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What do deodorant, tomatoes, and tea have in common?  They make up a list of household items that can help you with minor medical issues! Here are the details, courtesy of Quick and Simple Magazine.  Deodorant. It doesn’t just stop you from stinking up the room! Deodorant can also help prevent FOOT BLISTERS! Blisters are caused by skin rubbing against your shoes – and sweating makes them worse. Deodorant works the same way on your feet that it does under your arms – it helps stop sweat glands from producing sweat. So if you’re going on a long run – or doing any activity that could cause blisters – try swiping a little deodorant on the soles of your feet. As a bonus, your feet probably won’t stink as much!Tomatoes. They can help soothe BURNS! Tomatoes contain lycopene – which is a natural anti-inflammatory. Plus, the wetness of the tomato juice helps draw some of the liquid out of the burn, which  can reduce swelling. So if you have a minor burn, slice a large     tomato and apply pieces to the damaged skin. Leave them on for five minutes, then remove the pieces, letting the remaining juices fully dry on your skin. Once it’s dry, rinse your skin with cool water. Repeat this process twice daily until the discomfort ends. However, if your skin looks white, black, leathery, or you’re concerned about the burn, see a doctor.  Tea bags.  They can help stop SMALL CUTS from bleeding! The tannic acid in tea helps blood vessels constrict more quickly, which helps slow the flow of blood. So if you’ve nicked yourself,  hold a cool tea bag against the cut for one minute – using light pressure. Then, rinse and cover it with a bandage. If the cut won’t stop bleeding – or you think it might be infected, get to the doctor.

Never say never?  Well, maybe, but here are some intelligent "nevers" to live by, from the book "Never- A Book of Daily Don'ts for Personal Happiness & Success "- by Michael Levine:

1.  Never lose touch with old friends,

2.  Never be too stubborn to ask for directions,

3.  Never pick your nose in public,

4.  Never call a flight attendant "stewardess",

5.  Never miss a good chance to "shut up",

6.  Never forget where you came from.

Did you know that your fingerprints serve a purpose other than identifying who you are? They serve as traction for your fingers. Without fingerprints, you wouldn’t be able to grasp anything with your fingers.

Question #1:  Which of these foods will calm your nerves if you’re stressed out?

A. Fish

B. Cheese

C. Oatmeal?

When you’re stressed, have FISH for lunch or dinner. Japanese researchers found that giving people two amino acids found in fish reduced anxiety. In fact, the amino acids in fish activate some of the same receptors in the nervous system as the drug Valium. The result is a mildly relaxing effect.

Question #2: Which of these foods will help prevent crow’s feet? 

A. Pomegranate juice

B. Walnuts

C. Miso soup?

The miso soup, because it’s loaded with soy isoflavones. If you had three cups of miso soup a week, and kept it up for three months, you would see a decrease in fine lines and improved skin elasticity. That’s according to Yale University School of Medicine, which found that soy isoflavones help repair skin tissue and diminish wrinkles.

Question #3: How many hours before bedtime should you eat a cookie in order to fall asleep the minute your head hits the pillow?

A. One hour
B. Two hours

C. Four hours?

Eat that cookie four hours before bed for the desired effect. That’s according to the American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition. They say that eating a high-carbohydrate food – like a cookie or a bowl of sugary cereal – four hours before bed can help you fall asleep twice as fast. Why does it work? Because foods with a lot of carbs release the amino acid tryptophan, which regulates mood, body temperature, and promotes sleep.

One more Question: Which of these foods will keep your muscles from getting sore after a workout?

A. Peanuts

B. Ricotta cheese

C. Bananas?

Eating ricotta cheese reduces the muscle soreness and fatigue caused by an intense workout. It’s all about the amino acids again – and the ones found in ricotta repair muscle tissue. Eat some 30 minutes after your gym session.

Here are some great numbers to remember, when it comes to your health! The first health number: 2. That’s the number of shot glasses worth of sunscreen you should slather on before heading outside. So says dermatologist Dr. Perry Robins. Studies show that repeated burns put you at serious risk for skin cancer, so you’ve gotta protect yourself! Also, wait at least 30 minutes after applying your sunscreen before you go outside, to allow the active ingredients time to absorb into your skin. Keeping with our “2” theme, don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours.  The next health number: 70.  As in, 70 degrees is the perfect bedroom temperature for getting maximum sleep. Why 70 degrees?Well, in order to trigger the production of sleep-inducing brain chemicals, your core body temperature needs to drop slightly at night. It usually drops by at least a degree from the temperature it is during waking hours. If your bedroom is too warm, you’ll keep waking up because your body will think it’s morning. So the Yale Center for Sleep Medicine says no matter what time of year it is, your bedroom should stay at the same temperature to ensure a restful night – and the ideal temperature is 70 degrees.

And one more health number: 500. That’s the number of calories you’ll need to burn each day in order to lose one pound in a week. Think trimming 500 calories a day is going to be too hard? Then know this: If you take your dog for a 15-minute walk in the morning, skip your can of soda at lunch, and play 30 minutes of basketball with your buddies when you get home, you’re pretty much there.

Seems like we're all too busy in our lives to eat dinner together...as a family, but a little intelligence for our kids says a lot: a recent study found that kids who eat meals with their families are 50% less likely to smoke cigarettes, try marijuana, drink alcohol, or have friends who do those things!

Did you know milk and cheese can aid in the reduction of tooth decay? This is because they contain a chemical that keeps bacteria from sticking to your teeth.

Are you one of many who got the new job, and then found yourself with new responsibilities, and also some new inches around the waist? Then here's some intelligence for that waistline, that you can use on the job! Here are some tips to boost your metabolism, burn calories, and lose weight! As soon as you get to work- RUN up the stairs- even one 30 second sprint boosts blood levels of human growth hormone, which is an anti-aging chemical that rejuvenates the skin and heart, and helps to maintain muscles. After that sprint, your muscles will burn more fat while you're sitting. Next- drink 2 cups of cold water while you're sitting at your desk. After 40 minutes, your metabolism will jump 30%- and stay at a higher rate for an hour because your body has to work harder to warm your body to your natural temperature. On your breaks, take a quick stroll around your workplace, or better yet, go outside. Research shows that getting up from your seat for two 10 minute breaks and moving briskly can burn up to 350 calories a day. Do this every day, and you could lose 2 pounds in a month. And if things get stressful after lunch, make sure to take a 2:00 deep breathing break. Stress hormones put a damper on your metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. Take 5 deep breaths into your belly, which will not only help you relax, but can also help to reduce chronic tension and headaches. At 4:00, instead of going for the candy dish, grab a 100 calorie snack. When you give your body food every 4 hours, your metabolism doesn't have a chance to slow down, so you burn more calories. (Go for the protein, like string cheese or grilled chicken breast- even better!)

How Healthy Are You? Of course you should get a physical every year, but there are some simple things you can do at home that will tell you a lot about your physical well-being and warn you of possible problems ahead. So put these quick checks from Fitness magazine on your to-do list to make sure you stay healthy:

Get on the scale and record how much weight you’ve gained since high school.

If it’s more than 11 pounds, try to drop the weight. If you’ve gained more than that you’re at an increased risk for the most common cancers. In a study by the American Cancer Society, women who gained more than 20 pounds after age 18 had a 40 percent higher risk of breast cancer than women who’d stayed within 5 pounds of their teenage weight. Count the moles on your body. If it’s more than 50, it could be a problem - you could be at an increased risk of melanoma, a deadly type of skin cancer. If you see any moles that are lumpy or

asymmetrical or strange in any way, have them checked out. Notice how often you have a headache or an upset stomach. If it’s more than once a month, it could be a warning sign of emotional overload. About half of women in their thirties get tension headaches. You should see your doctor to eliminate a physical cause, but even if it’s stress-related, you still need to deal with it. Research shows that stress weakens your immune system and puts you at greater risk for heart disease. For an easy stress buster, try laughing. Studies show that when people laugh
they increase blood flow to their arteries and reduce their risk of heart disease. And after you laugh...it'll make you so absolutely delightful.

Here’s some intelligence for your love life; 4 things to keep the romance alive in your relationship, from www.Oprah.com:

First, if you did something wrong, try the Triple-A approach: Apologize for whatever you did to hurt your partner. Offer affection immediately, like a hug or a kiss. And pledge to take action so that it never happens again. Next, nitpickers- play close attention! Stop being critical. Instead of always finding fault with your partner, go out of your way to see something good, and make sure you praise them for it. Don’t expect your partner to be a mind-reader. They can’t, and you’ll find yourself feeling resentful when they don’t. This is called the
“shame and blame game.” Instead, ask for what you want in a clear and positive way. When you get it, show your gratitude. And lastly, some great advice from Dr. Ruth Westheimer: if your relationship is feeling old and stale, give it some fresh air. She recommends taking a long weekend in a romantic hideaway, but even a few
hours of “couple time”- which means leaving problems with money or the kids behind. By the time you get home, you might have remembered why you fell in love in the first place.

Yesterday we learned that to really boost our metabolism for the day, we should never skip breakfast. So now that that's decided, what's a quick power breakfast to get you going when you're in a rush to get going in the morning- out the door! Peanut butter! Spread it on whole wheat toast and top with sliced banana, melt a bit into your morning oatmeal, or make a quick smoothie with nonfat vanilla yogurt and skim milk! Peanut butter is a great source of good carbohydrates, has good fat, and is loaded with protein! And it's not just good for you- studies show that kids who eat peanut butter for breakfast are able to focus better on morning tests at school! Power up tomorrow- give the whole family some peanut butter!

There goes another weekend, and here comes Monday- the first day of your renewed determination to shed a few pounds! So here's the first diet rule to help you succeed: never skip breakfast- it jump starts your metabolism, and if that's in high gear, you'll eat less throughout the day. Reaching your diet goals, and getting Monday off to a delicious and nutritious start.

Next time you're in a bad mood, think fast, literally! Brainstorm your way out of the mood- quick thinking, brainstorming, is like taking your mind for a run. Basically, you're so busy with your other ideas, you don't have time to think about your bad mood- you'll feel more energized and more creative! Try this one: come up with 20 ways to improve your health as fast as you can. Ready? GO! Feel Better?

Some common medical myths are so widespread that even /doctors/ believe them. But here are the facts, according to LiveScience.com:

Myth #1 We only use about 10 percent of our brains. Not true. MRI scans, PET scans and other imaging devices show no dormant or unused areas of the brain. Chemical and metabolic studies haven’t found any non functioning areas, either. The myth may have originated when self-improvement hucksters wanted to convince people they hadn’t reached their full potential. All our other organs run at full tilt, it doesn’t make sense that our brain wouldn’t do the same.

Myth #2 You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day. According to Dr. Rachel Vreeman from Indiana University School of Medicine, there’s no medical evidence that you need to drink that much water. The myth can be traced back to a 1945 recommendation from the Nutrition Council to consume 64 ounces of /fluid/ a day.
Over the years that got translated to water. Fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea and other liquids also count as fluids.
More medical myths even doctors believe: Eating turkey makes you sleepy. It’s true that turkey contains a chemical called tryptophan which is known to cause drowsiness, but chicken and beef have the same amount of it. The myth is probably due to the fact that turkey is usually part of a huge meals, like family Sunday dinners, which are often accompanied by alcohol and the combination of eating too much and drinking alcohol will make you sleepy. One more medical myth: Reading in dim light ruins your eyesight. The researchers found no evidence that reading in dim light causes any permanent damage. It does, however, cause eye strain and it might temporarily make it more difficult to focus but that goes away after a short rest.

Are you a frequent flyer, or have sand filled visions of Spring Break in your head? Then check out www.seatguru.com, a site that features the seating layouts of almost every major airline. Helping you to find "the
smartest place in the room" to sit?

According to media strategist Roger Ailes, you have 7 seconds to make a good impression on someone. And, according to Yale University psychology professor Marianne LaFrance, 90% of a first impression is based on
appearance, posture, facial expressions, and tone of voice. So here’s how to put your best foot- or smile- forward: First, your handshake speaks volumes! According to the Yale study, people who make eye contact while offering a handshake that’s firm, dry, and vigorous – as opposed to clammy, limp, and wimpy – not only make a better impression, but make people believe you possess the qualities associated with your grip.Next- fix your hair! Sound like your mother when she was getting you out the door to school? Turns out, as most always, that Mom knew what she was harping...I mean, talking about! This one’s a little more for the women, but listen up, too, men! When you meet someone new, your hair style will get noticed more than your facial features. Long hair says, "My looks are important to me". Short hair says, "I’m confident and successful". And shoulder length hair says, "I’m intelligent and level-headed". Ready to go? The countdown’s on! 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and ...1! You’re hired.

Storing leftovers- most of us do it! But- foil versus plastic...what to do, which to use? When it comes to storing leftovers, you might just reach for whatever’s handy. But if you’re one of us many who like to eat your leftovers, you should know which one to use, when. Here’s the 411, courtesy of /Real Simple/ magazine.

Choose PLASTIC for acidic foods – like tomatoes - and other fresh foods, like sandwiches and cut produce. Also, to keep foods like apples and avocados from turning brown, press the plastic against any exposed surfaces. When you’re using a dry marinade or a spice rub on meats, you can speed up the rate of absorption by
snugly wrapping the meat between two sheets of plastic.

Choose FOIL if you’re refrigerating something smelly, since its strong barrier will keep odors in. Just be sure to seal it as tightly as possible. Foil is also good for re-heating food in a conventional oven, so if you’re storing something like leftover salmon, you can move it straight from the fridge to the oven. Also, it’s a good idea to wrap a snug layer of foil around plastic-wrapped foods you plan to freeze – like meat in its unopened packaging because it keeps out oxygen, which causes freezer burn. But there’s one big DON’T: Never wrap acidic foods like tomatoes and strawberries in foil. The acid reacts with the aluminum, leaving a harmless but unsightly blue residue. It won’t hurt you, but it might kill your appetite.

Ok, Brainiacs: If you’re looking for love, then lighten up! Your fellow singles are more than twice as likely to fall for your wit than your intellect. From a survey by Match.com, researchers wanted to find out what makes our hearts go pitter-patter when we meet a potential soul mate. What they found? A lot of what you believe about romance might be leaving you home alone on Saturday night. Here's why: Good news for nice guys- The notion that girls go for bad boys is a myth. Over two thirds of the ladies say they are looking for a nice guy. Which could explain why Predictability is so exciting. Singles are twice as likely to fall in love with someone who is a planner, stable, and fairly predictable. Risk takers need not apply. If you're a workaholic, you'd better get used to being alone even if you're raking in the big bucks. Money's not as important as you might think. Nine out of ten singles are ready to fall for a moderate success with a balanced life instead of you "I'll be a few hours late tonight" types. And don't be afraid to speak up- Talkative singles are nearly twice as likely to find love as strong silent types. Finally, playing "hard-to-get" is a great way to see your sweetie start dating someone else- Two thirds of singles say they are more likely to fall for someone they know is interested than they are for someone they have to chase.

Did you know there’s a reason why caffeine perks you up? When your brain is tired, it releases a chemical called adenosine, and sends this chemical to your cells. Once the adenosine reaches your cells, your body
slows down. But caffeine blocks this chemical from reaching your cells, so your body never slows down. That’s why caffeine keeps you awake!

And the most popular password is....? Think fast! When it comes to computer passwords, what's far-and-away the most popular? A pet's name? A favorite sports team? A birth date? According to Netscape News, the most popular password is "ADMIN." A-D-M-I-N short for administrator. Why? It's usually the default password that most programs come with, and most people don't bother changing it! And, almost half of all employees know their co-workers' computer passwords. And that's not a good thing, since most people use the same password on both their work and home computers. And 1 in 5 people never change their passwords ever!

So, how can you protect your computer information? Make sure your password is a random combination of letters and numbers. Making it John123 isn't good enough. The numbers and letters have to be mixed. And change your password at least once a month. Otherwise, someone could pretend to be you, and steal your money, your identity, or even ruin your reputation.

Which foods make you feel awful- put you in a bad mood, and which foods boost your energy? Intelligence for your waistline from The Good Mood Diet by Susan Kleiner:

Cut out the foods that make you feel bad- like pork rinds- they're fried skin- period. And cold cuts have so many nitrates and preservatives that your mood's gonna hit rock-bottom. Go for the fresh roasted deli meats like turkey or ham.

Dessert for ONE- a few bites of cheesecake will definitely boost your mood, but the rest of it can lead to sugar-crash-city, so share your dessert- it's more fun that way, anyway!

The final mood-killer food? Anything fried. May taste great, but fried food leads straight to tiredness and mood crashes. If you do splurge- try to balance it with some of these "feel-good" mood-boosting foods:

Popcorn- but no butter!

Eggs- eat one a day- the lecithin in the egg yolk boosts your brain power (unless your cardiologist tells you to stay away from egg yolks; then substitute brain-building tofu, or steamed soy beans, called edamame.)

Want to find love? Then hang out at a bookstore! According to dating coach David Wygant, author of Always Talk to Strangers, it’s one of the best places to meet people because you’re in the midst of hundreds of easy conversation starters. So, here’s how to make your surroundings work for you, courtesy of Match.com:

If you see someone interesting, make a comment about the book they’re holding. Like: “Hey, I’ve been wondering about that book. How is it?”
Keep it real. In other words, if you can’t stand yoga or sports, don’t pretend you like them just to get a date. You’re in for a rocky relationship when they find out you lied.
Use the “gift shopping” excuse. If you see someone you like carrying a book that doesn’t interest you, try this: “Hey, I’m looking for a birthday gift for a friend, and it looks like you have the same interests. Could you recommend a book you think they’d like?”
Make it easy for people to approach YOU. In other words, don’t take your books into a corner. Stand and read them at the shelves, or sit at a table near the stacks.
Work the magazine rack! Since newsstand browsers are looking for quick entertainment, they can be easier to engage than a book browser. So, mention the spectacular sports photo or the subject on the cover, and you’ve got yourself an icebreaker.
Continue your conversation over coffee. A lot of bookstores have in-house cafes nowadays. So you can gauge their interest right away by saying: “Hey, I’d love to talk more about this, but I’m dying for a cappuccino. Wanna grab a coffee?” It’s less pressure than asking someone for their phone number – and if they say ‘yes,' you’re already on your first date!

Did you know there’s a meaning behind the phrase ‘going haywire?’ Bales of hay are held together with tightly strung wire. If the wire snaps, it’ll flail everywhere and possibly injure people. That’s why when someone goes ‘haywire,’ it means they’re out of control.

Did you know Bermuda shorts were originally invented for females? The island is very hot, but there used to be a law on the island forbidding women to show their bare legs. So, they started wearing long shorts with knee socks. The shorts then became known as ‘Bermuda shorts.’

Feeling anxious about that big speech coming up? Or, even worse, do you fall apart under pressure? It’s normal to feel stress before a big challenge, but the pressure can also prevent us from reaching our full potential. Here are three strategies you can use to stay calm and give it your all when the stakes are high:

View your nerves as proof that you are prepared.

Tell yourself that your revved up energy and sweaty palms mean you’ve trained well, and you’re ready to shine!

Ditch the game plan! Don’t map out everything you’re going to say, instead, focus on the overall plan- the big picture of what your story is all about.

Remember: your audience wants to see you succeed; the job interviewer wants you to be the one they hire, and that blind date really wants you to be the one! Believe that you WILL succeed!

What's the best time to water your grass, and other such great things to have you in the know, from Women’s World Magazine.

The best time to water your yard is early morning; just before dawn. Garden experts say it’s because pre-dawn is the coolest part of the day. Watering then gives your grass the whole day of sunlight to absorb the water through its roots, instead of staying saturated all through the night, which can breed mold and bacteria.

And how about the best time of day to make an important decision? Go for the late morning. Our brains are at their highest function in late morning, say 10 or 11 AM. Arrange an important meeting at this time, or that critical phone conference- your sharp intellect will have you breezing through!

A rose by another name...you know the saying.  So, what, exactly, is in a name?  When it comes to food, turns out- a lot!  And it could be the difference between something flying off the shelves or landing in the discount bin.  From a recent study, when a plain piece of chocolate cake was renamed Black Forest Double Chocolate Cake, people said it tasted better; they were more likely to buy it!

Patagonian tooth fish- think you haven't had that?  Could be true, unless you've eaten it under its new name:  Chilean Sea Bass.   And dolphin wasn't doing so well for chefs- people couldn't be convinced that what they were eating had no relation to Flipper, so in the 80's, restaurant owners slapped on a new Hawaiian name- mahi-mahi.  Sales of the fish soared, and it now appears on menus all over the world.

Some oddball, but, "Hey!  It really works!" intel for you, starting with:

Use toothpaste to clean silver?  Yes- it will remove tarnish, but it's more abrasive than silver polish, and never use the types of toothpaste with whiteners or tartar control chemicals.

Vacuuming more than once or twice a week will not ruin your carpet- it's the only way to remove the grit that causes carpet fibers to deteriorate and if you don't vacuum enough, dust mites will major-ly multiply because they feed off dead skin which makes up the majority of dust.  Umm...yummy.

Can white bread clean wallpaper?  Yep- and it's better to treat small smudges on delicate wallpapers than those empty white flour carbs going into your body!

Did you know the term ‘potluck’ originated in the Middle Ages?  Cooks used to throw all the leftovers into a pot of boiling water and make it into a stew. This stew was fed to people when there was nothing else to eat in the house. Since the stew contained a bunch of random ingredients, whether or not it tasted good depended on luck. Today, a potluck supper is when everyone brings one random dish and they put everything together.

If you're interested in a few creative ways to slim down a little, then try these ideas- from other countries!  These ideas are from the book,  "30 Secrets of the World's Healthiest Cuisines":

In Scandinavian countries, people rarely snack- they stick to 3 meals a day.  This protects them from high fat, empty calorie foods.

In Asia, meat is used as a spice.  Vegetables are the main ingredient in most dishes, with a small amount of meat added for flavor.  And don't be afraid of carbs; veggie-rich meals served with steamed or brown rice will slim you down.

People in Mediterranean countries, the focus is on whole foods.  Olive oil is good; eating olives is better.  Grapes are a favorite dessert in Greece and France.  By eating whole foods, we tend to get more nutrition, because we get more fiber.

From Africa, try adding more nuts to your diet.  We tend to think of nuts as a diet "no-no", but in many countries, they make up the bulk of a meal.  African countries that use nuts as a staple have the lowest cancer rates in the world.

Did you know that sound has healing properties?  From Women's World, studies tell us that sounds have the power to heal broken bones, cure life-threatening heart ailments, and fight depression.

First- the sound of a harp can cure heart problems.  The powerful vibrations from harp music can reduce blood pressure, calm the nervous system, and normalize irregular heartbeats.  Some operating rooms now play harp music during delicate heart surgeries.

A purring cat can heal broken bones, because they purr at the same frequency already being orthopedists to strengthen bones, and the sound can even help speed the healing of fractures, and studies are underway to see if purring can help to prevent osteoporosis.

When it comes to soothing pain, the sound of waterfalls work.  A study found that patients with chronic pain exposed to sounds of rushing water experienced a 30% drop in stress hormones, and confirmed that their pain had diminished. 

And what sound helps to ward off depression and anxiety?  Ocean waves.  It's a very relaxing form of white noise that sub-consciously induces serenity.  Students who listened to ocean sounds had less anxiety, less depression, and higher test scores than students who weren't exposed to the sounds of the crashing surf.

Stress about the holidays- many of us get it- in one way, or another.  Here's how to curb some of that- it's some holiday intel, sure to relieve some of that "can't get it all done" feeling!:

If holiday cards stress you out- thinking about all the personal notes you think you need to include- go for a photo card this year.  There's not a lot of room to write, so all you need to do is sign.

Decorating should be fun, too, so don't let it get you upset.  Experts suggest that you stick with the big 3:  a wreath on the door, a Christmas tree, and either a garland on the mantle or a display on the coffee table(for the garland, just trim a few boughs from the base of the tree to make it, and for the coffee table display, stick a few leftover tree ornaments in a glass bowl and call it a day!)

Last tip?  Drop a little something in the Salvation Army kettle- research shows helping others lowers your blood pressure, improves your sleep and increases your holiday spirit!

Sitting by an open fire, and relaxing for a change, instead of running yourself ragged, will be a great feeling!

Wanna live 10 years longer?  Here are a few easy menu switches that can really pack a punch:

1.  Replace white breads, cereals and pastas with whole grain versions.

2.  Trade the bag of potato chips for apple slices.

3.  Drink red wine instead of white.  It's actually the grape skins that are loaded with heart-healthy antioxidants, and they color the wine red.  To keep wine "white", the grape skins are skimmed off quickly before they have a chance to leave the coloring and healthy chemicals behind.  And the alcohol in that glass(just one!)of red wine is good at keeping blood platelets from sticking together, which may prevent blood clots.  Of course moderation is the key to making wine a "healthy" drink for anyone- one glass per day boosts your health; anything beyond that is worse than not drinking it at all.

Wow- just in time for this weekend's office holiday parties- here's a list of party behaviors that are almost certain to earn you a pink slip come Monday morning:

1.  Handling yourself inappropriately,

2.  Wearing inadequate or overly revealing clothing,

3.  Discussing pay or personal issues during the party,

4.  Drinking to excess.

But according to experts, the biggest misstep you could take is skipping out of a must-attend bash, demonstrating a lack of respect for your company, your supervisors and your colleagues.

Be the smartest one at this weekend's office party- and while a colleague might go home with a pink slip, your Christmas bonus might be a whole lot sweeter! 

Eewww... we've got some smelly intel tonight, but too much of a "Wow!  I didn't know that!", that I can't resist:

Need to get rid of the smell in really odoriferous shoes?  Stick them in the freezer- the cold temp will kill the bacteria.

Want your child to be a great reader?  You are your child's mentor, and what you do at home helps determine how much they'll embrace wanting to learn to read at school and on their own.

For starters, read as a family- even after they've become older, and don't need you to read to them aloud anymore.

Talk about books- next time you're at Grandma's, talk about what everyone's been reading.  These discussions make kids realize that reading can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Don't let one bad book spoil the bunch; you don't always like every book you start, and neither will your kids.  If they start a book and don't want to finish it, don't get discouraged.  Find another to try.

The first thing you need to think about is how not to get sicker during your stay in the hospital.  Over 2 million people get really bad infections from hospitals each year,  but prevention is very easy.  Just ask your attending doctors and nurses to wash their hands before they touch you.  Make sure their coats, ties, and jewelry stay away from you, too.

Next- after surgery, declare your bed off limits!  When family and friends come to visit, ask them to sit in a nearby chair, or stand.  You can cut down the spread of germs, and reduce infections by as much as 70%! 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so with your doctor's permission, take a preventative antibiotic an hour before your surgery(studies show that only half of surgeons follow that advice, so talk to your doctor beforehand.)

Last- try to schedule your surgery for 9 AM.  Patients who have that time slot are 4 times less likely to have anesthesia complications.  And try to schedule on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday- studies show those days are the ones to get you more attention from the nursing staff- hospitals tend to be fully staffed midweek.Here's your guide to being a savvy patient.  Do the things on this list, and you might have a quicker recovery time no matter what's being operated on! 

Here's a quick intel review:  did you know that people who lean towards you are telling the truth, statistically 90% of the time?  People who lean back, or away, may be lying.  And at your next sit-down dinner, just remember to sit up straight.  You're likely to eat 10% less food, and people who watch TV while they're eating consume up to 25% more food, so turn the holiday specials off next time you sit down to eat!

If you plan to shop online this holiday season, shop smartly.  It's pretty easy when you follow this rule:  do not click the "Bill Me Later" option.  Pay with a credit card, or through PayPal.  Many online retailers do offer this option, but by clicking on that box, you're not just delaying payment, you're opening a new credit account, and the retailer actually will do a quick credit check on you before they authorize a transaction.  Financial experts say that too many credit checks and newly opened accounts can really hurt your credit score, which can make it harder for you to buy a car, a house, rent an apartment, or get a job in the near future. 

Here's another problem:  there's no real limit on how much you can spend with "Bill Me Later" transactions, and people without spending limits tend to spend much more than they meant to, which can easily bust your budget.

Last catch:  you usually have only 90 days to pay the bill in full.  If you don't, they pad your balance with a very high interest rate; 20% in most cases.  And if you miss the payment deadline, the merchant will ding your credit report, hurting your credit score even more. 

If you need a way to pay online, open a low rate credit card with a fixed limit.  Use it for your online shopping needs- that way, you'll protect your budget and your credit.

Did you survive Black Friday?  And how about Cyber Monday?  If not, here's some intel from Women's World- how to rev up for your holiday preparations, when you're feeling like something the cat dragged in:- try these quick and surprising tips:

1.  Wear orange or red- hot colors catch your attention, help you focus, and stimulate your brain waves.

2.  Doodle on paper- it sends a message to your brain to wake up! (Even looking at some zig zag patterns can have a similar effect.)

3.  Hit the water cooler(the actual water- not just the gossip group!)-  dehydration will zap your energy, and cause your body to try to slow down, which in turn, makes you tired.  Drink small amounts of water every 30 minutes to stay hydrated and energized- and this works even if you aren't tired!

4.  Chew sugarless peppermint gum- chewing releases the hormone serotonin, which relieves tension and helps you feel more awake.

5.  Have a chicken sandwich for lunch- chicken contains the chemical tyrosine- an essential amino acid which boosts energy and relieves anxiety.  Other sources for tyrosine are milk, cheese, or yogurt, avocados, bananas, Lima beans, or pumpkin seeds. 

Long distance relationships- good or bad?  Both!  Researchers at The Ohio State University surveyed a group of couples who were dating long distance, and a group who lived close to each other.  What they found is that the couples who live far away had more positive thoughts about each other and were more satisfied with their communication, compared to the couples who could see each other every day.  Why?  Because long distance couples have fewer trivial arguments; the time they do spend together is high quality; when you don't see each other very often, every hour is precious. But the bad news:  when long distance couples moved to be closer to each other, were more than twice as likely to break up, as those who stayed apart.  When long distance couples move close, all those little everyday annoyances come out of the woodwork.  When you lived apart from your sweetheart, you had no idea they always left their dirty dishes in the sink, or that they can't be on time for anything!  The lesson:  long distance love can survive, but you need to accept that your partner, and your relationship, has flaws if you end up living near each other.

Being a better parent- always a great thing!  And here's a quick tip for dealing with your child when they throw one of those delightful parenting scenarios at you! From "The Book of No." 

First- don't say, "OK- I'll do it this one time."  Remind your child that they should ask you before they commit to something without checking with you first.  You are, in fact, helping them to do better about this, and also to respect others' time.  And when it comes to saying no in general, avoid these three things:

No hesitation- if your response is going to be "no", then just say so.  If .you want time to think about it, end the conversation and promise to follow up when you've made a decision. 

Don't offer explanations-  excuses give the other person time to negotiate- they make you sound weak.

No apologies- don't let them know you're feeling guilty(even if you do!)

1.  Start your journey to weight loss success by never eating straight out of the container.  Putting food on a plate will force you to acknowledge your portion size.  If you're the type to eat an entire sleeve of Oreos in one sitting, follow this rule, because you'd likely never put 20 Oreos on your plate at once. 

2.  And a rule for all couples- new and old: 

The 80% rule for couples:  when it comes to long term happiness and love; when you can look at your mate and say, "I've got at least 80% of everything I want"- consider yourself blessed.  Then, focus on that 80% you like about your partner; not the 20% that's missing. 

Remember:  no one person can fulfill 100% of your needs- not even the love of your life.

Here's some random intel, from the book called, The Know-it-All:

What, exactly, is dust?  Dust contains nearly everything but the kitchen sink, including ashes, bits of clothing, plant particles, insect parts, and human skin.

Next, what do our Social Security Numbers mean?  The first 3 digits relate to where

Marriage intel, courtesy of Redbook Magazine:

2 things every marriage needs:  First- the high five.  Be your spouse's cheerleader!  How to react to your partner's good news is sometimes more important than how you react to their bad news.  The second ingredient your marriage needs is dates you both look forward to- this can lead to going along with what you don't really want to do, which can lead to resentment.

3 things every marriage could live without:  First, the eye roll.  When you don't like what your spouse is doing or saying, you roll your eyes and sigh.  Research shows that body language is just as hurtful as name calling- it's passive/aggressive behavior.  Figure out what rubs you the wrong way- if it's small, get over it!  But if it's something you think they can, and should change, then say so- deal with the problem head on.

The second thing your marriage can do without is "Wait!  The kids need me!"  Sometimes high parenting standards can lead to low marriage standards.  Being available to your kids all the time puts your marriage on the back burner.

Here's how to chop about 20% off your next grocery bill, just by replacing the following name brand items for generic ones, from Smart Money magazine:

First, swap out your name brand produce.  Once you peel away a name brand sticker, all produce is the same.

Next- as soon as you hit the spice aisle, again, think generic.  For example, a 2 oz jar of chopped onions(by a brand name)for $2.50; an equal-sized generic jar costs .99- a savings of $1.50! 

And experts say that you'll always save on staples like flour, salt, butter and sugar, because all single ingredient items like these must follow strict government regulations.  The only thing you're paying extra for is that colorful packaging and their TV commercials!

Last- always go generic for over the counter medications.  Again, with federal regulations from the FDA in place to ensure that generic brands have the same effectiveness as name brand medications, you're getting the same medicine anyway.

OK- what parent doesn't want to be the smartest parent in the room, especially if there's a little 4 year old in the room who's got you up in the middle of the night because her cough won't stop?  And, of course, as luck would have it, there's not a bottle of Formula 44 anywhere in the medicine cabinet. 

Not to worry- either by power of suggestion, or maybe just simple lubrication of the throat, plain old pancake syrup might do the trick!

With gas prices today, and so many holiday demands coming on us, who wouldn't want a little extra cash?  Here's how to quickly save a few bucks:

1.  Get your movies delivered, instead of heading to the movie store- you can rent as many movies as you want, which is usually around $10 per month.  Helps you to avoid late charges because you didn't get the movie back in time!

2.  Start a laundry room change jar to collect what you find in your family's laundry with each load- on average, you'll find around 50 cents for every load you wash!

3.  Ask your bank to automatically move a certain amount of money every month from your checking to your savings.  Even $50 a month will net you $600 at the end of a year; plus, you'll earn interest on the money in your savings every month.

What are the dirtiest items in that posh, snazzy hotel room you've just booked?  According to hotel industry insiders, you should ask when you check in on when the sheets were last changed.  Icky, but true- under the guise of being "eco-friendly", sometimes the sheets on the bed won't be changed if they look clean enough.  Who wants to sleep on someone else's shed skin cells, though?  Be sure to make newly washed sheets a requirement of your stay.  And another secret from the hotel insiders is that the bathroom is cleaner than these items:

the light switch, thermostat, phone, and TV remote control.  Microbiologists found more traces of fecal matter on those surfaces in a hotel room than in the bathroom.  Ewww.

Ready for your turkey, right?  Turkey's good for us, right?  It's not the only thing on your plate this holiday season!  Here’s a quick look at some Thanksgiving foods, and how incredibly healthy they are for us!

Cranberry sauce- it’s a great source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants- they strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of stroke;

Yams- they’re incredible, and packed with twice the daily recommended allowance of vitamin A- they’re also known to help your vision

Pumpkin pie- it’s orange, because it’s loaded with beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant that slashes the risk of lung cancer, heart attack and stroke.  And you can cut 90% percent of the fat by using skim milk and an egg substitute when you make your next pie!

So, have you gained a few pounds lately, and don't know how?  Here are some likely culprits:

The newer, trendy bigger utensils.  According to food researcher, Dr. James Painter, people who ate with smaller forks and spoons tend to feel more satisfied after one serving than people who ate with the bigger utensils.

A neat, tidy table!  Leave all empty dishes on the table until cleanup time.  Studies show that people eat 27% more food when their dishes are cleared, because they don't have that visual score card of how much they've eaten.

A big menu- menus with 2 or more panels take longer to read.  The longer you look at the choices, the more food you're likely to order and to eat!

We all nearly deal with workday interruptions- maybe from co-workers, calls from families, endless emails...  If you're feeling the stress from this chaos in the workplace, follow these tips:

1.  Get a bigger monitor- researchers at Microsoft found that bigger computer monitors help people to work up to 44% faster- it's one of the best ways they found to increase productivity because workers are better able to focus.

2.  Put up a "Do Not Disturb" sign, or another obvious signal that you're busy, and insist that your co-workers respect it.

3.  Re-arrange your office furniture so that your desk is facing away from the flow of people- this way no one can catch your eye as they're walking past; when we make eye contact with others, they may feel more comfortable to stop and chat.

4.  Always stand to talk to someone who has interrupted you.  It's not natural, and likely to serve as a sign that they've disturbed your routine.

5.  Keep a notebook handy, and the next time you're facing an interruption, take a moment to write down what you were doing.  Studies show that it takes anywhere from 3-15 minutes to recover from an interruption, and this'll help you get back on track faster.

Did you ever wonder, when you lose 10 pounds, where does all the fat go?  This and more, from the book called, The Know-it-All:

Well, some of it literally, disappears into thin air!  When you drop pounds, the fat breaks down into carbon dioxide and water.  You breathe out the carbon dioxide, and sweat or "dispose" of it when you use the restroom.

And why are barns red?  In the olden days, farmers used to make their own paint using a mixture of linseed oil, milk and rust.  The rust was added to prevent mold from growing in the mixture, thus giving it a red hue.

Every parent wants their child to excel in school, and in life, too.  Here's some handy intel for parents, and something you can do today!

First- your kids have got to learn to solve problems on their own.  Sounds easy enough, but how can a parent help that process along?

Let them choose some of their own activities;

encourage them to do projects on their own;

and finally, never talk down to your kids- use YOUR vocabulary- they can absorb and understand a lot more than we think!

Want to have a healthier, and happier marriage?  Then remember this:  there'll always be little things about your spouse that drive you nuts, but this is truly of a case of carefully picking your battles.  Don't nag about the little stuff, like the toothpaste cap, or the socks on the floor.  But when you do need to disagree, and bring up a certain behavior, or something that upsets you, try these tips:

Remain calm- that goes a long way;

Focus on specific behaviors- stay away from the words "always" and "never";

And for the men mostly- marriages where men don't listen to their wife during a disagreement don't last very long.  If you're an eye roller, or a guy who loses his temper, you need to take action to prevent this.  Count to 10, re-focus on what your partner is saying.

Want to de-stress quickly?  These tips might surprise you, but try them!

Start paying cash- waiting for the credit card bill that will come can add to your daily stress;

Make a quick decision- option overload can stress you out- looking for the best product at the best price;

and finally, don't leave a TV on for background noise- even low level noise can stress you out if you're trying to focus.

Ever wonder if they're a way to conquer your cravings so you can stay full- even when you're stomach's grumbles are telling you something else?  You can, with these tips:

first, make a dinner date with someone special- if you're a woman, that is.  Women naturally eat less on dates, and feel full sooner; men tend to eat a lot more.

At work, don't eat the fat-free blueberry muffin in the break room; go for the full fat version.  Subjects reported that after eating a full fat muffin, they were less hungry and ate less over the next 24 hours than those who ate the fat-free version.

Load on that protein- lean chicken or fish are great choices!  One study reported that people ate an average of 440 fewer calories a day when their diet was 30% protein versus 15%.

Stay blindfolded through your next meal; people who eat while blindfolded(and apparently studied, we hope, at least, that's a reason why they'd be eating blindfolded...)consumed 22% less food without missing it.  So enjoy the scenery away from your plate- how about that?

Ready to try a little test?  Here's a little health quiz, from Prevention Magazine:

True or false:  Frozen food stays good for as long as it's kept in the freezer.  True- foods frozen at 0 degrees F are safe to eat indefinitely.  That doesn't mean they'll taste good indefinitely;  the flavor and texture may change.

If you see a spot of mold on your cheddar cheese, you can just trim it off, and it'll be as good as new(make sure you wash the knife you use to avoid cross-contamination.)  This is true!  Hard cheeses- yes; soft cheeses, like Brie or cottage cheese, then toss it.

Leftovers should be frozen or refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.  This, again- true.  2 hours is the maximum amount of time that foods can sit out at room temperature, and yes, this includes the time spent on the table during your meal.

Would you like to burn more fat during your next workout?  Then take a break!  Japanese researchers have discovered that taking a rest in the middle of your workout; for example, exercising for 15 minutes, taking a 10 minute break, then exercising for another 15, actually burns more fat than powering straight through.  Just don't make it a break to grab a cookie! 

Want to save hundreds of dollars when you shop, avoid racking up a huge credit card bill?  Then here's one smart thing you can do the next time you're of a mind to shop:  shop in an actual store, instead of online!  A new survey reveals that you'll spend about 15% less.  The experts say that you're more likely to give in to impulsive spending urges, thanks to incentives like free shipping, easy returns and special online only deals.

Want to live a healthier life?  Start in your office!  Here's some workplace intel, and what you need.

1.  A well-placed monitor- the top of your computer screen should be at eye level, and about 18-20 inches away from you.  And avoid the glare that can make you tired; do not put your computer in front of a window.

2.  A calming color for the walls in your office; cooler hues like light blue or lavender are calming, and will help lower your stress level.  Hang a picture of the ocean, the sky or a country field. 

3.  Soothing sounds- background noise, like the traffic outside, ringing phones, or the constant din of conversation can stress you and make you eat more.  Try a fan for some white noise,  or a sound machine or iPod to help block it out.

4.  A neck-saving phone-get a headset to avoid neck and shoulder pain from cradling the phone between your shoulder and ear. 

5.  Last?  A window, if you can- natural sunlight will help suppress the hormone melatonin, and increase the brain's levels of seratonin, a calming chemical, making you feel more alert, and less stressed! 

Could your house be making you fat?  It's possible, and here are some of those household fat-traps:

1.  Eat in front of the TV, and you'll likely consume 24% more calories because when you're glued to the tube- you're not paying attention to what you're eating.  Makes sense, doesn't it?  Nothing wrong with either of these activities; just keep them separate.

2.  Your coffee table- that is, if you keep pretzels or candy in a dish on that coffee table...you will eat them...and likely finish them.

3.  Your curtains- HUH??  Who's eating curtains out there?  No...light floods our bodies with feel-good chemicals.  So, if you're sitting in the dark, you'll reach for "comfort food."  Open up those curtains!

Did you know that you should ask your boss for a raise:  on Thursday, right after lunch, while you're wearing a green shirt- you're more likely to get that "yes!"

Did you know that drivers who take the scenic route to work reduce their stress by more than 30%?

Did you know that people who watch tear jerker movies eat 20% more popcorn and chocolate?

Going to a local animal shelter to adopt a dog?  Good for you- but before you dive headlong into dog guardianship, know this statistic:  the number one reason people return an adopted dog is behavioral problems.  Use these tests to pick the pick of the litter the first time- from dog training expert, Brian Kilcommons, author of the book "Good Owners; Good Dogs." 

First, figure out if he's people friendly.  Squat down on one side of the pen, and call the dog to you.  Even if he doesn't scamper into your lap, a sociable dog will saunter over and check you out with some sniffing.  Let him; if the dog ignores you, pick another.

Next, bring a tennis ball with you.  Show it to the dog, then roll it away and see if he fetches.  If at the very least the dog slobbers all over the ball(even if he doesn't bring it back to you), that's good.  Many dogs respond instinctively to a thrown toy; dogs who don't respond to the ball, may not be a good match for an active family, and might also be more sedentary and prone to weight gain.  If you're older, and don't do a lot of ball throwing, a more sedentary dog might be a better fit for you- just make sure he still gets regular walks.

Another test?  Clap your hands loudly, or drop your keys.  Does the dog cower in the corner, or bark?  Both may be signs of an insecure, or skittish dog.  That means they may bark at every noise and drive your neighbors crazy, or may eventually even bite out of fear.

Last- play with him like a child would.  Grab his tail, get a little hyper.  Dog breeds differ in sensitivity to both playful touching and pain.  A dog that automatically twists his head to nip at your hands may not tolerate a child's temperament.

Want some sweeter breath?  Some intel from Women's Day says that you don't need a breath mint; try grabbing an apple, some yogurt, or parsley!  Yep- apples can help remove plaque from your teeth, and the fruit helps you produce more saliva, which can stop bad breath.  The American Dietetic Association claims that people who ate yogurt every day for 6 weeks were able to decrease levels of smelly hydrogen sulfide by 80%, and as for parsley?  Turns out the sprig isn't just for decoration; it contains chlorophyll, which helps freshen your breath from the inside out.

Here's a little intelligence intel...and it's very encouraging!  Believing you can get smarter can actually make you smarter.  Researchers at Columbia University worked with New York City students.  One group was taught that intelligence can change, and increase over time.  A second group was told that intelligence is fixed, and that it's not likely for somebody to become smarter.  Results?  Pretty amazing! 

The first group showed more motivation academically, and improved significantly in Math test scores over 2 years.  The second group showed no improvement.  The lesson?  Believe you can increase your brain power, and it will be so.

Here's an important health number to remember :  it's 5.  That's the minimum number of years you should maintain a steady, healthy weight- no yo-yo dieting!  Experts say the more consistent your body weight is, the stronger your immune system.  That's because weight fluctuations impair the body's ability to produce infection-fighting cells.  Get down to a healthy weight, and try to maintain in for as long as possible.

Here's a little intelligence intel...and it's very encouraging!  Believing you can get smarter can actually make you smarter.  Researchers at Columbia University worked with New York City students.  One group was taught that intelligence can change, and increase over time.  A second group was told that intelligence is fixed, and that it's not likely for somebody to become smarter.  Results?  Pretty amazing! 

The first group showed more motivation academically, and improved significantly in Math test scores over 2 years.  The second group showed no improvement.  The lesson?  Believe you can increase your brain power, and it will be so.

Want to stay younger longer?  Then change what you eat and drink.  First, lower your cholesterol by drinking hibiscus tea.  It's loaded with antioxidants that can lower your bad LDL cholesterol and can reduce your blood pressure as much as prescription drugs.

Next, keep your lungs at full capacity by eating apples!  As we age, our lung capacity diminishes.  Our lungs become stiffer; the chest wall more rigid; the strength and endurance of our respiratory muscles diminish, making even the simplest of activities more difficult.  But apples contain a chemical called corcetin, which heads straight to the lungs to protect them from damage.

Want to boost your fat burning capacity and reduce your risk of joint pain?  Spice things up with cayenne pepper; it can raise your metabolic rate and the level of brain chemicals that decrease appetite.  It also contains six chemical compounds that fight pain and seven that fight inflammation.  Start small; and gradually add in enough cayenne pepper to your diet to consume about two teaspoons a day.

If you want to lose weight, do not starve yourself!  If you cut too many calories, your body won't burn them off; it'll hang onto each and every one.  When your body goes into starvation mode, it hangs on to every calorie because it doesn't know when it'll get fed again.  Make sure you're eating a healthy diet filled with plenty of protein, veggies and whole grains.

Here's a "did you know", taking the stairs can cut your wait time, as well as your waist line!  Since elevators can be slow to arrive, climbing a flight of stairs is about 20 seconds faster, according to preliminary research.  The "edge" of getting there faster by way of the stairs ends after 4 flights, but you might as well keep climbing.  Skipping the elevator and climbing 6 flights of stairs every day for a year could help you lose 18 pounds!

They say the way to a woman's heart is through her ears- which means that what you say has a huge impact on how a woman feels about you.  So for the gents, here are some common dating scenarios, and the power words you can use to woo the woman you're pursuing:

Instead of "Wanna go out for dinner?", try, "Would you like to go out for Thai food Friday night?"  By changing your words, you're creating an experience she can visualize; you're actually putting her in the moment.

Now you're at the restaurant, because she said yes, of course.  The entrees have arrived.  You'd like to offer her a bite of your dinner, because it's delicious, and, psychologically, if she accepts your bite, she's accepting you.  So instead of, "Want a spoon of this dessert?", try, "Can I share a bite of my cheesecake with you?"

Date's over- it went great!  How to secure a second date:  instead of, "Are you free next Saturday?"  Try, "I'd love to see you again; maybe we could try getting together next Saturday, because I have tickets for a concert."  Saying "maybe we could try" might sounds wimpy, but it gives the woman a chance to say yes, without feeling pressure.  And according to psychologists, the word "because" is the magic word, people agree much more often because they like to hear the reasoning behind the request.

Ever wonder what to really spend your dough on, and where to cut the corners?  It's some money intel- from Bottom Line Personal:

Don't waste your money on: 

1)  discount shopping clubs- they offer prices below the supermarkets, but you have to buy in such bulk that you need to eat the food before it goes bad, and you need to shop often enough to justify the annual fee(around $40)

2)  roach motels and sprays- motels do trap the roaches that go into it, and the sprays do kill the roaches they hit, but the female roach can lay about 30,000 babies per year, so if you have a roach problem, these weapons will hardly make a dent.  Roach bait is the way to go- these small plastic discs contain poisons that roaches eat, then carry back to their nests, wiping whole groups at a time.

And yet another benefit to add to the many of practicing yoga!  Some Job intel, courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics:  a little yoga before heading out to work could help avert a disaster at work.  According to the bureau experts, the most injuries occur during the first 2-4 hours of work.  They report that it's due to people not being physically or mentally "on the ball" when they first get on the job.  Yoga has proven benefits to make you stronger and more alert!

Which of these things protect your teeth:  sugar-free gum, grapefruit, or cranberries?  The answer?  All of them! 
Sugar-free gum promotes the production of saliva in your mouth, which clears food debris and protects tooth enamel.

Grapefruit?  It can help fight gum disease, because its high level of vitamin C helps with wound healing, which could mean no more bleeding gums when you floss. 
Cranberries help fight plaque because they contain antioxidants that counteract the damage from bacteria that live on teeth.

How about 3 intelligent things you can do every day for better health?

1)  According to Fitness Magazine, you can shut off your stress response in 12 seconds.  Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds; hold it for 4 seconds; exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.

2)  Fight a cold while you sing in the shower!  That raises your level of an infection fighter in your body that can ward off the common cold and other viruses.

3)  If you're waiting on hold on the phone, neutralize your tension with this exercise, which comes from the physical therapists at the Chicago Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Center: 

Sit up straight, and put the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth(slightly behind your front teeth.)  Then slowly open and close your mouth 10 times to release your tension.

Does your morning commute have you getting to the office already stressed out?  Here's how to have a calmer commute- on a train or bus, for example.  A study at Nottingham-Trent University indicated that passengers who keep themselves busy with a puzzle or a book feel less aggravated than those who rely on others for entertainment, possibly because engaging yourself distracts you from commuting frustrations.

Here's one intelligent thing you can do tomorrow morning- STOP hitting the snooze button on your alarm clock!  Experts say your body needs a full 90 minutes to finish a whole sleep cycle, so those 9 minute sleep fragments are doing nothing for your body.  In fact, an hour of drifting in and out of sleep does less for your body than just 15 minutes of steady rest.

Here's some intelligence to speed your healing; it's some great first aid "how-to speed healing":

...on a scrape or a gash:  Wash the wound; moisturize(w/ Lubriderm); then cover w/ a Band-Aid

...skin blister:  Do not pop the blister.  New skin beneath the blister is growing in a sterile environment, so keep bacteria away by leaving the "bubble" alone(maybe apply Neosporin, with a corn pad on top to protect the blister as it heals.)

...razor nick:  help this wound along by using anti-antiperspirant, which has aluminum chloride as an active ingredient, and can help stop the bleeding.  Clean the cut; apply pressure to stop the bleeding; wipe the top of your anti-antiperspirant to get rid of germs.  Swipe a Q-tip across the top of the fresh stick, then dab a little bit right on the nick.

Having a hard time getting motivated?  Here's some intel to help you stop slacking!

1)  Start small.  Ask yourself, "Why is it too hard to do this for just 15 minutes?"  Once you get going, you're likely to stick with it, and even enjoy the job a little more.

2)  Challenge the idea that you can't do it.  Might take a few attempts, because sometimes we just learn by trial and error.

3)  Keep tabs.  Write your accomplishments down in a journal; we're more likely to stick to our plans if we monitor our progress to that goal.

4)  Commit to others.  Make a public commitment to complete a task.  The motivation you get from others will make you more focused on getting things done.

5)  Reward yourself.  Relaxation differs from laziness; it's good to reward yourself for a job well done.

Summer may be coming to a close this year, but here are some "cool" Popsicle facts you can use to impress your friends at the water cooler:

During the Great Depression, the "Popsicle" was joined by the "twin pop"; made with 2 sticks instead of one, so the kids could share one for the bargain price of a nickel!

America's favorite Popsicle flavor- still!- is cherry, followed closely by orange and grape.

Popsicles are called "ice lollies" in England; they are "ice blocks" in Australia.

Want to free yourself from habitual eating that can eat away at your willpower, and instead fill up those favorite jeans instead?  Then try the S.T.O.P. method, from weight-loss expert Dr. Kenneth Schwartz:

1)  Slow down- cravings usually last less than 15 minutes, so you might be able to stave it off by simply calling a friend, or go for a walk.

2)  Think about what caused the craving- knowing your emotional eating triggers can be half the battle.

3)  Open your mind- let your thoughts come into your mind, because they might tell you something about why you want to eat, like "I'm so angry right now, I just want to eat!"

4)  Pay attention- now that you've let your thoughts run free, spend a few minutes analyzing them.

Ever wonder about some of those odd little health questions, like:  if my stomach keeps growling and I don't eat, will anything bad happen?  The answer, from gastroenterologist Dr. Patricia Raymond, is "no."  Your stomach makes growling noises when it's processing gas, liquid, or food; not because it's going to eat itself if you don't grab a snack.  But if the noises are high-pitched, or you're in pain- then you do need to see a doctor.

Back to school?  Back to giving your kids the best morning fuel you can!  Busy parents will love this, because it's so beneficial, and so easy!  Instant oatmeal(maybe with a little peanut butter stirred in for extra energy that will "stick" with them all morning!)helps to boost your kids' math grades by improving their spatial memory(which is key to learning math and geography.)   Researchers say that it works by supplying a steady stream of energy to the brain, enough to improve test scores.

Some intelligence from the book "Breaking Murphy's Law", by Suzanne Segerstrom:  Talk about "fake it till you make it!"  Making small changes, and becoming even slightly more optimistic can have huge benefits!  Act it if you can't be it; especially when you don't feel it.  In the study, volunteers were asked to pretend to be optimistic for only 15 minutes.  The more energetic and assertive they pretended to be, the happier they were.  In fact, just one week of this pretending elevated their moods for six months!. 

Shopping for the same items at the grocery store could leave us missing out on some crucial vitamins and nutrients, so here are a few easy tweaks to boost your diet:

Swap the iceberg lettuce for Belgian endive- tastier, with twice the potassium, and more foliate.

Trade your red apple for some kiwi; you'll lose half the calories, keep the same amount of fiber, while gaining vitamin K, and 200% of an adult's recommended daily dose of vitamin C.

Instead of peanut butter?  How about trading it out for almond butter instead?  It'll add 6 times the bone-building calcium, 3 times the anti-oxidants, and twice the iron of peanut butter!

Going for that next great job?  Then you don't want to miss out on this little piece of interviewing intel!  During the interview, do this:  ask the interviewer why they decided to work for the company.  Studies show that when the interviewer gets to talk about themselves, they view the interview more favorably.  Plus- it's likely you'll gain some useful knowledge about your potential new employer!

From the book, "Urban Etiquette: Marvelous Manners for the Modern Metropolis" by Charles Purdy, let's head into the weekend armed with some manners intel!

The rules for walking are the same as for driving.  In a crowd, walk on the right; pass on the left.

If it's raining, taller people should raise their umbrellas to let shorter people pass by.

If you're sitting next next to a chatterbox on the bus or train, and you don't feel like talking, start with non-verbal cues:  open a book, turn on your laptop, or put headphones on.  If you need to say something, try "I really need some quiet time right now", or "I have a deadline, and need to get this work done."

If you see a handicapped person who appears to need some assistance, ask before you do anything; don't assume that they do, indeed need, or welcome your help.  Some people may resent you taking away their opportunity to be independent.

Here's one thing you can do today:  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!

Thinking of "eBay-ing" a few precious items? Well, now's the time, and it's one intelligent thing you can do today! eBay power sellers report higher than average sales at the end of August because college is starting up again. So it's a great time to auction off kitchen items, bedroom things, dressers and bedding, and other furniture that might be perfect in a dorm room!

From Reader's Digest, some linguistic intelligence. What does it mean?:

Under the weather:  probably came about when it was common to travel by boat. If someone was feeling seasick in bad weather, they'd be told to go below deck and find a spot in the middle of the ship, where motion would be less noticeable, and going below deck meant they were literally moving under the weather.

The secret to success is...FOOD, even if that sounds too good to be true!

From Quick & Simple magazine- some quick ways to eat your way toward a better night's sleep, a better job, and a better outlook on life:

Find yourself tossing and turning through the night? Try eating a bowl of whole grain cereal with skim milk, about one hour before bedtime.

If you want a promotion, make sure to eat breakfast! It'll give your brain the fuel to stay focused throughout the day, and breakfast eaters have lower levels of cortisone, the stress hormone, which will impress your boss because you stay so calm and cool under pressure. Yogurt with blueberries is a great addition to a healthy lunch.

Want to look more positively at the world around you? Low levels of B-12 and B-6 can lead to foul moods and crankiness, and bananas are loaded with B vitamins! Have a small bit of dark chocolate with your banana, or dip it in some chocolate! Recent studies show the "feel-good" chemicals released in your brain when you eat chocolate, and combining it with the banana will make your mood improve even more quickly...

From "O" Magazine- Here's some help to solve any personal or professional dilemma in your life with 3 easy, yet profound questions- it's called:  10-10-10.

And it goes like this:  When you find yourself in a situation where there appears to be no solution which will make everyone happy, ask yourself, "What are the consequences of my actions/decisions in...?"

1.  10 minutes

2.  10 months

3.  10 years

Stop boiling your broccoli, cauliflower, green cabbage, and Brussels sprouts!  Turns out, boiling pretty much zeros out the cancer-fighting power of those veggies.  Cauliflower lost 75%; broccoli, 77%; green cabbage- 65%.  Now- this is after half an hour of boiling, but you get the point:  raw or steamed lightly gives you the best benefit possible from eating your vegetables! 

Let's get a grip on our debt with something called "The Debt Diet."  It's the same concept as losing weight- eat too many calories, you'll get fat; spend too much money, you'll get debt-heavy.

Here's the fix:  spend 20 minutes a day, three times a week to look for holes in your budget.  Make a journal of where you spent money.  Just like you should exercise 20 minutes a day, three times per week, and keep a food journal of what food you ate.  Monday's probably going to take a little longer, since we tend to spend more on the weekends.

If you notice that you spend $7 a day at Subway getting a sub & chips, and another $3 at Starbucks for your morning latte, that's $10 a day, or $2,600 a year(only counting weekdays.)  Just like losing a little bit of weight over time by making small, permanent changes, reduce your spending a little bit at a time, until you see results.  And just think of the calories you'll save, too, by brown-bagging your lunch instead of "dining" on fast food.

Here's a little real estate intel for you today:  What should you look for when you've set out to buy a house?  Here are some "signs", courtesy of The New York Post's real estate editor, who says that it's essential to look at the neighborhood if you want to sell your house for a profit someday. 

First, look at the cars nearby- are they in good condition?  Or rusted and up on blocks?  Your neighbors will likely take care of their homes the same way. 

Next, look for signs of remodeling, with coffee shops or boutiques. 

Lastly, look for a Lowe's or Home Depot near the neighborhood.  These companies do massive research to find up and coming areas.  If there's one nearby, it's a good bet the area's on the upswing.

Some oh-so-sweet intel courtesy of Russell Stover Candies:  How to navigate your way through a box of