Latest News

الأربعاء، 28 فبراير 2018

British sprinters back on podium to usher in a new era

The 10 Most Popular Cultural Attractions in the World

The Vatican

View of San Peter basilica, Rome, Italy.

More than just the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope, the Vatican is a treasure trove of art and architecture. Its museums display an enormous collection of classical sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Stanze di Raffaello, and, lest we forget, the splendor of St Peter’s Basilica. No wonder the skip-the-line tour is so wildly popular. Prepare for your trip with a deeper look inside the Vatican.

The post The 10 Most Popular Cultural Attractions in the World appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2CNTO5M

What to Try When You Just Can’t Fall Asleep

couple sleeping

Three no-fail sleep soothers

We’ve all had those awful, restless nights. You know the ones: the evenings where you just lay in bed, staring at your alarm clock in the dark, silently counting the hours of precious shut-eye you’ll be able to get if you just fall asleep this instant. When your go-to tricks to help you fall asleep or your trusty cup of calming chamomile tea just aren’t working, try these three incredible sleep soothers for a one-way ticket to dreamland. Could one of these medical conditions be the reason you can’t sleep?

1. Weleda Lavender Relaxing Body Oil

All-natural and non-invasive, this fragrant lavender oil soothes and calms. Simply rub into skin toward the heart in a circular motion 
and inhale deeply. Buy it now.

2. Puressentiel Rest & Relax Air Spray

A heady combo of 12 essential oils, including rosewood, cypress and neroli, creates a soothing essence to help promote sleep. Spray it in your room before retiring or spritz it on a tissue and keep it by your bed. Buy it now.

3. Attitude Soothing Chamomille Fabric Softener

If it’s been a few nights since you’ve got some restful shut-eye, try washing your sheets in this calming fabric softener. It’s gentle enough to use on baby’s bedding but worth using on the whole family’s sheets and pajamas. This chamomile-infused fabric softener will help soothe everyone to sleep. Buy it now.

Next, learn how to fall back asleep if you wake up in the middle of the night.

The post What to Try When You Just Can’t Fall Asleep appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2FcqLOk

12 Makeup Mistakes That Seriously Age Your Face

Choosing a dark lipstick

Lips lose their fullness over time, and dark colors make them look even smaller. Mauves and pinks, on the other hand, highlight lips and give the illusion of fullness. A swipe of lip gloss will plump them up even more. If you do decide to go for a darker shade, pick a sheer formula or a stain, which aren’t as flat as a heavier finish, or dab the color on with your finger. Pick a lip liner that matches the color of your lips, rather than your lipstick, to avoid an overly dark liner that will make your lips look pursed. Check out these makeup artists’ tricks to look younger.

The post 12 Makeup Mistakes That Seriously Age Your Face appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2COFs57

Here’s Where You Can Visit the Real Places That Inspired Disney Rides

If you like Jungle Cruise…

Amazon-river

…Head to the Amazon, Congo, Nile, and Mekong Rivers. Jungle Cruise, the classic ride located in both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resorts, simulates a riverboat cruise down some of the major rivers of Asia, Africa, and South America. Park guests board a 1930s British explorers’ lodge, and are then taken on a journey to see various faux jungle animals with the help of live Disney cast members keeping things light with scripted and ad-libbed narration for humor. The Amazon, the Congo, the Nile, and the Mekong are the four great rivers that inspired the scenery along the downstream voyage.

Find out all the things you need to book in advance before your trip to Disney.

 

The post Here’s Where You Can Visit the Real Places That Inspired Disney Rides appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2F3Xaas

What Your Zodiac Sign Says About Your Libido

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Aries

The planet Mars rules Aries, and Mars governs sex drive, astrologist Craig Martin, Sage of Stars, tells Reader’s Digest. Aries folks exude primal sexual energy. The fiery ram pursues whatever is new and sparkly—including lovers. The fun is in the pursuit and the satisfaction that comes from conquest. Passionate about love and seduction (as in all things), there’s something untamed about Aries’ sex drive. They are rarely the seduced, and more often the seducer. (This is your most attractive trait according to your zodiac sign.)

The post What Your Zodiac Sign Says About Your Libido appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2CNTGDk

8 Things That Will Probably Be Extinct by the Year 2030

Phone booths

Phone booth Coin type

In the ’90s, there were about three million payphones in America. But obviously, once the cell phone came along, they became less and less necessary. In New York, kiosks offering phone calls, free Wi-Fi, Internet service, and a port to charge your cell phone are replacing the booths, writes CBS. As for the four payphones left in the Big Apple? They’re all free! Here’s how to lower your cell phone bill once and for all.

The post 8 Things That Will Probably Be Extinct by the Year 2030 appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2F1ouSP

20 Supermarket Shopping Secrets from America’s Top Grocery Stores

Competitor coupons at Publix

Publix

Did you see a coupon from a competitor instead of Publix? Bring that coupon with you! Publix posts a list of competitors at each store, allowing you to bring in a coupon you saw elsewhere and get that same deal right at Publix.

The post 20 Supermarket Shopping Secrets from America’s Top Grocery Stores appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2FFS8hH

16 Things Sleep Doctors Never Do During Daylight Saving Time

Don’t go to bed an hour earlier

alarm-clock

It can be tempting to try and beat our body’s internal clock by heading to bed according to the clock—but that may not be wise, according to W. Christopher Winter, MD, president of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine, and author of the book The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It. He tells Reader’s Digest, “Moving our clocks earlier an hour is probably the toughest transition for us to make as it creates a situation where many feel compelled to go to sleep an hour early.” He says that you may feel frustrated when you’re trying to fall asleep but your brain won’t shut down. “This brief insomnia can lend itself to a difficult time sleeping at night and the inevitable early morning can make for a difficult first day,” says Dr. Winter. “As a rule, I do not even attempt to go to bed at the new earlier bedtime during the first day.”

Check out these 51 brilliant health tricks you’ll want to make a habit.

The post 16 Things Sleep Doctors Never Do During Daylight Saving Time appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2F38YWG

18 Spring Break Destinations for Grown-Ups

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara skyline from Santa Barbara Superior Court, downtown Santa Barbara, California, USAIf you’re looking for a trip that’s full of sunshine and sophistication, travel to this beach-clad U.S. city that calls itself the American Riviera, thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate and coastline. Stay in the affordable and centrally located Hotel Milo, which tastefully blends contemporary beach-chic décor and classic Spanish Colonial architecture, as well as beachy accommodations, outdoor pool, and lush gardens. Wine lovers will love the close proximity to Santa Barbara’s finest vintners and a weekly wine tasting offered by the hotel called “Milo Uncorked.” Make sure to save time for a stroll down State Street, Santa Barbara’s most famous avenue, as well as a visit to Santa Barbara County Courthouse, which is most famous for its Spanish-Moorish architecture scattered throughout the city.

Check out the 15 spring break destinations you haven’t thought of yet.

The post 18 Spring Break Destinations for Grown-Ups appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2FEIXy3

15 Movies That Have Hilarious Titles in Other Countries

The War of the Stars

Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Carrie Fisher, Harrison FordThat’s the French title for Star Wars; in Spanish, it was The War of the Galaxies. Makes sense! The title isn’t the only thing that got a major switch in translation. In Germany, the Millennium Falcon became the “Speeding Falcon.” In France, Han Solo was instead Yan Solo and his Wookie sidekick got the name “Chico.” And their ship? The “Millennium Condor.”

Don’t miss these inspiring Star Wars quotes every fan should know by heart.

 

The post 15 Movies That Have Hilarious Titles in Other Countries appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2t2O34B

50 Little Etiquette Rules You Should Always Practice

When to start eating:

If you’re seated at a table with eight or fewer guests, wait until everyone is served and for the hostess to begin eating before you dig in. At a long banquet table, it’s OK to start when several people are seated and served. Here are more table etiquette mistakes you really need to stop making.

The post 50 Little Etiquette Rules You Should Always Practice appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2FFnqFs

7 Reasons You Can Probably Get Away With Showering Less

You’re not as dirty as you think

Daily showers are best for people with physically demanding jobs, those who live in hot, humid climates, or people prone to sweating. But if you don’t sweat that often, you could probably go two to three days without stepping into the shower, dermatologist Monika G. Kiripolsky, MD, told Men’s Health. Use these quick morning hacks to freshen up without showering.

The post 7 Reasons You Can Probably Get Away With Showering Less appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2t2NYxP

This Is the Life Expectancy of 12 Major Items in Your Home

Roof

roofThe life expectancy of your roof really depends on where you live, along with building design, materials and how much work you put into maintaining it. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a tile, copper, or slate roof can last more than 50 years. Wood shake roofs should last about 30 years, while you’ll get about 25 years out of fiber cement. Asphalt shingles will give you about 20 years of reliable service. These ridiculous home improvement fails will make you cringe.

The post This Is the Life Expectancy of 12 Major Items in Your Home appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2GU0yBx

24 Acronyms Home DIYers Really Need to Know

GFCI

DIY-acro-1-FH01MAY_02306_012-1200x1200GFCI is an important acronym to know when doing electrical work. It stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. It shuts off a circuit when it detects current is flowing through an unintended path. A GFCI plug receptacle will reduce the danger of deadly shock from faulty plug-in cords.

The post 24 Acronyms Home DIYers Really Need to Know appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2F15ub0

This Is Why the Oscar Is a Statue of a Gold Man

oscar statue

No one in Hollywood is more famous than one poised, golden man. Standing 13.5 inches tall and weighing 8.5 pounds, he has attended every Academy Awards show in history—but has never spent a dime on a tuxedo. While everyone hopes to steal a kiss from him, only a select few actually get to touch him at all.

Yep, we’re talking about Hollywood’s famous golden Oscar statue. Since 1929, this trophy has earned a reputation as the most coveted award in the movie-making business. But it hasn’t always looked the way it does today.

The original design for the statuette, sketched by MGM art director Cedric Gibbons, featured a knight holding a sword and standing on a reel of film. They chose the figure of a knight to represent a “crusader” for the industry. (Here are more things you didn’t know about the Academy Awards.)

But there was more to the first statuette than meets the eye. The spokes on the film reel, for example, symbolized the five branches of the Academy: actors, directors, producers, technicians, and writers. Meanwhile, the sword served to protect the industry’s welfare and advancement.

The Gibbons’s design got a facelift later on, though. When L.A.-based sculptor George Stanley created the three-dimensional version of the famed statue, he removed the reel of film. The sword, however, remains to this day.

That’s not the only part of this famous awards show that might surprise you. Brush up on your Oscar night trivia with more weird things no one tells you about the Oscars.

[Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Town & Country]

The post This Is Why the Oscar Is a Statue of a Gold Man appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2GRlBVc

15 of the Most Endangered Languages in the World

Resígaro

In 2016, Rosa Andrade Ocagane, the last female speaker of the Amazonian language was murdered in Peru at age 67. She and her brother, Pablo—now Resígaro’s last known speaker, making it one of the most endangered languages—were the children of a Resígaro mother and Ocaina father. They spoke their mother’s language to honor her and were also among the last 40 speakers of Ocaina. Don’t miss the secret to learning new languages.

The post 15 of the Most Endangered Languages in the World appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2EZC658

50 Secrets Nurses Wish They Could Tell You

This is what I mean when I say to get a second opinion

“We’re not going to tell you your doctor is incompetent, but if I say, ‘You have the right to a second opinion,’ that can be code for ‘I don’t like your doctor’ or ‘I don’t trust your doctor.'”—Linda Bell, RN, clinical practice specialist at the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses in Aliso Viejo, California  Here’s how to find a doctor you trust.

The post 50 Secrets Nurses Wish They Could Tell You appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2hG1Xkz

British track team debut brand new Cervelo at World Championships

10 Things You Are Probably Washing Too Much

The mirror

We all want to look good when we look at ourselves in the mirror. “However, if you use half of your cleaning solution for only one or two small fingerprints on your mirror, you are overdoing it,” says Harriet Jones of Go Cleaners London. “Moisture from humidity or over-spraying can get behind the mirror and harm the backing. So, clean your mirror when there are enough spots to justify the use of the detergent.” Here’s how often you should be cleaning everything in your house.

The post 10 Things You Are Probably Washing Too Much appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2Ff4y22

20 Obscure Facts You Never Knew About Your Own Body

You get a lot of heartbeats

Obscure-Facts-You-Never-Knew-About-Your-Own-Body

The average human gets around three billion heartbeats in their lifetime. That’s all the more reason to care for your ticker. Plant-based diets filled with veggies, sipping tea, and practicing yoga are among some of the 15 smart ways to prevent heart disease.

The post 20 Obscure Facts You Never Knew About Your Own Body appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2GQeEnd

9 Secrets to Traveling Cheap, According to Travel Agents

Skimp or splurge?

Traveling is expensive, so between the exchange rate and foreign transaction fees, you want your money to stretch as far as possible without sacrificing the quality of your trip. The first step: Figure out your budget and then rank what’s important to you, says Robert Miller, president of Travel Advocates, a Hoboken, New Jersey-based travel agency. While it’s up to you to determine your personal priorities, Miller says travel agents do have some secret budgeting strategies.

The post 9 Secrets to Traveling Cheap, According to Travel Agents appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2owM3Ng

Can You Pass This Geography 101 Quiz?

 Q: What is the capital of Spain?

Hint: it’s not Barcelona.

The post Can You Pass This Geography 101 Quiz? appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2GQeEDJ

9 Body Parts That Reveal Your Age First

Hands

old hands

Especially in women, your hands will be one of the first body parts you’ll notice showing signs of age, says board-certified dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD. Hormonal changes results in a loss of skin elasticity and volume loss on the backs of our hands,” she says. “These changes cause the crepey appearance of skin and also makes the veins very prominent.” Plus, your hands are rarely covered and form age spots from sun exposure, adding to the signs of aging. Slathering sunscreen on your hands or slipping on a pair of driving gloves can block out the harmful UV rays, says Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pasadena, California, and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA. Here are more ways to get younger-looking hands.

The post 9 Body Parts That Reveal Your Age First appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2GN0iEf

The Healthiest Meals You Can Get at 11 Fast Casual Restaurants

Sweetgreen

sweetgreenThe Scoop: This cool salad spot, with locations nationwide, offers fresh, seasonal ingredients with a hip aesthetic. (Their New York locations recently partnered with hipster fave Mission Chinese to create a modern take on the Chinese chicken salad.)

What to Get: “A Sweetgreen salad can hold four servings of vegetables, more than half the recommended amount,” says Tanya Zuckerbrot, RD, author and founder of The F-Factor Diet. She also likes the new tiger bowl. “It contains fiber from the spinach, wild rice, kimchi, carrots, pears, and seeds and uses the new Tiger Dressing, which has only 10 calories per serving and a bold ginger flavor.”

Don’t miss these 12 healthy salad ideas that will make lunch exciting again.

The post The Healthiest Meals You Can Get at 11 Fast Casual Restaurants appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2F9gmD8

Doctors Confess: 10 Ways Patients Screw Up in the ER

You’re not clear why it’s an emergency

signs handle emergency emergency room

Doctors want you to be able to clearly articulate why you need urgent care. “If somebody hasn’t called their primary care doctor or regular specialist, I wonder, why are they here to see me?” says Leana Wen, MD, an emergency physician at George Washington University and coauthor of When Doctors Don’t Listen: How to Avoid Misdiagnoses and Unnecessary Tests. “Maybe they called their doctor, but can’t get in for a week. Maybe they’re concerned they have a heart problem. Either way, tell me what you’re really worried about.” These mistakes can lead to a misdiagnosis in the ER.

The post Doctors Confess: 10 Ways Patients Screw Up in the ER appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2oGairl

Cycling in the snow: Your photos

‘I woke up in hospital but I’ve no idea how I got here’: Danish mountain bike star posts nasty photos of crash injuries

Beginner cyclist: tips and advice to get you off to the best start

Michal Kwiatkowski is out riding in the snow again, this time doing his recon of Strade Bianche

American cyclists hit back over plans to make hi-vis clothing compulsory

It’s the last day of the Chain Reaction Cycles’ mega sale, and we’ve found the best deals

Cycling club veteran killed by van driver who ‘failed to stop at give way line’, court told

Hunt Bike Wheels adds two new 650B wheelsets to its range

الثلاثاء، 27 فبراير 2018

The Most Popular Travel Destinations in Australia

Sydney

Sydney opera house with ferrys in foregournd, taken from harbor bridgeThe “Harbour City” is a hub of creativity and striking sights. Carve out some time to explore the extraordinary, waterfront Sydney Opera House. Buy tickets for a live performance or book a backstage tour. On second thought, why not do both? Sydney’s speakeasies are perfect for a nightcap—that is if you can find ’em. The next day, lace up your sneaks for the Bondi to Coogee walk that stretches 3.7 miles along the coast. Animal lovers will go crazy for the cute koalas and kangaroos at the Taronga Zoo. Find out the best time to visit Sydney—and other major cities.

The post The Most Popular Travel Destinations in Australia appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2HShE46

The Most Popular Travel Destinations in Mexico

Cancun

Cancun beach panorama view, Mexico Cancun has a reputation as party central—and deservedly so. It’s flush with all-inclusive resorts that serve bebidas (drinks) from AM to PM. And the clubs in Zona Hotelera are a favorite among spring-breakers looking for booze-fueled fun. But there’s more to Cancun than drinking and dancing. Notably, plenty of recreational activities and family-oriented properties too. And with Mayan ruins just a short drive away, you can treat kids to an eye-opening day trip. Here are 10 vacations that even your jaded teenagers will enjoy.

The post The Most Popular Travel Destinations in Mexico appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2GP4PpQ

15 Butler’s Tips for Impeccable Table Manners

 Never blow on your food

blow the pumpkin pasta with scallopLet your food cool of its own accord—don’t blow on it. Make sure that you also always practice these 50 little etiquette rules.

The post 15 Butler’s Tips for Impeccable Table Manners appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2HRCm3Y

15 Real Words That Were Invented by Accident

Apron

Real-Words-That-Were-Invented-By-Accident.

Back in the Middle Ages, the French called this protective cooking gear a naperon. But once English speakers adopted the word, the phrase “a napron” often blended together when people said it out loud. Thus, “a napron” became “an apron,” instead—and we have spelled it that way ever since. Check out more accidental discoveries that changed the world.

The post 15 Real Words That Were Invented by Accident appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2GQC7oe

15 Everyday Habits That Are Wrecking Your Skin

You use a loofah

You may think you’re scrubbing away dirt when you wash with a loofah, but you could actually be harming the delicate balance of good bacteria on your skin. “We now understand that to maintain skin health, we must protect our skin’s healthy rain forest of powerful bugs that comprise the skin’s microbiome,” says dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD, author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin. “Research has shown that our good bugs can prevent infection, control inflammation, aid in wound healing, and keep skin looking younger.” Instead of harsh cleansing that can cause skin damage, exfoliate—using your hands—no more than twice a week, Dr. Bowe says. Find out the other things dermatologists never put on their faces.

The post 15 Everyday Habits That Are Wrecking Your Skin appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2BSaZGp

24 Delightful Little-Known Talents of U.S. Presidents

George Washington was a dancer

Before he became our nation’s first president, Mr. Washington danced the night away at countless parties and balls, often with a new leading lady on his arm. Want more presidential trivia? Try these facts about George Washington you never learned in school.

The post 24 Delightful Little-Known Talents of U.S. Presidents appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2EYGwcE

The Healthiest Foods You Can Eat in Every Decade of Your Life

Food to eat in your 20s


Think that just because you’re young and your metabolism is in high gear that you don’t need to worry about nutrition? Think again, says Keith Kantor, PhD, nutritional scientist and CEO of NAMED, a program designed to help people conquer food addictions. “This is the critical decade for young adults; what you eat now sets the foundation and habits for a life of health or health problems,” he says.

What’s on the menu: Lots and lots of fresh fruits and veggies as these provide the nutrients your still-developing body and brain need. Aim to eat at least nine servings of produce a day, with a 3:1 ratio of vegetables to fruit, he advises. It’s also important to drink plenty of water as it moves nutrients through the body, controls appetite and cravings, and boosts athletic and brain performance, he adds. Bonus: Both of these tips are on the list of 50 science-backed ways to lose weight without exercise.

The post The Healthiest Foods You Can Eat in Every Decade of Your Life appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2BTveU8

11 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Save Money Without Feeling the Pinch

Only drink water when you dine out

Water

The average family of five spends upwards of $70 to dine out together, estimates Jeff Speight, CFP wealth advisor at Tanglewood Total Wealth Management, but you can easily cut that down by $12 by skipping one thing: Drinks! Chances are high you probably need more water, anyway, so why not save the juices or the glass of vino for when you arrive home and go the free route of H20 instead. If you dine out several times a week, you’re looking at nearly $100—and more hydrated bodies!

Find out 17 habits of great savers.

The post 11 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Save Money Without Feeling the Pinch appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2EWVrDZ

11 Shockingly Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Home

Mistake #1: Going it alone


Buying your first home is a big deal. It’s a major (really major) financial transaction, and it has a big emotional component too. This is where you’ll live, and love, and shelter your family! So protect yourself by working with a pro, who will help you steer clear of many of the mistakes on this list. A buyer’s agent guides you through the process of how to buy your first home, and typically, you don’t pay for her services (the seller does). In some cities and states, you must be represented by a real estate lawyer; and again, you’ll want and need professional help to navigate the complicated waters of negotiating a deal and financing a home purchase. Start the process by asking these essential questions for first-time homebuyers.

The post 11 Shockingly Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Home appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2BSYQ42

8 Unexpected Reasons Why You Can’t Sleep at Night

Why we can’t sleep at night

woman-with-headacheAmericans are exhausted—according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, up to 35 percent of U.S. adults suffer from brief symptoms of insomnia, up to 20 percent suffer from short-term insomnia, and 10 percent experience chronic insomnia. (Here are the different types of insomnia you can have.) The causes are multifold, says Judith Davidson, a sleep researcher and clinical psychologist at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

“Insomnia can be due to a loss, relationship stress, high stress at work, illness, or pain; the cause may also involve racing thoughts and worries, including worries about the effects of not sleeping.”

Our over-reliance on technology may also be keeping us awake: exposure to the artificial light of televisions, computers, and phones before bed enhances alertness and suppresses the release of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. Heightened emotions and menstrual cycles are also factors, which might explain why women are twice as likely to report insomnia than are men.

Keep reading to find out if one of these eight factors are the reason you’re not getting enough rest.

The post 8 Unexpected Reasons Why You Can’t Sleep at Night appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2oBX66R

8 Places You Should Never, Ever Touch in Public Bathrooms

Faucet handle

Faucet and water flow on bathroomThis one is kind of a no-brainer. You turn on the water with dirty, contaminated hands and then turn the water off using the same faucet with clean hands. Even though you washed your hands, you picked up germs on your way out. After washing your hands, grab a paper towel and use it to turn the faucet off. If the bathroom doesn’t have paper towels, turn off the faucet with your elbow. Be sure you’re washing your hands the right way, too.

The post 8 Places You Should Never, Ever Touch in Public Bathrooms appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2Cr8lIX

15 Money-Saving Ideas That Will Make You $1,200 Richer

Make your own coffee

Coffee

Think about how much you pay for that fancy latte with special milk each morning. Now, consider that you can make your own at home for under 20 cents per cup. “When you see these numbers exposing the “latte effect” over a lifetime, you may be more inspired to make your own,” says Vera Gibbons, personal finance expert and founder of noponews.com. (Here’s how to make a budget you can actually stick to.)

You save: $100 to $150 every month

The post 15 Money-Saving Ideas That Will Make You $1,200 Richer appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2oyUvKW

These Two Workouts Get You Killer Abs Without a Single Crunch or Plank

Two abs strength workouts = Twice the fun

abs-workout When it comes to abs, everyone wants them, but not everyone wants to do the work. I created two abs strength workouts that should show results within three to four months, when done regularly and with gradual increases in challenge (eg. heavier weight or exercise modification). The reason we do strength training to engage the entire core (not just your abdominals) is for fat loss and getting lean. The two abs strength workouts pair upper and lower body, as well as opposing muscle groups, strategically to get the most out of the workouts. (Just be sure you don’t make this big mistake when doing your abs exercises.) Then the workouts end with an Energy System Development, also known as the “finisher.” This is where you will get in your cardio, which makes these HIIT training.

The post These Two Workouts Get You Killer Abs Without a Single Crunch or Plank appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2Cp6yUn

24 Tips for How to Deal with Anger—and Calm Down Fast

Vent, don’t stew

If you are angry with a politician, policy, or other public injustice, do something about it. In one study, researchers from the University of Wisconsin tracked the brain-wave patterns in students who had just been told the university was considering big tuition increases. They all exhibited brain patterns signifying anger, but signing a petition to block the tuition increases seemed to provide satisfaction. Put simply, working to right a wrong is life-affirming and positive. Stewing in a bad situation without taking action is the opposite. In fact, this study shows that expressing your anger can actually make you happier!

The post 24 Tips for How to Deal with Anger—and Calm Down Fast appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2oAKYDm

16 Reasons March Is the Best Month

The holidays are well and truly over

Christmas wreath on wooden backgroundThe holiday season may officially end on January 1, but that doesn’t mean the stress magically drops away then. You still have to take down all the lights, pack up the decorations, put away the presents, and do all the other things you neglected because you told yourself you’d get to them after the holidays are over. (Hint: Procrastination is one of the common post-holiday work mistakes you should avoid.) Then, there’s the issue of February’s credit card statement. But by March, all of that should mostly be over and you can really start the new year fresh! Bring on March, the unofficial start of the not-holiday season!

The post 16 Reasons March Is the Best Month appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2ou5aaE

The Newest Psoriasis Treatments Will Have You Wearing Short Sleeves Again

Meet the new guard: Interleukin blockers

women-in-shirtsleeves “For the first time ever, the newest biologics can take someone from having psoriasis to no psoriasis. They are completely clear,” says Mark Kauffman, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Given by shot or intravenous (IV) infusion, biologics are reserved for people with moderate to severe psoriasis. In the past, biologic drugs tended to aim their bow and arrow at tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which plays a role in the inflammatory cascade known to cause psoriasis. The newest crop of biologics, however, gets even more specific in their aim, making them that much more effective and safe. They are even effective if someone has tried and failed or stopped responding to older biologics.

Bruce Strober, MD, chair of dermatology at UConn Health and professor of dermatology at UConn School of Medicine, with offices in Farmington and Canton, Conn. agrees. “The most exciting new treatments for psoriasis lately are Tremfya, Cosentyx, Siliq, and Taltz as they clear most patients who receive them and have very few side effects, and no need for blood test monitoring (except for a pre-treatment test for tuberculosis),” he says. Biologics do confer their share of risks namely infections because they work by suppressing your immune system. This new crop is thought to be more “skin-specific” which means there is less broad immunosuppression and thus a lower risk for infections.

Find out the best skin care routine for psoriasis from top dermatologists.

The post The Newest Psoriasis Treatments Will Have You Wearing Short Sleeves Again appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2oAOIEN

9 Seriously Fun Boy Games That Don’t Involve Guns

Boy games will be boy games

The guy is playing on the consoleBefore we tell you about the awesome boy games that won’t gross you out with gratuitous violence, we want to state for the record that we get that not all boys are the same, and not all of them like the same kinds of games. The reality, however, is that boys and girls do tend to gravitate toward different games. It’s a function of both nature and of nurture.

With regard to the “nurture” portion of the equation, societal conditioning plays an enormous role in boys’ versus girls’ likes and dislikes. “Gender is a cultural construct,” explains gender expert, Riki Wilchins (by gender, she’s referring to the social and behavioral differences associated with one sex or the other). With regard to the “nature” portion, science has demonstrated objective and observable differences between male and female brains. For example, studies have shown that anatomical differences between the male and female eye drive boys versus girls to sense, perceive, and learn differently from one another. For example, the male eye is more attuned to motion (think: spaceships, cars, and trucks) whereas the female eye is more attuned to details (think: people, faces, houses).

That being said, our academic expert on video games, Jordan F. Slavik, an instructor at the University of Maryland at College Park, whose research on video games, their place in the business world, and their usefulness in the education system has been presented around the country, believes the notion of “boy games” to be somewhat of a misnomer. Professor Slavik’s work has led him to conclude that mainstream games tend to have far more general appeal than perhaps we give them credit for. That said, we shall keep the focus here on games our experts tell us boys like, with an even more specific focus on games for boys online.

Raising boys? Here are 11 things about raising boys moms tend to wish they learned sooner rather than later.

 

Tynker helps both girls and boys get into coding and other education activities by wrapping them in games that are genuinely fun. They work with huge partners, including:
Minecraft (The second best-selling video game of all time, behind only the various releases of Tetris).
Mattel’s Monster High (see below)
Recently they debuted a flying drone that’s just as much for girls as boys, the Parrot Mambo Code
Price: $149
What is it: Codable drone bundle equipped with a Parrot Mambo minidrone and a 6-month Tynker subscription, where kids as young as 7 years old can learn how to program their own drone to complete challenges, do tricks, etc. The drone encourage kids to learn about crucial STEM education topics while helping them reap the benefits of traditional outdoor play.
Press kit: Here
Finally, here’s a recent blog post on girls who enjoy Tynker, with lots of great quotes – “DIY” Girls love STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Tech)

The post 9 Seriously Fun Boy Games That Don’t Involve Guns appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2Cq9NLg

12 Weird Facts You Never Knew About Sneezing

Sneezing is a reflex

The reason that we sneeze is because our bodies are reacting to irritants—including dust, pollen, and animal dander—in the nose lining. When these irritants get into our noses, our brain receives a signal to get rid of them and we sneeze. You take a deep breath and hold it, causing the muscles in the chest to tighten. That pressure forces your tongue against the top of your mouth and the air to travel quickly out of your nose when you release your breath.

The post 12 Weird Facts You Never Knew About Sneezing appeared first on Reader's Digest.



from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2Cq8H2f

Recent Post