You’ve got a sore throat. Could it be strep? The do-it-yourself strep test...

Do you really need antibiotics for that sore throat? 

Before you run to the doctor for a strep test ask yourself these two questions: Do I have a fever? Do I have a cough? According to Dr. Andrew Fine, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Boston Children's Hospital, high fevers are a hallmark of strep infections. If you’ve had a fever in the past 24 hours, accompanied by a sore throat, get to the doctor.

That cough, on the other hand, is not a typical symptom of strep. Especially if there is no fever. It is estimated that as many as 70% of Americans who see a doctor for a sore throat wind up on antibiotics to treat it. Many experts think we’re overdoing it in that department and that only 5 to 15 percent of us will actually benefit from them.

Did you know that grapes could kill your pet? Household pet poisons...

You already know that chocolate can be deadly for a dog. 

Here are some other things lying around the house that could potentially hurt or kill your pet:

* Acetaminophen, which is found in Tylenol and other medications, can cause liver damage in dogs. Cats are even more sensitive.

* Batteries can be toxic to both dogs and cats, leading to ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach. 

* Detergents and fabric softener sheets can cause ulcers too.

* Ethylene glycol is found in antifreeze, windshield de-icing agents and motor oils. Dogs and cats are attracted to its sweet taste, but as little as a teaspoon in cats or a tablespoon in dogs can cause fatal kidney failure. 

* Grapes, raisins and currants - even grape juice - in small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs. 

* Insecticides in flea and tick products can cause problems if not used according to labels. Insecticides that are meant for dogs can cause severe toxicity in cats.

* Kerosene, gasoline and tiki torch fluids can cause drooling, drunken walking and difficulty breathing in dogs and cats. 

* Mothballs can be toxic to dogs and cats, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. 

* Nonprescription medications, such as ibuprofen, can lead to severe ulcers and anemia, as well as liver and kidney failure in pets. 

* Onions, garlic, leeks and chives can be toxic in dogs and cats and cause anemia and gastrointestinal upset. 

* Prescription medications, such as antidepressants and ADHD and cardiac drugs, are commonly ingested by pets when pills are dropped on the floor or left on counters. Even a small dose can cause big problems. 

* Macadamia nuts, can cause lethargy, vomiting and difficulty walking in dogs. 

* Tobacco can be toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion of cigarettes or nicotine patches can lead to tremors, collapse and death. 

* Unbaked bread dough can expand in the stomach. The yeast in the dough can also produce alcohol, leading to seizures and respiratory failure. 

* Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener commonly found in chewing gum, breath mints and toothpaste. In dogs, it can lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar and liver failure. 

* Zinc toxicity can happen when dogs and cats eat metal or coins. Ingestion of even a single zinc penny can be fatal.

Does being cold make you sick?

If you think being cold can make you sick, science disagrees. 

Grandma’s theory that you’ll catch your death of cold has been studied from labs to the Canadian Rockies to Antarctica - and researchers can’t find a definite link. While frostbite and hypothermia are legitimate concerns, being cold alone will not make you sick.

However, cold temperatures could increase the odds you’ll catch a virus, regardless of how you’re dressed. That’s because certain viruses thrive in cold, dry air. If you touch or breathe them in, that hat and coat will provide little protection. More time spent indoors and close contact with other people’s germs pose a greater risk than venturing outside in cold weather, even with wet hair.

Are your eyes bothering you? Join the club. Why we NEED to blink more...

Have you blinked your eyes lately? 

Thanks to electronic media, cases of dry eye are reaching epidemic proportions. It’s normal to experience the burning, dryness, or even tearing associated with dry eye as we age - but now much younger age groups are complaining of symptoms. We tend not to blink much when we’re on the computer, driving, or watching TV and it’s taking a toll on our tear ducts. 

Dr. Robert Latkany, author of “The Dry Eye Remedy,” says we need to take blink breaks twice an hour during screen time. Shut your eyes for about 10 seconds and roll them around a bit to get them lubricated. Artificial tears can also provide some instant, temporary relief - especially if you keep them in the fridge. 

What if your dog runs off? There’s a device for that.

If you’ve ever lost your dog, it can be terrifying and heartbreaking. GPS to the rescue!

There are several canine tracking devices on the market now and they’re pretty effective at finding Fido if he makes a run for it. The devices can be attached to your dog’s collar and work off of either cell phone or radio signals. The cell models, such as the Tagg Pet Tracker, Zoombak and Secure a Pet are adequate if you live in an area where reception is good. You set up parameters and can find your dog on the smartphone app map. If you like to hike or explore with your dog, you might be better off with the radio signal model like the Roameo, Garmin or SportDog TEK. Their range is limited to 9 miles max. Dog GPS devices range in price from $100 to $200.

Who should extend their hand for a shake first? That depends.

A firm handshake is a no-brainer in business - but who should reach out first? 

The higher up. According to etiquette expert LisaMarie Luccioni, a graduate of the Protocol School of Washington, a handshake should be offered by the person of higher authority to the person of lower status. If you’re the peon, give the big cheese a chance - but go ahead and extend if they’re slow on the draw. There is no rule regarding gender in business. In social situations, while kissing the woman’s hand is a bit old school, some still believe a man should wait for a woman to offer her hand for the shake.

When you are ready to shake, stand up, unless you physically can’t. Go in with confidence and aim to make firm contact web-to-web, between the thumb and forefinger. Resist the urge to inflict the politician two-handed shake on the first meeting. It can come across as phony and overbearing.

If you enter your ATM PIN backwards, will the cops show up? Let’s try it...

Hopefully, you’ll never be forced to withdraw money from your ATM at gunpoint.  

But if you are, will entering your PIN backwards summons the police?  Nope.  That’s an internet rumor that’s been floating around for a while.  While it is an urban legend, the concept is not.  A Chicago business man came up with the idea in 1994.  His SafetyPIN System would allow you to enter your PIN backwards, dispense the money as to not alert the thug, and simultaneously notify the police that a crime was in progress. He actually managed to get the Illinois General Assembly to adopt a "reverse PIN" clause in 2004, but it was optional for the banks and they didn’t go for it.

Should you buy your funeral now?

Are your “final arrangements” in order?

While you should have your wishes in writing and money put aside for that - you should NOT go ahead and pay for your funeral now. According to AARP, there are a lot of prepaid funeral scams out there. That company may wind up dead and buried long before you need to be. Even if it’s not a scam, you’ll likely wind up paying more than promised, or worse, leaving your loved ones to foot the post-mortem bill.

The best approach is to pre-plan, not pre-pay for your final arrangements. You can put aside money to cover the costs in a payable-on-death bank account to give your heirs easier access to it when the time comes. 

Is Lite Salt better for us than regular salt?

Lite Salt may sound like a good idea if you’re watching your sodium intake - but it’s not for everyone. 

While Lite Salt, a trademarked alternative, does have less sodium, it also has potassium chloride which can be a problem for someone with a blood pressure condition. Lite Salt is also high in potassium, not good if you’ve got kidney problems. Check with your doctor before making the switch to a salt substitute. You might also want to avoid using substitutes when cooking for others who may have health issues.

Got a big problem? Strike this pose.

The next time you’re really stuck on something - cross your arms. 

This body language hack really does help when tackling something tough. In a recent study, groups of students were asked to work on some puzzles and anagrams. One group was instructed to keep their hands on their thighs, while the others were to sit with their arms folded. The students who folded their arms almost doubled their attempt time. That group also came up with more solutions than the hands-in-the-lap group.

Body language experts say folding our arms can trigger our determination and perseverance. Sit up straight and smile - and add optimistic confidence to your problem solving pose. 

Is everyone out to get you? Suspicious minds...

Does your boss or mother-in-law have a hidden agenda? 

It’s possible - but it’s also possible you’re being too suspicious. Dr. Joseph Shrand, author of “Outsmarting Anger,” says suspicion is a primal emotion. We need a healthy dose of it to keep us from being vulnerable and out of danger. However, some people let suspicion get the best of them. Here are some signs that instinct might be out of whack for you:

* You see hidden agendas or negative undertones in statements or body language that other people don’t seem to pick up on.

* You check up on people to see whether they are telling the truth.

* You think that other people are out to get you or cheat you.

* You find it hard to trust others with secrets.

* You stay mad at people or hold grudges. 

* You spend a lot of time worrying about what others are thinking or doing.

Being overly suspicious can have some serious consequences. Not only can it ruin relationships, it can also generate enough anxiety and anger to make you sick. That kind of stress can result in heart problems, gastrointestinal issues and even weaken your immune system. Dr. Shrand prescribes the following for suspicious types. Carry a notepad. Log your suspicions and their triggers for a week. Finding patterns and raising self-awareness can be enough to help you keep that suspicious behavior in check.

People who have mastered the art of lucid dreaming have a lot of fun in bed. How to do that, coming up…

Wouldn’t it be great to have control over your dreams? 

Those who have mastered the art of lucid dreaming have some tips on how to do just that:

* Take naps. That increases the odds you’ll experience lucid dreaming.

* Set your alarm clock. Most of our dreaming happens in the early morning hours. Set your alarm clock 90 minutes early and you’re likely to have a really cool dream once you drift off again.

* Find your position. Some believe men are more likely to lucid dream sleeping on their right side, women on the left. Just take note of your position if you do have a great dream.

* Hit replay. Once you do start to remember your dreams, take note of the time and the routine that triggered it, and duplicate that.

You can literally grow clean air in your home or office with these three plants...

There are some common houseplants that can make a huge difference in the quality of the air you breathe. 

These three, in particular, will increase oxygen, filter the air and boost the overall health of anyone near them:

* The Areca palm removes co2 and converts it into oxygen. You’ll want a few shoulder-high plants, depending on the area, and you should wipe leaves once a week.

* Mother in laws tongue, known as the bedroom plant, works at the oxygen conversion at night. A waist-high plant will do wonders for your night air.

* The money plant helps to rid your air of formaldehydes and other toxic chemicals.

According to Kamal Meattle, a clean air activist from New Delhi, you could live in a sealed bottle with these three plants and not die. 

Tired of your exercise routine? Try it caveman style.

If you’re exercise routine is getting old...

...here are a few weird workout trends that some people swear by:

* Paleo Fitness: This caveman style workout consists of hanging from tree branches, carrying boulders, lifting logs, and generally running around outside. 

* Prancercise: Described by 61-year-old creator Joanna Rohrback as springy, rhythmic movement, like a pony, ideally induced by elation. 

* Surfset Fitness: Hockey player and surfer Mike Hartwick came up with this one. You’ll need the surfset machine which is like a miniature surfboard that simulates the instability of waves.

* Minimalist Fitness: Those who don’t have time to work out can squeeze this in. 30 seconds of sprinting, then rest, then repeat. Norwegian scientists found that three intense four-minute runs per week improved endurance by 10 percent.

If you drink alcohol - don’t take this...

Alcohol and Tylenol don’t mix. 

New research is suggesting that taking the recommended dose of acetaminophen with even a small amount of alcohol can result in a significant risk of kidney damage and disease. Experts warn that people buy acetaminophen over the counter, and are unaware of the potentially harmful interaction with even casual alcohol use.

Dr. Martin Zand, medical director of the kidney and pancreas transplant programs at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, says it's not a good idea to take acetaminophen for a number of days in a row and then drink alcohol. If you need to take something for pain or a hangover, you might want to choose another painkiller if you want to err on the side of caution, because you've just put your liver through a stress test and it needs all the breathing room it can get to recover.