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Showing posts from December, 2018

Good Sleep Helps Kids Become Slimmer Teens: Study

The study included nearly 2,200 kids in 20 U.S. cities. One-third of them had consistent, age-appropriate bedtimes between ages 5 and 9, according to their mothers. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2rZNncJ The study included nearly 2,200 kids in 20 U.S. cities. One-third of them had consistent, age-appropriate bedtimes between ages 5 and 9, according to their mothers.

The 25 Best Frozen Foods You Need from Trader Joe’s

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Low-carb eaters, Trader Joe’s has your best solution to that pesky pizza problem: Pick up this cauliflower pizza crust , and you can have your slice any day you want. One-sixth of a pizza is only 80 calories and 17 grams of carbs. There’s no need to pre-bake or thaw this crust either. The low-carb veggie crust can go from freezer to topping station to oven in minutes. The post The 25 Best Frozen Foods You Need from Trader Joe’s appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2AlJgMI

Opioid Overdose Deaths Triple Among Teens, Kids

The highest risk is among older teens, who account for 88 percent of those who died during the time of the study, the researchers found. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2EVPPJ4 The highest risk is among older teens, who account for 88 percent of those who died during the time of the study, the researchers found.

This Is Why Brown Eggs Are More Expensive Than White Eggs

A few things we know about eggs: they are great for breakfast, you can cook them tons of different ways, and they can sometimes be tricky to crack. One topic of debate, however, is why brown chicken eggs usually cost more than white ones. According to Sharman Hickman, the director of community outreach and education for Hickman’s Family Farms , it’s first important to know why chickens have various egg colors. Genetics—not nutrition—determine the eggshell color and thus their price, Hickman explains. The chicken breed and their genetics decide whether or not hens possess pigment genes, the natural chemical during the egg laying process that coats the egg and results in a colored shell,  says  Jesse LaFlamme , CEO of Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs.  Although all eggs start out white in color , shell color can range from white to brown and even blue in some rare breeds, Hickman adds. A n interesting trick to know what color egg a specific breed of hen lays is to look at th...

30 Ways to Make Easy Money in an Hour (or Less!)

When the paycheck is not enough Whether it’s an added expense that set you back, or you’re saving up for a special occasion, there are some really great ways that you can make a profit in less than an hour of your time. When you need money now , these are your best options. The post 30 Ways to Make Easy Money in an Hour (or Less!) appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2LFrics

13 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Cheesecake Factory’s Cheesecake

The original recipe came from a newspaper In the 1940s, Detroit resident Evelyn Overton found a recipe for cheesecake in her local newspaper . She tried it out and perfected the recipe, and her go-to dessert was a hit with everyone she served it to. They got such rave reviews that she eventually opened her own small cheesecake shop in Michigan before eventually moving to Los Angeles to grow the business. The post 13 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Cheesecake Factory’s Cheesecake appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2rYfOYw

This Is Why Soda Tastes So Much Better in Glass Bottles

There’s nothing quite like taking the first cold sip of soda after opening a bottle. But have your taste buds ever noticed the slight flavor difference between drinking the same soda out of an aluminum can versus a plastic bottle or a glass bottle? They’re not all the same and there is actually a scientific reason for that. This is what happens to your body one hour after drinking a can of soda . Soda companies claim that the recipe of their drinks doesn’t change depending on the way they package it. But what does change is the material of the package, and that can alter the taste—and while it’s not by much, some people can detect a slight difference. Plastic is much more CO2-permeable than glass and aluminum, meaning that the carbon dioxide, or fizz, will leak out of a plastic bottle much faster than a glass bottle or can. Have you ever noticed that the liter of coke sitting on top of your fridge doesn’t taste that great after a few weeks, even if it hasn’t been opened? Plasti...

13 Common Foods That Could Secretly Contain Insects

Insects in my food? Say what?! You eat an average of one to two pounds of flies, maggots, and other bugs each year without even knowing it, according to the Scientific American blog . But don’t panic—they are perfectly safe to consume. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actually permits a small number of insects in food products, because it would be impossible to filter them all out. Read on to learn just a handful of the 100 products that secretly contain insects. (Hint: You probably have most of them in your kitchen right now!) The post 13 Common Foods That Could Secretly Contain Insects appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2s2oLQt

10 Things You Should Know About Gasoline

Is premium or mid-grade fuel worth the extra money? Premium gas doesn’t provide any more power or contain better additives than regular gas, and it contains the same amount of ethanol as other grades. It just resists detonation (knock) better than lower-octane gas—nothing more, nothing less. Some brands place slightly more detergent additive in their premium than in their other grades, but all grades meet the minimum required by the EPA. Bottom line? The carmaker knows best, so use the octane-rated fuel that’s called for in your owner’s manual. If your engine requires or ‘recommends’ 89- or 93-octane fuel, that’s what you should use to get peak performance and fuel efficiency. But there is an exception to the rule. If you have an older car that’s designed for 87-octane gas and it knocks when you punch the pedal, try filling it with 89-octane fuel to see if the knock goes away. If so, keep using 89-octane to regain some power and save your engine. Check out the most hated gas statio...

13 Best Keto-Friendly Snacks You Can Buy on Amazon

Dang Toasted Coconut Chips If you’re trying out the ketogenic (keto) diet, one of the first things you need to figure out is how to feed yourself. This diet emphasizes a high-fat, low-calorie approach, so typical snacks like bananas and crackers are off the menu. Instead, stock up on keto-friendly options like these toasted coconut chips: They have 5 grams of net carbs (10g total) and a whopping 15g of fat per serving. Toasting the coconut slices enhances their naturally sweet flavor, and a sprinkle of sea salt provides the perfect balance for a really tasty treat. Buy now The post 13 Best Keto-Friendly Snacks You Can Buy on Amazon appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2rZUzWf

The Best Restaurant Deals at Your Favorite Chains

Eating out can be affordable Don’t get us wrong, we love to cook as much as the next person, but sometimes we need a break. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or didn’t have time to buy groceries, it’s good to treat yourself to a night on the town. And luckily, eating out doesn’t have to break your budget. Many restaurants offer great deals on appetizers, pasta, and more. Lots of tasty food for a super low price? Sounds like a win-win to us. Check out the best restaurant deals at your favorite chains. Here’s 12 savy ways to save even more money while dining out. The post The Best Restaurant Deals at Your Favorite Chains appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2LHE3n1

The Juicy Secret to Choosing Ripe Oranges

There’s nothing better than bringing home a bag of juicy, ripe oranges for  baking ,  drinking , or just nibbling. Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, oranges are a sweet and delicious treat year-round—and versatile in the kitchen. You can use oranges to whip up a batch of  pancakes  or create a  salmon glaze . But how do you get the perfect one no matter the season? Here are some secrets to ensuring the most delicious picks: Give ’em a squeeze Generally, the tastiest orange—whatever the variety—will be firm, full-colored, smooth, and thin-skinned. As you would with most fruits and veggies, steer clear of those that are too soft, show even the smallest signs of mold, or feel as though they have bruises. Don’t be afraid of slight scratches or marks on the skin; this is called “wind scarring,” which happens when fruit rubs against the tree branches during windy weather. Go for heft When you pick one up, you should feel a good amount of weight in your hand...

Will Drinking Coffee Wreck My Intermittent Fast?

Before changing the way you eat and altering your diet in any significant way, please speak with a health professional to make sure it's the best decision for you. Although intermittent fasting (IF) has its benefits, going without food or drink for hours on end is serious business. It’s natural for anyone in the middle of a fast to wonder if coffee is “allowed” or if it will undo all their hard work. What about green tea or just a tiny snack? Here’s the truth about what will and won’t break the fast. Is it OK to drink coffee while fasting? Short answer: Yes! Good news, right? But it gets a little more complicated. First, let’s define coffee. It’s not a double mocha cappuccino with whipped cream and sprinkles. It’s not even a latte with eight ounces of milk. While fasting, coffee is coffee with nothing in it. So, yes, drinking black coffee during most types of intermittent fasting is totally OK. The popular 16/8 Leangains protocol (fasting 16 hours and eating during the eigh...

10 Questions for Taye Diggs

As he looks forward to a new TV series, actor and author Taye Diggs talks about his family, health struggles, aging, and being a dad. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2ESqYWm As he looks forward to a new TV series, actor and author Taye Diggs talks about his family, health struggles, aging, and being a dad.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Gets the Job Done

Like Alexander Hamilton, his famous Broadway theater role, Lin-Manuel Miranda pushes forward with relentless speed and bottomless good cheer, juggling multiple projects and committed outreach to people in need -- but he also finds time to just breathe. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2ETGuBu Like Alexander Hamilton, his famous Broadway theater role, Lin-Manuel Miranda pushes forward with relentless speed and bottomless good cheer, juggling multiple projects and committed outreach to people in need -- but he also finds time to just breathe.

Food Brings Double Dose of Pleasure to Your Brain

It turns out that eating causes the release of dopamine in your brain not once, but twice, German scientists report. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2GLrtEb It turns out that eating causes the release of dopamine in your brain not once, but twice, German scientists report.

Could a Little Drinking Help Those With Heart Failure?

Heart failure patients who drank in moderation -- a drink a day for women, two for men -- had an average survival that was a year longer than nondrinkers, the researchers found. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2ES9ARx Heart failure patients who drank in moderation -- a drink a day for women, two for men -- had an average survival that was a year longer than nondrinkers, the researchers found.

PTSD Drug May Do More Harm Than Good

The study included 20 PTSD patients, including two military veterans and several civilian women who had been sexually assaulted. All had active suicidal thoughts, some had previously attempted suicide, and most were taking antidepressants and/or had them prescribed for the study. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2VflJFZ The study included 20 PTSD patients, including two military veterans and several civilian women who had been sexually assaulted. All had active suicidal thoughts, some had previously attempted suicide, and most were taking antidepressants and/or had them prescribed for the study.

FDA Approves New Children’s Vaccine

The vaccine will be for children 6 weeks to 4 years old. All will require a series of three doses. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2LBZjKP The vaccine will be for children 6 weeks to 4 years old. All will require a series of three doses.

Kidney Disease Risk Tied to Sugar-Sweetened Drinks

The study of more than 3,000 black men and women in Mississippi found that those who consumed the most soda, sweetened fruit drinks and water had a 61 percent increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2Ti6dYi The study of more than 3,000 black men and women in Mississippi found that those who consumed the most soda, sweetened fruit drinks and water had a 61 percent increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

50 Things You Had No Idea You Could Do with Coca-Cola

Clean a toilet bowl The picture has circulated around the Internet for some time and it turns out Coca-Cola can clean rust spots on your toilet. The slight acidity of Coca-Cola can remove stains of all kinds . Find out how to clean a bathroom easily . The post 50 Things You Had No Idea You Could Do with Coca-Cola appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2QRG7yx

30 Incredible Before-and-After Cleaning Pictures

Things got hairy Amazon customers love an industrial strength floor cleaner, and the Oreck Commercial ORB550MC Commercial Orbiter Floor Machine is a universal favorite, with hundreds of five-star reviews, including this one: “I used it on my son’s throw rug in his room. We have a German Shepard and her hair gets into everything. I went over it with the orange grout scrubber, then a quick follow up with my vacuum (didn’t use any cleaners). In the past… 45 minutes to an hour. With the orbiter….total time was less than five minutes.” Here are 10 tips for cleaning your whole house in a day . Buy now The post 30 Incredible Before-and-After Cleaning Pictures appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2EV8SmR

11 Trips Every Mother Should Take with Her Daughter or Son

The one they’ll never forget When Mandy Michelle Carter’s son was three months old, she took him on his first trip. In the six years since, they’ve been more than 100 places together—along with his little sister. From weekend trips throughout Florida including St. Augustine, Delray, Miami, and the Keys to Caribbean cruises and long road trips through the mountains, Carter says the value of traveling with children is the uninterrupted time you have with them. In addition to opening their worldview, it opens a new perspective of the globe and its people. Carter says “Travel also allows you to learn and experience new things with them, instead of always teaching them, you get to learn together.” Though there might not be one single trip her children will never forget, considering they all have their value, she loves that her son still remembers the time he touched a dolphin…when he was only four years old! Check out the best family travel destination in every state . The post 11 Trips ...

15 Least-Crowded Winter Destinations in the United States

Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah Solitude Mountain is the place to go if you love skiing powder but hate waiting on lift lines. Oh, and loving a bargain doesn’t hurt either, since the accommodations here are less expensive than at nearby and more well-known Park City, Alta, and Snowbird. A mere 40 minutes by car from Salt Lake City, Solitude nevertheless lives up to its name as one of Utah’s most intimate winter ski resorts. Learn about more mountain towns that are a storybook paradise in winter . Book now The post 15 Least-Crowded Winter Destinations in the United States appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2EOuXDv

The Best Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Romano’s Macaroni Grill You can cure a serious case of the Mondays (or Tuesdays) at Romano’s Macaroni Grill. You can get one free kids’ meal (for kiddos 12 and under) with each purchase of an adult entree. The kids’ menu includes favorites like spaghetti and mac and cheese. Don’t miss the 14 restaurant meals you keep wasting your money on . The post The Best Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2ET9ni3

Do You Know These 15 British Terms for Auto Parts?

Boot Now you might think a boot belongs on a foot and a trunk on an elephant, but in auto parts terms, you’d be wrong. The British term for the rear storage space is the boot, while Americans call it a trunk. But whatever you call it, a squeaking sound when you open up your trunk is irritating and could damage your bodywork, so why not show some love and give your car a little lubrication ? The post Do You Know These 15 British Terms for Auto Parts? appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2EOuTnf

14 Cruises You Should Only Take in Winter

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April. Why? Because it’s the dry season, making it the perfect time to explore rainforests or lounge on the beach without weather interrupting your fun. “You can hike through Manuel Antonio National Park in search of its lovely beaches and abundant animal life, soar high above the Quepos jungle floor as you zipline past monkeys and sloths, and then explore Golfo Dulce’s rainforest landscape,” says Jess Peterson, director of itinerary planning at Windstar Cruises . Because this small ship cruise line carries about 300 passengers, it’s able to access smaller ports and islands away from the typical high-season tourist crowds. Plus, you’ll take a daylight transit through the massive Panama Canal, one of the world’s most stunning feats of engineering. Check out these cruise ships with crazy cool amenities . The post 14 Cruises You Should Only Take in Winter appeared first on Reader's Digest . ...

11 Least-Crowded Islands in the Caribbean

Bonaire If you love scuba diving, then Bonaire—located in the Leeward Antilles off the coast of Venezuela—is the Caribbean island for you. For the 24th consecutive year, this municipality of the Netherlands has been recognized as the No. 1 Shore Diving Destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic in Scuba Diving Magazine ‘s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. With a total population of only 18,905 people, Bonaire is bursting with beaches, lagoons, caverns, and desert-like hills that you can explore without crowds. It’s rich in marine life, various species of lizards and birds, and offers the ideal weather for kite surfing and windsurfing. Bonaire only has a few full-service resorts, a couple small bed and breakfasts, and a few self-catering vacation rentals. The Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire Dive Resort is the world’s first dive resort—boasting its own onsite dive center, where guests can explore amazing marine ecosystems at nearby sites such as Bonaire National Marine Park and Washington Slagbaa...

This Is the Best Time to Go to IKEA

IKEA has just about everything: furniture, kitchen gadgets, patio chairs, and tables, and even holiday decorations, toys, and food. But if you need to get in and out as quickly as possible, there are certain times to visit and other times to stay away. One employee posted on Reddit that shoppers should do all they can to avoid going on the weekends, as this is when stores are the busiest. “The best time to go towards the checkout for no queue is 30 minutes to an hour after opening,” the employee wrote. The employee added that many show up at the store 30 minutes prior to the store’s official opening so when the doors open, they can grab what they need and get in and out without much hassle. These are the 17 secrets IKEA employees won’t tell you . Another strategy is going mid-week, especially in the evening hours, when you can enjoy a meal (Swedish meatballs and a soft-serve ice cream cone!) and stroll without all crazy crowds you’ll encounter on the weekend. Employee...

13 Foods That Are Tied Directly to Younger-Looking Skin

Veggies You know how important it is for your overall health that you get your daily dose of vegetables, but you may not have realized that it can lead to more youthful skin, too. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that men and women who ate a diet rich in vegetables, as well as fruit and fish, had fewer fine lines on their skin. If you have to choose, opt for leafy greens, which are a great source of carotenoids, vitamins C, iron, and calcium. “Carotenoids are vitamin A derivatives with proven benefits to protect the skin against harmful UV rays that cause the signs of premature aging of the skin such as age spots, fine lines and wrinkles and loss of elasticity,” adds Erum Ilyas, MD, a dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology . The post 13 Foods That Are Tied Directly to Younger-Looking Skin appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2ESjdzW

30 Home Improvement Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

New uses for old glove fingers Don’t throw out your old work gloves. Cut the fingers off and you’ll find lots of uses for them. Use them to protect the tips of chisels when you need to carry them. They’re also good for softening the grip of pliers and many other applications. The post 30 Home Improvement Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2EQvDJa

Common Signs You Could Have a Torn Meniscus

What is a meniscus? It’s a piece of cartilage in your knee provides a cushion between your shin and thigh bones. Your meniscus helps promote overall joint health, specifically when it comes to your knees, says James Starman, MD an orthopedic surgeon at OrthoCarolina in North Carolina and member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine . Each knee has two menisci: a medial one on the inside of the knee and a lateral meniscus on the outside of the knee. Both meniscus’ are C-shaped and they help absorb force in the knee and stabilize the joint, Dr. Starman says. The post Common Signs You Could Have a Torn Meniscus appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2CC00Ro

How to Get Rid of a Boil—the Right Way

At first, you may mistake a boil for a zit because they’re both red, raised lumps. But there’s one key difference between the two skin lesions: boils are commonly caused by a bacterial infection from Staphylococcus aureus , also known as a staph infection, while pimples occur when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clogs your pores. Plus, boils are usually firm and painful to the touch. Boils aren’t just the only mysterious lumps on your skin—here are the explanations behind these 13 other skin mysteries . Staph is generally harmless bacteria that lives on the skin around the nose, mouth, genitals, and rectum. But it can cause an infection once it enters your skin through a cut or other wound. And thus, a boil will form. Ingrown hairs on the groin are extremely common sites for boils because the bacteria can infect the hair follicles—small openings in the skin where the hair grows. You’ll often find boils on moist areas of the body like the buttocks, thighs, groin, and armpits. Since...

Subs, Grinders, and Hoagies: What’s the Difference?

What do you call a long sandwich that contains meat, cheese, condiments, lettuce, and other toppings ? It really depends on where you grew up. I’ve always called them “subs,” but my parents called them “heroes” or “wedges.” My cousins said “hoagies” or “grinders.” You might find yourself wondering whether or not there’s even a difference. Why do subs have all sorts of names? Before chain restaurants, each region named their sandwich however they pleased . Over time, the sub (short for “submarine sandwich”) became the most commonly used. It’s really as simple as that. In some places, subs have kept a regional moniker, so don’t be surprised if you hear one of these names: Grinder : New England Torpedo : Northeast United States Italian sandwich : Maine Spuckie : Boston, Massachusetts Hoagie : Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Zeppelin : Pennsylvania Hero : New York Wedge : Yonkers, New York Bomber : Buffalo, New York Blimpie : New Jersey Po’ Boy : New Orleans, Louisiana ...

Could Your Apple Watch Spot Dangerous A-Fib?

The watch contains a simple electrocardiogram (ECG) that tracks your heart rhythm and can detect the presence of atrial fibrillation ("A-fib"), an irregular heartbeat that increases your risk for stroke and heart failure. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2RhsXdE The watch contains a simple electrocardiogram (ECG) that tracks your heart rhythm and can detect the presence of atrial fibrillation ("A-fib"), an irregular heartbeat that increases your risk for stroke and heart failure.

Whopping Numbers on Whooping Cough

Another is pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough because of the distinctive sound it causes as people experience severe coughing bouts. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2GHS70P Another is pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough because of the distinctive sound it causes as people experience severe coughing bouts.

U.S. Opioid Crisis Is Top Health Story of 2018

Rates of opioid-linked fatal overdoses have nearly doubled over the past decade and topped 70,000 in 2017, according to data released in November by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2Rd1utB Rates of opioid-linked fatal overdoses have nearly doubled over the past decade and topped 70,000 in 2017, according to data released in November by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Evidence Shows Abuse of Xanax, Valium on the Rise

The statistics also revealed that benzodiazepine use among adults is more than twice as high as previously reported, with nearly 13 percent using the drugs within the past year. from WebMD Health https://wb.md/2GGeC6s The statistics also revealed that benzodiazepine use among adults is more than twice as high as previously reported, with nearly 13 percent using the drugs within the past year.