Men's hair isn't very complex. You cut it, grow it, cut it, grow it, and repeat the cycle until it falls out. And a new survey just put that cycle into numbers. The grow-and-cut cycle part...
According to the survey, the average man only has FIVE hairstyles in his life . . . and picks his permanent hairstyle by age 32. Women try an average of seven hairstyles in their lifetime. The survey also found two out of three men say they'd MUCH rather go gray than see their hairline start to recede.
Also . . . 12% of men would consider dying their hair gray to keep up with trends, and 6% actually DO already dye their hair gray.
If you're too scared to go skydiving, here's something that MIGHT make you feel like less of a coward. Driving during rush hour is JUST as thrilling.
A new study out of MIT found that driving in bad traffic causes the same stress in your body as jumping out of an airplane. We're thinking it doesn't quite give you the same adrenaline rush, of course . . . but all the stress is there.
For the study, the researchers measured people's facial expressions, heart rate, and stress levels in different situations. Tough driving situations and extreme sports both led to the same facial expressions and reactions in the body.
In fact, on a day-to-day basis, driving is usually THE most stressful thing we do . . . more stressful than the average day of work.
The study also randomly found the least stressful thing we do on a day-to-day basis is eat breakfast.
Not many Americans who are now entering their retirement years are like Martha Stewart. She’s 71 and still physically, mentally and socially fit.
What’s her secrets?
Martha Stewart is an American business magnate, author, magazine publisher, and television personality. She was inspired by her mother who lived into her 90s and was healthy until right away before she died. She said that she always wonders what she’s doing to stay healthy.
Her book is very personal and inspirational resource for aging well and caring for others. She shares her experiences, tips, solution, advice and her success stories in maintaining strong health.
Martha Stewart compares aging to a bonsai tree, which is revered in Japan and, with proper care, blooms as it ages. Here are Stewart's "10 Golden Rules" for staying psycally and mentally fit into and beyond middle age:
• Eat well
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay physically active
• Get quality sleep
• Wear sunscreen
• Collaborate with a good primary care doctor regularly
• Find your passion
• Connect with others
• Stop complaining — change what you can, and accept what you cannot
• Stay curious
In her 71 she doesn't think about age much at all because she said she has so much to do, so many things to accomplish, and so much to look forward to.
The morning isn’t an awful time of the day when you know the ideal ways to start it. Many people might still have problem to get out of bed with their eyes still closed and try to stumble around in order to get ready to start another day.
How do you usually start your day?
Starting your morning right is one of the most important links in the chain of a balanced life. Here are a few tips that might be helpful for you.
Get enough sleep. Stop watching TV too much or checking your social media sites. Going to bed early will make you get enough sleep.
Get enough sleep. Seriously, I didn’t make a mistake by repeating this. Most people need about 8 hours of sleep.
Start your day with a shower. A nice hot shower is the best way to wake up in the morning and there is simply nothing else that I can say about it.
Start your day with music. What kind of music do you like? Classical, rock, party tunes, country … whatever it is, play it to make you feel good.
Do not watch TV or read a newspaper. Don’t fill up your fresh mind after a good night with negative information about economy, politics or any news that make you down.
Exercise. Morning exercise is always good for your body before you get busy with your activities. Walking, stretching, cycling, and yoga can be your morning exercises.
Eat a balanced breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Don’t skip it.
Do not make email your morning priority. If the first thing in the morning you rush to your computer then you will miss those precious minutes that you can spend doing your morning exercises, fixing your breakfast and enjoying your life.
Hang an inspiring morning picture in front of your bed. For example a huge picture of your wedding. You can pick either a picture that will make you feel happy in the morning.
Practice positive thinking. Try thinking of something good like “The weather is great today, I will definitely go for a walk during lunch,” “It’s so wonderful that I am healthy and happy with my family”. Start your day positive and your days will be much happier and less stressful than they’ve been before.
What do you think? You will notice your life will change positively and less stressful in just a few months if you find the ideal ways to start your day.
Any different thoughts that you want to share? Comment please!
Photographs are such a joy. They have powers to improve our outlook on life.
Cameras and phones have evolved to make taking photos so much easier. In her blog, Gretchen Rubin, author of the best-selling book The Happiness Project mentioned 7 reasons why photography can boost happiness:
1. Photos remind us of the people, places, and activities we love.
2. Photos help us remember the past.
3. Photos can save space while preserving memories.
4. A photo of something can sometimes replace the thing itself.
5. Photographs allow us to look after things you love.
6. Taking photos maintains creativity.
7. Taking photographs can act as a diary.
What has been forgotten by Rubin? What are some other ways that photos can boost your happiness?
How do you get a kid to eat spinach? With this recipe!
2 cups crushed seasoned stuffing
1 cup finely chopped onion
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 tbsp chicken broth
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
2 packages (10 oz each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
In a large bowl, combine everything but the spinach. Then stir in the spinach until blended. Roll into 1-inch balls. Place on a cooking-spray coated baking sheet and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Did you realize that your brain does better than a computer? Your brain is for everything: for thinking, for solving crossword puzzles, for playing, and more!
David S. Liebeskind, M.D., a Men’h Health advisor said, “Your mind controls everything you do.”
Recent research has revealed ten ways to help keep your mind sharp.
Eat these 13 brain-boosting foods: walnuts, coffee, fish, spinach, olive oil, flaxseed, mussels, dark chocolate, Greek yogurt, asparagus, peppermint, and oranges.
Challenge Yourself. This way is to force you think.
Switch up your news source. Reading makes you develop concentration, which is crucial for healthy aging.
Ward off depression. Exercise helps balance the chemical cocktail but mood dishorders can be the result of chemical imbalance in the brain.
Know what's normal memory loss. Age is faster than other brain parts.
Move to remember more. Brain is to also handle memories. You can have a year of regular aerobic exercise that can up the size of an adult’s hippocampus by 2 percent.
Strength train. For instance strength training for 60 minutes, three times a week for six months!
Drink Up. Do not skip your coffee. Just limit yourself to one cup 30 minutes before you need the boost. The effect can linger up to 6 hours. But don’t drink too much- 4 to five cups a day could hurt your cognitive performance.
Turn up the Jams. Listening to music at work can lead to increase cognitive performance.
Chew Gum. A study said students who chewed gum a few minutes before a test scored better than those who didn’t. The boost in brainpower could come from a neural arousal that chewing can bring about.
Looks like all those ways are prety easy to do. Let's do it regularly. Wait, did you think this research missed other ways that you might know? Please share and comment.
Everybody has 24 hours a day. With many things to do, can we really make time for both heading to gym and preparing meals? Or do you sacrifice one thing for another?
The recent study conducted by Rachel Tumin analyzed more than 112,000 American adults who were surveyed about their activities over a 24-hour period. The result found that about 16 percent of men and 12 percent of women said they exercised that day. On average, women spent 44 minutes to prepare food and nine minutes for exercising, while men spent 17 minutes preparing food and 19 minutes exercising.
What do you think? Please comment if you have different thoughts.
Did you know that the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Washington found that fish can make you live 2 years longer?
Here is the secret:
The study explained that fatty acids like Omega 3s are able to build cell membranes, resolve inflammation, and affect our genes. Dariush Mozaffarian from the Harvard School of Public Health says that fatty, oil fish like salmon, herring, anchovies, and trout are the most densely packed with Omega 3s.
Other studies also found Omega 3s functions to lower heart rate and blood pressure, and help your heart relax.
So if you don’t eat fish, try to eat now once or twice a week. By doing so, you get two benefits at once: nutrition for your body and live longer!
Here is up coming event this weekend for people ages 50 and older. Come and join Tamilee Webb of "Buns of Steel" and "Abs of Steel" fame, who is going to share her experiences in the fitness world and healty living tips. This event will be this Saturday, March 23rd from 8am – 3pm at Monona Terrace, Madison.
You also have chance to win great prizes between 10am and noon. So purchase your ticket(s) by calling 608.261.4000 (M-Fr, between 8am-5pm), afterhours leave a message with your contact information at 608.261.4062.
Ticket price is $5 in advance and $7 day of event. Please call Misty Lohrentz at 608-261-4062 for event information.
This event is presented by the Madison Senior Center, St. Mary's GoldenCare, and the YMCA of Dane County partnership with Monona Terrace.
It's the $10 million question you've never cared to ask: What's the best way to secure a bag of bread?
In one corner, the humble twist-tie—simple but more labor-intensive. In the other, plastic clips—less work but more room for error. You may not even notice which tiny piece of equipment is safeguarding your loaf, but in the baking industry,
it's a debate that has been raging for more than 50 years, and a market that Businessweek estimates to be worth $10.6 million annually.
Don't expect a winner anytime soon. "We feel, based on surveys we've done, that the twist-tie is consumer-preferred, but of course the clip people will tell you the same thing about their product," says a marketing rep for a twist-tie maker. "I think the two methods will always co-exist."
When you think relaxation, many often think comfort food. What's one of the most common confort foods that people think of? Mom's Macaroni & Cheese.
I think for a lot of us, Mom's recipe came from a box with the word Kraft on it. Even if that was your truth, there is is an effort to throw a curveball to the folks over at the Mondelez International Inc., owners of the cheese-pasta combo.
Almost 200,000 Americans have signed a change.org petition, asking Kraft to drop two artificial dyes that give the dish it's cheesy look. The petition says Yellow 5 and 6 are the worrisome ingredients that are left out of the Mac & Cheese Kraft sells in Europe. The petition points to studies linking the dyes to long term health problems like asthma, skin rashes and migraines.
But Kraft is fighting back releasing a statement saying, "We only use colors that are approved and deemed safe for food use by the food and drug administration."
What are Yellow #5 & #6?
On June 30, 2010, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) called for the FDA to ban Yellow 6. The CSPI said, "These synthetic chemicals do absolutely nothing to improve the nutritional quality or safety of foods, but trigger behavior problems in children and, possibly, cancer in anybody. according to Wikipedia:
Yellow 5 and 6 are both synthetic coal tar dyes made from industrial waste (coal tar).
Yellow 5 is also called Tartrazine and E102 in Europe. Banned in Norway, Austria, and Germany.
Side effects of yellow 5 - ingestion, anxiety, migraines, clinical depression, blurred vision, itching, general weakness, heatwaves, feeling of suffocation, purple skin patches, and sleep disturbance. Certain people who are exposed to the dye experience symptoms of tartrazine sensitivity even at extremely small doses, some for periods up to 72 hours after exposure. In children, asthma attacks and hives have been claimed, as well as supposed links to thyroid tumours, chromosomal damage, and hyperactivity.
There are also rumors that the dyes cause permanent 'shrinkage" in men, but so far it looks like those claims haven't been proven.
In any case, I thought this Macaroni & Cheese hypnotizing commercial was fitting to go with this story. At least you now have some more info on what's going on.
As an expert explains, "The phone will beep, they'll answer the text. They'll either respond in words or gibberish. [It] can even be inappropriate."
What the professor describes sounds a lot like texting while awake (example: "Ex-girlfriends contacting ex-boyfriends, saying 'I miss you. I want to see you'"), with one difference. "When they wake up, there's no memory." The professor insists this is a real problem.
"This interrupts what could be a good night's sleep, because they're an hour-and-a-half or two hours into their sleep cycle, and they're answering texts or the machines are beeping at them." How to combat this new woe? He quips, "Clearly, the highly complex, radical remedy is to turn off the phone." Or at least keep it on the other side of the room.
On her second year past the century mark, Clara Cowell has given in to her family and agreed to quit smoking. The British mother of four, grandmother to nine, great grandmother to 12, and great great grandmother to four conceded that after puffing on some 60,000 cigarettes, falling ash has become a risk to her health. But could it backfire?
"The secret to mum's long life is a cigarette and a cup of tea with whisky," says her 69-year-old daughter. "That and hard work and poverty. She's an inspiration."
I'm not sure this will help any of you on Valentine's Day, but it's worth a try:
An international survey of more than 5,000 men and women (1300 Americans) reveals if you speak a different language:
79% find you more attractive
77% rate you as more intelligent
The survey reveals:
French is the #1 Sexiest Language, (chosen by 41%)
#2 Italian (chosen by 16%)
#3 Spanish (chosen by 15%)
English ranked #4th sexiest language (chosen by 10%).
The Korean language came in dead last – the least sexy language. Poor North Korea, looks like they're feeling the blowback of testing underground nukes. Not very romantic for Valentine's Day
Simply for the fact that, your day has to be going better than this guy.
This is motorcycle stuntman Jackson Strong. He decided after four hours of riding a snowmobile, he was ready to do some tricks on it. This was filmed at the X Games in Aspen last night.
1) I still don't understand why people think they can do tricks on a snowmobile.
2) I think I'm ready to head to the chiropractor after seeing this.
3) I'm glad he's OK, but I'm guessing he's going to try it again.
by Verlo's Mr. Mattress,posted Jan 24 2013 10:03AM
Did you hear about this story? There's a winter fog over the Salt Lake City area that's sickening people.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has singled out the greater Salt Lake region as having the nation's worst air for much of January, when an icy fog smothers mountain valleys for days or weeks at a time and traps lung-busting soot.
Thanks to the AP for that story, but can you imagine that? I though freezing nostrils were the worst thing that could happen to you in the winter air!
The powers that be are giving some conventional wisdom about that nasty flu bug that's going around.
You probably don't realize how much you touch your face. I just touched my face while I was saying that. And during this particularly NASTY flu season, you really SHOULD try to pay attention. Experts say a good way to keep yourself from getting the flu is to stop touching your face so much.
The average person touches their face three times an hour. And since you're not washing your hands three times an hour, you may be infecting yourself with the germs on your hands without even realizing it.
Everybody paranoid now? Great. Anyone up for a showing of Contagion?
I'm not sure the grand conclusion from a new medical study out this week was to eat more cheeseburgers, but it does say that a little extra weight might be just OK.
Wait. Is 2013 bizarro world? This seems counterintuitive from just about everything we've been told all our lives. You make the call. Here's the article:
(TIME.com) -- The longest lived among us aren't necessarily those who are of normal weight, says a new study.
According to new research this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers say that being overweight may lead to a longer life.
The somewhat surprising conclusion comes from an enormous, detailed review of over 100 previously published research papers connecting body weight and mortality risk among 2.88 million study participants living around the world.
The new research confirms that obese people, and particularly those who are extremely obese, tend to die earlier than those of normal weight. But the findings also suggest that people who are overweight (but not obese) may live longer than people with clinically normal body weight.
I know a lot of people always think of Dan Fogelberg's Same Old Lang Syne as a Christmas song, but I've always thought of it as a New Year's Song. I'll try not shed a tear listening this time.
It's hard to imagine a worse Christmas activity than a family trip to the emergency room because you hurt yourself. A new survey of people over 45 by the American Osteopathic Association came up with this list of the top six ways people get hurt around Christmas. So be careful with all of these . . .
#1.) Slipping and falling on ice.
#2.) Shoveling snow.
#3.) Participating in winter sports.
#4.) Shopping.
#5.) Accidents traveling.
#6.) Wrapping presents. Yes, 7% of people said they've suffered some kind of physical pain in the past from wrapping presents.
The survey also found that 45% of women and 39% of men who hurt themselves during the holidays will try to ignore the pain until after Christmas.
Sometimes we need a reminder of the good things that happen. Thanks to Buzzfeed.com for this article:
26 Moments That Restored Our Faith In Humanity This Year
1. The parents who made their son's wheelchair into the best Halloween costume ever
2. The terminally ill man who loves receiving mail... and got more than he ever expected. Scott Widak has Down syndrome and suffers from liver disease, and he loves receiving mail. His nephew Sean posted his P.O. Box on Reddit and the site's users responded with hundreds of letters, packages, and gifts.
3. A kind stranger who stopped a day from being ruined
8. The parents who tattooed insulin pumps on their bellies so their diabetic son wouldn't feel "different"
9. The police officer who bought shoes for a barefoot homeless man
Jennifer Foster was visiting Times Square on Nov. 14 when she snapped the heartwarming moment. Here's her account of what happened:
“Right when I was about to approach, one of your officers came up behind him. The officer said, ‘I have these size 12 boots for you, they are all-weather. Let’s put them on and take care of you.’ The officer squatted down on the ground and proceeded to put socks and the new boots on this man. The officer expected NOTHING in return and did not know I was watching*. I have been in law enforcement for 17 years. I was never so impressed in my life. I did not get the officer’s name. It is important, I think, for all of us to remember the real reason we are in this line of work. The reminder this officer gave to our profession in his presentation of human kindness has not been lost on myself or any of the Arizona law enforcement officials with whom this story has been shared.”
12. The Texas A&M students that blocked Westboro Baptist Church protesters with a human wall. When students heard that Westboro Baptist Church planned on protesting the funeral of a soldier, they formed a human barricade around the funeral service to block them out.
I'll admit, I'm in the percentage of people who have an iPad.
I love it. It's a great web surfing device, email checker and I like my apps too. One thing I hate about the iPad is the lack of sleep that you get with it.
I've tried to resist the urge to grab the iPad in bed and read a book or check in Facebook/email/whatever before crashing out but I can't always.
One thing I guarantee is that the tablet will keep you up at night. Which is why adding them to hotel rooms is great for public relations, but no good for your zzzzzzz's.
A new survey finds that most US workers are very stressed (big surprise!) —and that for nearly a quarter of all employees, the top priority is simply showing up at work.
The study found that:
More than 60% of employees report high levels of stress, and another 32% report constant, but not as high, levels of stress. Low stress? Only 5% of those surveyed are that lucky.
As for that top priority, 22% listed "presenteeism"—just being present—as their main concern and the most important thing to do at work.
Why so stressed? Almost 40% say it's because their workload is increasing.
Stress causes 36% of workers to waste an hour or more each day, the study found. It also causes almost 30% of employees to miss anywhere from three to six days of work per year.
"As employers continue to take a wait-and-see approach when it comes to hiring, people who currently have jobs—many of whom have taken on extra work—are starting to show signs of prolonged stress," warns the ComPsych CEO. "This can result in burnout and reduced performance."
Again, no big surprises here. I say just showing up is 99% of the battle.
Doesn't conventional wisdom tell us that most people aren't getting enough sleep these days because of all the distractions around us?
Eight hours of sleep, researchers say, will make you thinner, happier, smarter, hornier and richer. But here's the thing. It was revealed in an extensive time use survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that most Americans are getting TOO MUCH sleep.
The average American over the age of fifteen sleeps 8 hours and 43 minutes every night. Women sleep slightly more at 8 hours and 48 minutes per night, while men average 8 hours and 37 minutes per night. People sleep more on the weekend at 9 hours and 21 minutes (which is actually bad for you), but they still get a full 8 hours and 27 minutes on weekdays. Youths age 15-19 get the most sleep at around 9 hours and 28 minutes, followed by seniors at 9 hours and 21 minutes; but even the least sleeping group, adults aged 45-54, average 8 hours and 26 minutes.
Ugh...that's too much to take. I'm going back to bed.
You know the expression about opinions. Seems like everybody's got a good solution about how you can sleep well at night. A pair of new sleep studies had some interesting conclusions. They talked about how to get good sleep while you're awake.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 percent of American workers—about 40.6 million of us—average no more than six hours of sleep a day.
Here's what the study suggested:
• Be active.Exercise not only keeps your muscles, bones, and heart strong, but it may help you sleep. A recent article published in the Journal of Physiotherapy concluded that participating in an exercise training program had moderately positive effects on sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults. Althea Zanecosky, a fellow dietician of Lafayette Hill, Penn., credits her good sleep to frequent morning and after-dinner walks. Robin Plotkin, another dietician from Dallas, Tex., agrees that exercise is key to her sleeping success. "If I don't exercise for several days, I find it takes me longer to fall asleep," she says. Because the post-exercise body needs a few hours to cool down—and a cool body sleeps better—it's best to be active earlier in the day.
• Say yes to carbs. A steady dose of carbohydrate-rich foods can energize you by day, and hit your sweet spot by night. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in eggs, chickpeas, and turkey creates serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps you settle down. It's the carbohydrate, however, that carries tryptophan to the brain to work its magic. Aim for half of your daily calories to come from carbohydrates, and choose mainly oatmeal and other whole grains, fruits, vegetables (including potatoes), legumes, and low-fat dairy foods. (Keep dinners and bedtime snacks small, since large, late meals can adversely affect sleep.)
• Be careful with caffeine. A stimulant of the central nervous system, caffeine is known to delay sleepiness and cause sleep disturbances. It also inhibits some sleep-promoting hormones. Because caffeine stays in the body for several hours, it's wise to abstain at least several hours before you hit the sack.
• Nix the nightcap. Alcohol seems to encourage excess food intake. And while it may also help you fall asleep, studies suggest it promotes a restless sleep and increases daytime fatigue. Current dietary guidelines allow for one drink a day for women, and two for men (one drink equals 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits). But if it's a good sleep you're after, drink earlier in the day (that is, if your boss lets you!) or rethink that drink altogether.
Nothing worse that trying to get a good night's sleep when you hear somebody sawing logs. Nobody really admits they snore, but chances are, you have at some point in your life.
For me, it's sleeping on my back that will get me making nasal noise. That was up until I got the right bed that allowed me to sleep comfortably on my side.
There was a new study on kids and sleep, more specifically: snoring.
Previous research has shown that poor sleep quality in children, including snoring, is linked to hyperactivity. However, little is known about "how much" snoring is too much, and whether the behavioral effects last over time. The results showed that the persistent snorers had significantly worse overall behavior.
Hear that kids. Now, you can blame the dog for eating your homework AND your snoring for not doing it!
Feeling stressed? Try forcing a smile. Sounds kinda weird, but a new study finds that it could actually help you relax.
This already sounds like crazy science but, here we go.
Researchers, using chopsticks, manipulated the faces of 169 participants into either a neutral expression, a standard smile (only affects muscles around the mouth), or a Duchenne smile (the effect spreads to the eyes, and thus looks more genuine).
Participants—some of whom were specifically told to smile—then completed a number of stressful activities while continuing to hold the chopsticks in their mouths.
Monitoring heart rates and stress levels (as reported by the participants), researchers found that those with Duchenne smiles were the most relaxed during the experiment. Those who were told to smile also had lower heart rates than those who had neutral expressions, and even those whose standard smiles were formed by the chopsticks felt better than those who didn't smile.
OK. That seems a bit overboard. Maybe just try getting a good night's sleep and cracking a joke at the watercooler instead of the Chopstick torture routine!
I always say there's nothing better than a good night's sleep, but what if you got a good night's sleep in the Grand Canyon?
Researchers at Stanford University say that people who have "awesome" experiences, like seeing the Grand Canyon or the Northern Lights, get fixed on the present moment and feel time slowing down. They become more patient, less focused on material things, and more willing to spend time helping others.
The researchers had participants watch videos of people in city streets who encounter awesome things, like whales and waterfalls—or had them write about personal memories like looking down on Paris from the Eiffel tower. "Awe-eliciting experiences might offer one effective solution to the feelings of time-starvation that plague so many people in modern life," the researchers said. Other studies have linked "lack of time" feelings to poor sleep, headaches, and high blood.
OK, so maybe waking up rested isn't that awe inspiring. Well, not to everyone.
Ever tried to sleep while sitting in a chair? Unless it's one of those extremely lazy recliners, it's a tough feat. At least for me, it's never restful.
As it turns out, we probably shouldn't be doing it anyway, because we're already sitting too much as it is.
According to some new research: reducing the amount of time you sitting you sit to less than three hours would increase the life expectancy by two years. They also said reducing the time spent watching TV to less than 2 hours daily would give us an extra 1.4 years. It’s a big lifestyle change. Because on average, adults spend, between 4.5 and five hours a day sitting down.
You're working out and feeling good. As you warm up, you start to sweat. Sweat starts dripping down your forehead, so you wipe it away. But wait! That sweat is there for a reason!
Sweat cools your body down through evaporation. As sweat turns from water to gas, it absorbs heat energy from your body and dissipates it into the atmosphere. Staying cool is important when working out, and every little bit helps. So next your you're feeling the burn, leave that sweat alone and enjoy the cooling sensation!
It's spring time. You're throat is sore, you're coughing, you're sneezing, but why? It could be allergies, brought on by various triggers taking to the air as plants bloom. Or it could be a cold, the virus going to town on your immune system. In order to cure your ailment, you must figure out what's getting you.
While they may feel the same, cold and allergy symptoms do vary. The easiest way to tell is the duration. Colds will tend to last no longer than 10 days, while allergies can last as long as the allergen is present, possibly months. But this won't help you while you're in the midst of suffering. The quickest way to figure it out is to consider your symptoms. While both can cause sneezing, runny nose, cough, and sore throat, colds will more often present aches and fatigue or ever fever. Allergies most often cause itchy eyes but will never result in fever.
Once you've figured out what the problem is, you must remedy it. For a cold, get rest, drink fluids, wash your hands, and take some cold medicine. For allergies, avoiding allergens is your best solution. You can also try an antihistamine. So next time you're feeling something coming on, take a roll call of your symptoms and figure out what really ails you.
There have been a couple of studies in the last week talking about sleep. One said a lack of sleep increased the risk of stroke. Another one says less sleep means you make bad eating decisions. Another one said people who do get enough sleep were happier.
They seem to be pointing the finger at some of the health problems we’re all facing, because of a lack of sleep. Here’s one thing you can do to make sure you’re getting sound night’s sleep: make sure the mattress you’re sleeping on fits your sleeping style.
The people that can help you with that are the Sleep Experts at Verlo Mattress Factory Stores. They can help. But so can this sleepy kitty.
Sure they may snore and kick you in their sleep…but new data shows sleeping with a partner is good for your health.
A new study bucks previous info that said women get better sleep when solo…which shows couples who were in a long term relationship nodded off more quickly and woke up less frequently compared to single sleepers.
Other findings:
Sleeping as a pair increases feelings of security
It raises anxiety-reducing oxytocin, and reduces cytokines, which play a role in inflammation.
Sleep-related companies will be more successful in cashing in on couples , with mattresses that stop motion from one side to the other and comforters whose two halves have different thicknesses.
Road trips and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly. Whether driving to your favorite music festival or taking a family vacation across country, nothing beats getting out on the road and seeing the country. But when you're spending so much time in the car, it's easy to forget to eat healthy. Too many drive-thrus and gas station snacks can start to take a toll.
It's not as hard as you would think to eat healthy on the road. Simple things like eating dried fruit or trail mix instead of candy or stopping at a grocery store for some fruit or vegetables instead of a one dollar cheeseburger at the drive-thru. A little planning ahead can also go a long way. Pack a cooler with some sandwiches and other healthy options to cut down on stops and bad food. Lastly, if you like to stop and eat, website The Eat Well Guide can give you a list of healthy dining options along your route. Choose something that sounds good stay healthy while you cruise.
by Verlo's Mr. Mattress,posted May 31 2012 10:02AM
Are you any good at guessing people’s age?
Some new research says you probably are, if your nose is working well.
The study shows that young and old people do give off distinctive odors. They’re not sure why, but researchers say people can reliably distinguish the body odor of elderly people from a whiff of the young or middle-aged. But they go on to say the odor of the elderly is actually pretty neutral. And it's a lot more pleasant than the body odor coming from younger to middle-aged guys, who tend to smell the worst.
OK. So this means the thing about Grandma's house having an "Old Person Smell" is all in my mind?
You know what's also a freaky statistic? No joke. An older mattress will tend to gain weight over the years. It's because they accumulate things like dirt, skin and hair. Think about that the next time you sleep over at Gradma's house.
Everyone loves a good nap. Good news is that many recent studies have expounded the benefits of naps on creativity, mood, productivity, and overall health. A 60-minute nap can boost alertness for up to 10 hours and a 45-minute nap can improve memory and learning. Naps have also been thought to reduces stress and lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke, diabetes, and excessive weight gain. No nap is a bad nap, but knowing when and how long to nap can achieve various results.
Limiting naps to 45-minutes or less will enhance alertness and concentration. This may also get you into REM sleep, which enhances creative thinking and boosts sensory processing. Any longer and you may drift off into slow-wave sleep, will result in grogginess upon waking.
Taking a nap between 90 and 120 minutes will get you all stages of sleep, providing all the previous benefits as well as catching up on sleep. This will also get you a full sleep cycle, which reduces grogginess upon waking.
When you take your naps can also be important. Most mammals, humans included, are physiologically programmed for multiple rounds of sleep per day. One in very early morning, and another in early afternoon. For best results, night owls will want to take a nap around 2:30 or 3pm while early rises will want to shoot for 1 to 1:30pm.
So don't feel bad if you feel a little sleepy mid day, it's only nature! Lay down, curl up, and catch a few z's to have a more creative, productive, and energetic day.
Sure, we joke that Memorial Day weekend is a great time for mattress sale, a day off, or a cookout. That doesn't mean we forget about the real meaning of Memorial Day.
Just a reminder to take a moment this weekend to remember the service provided to us by the members of our armed forces. We do appreciate what you do.
Good dental hygiene is important for your health and your confidence! It is for these reasons that one must know the proper steps needed to keep your mouth in good shape.
Brush your teeth twice a day.
Use fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily.
Rinse with fluoride mouthwash.
Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages.
Eat healthy foods and sugar-free snacks.
Wear mouth guards during contact sports.
Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
See your dentist regularly twice a year.
Follow these steps and you'll be blinding everyone you meet with your full set of bright white, strong and healthy chompers.
Here in Wisconsin, there are a few things we hold dear. The Packers, cheese, and beer. While none of these need defending, you may be excited to hear at least one of them can offer some great health benefits. Beer! If could be saving your life.
Drinking a moderate amount of beer has been found to lower the risk of disease, much like wine has been found to do. Beer can also reduce the rick of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol isn't always a bad thing. Beer has been found to increase one's levels of HDL, the good cholesterol that prevent clogged arteries.
Beer can reduce the risk of stroke by preventing blood clots.
Preliminary research found that a compound found in hops, a main ingredient in many beers, many help inhibit enzymes that trigger cancer.
Beer drinkers have 30 percent more vitamin B6 than non-beer drinkers. B6 is essential for brain function, energy, and fighting disease.
Older individuals who regularly drink beer have been found to have higher bone density.
One beer a day can prevent cognitive deterioration in older women by 20 percent.
Beer has plenty of antioxidants that can reverse cell damage.
These findings are based on one serving a day for women, and two for men. Obviously, over consumption has its own problems. But by being responsible, you can enjoy some delicious beer without guilt!
We know that getting a good night's sleep helps with all sorts of health issues. I'm not sure it makes you nimble enough to be able to juggle tables like these two lovely ladies do.
I'm also pretty sure that it won't help you with brain surgery. Some hospital in Houston live Tweeted the removal of a tumor from a woman's brain today. You'd think the doctors involved should be focusing on the surgery?
Getting a good night's sleep also will not prevent a baseball from hitting you in the nards, or protect the same baseball from bouncing off you and hitting your girlfriend in the face.
No, sleep can improve your brain, beauty, health and attitude. i suggest we all get some more.
Summer is almost here and when the rain finally stops, the sun will be out in force. Getting out in the sun is important for staying healthy, but too much sun can be dangerous. UV rays from the sun can not only cause sun burn, but skin cancer as well. Therefore, controlling exposure to these rays is essential in staying healthy and enjoying summer. Here are a few tips to keep the sun from getting you down.
Check skin regularly. Be aware of changes in size or shape of any moles, blemishes, or a sore that doesn't heal. See your doctor immediately if you notice something.
Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths. These lamps emit direct UVA and UVB rays that can cause skin damage and cancer cells.
Use at least 15 SPF sunscreen. This will block out 93% of burning UV rays.
Limit direct exposure at midday. The sun is at its peak intensity from 10am - 4pm. Avoid direct exposure if possible during this time.
Cover up. Wear clothing to protect skin as much as possible. Dark colors and tight woven fabrics are best.
Wear a hat. Hats can protect your face, neck, eyes, ears, and nose from sun damage.
Wear UV blocking sunglasses. Your eyes can be damaged by sun just like your skin. Sunglasses should not only make it easier to see, but block out UV rays as well.
A bad sun burn will keep you inside and hurting for a few days, but can also lead to more major problems down the road. Stay safe and keep enjoying the summer!
by Verlo's Mr. Mattress,posted Apr 30 2012 10:40AM
I promise. The first one isn't a reminder to exercise.
Naw. Actually one of the best things you can do for your health is to get a good night's sleep. Even the eggheads will say in studies of humans and other animals, they have discovered that sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning, and other vital functions.
So there you have it. Get a good night sleep. The other suggestion. Eat green vegetables. They're healthy and look how much this child enjoys them.
What are three things that are, or soon will be extinct.
First phone booths, then the phone book, and now land lines. Wisconsin and Indiana are the two latest states that no longer require phone companies to provide everyone land line service and a handful of other states are considering it.
Supporters say it’s for the better because it’ll allow more investments in better technology rather and increase competition. Some worry that rural areas that don’t get the best cell phone coverage will be socked with higher costs.
That news made me think. First about how people will always need a mattress to sleep on, so at least I'll always have a job.
Second, about phone booths. When is the last time you saw a phone booth. When's the last time you actually used a phone booth? What if Superman were to show up today? Where would he change?
I guess he would have to duck into a Starbucks or a cell phone retail store. Those are everywhere!
Madison is a beautiful city and one way people like to enjoy the sights is by getting out for a run. Obviously, this is also a great form of exercise as well. While jogging is a great way to work out no matter how far or hard you go, how often do you really challenge yourself? Maybe it's time you turned those light runs into a training regiment for a 10k, half-, or full marathon! By signing up for an official race, you set a goal and deadline for yourself, which encourages you to push yourself and go further than likely would otherwise. It's a great way to up your workout and get healthier. Here are some races in the Madison area coming up this summer:
I'm not sure that's the correct saulutation for the day, but at least I didn't deliver the sentiment with toxic nail polish. By the way, I will guarantee you will never find any toxic nail polish in Verlo Mattress.
What I did want to talk about is superstition. Got any of your own? I know if I don't get my coffee in the morning, people will PAY, but I don't think that has anything to do with superstition.
This being one of several Friday the 13ths of 2012, I looked up some of the reasons why this day ia little spooky for some, and I thought I'd share:
According to National Geographic, the number 13 may have got its bad rap due to two less-than-gracious dinner guests, both the 13th guest at their respective dinners.
In Norse mythology, the mischievous god Loki, god of evil and turmoil, interrupted a dinner party of 12 other gods. The uninvited 13th guest arranged for Hoder, the blind god of darkness, to shoot the god of joy and gladdness with a mistletoe-tipped arrow.
There is also the biblical story of the last supper and Judas' betrayal of Jesus. Judas was the 13th guest at the supper.
Interestingly enough, Franklin D. Roosevelt would never host 13 guests at a meal, according to LiveScience.com, which also reports Roosevelt refused to travel on the 13th of any month.
The association of Friday and bad luck appeared in The Canterbury Tales in the late 14th century, and in Christian tradition, the crucifixion of Jesus, Eve's offering the apple to Adam, the beginning of the Great Flood and the confusion at the Tower of Babble all are said to have taken place on a Friday.
By the way, if you're one of the 21 million Americans who suffer from paraskavedekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th (as opposed to triskaidekaphobia, fear of the number 13), don't worry, there's only one more Friday the 13th this year. It will occur on Nov. 13.
Calcium is a key nutrient in our bodies. It performs many important functions, the obvious being building strong bones. Not getting enough calcium can not only produces weaker bones, but breaks down the bones we already have. Most of the calcium we need comes from our diet, but when we don't get enough, our bodies start taking it from our bones, weakening them as time goes by. This causes more broken bones and tougher recovery. Therefore it is very important to get enough calcium and here are some ways to ensure that you do!
Add milk where you normally wouldn't. Dairy is a great source of calcium, and adding milk to things like soup, oatmeal, sauces, and smoothies when you might normally use water and give your calcium intake a boost.
Use green herbs and spices. Green, leafy plants and vegetables have a high concentration of calcium. This includes things like kale, parsley, collard greens, broccoli, and cabbage which can be added to any meal to increase calcium and taste!
Eat dark, leafy salads. The same idea as above but in greater amounts. Romaine hearts, arugula, butter lettuce, and mesclun will all have much higher calcium levels than lighter leafs like iceberg lettuce.
Take extra servings of vegetables. Again, green vegetables are a great source of calcium. Eat just a little extra of those asparagus, fresh green peas, broccoli, and cabbage.
Fish with bones. This one may take getting used to for some. Use canned fish or crustaceans with bones to top salads or make sandwiches. The bones are the key!
Beans and legumes. Add them to soups, stews, chili or use as the protein in your meal!
Oats. Rolled or steel cut oats in the morning can fill you up healthily and add some calcium to your diet.
Nuts and seeds. These are great things to snack on or use as flavor enhancer for oatmeal and salads.
Tea. Drink tea instead of coffee for that caffeine kick with a calcium punch.
Whole grains. Use whole grain breads, make whole grain pancakes, boil up some whole grain pasta. It's all good!
These foods are also high in other important nutrients as well, so not only will you be keeping your bones strong, but you're body running smoothly as well.
The subject of the photo is a guy named Zeddie Little. He splits the difference between metro chic and rugged handsomeness, with immaculate facial stubble offset by perfectly feathered hair that the photographer caught floating upward and being kissed by the sun.
Other than being a 25-year-old man from New York City, not much is known about him other than the fact that he's of Stock-Photo quality.
In any case, It make me think of perfection and getting a good night sleep.
It's a much better investment that spending your time looking at memes of Ridiculously Photogenic Guy, although both can be entertaining.
I suggest visiting our Sleep Experts at Verlo for a test drive of a new bed.
Are they Ridiculously Photogenic?
Many people do not eat after exercise because they might not be hungry or don’t have time, but nourishing the body with nutrients post-exercise is a good habit to practice.
Studies have shown that the 60 minutes following exercise is the optimal time to eat carbohydrate-rich foods and drinks. It is the “Golden Hour” when the muscles absorb the most nutrients and when glycogen, an energy reserve in your muscles, is replaced most efficiently. The carbs replenish the used-up energy that is normally stored as glycogen in muscle and in the liver.
Protein is also important in post-exercise nutrition because it aids in recovery to build back the muscles that were fatigued during exercise. Most experts suggest a post exercise meal consisting of protein and carbohydrates.
Popcorn has long been considered a healthy snack food. Its low fat, low salt, natural properties have made it a strong recommendation over chips, pretzels, candy, or other snack foods. But a new study has given us more reason to pop some corn on a daily basis.
Joe Vinson, Ph.D., known for finding healthy properties in foods like chocolate, nuts, and other common foods, has found that popcorn contains more of the healthful antioxidants called "polyphenols" than fruits and vegetables. Popcorn's low water content allows polyphenols to be more concentrated than in fruits and vegetables which are close to 90 percent water. He also found that the hulls of popcorn, the part most of us hate, actually have the highest concentration of polyphenols and fiber. This on top of the fact that popcorn is 100 percent whole grain and low in calories could make it the perfect snack food.
However, one must to careful when preparing popcorn. By adding tons of salt, butter, imitation butter, and cheese, these health benefits go out the window. Popcorn can become a pile of calories and fat while making you believe you're eating healthy. Air popped popcorn is your best bet, followed by oil popped, and then microwave popcorn. Eat is still healthy as long as you avoid the additives!
Do you ever worry that your constant daydreaming is holding you back? Worry no more! A recent study done at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that people with better working memory were often found to daydream more often. Working memory is the place in your brain which stores information for short periods of time. The better yours is, the the more stuff you can store. When you wind up with additional working memory, your mind can then drift to other things.
In the study, researchers had participants perform a mundane task such as pressing a button every time they took a breath. They would then periodically ask how focused they were on that task. Afterwards they tested working memory by trying to remember letter combinations while doing math problems. The study found that those who were less focused on the task were also those who had a better working memory.
The good news here is twofold. Your daydreaming may not be a problem, but a sign your mind is healthier than you thought. But working memory can also be a sign of intelligence. A better working memory has been attributed to better reading comprehension and higher IQ scores. So don't bother stressing over your inability to focus, it may be a blessing in disguise!
Some people drink soda as if it is water, some even instead of water. Sure, the primary ingredient is water, but, with all the other “stuff” it contains it can have a seriously harmful effect on your entire body.
Soda is one of the main reasons, nutritionally speaking, why many people suffer health problems. Aside from the negative effects of the soda itself, drinking a lot of soda is likely to leave you with little appetite for vegetables, protein and other food that your body needs.
Here’s what’s in Soda: Phosphoric Acid: May interfere with the body's ability to use calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis or softening of the teeth and bones. Sugar: Soft drink manufacturers are the largest single user of refined sugar in the United States. Aspartame: This chemical is used as a sugar substitute in diet soda. There are over 92 different health side effects associated with aspartame consumption including brain tumors, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures. Caffeine: Caffeinated drinks can cause jitters, insomnia, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, elevated blood cholesterol levels, vitamin and mineral depletion, breast lumps, birth defects, and perhaps some forms of cancer.
Spring break is coming. For many, this means it's time for a vacation. Depending on your idea of vacation, this could mean taking in the sights in a big city or laying on the beach at an exotic resort. Either way, it's always easy to overindulge by always eating out, taking cabs, oversleeping, etc. But no matter what you do, there are simple ways to stay active while staying relaxed.
Carry your luggage. Bellhops and wheeled bags make moving luggage a breeze, but by carrying your own stuff, you'll work up a sweat and get your heart rate up while working your muscles.
Take the stairs. Skip the elevator. If you're staying in a room a few floors up, this will get you good, easy workout. If you're staying on too high of a floor to walk, take the elevator part way and the stairs the rest.
Walk. While you're out seeing the sights, skip the cabs and public transportation. Most big cities are fairly easy to navigate, and walking a few block in between destinations is a great way to stay moving.
Eat wisely. Many times it's necessary to eat out while on vacation, assuming you haven't brought your kitchen along. But by being choosy about where and what you eat, you can still eat healthy while on vacation. Eat local foods from local farmers, skip the burger and have a salad. You can enjoy yourself and still eat healthy.
Drink lots of water. It's easy to get dehydrated doing all this walking and stair climbing, especially if you're in a hot, sunny place. Drink water to stay cool and energized throughout your trip.
Happy birthday to the Cute Beatle, SIr Paul McCartney! He turns 71 today.
One of the rules for Beatles fans is that you must memorize tidbits of Beatle trivia to try and impress other Beatle fans. This is not that easy to do....as things like...
In 1968, Jeannie C. Riley topped both the pop and country charts with "Harper Valley PTA". She was the first female singer to accomplish that feat and it wasn't repeated until Dolly Parton did it in 1981 with the song "9 to 5". The song was...
This week we're doing story songs on the World's Worst iPod. We start with the story of Billy who really wanted to be a hero. He was a hero, but didn't live to see it and his girlfriend was pretty angry. The song was originally done by...
This week' s Gabby's Pick is another track from emerging artist ZZ Ward's debut album , called "365 Days."
In addition to all the radio airplay " Put The Gun Down" has received, you may also have heard her music on several television...
Apparently Oreo flavored Oreos are not sufficient.
Nabisco is continuing its trend of introducing special limited edition flavors for its Oreo cookies. Last year, the internet was all abuzz about candy corn Oreos, which supposedly didn't really...
One small detail I like about Bonnaroo ... the security people's shirts say "Safety" and "Here to help". They seem well-trained and they do the things security folk do ... but I like the emphasis on safety and that they're doing these things...
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I always say there's nothing better than a good night's sleep, but what if you got a good night's sleep in the Grand Canyon?
Ever tried to sleep while sitting in a chair? Unless it's one of those extremely lazy recliners, it's a tough feat. At least for me, it's never restful.
You're working out and feeling good. As you warm up, you start to sweat. Sweat starts dripping down your forehead, so you wipe it away. But wait! That sweat is there for a reason!
It's spring time. You're throat is sore, you're coughing, you're sneezing, but why? It could be allergies, brought on by various triggers taking to the air as plants bloom. Or it could be a cold, the virus going to town on your immune system. In order to cure your ailment, you must figure out what's getting you.
Sure they may snore and kick you in their sleep…but new data shows sleeping with a partner is good for your health. 
Road trips and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly. Whether driving to your favorite music festival or taking a family vacation across country, nothing beats getting out on the road and seeing the country. But when you're spending so much time in the car, it's easy to forget to eat healthy. Too many drive-thrus and gas station snacks can start to take a toll.
Are you any good at guessing people’s age?
Everyone loves a good nap. Good news is that many recent studies have expounded the benefits of naps on creativity, mood, productivity, and overall health. A 60-minute nap can boost alertness for up to 10 hours and a 45-minute nap can improve memory and learning. Naps have also been thought to reduces stress and lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke, diabetes, and excessive weight gain. No nap is a bad nap, but knowing when and how long to nap can achieve various results.
Sure, we joke that Memorial Day weekend is a great time for mattress sale, a day off, or a cookout. That doesn't mean we forget about the real meaning of Memorial Day.
Good dental hygiene is important for your health and your confidence! It is for these reasons that one must know the proper steps needed to keep your mouth in good shape.
Here in Wisconsin, there are a few things we hold dear. The Packers, cheese, and beer. While none of these need defending, you may be excited to hear at least one of them can offer some great health benefits. Beer! If could be saving your life.
Summer is almost here and when the rain finally stops, the sun will be out in force. Getting out in the sun is important for staying healthy, but too much sun can be dangerous. UV rays from the sun can not only cause sun burn, but skin cancer as well. Therefore, controlling exposure to these rays is essential in staying healthy and enjoying summer. Here are a few tips to keep the sun from getting you down.
What are three things that are, or soon will be extinct.
Madison is a beautiful city and one way people like to enjoy the sights is by getting out for a run. Obviously, this is also a great form of exercise as well. While jogging is a great way to work out no matter how far or hard you go, how often do you really challenge yourself? Maybe it's time you turned those light runs into a training regiment for a 10k, half-, or full marathon! By signing up for an official race, you set a goal and deadline for yourself, which encourages you to push yourself and go further than likely would otherwise. It's a great way to up your workout and get healthier. Here are some races in the Madison area coming up this summer: 
Happy Friday the 13th. 
Calcium is a key nutrient in our bodies. It performs many important functions, the obvious being building strong bones. Not getting enough calcium can not only produces weaker bones, but breaks down the bones we already have. Most of the calcium we need comes from our diet, but when we don't get enough, our bodies start taking it from our bones, weakening them as time goes by. This causes more broken bones and tougher recovery. Therefore it is very important to get enough calcium and here are some ways to ensure that you do!
The subject of the photo is a guy named Zeddie Little. He splits the difference between metro chic and rugged handsomeness, with immaculate facial stubble offset by perfectly feathered hair that the photographer caught floating upward and being kissed by the sun.
Many people do not eat after exercise because they might not be hungry or don’t have time, but nourishing the body with nutrients post-exercise is a good habit to practice.
Popcorn has long been considered a healthy snack food. Its low fat, low salt, natural properties have made it a strong recommendation over chips, pretzels, candy, or other snack foods. But a new study has given us more reason to pop some corn on a daily basis.
Some people drink soda as if it is water, some even instead of water. Sure, the primary ingredient is water, but, with all the other “stuff” it contains it can have a seriously harmful effect on your entire body. 
Spring break is coming. For many, this means it's time for a vacation. Depending on your idea of vacation, this could mean taking in the sights in a big city or laying on the beach at an exotic resort. Either way, it's always easy to overindulge by always eating out, taking cabs, oversleeping, etc. But no matter what you do, there are simple ways to stay active while staying relaxed.
