Winter driving tips

 Jeff Voth, Yahoo! Canada Autos

The best defense for winter driving is a good offense. Taking precautions before the worst of it starts in late December and early January can make all the difference between a good winter of driving and the worst. Here are several tips that will hopefully make this winter a little less stressful.

Stop doors from freezing

To keep car doors from freezing in the cold weather, spray or smear silicone on all the gaskets between the door and the car's body. It's a good idea to also treat the gaskets on the trunk or hatch.

Most new vehicles today feature keyless entry systems. But many of us still drive cars that use a conventional key. Washing your car on a regular basis is a good way to keep salt and grime off your vehicle during the winter. To prevent locks from freezing, spray graphite in the key slot and work the key into the hole several times to push the graphite deep into the locking mechanism.

Windshield care

Apply a repellant to the windshield and all the windows to keep them free of slush, salt and dirt. Repellants work by filling in the microscopic pits and scratches where gunk and slush collect. This will also make it easier to scrape off ice and snow from the windows. At the same time, replace your summer wiper blades with winter blades designed for extreme weather.

Never yank or chop at your windshield wipers in an effort to free them if they become stuck. This action may cause you to rip the wiper blade, leading to streaks or uneven wiping when using the wipers. Instead, start the vehicle, put on the windshield and rear defroster, then clear the side and rear windows first. By the time you get to the front, the wipers should be free enough to move without causing any damage.

Be prepared for an emergency

Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded. Some of the items you may want to include are: battery jumper cables, a first-aid kit, collapsible shovel, a basic tool kit, sleeping bags and blankets, extra winter clothing, flashlight with extra batteries, a crank radio, bag of sand, candles and matches, flares and an extra car battery. Make sure to always keep your cellphone charged, especially during the winter months.

If you become stranded in your vehicle in a winter storm, stay calm and remain inside, call for help with your cell phone, stay warm with blankets, keep your lights on to remain visible and remember to run the engine and heat periodically to save fuel and battery power. It is rarely a good idea to leave your vehicle and look for help in storm. Be prepared and wait for help to arrive.

Stay alert and drive safe

A few years ago I had the opportunity to attend the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Numerous courses are offered on three specially designed ice tracks. At this time of year, it makes a great Christmas gift and may even save a life or two, (www.winterdrive.com).

People attending the course range in age and driving experience. For those just learning to drive in the winter, it provides the perfect setting to push the limit, lose control safely and become a better driver. Here are several of the driving tips we learned as taken from the Bridgestone Blizzak Winter Driving website.

Adjust your speed to the current conditions. When driving in challenging conditions, decreasing your speed will allow more time to respond when a difficult situation arises. Factors such as the type of vehicle you are driving, the quality of tires your car is equipped with, and your abilities as a driver should be considered in the speed adjustment. Remember that posted speed limits identify the maximum speed allowed when weather conditions are ideal.

Anticipate difficult situations. Studies have shown that 80 per cent of all accidents could be prevented with only one more second to react. In many situations, this one second can be gained by looking far enough down the road to identify problems before you become a part of them. Be more alert to the actions of other drivers. Anticipate vehicles coming from side streets and put extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If someone is too close behind you, don't speed up -- slow down and let them go around you.

Use grip effectively. When roads are slippery, use all of the grip available. Brake only before the curve when the car is travelling straight. Taking your foot off the brake before you steer into the curve allows you to use all of the grip available for steering. Don't accelerate until you begin to straighten the steering wheel when exiting the turn. This technique will allow you to be 100% effective at each maneuver. In many situations, better grip or traction can be gained by placing the outside wheels toward the shoulder of the road, out of the ruts in the centre. The difference in traction can unbalance the car during the transition from rut to shoulder, so be alert.

When driving at night, leave your headlights on low beam while driving in snow or fog. This practice minimizes the reflection and glare, improves visibility, and reduces eye fatigue. When oncoming cars approach, focus on the right side of the roadway to help maintain good night vision.

Keep a smooth, progressive and light touch on the brakes for normal braking. Even in a car equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). In the event of an emergency in an ABS-equipped car, press the pedal HARD and hold it down. Remember that in an ABS-equipped car, you can also steer around many obstacles while braking. Perhaps a better description of ABS would be: "Allows you to Brake and Steer."

Don't overestimate the capability of four-wheel drive vehicles. Many drivers mistakenly believe that four-wheel drive is all-powerful. Every type of vehicle depends on four small contact patches where the tire meets the road for traction. These small areas are the only contact of your vehicle to the road. Four-wheel drive does not improve braking or cornering effectiveness.

Wear quality sunglasses. Good quality sunglasses help highlight changes in the terrain and road surface even in low visibility conditions.

The world's best drivers are trained to anticipate trouble early and direct the vehicle appropriately before they become involved in a problem. Reacting too quickly can be dangerous if the driver's response is inappropriate. Waiting too long can be just as deadly. Stay focused and learn to watch the road ahead and behind to stay safe.

Winter driving tips - warming up the car

- Jeff Voth, Yahoo! Canada Autos

Those of us who live in a four-season climate are used to the idea of allowing our vehicles to warm up on a cold winter's day. But with the technology in today's automobiles, is this still something we should be doing? The simple answer is no. For the most part, letting your vehicle idle for long periods of time in the cold is not only bad for the environment, but can cause serious damage to your engine and emission system.

In the past, most vehicles employed a carburetor to deliver fuel to the engine. Today, almost all cars, trucks and SUVs on the road use some form of electronic fuel injection. In a cold engine, the computer management system tells the fuel injectors to stay open longer allowing more fuel to flow into the engine in part to keep the engine running cool. Trying to warm up the engine at slightly above idle speed is actually doing the reverse and inviting additional problems.

Cold engines produce a much higher level of unburned hydrocarbons as fuel needs heat to burn efficiently. Even the best catalytic converter is unable to process 100 per cent while running at maximum temperature, so allowing the engine to idle for extended periods of time can start to clog the system.

In addition, spark plugs may also become plugged or dirty due to inefficient fuel burning. Older vehicles required regular maintenance, calling for spark plugs to be changed every 30,000 km. Today, almost all engines employ an electronic ignition system that requires spark plugs to be changed at intervals in the range of 100,000 km. An engine at idle for extensive periods of time could dramatically shorten the life of your plugs, causing you to spend hard-earned money on unnecessary service and maintenance.

A better approach is to start your vehicle and let it run for up to one minute before driving away. This will allow fluids to begin flowing through the engine and then warm up to efficient temperatures under normal driving conditions.

Should the temperature outside dip below freezing, allow a maximum of four to five minutes of idle time before driving away. This should be just enough time to clean off any snow or ice that may have accumulated on the windows. While you may not be warm as toast on the way into work or school, you will benefit by saving money at the pump and garage and by driving a vehicle that runs cleaner and more efficient for many years to come.

source: Yahoo

myths about job interviews

Cynthia Ross Cravit, 50Plus.com, On Wednesday December 1, 2010, 11:06 pm EST

 

Top prevailing myths about job interviews -- and important tips on how to impress a potential employer.

In a perfect world, both the interviewer and the interviewee would be well prepared to ask thoughtful, insightful questions. And the decision about who would get hired would be mainly about who is best qualified for the position.

But these are just a few examples of the prevailing myths about job interviews. David Couper — veteran career coach and author of Outsiders on the Inside: How to Create a Winning Career … Even When You Don’t Fit In! — identified the most common myths about the job interview, and the best way to deal with them, as reported by CNN Money .

Top 10 myths of job interviewing

Myth: The interviewer is actually prepared.

Contrary to what you may expect, when you sit down for the interview, your interviewer probably hasn’t had time to do more than glance through your resume, Couper says. Most interviewers are, in fact, line managers who are harried, overworked and stressed by the need to fill a position.

What to do: Make it easy for your interviewer. When asked the frequent catch all question, “Tell me about yourself” use this as an opportunity to recap the highlights of your resume, your qualifications and why you’re a good fit for the job. (Another way you’ll endear yourself to the interviewer? If you tell them what they need to know, they won’t need to come up with more questions, Couper adds.)

Myth: Most interviewers are trained on how to conduct thorough job interviews.

Typically, human resources professionals do get extensive training in job interviewing techniques — but the average manager is more or less winging it.

What to do: If your interviewer asks vague questions, go into specifics even if they aren’t asked for. Couper suggests that you be ready with several concrete examples of your skills and experiences that illustrate why you should be hired for the job.

Myth: It’s only polite to accept an interviewer’s offer of refreshment.

To be courteous, many interviewers will offer you a drink — but in reality, it is often a bother for them to rustle up a cup of coffee or tea. And even worse, this can use up a good portion of the allotted interview time.

What to do: Unless the beverage is right there, politely decline.

Myth: Interviewers expect you to hand over references’ contact information right away.

Until specifically asked, hold off with providing references. By waiting until after the interview, you’ll have a better idea of who would make the most suitable references for position. (You’ll also have an opportunity to ‘gently’ prep your references first about the details of the job.)

What to do: When asked for references, offer to send the information via email in the next day or so. Note: if you’re a designer or writer, it is appropriate to hand over reports or samples of your work during the interview.

Myth: There’s a right answer to every question.

Often interviewers ask a question to see the way you think, and how you approach your answer is more important than the answer itself, according to Couper.

What to do: If you’re presented with a hypothetical problem and asked to resolve it, try to think of a comparable situation from the past — and talk about how you successfully dealt with it.

Myth: You should always keep your answers short.

You’ve done your research about the company — and don’t be afraid to speak at some length to convince your interviewer why you’re the right hire.

What to do: Talk-up your qualifications and strengths as it relates specifically to what you’ve learned about the position. And keep in mind that, according to Couper, in a good interview you should be the one talking about two-thirds of the time.

Myth: If you’ve got great qualifications, your appearance doesn’t matter.

Studies have shown that physical attractiveness plays a big role in hiring decisions, Couper says. While in an ideal world, skills and qualifications should trump looks, this is often not the case.

What to do: People do care about how you present yourself, so make the most of what you’ve got. It’s not so much about being drop-dead gorgeous, but looking energetic, healthy, and confident.

Myth: When asked where you see yourself in five years, you should show tremendous ambition.

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” It’s a common enough question, but Couper says it’s also a tricky one. While interviewers want you to be highly motivated, they also worry that you’ll get restless if you don’t move up fast enough.

What to do: Say something that covers all bases, like, ‘I’d be happy to stay in this job as long as I’m still learning things and making a valuable contribution,’” Couper told CNN. Worried about finding yourself in a dead-end job? You could turn the question around and ask, “Where do you see me in five years?”

Myth: If the company invites you to an interview, that means the job is still open.

Unfortunately this is not always the case. In fact, Couper says that some companies see ‘interviews’ as an opportunity to do market research on the cheap: they may ask about your current or recent duties, pay scale etc, for comparison purposes. Or, sometimes, the interviewer already has a strong internal candidate in mind, but wants to see if they might find someone more suitable. Finally, if you got the interview through someone in your network, the interview may simply be a courtesy to the person who referred you.

What to do: Even if the job opening is not real, it’s still worth going to the interview. “Sometimes they discover you’re a good fit for a different opening that really does exist. You never know where an interview might lead,” Couper says.

Myth: The most qualified person gets the job.

In a job interview, chemistry definitely counts. In fact, a candidate who is less qualified, but has the right personality and hits it off with the interviewer almost always gets hired over a candidate with better qualifications on paper, Couper says.

What to do: Be friendly, upbeat and easy to get along with. If you suspect you haven’t won over the interviewer with your sterling personality, try to fit in a question such as “What would your ideal candidate for this job be like?” And then talk about how you fit that profile.

Sources: CNN Money; Forbes

Staying Safe Over the Holidays

by Gramps, on Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:05pm PST

The holidays are a time for families and friends to come together. But they also mark a time when parents and pet owners should be extra careful. For as fun as this time of the year can be, there are many ways in which children and pets can injure themselves.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) hosts a stellar article that explains how to be prevent disasters, both small and large. The SPCA of Texas has a similar blog for furry friends. Below, some of the highlights for having a fun and safe holiday season.

The Tree
For those using an artificial Christmas tree, be sure to look for trees that are labeled "fire resistant." Even then, always keep it a safe distance from the fireplace. If you're using a live tree, the AAP suggests you check for freshness. The less fresh a tree is, the dryer it is. And the dryer it gets, the easier it will become a fire hazard.

Keep the tree stand full of water, but also make sure the tree stand is covered for the safety of your pets.According to the SPCA, tree water can be "infested with fertilizer, bacteria, and other harmful elements." You definitely don't want your pets drinking it. You'll also want to make sure cats don't climb the tree, tip it over, and possibly hurt themselves or others. Delicate and breakable ornaments should be placed higher on the tree so curious pets don't knock them down and possibly hurt themselves

Refreshments
One word: Eggnog. When the nog comes out, you gotta be careful. Kids left unattended can scoop it up and slurp it down. In fact, according to hospitals, incidents of alcohol poisoning in children rise during the holidays--in part due to more parties and half-empty drinks being left out. Same deal with dogs and cats -- alcoholic beverages are not good for pets. As for food, the SPCA writes that macadamia nuts and chocolate, both holiday favorites, can be especially dangerous for dogs, so try to keep those out of reach.

Decorations
Everyone likes Christmas lights, but hanging them from your house can be very dangerous. There's not really a sure-fire safe way to do it. The best you can do is use a steady ladder, and be safe. Hometips.com lists some helpful things to remember. Measure the length of the lights before you climb the ladder. Don't use nails to secure the lights (use plastic clips instead). And, if possible, secure the lights to the eaves of the house.

The Fireplace
It can be tempting to just throw all the used wrapping paper into the fire once the gifts are open. Don't. The AAP writes that "a flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely." The fumes can also cause sickness in people as well as pets.

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Canada's young workers

Canada's young workers: the group the economic recovery left behind

By Julian Beltrame, The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press – Thu, 9 Dec 11:05 PM EST

OTTAWA - Canada's falling unemployment rate is hiding an unpleasant truth — tens of thousands are leaving the labour market in frustration, and none more so than young workers.

Last week's labour force survey for November presented a distorted hall-of-mirrors picture of employment — with the jobless rate falling to a two year low of 7.6 per cent on the strength of little job creation.

For young workers in the 15 to 24-year-old category, the picture was even more distorted — the unemployment rate plummeted from 15 per cent to 13.6 per cent with virtually no new jobs added.

The mathematical disconnect comes about because Statistics Canada does not measure the number of workers against those who want jobs, but against those who are actively looking for work. There have been fewer of those.

Young people are leaving the labour force in droves. According to the agency, the youth participation rate is the lowest in over a decade.

What's more, while the economy has created over 440,000 jobs since the recession there are 228,000 fewer young people employed.

"A lot of young people are throwing in the towel, saying forget it," said Brian Bethune, chief Canadian economist with IHS Global Insight.

"There's an inter-generational imbalance happening. You have a big bulge of baby boomers who have gotten into established positions entitled to three and four weeks vacation and young people can't find jobs."

Canadian Auto Workers economist Jim Stanford says there is another "perversity" in the challenge facing youth. As governments toy with the idea of raising the retirement age, young people can't break into the market at all because older workers are tying up jobs.

Ironically, Canadians 55 and over have done the best since the recession and are the only age group that has seen the participation rate rise in the past year.

Statistics Canada can not say for certain why more young people have been leaving the workforce, although analyst Lahouaria Yssaad notes that since the numbers are not as stark in the over 20-24 age sub-category, many in the youngest cohort may have gone back to school.

What is obvious, however, is that young people were disproportionately left behind during the recession, and one year removed from the official start of the recovery, they are still having a difficult time re-connecting with the economy.

Nancy Schaefer, president of Youth Employment Services in Toronto, calls it a "crisis" in youth unemployment, and is calling on governments to offer incentives for employers to hire young workers.

YES, which has units across the country, sees the wide range of youth, from those who have never had a job to those who were laid off during the downturn; from those with little education, to graduates. Many struggle, she says, but particularly those with less than a college or university education.

Young workers like 20-year-old Chantelle of Newfoundland, who left her job as a restaurant manager in August and moved toToronto because she had been told it was a city of opportunity.

It was a decision she wishes she could take back because five months later, she has run out of money and has had to move into a homeless shelter.

"I'll take anything, but there's nothing out there," she says, asking her full name be withheld. "People say they'll call back, but they never do. I'm not going to stop looking, though, because I want to get out of here."

Single mother Huda Eldardiry, 23, went through retraining because she was unable to keep working nights as a shoe saleswoman, but has been unable to find work since October. She is not given up, however, so technically she is not yet a frustrated worker.

Unless she gets lucky, though, the data suggest the odds of her finding a job quickly are slim. Schaefer says she's seen university grads take up to a year to find a job, and in many cases they've had to settle for part-time or work outside their area of expertise.

The repercussions for the individual lives in terms of anxiety and living conditions can be severe, but there is also a societal cost to long-term unemployment, she says.

"I hate to say this, but they might find alternative means of employment — working under-the-table or doing illegal activities and that's not good for anybody."

Human Resources Minister Diane Finley's office says the government has programs to help young workers, including for training and tax incentives to employers to hire apprentices. It is unclear whether the next budget will contain any specific measures for youth, although Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has signalled there will be no significant new spending.

What's happening to youth is an indication that the government's boasts about a recovering economy are hollow, responded Scott Brison, the Liberal finance critic. He said it is clear some segments of the population are still suffering through a recession.

Analysts consider youth unemployment a the litmus test of labour market strength overall, and by that measure, Canada has still a long way to go before employment stages a comeback.

The trouble with trumpeting that all jobs lost during the recession have been recouped, as the government does, is that it doesn't take into account that Canada's population has grown by about almost one million since, and those people need jobs too, says Stanford. As well, many of the added jobs are part-time, or lower-paying service jobs.

Stanford's analysis of labour trends since the recession shows that if the lower participation among youth and also core workers, those in the 25-54 age category, is taken into account, the jobless rate would be 9.1 per cent, 1.5 percentage points higher than the official rate.

And the number of unemployed would rise to 1.71 million — about 600,000 more than before the recession..

Stanford says there are risks that if the situation persists, cyclical unemployment caused by a recession could become a permanent state of affairs for some workers.

"Sometimes long-term unemployment becomes structural unemployment," he explained. "Economists call it hysteresis where individuals get used to not working, they lose their contacts, their skills become less sharp and that makes it all the harder to get back to work when conditions improve."

The best winter fruit

What’s Fresh: The best winter fruit for your buck

It's slim pickings in the fresh fruit aisle at this time of year. It appears to be well stocked—you can find berries and melons just like you did in the summer. ...…

It's slim pickings in the fresh fruit aisle at this time of year. It appears to be well stocked—you can find berries and melons just like you did in the summer. But now that it's winter, I find summer-season fruits to be a sad and lifeless representation of what they were during the warmer months. Even if I have a hankering for my warm-weather favorites, I'd rather spend my money on fruit that actually tastes good now.

Below are my 5 favorite winter fruits, which are all good on their own as snacks and are delightful in desserts and savory recipes too. Here's how to choose the best fruit, why it's good for you and how to save money buying it at the grocery store.

Oranges

How to buy: In general, look for plump oranges that are free of blemishes or bruises. As the season wears on, you may find different varieties of oranges popping up, such as Cara Cara and blood oranges. Try them! Both of these varieties are very sweet and have a darker flesh, ranging from pink in the Cara Cara to dark red in the blood orange.

Why it's good: Oranges are loaded with vitamin C (a large orange has more than the daily recommended value of vitamin C), which may help smooth your skin. If you bite into a blood orange, you'll also be getting anthocyanins, a compound that turns the flesh red and is associated with helping to keep the heart healthy and the brain sharp.

How to save: Buy them in bulk (they may be cheaper in a bag than when sold individually) and store them in the refrigerator to extend their life by a couple of weeks. If you stumble across a few fruits with a grainy texture, use them for juicing!

Bananas

How to buy: Though there are hundreds of varieties of bananas, the Cavendish is the variety most familiar to North Americans.  Bananas are in season year-round and are different from other fruits because they can be picked while they are still far from ripe.  If you do buy green bananas, wait until the skin ripens to a yellow and the starches convert to sugars. 

Why it's good: Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium, which is associated with healthy blood pressure.  Also, a medium banana is an excellent source of cell-building vitamin B6 and is a good source of vitamin C and fiber. 

How to save: Though bananas are relatively economical—ripening bananas cost about 90¢ per pound—overripe bananas are often on sale for less. Even if banana peels have started to brown, the insides often remain sweet and ripe. Buy a bunch or two and peel the extras before sticking them in the freezer.  They will keep for several months and are excellent in banana bread and smoothies.

Pineapple

How to buy: Avoid green pineapples—they are not ripe. A ripe pineapple should smell like a pineapple. There should be a golden color present—starting at the base—and the more yellow a pineapple is, the better it will taste throughout. Some people claim that pulling leaves easily from the top of a pineapple is an indication of ripeness, but this has not been proven. Your best bet is to go with color.

Why it's good: Pineapple is loaded with vitamin C, delivers a healthy dose of fiber and is an excellent source of manganese, a nutrient involved in bone formation.

How to save: Cutting into a pineapple for the first time can be downright scary. But where your wallet is concerned, it may be worth learning how to do. Prepared pineapple chucks in the produce section cost more per pound—about 50 cents an ounce more—than a whole pineapple.

Pomegranates

How to buy: Color is not a good indicator of a ripe pomegranate. Instead, choose a fruit that feels heavy in your hand.

Why it's good: Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants, natural compounds found in plants that help protect the body from harmful free radicals (compounds in the body that damage tissues and may contribute to a variety of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer). Although you don't get as many antioxidants eating the seeds as drinking the juice, you will get a bit of fiber and abundant punicic acid, a polyunsaturated heart-healthy oil.

How to save: Pomegranates aren't the cheapest fruit in the produce bin (about $2.50 each), but the good news is that one fruit goes a long way. Your best bet is to compare prices at competing stores, and buy the cheapest you can find.

Grapefruit

How to buy: Like oranges, select fruits that are free of blemishes and bruises. Buying grapefruit can be tricky—the skin color of the fruit is not always a reliable way to tell if the fruit is sweet inside. If the fruit is heavy in your hand, that may be a good indication of its juiciness.

Why it's good: Like oranges, grapefruits are high in vitamin C and are a good source of fiber. Studies have shown that the soluble fiber in grapefruit may even be beneficial in lowering cholesterol. Half a medium grapefruit has only 60 calories.

How to save: If you regularly buy organic, you may make an exception for grapefruit. According to the Environmental Working Group (a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization) it is a fruit that is less likely to be contaminated with pesticides.

What is your favorite winter fruit, and how do you use it?

By Hilary Meyer

EatingWell assistant editor Hilary Meyer spends much of her time in the EatingWell Test Kitchen, testing and developing healthy recipes. She is a graduate of New England Culinary Institute.

Think you are hungry

A staggering 63 percent of Americans are overweight. The most common cause? We eat more food than we need—and we're all guilty of doing it: mindlessly munching on a bag of pretzels during a reality TV marathon or treating ourselves to a second helping when the first was plenty. But boredom and indulgence aside, why else are we reaching for a snack when we should feel full? Some of it can be blamed on habit, while other triggers have more to do with our body's hunger signals. Check out the list below to find out the most common overeating pitfalls and simple solutions for avoiding these traps.

1. You didn't get enough sleep last night.
Lack of rest stimulates two faux hunger triggers: energy deficiency, to which our natural reaction is to nourish our bodies, and appetite hormone confusion. "When our bodies are drained, levels of leptin—a hormone produced by our fat cells that controls our appetite—decrease, while levels of gherlin—a hormone produced by our stomach that stimulates our appetite—increase," explains American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Karen Ansel, RD. That's two hormones working against you. "Getting eight hours of sleep a night is the easiest thing you can do to prevent overeating." If you do fall short on zzz's, be sure to load up on nourishing, naturally energizing foods—such as fresh fruit, complex carbohydrates and lean proteins—throughout the day to help your body feel satisfied.

2. You're taking medication that causes hunger as a side effect.
If you felt ravenous the last time you were taking an antibiotic to tame an allergic reaction, joint inflammation, acne or a bad cold, the medicine may be to blame. "Medication that contains mild steroids, like prednisone, a corticosteroid, ramp up hunger big time," says Milton Stokes, RD, owner of One Source Nutrition, LLC. "If you've already eaten a normal-size meal, ignore the drug-inflated hunger," says Stokes. Instead, try an oral fix like chewing gum, sipping warm coffee or brushing your teeth, he suggests. If you're on long-term steroid therapy, consult a dietitian to devise an eating plan that will help you feel more satisfied throughout the treatment.

3. You're thirsty or dehydrated.
The symptoms of dehydration (sleepiness, low energy) closely mimic those of being overly hungry, which may lead you to think you need food to increase your energy level, explains Sandon. When you're thirsty, your mouth becomes dry, a symptom that eating will temporarily relieve, notes Sandon. She suggests drinking a tall glass of water or cup of herbal tea before eating and waiting for your body's hunger signals to adjust (about 10 minutes). "Doing so could save hundreds of calories."

4. It's "mealtime."
As creatures of habit, we tend to eat on autopilot. While some regularity is encouraged so that you don't become overly hungry, which could lead to bingeing, it's also important to listen to hunger signals, says Ansel. "Next time you sit down to eat, ask yourself: 'Am I really hungry?' If the answer is 'no,' either eat a smaller portion or put off the meal for an hour—though no longer than that," suggests Ansel. This also applies to situations you associate with eating, like flying. "We've been conditioned to associate an airplane ride with eating," Ansel says. The solution: "Pay attention to timing," recommends Lona Sandon, MEd, RD, assistant professor of nutrition at University of Texas Southwestern. "Know how long the flight is and plan satisfying meals around it." Also, take advantage of the free (hydrating) beverages, she adds, as the enclosed space leads to hunger-causing dehydration.

5. You just worked out.
We are conditioned to feed ourselves after exercising. And, after a particularly strenuous exercise session like a spinning class or interval-training workout, we tend to feel ravenous. But that doesn't mean your body needs extra calories. "It means your body needs a specific kind of nourishment," says Marissa Lippert, RD, a nutrition consultant and dietitian in New York City. Opt for roasted chicken or other lean meats (protein will replenish your muscles) and brown rice or other whole grains (complex carbohydrates take a while to break down) to help your body recover faster and fend off hunger longer.

6. Not enough time has passed since you finished your meal.
You've just eaten lunch only to wonder: "Why am I still hungry?" Before you assume you didn't eat enough, consider that maybe you ate too quickly. "Appetite hormones need time to tell your brain you're full," explains Sandon. To prevent post-meal hunger pangs, keep these pointers in mind: Eat slowly, putting down your fork between bites; choose flavorful and satisfying foods; and include a combination of fat, protein and carbohydrates in every meal. If you're still hungry, try sucking on a mint to ward off your cravings.

7. The women around you are eating.
A joint study out of Duke University and Arizona State University found that women tend to mirror other women's eating habits. "When one overdoes it, the rest often follow along," Ansel confirms. To avoid this copycat effect, Lippert suggests taking a quick minute to reassess your own eating habits—or, if all else fails, grabbing a pal and evacuating the scene of the food. A more permanent fix? Be the one who sets a healthy example for your girlfriends to follow. Their waistlines will thank you! "Just as obesity is contagious, so are healthy habits," says Dawn Jackson Blatner, author of The Flexitarian Diet.

8. You smell or see food.
"We tend to eat with our senses more than our stomachs," says Ansel. When we smell or see food—even if it's in a photo, advertisement or TV show—our mouths water, which stimulates our appetite. Onset factors can include smelling a batch of cupcakes baking, seeing snack food laid out on the counter or watching a cooking show. The clear-cut solution: "Out of sight, out of mind." Leave the room, hide the candy jar, turn off the TV—and the craving to eat will likely subside, says Ansel.

9. You're stressed out.
"Studies show that when people recognize they're stressed, they are more likely to turn to high-fat, salty or sugary foods," says Sandon. "These foods both are comforting and feel good in the mouth," she adds. But it's not all about emotional eating. Sandon notes that your body's chemical reaction to stress could also cause hunger pangs. "Increased levels of the stress hormones cortisol and insulin may be associated with triggering appetite." Either way, appetite control boils down to decision-making. Before reaching for the ice cream tub, try quickly clearing your mind.

50 Best Careers of 2011

  50 Best Careers of 2011

 

Alexis Grant, On Monday December 6, 2010, 12:04 am EST

It pays to be smart when choosing your career, particularly now that the job market is (slowly) improving. With the recession officially over, anyone who's out of work or eager to change jobs is on the lookout for opportunities. But where, exactly, are the jobs? Which occupations offer decent salaries, quality of life--and are likely to stick around for the next decade?
Our list of 50 Best Careers answers those questions. We've highlighted dozens of high-opportunity professions--careers you may want to consider as you decide where to look for your next paycheck. Based on job-growth projections, salary data, and other factors like job satisfaction, these occupations span a variety of industries, so you can find the right position for you no matter what your interests.
What's new on the list this year? Several of our picks reflect the recent uptick in the economy, while others are long-time contenders that finally muscled their way onto the roster. With an aging baby boomer generation, healthcare continues to make a strong showing. All of the healthcare jobs on last year's list have made the cut again this year, plus two new positions: massage therapist and athletic trainer. While the field of athletic training doesn't offer the sheer number of positions as nursing or dental hygiene, it outranks nearly all other healthcare occupations for expected job growth.
[See Tips for Landing Jobs on Our List.]
Technology positions also account for a good chunk of our top-choice careers. Computer support specialist joins the ranks this year with upward trending employment numbers. Education administrator, which ranked particularly high for job satisfaction, made it onto our lineup of social service jobs. In the business category, we added sales manager, an occupation that's making a comeback along with the economy.
On our creative and service jobs list, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technician is new this year, largely because of its high expected job growth. Interpreter/translator, an occupation that's increasingly in demand as a result of globalization, also made the cut.
To come up with this year's list, U.S. News considered job-growth projections from the Labor Department, estimates for 2008 to 2018, the most recent data available. We narrowed it down to occupations that are expected to add jobs at an above-average rate over the next decade, as well as those that provide an above-average median income. Sales manager makes the highest median annual salary on our list, nearly $97,000. Computer software engineer, physician assistant, meteorologist and education administrator all bring in median average salaries in the mid-$80,000 range.
We also considered, where possible, data on job satisfaction, turnover, and impending retirements, which crank up openings in jobs that may have only slightly above-average employment growth. We talked with labor and industry experts as well, gathering anecdotal evidence about employment prospects and job satisfaction. We excluded careers that lack a statistically significant number of positions and therefore provide opportunity for only a small number of workers. When necessary, we favored jobs that would help diversify our list in terms of category and educational requirements, since not everyone wants to work in healthcare or go to school for six years.
[See 10 Smart Ways to Use Social Media in Your Job Search.]
Most of the jobs that were cut from the list this year showed a higher-than-average unemployment rate or shrinking employment numbers during the last few quarters. From the creative and service jobs category, funeral director, plumber, security system installer, and landscape architect got the boot. In business, we cut market research analyst, loan officer, and cost estimator.
Of course, no one job is best for everyone, and everyone has their own ideas about what makes a job great. "You have to like what you're doing or you're not going to be successful at it," says Emily Bennington, who helps college graduates transition into careers through her company, Professional Studio 365. At the same time, "if you're not getting paid to do it, you're not going to love it for very long."
Qualities that make a job desirable also change with the times and circumstances. Tom Smith, director of the General Social Survey, conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, expects his next set of job-satisfaction data to show that workers value stability more than they did before the recession. "Occupations that have greater job stability perhaps have improved in the public's evaluation," he says.
[For more career advice, visit U.S. News Careers, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.]
Even as hiring picks up, the odds can seem daunting to job seekers. In a struggling economy with a 9.6 percent unemployment rate, competition is stiff even for some jobs that made our list. For every job opening in September, there were about five unemployed people, according to the Labor Department. While that's an improvement from 6.2 people for every job opening in November 2009, the most recent peak, "it's still a very tough job market," says Steve Hipple, an economist at the Labor Department. During the three years before the recession, the rate averaged 1.7 unemployed people for every job opening.
Others like John Challenger, CEO of outplacement company Challenger, Gray & Christmas, are more optimistic. "The whole environment has changed," says Challenger, who talks daily with companies that are hiring, as well as job seekers. "(It's) certainly not gang-busters by any means ... but it feels like springtime compared to last year's winter in the job market."
Whether you're out of work or your job has simply fallen out of favor, you'll likely find an occupation on our list that suits you. For each profession, we've offered a summary of what you can expect on the job, as well as advice from hiring managers and people who work in that industry about how to land one.
Here's our list of the 50 Best Careers of 2011--click each job to learn more:
Business Jobs:
--Accountant
--Actuary
--Financial adviser
--Financial analyst
--Logistician
--Meeting planner
--Public relations specialist
--Sales manager
--Training specialist
Creative and Service Jobs:
--Commercial pilot
--Curator
--Film and video editor
--Gaming manager
--Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technician
--Interpreter/Translator
--Multimedia artist
--Technical writer
Healthcare Jobs:
--Athletic trainer
--Dental hygienist
--Lab technician
--Massage therapist
--Occupational therapist
--Optometrist
--Physician assistant
--Physical therapist
--Physical therapist assistant
--Radiologic technologist
--Registered nurse
--School psychologist
--Veterinarian
Social Service Jobs:
--Clergy
--Court reporter
--Education administrator
--Emergency management specialist
--Firefighter
--Marriage and family therapist
--Mediator
--Medical and public health social worker
--Special-education teacher
--Urban planner
Technology Jobs:
--Biomedical engineer
--Civil engineer
--Computer software engineer
--Computer support specialist
--Computer systems analyst
--Environmental engineering technician
--Environmental science technician
--Hydrologist
--Meteorologist
--Network architect

Source : Yahoo