From the category archives:
If the weatherman calls for thunderstorms, leave your MP3 player at home. The metal on these devices is a powerful conductor of electricity, which means even a nearby lightning strike can send a surge of electricity straight up your headphone cables and zap you, causing serious injury, according to a report in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Tip: Turn off your cell phone in a thunderstorm. Holding it next to your ear when lightning strikes nearby can shock you, too.
[photo: Larry Johnson]
Bothered by fleas or bracing for the next infestation? Forget turning to smelly chemical-filled flea sprays. Ohio State University scientists say all it takes to wipe out fleas in your home is your vacuum cleaner. Turns out, vacuuming kills 96% of adult fleas and 100% of younger fleas. Surprised? So were the scientists who repeated the test several times to make sure they were right. And they were! So what makes a vacuum work as well as (and sometimes better) than sprays? Turns out, fleas are pretty fragile, so the brushes and suction in your vacuum cleaner are enough to destroy them. For best results, vacuum two to three times a week to make sure all life cycles, including eggs, young fleas and adult fleas, are gone.
[photo: Hanumann]
That’s right—it’s not just you who benefits from kicking the habit. Scientists now know it can help your dogs, cats and birds live longer, too. The link? The carcinogens in your second-hand smoke. Not only does it do damage to their lungs when they breathe it in, but it also coats fur, which is then licked off while grooming, and it accumulates on the mucus membranes of their nose. All this increases your pet’s risk of oral cancer, lung cancer, cancer of the nose and sinus and malignant lymphoma. The good news? Having a pet makes it easier to quit smoking, since studies show they reduce stress and anxiety.
[photo: blackangel]
The period talk isn’t just about painkillers and pads anymore! I’ve set up a website that helps moms, dads, aunts, grandparents, teachers and other caregivers include easy-to-share information about how the hormonal ups-and-downs of a girl’s new monthly cycle affect her moods, energy level, chattiness, brain skills and more. Just log onto intheknowmom.com to get the new period talk!
[photo: basykes]
Sure, you know that eating and exercising are key to staying healthy. Now researchers know that belonging to a book club, bowling league, volunteer organization or any other group is just as important. According to a recent study out of [more…]
Whether you want to cut down on caffeine consumption or rev up your energy with more, you can find out how much of the perky bean is in sodas, energy drinks, coffee-flavored ice cream, chocolate and other foods and beverages by logging onto energyfiend.com.
[photo: Refracted Moments™]
Think your toddler will be safer going down the slide on your lap or the lap of an older sibling? Not so. A recent analysis of children’s injuries shows that one in four leg fractures in young kids occurred when they were on a slide—and all these injuries happened when they were on someone’s lap, reports the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. [more…]
Having trouble starting an exercise regimen or continuing the one you began? Try thinking about the many health improvements exercise offers—such as a better mood, less stress, renewed energy, a healthier heart and a lower risk of disease—rather than how many pounds you’ll drop. In a recent Ohio State University study, women who focused on the health benefits of a regular workout reported feeling more energetic and motivated while exercising and less exhausted afterward than those who focused on how their appearance would change. They also enjoyed their workout more and were more likely to continue with it!
[photo: Cheryl Empey]
Tired of begging your kids to do things that are good for them—such as brushing their teeth, taking their vitamins, buckling up in the car or drinking their milk? Tel Aviv University have found the problem—and the solution! In their recent study, they found that kids [more…]
Need to remember something important, such as a dentist appointment or when to take a pill? Log onto the free reminder service memorari.us and simply choose a date, time and delivery option (email, text or IM), then type your reminder message. It will be delivered automatically.
[photo: Julia Freeman-Woolpert]
Have a moody teen? She or he may not be able to help it. A research team from SUNY Downstate Medical Center discovered that the hormone THP that your body releases in times of stress to relax you produces the opposite reaction in teens going through puberty. As a result, they feel even more anxious and irritable in tense situations.
[photo: OakleyOriginals]
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