LifeBeat

'Emo' Haircuts Can Give You Lazy Eye

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:14:00 GMT

The trademark emo haircut — long bangs swept dramatically over one eye — is a symbol of your deep inner pain, like when you forgot those My Chemical Romance lyrics and all your emo friends laughed at you, or that time your MySpace page wouldn’t load. But beware! According to one expert quoted in one newspaper, there’s a danger of physical pain as well: those haircuts may be bad for your sad, beautiful eyes. Andrew Hogan, a national executive member of Australia’s Optometrists’ Association, told the Daily Telegraph that the floppy, Justin Bieber–esque ’do could lead to amblyopia — lazy eye. “If a young emo chap has a fringe covering one eye all the time, that eye won’t see a lot of detail … And if it happens from a young age, that eye can become amblyotic,” he said. According to Hogan, the asymmetrical fringe acts as an eye patch: “If you walk around with an eye patch on all day, then that eye will end up seeing more poorly than the other eye.” “Veteran hairdresser” Roseanne Anderson also suggests that the fringe poses risks to young people’s posture, because of the incessant head tilting and hair flicking that inevitably ensues: “I have to wonder how they don’t get a stiff neck … I have seen lots of fashions come and go — but really when I think about it, this is probably the only hairstyle in my 40 years of hairdressing that could be a health hazard.” Good thing other eye professionals say the whole thing is complete and utter nonsense. “This is a crazy idea, the concept of this blocking vision and causing problems with sight,” Auckland-based ophthalmologist Justin Mora told TV New Zealand. “It’s just silly.” But maybe get a haircut, just in case. (TIME)

Email Overload Is Bad For Your Health

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:10:00 GMT

Email overload may be doing more than driving you crazy -- it could be sending you to an early grave. Research from the University of California at Irvine and the U.S. Army found that study subjects with access to email remained in a continual state of "high alert," with constantly elevated heart rates. In contrast, subjects who didn’t have email access have more natural, varied heart rates. People with email access multitasked twice as much as those without, measured by how often they changed computer screens (37 times per hour compared to 18 times per hour). Subjects with no email said they are better able to do their jobs and stay on task and experience fewer stressful and time-wasting interruptions. Instead of answering emails, they interact with co-workers in person, which makes them happier. The researchers also believe the physical act of getting up and walking also provides stress relief.

Why it matters to your business: Continually elevated heart rates are linked with the production of cortisol, a hormone that causes multiple health problems. You can't unplug yourself or your employees from email for five days, but consider tactics such as batching messages, checking email only at certain times of day or designating one day a week as an "email vacation." You'll be rewarded with increased productivity AND better health. (HUFFINGTON POST)

Your Smartphone May Give You Sagging Jowls

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:06:00 GMT

SMARTPHONES CAUSE SAGGING JOWLS?? Technology addicts may be at risk of sagging jowls, according to aesthetic experts. It is believed that smartphone and laptop use, could cause facial skin and muscle to lose its elasticity as people spend an increasing amount of time sitting with their heads bent. It is now believed that the phenomenon, dubbed 'smartphone face' could be behind the growing trend for skin tightening treatments and chin implants which cost over $5,000. This might explain the recent statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) finding that 'chinplants' are becoming the fastest growing cosmetic surgery trend. (Daily Mail)

Coffee Drinkers Live Longer!

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:04:00 GMT

One of life's simple pleasures just got a little sweeter. After years of waffling research on coffee and health, even some fear that java might raise the risk of heart disease, a big study finds the opposite: Coffee drinkers are a little more likely to live longer. Regular or decaf doesn't matter.The study of 400,000 people is the largest ever done on the issue, and the results should reassure any coffee lovers who think it's a guilty pleasure that may do harm."Our study suggests that's really not the case," said lead researcher Neal Freedman of the National Cancer Institute. "There may actually be a modest benefit of coffee drinking."No one knows why. Coffee contains a thousand things that can affect health, from helpful antioxidants to tiny amounts of substances linked to cancer. The most widely studied ingredient — caffeine — didn't play a role in the new study's results.It's not that earlier studies were wrong. There is evidence that coffee can raise LDL, or bad cholesterol, and blood pressure at least short-term, and those in turn can raise the risk of heart disease.Even in the new study, it first seemed that coffee drinkers were more likely to die at any given time. But they also tended to smoke, drink more alcohol, eat more red meat and exercise less than non-coffee-drinkers. Once researchers took those things into account, a clear pattern emerged: Each cup of coffee per day nudged up the chances of living longer.The study was done by the National Institutes of Health and AARP. The results are published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine.Careful, though — this doesn't prove that coffee makes people live longer, only that the two seem related. Like most studies on diet and health, this one was based strictly on observing people's habits and resulting health. So it can't prove cause and effect. Coffee drinkers were less likely to die from heart or respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes, injuries, accidents or infections. No effect was seen on cancer death risk, though.Other research ties coffee drinking to lower levels of markers for inflammation and insulin resistance. Researchers also considered that people in poor health might refrain from drinking coffee and whether their abstention could bias the results. But the study excluded people with cancer and heart disease — the most common health problems — to minimize this chance. Also, the strongest benefits of coffee drinking were seen in people who were healthiest when the study began.About two-thirds of study participants drank regular coffee, and the rest, decaf. The type of coffee made no difference in the results.Hu had this advice for coffee lovers:— Watch the sugar and cream. Extra calories and fat could negate any benefits from coffee.— Drink filtered coffee rather than boiled — filtering removes compounds that raise LDL, the bad cholesterol.

Men Aren't Honest About Women's Clothes

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:03:00 GMT

MEN AREN'T HONEST ABOUT WOMEN'S CLOTHES: Women shouldn't trust the opposite sex when it comes to fashion advice, according to new findings. Many men admitted they were too scared to offer their true opinion on their partner's wardrobe while 70 percent said they didn't want to hurt their other half's feelings when they were posed with the question: Do I look fat in this? One in 10 said they felt an honest answer would upset their partner and ruin their weekend, while a quarter of men admitted they had lied so they wouldn't have to continue shopping. (Daily Mail)

Too Much Sugar Can Make You Dumber

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:06:00 GMT

SCIENTISTS SAY TOO MUCH SUGAR MAY MAKE YOU DUMBER: Eating too sugar may reduce your brainpower, according to UCLA scientists whose study out Tuesday (May 15th) showed that consuming a lot of high-fructose corn syrup depleted rats' memories. The researchers fed two groups of rats a solution containing high-fructose corn syrup as drinking water for six weeks, with one group supplemented with brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids and DHA while the other group wasn't. At the end of the six weeks, the rats who didn't get the omega-3 and DHA were slower in getting through a maze they'd trained in before the sugar drinks started, and their brains showed a decline in synaptic activity. When they looked at the rats' brains, the researchers found that the animals not given the omega-3 and DHA had developed signs of resistance to insulin, which controls blood sugar and regulates brain function.

No Such Thing As Waterproof Sunscreen?

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:03:00 GMT

Last summer, the FDA announced new regulations affecting how sunscreens are marketed. Accordingly, sunscreen labels will no longer be allowed to feature the words “waterproof,” “sweatproof,” and “sunblock”—because no sunscreen is truly waterproof or sweatproof, and no lotion completely blocks the sun’s harmful rays. Originally, the changes were set to take effect this June. Now, though, it’s OK for stores to sell products making these dubious claims on through the hot months ahead. After first setting a date of June 18, 2012, for compliance with the Food and Drug Administration’s new sunscreen regulations, manufacturers now have an extra six months to get up to speed with the requirements. Regulators agreed to the delay after manufacturers said they didn’t have enough time to comply, and that a shortage of sunscreens in stores could be the result. Some smaller sunscreen makers will have until as late as December 2013 to make the changes, reports USA Today. The changes won’t necessarily affect what manufacturers put inside sunscreen bottles. Instead, it’s what’s stated on the labels that’s being tweaked. Beyond the banning of words that have commonly but dubioiusly been displayed on sunscreens—”waterproof,” “sweatproof,” “sunblock”—the FDA is changing how SPFs (sun protection factors) are displayed. Look for the words “Broad Spectrum” to appear on sunscreens in the years ahead. That’s the phrase OK’d to describe a product that has an SPF rating of at least 15 protecting the user from UVA (ultraviolet A radiation—the rays associated with skin cancer) and UVB rays (ultraviolet B radiation, which cause sunburn) alike. As for “waterproof,” “sweatproof,” and “sunblock,” the FDA has decided to ban their usage on sunscreen labels because “these claims overstate their effectiveness.” What’s more, sunscreens must stop claiming that they can protect users from the sun for more than two hours without reapplying. And if a sunscreen says that it is “water resistant,” it’ll have to prove it with standard testing, and it’ll have to get more specific, listing that it’s effective for either 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Again, these new requirements won’t officially be in effect until early winter of 2012. This summer, sunscreens will be sold with the same old labels and claims. This isn’t to say that the sunscreens won’t be effective. Nor that you should freak out and throw away your sunscreen. When the FDA announced the changes, it stated: The ingredients in FDA-approved sunscreens marketed today have been used for many years, and FDA has no reason to believe these products are not safe and effective when used as directed. Therefore, FDA is not advising consumers to throw away their current sunscreen products. (TIME Money)

What Not To Wear At The Office

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:14:00 GMT

Courtesy of CareerBuilder.com:

How you dress at work is important, even with “corporate casual” established as the office standard. The quintessential method used to size up someone is the head-to-toe glance. When you catch someone stare like that you know you’re being judged. Even if you don’t, your colleagues and managers notice and appraise. Stringent dress codes, for the most part, have left the building. I’ve turned down a well-paying job because the boss said suits were mandatory, which made the job sound more unpleasant than pulling a boulder up a cliff in a pantsuit and heels. Even though I was a newly single parent and could have used the money it was such a deal breaker, I couldn’t budge. My reaction was a sign of the times. That company went out of business this year. Failure to adapt meant they couldn’t attract enough young blood to save them from attrition. Similarly companies need to attract new talent. Gen Y talent for whom fulfillment and time take precedent over money. Dangle before you a relaxed work atmosphere and you can’t resist. Just don’t get too relaxed. Corporate casual encompasses a large grey area of what is acceptable (as long as you’re well put together i.e. outfits match and don’t reek anything goes p.s. people can tell the difference between fresh laundry and Febreeze) but there’s definitely delineation at the far end of the spectrum. For the sake of your career, consider banishing these office fashion faux pas from your wardrobe.

1. Sneakers. Of all the items not to wear to work, athletic footwear ranks highest in its ability to put a sweat sock in your career.

2. Flip-flops. Another shoe-in for demotion is the flip-flop. Perhaps it’s the incessant clippity clop of sole smacking heel. Or maybe it’s the shameless baring of feet. Either way, you wouldn’t wear a bikini wrap at work and try to pass it off as a skirt. Much the same way flip-flops aren’t actual sandals.

3. Wrinkled shirts are a top-three offender. An iron can turn a pauper into a prince. Gift yourself a good quality steam iron, it’s faster and easier to use than a traditional iron.

4. Heels that clank. Now here’s a dilemma because I wear heels that clank, or rather my gait causes my heels to clank. If you wear flats like me, try sticking some felt furniture pads underneath your shoes. Actually do not try this, you’ll just slip, fall, get a concussion and sue me. Invest in a pair of rubber-soled shoes. If you wear high-fidelity high heels, walk on the carpet as much as possible.

5. Low-waist pants. Other than your gastroenterologist, no one at work wants to see your crack or your ratty old thong unceremonious riding up it. Wear a long enough shirt.

6. Jingly jewelry. Your office mates can hear you coming from miles away; on a neurological level you’re interrupting their minds’ ability to focus on whatever they were previous absorbed with before turning their attention to hating you.

7. Dirty bra straps. All bra straps should be concealed, especially dirty ones.

8. Hood ornaments. Necklace pendants that droop into your cleavage, beckoning the eye to wander and the brain to turn to mush.

9. Scrunchies. Unless your office is throwing a 1980s dress-up day, do not bring your scrunchie to the office. In fact burn your scrunchies. They are like so over.

10. Too much make up. Don’t become a caricature of Mimi from the Drew Carey Show. Never use electric blue eye shadow or mascara at work.

11. The same thing you wore the day before. You’re telling your colleagues you didn’t sleep at home last night. Maybe you got lucky, maybe you didn’t. Either way, it’s evident that you didn’t wash your clothes. No one will want to get close enough to confirm that assumption olfactorily. Change it up a bit. Save Tuesday’s sweater for Friday and help keep the mystery alive.

12. Tracksuits. Mall mommies will revolt and demand their uniform back.

13. Fishnets. Not just the stockings, in case some of you needed clarification.

14. Animal print. Let’s play word association! Mrs. Robinson. Office cougar. Cougar-in-training (if you look young enough to get carded at the liquor store.)

15. Clothing you slept in. I can see this might be a temptation for new grads adjusting to life that starts at 8AM. You’re not fooling anybody. And we know you didn’t shower. Find another way to save time in the morning.

16. Negligees. Tops that belong to midnight visits in trench coats can’t do double duty at the office, even if you tuck them under a blazer.

17. T-shirts with decals that make political statements, religious references or crude jokes. You’re sure to offend somebody.

18. Aerodynamically tight top and pants assemble, unless you work for the circus and walk a tightrope, perhaps then it’s justified. Balance it out with a long and loose top layer.

19. Heavy perfume, cologne or aftershave. Best to avoid the cheap stuff, Pepé. What it lacks in price, it makes up for in punch.

20. Dresses without underwear. Underwear says “I’m professional”. Not wearing any says a million other things. I think you get the idea.

Bragging Can Be As Good As Sex!

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:05:00 GMT

Ever meet someone who just loves to toot his or her own horn? She might self-congratulate repeatedly at work maybe he gives you a play-by-play on his brilliant all-star fantasy baseball team (woo hoo). A new study by Harvard University reveals that there’s good cause for all this bragging: It feels as good as sex. Yep, according to the study, the same section of the brain that gets satisfaction from sex became active when people talked about themselves. Well that would explain a lot of things, such as, let’s see…Facebook! Check out the study here: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2012/05/01/1202129109.abstract (MSN Living)

You Can Get Fat Quickly

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 GMT

YOU CAN GET FAT QUICKLY: Calories turn to fat just three hours after a big meal. Scientists say that once eaten, fat is stored on the waistline within hours. Within just three or four hours of having a meal, up to two or three teaspoons of fat have from the food have been stored there. Eat again shortly afterwards and the fat stores around the middle will grow and grow. The finding that it is possible to 'become fat' within three hours contradicts the widely-held belief that weight gain is gradual. (Daily Mail)