Wash and wear

Wash and then wear; unwashed clothes may have formaldehyde

Buying new clothes can be exciting, and some people can’t be bothered with the seemingly wasteful practice of washing new clothes before wearing them. But one Consumer Reports staffer who recently experienced headaches and a sore throat suspects that his impatience may be the cause. He wore his recent purchase before sending it for a spin in the washer to rid it of the chemicals commonly used to keep new clothes looking, well, new. 

Substances like formaldehyde and many other allergenic compounds are used in fabrics for a variety of reasons, such as to help them resist wrinkles and shrinkage. Since just one wash can eliminate or reduce levels of a number of these substances (along with any wayward bug that might have come from the person who tried the shirt on before you!), it’s a good idea to wash new clothes that will be worn against the skin before you put them on. 

The U.S. doesn’t regulate formaldehyde levels in clothing. But certain other countries do, and a recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office noted that levels in textile products they tested here in the U.S. met the most rigorous standards established elsewhere—about 75 parts per million for items that are in direct contact with the skin.  

But that might not be enough for some people. By some estimates, about 9 percent of the U.S. population is so sensitive to formaldehyde that even low level exposures could be enough to set off an uncomfortable rash, or a severe allergic reaction. And a few items GAO tested did reach as high as 200 ppm. According to the GAO report, allergic contact dermatitis characteristic of formaldehyde exposure includes redness, swelling, blisters and flaky dry skin that can burn or itch. 

Fortunately for our staffer, his symptoms were limited. Only a patch test will tell for certain if formaldehyde or other fabric treatments were the cause. Then again, it may just have been a reaction to shelling out cash for new duds. 

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on Yahoo!

Copyright © 2006-2010 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission.

Source: Yahoo

mistakes with heat

10 mistakes people make with heat

Even with a constant flow of information aboutenergy efficiency, homeowners make major heating mistakes that end in higher electric bills and larger environmental footprints.

Here are 10 of those errors, with the cause and effect of each decision.

1. Maintaining a constant temperature

Cause: A persistent myth suggests that you can save energy by leaving the house at a comfortable 68 degrees (a widely recommended winter setting), even when you are sleeping or away at work.

The idea is that it takes more energy for the furnace to reach a comfortable temperature than to maintain that temperature.

Effect: You could miss out on significant potential energy savings by not using a programmable thermostatand adjusting the temperature overnight and during the workday.

Though the impacts of adjusting the thermostat vary based on your climate and other factors, studies show that knocking the temperature down by 10 degrees for eight hours per day can cut heating bills by 5 to 15 percent.

Sure, the furnace will cycle on for a longer period to return to the more comfortable temperature, but it will be far outweighed by hours of savings when it didn't have to work as hard.

2. Cranking up the temperature to warm up the house

Cause: You come home in the middle of the day to a cold house. You want to warm back up to 68 ASAP, so you crank the dial up to 78 to get the furnace working harder and faster.

Effect: No time is saved in reheating the house. Most furnaces pump out heat at the same rate no matter the temperature. They just cycle on for a longer period to reach a higher temperature.

The furnace will take the same amount of time to return to 68 degrees regardless of the thermostat setting. By cranking up the thermostat, you are likely to overheat the house past 68 degrees and waste energy. Just reset the thermostat to 68, make some hot chocolate, and wait.

[ Learn how to get the most out of a programmable thermostat. ]

3. Closing off vents in unused rooms

Cause: You don't want to waste energy heating rooms you aren't using.

Effect: Again, this just wastes energy and makes your furnace run inefficiently because it changes the air pressure in the whole system.

Experts recommend never shutting off more than 10 percent of vents. Sealing your ducts is a more efficient way to save energy.

4. Using the fireplace

Cause: You found some free firewood on Craigslist and think you can burn up some free heating energy while enjoying a romantic fire.

Effect: While we can't make any promises about increased romance, we can predict increased energy bills. An open fireplace flue may suck more cold air into the house than the fire can radiate into the living space.

5. Using electric room heaters

Cause: You spend most of your time in a couple of rooms, so you figure you will just heat them with space heaters.

Effect: This could lead to higher energy bills and greater fire risks. Generally, a central gas heating system is cheaper and more efficient than a set of electric room heaters. Electric heaters also can be a fire hazard.

There are exceptions. A single energy-efficient space heater in a small, well-insulated room can save energy if the central heater is switched off.

[ Learn how to use space heaters efficiently. ]

6. Switching to electric heating

Cause: Electric heaters are more efficient than fuel-based systems, so they must be cheaper and better for the environment, according to this popular idea.

Effect: In most areas, simply switching to electric heat leads to higher energy bills and a bigger carbon footprint. Your heater may be more efficient, but most U.S. homes are still linked to coal-fired power plants. These coal plants and their transmission systems are extremely inefficient.

Of course, it's a different story if you have a large photovoltaic solar array or your utility company uses renewable energy.

7. Replacing the windows

Cause: Those big pieces of glass get so darn cold. They must be the reason your house is so drafty.

Effect: You could spend a lot of money to only take care of part of the problem. Windows must be installed properly to avoid drafts, gaps, and leaks.

Moreover, more heat is typically lost through poorly insulated walls and ceilings than through windows.

8. Replacing the furnace first

Cause: You blame high energy bills on an old, inefficient furnace.

Effect: Your energy bills will still be higher than necessary if you don't start with cheaper, smaller upgrades to improve the energy efficiency of your home, such as caulking around windows and doors and adding insulation.

9. Upgrading to the most efficient furnace on the market

Cause: You want the sleekest, most energy-efficient furnace available because it will be the most cost effective as well.

Effect: You may end up replacing an over-sized furnace with another (albeit more efficient) over-sized furnace. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that most U.S. homes have over-sized HVAC systems.

Again, insulate and weatherize to maximize efficiency, then get the smallest system that will comfortably meet your heating needs, which will be substantially reduced. Also make sure it is professionally installed.

10. Using incandescent light bulbs for heating

Cause: Incandescent bulbs give off more heat than light, so they must be warming up the house.

Effect: It is hard to see this logic as anything but a weak excuse for holding on to the Edison bulbs rather than switching to CFL and LED lighting.

In fact, one German entrepreneur is marketing incandescent bulbs as "heat balls" to skirt EU laws against the old-style bulbs. However, I doubt he is keeping cozy this winter simply by sleeping with the lights on.

Source: Yahoo

memory boost

Gene therapy 'memory boost hope'

  A gene therapy technique which aims to ease memory problems linked to Alzheimer's Disease has been successfully tested in mice.

US scientists used it to increase levels of a chemical which helps brain cells signal to each other.

This signalling is hindered in Alzheimer's Disease, the journal Nature reported.

The Alzheimer's Research Trust said the study suggested a way to keep nerve cells in the brain communicating,

Ageing populations in many countries around the world mean that Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are set to increase.

Researchers at the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease in San Francisco believe that boosting the brain chemical, a neurotransmitter called EphB2, could help reduce or even prevent some of the worst effects of the condition.

Their research suggests that the chemical plays an important role in memory, and is depleted in Alzheimer's patients.

One of the most noticeable features about the brains of Alzheimer's patients is the build-up of "plaques" of a toxic protein called amyloid. Over time this leads to the death of brain cells.

'Thrilled'

However, another characteristic of amyloid is its apparent ability to bind directly to EphB2, reducing the amount available to brain cells, which could in part explain the memory symptoms involved.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

This research adds a piece to the Alzheimer's puzzle and provides new leads for researchers”

Rebecca WoodAlzheimer's Research Trust

To test this idea, they used gene therapy experiments to artificially reduce and increase the amount of available EphB2 in the brains of mice.

When levels of the chemical were reduced, healthy mice developed memory symptoms similar to those seen in mice bred to have a condition similar to Alzheimer's.

Conversely, when the "Alzheimer's" mice were given gene therapy which boosted levels of EphB2, their memory symptoms disappeared.

Dr Lennart Mucke, who led the study, said that his team had been "thrilled" to find this.

"We think that blocking amyloid proteins from binding to EphB2, and enhancing EphB2 levels or functions with drugs might be of benefit in Alzheimer's Disease."

However UK researchers said that the find, while interesting, did not offer a swift answer to Alzheimer's patients.

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "Our brains are hugely complex and understanding how they work and become damaged by diseases like Alzheimer's is a massive task.

"This research adds a piece to the Alzheimer's puzzle and provides new leads for researchers.

"It suggests a way to keep nerve cells in the brain communicating, which is vital for thinking and memory."

But she added: "We don't know yet if these findings will lead to a new treatment for Alzheimer's - that's some way off."

Skin Myths

Top 10 Skin Myths Debunked

Are you approaching your regimen all wrong? Dermatologists expose common blunders that could be sabotaging your complexion.


MYTH 1: A complete skincare routine must have three steps.
TRUTH:Cleanse, tone, then moisturize has been drilled into our heads, but feel free to skip the second step, says Cambridge, Massachusetts, dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch: "People think that toning an oily complexion will make it better, but oil is protective and the body produces it in response to injury. When you strip your skin, it reacts by making a ton of grease."

MYTH 2: You need to cleanse your face at least twice a day.
TRUTH: Using a face wash in the morning is just an excuse to go through more product, according to Hirsch, who advises avoiding antibacterial soaps at all costs because they're too harsh for your face. "In the morning, the best thing is water and your fingers, not a cleanser," she says.

MYTH 3: Scrubs make skin glow.
TRUTH: Overexfoliating leads to extra oil production, so the glow you see the first week will eventually turn into a greasy mess. "Skin is actually a good exfoliator on its own, so I rarely recommend manual scrubs," says Hirsch.

MYTH 4: Dryness causes fine lines.
TRUTH: People confuse dryness and flaking with wrinkles, says Hirsch, who suggests smoothing things out visually with a little lotion: "Just moisturizing will make wrinkles look better. The lines are still there, but you won't see them anymore."

17 Best Skincare Products

MYTH 5: You should buy your best friend's favorite eye cream.
TRUTH: "Everyone has different eye issues, so one size does not fit all," reveals New York City dermatologist Dr. Anne Chapas. If you have puffiness, choose a gel (heavy creams can boost swelling) with caffeine and store the tube in the fridge to maximize benefits. If you have dark circles, look for a product with a lightening ingredient like vitamin C and a collagen-builder like retinol.

MYTH 6: Leaving a mask on overnight gives you more for your money.
TRUTH: Masks deliver a potent dose of active ingredients or moisture quickly into the skin, but you can overdo it, causing irritation or breakouts. "You should use things as directed. Rarely do you outsmart the people who have done the clinical testing for a product," says Hirsch.

MYTH 7: Wearing foundation with an SPF means you're being sun safe.
TRUTH: You should still apply a sunscreen underneath, says Chapas. "Unless you're slathering on a mask of makeup, you're not getting enough protection. You need to wear an SPF of at least 30 on your face every day, and nobody puts on enough foundation to get that SPF value out of it."

The Best Winter Skincare — No Matter Where You Live

MYTH 8: Nano-size titanium dioxide sunscreen causes cancer.
TRUTH: "The majority of studies show that titanium dioxide nanoparticles are not absorbed through the normal skin," explains Dr. Chapas. "There are animal studies that show a link between nano-size titanium dioxide and organ damage, but the mice tested were ingesting or inhaling multiple times the amount that you would put on your skin. As far as we know, nano-size sunscreens that are applied topically are safe."

MYTH 9: The more wrinkle cream you apply, the better your results.
TRUTH: Morning and evening applications are a waste of money, says Hirsch. Most active ingredients work really well once a day, and antiaging retinols should be used only at night (because they're broken down by sunlight). Plus, slathering on too many retinols will cause irritation and make your skin look worse, leading to redness, peeling, and inflammation.

MYTH 10: The best way to get rid of blackheads is extractions.
TRUTH: Pulling and pressing on pores can cause scarring, warns Chapas. "After extractions, skin just fills right back up with oil. Using retinols and gentle acid peels at home is enough to unclog pores."

washing your gear

Tips for washing your cold weather gear

Yesterday, after a period of time too embarrassingly long to pinpoint, I was suddenly compelled to wash a couple of the wool shawls I tend to cocoon myself in year-round. Despite the fact that the other apparel in my rotation gets laundered with regularity, for whatever reason my standards for hygiene slip drastically when it comes to cold weather accessories and outerwear. And now, motivated by how easy it was to hand-wash and rack-dry my scarves (which I swear are now softer than before, not to mention laced with the pretty floral scent of my delicates wash), I got to wondering what else in my fall wardrobe could use refreshing, and how to go about laundering things like down vests and fleece jackets. And onrealsimple.com just now, I found out exactly how to do just that—and more. Here’s a re-cap of what I learned:

Down jackets and vests should ideally be washed twice per season. You can toss your puffies in the washing machine, using cold water. Skip the detergent, which can flatten the feathers, and tumble dry on low using a couple clean tennis balls to redistribute the feathers. Make sure the feathers are totally dry (this may take a couple cycles) to avoid clumping.

While it’s pretty obvious that tights should be hand-washed (and that you ought to aim to do this after every use), I also learned that if you’re in a pinch and need a quick refresher for a pair you’ve already worn, you can toss them in the dryer for ten minutes. Though they suggest tossing in a deodorizing product called the Refresh’n Dryer Towel too, I suggest making your own dryer sachet (which is really easy btw—just take some cotton muslin bags, fill ‘em with lavender and a couple drops of lavender essential oil, and sew them shut) for this purpose.

Fleece pieces need a little TLC, too. To keep the fabric from getting crunchy or pilled, wash fleece goods inside out, and take care not to wash them with other lint-y items, like towels. Give them an extra-thorough rinse to make sure there’s no detergent lingering on the fabric before letting them air dry.

Hats, gloves, and scarves (all of which I have a tendency to ignore, from a maintenance perspective) should be washed three to five times each season—especially considering all the makeup and skin oils that tend to rub off on them. Handwash all the knit items, and if you have structured hats or leather pieces, take them to the dry cleaner.

And when it comes to sweaters, I’m a die-hard hand-washer (it’s gentler on fabrics than dry cleaning, not to mention works out to a fraction of the cost). I learned something new though, which is wool sweaters don’t need to be washed as frequently as your cashmere or cotton pieces, since the material naturally repels dirt and dust.

Source: realsimple.com

Bad Breath

5 Ways to Combat Bad Breath

While brushing and flossing at least twice a day is the first and most important step to preventing and curing bad breath, there are other tricks that help keep your mouth clean and odor-free, even when you don’t have a toothbrush handy. Follow these often-overlooked tips to keeping your breath fresh:

1.    Brush your tongue.  
When going through our daily brushing and flossing ritual, we may overlook the tongue—perhaps because our parents probably never said “brush your tongue!” It’s just as important, however, because our taste buds attract and hold on to plaque and bits of the foods we eat, each of which can emit odors.


2.    Keep your mouth hydrated.
Ever wonder why breath is especially rancid in the morning or after coffee? Probably because your mouth is unusually dry and odor-causing bacteria flourish in a dry, warm spaces. A hydrated mouth means the water you drink and your own saliva wash away bacteria and prevent new odors from emerging.  So, now you’ve got yet another reason to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.  Spritz a bit of lemon, which is a natural antibacterial, into your water to give each glass even more cleansing power.

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3.    Help your mouth produce saliva.  
Your saliva not only washes away odor-causing food particles and hydrates your mouth; it also contains powerful natural antibacterial properties and neutralizes acids, according to WebMD. Because the main contributor to bad breath is the buildup of plaque that contains live and dead bacteria on the gums, teeth, and tongue, producing saliva is essential to keeping your mouth clean and fresh. Certain foods, like a tart Granny Smith apple for instance, gets your natural juices working as you chew so that saliva washes away plaque, leaving you with a clean-feeling mouth and fresher breath. In addition, chewing on herbs such as spearmint and parsley will mask odor and get your mouth producing saliva, according to Discovery Health.

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4.    Choose sugarless gum.
While gum should never replace brushing and flossing after meals, chewing it can help mask odors and a hydrate your mouth in a pinch. Be sure to always opt for sugarless gum, however, as sugar increases plaque—which is probably what is causing your bad breath in the first place.


5.    Eat bad-breath-busting foods.
Just as some foods, such as garlic and onion, can cause bad breath, others can help eliminate it. According to Mayo Clinic, foods that are high in fiber help break down plaque in the mouth and thus help freshen the breath. Reach for celery, carrots, and other crunchy vegetables when your mouth needs a little cleaning and you need a healthy snack.  A diet rich in vitamin C is also essential to preventing gum disease, which side effects include putrid breath. Citrus fruits and berries are good for your health and freshen your breath simultaneously, according to WebMD.

Avoid Holiday Weight

7 Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

According to a nationwide study conducted by Kaiser Permanente, 46% of Americans said they tended to gain “a few pounds” during the holidays, with overweight people admitting to amassing an average of five or more pounds. But you can be part of the 54% who can still button their pants come 2011 by following these easy tips. Bonus: you can still indulge in your favorite foods!

1. Create a Workout Schedule
Between office parties, house guests, and friends’ gatherings, it’s hard to keep a set schedule—much less an exercise routine. But just like everything else, if you make room for it, it will happen. Sit down with your calendar and reserve three slots per week for the gym or other form of workout between Thanksgiving and the New Year and treat them as can’t-miss appointments. That way, you’re more inclined to follow through!

Discover stylish and comfortable workout clothes!


2. Relax
For some, stress and the holidays go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, stress leads people to reach for foods high in sugar and fat. Recognize your triggers to emotional eating and when you feel the need to gorge on high-caloric foods, take a break from whatever you’re doing in the form of a 10-minute walk, a cup of hot tea, or a couple of chapters from your current favorite read. Meditation and deep breathing can also help you diffuse tension and de-stress.

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3. Get Enough Shut-Eye
Recent studies show that women who sleep five hours or less per night on average weigh more than women who sleep seven or more hours per night. Researchers attribute the phenomenon to increased hunger hormones brought about by sleep deprivation. Make sure you get the recommended seven to eight hours by establishing consistent sleep and wake schedules (even during this hectic time). Also, create a relaxing bedtime routine and abstain from food, alcohol, and caffeine at least two to three hours before bedtime to ensure the best quality slumber.


4. Snack Before Party Hopping
If you attend a party on an empty stomach, you’re sure to make a beeline for the buffet and overindulge in highly caloric appetizers and snacks. So before you head out to the festivities, eat a fiber-rich snack like an apple with peanut butter, or granola bar. Why fiber? It slows down the digestive process and gives you a feeling of fullness.

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5. Socialize Away from the Spread
Let’s face it: when you’re within arm’s reach of scrumptious finger foods, creamy dips, and heavenly cocktails, it’s nearly impossible not to indulge. Whether hosting or attending holiday parties, mingle with guests outside the kitchen and as far away from the buffet (and bar) as possible. That way, you can concentrate on the conversation rather than the cuisine.

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6. Drink in Moderation
Most popular holiday beverages have as many calories as the treats on the dessert tray! So opt for low-fat eggnog if possible, skip the whip cream with that hot cocoa, and don’t feel the need to polish off every last drop. Also, be mindful of your alcohol intake—inhibitions go the wayside and along with it, willpower.

Check out gorgeous holiday decorations.


7. Don’t Deny Yourself
Finally, do indulge in your favorite holiday foods—just watch your portions (e.g., take a smaller plate from the buffet, fill half your plate with vegetables, and use gravy and sauces sparingly). Besides, you’re just setting yourself up for defeat if you go into the season with the plan of saying no to all the foods you fancy most this time of year.