Measure, Don't Weigh

The next time you want to check your progress on your diet – skip the scale...

If you dread stepping on the scale – use a tape measure – it’s more accurate anyway. A trimmer waistline puts you at less risk for type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease – and those inches matter more than overall weight. So what should that circumference be? 37 inches or less for men - 32 inches or less for women. And go ahead and suck it in before you measure – that counts.

Source: Jorge Cruise, Fitness Expert

Christmas Heart Hazard

Christmas Day could be the most dangerous day for your heart...

Hospital emergency rooms get extra busy on December 26th – with heart related issues. Researchers chalk that up to over-indulging on Christmas day or night. Eating or drinking too much of the stuff you’re not supposed to is the primary problem, according to cardiologist Gerald Fletcher - but there are some other triggers too. Money woes sometimes set in after the merriment subsides, then stress levels start to go up.

Another danger is that people often ignore important warning signs while socializing – blaming shortness of breath or chest pain on a big dinner. It may be inconvenient on Christmas day – but getting immediate attention could help insure you’re here for next Christmas.

Dressing Your Way Up

Do you dress for the job you have – or the job you want?

If you’re afraid to dress up a notch at work – don’t be. Sure, you might look like you’re eager for a promotion – but according to life coach Dr. Dawn Chandler – there’s no real harm in that. Looking a little more polished than your peers can make you stand out a bit and can even have a positive effect on your productivity and determination. It is important to keep it in context of your industry – and not to overdo it.

For interviews you’re better off dressing for the position you’re applying for – and not the one you wish was available. Coming across as overqualified could actually hurt your chances of landing the job.

Don't Touch That!

If you’re boarding a plane this holiday season – DON'T touch these...

There are more sick people flying around than ever at this time of year – and if you’ve got to fly there are some spots on the plane to avoid touching:

• The seat pocket – it’s where people put their personal stuff for easy access – or stash their used tissues and gum wrappers. Stay out of there.

• The tray table – it’s a petri dish of germs – just ask a flight attendant. All sorts of disgusting stuff ends up on there – even dirty diapers.

Also, you’re better off skipping the coffee and tea. Some airlines use the water from their tanks – and they’re not brewed at hot enough temperatures to kill bacteria. Stick to bottled water or sealed drinks like juice.

Source: Douglas Wright, Budget Travel

Gift Basket Alert!

If we receive a gift basket this year – we're supposed to throw these items out...

Edible gift baskets are popular – but if you get one – proceed with caution. If you’re watching your weight or blood pressure – toss out the processed cheese and meat – they’re super high in sodium and other bad stuff. Cookies and fruitcakes should really go too – the gift basket types usually have a lot of preservatives – it’s like eating plastic. And if the crackers are not whole grain – more bad news.

If you like giving edible gifts – consider dark chocolate, fruit and nuts – those are all pretty good for you. Substitute the overly preserved stuff with a bottle of wine – and you’ve got a fairly healthy gift to enjoy.

Source: Dr.Michael Aziz, Diet Expert, Lenox Hill Hospital

Good Old Ginger

If you don’t have any ginger on hand – you should really get some...

Got an upset stomach? Eat some ginger. Sore throat? Drink some ginger. Ginger is a pretty amazing root – it’s an anti-inflammatory – and is good for all sorts of stuff. Another nice thing about ginger is that there all lots of ways to take it - ginger root powder, ginger supplements, ginger tea, ginger candies and ginger bread – you’ve got a lot of options. Most ginger ale doesn’t really have that much ginger in it – but some do. A few more things ginger can help with – heartburn relief, morning sickness, cramps, motion sickness, arthritis and migraine relief.

Source: Chris Kilham, The Medicine Hunter

Winter Wipers

It’s time to change your windshield wipers...

Most of us don’t change our windshield wipers often enough – we really should about every 6 months. If yours are due for a change – go for special winter blades – they’re much better at coping with clearing ice and snow. The kind with the rubber covering around the working parts are the best – they freeze up less and flex more.

You don’t have to splurge on the pricier high tech or heated winter blades. According to Paul Brand, author of “How to Repair Your Car,” those are just marketing gimmicks that don’t do much for performance.

UGG - My Feet!

If you’re giving someone pair of UGG boots this Christmas – get these too...

UGG boots are once again one of the most popular gifts this season – and if you’re giving them to someone – throw in a pair of orthotics. Most UGG lovers agree – they’re soft and cushy and warm – but podiatrist Edward Chairman says they can cause foot and back problems if you wear them too often – or for too long. There’s just not enough support in the arch area of your foot – and that puts extra stress on all the wrong spots. Dr. Chairman is not anti-UGG at all. He says an inexpensive pair of contoured support insoles should give you the support you need – and authentic UGG boots do have more support than

Sing-Along Smarts

Family sing-alongs help children develop stronger language skills.

Experts with the literacy group Basic Skills Agency, say Christmas carols, nursery rhymes and lullabies actually help stimulate a kid’s mind and focus – and help develop their ear for conversation. And the more you sing together – the better. Sing-alongs can make cleaning up less of a chore, make bath time more fun – and even make that car ride seem a little shorter. It’s good for grown-ups too – humming and singing are natural stress relievers.

Sit Down Ladies!

60% of women do this in a public bathroom - and shouldn't!

If you’re a woman – and need to use a public restroom – have a seat! At least 60% of women avoid sitting all the way down – and that can cause problems. According to Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Hospital researchers – that awkward position can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. And if you just avoid using public bathrooms all together – don’t. Waiting too long can damage bladder muscles and nerves – and ultimately cause you to have to go more often.

Merry Sickness!

Are you’re bound to get sick for the holidays – or on vacation?

It’s not just bad luck – there are reasons we’re more likely to get sick for a holiday or on vacation. The main culprit is stress. We push ourselves leading up to a holiday or vacation – which raises hormones and lowers immunity. It takes about 48 to 72 hours for a virus to take hold – which explains why it seems to flare up as soon as you’re done running around.

In this final stretch – it’s important to get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and keep washing those hands. If someone’s not feeling well – DON’T hug or kiss them. It’s also a really good idea to open a window – in your house and in your car. Get some fresh air circulating - that burst of cold will be a lot more tolerable than feeling crummy for a week.

Source: Dr. Robert Hasty, Nova Southeastern University

Hide Your Credit Cards!

Are you being electronically pickpocketed?

There’s a handy electronic device out there for thieves. It’s the R.F.I.D. reader - or radio frequency identification reader. It’s a gadget a thief can just wave pass your purse or wallet to electronically pickpocket your credit card information without even touching you. There are new products on the market to protect us – wallets and card holders equipped with a frequency shield. If you don’t have one of those yet – consider keeping your credit cards higher on your body – maybe in a chest area pocket – especially if you’re in a crowd. Electronic pickpockets LOVE a crowd – especially sporting events, concerts and crowded malls.

Source: Walt Augustinowicz, Identity Stronghold

Merry Birthday!

If someone you know has a birthday this month – I’ve got a NOT to do list...

Have some sympathy for that December baby. After all – they’ve been sharing the spotlight for years – they shouldn’t have to share the paper too! A recent survey says birthday presents wrapped in Christmas paper is one of the pet peeves for those with December birthdays. Add to that list Christmassy cakes, cards and gifts too. Save the wintery gift for Christmas – and consider getting them something to use in the summer or year round for their birthday – they’ve got a long way to go.

Source:  Me (December 30th)

Beware the Friendly Interview

If that interview is going great – don’t get too comfortable...

My last boss was an IDIOT! That’s one of the things we’re NOT supposed to say on an interview, according to CareerBuilder. It might seem obvious – but a good interviewer can put us at ease – and it’s important not to get too comfortable. Here are some other things to keep in mind if you do hit it off:

• Save the drink invite for AFTER you get the job.

• Unless you’re pursuing a career as a Rabbi or Congressman – avoid religion and politics.

• Don’t let your weaknesses show. You are there to sell yourself – and it’s easy to let your guard down once you get friendly.

• Stick to the interviewer’s name. Buddy, Honey and Man are WAY too casual.

Roasting Chestnuts

You don’t need an open fire to roast chestnuts – your oven or microwave will do just fine...

Using a sharp knife, score the nuts with an X. Soak them in cool water for about 15 minutes. Pop them in a 400 degree oven for another 15 minutes until the shells start to roll back. Try peeling them while they’re still warm – it’s a little harder once they’re cool. To microwave chestnuts – just cut them in half and place them face down in a shallow dish of water – and cook for about a minute.

If you’d rather attempt the open fire method – score and soak the chestnuts first to prevent exploding – then roast them over your open fire using a pan with a really long handle or your fireplace shovel.

Source: Chef Jason Hill, Chef Tips