| Small changes can help you live a healthier lifestyle |
| A new year often brings with it the desire to make improvements in your life, and kick old habits to the curb in the pursuit of healthiness. But for most Americans, resolutions fail within the first few months because goals are too ambitious, intimidating or unrealistic in nature. If you've resolved to be healthier this year, the good news is that successful, positive change - whether it be spending more time with friends and family, being more physically active, or choosing healthier foods - is more achievable than you think. It's important to think positively, stay focused, and take baby steps versus one giant leap towards a lofty goal. |
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| New credit score myths and why you shouldn't believe them |
| Myths and folklore endlessly evolve as cultures change, technologies emerge and societies grow. Some myths - like the one that warns against washing Pop Rocks down with Coke - are chuckle-worthy. Others, such as fallacies about how credit scores work, can be downright detrimental. Here are five new credit scoring myths and the truths that debunk them. |
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| How to claim victory as a No. 1 sports party host |
| When you hear the phrase "'tis the season" you might be thinking holidays. But it's also the season of families and friends gathering together around the big-screen TV to cheer on their favorite college or pro sports teams. |
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| Time to talk about HPV |
| Four out of five women are likely to be infected with human papillomavirus, or HPV, at some point in their lives, although most will never know it. Using a condom won't always prevent it. And it's the cause of virtually every case of cervical cancer. Yet a woman who finds out she has an HPV infection is not likely to tell even her closest friends. |
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| Chase the mid-winter blues away with wholesome comfort foods |
| The colder weather of winter has many looking for some comforting wholesome meals to share with friends and family. This winter try delicious recipes that will create tantalizing smells in the home and warm everyone sitting around the table. |
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| Accomplish your weight management goals this year |
| The new year gives everyone the perfect opportunity to start fresh. For some, it may be a time to explore a new hobby or take on a new professional challenge. For others, starting fresh means moving into a new home or a new city. And the new year for many people is a time to begin managing their weight. |
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| Top 2014 home improvement trends: smart homes and home automation |
| From smartphones to smart cars, technology is transforming virtually every aspect of our busy lives. Technologies not only make life easier while on the go, but new options are quickly simplifying life at home as well. Some experts are predicting 2014 will be the year of the smart home. Home automation is a top home improvement trend, making the Jetsons' futuristic lifestyle more realistic than ever before. |
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| Gifts that stick: Tips to giving holiday gifts with staying power |
| When buying holiday gifts, we seek to find something that our loved ones will not only enjoy, but also keep. Unfortunately, many gifts are headed straight from under the tree back to store shelves. In fact, more than half of holiday shoppers expect to return gifts this holiday season, according to a recent national survey. |
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| Financially fit: five steps to get a handle on your credit |
| After countless hours spent holiday shopping, you finally finished. Now, you're faced with the credit card payments as you roll into the new year. While it may have been difficult to keep your finances - particularly your credit cards - top of mind amid the dash from store to store, those payments aren't going anywhere. |
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| The nation's most deadly disease |
| Few people understand just how much a threat cardiovascular disease (CVD), or heart disease, can be. Consider this: heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Cardiovascular disease claims more lives each year than cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease and accidents combined. While heart disease is truly dangerous, in many instances the disease is preventable. |
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| Indulge in skin-loving winter foods for a healthy self - inside and out |
| Have you effectively "winterized" your home for the season? Plunging temperatures call for more than just cozy sweaters, boots and coats - they can also challenge daily eating and wellness routines, which can negatively impact skin. A personal regimen that effectively combines diet (chock-full of fresh, in-season foods), exercise, skincare and wellness this winter can be a powerful tool in achieving a glowing, healthy-looking appearance. |
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| Eye diseases may go unnoticed in individuals with diabetes |
| Diabetes is a disease that interferes with the body's ability to use and store sugar, which can cause many health problems. Too much sugar in the blood can cause damage throughout the body, including the eyes. Over time, diabetes affects the circulation system of the retina, the light sensitive lining at the back of the eye. |
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| Tips for managing your year-end taxes |
| The close of every year seems to bring its own uncertainty from a tax-planning perspective. Last year featured the expiration of certain temporary tax provisions and the commencement of automatic federal government spending cuts. In October the President and Congress temporarily agreed on funding the government and increasing the national debt limit. But these issues may reappear in 2014 and could result in tax law changes that affect income-tax and financial planning. |
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| Overactive bladder: a common condition many women struggle with privately |
| Imagine having a common medical condition that requires you to plan around it and causes embarrassment and daily disruptions. These repeated disruptions are common for women with overactive bladder, or OAB, with their symptoms causing frequent trips to the bathroom or worry over a leak from a sudden urge to urinate. Women are encouraged to speak with their doctor about their symptoms of OAB. |
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| Beyond traditional school supplies |
| The school year is in full swing, and shopping for pens, pencils and notebooks is already a memory. In addition to these traditional supplies, many of today's students have another tool - often underutilized - to help them succeed the in classroom: their smartphones and tablets. |
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| Key tax law changes that could impact your return |
| The majority of this year's key tax law changes were the result of two acts - the Affordable Care Act of 2010, also known as Obamacare, and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The easiest way to navigate all the tax law changes and determine if you qualify for hundreds of tax benefits, is to use an online or mobile tax preparation solution. |
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| Dress to thrill for holidays and beyond |
| Family gatherings, office parties, New Year's Eve bashes - the holiday social whirl is the most obvious reason for a shopping expedition to bag that special outfit. But special occasions don't end on January first. Here are a few events that may inspire a new look and a few tips to find just the right style for each. |
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| Upgrade your home's exterior and achieve the look you've always wanted |
| If you enjoy spending the cold winter months planning your next spring home improvement project, your creative juices are already flowing. But instead of focusing on the same small home improvement projects again this year, have you considered something bigger? Have you considered a project that redefines your home and showcases your individuality? The one that will make your home stand out in your neighborhood? |
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| Learn how you can support a friend who is being abused |
| When someone you love is being emotionally or physically abused by her partner, it can be difficult to know the best way to show support without appearing judgmental or invasive. But statistics show that violence typically continues and escalates if no one takes action to stop it. Here are some simple tips and resources to help you start a conversation that could lead to positive changes. |
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| Dealing with dry eye - more common than you think |
| They say the eyes are the window to the soul, but did you know eyes also say a lot about your health? A number of eye ailments are limited to the eye, but often they can be an indicator of a systemic problem. Dry eye - a common condition in which the tear ducts make insufficient tears for lubricating and nourishing the eye - can be either. |
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| Miley Cyrus, notorious trials and Obamacare top online searches for 2013 |
| While election politicking dominated the top 10 searches of 2012, this year people were a little starry-eyed when it comes to online searching. Miley Cyrus (No. 1) came into our lives like a wrecking ball and dethroned Kim Kardashian (No. 2) to become Yahoo's most searched person in 2013. |
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| Americans' top Internet searches of 2013 |
| Looking back on 2013, billions of Internet searches from around the world reveal it was a year of American songs, superhero movies, social media love, high-end designer brands, controversial sports stars, European getaways and fierce women. |
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| The 'Three P's' to smarter holiday spending |
| Americans will spend more than $6 billion this holiday season, according to the National Retail Federation. How much of that will be overspending or outright wasted money? It's possible to control holiday spending and make smart money decisions this holiday season, if you keep in mind the "three P's": plan, purchase and protect. |
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| Shake up snack time with a pop of flavor inspiration |
| Today, Americans eat around 16 billion quarts of popcorn every year making it the nation's favorite snack food by volume. Naturally rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, low calorie air-popped popcorn has more iron than eggs and more fiber than traditional salty snacks. In addition to being healthy, it's wallet-friendly. For about 25 cents, you can pop enough kernels to satisfy a family of four. If that's not enough to whet your appetite, what makes popcorn the greatest snack is its ability to adapt to consumers' ever-changing palettes. |
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| Use your rewards credit card wisely over the holidays to get the most out of your spending |
| Festive decorations, twinkling lights, seasonal foods and the company of loved ones - everyone has that special something they enjoy most about the holiday season. Avoiding sticker shock when you see your January credit card bill might be one of them. It can be a challenge to keep costs down, however, when you have a lengthy gift list to get through. One easy option you may not have thought of is probably already waiting in your wallet - if you use a credit card that offers a rewards program. |
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| Scouting out the best Black Friday and holiday shopping deals? |
| You know the holidays have officially begun when the tinsel and colored lights go up in stores, streets and homes. Thanksgiving Day is now Black Thursday, when consumers - still hungry and primed for the best possible holiday deals - fight the famous tryptophan sluggishness and rush off to the mall not long after the turkey is carved and gobbled. |
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| More options than ever for families needing elder care |
| Many families wrestle with decisions for how to take care of aging parents, grandparents and other loved ones. Just 20 years ago, families might have had to choose between putting a parent in a nursing home or having one younger family member quit a job to stay home and care for the parent. Today, options abound and it's important to know what's available before making such an important decision. |
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| Check your tax forms for errors and avoid fines for 2013 |
| Tax season will be here before you know it and businesses everywhere want to handle their reporting quickly, efficiently and on time in order to avoid the penalties and fines associated with missed deadlines. In recent years, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has increased its penalties for misfiled or late tax forms. As a result, it's more important than ever for leaders of small- to mid-sized businesses to stay on top of changes and be doubly vigilant in assembling and reviewing their reporting documents. |
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| Straight talk: Some lenders lead marketplace in simplified customer agreements |
| If one universal lesson emerged from the economic meltdown of the Great Recession, it's that ignorance is not bliss when it comes to financial matters. Before the recession, many Americans made financial decisions without fully understanding the impact of their choices - despite detailed financial disclosure statements intended to educate consumers on just what they were agreeing to when entering a credit contract with lenders. |
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| New offerings in home and on-the-go entertainment: how to 'decode' the many options |
| With all of the advancements in home entertainment technology, there are now more options than ever to watch movies at home or on the go that fit your budget and lifestyle. When planning a family movie night, road trip or just a cozy night in, here are terms that will help explain some of today's most popular movie-watching options: |
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| What to do if your child is accused of being a bully |
| It's a phone call that most parents can't imagine receiving. Your school's principal has requested a meeting because your child is being suspended or expelled ... for bullying. While some parents might look at bullying as a part of growing up, in fact it actually has reached epidemic proportions across the country. More than 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year, according to DoSomething.org, a social issues advocacy group. Every day, nearly 160,000 children miss school because they are scared of being bullied, notes the National Education Association. What's more, many incidents of bullying go unreported because kids are afraid to report them. |
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| Moms champion traditional toys even in a digital age |
| As smartphones and tablets are more frequently finding their way into kids' hands, many parents may wonder about the implications of increased screen time, and question what role traditional toys should play in their children's lives. |
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| Men's health program pushes the envelope to save young men's lives |
| Testicular Cancer is the most common form of cancer in young men ages 15 to 35 - men who are in the prime years of their lives. However, any man, regardless of age or race, can develop the disease. All too often, men don't even realize they may be at risk because they are unaware of the facts. How do you get young men talking about their health and potential risk for male-centric cancers? |
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| Three exterior home improvements can add to your home |
| While homeowners generally spend more time entertaining guests indoors, the exterior of your home makes the first impression. When it is time for home improvements, the exterior of the home may be forgotten or ignored. Painting, updating furniture and replacing flooring inside are all important, but the exterior of your house deserves some tender love and care as well. |
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| Helpful or hurtful: Should you keep taking fish oil supplements? |
| Thousands of studies show numerous positives of omega-3s, including benefits to the health of the heart, joints, brain, eyes, prostate and women's reproductive systems. But a recent report is raising concerns for some people about possible negative consequences of fish oil. Here's what you should know. |
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| Build the perfect man cave |
| The perfect man cave is different for everyone, but no matter how you define your ideal space, you're always looking for ideas on how to upgrade and make a space uniquely yours. |
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| Chronic pain: A daily, hidden reality for many |
| Mariann Farrell was a busy, young mom in Pittsburgh whose life revolved around her family and her career as a music teacher - until the day of her car crash. It has been 30 years since the accident that left her with such debilitating chronic pain that she was forced to give up her job. Mariann, now 66, has had to rely on her family for daily support. |
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| Howie Mandel wants you to know the facts about AFib-related stroke |
| When celebrity game show host Howie Mandel was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem, he didn't know that he was one of approximately 5.8 million people living in the U.S. with the condition or that it put him at a five times greater risk of stroke. |
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| Restaurants offer careers outside the norm |
| America's restaurant and foodservice industry provides jobs and careers for 13 million people - 10 percent of our nation's workforce. While restaurants serve as a stepping stone for many - one in three Americans got their first job experience in a restaurant - it's also an industry of tremendous opportunity, where individuals of all backgrounds are given the opportunity to move up the ladder and succeed. In fact, 80 percent of restaurant owners began their careers as hourly workers in the industry. |
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| Prepare your car for winter with these simple tips |
| Getting ready for winter is no small feat. It takes time and planning to make sure your family and your home are ready to brave the elements. But is your car as ready as you are? If you haven't thought about preparations for your vehicle, these simple tips will help you prepare for the colder months ahead. |
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| Community impact: Resetting the perceptions of public housing |
| Food, water, shelter - all basic human needs. But for millions of Americans, having a secure place to call home is financially out of reach, even if they work full-time. From veteran to teacher to single mom, public housing helps 2.2 million people throughout the country, with half a million more on waiting lists. Despite providing a critical resource to communities, there's still a negative stigma associated with public housing. Here's what you need to know. |
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| Deck the halls with tissues and allergy meds |
| Whether you live near or far, returning home for the holidays can be a nostalgic time. But for those with allergies and asthma, celebrating the season with family and friends can be anything but enjoyable. |
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| Is the protein in your pet's food causing a deadly disease? |
| You've seen the commercials and print ads: It seems like every pet food maker is touting meat as a top ingredient. Some even go so far as to eliminate grain completely, advertising super-high levels of protein for dogs or cats. But when it comes to pet food and protein, can there be too much of a good thing? According to the experts: yes. |
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| Rare cancer on the rise: Why the first signs are easily misdiagnosed |
| Intermittent abdominal pain, flushing and diarrhea are commonly associated with a number of medical conditions. Yet for some Americans these symptoms could actually be the sign of a rare form of cancer called neuroendocrine tumors (NET). Given the wide range of symptoms of NET cancers, it is important to raise awareness of this often misdiagnosed disease. |
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| Tips for new pet parents |
| Whether you're acquiring a new puppy or kitten for your household or adopting an adult pet from a shelter or rescue organization, the following tips will help you get off on the right foot with your newest family member. |
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| Farmers: Three planning considerations for 2014 |
| As farmers begin harvest and approach the end of 2013 production, many are assessing the year and looking forward to 2014. For row-crop farmers, the 2013 harvest is expected to be a good one. However, prices are lower than last year, and some are delaying their decision to go to market in hopes that the price will improve early next year. Low commodity prices may also persuade farmers to consider prepaying for at least some of next season's inputs before the end of the year. Here's what you need to know for now and the future. |
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| Living with diabetes and maintaining healthy vision |
| Diabetes is now the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20-74 years, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Maintaining healthy blood vessels is essential for preserving healthy vision, especially those located in the retina in the back of the eye that are particularly susceptible to damage. The need to preserve blood vessel health is supported by the projected rise of diabetes in the U.S. population. |
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| Trend in nostalgic nosh brings new flavor to fine dining |
| Seasoned tots with your filet mignon? Fries with parmesan cheese and truffle oil? But of course. Comfort foods with sophisticated flair are plated in abundance at the finest restaurants around the country, as chefs reinvent potato sides like fries and tots with new dips, toppings and custom spice blends. Excitement continues to build as these nostalgic dishes from the kiddie table can now be found making their way to grown-ups' plates. |
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| How to host the best game-watching party |
| The days are getting cooler, the leaves are starting to change colors and team banners are starting to appear on front porches everywhere. It can only mean one thing - football season is back. With it comes more than 32 million fantasy football players and a whole lot of weekend game-watching festivities. |
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| Fun home entertainment gifts for less than $100 |
| What do most people want for the holidays? Technology and home entertainment gifts are highly sought after, meaning gift-givers have plenty of opportunities to get an impressive present. If you think you need to spend a lot to get a great gift, think again. There are many great options for less than $100. |
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| Five tips to help chart a path toward financial success |
| A strong credit profile can help you qualify for credit at the lowest rates possible. Yet, consumers often wait until they need credit to think about their credit situation. In fact, 62 percent of people have not reviewed their report in the past year, according to a recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling survey. |
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| Going gluten free may not be enough to manage celiac disease |
| If you suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, joint pain, skin rash, mouth sores or tingling in the legs and feet, you may be one of the approximately 1 percent of Americans who are diagnosed with celiac disease. For those who are diagnosed with celiac disease, following a strict gluten-free diet is currently the only option available when seeking symptomatic relief. While the growing availability of gluten-free products available in stores may make it easier to manage these symptoms, is a gluten-free diet enough to make symptoms go away? |
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| Woman with rare disease overcomes adversity one mountain at a time |
| For most of her life, 44-year-old Tanya Howell was considered unreliable. She missed many days of work, even lost jobs and would frequently cancel on her friends and family at the last minute. She was particularly devastated when she needed to cancel on group outings, because she loves exploring and conquering the outdoors. The reason for her "flakiness," a term many of Tanya's friends used to describe her, was because she was suffering from unexplained, debilitating swelling attacks that would come on quickly and cause swelling in different parts of her body at any given time. |
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| Support your bones this World Osteoporosis Day |
| In the U.S., nearly half of all women older than 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture. And while osteoporosis may seem like a disease that only affects people later in life, early prevention is key to better bone health. In fact, bone mass attained early in life may be the most important determinant to bone health when you get older. |
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| Survey: Teens not as cyber savvy as parents might think |
| While some parents may not know a gigabyte from Google, they still need to help their kids stay safe and protect personal information online. A new survey finds that some of today's young people don't understand the dangers of their tech-heavy lifestyles. |
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| Hot cooking trends for cool weather foods |
| With the return of cool autumn weather, our thoughts turn to warm, comforting foods. But cold-weather cooking needn't be dull. This year, take your menu cues from restaurant and cooking trends to create fun fall foods your entire family will enjoy. |
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| Dispelling 5 common myths about depression |
| There are more than 19 million adults in the United States living with depression and many more people could be suffering but are unaware that what they are feeling is depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This common and treatable illness affects people from all walks of life and can significantly interfere with a person's behavior, physical health and interaction with others. The more you know about depression, the more likely you are to be able to help yourself or help others. |
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| Part-time jobs may be the new normal in the U.S. job market |
| The unemployment rate has edged lower as the nation slowly recovers from the economic crash of 2009 but unemployment is still a concern for many Americans. Millions of people have filled part-time positions, to make ends meet. Many people are signing up to work several part-time jobs in lieu of a full-time position. It seems as though part-time jobs have become the new normal for U.S. workers. |
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| Behind in saving for retirement? Approaches to catching up |
| Does the pace of your busy personal and professional life leave you feeling like you're always playing catch up? If you were among the millions whose retirement savings and investments suffered during the recession, there's good news: you can start to catch up with a few simple steps. |
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| Job searching skills to help boost confidence |
| Finding employment can be a full-time job these days. High numbers of job seekers can make it a challenge for those looking for long-term jobs and careers. Before your confidence begins to wane, it can help to remember that the skills applied to a search for employment can strengthen performance on the job. |
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| How to mentally prepare for a crisis in the workplace |
| Recent events in the news have reminded us that unexpected, dangerous and stressful situations can happen anywhere: on the street corner, at the grocery store, and in the workplace. While these situations are often chaotic, there are steps you can take to mentally prepare yourself to handle them better, whether you are an employee, a business owner or manager, or a bystander. |
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| HARP changes put refinancing in reach of more homeowners |
| When the federal Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) launched in 2009, millions took advantage, but many other homeowners found they couldn't qualify to refinance their underwater mortgages. Today, significant enhancements have made the program more accessible for homeowners and a great opportunity to lower payments or build equity faster. |
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| Don't give up on skin during the colder months ahead |
| During the fall, when temperatures drop, skincare steps that were crucial during the hot summer months can often be overlooked because skin isn't as exposed. Instead of waiting until skin is uncomfortably dry and itchy, make sure you're moisturizing every day so skin stays soft, smooth and supple. And with all of the gatherings and parties that happen through fall and winter, you want to feel feel comfortable and confident in whatever you wear - whether it's a short cocktail dress or a sleeveless top. |
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| Avoiding footwear fumbles when exercising or playing sports |
| No one disputes that exercise provides a host of health benefits, from helping control weight to improving cardiovascular functions. But exercising in the wrong footwear can cause more harm than good, especially since foot health is integral to overall well-being. |
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| Decoding your digestive health |
| A family feast for the record books, too much tailgating, a stressful day at the office, an allergic flare-up or just a change in your routine - no matter the cause, you've likely had to cope with digestive health issues at some point. For some, they're an occasional occurrence. For many, they're a regular or even daily disruption that can be uncomfortable, bothersome and embarrassing. |
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| Are you getting enough iron to stay healthy? |
| Fatigue. Dizziness. Irritability. Millions in the United States are experiencing these symptoms, but few know they may be the signs of a condition called iron deficiency anemia (IDA). IDA is most common among women of childbearing age and in those with special conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or gastrointestinal disorders that can cause bleeding. |
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| When mixing medication and food can be deadly |
| More than one-third of adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Yet many of those treated for these conditions don't realize they are putting themselves at risk by not understanding the basics about their medications. |
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| Five tips to help prevent medical identity theft |
| Every fall, many people review their employer health care options during "open enrollment." As you start to focus on your health care decisions, you may also want to consider the safety of information you routinely provide, such as your address, Social Security number and insurance provider. With new private and public health insurance exchanges becoming available, you may face a greater risk for medical identity theft. |
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| Extreme athletes require high-performance gear |
| In extreme sports competitions such as the X Games, some of the world's gutsiest (some may say craziest) athletes push themselves - and their equipment - to the limit. To help these athletes prevent injuries and perform their best, competitors in sports such as motocross, rallycross, skateboarding, BMX biking and mountain biking depend on the ever-evolving safety gear made possible by a broad mix of tough, cushioning and high-performance plastics. |
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| River cruising: An easy way to explore and experience Europe |
| Europe is a popular destination for international travelers looking to visit the world's great capitals such as Paris, Amsterdam and Prague; to experience European culture; and to explore charming small towns. But planning a European trip can be daunting because it involves a lot of research to decide where to go, how to get there, and what to see. River cruising offers an excellent solution to this travel challenge. |
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