....or do they? Ladies, we need to get a whole new attitude about making money. Check out the author of Nice Girls Don't Get Rich, Lois P. Frankel.
Women and money. What a complex relationship. We bemoan the fact that we don’t have enough of it. We don’t save as much as we know we should. And we too often rely on others to manage it for us.
Friday, August 31, 2007
LIVE-IN BOYFRIENDS DO MORE HOUSEWORK THAN MARRIED MEN:
Men who live with their girlfriends do more housework than do married men, while, conversely, married women do more housework than do women who live with their boyfriends, according to surveys gathered in 2002 from 28 countries that were analyzed by scientists.
Co-researcher Shannon Davis, a sociologist at George Mason University, said, "Marriage as an institution seems to have a traditionalizing effect on couples -- even couples who see men and women as equal." There were other factors that also affected the division of housework, with men who earned more than their partners doing fewer hours of housework than those with lower relative incomes, and couples who viewed men and women as equals more likely to divide the chores up equally.
Co-researcher Shannon Davis, a sociologist at George Mason University, said, "Marriage as an institution seems to have a traditionalizing effect on couples -- even couples who see men and women as equal." There were other factors that also affected the division of housework, with men who earned more than their partners doing fewer hours of housework than those with lower relative incomes, and couples who viewed men and women as equals more likely to divide the chores up equally.
How to make her a football fan
(Men's Fitness)
Explaining football to a novice is easy, as long as the novice wants to learn -- and you stay patient. The key is converting the rules of the game into a language she will understand.
Ineligible receiver: Explain the idea of a player on the offensive team who is not allowed to catch a pass by likening it to her hot-yet-married male co-worker, grad-school history professor, or anyone else who cannot accept her passes.
Pump fake: Compare this QB ploy to the way women give out fake phone numbers at a bar. The point is to trick the opposing team -- or persistent drunk guy -- into thinking the object of their desire is actually within reach.
Hail Mary: This is a desperate, last-ditch effort to score -- so characterize it as last call, when clueless patrons lob lame pickup lines toward anyone left unhitched in a final, pathetic effort to, well, score. Tell her that, like the closing-time tactic, it's rare that this football play actually works.
Huddle: Explain that this is identical to female group trips to the restroom. Once there, women decide on the "play" for that evening, whether it's calling dibs on the guys they find attractive or concocting a plan to ditch their dates.
Explaining football to a novice is easy, as long as the novice wants to learn -- and you stay patient. The key is converting the rules of the game into a language she will understand.
Ineligible receiver: Explain the idea of a player on the offensive team who is not allowed to catch a pass by likening it to her hot-yet-married male co-worker, grad-school history professor, or anyone else who cannot accept her passes.
Pump fake: Compare this QB ploy to the way women give out fake phone numbers at a bar. The point is to trick the opposing team -- or persistent drunk guy -- into thinking the object of their desire is actually within reach.
Hail Mary: This is a desperate, last-ditch effort to score -- so characterize it as last call, when clueless patrons lob lame pickup lines toward anyone left unhitched in a final, pathetic effort to, well, score. Tell her that, like the closing-time tactic, it's rare that this football play actually works.
Huddle: Explain that this is identical to female group trips to the restroom. Once there, women decide on the "play" for that evening, whether it's calling dibs on the guys they find attractive or concocting a plan to ditch their dates.
Are kids getting their Zzzzz's?
The nightly trip to dreamland is a frustrating one for millions of American children suffering from insomnia, night awakenings and even sleep apnea, experts say. The daytime drowsiness that comes with sleep apnea can greatly affect a child's mood, daytime alertness and academics. Left untreated, sleep apnea might even permanently damage cognitive function, the researchers said.
Health news for women
Removing one or both ovaries before a woman reaches natural menopause increases the risk of both dementia and movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
But giving hormone-replacement therapy at least until the age of 50 blunts that risk, according to a study by Mayo Clinic researchers. According to the study authors, women and doctors should think twice before going ahead with such a surgery. There has also been some evidence that estrogen helps protect against movement disorders, although some studies have shown that the hormone might be detrimental.
But giving hormone-replacement therapy at least until the age of 50 blunts that risk, according to a study by Mayo Clinic researchers. According to the study authors, women and doctors should think twice before going ahead with such a surgery. There has also been some evidence that estrogen helps protect against movement disorders, although some studies have shown that the hormone might be detrimental.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Revenge of the killer job
Men's Health Magazine says that your desk job is out to kill you. And here's why:
1. According to European Spine Journal, 46 percent of office workers suffer with sore shoulders. The reason? Many people tend to lean in to read their computer monitor when it really should be at eye level and also at an arm's length from their eyes.
2.Dust and mold in many offices cause asthma and allergies to act up. So what's the fix? A ventilation system that blows fresh air into your office. Also - make sure the dust bunnies are cleared out from under your desk and around your computer.
3.Researchers at Arizona State University found that the average woman's desk has twice as much bacteria on it than the average man's desk -- though one in 15 of all desks is the breeding ground for the superbug MRSA. (MRSA is a type of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.) You can guess what the fix is here: disinfect your phone, keyboard and desk every week or so.
4.The Medical Institute of New Zealand determined that 34 percent of people who suffered clots in their legs or lungs often spent their days seated. And when you stay seated you decrease bloodflow which can lead to clotting.
1. According to European Spine Journal, 46 percent of office workers suffer with sore shoulders. The reason? Many people tend to lean in to read their computer monitor when it really should be at eye level and also at an arm's length from their eyes.
2.Dust and mold in many offices cause asthma and allergies to act up. So what's the fix? A ventilation system that blows fresh air into your office. Also - make sure the dust bunnies are cleared out from under your desk and around your computer.
3.Researchers at Arizona State University found that the average woman's desk has twice as much bacteria on it than the average man's desk -- though one in 15 of all desks is the breeding ground for the superbug MRSA. (MRSA is a type of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.) You can guess what the fix is here: disinfect your phone, keyboard and desk every week or so.
4.The Medical Institute of New Zealand determined that 34 percent of people who suffered clots in their legs or lungs often spent their days seated. And when you stay seated you decrease bloodflow which can lead to clotting.
Tips to stay in love
HOW TO STAY CRAZY IN LOVE WITH A MAN (Redbook)
Watch Him Do What He Does Best: Grab the kids and go see him make that three-point shot at his weekly pickup basketball game, or when he's in fix-it mode, admire his prowess with power tools. The point is, observing your guy doing his thing -- and doing it well, whatever it is -- will leave you thinking: He's good, and he's mine.
Daydream Together: Remember when you used to talk for hours about your pie-in-the-sky dreams and deepest desires? Now your most passionate conversations revolve around parent-teacher conferences and carpooling schedules. Well, it's time to dream big -- as a couple -- again. It assumes that you two have a future together, and that bonds you.
Make Love in Strange Places: Not to worry -- we're not talking about phone booths or the crosstown bus. But how about sending the kids to a sitter and make whoopie someplace surprising -- in the kitchen, the shower, even the backyard after dark?
Declare a Short-Term Separation: That absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder stuff may sound sappy, but it's true. To build time-outs into your marriage, look for opportunities to be apart for a bit: a visit to a relative, an overnight at a girlfriend's house, a Girl Scouts camping trip with the kids. Just a day apart can stir up those feelings of longing.
Do Something Out of Character: Are you a total city girl? Suggest a camping weekend. Are you a bookworm? Hit a karaoke bar; he'll be amazed at your nerve. Even something as simple as a getting up an hour earlier to have breakfast with your mate (if you're typically a night owl) can be a welcome change of pace. There's a danger in familiarity. Changing any patterns and doing things unexpectedly is a great way to keep love alive.
Read to Each Other: There's something so bonding, even sexy, about getting engrossed in a story together -- or just hearing your guy read lines from Shakespeare, a scary mystery or the latest best-seller. His voice, after all, is undoubtedly a big part of your history, as in those long phone conversations from your dating days and his first declaration of passion. Hearing him read aloud can make you feel crazy in love once again.
Know the Code: Go ahead -- be the only two people in the world in on a secret. By sharing code words or signals, you'll crank up your chemistry level. Some couples have a set of special insider expressions and gestures that they use to stay connected when they're in public: a sideways glance, a barely perceptible smile, a finger rubbed against a cheek.
Pursue Instant Gratification: Adopt a right-here, right-now mind-set -- at least occasionally. For instance, if you're thinking of your guy, call him now. Appreciate him? Hug him this instant. Want to make love? Track him down and do it as soon as humanly possible -- or at least let him know the steamy thoughts that are running through your head.
Celebrate Each Other: Showing your pride in him will give him that strong, confident, "I'm the man" feeling, and it'll remind him how lucky he is to have his number-one fan by his side. (It'll also make him more likely to look for ways to show his love and admiration for you, too.) You don't have to rent a billboard to make a statement; you can celebrate, say, by sending him a card when he aces a big work project. Or when he finally meets his goal of running a 10K race, call up friends and relatives (while he's within earshot) to brag about him.
Watch Him Do What He Does Best: Grab the kids and go see him make that three-point shot at his weekly pickup basketball game, or when he's in fix-it mode, admire his prowess with power tools. The point is, observing your guy doing his thing -- and doing it well, whatever it is -- will leave you thinking: He's good, and he's mine.
Daydream Together: Remember when you used to talk for hours about your pie-in-the-sky dreams and deepest desires? Now your most passionate conversations revolve around parent-teacher conferences and carpooling schedules. Well, it's time to dream big -- as a couple -- again. It assumes that you two have a future together, and that bonds you.
Make Love in Strange Places: Not to worry -- we're not talking about phone booths or the crosstown bus. But how about sending the kids to a sitter and make whoopie someplace surprising -- in the kitchen, the shower, even the backyard after dark?
Declare a Short-Term Separation: That absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder stuff may sound sappy, but it's true. To build time-outs into your marriage, look for opportunities to be apart for a bit: a visit to a relative, an overnight at a girlfriend's house, a Girl Scouts camping trip with the kids. Just a day apart can stir up those feelings of longing.
Do Something Out of Character: Are you a total city girl? Suggest a camping weekend. Are you a bookworm? Hit a karaoke bar; he'll be amazed at your nerve. Even something as simple as a getting up an hour earlier to have breakfast with your mate (if you're typically a night owl) can be a welcome change of pace. There's a danger in familiarity. Changing any patterns and doing things unexpectedly is a great way to keep love alive.
Read to Each Other: There's something so bonding, even sexy, about getting engrossed in a story together -- or just hearing your guy read lines from Shakespeare, a scary mystery or the latest best-seller. His voice, after all, is undoubtedly a big part of your history, as in those long phone conversations from your dating days and his first declaration of passion. Hearing him read aloud can make you feel crazy in love once again.
Know the Code: Go ahead -- be the only two people in the world in on a secret. By sharing code words or signals, you'll crank up your chemistry level. Some couples have a set of special insider expressions and gestures that they use to stay connected when they're in public: a sideways glance, a barely perceptible smile, a finger rubbed against a cheek.
Pursue Instant Gratification: Adopt a right-here, right-now mind-set -- at least occasionally. For instance, if you're thinking of your guy, call him now. Appreciate him? Hug him this instant. Want to make love? Track him down and do it as soon as humanly possible -- or at least let him know the steamy thoughts that are running through your head.
Celebrate Each Other: Showing your pride in him will give him that strong, confident, "I'm the man" feeling, and it'll remind him how lucky he is to have his number-one fan by his side. (It'll also make him more likely to look for ways to show his love and admiration for you, too.) You don't have to rent a billboard to make a statement; you can celebrate, say, by sending him a card when he aces a big work project. Or when he finally meets his goal of running a 10K race, call up friends and relatives (while he's within earshot) to brag about him.
E-mail rules to live by
SEVEN WORK E-MAIL RULES TO LIVE BY (Reader's Digest)
Know your company's computer-use policy and comply with it.
Assume you're being monitored, and behave accordingly.
Never bad-mouth your company online.
Don't use personal e-mail accounts or post to a blog.
Avoid transmitting any message that could embarrass you or others if made public.
Don't think that instant messaging is less permanent than e-mail.
When surfing the Web, never click on something flagged NSFW (not safe for work).
Know your company's computer-use policy and comply with it.
Assume you're being monitored, and behave accordingly.
Never bad-mouth your company online.
Don't use personal e-mail accounts or post to a blog.
Avoid transmitting any message that could embarrass you or others if made public.
Don't think that instant messaging is less permanent than e-mail.
When surfing the Web, never click on something flagged NSFW (not safe for work).
Does baby ride on left or right hip?
Can spotting unhealthy levels of stress in a new mother be as simple as seeing which arm she uses to carry her baby?
A new study suggests that mothers who cradle their baby on their right side may be struggling with extreme stress. While most new mothers feel some levels of stress during the first weeks and months of their infant's life, the study suggests that baby-cradling habits may indicate whether this stress could become increasingly hard to handle and lead to depression. Maternal depression can have a negative effect on a baby's mental and emotional well-being.
A new study suggests that mothers who cradle their baby on their right side may be struggling with extreme stress. While most new mothers feel some levels of stress during the first weeks and months of their infant's life, the study suggests that baby-cradling habits may indicate whether this stress could become increasingly hard to handle and lead to depression. Maternal depression can have a negative effect on a baby's mental and emotional well-being.
Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins that bulge past the skin surface. They are usually purplish or bluish in color, and mostly appear on the backs of the legs or calves.
Here are common risk factors for varicose veins: Aging. A family history of vein problems. Hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Taking birth control pills, or other medications with estrogen or progesterone. Pregnancy. Obesity. Leg injury or prolonged standing.
Here are common risk factors for varicose veins: Aging. A family history of vein problems. Hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Taking birth control pills, or other medications with estrogen or progesterone. Pregnancy. Obesity. Leg injury or prolonged standing.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Fashion tips for women over 40
Fashion tips for 40+ women (fashionsavvy.com)
Now let's be frank: unless you work out religiously, you probably don't have the same body at 40, 50, or 60 that you had at 25. Time, gravity, and pregnancy all take their toll on the female body, as does menopause. And when you mix a mature body with fashions obviously made for a younger person, it can lead to self-doubt, frustration, and confusion.
But it doesn't have to be that way. Getting older also means getting wiser, and like a fine bottle of wine, you're improving with age. So you don't have the same body as those twenty-somethings you see in magazines or on TV. So what? Would you REALLY trade everything you've learned since your twenties for the body you had back then? Probably no sooner than you'd like to re-live puberty, thank you very much.
So how can you be fashionable without wearing all those body-conscious clothes so en vogue these days? By remembering the “3 C's” when you dress: clean, classic, and coverage.
CLEAN
Clean lines create a clean silhouette which makes the body appear more youthful by skimming the trouble spots instead of calling attention to them. Complicated cuts, seams, and details usually call for a killer body to pull off, so if you haven't got it, steer clear of those styles.
CLASSIC
Classic styles are called classic because they remain in style year after year. Why? Because they look good on so many bodies! Sheathes, A-line skirts, flat front pants — all tend to flatter a variety of shapes. What's more, because they remain in style year after year, classics are easier on the budget than trends.
COVERAGE
Covering appropriately is the key to aging gracefully. If your upper arms, thighs, and décolletage have all seen better days, it's time to cover them up a bit instead of sharing the wear-and-tear with the world. Now I'm not talking about draping yourself in a tent for the rest of your life. Far from it. I'm talking about wearing short sleeves instead of going sleeveless, Capris instead of shorts, and modest necklines instead of plunging necklines.
Now let's be frank: unless you work out religiously, you probably don't have the same body at 40, 50, or 60 that you had at 25. Time, gravity, and pregnancy all take their toll on the female body, as does menopause. And when you mix a mature body with fashions obviously made for a younger person, it can lead to self-doubt, frustration, and confusion.
But it doesn't have to be that way. Getting older also means getting wiser, and like a fine bottle of wine, you're improving with age. So you don't have the same body as those twenty-somethings you see in magazines or on TV. So what? Would you REALLY trade everything you've learned since your twenties for the body you had back then? Probably no sooner than you'd like to re-live puberty, thank you very much.
So how can you be fashionable without wearing all those body-conscious clothes so en vogue these days? By remembering the “3 C's” when you dress: clean, classic, and coverage.
CLEAN
Clean lines create a clean silhouette which makes the body appear more youthful by skimming the trouble spots instead of calling attention to them. Complicated cuts, seams, and details usually call for a killer body to pull off, so if you haven't got it, steer clear of those styles.
CLASSIC
Classic styles are called classic because they remain in style year after year. Why? Because they look good on so many bodies! Sheathes, A-line skirts, flat front pants — all tend to flatter a variety of shapes. What's more, because they remain in style year after year, classics are easier on the budget than trends.
COVERAGE
Covering appropriately is the key to aging gracefully. If your upper arms, thighs, and décolletage have all seen better days, it's time to cover them up a bit instead of sharing the wear-and-tear with the world. Now I'm not talking about draping yourself in a tent for the rest of your life. Far from it. I'm talking about wearing short sleeves instead of going sleeveless, Capris instead of shorts, and modest necklines instead of plunging necklines.
Fashion tips for your man
FASHION TIPS IF YOU'RE OVER 40 (AskMen.com)
Avoid fashion fads: Don't fall for today's fashion-marketing ploys. By now you should maintain a style that's timeless, not timely; you should avoid the latest trends at all costs. And the key here is not only avoiding fads, but also recognizing them. Since fashion fads generally target a certain age demographic, you can easily identify them according to who's wearing what.
Leave the past behind: Just because certain looks "make a comeback" doesn't give you license to pull these items back out of your closet. As you well know, more often than not, the past is typically best left in the past. Invest in the new version to ensure you're updated, not outdated -- but only if the look or item is a fashion staple, rather than a fashion fad.
Don't mistake business attire for stylish attire: What works from 9 to 5 won't always work from 5 to 9 or on the weekends. Believe it or not, even your nicest business clothes don't translate into great evening attire. In fact, wearing your work-wear to functions outside of normal work occasions appears stuffy and one-dimensional; a look no guy in his 40s should contend with. Show the world you're at the top of your game by presenting variations of yourself.
Keep it simple: One of the easiest and best solutions for dressing well in your 40s is keeping things as simple as possible. Loud patterns and flashy ties should be left to the younger generations.
Keep it clean: You know what they say cleanliness is next to. And guys in their 40s should pay special heed to the concept of keeping it clean in a few areas: One, make sure your clothes strike crisp, clean lines; baggy, ill-fitting clothes look dumpy and lame. Go for clothes that create smooth lines and breaks around your frame, giving you a polished, dapper appearance. And last, but not least, always be well-groomed and clean-shaven. Clean skin and hair is industry standard by now, and facial hair generally makes you look older. Make a big statement by maintaining an all-around clean appearance; it invokes an impeccable, all-powerful image for guys in their 40s.
Embrace your age: The underlying principle to looking great in your 40s (and any age, for that matter) is to embrace your age. Take pride in number of years you've lived -- don't try to hide them by adopting a style that belongs to another generation; dressing in clothes that are too big or too small will only give you away and make things worse. Embracing your age will produce a masculine, mature sophistication that suits 40-year-olds to a tee.
Avoid fashion fads: Don't fall for today's fashion-marketing ploys. By now you should maintain a style that's timeless, not timely; you should avoid the latest trends at all costs. And the key here is not only avoiding fads, but also recognizing them. Since fashion fads generally target a certain age demographic, you can easily identify them according to who's wearing what.
Leave the past behind: Just because certain looks "make a comeback" doesn't give you license to pull these items back out of your closet. As you well know, more often than not, the past is typically best left in the past. Invest in the new version to ensure you're updated, not outdated -- but only if the look or item is a fashion staple, rather than a fashion fad.
Don't mistake business attire for stylish attire: What works from 9 to 5 won't always work from 5 to 9 or on the weekends. Believe it or not, even your nicest business clothes don't translate into great evening attire. In fact, wearing your work-wear to functions outside of normal work occasions appears stuffy and one-dimensional; a look no guy in his 40s should contend with. Show the world you're at the top of your game by presenting variations of yourself.
Keep it simple: One of the easiest and best solutions for dressing well in your 40s is keeping things as simple as possible. Loud patterns and flashy ties should be left to the younger generations.
Keep it clean: You know what they say cleanliness is next to. And guys in their 40s should pay special heed to the concept of keeping it clean in a few areas: One, make sure your clothes strike crisp, clean lines; baggy, ill-fitting clothes look dumpy and lame. Go for clothes that create smooth lines and breaks around your frame, giving you a polished, dapper appearance. And last, but not least, always be well-groomed and clean-shaven. Clean skin and hair is industry standard by now, and facial hair generally makes you look older. Make a big statement by maintaining an all-around clean appearance; it invokes an impeccable, all-powerful image for guys in their 40s.
Embrace your age: The underlying principle to looking great in your 40s (and any age, for that matter) is to embrace your age. Take pride in number of years you've lived -- don't try to hide them by adopting a style that belongs to another generation; dressing in clothes that are too big or too small will only give you away and make things worse. Embracing your age will produce a masculine, mature sophistication that suits 40-year-olds to a tee.
Food smells that turn men on!
You come home after a long day of work to find dinner prepared and your partner sitting at the table with a sly grin. The meal is like none you’ve ever had.
First course: cheese pizza, warm and gooey but kinda bland. That’s followed by a bowl of buttered microwave popcorn. Revenge for something you said? Then, a weird dessert: pumpkin pie smothered with lavender ice cream.
“Honey,” you finally ask, “is everything okay?”
Pumpkin pie and lavender, and other food smells like doughnuts and licorice, don’t seem like the kinds of odors men would find sexually stimulating. Yet for several years, these allegedly potent odors have appeared in media stories about male aphrodisiacs, garnering wide-eyed looks and more than a few guffaws.
The odors from the above-mentioned foods were the most sexually tantalizing of those tested in a study carried out in the late 1990s by Dr. Alan R. Hirsch, who directs the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. Find out more mood foods.
First course: cheese pizza, warm and gooey but kinda bland. That’s followed by a bowl of buttered microwave popcorn. Revenge for something you said? Then, a weird dessert: pumpkin pie smothered with lavender ice cream.
“Honey,” you finally ask, “is everything okay?”
Pumpkin pie and lavender, and other food smells like doughnuts and licorice, don’t seem like the kinds of odors men would find sexually stimulating. Yet for several years, these allegedly potent odors have appeared in media stories about male aphrodisiacs, garnering wide-eyed looks and more than a few guffaws.
The odors from the above-mentioned foods were the most sexually tantalizing of those tested in a study carried out in the late 1990s by Dr. Alan R. Hirsch, who directs the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. Find out more mood foods.
Kids and CPR
Distributing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) kits to schoolchildren is an effective way of getting parents -- who are the most likely to need the lifesaving skill -- to become trained in CPR, a study suggests. Adults age 40 to 50 are more likely to encounter a colleague, spouse or friend in cardiac arrest, but they are less likely than others to attend a conventional CPR class. Training target group members at home can help overcome that barrier. One of the most important lessons from this study is that it is possible, in a relatively cheap manner, to disseminate knowledge of CPR training in a population using children as effective facilitators.
Hypnosis and Breast Cancer
Instead of pills and needles, hypnosis may ease the pain of surgery -- both during and after the procedure.
According to a new study, women who received hypnosis before breast cancer surgery needed less anesthesia during the procedure, reported less pain afterward, needed less time in the operating room and had reduced costs. During the hypnosis session, the patients received suggestions for relaxation and pleasant imagery as well as advice on how to reduce pain, nausea and fatigue. They also received instructions on how to use hypnosis on their own. The researchers found that women in the hypnosis group required less anesthesia and sedatives than patients in the control group, and also reported less pain, nausea, fatigue, discomfort and emotional upset after the surgery.
According to a new study, women who received hypnosis before breast cancer surgery needed less anesthesia during the procedure, reported less pain afterward, needed less time in the operating room and had reduced costs. During the hypnosis session, the patients received suggestions for relaxation and pleasant imagery as well as advice on how to reduce pain, nausea and fatigue. They also received instructions on how to use hypnosis on their own. The researchers found that women in the hypnosis group required less anesthesia and sedatives than patients in the control group, and also reported less pain, nausea, fatigue, discomfort and emotional upset after the surgery.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Cure end of summer blues
HOW TO CURE END-OF-SUMMER BLUES (MSNBC)
Plan a special event: Do something with people whom you like. It can be a pot luck dinner at a park, a group of friends getting together for a "spa evening," spending one evening or weekend for the "girls" or the "guys" to see a marathon of a theme of old movies or something that is different and totally fun. Are there birthdays or anniversaries or religious holidays coming up in the fall which could be used as an excuse for making the day even more special than normal? Using it as an "excuse" to go away or invite people to do something special.
Change your routine: If you always eat cereal for breakfast, eat French toast. Take different transportation to work. Add a workout to your routine for the great bathing suit you want to get into next summer.
Reach out to others: Add people to your life. Make it a point to meet a new person every week. If you always pick your kids up from school or a soccer game and don't know the other parents you see very well, suggest a potluck dinner. Call old friends or relatives in different cities whom you haven't seen in years and "make a date" for a longer phone call. Then have a nice visit with them without having to leave home.
Learn something new: Go to a bookstore or library and go to a section you don't usually frequent. Choose a book there and read it. Learn to cook. Learn a language. Take advantage of the long evenings the fall will bring; the nights that don't make you want to be outside, to do something constructive inside.
Plan next summer: Make a list of the summer activities you wanted to do this year but didn't get a chance to. Or the places you wanted to visit but didn't have time or the money to do it and start planning a way to get it done next summer so you have no regrets. Put the adventure back into your life or if you never had it, begin now even if you never get away from home. It's free, it will give you a new perspective and it will give you a break from routine.
Plan a special event: Do something with people whom you like. It can be a pot luck dinner at a park, a group of friends getting together for a "spa evening," spending one evening or weekend for the "girls" or the "guys" to see a marathon of a theme of old movies or something that is different and totally fun. Are there birthdays or anniversaries or religious holidays coming up in the fall which could be used as an excuse for making the day even more special than normal? Using it as an "excuse" to go away or invite people to do something special.
Change your routine: If you always eat cereal for breakfast, eat French toast. Take different transportation to work. Add a workout to your routine for the great bathing suit you want to get into next summer.
Reach out to others: Add people to your life. Make it a point to meet a new person every week. If you always pick your kids up from school or a soccer game and don't know the other parents you see very well, suggest a potluck dinner. Call old friends or relatives in different cities whom you haven't seen in years and "make a date" for a longer phone call. Then have a nice visit with them without having to leave home.
Learn something new: Go to a bookstore or library and go to a section you don't usually frequent. Choose a book there and read it. Learn to cook. Learn a language. Take advantage of the long evenings the fall will bring; the nights that don't make you want to be outside, to do something constructive inside.
Plan next summer: Make a list of the summer activities you wanted to do this year but didn't get a chance to. Or the places you wanted to visit but didn't have time or the money to do it and start planning a way to get it done next summer so you have no regrets. Put the adventure back into your life or if you never had it, begin now even if you never get away from home. It's free, it will give you a new perspective and it will give you a break from routine.
Do you snore?
If you snore, start singing! Singing helps to firm up your soft palette, which makes it less likely for the flabby tissue in the back of your throat to collapse and vibrate while you sleep!
Find out more.
Find out more.
GERD can stike young people too
GERD can strike even the youngest person. Colic is a normal physiologic process that can occur throughout the day in healthy infants and children. However, colic can worsen and become GERD when the stomach's contents move into the upper esophagus. While its prevalence has been noted among adults in recent years, GERD is frequently overlooked in youngsters, despite the fact that it affects as many as 7 million children, according to the Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association.
Diagnosing GERD first involves eliminating other conditions with similar symptoms, such as testing for milk or food allergies, colic or inflammation of the esophagus, and finding out if there is a family history of GERD. Further tests include screening of the esophagus and a test that measures acidity in the esophagus.
Diagnosing GERD first involves eliminating other conditions with similar symptoms, such as testing for milk or food allergies, colic or inflammation of the esophagus, and finding out if there is a family history of GERD. Further tests include screening of the esophagus and a test that measures acidity in the esophagus.
Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer
The most common cause of cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus. Before cancer develops in the cervix, cervical cells begin to develop abnormally -- a process known as dysplasia. These abnormal cells can be detected by a test called a Pap smear.
The U.S. National Cancer Institute lists these risk factors for developing cervical cancer: Not having regular Pap smears. Abnormal Pap results. Having sex at a young age. Having many sexual partners. Giving birth to many children. Smoking. Taking oral contraceptives. Having a weakened immune system.
The U.S. National Cancer Institute lists these risk factors for developing cervical cancer: Not having regular Pap smears. Abnormal Pap results. Having sex at a young age. Having many sexual partners. Giving birth to many children. Smoking. Taking oral contraceptives. Having a weakened immune system.
Perks of Mid-Life dating
Do you think of dating as an activity intended for teenagers, college students and twenty-somethings? Do you wonder if you can use terminology like boyfriend, girlfriend and going steady without inspiring snickers? Do you find yourself thinking, as you survey the mid-life dating landscape, "I'm too old for this?" Hey, cut yourself some slack.
On January 1, 2004, the last of the baby boomers (what I like to call the “baby” baby boomers) turned 40, and the oldest among us entered their sixties in 2005. If you were born between 1946 and 1964, you're a member of the single largest population group in history. Everything we do, we do in large numbers—and that includes mid-life dating. So you're not exactly alone out there. And if our children and even grandchildren are listening to our music, how uncool can we possibly be?
Still feeling nostalgic for your dating youth? Consider these reasons why dating at 40+ really is a plus:
You can afford the movie and a nice dinner If you're a boomer, you're old enough to remember drive-in movies ... and if you remember those, you probably also remember some guy from high school who would stop his car just outside the entrance to the movie and tuck his poor date into the trunk of his car to snare a two-for-one admission to the show. I don't know what the 21st-century equivalent is, but whatever it is, isn't it nice to be past that kind of economizing?
You don't have to leave a sock on the doorknob to tell your roommate to go away Actually, I can't add a thing to that thought. 'Nuff said.
You're not struggling to establish your professional self Okay, the younger you had more energy and stamina than you can muster today. But do you remember how much energy you had to expend on getting your career on track, perhaps even just getting it going at all? Now that you've accomplished something professionally, you exude the kind of confidence it takes time to develop—and that's got an appeal all its own.
You've been somewhere, done something and gotten a heck of a lot more interesting over the years It's not just the professional you who has scored some major achievements. Whether you've trekked the Himalayas, outdone yourself year after year with your gardening or just survived parenthood more or less unscathed, you've given yourself extra layers of definition that are bound to appeal to anyone worth dating.
You've got a good idea of what you want and what turns out not to be so important after all This is the biggie. You've learned to appreciate the difference between prospective partners who take good care of their cars, wardrobes or investment portfolios ... and those who will take good care of you. Flash fails to impress you, and substance wins your heart every time. In other words, you can date more happily now than you did then—because you know how to date smarter now.
Randy B. Hecht is a New York-based writer and editor.
On January 1, 2004, the last of the baby boomers (what I like to call the “baby” baby boomers) turned 40, and the oldest among us entered their sixties in 2005. If you were born between 1946 and 1964, you're a member of the single largest population group in history. Everything we do, we do in large numbers—and that includes mid-life dating. So you're not exactly alone out there. And if our children and even grandchildren are listening to our music, how uncool can we possibly be?
Still feeling nostalgic for your dating youth? Consider these reasons why dating at 40+ really is a plus:
You can afford the movie and a nice dinner If you're a boomer, you're old enough to remember drive-in movies ... and if you remember those, you probably also remember some guy from high school who would stop his car just outside the entrance to the movie and tuck his poor date into the trunk of his car to snare a two-for-one admission to the show. I don't know what the 21st-century equivalent is, but whatever it is, isn't it nice to be past that kind of economizing?
You don't have to leave a sock on the doorknob to tell your roommate to go away Actually, I can't add a thing to that thought. 'Nuff said.
You're not struggling to establish your professional self Okay, the younger you had more energy and stamina than you can muster today. But do you remember how much energy you had to expend on getting your career on track, perhaps even just getting it going at all? Now that you've accomplished something professionally, you exude the kind of confidence it takes time to develop—and that's got an appeal all its own.
You've been somewhere, done something and gotten a heck of a lot more interesting over the years It's not just the professional you who has scored some major achievements. Whether you've trekked the Himalayas, outdone yourself year after year with your gardening or just survived parenthood more or less unscathed, you've given yourself extra layers of definition that are bound to appeal to anyone worth dating.
You've got a good idea of what you want and what turns out not to be so important after all This is the biggie. You've learned to appreciate the difference between prospective partners who take good care of their cars, wardrobes or investment portfolios ... and those who will take good care of you. Flash fails to impress you, and substance wins your heart every time. In other words, you can date more happily now than you did then—because you know how to date smarter now.
Randy B. Hecht is a New York-based writer and editor.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Overweight and out of school
As children head back to the classroom, a new study finds school absenteeism is higher among overweight kids.
Obese fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders miss an average of 12 school days over the school year -- about two days more than their normal-weight peers, according to research published in the August issue of Obesity. The researchers don't know why obesity and absenteeism are linked, but the reasons are more likely to be psychosocial than medical, since there aren't as many medical issues at this young age. That said, childhood obesity has been linked with health problems such as asthma and type 2 diabetes.
Obese fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders miss an average of 12 school days over the school year -- about two days more than their normal-weight peers, according to research published in the August issue of Obesity. The researchers don't know why obesity and absenteeism are linked, but the reasons are more likely to be psychosocial than medical, since there aren't as many medical issues at this young age. That said, childhood obesity has been linked with health problems such as asthma and type 2 diabetes.
Antioxidents and skin cancer
Taking antioxidant supplements won't protect against skin cancer and may actually boost the risk, at least in women, according to a new study. While the study is interesting, further research is needed to confirm it, said Dr. Ariel Ostad, a spokesman for the Skin Cancer Foundation and a New York City dermatologist not involved in the study. He said the study did have one serious limitation. "It does not take into account sunscreen use," he said. If the participants tended not to use sunscreen, that could have affected the results.
Top ten daily money traps
The little things you buy every day add up to a lot of money when you really think about it! Bankrate.com determined the small things that make a big difference in your bank account!
Coffee: According to the National Coffee Association, the average price for brewed coffee is $1.38. There are roughly 260 weekdays per year, so buying one coffee every weekday morning costs almost $360 per year.
Cigarettes: The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids reports that the average price for a pack of cigarettes in the United States is $4.54. Pack-a-day smokers fork out $1,660 a year. Weekend smoker? Buying a pack once a week adds up, too: $236.
Alcohol: Drink prices vary based on the location. But assuming an average of $5 per beer including tip, buying two beers per day adds up to $3,650 per year. Figure twice that for two mixed drinks a day at the local bar. That's not chump change.
Bottled water from convenience stores: A 20-ounce bottle of Aquafina bottled water costs about $1. One bottle of water per day costs $365 per year. It costs the environment plenty, too.
Manicures: The Day Spa Magazine Price Survey found that the average cost of a manicure is $20.53. A weekly manicure sets you back about $1,068 per year.
Car washes: The average cost for a basic auto detailing package is $58, according to Costhelper.com. The tab for getting your car detailed every two months: $348 per year.
Weekday lunches out: $9 will generally cover a decent lunch most work days. If you buy rather than pack a lunch five days a week for one year, you shell out about $2,350 a year.
Vending machines snacks: The average vending machine snack costs $1. Buy a pack of cookies every afternoon at work and pay $260 per year.
Interest charges on credit card bills: According to a survey released at the end of May 2007, the median amount of credit card debt carried by Americans is $6,600. Rate tables on Bankrate.com indicate that fixed interest rates on a standard card average 13.44 percent. Making the minimum payment each month, it will take 250 months (almost 21 years) to pay off the debt and cost $4,868 in interest. Ouch!
Unused memberships: Costhelper.com reports that the monthly service fee at gyms averages between $35 and $40. At $40 per month, an unused gym membership runs $480 per year.
Coffee: According to the National Coffee Association, the average price for brewed coffee is $1.38. There are roughly 260 weekdays per year, so buying one coffee every weekday morning costs almost $360 per year.
Cigarettes: The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids reports that the average price for a pack of cigarettes in the United States is $4.54. Pack-a-day smokers fork out $1,660 a year. Weekend smoker? Buying a pack once a week adds up, too: $236.
Alcohol: Drink prices vary based on the location. But assuming an average of $5 per beer including tip, buying two beers per day adds up to $3,650 per year. Figure twice that for two mixed drinks a day at the local bar. That's not chump change.
Bottled water from convenience stores: A 20-ounce bottle of Aquafina bottled water costs about $1. One bottle of water per day costs $365 per year. It costs the environment plenty, too.
Manicures: The Day Spa Magazine Price Survey found that the average cost of a manicure is $20.53. A weekly manicure sets you back about $1,068 per year.
Car washes: The average cost for a basic auto detailing package is $58, according to Costhelper.com. The tab for getting your car detailed every two months: $348 per year.
Weekday lunches out: $9 will generally cover a decent lunch most work days. If you buy rather than pack a lunch five days a week for one year, you shell out about $2,350 a year.
Vending machines snacks: The average vending machine snack costs $1. Buy a pack of cookies every afternoon at work and pay $260 per year.
Interest charges on credit card bills: According to a survey released at the end of May 2007, the median amount of credit card debt carried by Americans is $6,600. Rate tables on Bankrate.com indicate that fixed interest rates on a standard card average 13.44 percent. Making the minimum payment each month, it will take 250 months (almost 21 years) to pay off the debt and cost $4,868 in interest. Ouch!
Unused memberships: Costhelper.com reports that the monthly service fee at gyms averages between $35 and $40. At $40 per month, an unused gym membership runs $480 per year.
Avoiding Adult Weight Gain
How do you feel about gaining 10 to 20 pounds? Researchers say that most Americans probably will within the next ten years if they continue their current exercise and eating habits. In fact, the average American gains one to two pounds a year throughout much of adulthood. Yet studies show that healthy eating and exercise habits can prevent or minimize this weight gain.
Get the diet and fitness details.
Get the diet and fitness details.
7 Signs He's About to Propose
1. He's Growing Out of His Bachelor Ways You can tell his bachelor days are behind him when his number one priority is no longer himself. If he's constantly using terms like "we" and "the future," and plans for a weekend with the guys in Vegas are suddenly on the back burner while he looks for romantic locales to visit with you, he's probably not just sick of his buddies -- he might be scouting the perfect place to propose.
2. He's Redecorating You may also notice certain items have disappeared from his pad, like his college posters and Simpsons memorabilia. Did he ditch that ugly brown chair for a nice new couch? It could be the start of major changes -- your boyfriend is making room in his life for you, both physically and emotionally.
3. He's Curbing Big Purchases Has your boyfriend gone from big spender to scrooge? The plasma screen TV he'd been planning to buy isn't hanging over his mantle, and instead of buying rounds of drinks at happy hour after work, he's home cooking dinner. No, he hasn't become a homebody; he's started to eliminate frivolous spending to brace for a large upcoming down payment (your ring!). He might have even opened up a new savings account or high rewards credit card as he gears up to make the big purchase. And it's not just the jewelry he's saving for -- he may be socking away money now so that the two of you will be comfortable well into the future.
4. He's Not Complaining About Weddings While at a wedding together, it's more than just the usual eagerness for an open bar. He puts a vice grip on your hand during the vow exchange (is that a tear I see?), and comments on the couple's first dance choice and meal selection. Take it as a sign that he is paying attention to all things wedding-related because matrimony is on his mind.
5. He's Taken an Interest in Your Jewelry Has he been complimenting your great ability to accessorize? Snooping around in your jewelry box? Holding your hand, constantly? Tying strings around your finger so you don't forget something meaningless? All kidding aside, when your favorite ring goes missing, you'll know for sure that he's trying to find a covert way to figure out your size.
6. He want to meet your parents Okay, so he's probably already met your parents. If he hasn't, and has become insistent on meeting them, it's probably for a good reason. But if he already knows them well, and has become the first to RSVP for your nephew's birthday party, jumps at the chance for a weekend visit with your parents, or, even more telltale, tries to plan outings for both your families to hang out together, he's ready for the next step.
7. He's Acting Out of Character You know his daily routine inside and out, and any variation is enough to give you pause. If he's super insistent that you guys do something you never do (like take a walk through a park, or drive to a place to watch the sunset), he may be setting up to speak those four little words: Will you marry me? After all that hard work, be sure to make it easy on him and say "yes!"
2. He's Redecorating You may also notice certain items have disappeared from his pad, like his college posters and Simpsons memorabilia. Did he ditch that ugly brown chair for a nice new couch? It could be the start of major changes -- your boyfriend is making room in his life for you, both physically and emotionally.
3. He's Curbing Big Purchases Has your boyfriend gone from big spender to scrooge? The plasma screen TV he'd been planning to buy isn't hanging over his mantle, and instead of buying rounds of drinks at happy hour after work, he's home cooking dinner. No, he hasn't become a homebody; he's started to eliminate frivolous spending to brace for a large upcoming down payment (your ring!). He might have even opened up a new savings account or high rewards credit card as he gears up to make the big purchase. And it's not just the jewelry he's saving for -- he may be socking away money now so that the two of you will be comfortable well into the future.
4. He's Not Complaining About Weddings While at a wedding together, it's more than just the usual eagerness for an open bar. He puts a vice grip on your hand during the vow exchange (is that a tear I see?), and comments on the couple's first dance choice and meal selection. Take it as a sign that he is paying attention to all things wedding-related because matrimony is on his mind.
5. He's Taken an Interest in Your Jewelry Has he been complimenting your great ability to accessorize? Snooping around in your jewelry box? Holding your hand, constantly? Tying strings around your finger so you don't forget something meaningless? All kidding aside, when your favorite ring goes missing, you'll know for sure that he's trying to find a covert way to figure out your size.
6. He want to meet your parents Okay, so he's probably already met your parents. If he hasn't, and has become insistent on meeting them, it's probably for a good reason. But if he already knows them well, and has become the first to RSVP for your nephew's birthday party, jumps at the chance for a weekend visit with your parents, or, even more telltale, tries to plan outings for both your families to hang out together, he's ready for the next step.
7. He's Acting Out of Character You know his daily routine inside and out, and any variation is enough to give you pause. If he's super insistent that you guys do something you never do (like take a walk through a park, or drive to a place to watch the sunset), he may be setting up to speak those four little words: Will you marry me? After all that hard work, be sure to make it easy on him and say "yes!"
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