If you’ve got a moody teen in the house, I’ll tell you what after-school class to sign them up for...

Do you know a moody teenager? A little Zen may be in order... 

A recent study found that 11th and 12th graders who participated in Yoga classes 3 to 4 times a week were magically less likely to be in a bad mood or feel anxious. Jessica Noggle, a researcher at Harvard Medical School says Yoga helps to teach teens to look inside themselves instead of to their peers for acceptance and affirmation. That can help to significantly lower social stress and increase low self-esteem. 

The teens who took part in the study reported a big improvement in overall mood and their parents admitted enjoying a less flippant attitude after the Yoga. Other benefits sited were improved concentration, flexibility, focus, coordination, sleeping patterns and respect. 3 out of 4 of the newly balanced teens said they intended to continue with Yoga.

OMG! Check out which words have made it into the Oxford Dictionary...

When it comes to cutting edge and trendy verbiage – the Oxford Dictionary Online is chock full of truthiness... 

Here are 35 of their latest entries:

1. Bling (n): Expensive, ostentatious clothing and jewelry.

2. Bromance (n): A close but non-sexual relationship between two men.

3. Chillax (v): Calm down and relax.

4. Crunk (adj): Very excited or full of energy.

5. D’oh (ex): Exclamation used to comment on a foolish or stupid action, especially one’s own.

6. Droolworthy (adj): Extremely attractive or desirable.

7. Frankenfood (n): Genetically modified food.

8. Grrrl (n): A young woman regarded as independent and strong or aggressive, especially in her attitude to men or in her sexuality (A blend of “Grrrr” and “Girl.”)

9. Guyliner (n): Eyeliner that is worn by men.

10. Hater (n): A person who greatly dislikes a specified person or thing.

11. Illiterati (n): People who are not well educated or well informed about a particular subject or sphere of activity.

12. Infomania (n): The compulsive desire to check or accumulate news and information, typically via mobile phone or computer.

13. Jeggings (n): Tight-fitting stretch trousers for women, styled to resemble a pair of denim jeans.

14. La-la Land (n): A fanciful state or dream world. Also, Los Angeles.

15. Locavore (n): A person whose diet consists only or principally of locally grown or produced food.

16. Mankini (n): A brief one-piece bathing garment for men, with a T-back.

17. Mini-Me (n): A person closely resembling a smaller or younger version of another.

18. Muffin Top (n): A roll of fat visible above the top of a pair of women’s tight-fitting low-waisted trousers.

19. Muggle (n): A person who is not conversant with a particular activity or skill.

20. Noob (n): A person who is inexperienced in a particular sphere or activity, especially computing or the use of the Internet.

21. Obvs (adv): Obviously.

22. OMG (ex): Used to express surprise, excitement, or disbelief. (Dates back to 1917.)

23. Po-po (n): The police.

24. Purple State (n): A US state where the Democratic and Republican parties have similar levels of support among voters.

25. Screenager (n): A person in their teens or twenties who has an aptitude for computers and the Internet.

26. Sexting (n): The sending of sexually explicit photographs or messages via mobile phone.

27. Textspeak (n): Language regarded as characteristic of text messages, consisting of abbreviations, acronyms, initials, emoticons. (wut hpns win u write lyk dis.)

28. Totes (adv): Totally.

29. Truthiness (n): the quality of seeming or being felt to be true, even if not necessarily true.

30. Twitterati (n): Keen or frequent users of the social networking site Twitter.

31. Unfriend (v): Remove (someone) from a list of friends or contacts on a social networking site.

32. Upcycle (v): Reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.

33. Whatevs (ex, adv): Whatever.

34. Whovian (n): A fan of the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who.

35. Woot (ex): (Especially in electronic communication) Used to express elation, enthusiasm, or triumph.

If you have a cat – don’t ever feed it these foods...

Cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters – an it’s with good reason... 

Cat’s digestive systems are actually quite delicate and it doesn’t take much to throw them off. There are even a few foods that seem feline friendly – but aren’t. Here is the list of what NOT to give your cat:

• Raw fish: Human-grade sushi is pretty safe for people, but not for pets. Compounds in there could lead to neurological problems and convulsions.

• Onions and chives: Even trace amounts in any form could damage red blood cell counts.

• Uncooked eggs: These can expose your cat to salmonella and other parasites which can damage the pancreas.

• Bones: Bones can splinter and perforate the intestines. 

• Fat trimmings: This can cause gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis in cats.

• Milk: Most cats become lactose intolerant in adulthood and milk can cause diarrhea.

PERFECT scrambled eggs...

Scrambled eggs might sound simple – but a lot of people do it all wrong...

Scrambled eggs are a simple dish – to screw up. There are countless methods of scrambling eggs out there. Determined to find the best one, Eddy Chavey, a.k.a. Mr. Breakfast, put dozens of scrambled egg techniques to the test. Here’s how to get them just right. No cheese, no overt flavorings, just perfect scrambled eggs:

• Don’t bother waiting until your eggs are room temperature. It really won’t make a difference. 

• Add 1 teaspoon of low-fat milk per egg. Cream or whole milk will make the eggs taste too milky. Water and non-fat milk won’t give you the creamy texture that low-fat milk does. 

• Add 1 pinch of salt per egg.

• Now it’s time to add the second most important ingredient - air. You’ll need to whisk the eggs vigorously at an angle for about 2 minutes. You want the mixture to be frothy and evenly colored.

• Add a tablespoon of butter to your non-stick pan which has been heated to just above medium. As the very last of the butter is liquefying, add the egg mixture.

• As soon as the eggs hit the pan – wait. Don’t stir until you see the first hint of setting.

• Once your scrambled eggs begin to set, push them to the center of the pan with your wooden spoon or spatula. This allows the runny parts to flow out and cook a bit. Repeat.

• When no runny parts remain, flip the whole batch over once. Cook for about 15 seconds and remove. Salt and pepper to taste and enjoy your perfect, fluffy, scrambled eggs.

That seemingly harmless supplement could actually be spiked with drugs. Which ones to think twice about...

If you’re tempted to take a dietary supplement for body building, sexual enhancement or weight loss – be careful! 

According to the FDA, there have been more than 400 recalls of these products after it was discovered they were actually spiked with prescription drugs. It’s scary stuff. The FDA says it has received reports of strokes, acute liver injury, kidney failure and even death associated with drug-tainted supplements. 

If you are tempted to use supplements to slim down, build muscle or increase sexual performance, you really need to check with your doctor first. Aside from the danger of winding up with a spiked product, ANY seemingly healthy vitamins or supplements could do you harm if you use them for a problem you have not been officially diagnosed with.

Are you a fast-eater? You REALLY need to slow down...

If you are the first person to at the table to finish your meal – you NEED to slow down...

A recent study has determined that eating too fast can be really bad for us. Those who are fast-eaters were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes along with some other serious health problems. If you’re not sure if you’re a fast-eater, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you ever put food into your mouth before you’ve finished chewing the previous bite?

• Do you tend to eat on-the-run, or while doing something else?

If so, you’re at risk. Choking and digestive problems could be an issue – and fast-eaters often struggle with obesity. It takes our body about 20 minutes to register fullness and we’re likely to overeat if we don’t slow down. Pediatritian Jan Chozen Bays, author of “Mindful Eating,” has some tricks to try to slow yourself down: 

• Start with a healthy appetizer before you dive into the entrée.

• Take smaller portions. You can always go back for more.

• Take breaks between bites. Put down the utensils, chew slowly and savor the flavor. Take a deep breath and a sip of your beverage before the next bite.

If you’re going to apply a fake tan – there are a few things you need to do first. Pre-tan prepping...

Over-the-counter self-tanning products are everywhere – but there is a right and wrong way to apply them... 

Dermatologist Neal Schultz, author of “It’s Not Just About Wrinkles,” has a few simple steps that can prevent you from looking fake or blotchy and even extend your tan time:

• The day before you apply your tan, be sure to exfoliate to remove all the dead skin cells.

• Avoid using any moisturizers, body oils, deodorant, sunscreen or makeup before applying your tan.

• You will want to use some moisturizer in a few spots, including the palms of your hands and feet, fingernails and toenails.

• If your self-tanning product is a lotion, apply it with a towlette or sponge. Those will give you a much more even application than your bare hands.

After you’re tan – keep in mind that water WILL leave spots. You’ll want to avoid going out in the rain or working up a sweat. You’ll also need to stay out of the sun for 24 hours. Your skin is more vulnerable to free radical damage because of the chemicals in your skin. When you do return to the sun, don’t forget the sunscreen. It’s easy to feel protected when you’re tan – but you’re not.

If you’re gaining weight, it could be your air conditioner’s fault...

It seems the more we use our AC – the more weight we’re likely to gain...  

A recent study suggests the use of modern central heat and AC could be partly to blame for modern weight gain. Experts say our bodies just don’t have to work as hard at heating up and cooling down, which means we expend less energy and store more fat.

The authors of the study have pointed out that obesity rates in the south are the highest in the nation – and that people with central air-conditioning are most at risk for AC weight gain. The more comfortable we feel, the more we are likely to eat, while people who are uncomfortably hot or cold give snacking a lower priority.

Do you just split that watermelon open and eat it as-is? Let's get fancy...

Sure, watermelon tastes great right off the rind – but there are a lot of other ways to enjoy it...

The folks at Reader’s Digest have some great suggestions for that sweet summertime favorite:

• Consider layering thin slices of watermelon with white meat or fish. They pair very well together.

• Diced watermelon can really sweeten up a creamy chicken salad too – and can make for a refreshing light lunch.

• Add some cubes of watermelon into your favorite tossed salad. They add a sweet, crisp crunch.

• Blue cheese, walnuts and watermelon are a delicious trio, served over a bed of summer greens.

• If you like spicy Pico de Gallo with jalapenos, consider adding some diced watermelon to balance things off. Scoop it up with some chips or just eat it with a spoon.

Don’t forget, you can throw some slices of watermelon on the grill too. Cut it into thick slices and trim off the rind. Brush them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, grill them for about 3 minutes on each side until you see the grill marks and finish them off with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

If the Olympics have inspired you to get in shape a bit – there’s one little gadget that can make a BIG difference...

Do you own a pedometer? 

If not, you really should. A recent study found that adults wearing a pedometer clocked a full 30 minutes more exercise per week without really trying. Experts say just becoming aware of the number of steps we take each day inspires us to take a few more. Wearing a pedometer is a simple way to set and beat your own records on a daily basis and can really motivate you to take a few scenic routes around the house, the office or the block.

Some of the best pedometers on the market right now sell for about $30 – a lot less than most exercise equipment or gym memberships. There are lots of on-body models and some other choices including GPS watches and smartphone apps to help you step things up a bit.

If you buy extra-virgin olive oil, it deserves a little research. How to choose the best one...

Do you pay extra for extra-virgin olive oil? 

If so, you might want to research your investment a little. It turns out that many extra-virgin olive oils don’t really meet the quality criteria. Professional taste-testers say more than 50% of the top-selling brands they tried were actually fermented, stale, or just inferior.

Unfortunately, it’s somewhat difficult to spot a dud on the shelf. Olive oil experts say the best way to settle on a favorite quality olive oil is to invest in a few small bottles and taste them side by side. You WILL notice a difference. They say we should compare Italian and Californian, and try some different price levels as well. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Back-to-School shopping is here again – and you might need a second job to pay for it. Some simple subtraction...

The average parent with kids in grades K-12 spends $688.62 on back-to-school supplies, clothing and electronics! 

Consumer Reports has some advice on how to subtract from that sum and still pass the test:

• Gather up stuff you already have. It sounds like a no-brainer but most parents admit to buying new ruled paper, spiral notebooks, rulers and No. 2 pencils when they have plenty at home.

• Stick to the list. Don’t bother starting your shopping until you either receive the required supplies list in the mail or can find one online. A lot of local supply stores will have your school’s list available.

• Don’t fall for every sale. Gather up some price data on regular retail prices for the basics to avoid paying “sale” prices that aren’t.

Most importantly, don’t wait too long. We’ve all been there – waiting until the last minute and paying premium prices for those hard-to-find items, or settling for the more expensive versions of the common items that sell out.

If you’re tempted to book a nice hotel room – watch out! How the fancy joints are more likely to rip you off...

You expect your luxury hotel room to be a relaxing oasis – but beware... 

The high-end hotels are actually more likely to nickel and dime you and even rip you off. Pauline Frommer, cohost of “The Travel Show,” says it’s not unreasonable for us to expect premium treatment at a nice hotel – but in reality, economy chains are much more eager to please. They know they’re budget-minded customers won’t come back if they’re overcharged for stuff. For example, WiFi is now free at most mid-priced and budget hotels – but don’t be surprised if you’re charged $10 to $12 per day for that basic luxury at a ritzy place, sometimes even more.

Pauline says luxury chains are dreaming up new fees all the time. It’s popular now to charge guests for carrying bags to their rooms, on TOP of the tip. You might see little surprises on your bill like groundskeeping surcharges, energy surcharges and steep early check-in fees if you arrive before 3 or 4 pm. But then again, you might NOT see those fees. They are often not even disclosed when the service is provided.

Feel a temper tantrum coming on? Do NOT count to 10....

We hear the phrase “count to 10” all the time where angry outbursts are concerned...

...but now researchers from Ohio State University say that’s a mistake. University psychologist Brad Bushman says all that does is roil your inner turmoil. Counting to 10 enhances the focus on how you are feeling and it usually backfires. Those who count to 10 are actually more likely to act aggressively once they get there. 

He says the best way to keep your anger in check is to try some self-distancing. Mentally remove yourself from the situation by trying to watch it from the point of view of a fly on the wall. Of the many techniques they tested, this was the most effective.

Family dinner time can be great – or it can be a bit chaotic. How to tame the family dinner...

If you’re family dinner table doesn’t exactly look like a scene from Leave it to Beaver...

...Parent Coach Meghan Leahy has some advice to help get everyone on board:

• Recognize that most kids don’t have as much of an appetite by the end of the day. This is a good thing. Keep the portions small.

• Have the children help you meal-plan. The more invested they are in the food; the more likely they are to eat it. Have them help you prepare or cook it too.

• Avoid talking about the food itself or school. Come up with a few fun questions to ask each other so everyone can join in. “What’s your favorite room in the house?” “What animal would you like to be?”

• Do not count bites. Three more bites of peas really won’t matter – and counting is no way to spend a meal. 

• Do not offer dessert as a reward. This just makes kids sweet-obsessed and makes your meal seem like a chore. Pick a few dessert nights. Take the power away from the dessert by simply giving it to them early and twice a week. Otherwise, no sweets during the week.