. If he or she leaves the room, that warrants a new pair.

* Check the instruments. Your dentist should be unwrapping a sealed bag of instruments in front of you. The sealed bag indicates that the instruments have been sterilized.

Dr. Burhenne says don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about cross-contamination prevention. A good dentist puts a lot of effort and money into sterilization procedures and will appreciate the opportunity to brag about it. 

If you’re stocking up on Corona and limes for Cinco de Mayo, beware of lime disease...

Whipping up a batch of guacamole, margaritas or Coronas for Cinco de Mayo?

Beware of lime disease. Our favorite Mexican and Southwestern delicacies are often enjoyed in the sun and that can be a problem for the person cutting the limes. For some people, the oil from the lime peel can cause a phototoxic reaction when exposed to the sun. Those who are sensitive may wind up with a nasty rash or even blisters on the skin from the phenomenon.

If you’ll be handling limes this season, be on the safe side and thoroughly wash your hands before you head outside. Many people who suffer from lime disease don’t realize it. The rash often doesn’t appear for 48 hours after exposure and can last for 28 days. 

What is your least favorite type of commercial? Advertising losers...

What is more annoying than an ad for male enhancement products?

The online pop-up ad that you have to x out of. A recent survey by eMarketer asked consumers to list their least favorite ads and it seems those pop-ups ads are the most effective at getting people to NOT like your product. They narrowly beat out the other most annoying categories including lottery scams, male enhancement ads, emails from deceased African leaders who have left you money and female enhancement ads.

The survey found that it didn’t even matter what product the pop-up was pushing. Consumers say they will go so far as to boycott the product or website that uses them.

Do you have a canine preference? What your favorite breed says about you...

It’s not unusual for people to look like their pets - and that’s not all they have in common...

Researchers from Bath Spa University looked at lots of people and their pooches and found some common personality traits by breed:

* Toy dogs: People who own Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Poodles, and Pugs may be cute but they’re also usually intelligent and creative. 

* Shepherds and other herding breeds: These owners are usually extroverts and very comfortable in their own skin or fur.

* Gun dogs: These breeds include Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels. Their owners are super agreeable and like to go with the flow.

* Utility dogs: Owners of Dalmatians, Bulldogs and Bichon Frise tend to be very conscientious and are always looking out for the other guy.

* Terriers: If you’ve got a Jack Russell, Staffordshire Bull or Miniature Schnauzer, there’s a good chance you’re the moody type and a little unpredictable.

* Working dogs: Boxers, Rottweilers and Great Danes are usually owned by someone who is agreeable, intelligent and confident.

* Hounds: People who like Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds and Greyhounds are a stable bunch. They may be a bit predictable but they’re also dependable and loyal. 

Go easy on that no-calorie cooking spray. What they forgot to mention on the label...

Most cooking sprays are labeled zero or no-calorie - and it’s just not true...

Cooking spray has trace amounts of calories. The problem is, those calorie counts are calculated by serving. A serving of cooking spray is usually listed as 1/4 or even 1/8 of a second. Good luck coating your cooking surface with that. It is estimated that the average spray is closer to two seconds. That’s 8 to 16 servings in one shot and could be anywhere from 15 to 30 calories, in case you're counting. 

Does your workplace ban social media? Why they’re old fashioned...

Checking Facebook or Twitter at work is still a big no-no in some offices - and that’s old school...

A recent study by Intelligent Office found that the freedom to use social media at work is an important perk for some very qualified employees. According to Tom Camplese, chief operating officer at Intelligent Office, the new breed of employee conducts business on the go and social networking enables them to do that anytime, anywhere.

Companies who do NOT block social networking in the office scored significantly higher in the morale and productivity departments. Companies that encourage and participate in social networking also tend to enjoy more camaraderie and sense of pride among their employees and are viewed as a more desirable place to work among prospective hires. 

Your wallet may soon be obsolete. What we’ll be using instead...

Forgot your wallet? No problem...

Soon, industry experts predict we’ll be using our fingerprints instead. New technology called Paytouch has already gone live at resorts in Ibiza, an island off the coast of Spain - and it’s got European and U.S. retailers chomping at the bit. Paytouch links your fingerprints to your debit or credit card accounts. Just touch two fingers to the digit pad and you’ve bought it. No swiping, pins or cumbersome cash required.

Paytouch plans to open offices in the U.S. within the next 12 months but it will take a while to get the necessary fingerprint infrastructure up and running.

Nobody wants warts. How NOT to catch them...

If someone in your family has warts - you’re at risk...

A recent Dutch study is warning us that we’re more likely to catch warts at home than in public spaces. The study looked at school-aged children and found that those who had classmates or family members with warts were the most likely to wind up with warts themselves. Warts are contagious. You can get them from touching a wart on someone else’s body, or by coming in contact with surfaces that touched someone’s warts, such as towels or bathmats, which make the home the most likely wart zone.

If someone in your household has a wart, have them cover it up, wash hands frequently and be extra careful with shared gadgets such as the TV remote and telephones.

Would you rather know the gender of your unborn baby - or be surprised? One benefit to finding out...

If you’re tempted to learn the gender of your baby before it’s born - go ahead...

It may actually help daddys bond with their unborn child. It’s all in the name. Researchers followed some fathers-to-be and found that those who knew the gender and had named their baby had an easier time thinking of him or her as a real person. They also were more likely to be actively involved in the pregnancy and reported feeling more connected to the child the minute they leaned the gender.

If you’d like to find love in the air - fly Virgin. In-flight flirting,..

Running out of dating potential?

Consider a flight on Virgin America. Sir Richard Branson believes a little philanthropy could go a long way on a long flight - and he’s backing it up with a new seat-back flirting feature. Just locate the object or passenger of your affection on the digital seat map. Then go ahead and send them a philanthropic cocktail, snack or meal from the menu display. You’ll need a credit card of course. You can follow up your gesture using the seat-to-seat chat platform through your Red in-flight entertainment system.

In-flight flirting is now available on all U.S. flights. Sir Richard has even released a video with his Guide to Getting Lucky at 30,000 feet. 

There’s one thing that can ruin your chances of landinig that job...

Feeling a bit nervous for that job interview?

Don’t let them see you sweat. A recent survey revealed that lack of confidence was the biggest red flag to hiring managers. While it’s natural to feel nervous, don’t admit it and find a personal strategy to present yourself as calm, cool, collected and qualified.

Other interview killers on the list included lack of eye contact, inappropriate wardrobe and visible or audible cell phones.

Where you sit at work can have a big impact on your day-to-day life. The worst positions...

Most of us don’t have a lot of say about where we sit at work...

Some less desirable positions can really have a negative impact on your performance and drain you of precious energy. Feng Shui Diva, Robyn Bentley has some aspects to consider:

* Cover Your Back: Sit with your back to a wall. If there is activity going on behind your back and you can't see it, you won't be relaxed on the job. You'll be more tense than you need to be and this will drain your energy. If your back has to be exposed, add a small mirror in your workspace so you can see behind you.

* Get Out Of The Line Of Fire: Don't sit directly in line with an entrance door. This exposes you to the chi energy flowing in which is very draining. Position yourself off to one side.

* Reduce Your Exposure To EMFS: Those are electromagnetic frequencies from electronic equipment which zap your melatonin levels. High exposure to EMFs can cause you to be moody, angry, or depressed. 

If you have control over your lighting, use it wisely. Bright light tends to make people irritable and impulsive. A potted plant may sound cliche but really can help. Cactus, bamboo and money plants are all hardy, reduce toxins in the air and provide a healthy focal point in your space. 

Your sneeze is sort of like your fingerprint. No two are alike...

Most of us could recognize a friend or family member by their sneeze...

Neurologist Dr. Alan Hirsch explains that sneezes are like laughter and we tend to have a signature sneeze that stays with us for life. The way we sneeze says something about our personality too. It’s a pretty straight forward stereotype. A loud, explosive sneeze usually comes from an outgoing, demonstrative person while someone who’s shy will try and hold back, delivering an inverted or kitten-like sneeze.

You may have even inherited aspects of your sneeze. Bone structure and facial shape add to our signature sneeze and family members who look alike may share similar sneeze styles.

The Tooth Fairy annual report is out. Dental loss budgets...

While many industries are forced to cut back in a tough economy - the Tooth Fairy is doling out more...

Delta Dental’s annual Tooth Fairy Poll is out and lost teeth have increased in value. The going rate for 2012 was $2.42 per tooth. That’s up a generous 15.2 percent from the $2.10 teeth in 2011. Here are some more dental stats from the report:

* The Tooth Fairy visited nearly 90 percent of U.S. homes with children who lost a tooth.

* The Tooth Fairy left cash for kids in 98 percent of the homes she visited. Two percent of children received toys, candy, gum or other gifts.

* The Tooth Fairy's monetary gifts ranged from one penny to $100.

* The most common amount left under the pillow for a lost tooth was $1; however, in 22 percent of homes, the kids struck it rich with $5 per tooth.

* The Tooth Fairy is more generous when it comes to children who have lost their first tooth, leaving more money for the first tooth in 46 percent of homes. On average, the amount given for a first tooth was $3.49.

There are a lot of rookie bikers on the road....

Motorcycles have been steadily increasing in popularity for several seasons now...

That tends to happen when gas prices are high. Unfortunately, accidents are on the rise too. Recent statistics show as many as 30% of motorcycle accidents involved an untrained or not properly licensed rider. If you’re tempted to ride, here are some biker basics from Consumer Reports:

* Don’t buy more bike than you can handle. If you’ve been off of motorcycles for awhile, you may be surprised by the performance of today’s bikes. Even models with small-displacement engines are notably faster and more powerful than they were 10 or 20 years ago.

* Invest in antilock brakes - they’re a proven lifesaver. Motorcycles equipped with ABS brakes are significantly less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than bikes without. 

* Hone your skills. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers riding safety courses nationally and may make you eligible for insurance discounts. 

* Wear a helmet. Like it or not, they prevent head injury and save lives.

* Dress like a real biker. Jeans and a t-shirt are out. Brightly colored, padded, vented gear is in. You want to be visible to other drivers and protect yourself from flying bugs, debris and unthinkable injuries in the event of a slide out. 

Do you have a locksmith in your contact list? Why you need to find one today...

Most of us don’t bother finding a reputable locksmith until we’re locked out and desperate...

The Federal Trade commission continues to warn consumers about a nationwide scam involving locksmiths who prey on vulnerable targets and offers the following tips:

* Be wary of locksmith companies that answer calls with generic phrases like “locksmith services,” rather than a specific name. If a locksmith cannot or will not provide the business’ legal name, find another locksmith.

* When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, including a locksmith license.

* Most legitimate locksmiths will arrive in a clearly marked vehicle.

It’s worth taking the time to find a reputable locksmith in your area before you need one. Go ahead and Google it. You’ll likely find dozens in your area starting with the letter A or a number. Scammers have flooded the listings and you’ll need to dig a little to find a local, trustworthy business. Call the number. If a generic recording answers, it’s a scam. Do not leave your information. Some common scam aliases to be wary of include Always Available, A Emergency, A-1, AAA, 24 Hour and A # 1 Locksmith. 

Do you know your rights? Who Miranda was and what became of him...

How much do you know about your Miranda rights? 

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense.”

Miranda was a real guy, Ernesto Miranda. He was arrested in 1963 for the armed robbery of a bank worker. Ernesto was no angel and he liked to talk. He not only confessed to the bank robbery but to a long list of evil deeds including kidnapping and rape. Although Ernesto was convicted, his lawyers contested that ruling, claiming he did not understand that he could have stopped talking. The case was overturned and it changed the way law enforcement handled those arrested for crimes.

Ernesto Miranda’s case was eventually retried. He was ultimately convicted and served 11 years in prison. He finally got out in 1972 but was stabbed to death in a 1976 bar fight at the age of 34.

Do you use the microwave at work?

If you’ve got a community microwave at work - it’s probably germier than the bathroom. 

Scientists at the University of Arizona looked for germs in the workplace and the microwave was not only disgusting - it was dangerous, contaminated with bacteria that could lead to gastrointestinal diseases. It wasn’t necessarily the splattered interior or burnt popcorn that posed a problem, the handle and buttons of the microwave were the offenders. Similar stuff was found on the handles of the fridge, water cooler and coffee pot handles.

It’s not okay to voice-text and drive either. Why it could be even more dangerous...

Do you use your phone’s voice-text feature while driving?

That’s a bad idea, according to a recent study from Texas A&M, which suggests it could be even more dangerous than traditional texting. They found that voice-texting gave participants on a driving course a false sense of security. They actually took their eyes off the road just as much, if not more, than traditional texters. Those who used voice-texting instinctively looked at their dictation and felt the need to correct errors in the transcription.

No form of texting and driving is safe and no message is worthy of being your last.

If you’ve got kids - hide the cinnamon! Details about the latest dangerous double-dog-dare...

Don’t let your kids - or your friends - take the Cinnamon Challenge!

It’s a dangerous new trend on the rise in which children dare each other to eat large amounts of cinnamon. Cinnamon may seem harmless to most kids and they need to know about some serious injuries they could wind up with. 

According to research in the latest issue of “Pediatrics” - several teens have already wound up on ventilator support due to collapsed lungs from the stunt. Ingesting cinnamon by the spoonful can also result in long-lasting lesions or scarring of the airway and damage to the lungs after just one try. 

Would you try the Thai McBistro or the McBaguette? Potential McDonald’s imports...

If you’re a McDonald’s connoisseur, you probably already know that the newer Chicken McBites were actually imported from Australia...

McDonald’s menus vary on an international basis and there are a few foreign selections that McDonald’s marketers are tempted to try here. Some McImports up for consideration include:

* Malaysia’s Double Egg McMuffin or Double Sausage McMuffin. They also have a Chicken McMuffin with Egg.

* Germany’s McMuffin BBQ Pork: pork sausage, double cheese, lettuce and BBQ sauce.

* Germany’s 1955 Burger: beef with caramelized onions, bacon and BBQ Sauce.

* Le Petit McBaguette mini burger on a French roll, from France.

* The Netherlands Greek Mac: beef, yogurt sauce, red onion, tomato and lettuce on pita bread.

* Canadians love the Spicy Thai McBistro Chicken.

* Thailand has a line of green tea drinks: hot, iced or Green Tea Cream Frappe.

So far, no word on if or when France, Italy and Germany will be sharing their McBeer stateside.

Do you know how much your coworkers make? Why that’s no longer taboo...

It used to be considered professional taboo to discuss salary with your co-workers - but that was then...

The Wall Street Journal reports pay transparency is now all the rage among some workers. With the Millennial generation flooding the workforce, sharing personal information such as salary is often considered less classified. Generally speaking, Millennials have been used to sharing personal information via social networking for most of their adult lives. They’re not as sensitive to disclosing data which older generations might consider top secret. Kevin Hallock, director of the Institute for Compensation Studies at Cornell University says, people are much more willing to talk about pay than they were 10 years ago. 

Many Millennials consider this information a tool of leverage or power but need to be careful about revealing too much. Going transparent with your pay can trigger resentment, envy and sour grapes in the workplace and probably won’t win you any points with management.

Please don’t squeeze the teabag! How it could ruin the taste...

Noooo!

A lot of tea drinkers can’t resist squeezing every last drop out of the bag. That’s a rookie move...

If you tend to wrap that little string around the spoon or wring out that bag with a tool or (gasp) your fingers - don’t do it. Tea drinking experts know that quality tea is delicate and squeezing the bag will only release bitter tannin and oils into your brew, completely changing the intended flavor and balance.

Experienced tea drinkers generally let the bag steep for three to four minutes. Steeping time may vary by variety, so be sure to check the recommendation on specific blends.

Could you be prone to White Coat Hypertension? What it is and why it matters...

Does your blood pressure go up when you’re doctor takes it?

That’s called White Coat Hypertension and it’s not unusual. It could be cause for concern though. While White Coat Hypertension is associated with the common stress some people experience in the doctor’s office, many health professionals consider it a potential marker that you could be more at risk of developing high blood pressure in the long-term. 

If you do experience White Coat Hypertension, it’s a good idea to discuss some home blood pressure monitoring with your doctor so you can both keep your eye out for potential problems in the future.

Who gets the better price on a new car - men or women?

If you’re shopping for a car - take a woman along...

New research from LeaseTrader.com says women are much more likely to get the better deal. It seems women are taking a more active role in car buying these days and usually do more homework. Women tend to ask more questions about reliability, safety and quality, while men often focus on performance and style. Men are also more likely to have their mind set on a make or model before they enter the showroom. Women, on the other hand, can go the distance with negotiations and are more likely to keep shopping if they’re not satisfied with the deal.

Where you stand in an elevator says something about you. Elevator hierarchy...

Do you have a preferred location in the elevator?

A recent study looked at our elevator behavior and positioning and found some stereotypes going up and down. Generally speaking, higher-ups, especially men, prefer standing in the back of the box. Young men prefer the middle and most women position themselves near the door, regardless of age.

There were some pet peeves where elevator travel was concerned. Topping the list was talking on a cell phone during the ride, followed by not holding the door, standing too close and taking the elevator to go up one floor instead of using the stairs.

Put aside one minute today - for humming. Why it’s good for you...

Go ahead and hum something, anything, for about a minute...

Humming can do wonders for your state of mind and even provide some allergy relief. A minute or more of steady humming can help to reduce stress by relaxing the muscles in your face, head and shoulders and the vibrations can actually help soothe your brain. Humming also increases the airflow between sinus and nasal cavities, helping to relieve mild congestion and stave off sinusitis.

Planning on a pedicure? Don’t shave your legs. Pedicure protocol...

You’ve been waiting a long time to show off those toes in your sandals and flip-flops - and that calls for a pedicure...

While pedicures are pampering, they can also pose a hazard and leave you with more than painted toes. Here are some basic pedicure precautions to take:

* If anything about the place looks less than sanitary - keep walking. Find a place that’s spotless.

* Don’t shave your legs. The EPA says you should avoid any hair removal for 24 hours prior to your pedicure. Subtle abrasions can allow bacteria or fungus to get in.

* Don’t let the pedicure technician cut or push back your cuticles. Those protective barriers are there for a reason.

* It’s okay to smooth rough heels with a pumice or foot file - just don’t let them pull the razor tool out. That can overly expose your protective sole and even cause permanent damage.

Pay attention to your feet in the days and weeks following your pedicure. Any unusual itching, discoloration or outbreaks could mean trouble and will need to be addressed.

Proms and graduations are right around the corner. How to look good in those pictures...

Prime season for pictures will soon be upon us...

If you’ll be striking poses for proms and graduations, here are some tips from some professional photographers:

* Find the best side of your face. For most of us, it’s the left side. Turn your head slightly and show it off.

* Turn your shoulders slightly in the same direction. We all look better with a little contour and not squared with the camera. 

* Strike the glamour pose. Put your weight on your back foot with your other leg crossed in front of it. Poof, you just lost 10 pounds in that shot.

If you’re the one taking the pictures, do your subjects and give them some direction. You’ll want them close together. Make sure the light source is to one side and not blinding them or washing your photo out. If there’s a hill or bleacher nearby, use it. Group shots look much better when the camera is a bit higher than the group.  Then, have some fun, get creative and take lots of candid shots.  Those are usually the favorites.

What? Now we’re getting too much sleep? The latest sleep statistics...

Some of us don’t get enough sleep. Some of us are getting too much...

That’s the word from a recent University of Sydney sleep study. They looked at 10 countries, including the U.S., and asked participants to record their hours of sleep. The Americans were more likely to sleep more than nine hours and less likely to sleep fewer than six hours.

While sleep is good, more than nine hours on a regular basis is considered bad. The increase in sleep totals tend to go hand in hand with lack of employment, inactivity and depression. The Americans aren’t the only one’s sleeping in. Similar sleep patterns were seen in Australia, Sweden, Finland and the U.K.

Is that “pink ribbon” product for awareness really helping anyone?

There are a lot of products on the market sporting a colored icon for awareness...

...such as pink ribbons for breast cancer or blue light bulbs for autism. But according to David Hessekiel, founder and president of the Cause Marketing Forum, consumers need to look beyond the ribbon. To be sure the purchase of that product really gives back to the cause it’s promoting, check the package for the following information:

* The name of the specific organization that will benefit—not just a vague promise to support research for that disease. 

* The portion of the purchase price or total sales that will be donated to charity. 

* What the consumer must do to trigger the donation. Some campaigns require you to mail in lids, labels, UPC codes or some other proof of purchase. 

* The campaign’s expiration date, which may close long before all of the product is off the store shelves.

A recent study found that we’re a generous bunch. 80% of consumers said they would consider switching products in support of a cause near to their heart. Manufacturers have access to that data as well and it’s up to the consumer to be sure your purchase is actually helping a cause and not just the product claiming to care.

UPS avoids left hand turns - should you?

It’s a rare sight to see a UPS truck in the left turn lane...

For years UPS has calculated their routes to include as few left turns as possible in an effort to conserve time and fuel. So should we be doing it too? Yes, according to a recent study from Hummer. Their results found that the average driver could save significant time and money with the no-left-turn rule - and that even three right turns could be more efficient than one long left. Overall, avoiding left turns at busy intersections can reduce travel time and fuel consumption by 20% for professional and casual drivers alike.

How long do you look at that menu before deciding? Why you should hurry up...

The next time you’re dining out - order the first thing that catches your eye...

A recent study analyzed the way we choose our food and measured satisfaction. For the experiment, volunteers were asked to pick a piece of chocolate from an assorted box. Those who chose the fastest were more satisfied than those who agonized and analyzed each piece.

When ordering from a menu, your first gut instinct is usually the best. You can enhance the experience by closing the menu as soon as you decide. That simple gesture triggers psychological closure and can increase confidence and overall satisfaction of your choice.

Laughter is contagious - and so is depression...

Several human emotions are contagious - and depression is no exception...

A recent study looked at students specifically and found that those with close friends or roommates suffering from depression were especially at risk. After six months of exposure to a gloomy mindset, stress and sadness, the non-depressed student often began to experience similar symptoms of depression. It’s known as cognitive vulnerability and it’s most common at times of transition in life.

We can avoid catching depression if we’re aware of our exposure at critical times, such as transitioning into college life, into working life or adjusting to an empty nest scenario. If our primary partner is feeling depressed, our best defense is to address the problem and make a conscious effort to widen our circle of emotional exposure and make necessary changes to the environment.

Like it or not, we’re eating plastic. How to avoid it...

How much plastic have you eaten today?

If you’ve had any milk, meat or processed food, you’ve probably consumed a bit. According to Dr. Christopher Ochner, from the New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center, the phthalates used in packaging and processing don’t break down and often stay in the food we’re eating. While it would be difficult to avoid them completely, here are a few things you can do to reduce your plastic consumption:

* Eat less dairy and pork. These foods have high levels of phthalates, most likely because of the plastic tubing used to milk cows or the plastic packaging containing the meat. Pork seems to retain more of the plastic elements than other meats.

* Try to use glass for leftovers. Limit your use of plastic containers and wrap and do NOT heat up food with plastic. Microwaving food in plastic is a big no-no. 

* Order fresh fish and meats from the market or butcher. Anything that hasn't been wrapped or packaged in plastic is better for you. 

Is it better to look at the glass as half empty or half full?

If you have a hard time finding the bright side to life, lighten up...

New research proves that optimists are not only happier, they are healthier and likely to live longer than the Doubting Thomases and Debbie Downers. 

The study looked specifically at the hearts of optimists and pessimists and found that the happy bunch had significantly lower instances of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular issues. Researcher Julia Boehm, at Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, said people with a more positive outlook on life also exercised more, ate healthier and slept better. Ultimately, they were physically healthier and less likely to have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or be obese.

Feeling stressed out? That can make you smell bad...

You smell stressed out!

As if the anxiety isn’t bad enough, scientists say that we start to smell bad when we’re stressed. Regular perspiration from heat or exertion is designed to cool us down. While it might not smell great, it’s a gradual process which our bodies manage to regulate a bit. When we experience nervous excitement or anxiety, we tend to heat up much faster, causing our glands to release a surge of instantaneous pungent sweat. Because there’s no warming up period, that perspiration can hit the surface in record time, producing a stronger fight or flight aroma, designed to warn any predators within smelling range. 

There’s a hot new line of clothing on the market...

If you’re shopping for some new summer clothes, bathing suits or cover ups, look for UPF on the label...

UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor and can be a very effective layer of defense, especially for children and adults who spend a lot of time in the sun. Most people don’t think to apply protective lotion or spray where the sun don’t shine and those ultraviolet rays can make their way right through most of the light and breezy fabric we tend to wear in the summer. While it’s no substitute for sunscreen, UPF clothing fiber is more dense with a higher thread count per inch, but is also often vented and designed to breath and keep you cool. 

If you’d like to be more productive - think yellow...

You might be able to get more done today if you work in some yellow...

Color experts say that yellow is the most productive color on the palate. When we see yellow, it decreases our levels of melatonin and staves off fatigue and boredom. Working yellow into your workspace can subconsciously boost your energy levels and help you concentrate. Yellow artwork is a good option and classic yellow Post-its are the way to go. If you don’t have much control over your workspace, consider setting your desktop background to something sunny and yellow.

If you think painting a whole room yellow is a productive idea, you’re wrong. Too much yellow can actually be counterproductive. Studies have found that people lose their temper more often in a yellow room.

Your taxes are in and the scammers are out. How to avoid tax identity theft...

April 15th has come and gone and scammers are coming out of the woodwork again...

They know a lot of us are anxiously awaiting a refund or fearing an audit and they’d like to take advantage of that. Consumer Reports warns us to ignore emails and social media pretending to be from the IRS. The IRS never contacts taxpayers by email, text message, Facebook or Twitter. They won’t notify you of a refund or audit that way either.

If you get any official looking IRS electronic messages, don’t fall for it. Contact the IRS scam squad at phishing@irs.gov.

A lot of people will be waxing poetic tomorrow...

There’s a good chance you’ll stumble across some poetry on Facebook or Twitter tomorrow...

It’s National Poem in Your Pocket Day and poets are encouraging us to share our favorites online or in person. The New York City Departments of Cultural Affairs started Poem in Your Pocket Day in 2002 and the Academy of American Poets took the initiative national in 2008, with annual events in parks, libraries, schools, workplaces and bookstores. 

If you’ve got a favorite poem, go ahead and tweet it using the hashtag #pocketpoem. If you’d like to wax poetic but are poetically challenged, you can search by topic or author at poets.org.

Check your supplements. If they’ve got geranium extract in there, beware. Serious side effects...

Geranium extract may sound healthy or harmless...

...but the FDA is warning the public not to purchase supplements containing geranium extract, also known as DMAA. It’s often marketed as a natural stimulant to improve workouts, athletic performance and weight loss but it could have some serious side effects. According to the FDA, geranium extract narrows blood vessels and arteries which can elevate blood pressure. The substance could result in a host of health scares from shortness of breath to heart attack. It even poses a risk of seizures and other neurological and psychological conditions.

Geranium extract or DMAA may also be listed as geranium oil or root or as methyl-hexanamine. It’s important to note that it can be especially dangerous when mixed with caffeine.

Can you juggle? Why you may want to learn...

How are your juggling skills?

If you’ve never tried, you really should learn. New research has found that learning to juggle has some significant positive effects on your brain. Volunteers who took the juggling challenge experienced changes in the white matter of the brain. That matter is in the region that governs peripheral vision, concentration and dexterity. The jugglers even had lower levels of stress after the mastering their new skill.

Learning any new activity can have similar benefits - but juggling taps into all the right elements and is something you can do anywhere without special equipment.