Sleep

Contrary to popular belief, there is no ideal number when it comes to how much sleep a person needs each night. While eight hours is widely considered the benchmark for sleep, that number is more arbitrary than absolute. Researchers are discovering that how much sleep a person needs depends largely on the individual and his or her situation. Researchers are finding is that two factors have the biggest influence on how much sleep a person needs each night. One is a person's basal sleep need. Basal sleep need refers to how much sleep a person's body needs on a regular basis for optimal performance. This varies greatly depending on the individual. The second factor is a person's sleep debt. Sleep debt is the accumulation of sleep lost, whether it's sleep lost to sickness, environmental changes, or just overall poor sleeping habits. Some research has suggested that sleep debt can impact how a person feels for a long time, evenif that person has met their basal sleep need several nights in a row.

The colors of safety

A research study reveals that the color of a car, aesthetic factors aside, can help reduce accidents. When you buy a car, engine specifications, comfort, and safety play the main role in the selection, whereas the color is pushed to the background as a mere question of taste or fashion. But have you ever considered that the color of the car could be linked to safety?
According to a study carried out by the School of Public Health of the University of Auckland, New Zealand, that choice is very important when it comes to safety, because, for example, the risk of an accident in a silver-colored vehicle is five times lower than in a black one.
This study analyzed the effect of color and the risk of accident among over a thousand drivers and determined that brown, black, and green cars are involved in more accidents, whereas grey, red, and yellow ones are less accident-prone. This is because dark vehicles tend to "blend" into the surrounding area, rendering it more difficult to "pick them out" from the environment than light-colored cars.
In order to conduct this study, influential factors such as age, experience, speed, alcohol consumption, gender, use of a safety belt, vehicle's age, and road conditions were taken into account. It was observed that those driving metallic, white, yellow, red, or blue cars were less prone to accidents than those with brown, black, or green cars. Black and green cars showed a rising increment in their accident rate.
The study showed that when driving a grey-colored car, the risk of having an accident is two-and-a-half times lower than in a brown-colored car, and that black and green vehicles have at least twice the number of accidents as grey, red, yellow, and blue cars.
Additionally, in conditions of reduced visibility due to rain or fog, bright-colored cars are up to three times more visible than dark ones. Thus, black and brown vehicles are involved in 20% more crashes when weather conditions are adverse. The investigation asserts that the accident risk for brown and black cars includes all shades.
The accident-risk ranking according to color turned out as follows: brown 70%, black 66.7%, green 60%, white 33.3%, blue 30%, yellow 26.7%, red 23.3%, grey 20%, and silver 13.3%. The principal author of the study, Sue Furness, commented that the reason for the different rates of accidents among cars "could be because grey colors are more visible in contrast with the environment."
Another study carried out in Argentina by the Center for Road Experimentation and Safety (or "CESVI", Centro de Experimentación y Seguridad Vial) analyzed drivers perceived distance toward other vehicles on the basis of their color. It has been determined that objects become visible only when reflecting the light that falls on them. But no object reflects all of the light it receives. A certain amount of this light is absorbed by it, and only part is reflected.
Different surfaces reflect light differently, despite being illuminated by the same amount of light. Light-colored surfaces reflect between 60% and 80% of the light they receive, while dark ones reflect less than 30%. The light reflected by the object is what is seen.
Taking this into consideration, it can be asserted that dark-colored vehicles are more difficult to detect, due to their considerably inferior reflection ability.

Combat computer-related eye issues

Computers have become an integral part of daily life. They're used at work, when shopping, at school, and often for recreational purposes. While computer usage certainly has its advantages, prolonged or constant use of computers can lead to certain problems, most notably eye strain and fatigue.

There are many computer tasks that are known offenders in regard to visual discomfort. These include intense games and graphics, tasks with few breaks from the screen, detailed tasks such as desktop publishing or computer assisted design (CAD), and work that requires frequent changes from looking at the screen to hard copy, such as with data entry.

What causes many of these vision problems is a reduced rate of blinking when engaged in computer use. Normally, a person blinks on average 12 to 15 times per minute. When using a computer, that number is significantly reduced. The end result is dry eyes, fatigue and strain. In fact, dry eyes, eye strain, and blurring are the common complaints eye doctors hear from frequent computer users. These complaints are often associated with headaches and neck and arm discomfort.

Maximizing Comfort
There are steps a person can take to improve eye health and comfort when using a computer. Here are some initial strategies to try:
·Place the monitor farther away, since eye strain is more pronounced when doing tasks close up. The screen should be no closer than 18 inches from the user. Many doctors say that 24 to 30 inches from the face is ideal.
·Reduce glare by adjusting the monitor contrast so that the screen is less bright. There are also specially designed screen filters that may help.
·Take frequent breaks. Depending upon computer use, move away from the work station every 30 to 60 minutes to rest the eyes.
·Exercise the eyes by looking away from the screen and focusing in on something farther away. Stretch the eyes by looking up and down, and far left and far right.
·Use moderate background lighting with supplemental task lighting for hard copy documents. The illumination from the screen should closely match the light reflected from the document.
·Place hard copy documents in a copy holder at the same distance away as the computer monitor.
Taking Further Steps
For those who find that these easy steps are not enough to eliminate eye problems, it could be time to talk to an optometrist. He or she can further assess the situation and either offer more strategies or prescribe lenses that will work to maximize comfort. Supplementary eye lubricants and ocular exercises and other vision therapy may be recommended.

A person may also want to investigate special tints and coatings for lenses. Certain tints can make some individuals more comfortable under fluorescent illumination. And contrary to popular belief, anti-reflection coated lenses do not eliminate reflections from the screen but do reduce reflections off the spectacle lenses and may make users more comfortable.

For more information on computer-related eye strain, visit your eye doctor and discuss any trouble you may be having.

To cruise or not to cruise?

When it comes to vacations, everyone seems to love them, but no one really loves planning them. Though choosing where to go can be exciting, the more minute details, such as booking a flight, reserving a hotel room or arranging for a rental car, can prove tedious.

One popular road many vacationers travel isn't a road at all, but rather the sea. Cruises remain popular among vacationers, likely because someone else does all the planning, typically for one bottom-line price.

But is a cruise right for you? Consider the following pros and cons of cruise vacations before making your final decision.

The Good

Savings: The vast majority of cruise vacations are package priced. That means room, dining, most entertainment and extra incentives are all agreed upon and paid upfront, lessening the chance for financial surprises. Drinks are usually not included in the package price, but those can be part of the budget you plan before setting sail. Many times, vacationers spend less money out-of-pocket on a cruise because the daily expenses are taken care of before they ever get on the boat.
Better personal treatment: Because you'll be spending significant time with the crew while you're out at sea, cruise staffers tend to pamper their guests more than typical hotel staffers. Also, staffers and guests get to know each other better, which can make for a more friendly vacation.
Open your suitcase once ... and you won't have to pack it again until your vacation is over. While most cruise ships do dock in a handful of ports, your belongings stay on board, unlike other traveling vacations where you'll need to keep hopping hotels to experience more than one city.
More relaxation: On a cruise, you essentially have a chauffeur to do your driving for you. The only real difference is that the chauffeur is "driving" a boat and the "road" is really a body of water. With someone else doing the "driving," you can kick back and relax as opposed to being stuck in traffic or scrambling to catch a train to your next destination. For families, a cruise can be a great way to avoid cramped cars and questions such as, "Are we there yet?"

The Bad
Not much time to explore: For many vacationers, a big joy of traveling is taking a day to just wander around and explore, with no set schedule and no specific plans. On a cruise, however, such exploration time is often limited, and most of your time will be spent aboard the ship. If you're looking for a vacation that will show you what it's like to live in a different culture, a cruise probably isn't your thing.
Food: Another thing many vacationers look forward to is sampling the food exclusive to certain countries or regions of the world. On a cruise, however, the menu is typically standard fare, regardless of where you might be docking that day.
Places tend to mesh into one: A cruise ship can't dock inland, and many coastal port towns tend to be very tourist-laden with respect to shops and restaurants. It's very hard to get a feel for a country's culture or way of life in a coastal port town.
Whether or not to go on a cruise typically boils down to the individual. For some, the idea of having a vacation already planned out can be a great way to kick back and relax. For others, a vacation is a great way to satisfy their sense of wanderlust, so a more traditional vacation might be the way to go.

Knowledge a strong ally in fighting prostate cancer

Despite only affecting men, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America. As men grow older, their chances of getting prostate cancer increase greatly.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), men under 40 need not worry nearly as much as their elders. While 1 in 10,000 men under 40 years of age will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, those chances increase dramatically for those same men once they're between the ages of 60 and 69, when they have a 1 in 14 chance of diagnosis. Though that can understandably induce fear in men and the people who care for them, prostate cancer isn't unbeatable. In fact, when diagnosed and treated early, the cure rate for prostate cancer is 90 percent, offering hope to those facing such a diagnosis.
Symptoms
Men should not leave the detection of prostate cancer up to their doctors and their doctors alone. Since prostate cancer has such a high cure rate when detected early, much of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of the individual, who shouldn't be afraid to report any of the following symptoms the moment they take effect.
·Frequent urination, especially throughout the night.
·Blood in urine or semen.
·Lower back, hip or upper thigh pain that is frequent and persistent.
·Painful urination, where a burning sensation can be overwhelming.
·Difficulty urinating, when the flow of urine is noticeably weak or even interrupted.
While those are some of the symptoms, others can show up as well, including difficulty obtaining an erection as well as painful ejaculation. Any of the aforementioned symptoms should be reported to a physician immediately, as early detection is a man's biggest ally in his fight against prostate cancer.
Risk Factors
Another important ally in battling prostate cancer is not only the knowledge of potential symptoms, but the knowledge of risk factors as well. These can be beyond a man's control, but should shed light on just how likely he may or may not be to eventually be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
·Genetics. Statistics have shown that African-American men are far more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian males. Though the precise reasons for that are unclear, it's important that African-American men recognize that increased susceptibility and take any potential symptoms seriously.
Genetics also affect those men who have seen first-degree relatives suffer from prostate cancer. The likelihood of developing prostate cancer doubles in men whose father, brother or son have had the disease. Similar to how a son with bad knees might say, "I have my father's knees," if your father has had prostate cancer, you unfortunately might also follow in his footsteps.
·Diet and lifestyle. Diet and lifestyle affect nearly everything men and women do these days. Poor diet and a lack of exercise can open the door for a multitude of health problems for men, one of which is prostate cancer. According to PCF, recent research has shown that modifying your diet can help in the fight against prostate cancer, whether it's preventing recurrence of the disease, lessening the chances you'll get it, or slowing its progress, which in turn can make treatment more effective.
Just which foods can help remains somewhat of an enigma, as research is ongoing with respect to certain theories. For instance, PCF, in their Nutrition and Prostate Cancer Guide, note that a current study is being conducted at Northwestern University to determine if tomato-based products delay the onset and progression of prostate cancer. At a minimum, two servings per week of tomato sauce seem to reduce development and progression of the disease thanks to the antioxidant lycopene found in tomatoes. Lycopene supplements, however, might not have the same effect, as absorption of lycopene can change depending on the way it is cooked or processed.
Numerous other studies, concerning what types of vegetables, the different pros and cons concerning certain vitamins and minerals, and even the truth about red meat have also been conducted.

Prostate Cancer by the Numbers
65%: of prostate cancer cases diagnosed in men over the age of 65
1 in 10,000: chances of men under the age of 40 of being diagnosed
1 in 38: chances of men between the ages of 40 and 59 of being diagnosed
1 in 14: chances of men between the ages of 60 and 69 of being diagnosed
1 in 6: number of American men suffering from prostate cancer
61%: African-American men are 61 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian men
2.5: African-American men are 21/2 times as likely to die from prostate cancer than Caucasian men
90%: cure rate for prostate cancer when the disease is diagnosed and treated early.

Encouraging reading beneficial to kids

Nowadays, television seems to be more popular than ever. Programs appear to be more hyped, advancements in technology make television viewing akin to going to the movies and busy schedules have many people feeling as if some time with the tube is a great way to relax.

The pediatrics recommends no more than two hours of quality programming per day for children. Yet, despite such recommendations, the children typically watch four hours of television per day. This includes children under the age of two, who the pediatrics suggests should not watch any television at all, for fear of stunting cognitive, social and emotional development.

Watching TV is far more damaging to kids than it is to adults for a number of reasons.
·Weight problems. Common sense tells you sitting on the couch won't benefit you physically and it hurts children even more. The children who spend four hours or more per day watching television are more likely to be overweight. Overweight children do not develop appropriate patterns of exercise, which will hurt them well into their adult years.
·What television teaches. Studies have shown that television has consistently reinforced gender roles and racial stereotypes. In spite of a parents' best efforts, subtle nuances between what parents teach their children and what the television is teaching them could be negatively influencing how they see the world.
·What kids might see. While adults have the ability to differentiate between reality and the fictional world of television, children might not always be able to do so. For example, studies have indicated that children who see violence on television are more likely to believe something bad will happen to them, despite the two being entirely unrelated.

For parents, each of those potential consequences should understandably be cause for concern. Limiting television time is one solution some childcare professionals have suggested, while others suggest replacing typical programming with more educational programming. Where most advocates seem to agree concerns varying children's activities to include exercise and reading, among other things. While most children enjoy exercise, getting them to read can be a different story, meaning parents might have to come up with some creative ways to get their kids to embrace reading.
·Don't force it. As any parent knows, telling kids they have to do something often results in them not doing it. Such is the case with reading. Forcing a child to read can turn him off to reading forever. Try establishing a time each day when the television's turned off and everyone reads. Parents don't need to force reading during these times, but since children are greatly influenced by their parents' behavior, chances are they will also start reading.
·Buy kids magazines. Magazines geared toward children can be great ways to get them excited about reading. Unlike adult magazines, these magazines will feature stories written at reading levels more appropriate for children. In addition, most kids enjoy getting mail, so a subscription in their name will be something that excites them.
·Consider a reading allowance. Allowances aren't just for video games or ice cream cones. Along with their usual allowance, give kids an allowance for reading materials, be it books or magazines. Make sure they know such an allowance is intended solely for reading material, and bring them along each time you go to the bookstore. Again, since children often mimic their parents' behavior, if they see you buying a book, they'll be more inclined to buy one, too.
·Use your older kids. Perhaps the biggest influence on young children is their older brothers and sisters. If you have older children who enjoy reading, ask them to encourage younger siblings, simply by reading in front of them, suggesting books they read when they were younger or having them include the younger kids on trips to the library or bookstore.

Encouraging kids to read can be a great way to promote their cognitive development.

Savor the History of Chocolate

Chocolate treats are a favorite worldwide. Holidays such as Halloween and Valentine's Day see chocolate consumption go through the roof, as sweet snacks are the centerpiece of these occasions.

The average American consumes 10 to 12 pounds of chocolate per year, and residents of Switzerland, one of the top chocolate-producing regions of the world, consume a whopping 21 pounds of chocolate each year.

When enjoyed in moderation, chocolate can actually have health benefits. Research has indicated that dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, those nutritional elements responsible for fending off diseases in the body. Therefore treating your valentine to chocolate will be good for his or her heart in both the physical and romantic sense. Also, chocolate is known to be a mood-booster. Chemicals in chocolate affect levels of the body's mood-affecting chemicals, including serotonin, endorphins, and phenylethylamine. This can bring a feeling of euphoria, which only enhances sensations of romance and love. Perhaps this is why chocolate has been linked to Valentine's Day celebrations.

The sweet confection that most enjoy and know today as chocolate is very different from the chocolate of the past. Chocolate comes from the cacao bean, which grows on a tropical evergreen called the cacao tree. These trees are very delicate and often do not produce fruit until 4 to 5 years of age. It is surmised that the world was introduced to cacao when Christopher Columbus first visited the Americas and brought back samples of cacao beans, but explorer Hernando Cortez was instrumental in creating the commercial fever associated with chocolate.

During his conquest of Mexico, Cortez witnessed local Aztec indians using cacao beans in the preparation of a drink used in royal celebrations. Emperor Montezuma was reported to drink 50 or more servings of this chocolate brew per day, and regularly served it as a regal drink in golden goblets to guests. It was thought to be a drink of the gods. However, the drink was very bitter and not readily enjoyed by the Spanish. To make the beverage more palatable, Cortez imagined sweetening it with sugar cane. When Cortez brought the cacao back to Spain, the concoction underwent more changes to fit the tastes of the citizens.

Eventually cacao spread to Europe, where different people experimented with extracting ingredients from the beans to make different chocolate products. Beans were pressed to extract the cacao butter, a fat that occurs naturally in the beans. Chocolate became smoother and the chocolate beverage became more like the flavor known today. Solid eating chocolate was developed in England in 1847 and replaced the coarse, grainy variety that dominated the market. However, it wasn't until 1876 when Daniel Peter in Switzerland developed a way to add milk to the chocolate-making process, giving birth to milk chocolate, that chocolate truly became the product we know today.

Milton Hershey, who invented his own spin on milk chocolate in 1894, played an enormous role in introducing many Americans to the appeal of affordable milk chocolate. The candy giant achieved great fame with mass-produced chocolate bars. In 1907 Hershey's trademark Hershey's Kisses were introduced, even further entwining the notion of chocolate with romance. The familiar paper tails that peak outside of the kisses were introduced in 1924 to distinguish the Hershey variety from imitators who were cropping up at this time.

Today, chocolate comes in just about every variety imaginable, from milk to dark to semi-sweet to flavors in between. Chocolate is a favorite dessert around the world. Whether enjoyed solid, melted or stirred in beverages, it is likely that chocolate will remain a perennial favorite.

Brush up on flossing skills

Routine visits to the dentist's chair typically end the same each time - with the hygienist saying that you have to floss better. In most cases you are still reeling from an hour spent having your teeth picked, prodded and power washed, so you may not think to ask just what proper flossing technique is.

Proper flossing does remain a mystery to many people. No matter how well you think you're doing, there's always room for improvement.

According to most dentists, no matter how vigorous or how frequently you brush your teeth, brushing alone does not equate to oral health - flossing is a must. In fact, if you were to toss out your toothbrush and floss properly, once or twice every day, you would achieve better dental health than brushing alone, three, four, or ten times a day. Not that anyone is saying to give up on brushing.

Flossing helps clean the teeth in the areas where a brush just can't reach. This includes between the teeth and under the gumline. This process helps remove plaque, a sticky substance that accumulates on teeth and hardens over time. If left untreated, plaque deposits can eventually lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

HOW TO FLOSS
1.Take your favorite variety of floss (more on floss types to follow) and pull off about 18 inches. Wrap each end around the middle fingers of both hands to form a string to use.
2.Firmly grasp the floss slack with your index fingers.
3.Forming a C shape, carefully slide the floss up and down the side of a tooth between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
4.Repeat the process on the other side of the tooth. Continue flossing one tooth at a time - both sides - until you've done all of your teeth. Unravel a new stretch of floss from your middle fingers for each tooth.
5.You may need a new piece of floss from the spool to do the bottom teeth, repeating the process from step 1.
6.Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to clean out extra debris that the flossing has loosened and to treat your gums and breath.
FLOSS VARIETIES
Today there are more types of floss than ever before. There is unwaxed, waxed, ribbon and even floss on holders with long handles. Certain floss is also made with space-age materials to improve the glide factor. Experiment with the types of floss to determine one that works best for you.

Flavors also abound in floss. From spearmint to cinnamon, you can also enjoy a sensory experience while flossing.

Find the right employee for your company

Universally, job seekers seem to all agree on one point: finding a job is tough. While that's certainly true, those doing the hiring don't exactly have an easy go of it, either. Thanks to the variety of opportunities for advertising a job opening, narrowing down the potential candidates is now more difficult than ever for recruiters. Once upon a time a job posting might have yielded 15 to 20 viable applicants. Now that community newspapers post job listings both in print and on their Web site, job openings have the ability to attract more resumes than ever before.

In addition, an abundance of resumes may translate to more worthy candidates, making the job of a recruiter even more difficult. In the past, standard interview questions often were enough to get a feel for an applicant. Now, with so many qualified applicants, recruiters must think outside the box in respect to clever interview questions and other manners to narrow down the list.
For recruiters hoping to choose from the small handful of diamonds in the sea of roughs, the following tips should help you do just that.
Ask a candidate to solve a problem. With the in-crease in resources offering interview tips and job advice, standard questions are likely to yield standard responses. That can make it hard to distinguish between one candidate or another. Throw a curveball at your applicants by asking them to solve a problem during the interview. The problem can be similar to a simple word problem one might find on an aptitude test. How each candidate responds will give you a better idea of how they will perform under pressure.
Ask about prior work experience. This can be especially useful when asking an applicant about a problem he might have faced at a previous job, and how he handled it. Have him explain the problem and walk you through how he went about solving it. This will give strong insight into his analytical abilities and how quickly he can turn a problem into a solution. Since every job requires problem solving to some degree, candidates who claim no past problems are likely not worth your time. Candidates whose response includes involving others to solve problems indicates a strong candidate, as such actions show they work well with others and aren't afraid of asking for help.
Ask how a candidate prepared for the interview. Arguably the biggest problem facing recruiters is an abundance of applicants, many of whom would be willing to take any job. By asking how each candidate prepared for the interview, you'll get a better under-standing of who wants to work for your company and who just wants a job. Those applicants who have researched the company, what it does and what their job would entail are likely looking for more than just a paycheck.
Inquire about a past conflict with a coworker. Much like every job requires a certain degree of problem solving, nearly everyone who works regularly with co-workers has had a conflict with one of those co-workers at some point in time. Many times, projects will require different departments to work together. How an applicant has handled working with others in the past and how well he's resolved past conflicts will provide solid insight into how well he's likely to mesh with others down the road.

How to set a formal table

Most people sit down to a meal at least three times per day. In many cases, this is during a business meeting or even a family gathering. However, the majority do not know how to properly set a table or which piece of silverware to use for each course. Below is a table setting diagram to serve as a "cheat sheet" for those unfamiliar with formal table setting.

1. Salad plate.
2. Napkin.
3. Salad fork.
4. Dinner fork.
5. Dinner plate.
6. Butter spreader.
7. Beverage glass.
8. Dinner knife.
9. Teaspoon.
10. Soup spoon.

Discover that dream job

Whether you're unemployed or working but entertaining thoughts of moving on, finding a new job is an involved process that takes lots of commitment and hard work. Sifting through job openings can be akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Searching through that proverbial haystack, however, is even more difficult when you're forced to compete against hundreds of others doing exactly the same. But finding a job, and doing so quickly, doesn't need to be so difficult. The following tips should help cut down on the trials and tribulations of looking for work.
·Network. Recognizing you're not the only one looking for a job is essential to finding one you really want. Recruiters' inboxes are overflowing with the resumes of potential applicants, so you need an edge. Where most job seekers find the most success is through word-of-mouth. Family, friends, former co-workers or anyone else you have regular contact with outside of your current office can all be great sources of information when looking for a job.
·Get organized. Keep track of your job-searching efforts. Finding a job can be a drawn out process, as recruiters typically must sift through large applicant pools before setting up any interviews. Keep a separate file on all jobs you've applied to, complete with a job description and copy of the cover letter and resume you sent to that particular job. Keep these files easily accessible and organized, as you never know when you might be contacted by a prospective employer.
·Know what you have to offer. Examine your strengths and work on communicating those strengths. Effectively explaining what you do best is your best chance of landing that dream job, so practice illustrating how your skills apply to each position you're seeking and how those skills can benefit the company.
·Customize your letters and resumes. No two jobs are the same, so no two sets of cover letters and resumes should be the same, either. Tailor each letter and resume to the specific job you're applying to. In particular, cover letters should emphasize specific skills that might apply to each job. Save all cover letters and resumes under different filenames as well, as you'll want extra copies of each should you be granted an interview.
·Stay motivated. Particularly if you're unemployed or working part-time until you can get back into your field, the process of looking for a job can be defeating. Tales of finding a job early on in the process do exist, but more often than not the process requires sending out plenty of resumes and dealing with lots of rejection. It's a process that everyone goes through, not just you. Keep working hard and you'll find that, in due time, opportunity will come knocking. Following all of these tips will make sure that once that knock does come, you'll be prepared to answer the call.

The other bridal bouquet

A bride sans perfume is like a flower with no aroma. Beautiful perhaps, but that mysterious special something is missing. Perfume is capable of evoking intimate feelings in a woman, of transmitting messages of love without words, and of leaving permanent prints in one's memory.

That's why a bride should carefully select the perfume the she is to use on her special day with the same care that she chooses her wedding dress and flowers. But finding the right fragrance is not an easy task. Although it is a tangible item (as is the golden liquid in those fabulous crystal flasks) when it meets the skin it transforms and become an intimate, unique essence. That's why a perfume that smells stunning on one person does not necessarily have the same effect on somebody else.

In addition to the relationship between the aroma and skin, the bride's personality and nature should be taken into account when choosing one or more perfumes. If she feels romantic and dreamy, her scent should be fresh and floral; if she feels passionate her scent should be enticing. In the end, perfumes can perfectly express every facet of her personal style. That's why it's difficult for one perfume to represent every single one of her moods. It's like if she wore the same dress to her bachelorette party, wedding and honeymoon.

What do you do to avoid failure when selecting a fragrance? Experts recommend some basic rules. First of all, you should understand that buying a perfume takes a good amount of time. It's not as easy as simply visiting the cosmetics counter, opening up a flask, dabbing some perfume on your wrist and deciding whether or not to make a purchase.

You have got to remember that perfume is not a static liquid. Oh contraire! Its dynamics lies in its three olfactory notes: the first scent is the freshest and the one you get a whiff of at the moment you open the flask and apply the content. This note lasts barely a few minutes. The second note is the one that is considered the body of the fragrance and the one that balances all the elements that come in touch with its composition. Last but not least, the third note is the scent that you will continue to smell throughout the rest of the day. This last note can result in a subtler aroma, or one that is sweet and persistent and sometimes is very different from the very first note. Another bit of advice that specialists recommend has to do with not applying several fragrances all at once. Ideally, you should only try on one, so you can appreciate it in all of its stages.

Skin type is another factor you should consider, since dry skin absorbs perfume oils more rapidly, and can make the scent last less. Dry skin should stick to stronger aromas, musk or wood scent or an oriental one with a spicy base. On the other hand, women with oily skin should avoid strong fragrances and extracts, because their natural body odor can alter the perfume. This is a very important point to consider, especially when choosing the perfume that will be used on your wedding day. Keep in mind that you are likely to become very emotional and your nerves may get the best of you and cause you to sweat. As the body temperature rises, the fragrance intensifies. We recommend that you use a lighter version of your favorite perfume or a softer scent.

Climate also plays a vital role. A humid and warm atmosphere strengthens an aroma, that's the reason why light perfumes are recommended for warm climates. Warm, dry climates deteriorate the sense of smell, and the heat dries the mucus in the nose. Stronger perfumes are recommended for these types of climates. Last but not least, you should also consider the time of day of your ceremony. If you plan to get married in the morning, a soft aroma goes accordingly, while a more intense, sophisticated scent works well with a formal celebration.

In the end, don't overlook this very important detail that is selecting the fragrance you will wear on your special day. There are even those who say that if "love" were to materialize, it would probably be as a liquid with a divine smell and inside a beautiful flask. One that when opened, would release a chain of sensations.

Start cleaning out that cluttered garage

It used to be garages were a place to shield your automobile from harsh weather conditions or possible sun damage. For whatever reason, that practical use has all but vanished in suburbs across the country, where homeowners have widely adopted the practice of using their garage more as an all-purpose storage unit as opposed to a place to keep their cars.

For some homeowners, making their way through their garages can seem like finding your way through a jungle, with all sorts of surprises popping up. For those thinking of turning the garage into something more than a private landfill, here's a few tips on taking back that valuable garage space.
·Take it all out. The best way to start cleaning out your garage is to remove your car or cars from the driveway and then take everything out of the garage. As you're taking stuff out, sort out what you and what you don't need. Chances are, you'll have plenty of items that fall into the latter category.
But the sorting shouldn't start and stop with just things you'll be keeping or throwing away. Lawncare items such as rakes, mowers and garden shears should be sorted and kept together, while other items such as sporting equipment or vehicle-maintenance products should be sorted and stored together as well. It's important to note as well that old vehicle maintenance products or auto parts such as a car battery cannot simply be thrown out like other trash that might have accumulated in your garage. Items such as these can be very bad for the environment and should be disposed of in accordance with the law.
·There's a season for everything. Chances are, your garage is filled with seasonal items, from lawn mowers to kiddie pools to snow shovels. A good way to reduce both clutter and confusion is to place all seasonal items together depending on what season they're used. For instance, store snow shovels and snow blowers together and garden hoses and gardening tools together as well. This will make it infinitely easier to find things when you need them and will also make you less inclined to just toss items in your garage and create a bigger mess.
Another good idea is to make the items you'll be using during a specific season more accessible. For example, don't store the snow shovels back in the corner in winter so you need to look hard for them once the first snowfall touches down. Keep the seasonal items you'll be using most in the most easily accessible area of your garage during that season.
·Make more room. If you really want to use your garage as a place to store your car as well as tools and other items, you can create more space by adding a few shelves or even cabinets. Keeping items along the walls in your garage is a good way to clean and ensure that your vehicle will always fit in the garage.
·Have a trash area. When you first take everything out of your garage, you'll likely realize you've really let the place go. Old items not seen or used in years have been known to populate many a garage across the country. Whether you're a textbook packrat or just found it easier to throw stuff in the garage as opposed to out at the curb, you may have trash throughout your garage. After you've cleaned out the garage and found a place for everything, find a place for trash as well. A good way to avoid trash piling up again after you've cleaned the garage is to have a designated place to put the trash before it can get out of control.
·Don't get sentimental. While nearly everyone finds stuff they feel has sentimental value when cleaning out their garage, if it's covered in dirt and you haven't seen it in decades, chances are it's not that valuable. Throwing things out is essential when trying to create space in your garage. When you find old items in your garage, give yourself some time to look at them and reflect if need be, but keep in mind the goal is to clear away the clutter, not just clear a new space for it.

Maintain eye and vision health

Eating properly is not only good for your overall health; it's also good for your eyes, especially as you age. You can consume certain vitamins and nutrients that researchers have found to nourish and protect the health of your eyes. Following is a breakdown of some of those findings.
Fruits reduce your risk of AMD. A study from the Channing Laboratory at Harvard Medical School indicates that people who eat a daily diet that includes several servings of fruit can reduce their risk of developing macular degeneration (AMD) as seniors. The study compared seniors' intake of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids (like beta carotene) as well as fruits and vegetables, and how these elements relate to the development of macular degeneration. Researchers discovered that people who consumed three or more servings of fruit per day over a period of 12 to 18 years reduced their risk of developing macular degeneration by more than 30 percent, compared to people who ate 1.5 servings per day or fewer.
Vitamin A reduces night blindness. A diet lacking in vitamin A can cause night blindness, a deterioration of light sensitive cells (rods) essential for vision in low lighting. This deficiency also can extensively damage the eye's cornea to create total blindness. Research conducted by ophthalmologist Alfred Sommer, linked a vitamin A (retinol) deficiency to the very high prevalence of night blindness in children of developing countries such as India and Bangladesh. Sommer found that night blindness decreased by one-third in children who received vitamin A. Sources of vitamin A include: cod liver oil, liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash. (Note: while vitamin A supplementation can be beneficial, it can also be toxic if taken at abnormally high dosages. Consult with a doctor before using.)
Vitamins E and C slow cataract growth. Results from the Nurses' Health Study conducted at the Tufts University USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, demonstrate that supplementation with vitamins E and C may offer significant protection against the development of cataracts. Vitamin E sources include: sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachio nuts, avocados, peanuts, and nut products such as oils and butters, eggs (one egg can provide almost 6 percent of the recommended daily amounts of vitamin E), greens, tomatoes, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. Sources of vitamin C include: fruits such as guava, oranges, grapefruit, melons, grapes, berries, and fruit juices; vegetables such as peppers, brussel sprouts, potatoes, broccoli, beans, onions, tomatoes, and squash; meat such as liver and organ meats; and some seafood and fish.

Babyproofing is no child's play

Many parents attest to the fact that early infancy is the stage of their child's life that they dislike the most. After all, with 2 a.m. feedings, diaper duty around the clock and the inability to understand the needs of their infant, it's easy to see how these challenging few months can be troublesome. However, the real "fun stuff" may be yet to come.

Enter the mobility months and the toddler years. At this point in a child's developmental state he is learning to move and communicate on his own. This involves exploring the world around him, first and foremost his home environment. When baby starts getting into just about everything in the house - even those items deemed off limits - you may wish for the days where your little sweetheart stayed put.

At this age your child is also most prone to accidents - with choking, falls and suffocation among the top causes. In fact, according to a study conducted by the Home Safety Council, children under age one have the highest rates of unintentional home-injury death of all children under 15. That is why babyproofing the home is essential and should be at the top of your list of priorities, even before your little one starts crawling or walking.
GETTING STARTED
It is impossible to predict just what trouble your child will get into when he becomes mobile. However, there are general guidelines you can follow to ensure overall safety.

To begin, view your home from a child's level, meaning get down on hands and knees and see what items may be of interest to an inquisitive young mind. Also see what items are in easy reach. Among your first discoveries may be electrical outlets and power cords, plants, and any knickknacks that you keep on coffee or end tables.

Go from room to room and make an inventory of potential hazards. Don't worry, once you head to the store with list in hand, you'll find a bevy of safety products that will remedy most hazards on your list.

KITCHEN

If there is one room in the home that has the largest number of potential hazards for a child, it is the kitchen. Plus, this is a room in which your attention is often divided between cooking, cleaning and watching your baby.

There are many steps you should take to ensure the space is safe. First, purchase cabinet locks to keep little fingers out of cabinets. These come in a variety of styles, so experiment with the type of lock that is most comfortable and safe. Move all cleaning products and suffocation hazards like trash and sandwich bags to a higher cabinet. Remember, locks aren't foolproof and a determined toddler may be able to figure out a lock.

Purchase stove guards and refrigerator locks so that these doors cannot be opened. There are also guards that prevent a toddler from reaching up and turning stove knobs. When cooking, use the back burners so that hot pots and pans cannot be pulled off of the stove.

Keep pet food bowls off of the floor when your child is given free reign of the kitchen. Pet food presents a choking hazard and may also contain meat that has not been screened for mad cow disease. It only takes a few inches of water to drown a child, so remove the water bowl as well.
LIVING ROOM
The greatest dangers in this room are unprotected outlets, sharp-edged furniture and heavy electronics.
Secure televisions, entertainment centers and bookcases with safety hooks to prevent them from toppling onto a child who is using these items to pull to a standing position.
Put outlet safety plugs in all outlets and place cushioned corner guards around tables, hearths and any other sharp edges. Use baby "corrals" and gates to block off the head and the foot of staircases and any other areas that are off limits.
NURSERY
Your child will spend a lot of time in the crib - moments when you are not likely to be in the nursery. If your child can pull to a standing position, make sure the crib mattress is in the lowest position so that he cannot climb out of the crib. Also, remove any toys that can be used to step up and out of the crib or mobiles that can be pulled off and become a hazard.
Consider window treatments without cords, such as vertical blinds or curtains in lieu of mini-blinds. Or, use cord containers that keep the cords wrapped up so they don't pose a strangulation danger.
If you are placing a toy chest in the room, use one that has an open top or has a gap between the lid and the top of the chest so that fingers cannot be caught. Also, place door stoppers atop doors to prevent pinched fingers as well.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
You'll need to modify your childproofing methods as your child grows older. Here are some other tips to consider:
·Vacuum regularly to pick up any loose change, paper clips or other items on the floor that your child can find and choke on.
·Remove the rubber tips of door stoppers because they can be a choking danger.
·Keep bathrooms off limits if possible. There are just too many potentially dangerous items in there. Use a toilet cover lock to prevent drowning in the toilet.
·Don't leave your child alone in a room, even with the best safety methods employed. And NEVER leave him unattended in the bath.

A lesson in thank-you letters

After a job interview, what is the first thing you should do? Write a thank-you note. It's a common courtesy and shows your interest in the position. You should send a thank-you letter as soon as possible (preferably within 24 hours, but no later than a week) after your interview.

The jury is out on e-mail versus handwritten thank-you notes, so use your discretion when deciding what to do. More formal organizations or people might prefer a handwritten thank-you note. But if you know a hiring decision is imminent, or the company communicates solely through e-mail, an e-mail thank you could be the way to go. You can always follow up an e-mail thank you with a handwritten note.

When writing your letter, thank the person with whom you met, and reinforce the fact that you want the job. You can also restate why you want the job or highlight a few of your qualifications once more. Feel free to address anything that wasn't discussed at the interview or something you want to answer more thoroughly than you did during the interview.

You may have been interviewed by a panel of people, or spent a few hours hopping from interviewer to interviewer. Should you send a letter addressed to the group, or individual ones to all parties? Make your decision based on the formality of the interviews and the company. When in doubt, it's best to send individual notes to everyone who interviewed you. You can write similar letters, but slightly vary a sentence or two to give personalization to the note.

Before you lick the envelope or hit send on your computer, double check for spelling and grammar errors as well as review the names and titles of your interviewers. It's worth putting in this extra effort to make sure you come across competent and polished.

CAPTION: Thank-you notes can help you land that dream job.

Cancer survivors face wide range of emotions

If asked what their ideal post-cancer life would be like, most cancer survivors would likely reference bicycling legend Lance Armstrong. Despite being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996 and learning the cancer had metastasized into his brain and lungs, Armstrong, given a 50-percent chance of survival upon diagnosis, not only survived cancer but went on to rewrite the cycling record books, winning the sport's most storied event, the Tour de France, a record seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005.
While most cancer survivors wouldn't ask for Armstrong's athletic accomplishments, the cyclist's post-cancer return to normalcy and doing the things he loves are certainly things all cancer survivors hope for. Such hopes are often met with hurdles, as cancer survivors often experience heightened emotional distress after treatment. While each individual is different, the following are some of the more common emotional responses cancer survivors experience.
·Fear. Albeit to varying degrees, nearly every cancer survivor experiences a fear of the cancer recurring. This fear results primarily from a combination of no longer receiving treatments while simultaneously no longer being as closely monitored by your physicians. Being monitored less frequently after treatment can instill an understandable sense of fear that the cancer might come back. After-effects of treatment as well as continuing to experience cancer-like symptoms are also responsible for cultivating a fear of recurrence.
·Grief. While initially it might seem odd for a cancer survivor to grieve, it's actually quite common. Surviving cancer is no small task, one that can often leave much in its wake, costing patients their financial security, their jobs, and possibly even their ability to function physically. As a result, grief can set in. For those suffering from grief, support groups and grief counselors can be a useful means to long-term grief management.
·Guilt. Similar to soldiers who return home from wars where fellow soldiers and friends might have died, cancer survivors can experience guilt simply because they survived while knowing countless others did not. Guilt can also be the result of a cancer survivor feeling he was far too big a burden on family and friends during his treatment. While these feelings are common, they are also fruitless, as there's no reason to feel guilty for surviving cancer.
·Uncertainty. Like fear, this is experienced in varying degrees depending on the individual. Still, uncertainty is one of the more common emotional side effects, experienced by every cancer survivor to some degree. Uncertainty can arise in all facets of life, whether it's uncertainty about planning too far ahead with family or feeling uncertain about follow-up visits with your physician. Also, what used to be common nuisances such as a cold or headache might now leave survivors wondering as to whether it's just a cold or headache or an indicator that cancer might be coming back.
·Spiritual confusion. This can often be the result of several of the aforementioned emotional responses. Questions such as "Why me?" are often asked by survivors who are feeling both guilty that they survived while others did not and uncertain as to why their life had to take such a sharp turn while others' lives did not. Also, those who are grieving over what they lost during treatment might begin to feel confused as they try and reestablish a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.
·Anger. While some cancer survivors feel a sense of relief simply for being alive, others might feel angry for a variety of reasons. Anger over a decline in physical condition or decreased capacity are common with patients who continue to focus on what they lost as a result of cancer.

20/20 vision

The term "20/20 vision" does not translate to perfect vision. Rather, the term was coined by eye doctors and refers to what a normal person should be able to see from 20 feet away. People with 20/40 vision, then, can see at 20 feet what a normal person can see from 40 feet away. It is also possible to have vision that is better than the norm. People with 20/10 vision, for example, can see from 20 feet away what a normal person can see from 10 feet away. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the cutoff for legal blindness in the United States is 20/200 vision, meaning you can see at 20 feet away what a normal person can see from 200 feet away.

Stretch food for unexpected company

Oh, no! You've just received a call that a friend is in the area and wants to drop by for a visit. It's close to dinner time and you know you can't have your friend over without offering her a meal. However, you don't have the time to run out to the supermarket, and you don't have any take-out menus on hand. Don't break into a sweat. Take inventory of your food supply and get creative. Here are some ideas to get you started:

*Fast appetizers: Conquer hunger pangs with easy appetizers. Defrost a frozen loaf of French or Italian bread, cut in half and butter the insides. Sprinkle with garlic powder and seasonings like basil, tarragon, oregano and dill. Top with mozzarella cheese or another cheese you have on hand and bake until cheese is melted. Cut into pieces and serve. Cheese and cracker platters are also easy to create. Or how about serving a "fast" vegetable dip made with sour cream and that powdered vegetable soup mix you have stashed in the cabinet? Guests can dip bread sticks, chips or fresh veggies into it.
*Go with hearty foods: Stews, casseroles, chilies and bakes are easy ways to fill guests up with few supplies - you probably have all the ingredients on hand. Chop up meats, vegetables, beans and other items, and cook in a brown gravy or tomato base. Season with spices, and serve with rice or noodles.
*Stretch packaged side dishes: Pre-packaged convenience foods are easy options for guests. Just make them go a little further by adding a few ingredients. Doctor up boxed mac and cheese with additional "gourmet" pasta in a variety of shapes. Add chopped frozen broccoli and garnish with shredded cheese.
*Make dishes look like more. Stir-frys are another option for creativity and can make food look like it has more volume. Rather than serving a small piece of steak or a chop, slice it up and add it to a wok or skillet with a frozen vegetable mix. Thicken with broth and cornstarch for an impromptu Asian dish. Or go all-American by adding the same combo to a pre-made pie shell for a fast pot-pie!
*Starches are filling. When possible, always accompany your meal with potatoes, rice or pasta. These foods are inexpensive, kitchen staples that can be used in a variety of ways. Plus, they fill the stomach fast.
*Dig into dessert. Make desserts look gourmet with a few simple touches. Have a half-eaten poundcake on hand? Slice up the remaining cake, top with whipped cream, powdered sugar and sliced fruit. Serve on individual dishes. Or, slice up a fruit pie and add a scoop of ice cream. As long as the guests don't see your dessert preparation, they won't know that you're working from half-eaten items!
With a little ingenuity and items you already have in the house, you can create a meal that will wow unexpected guests. Now your only headache is cleaning up the house before they arrive!

Important tips for protecting your eyes this summer

Everyone has heard about proper sun protection for the skin, but don't forget about protecting your eyes during the summer months. Since Americans spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, whether at the beach or simply catching some rays while exercising or doing errands, their health may pay a price. Too much sun exposure can increase your chances for serious eye damage.

More than 86 million adults over the age of 40 have vision problems according to the Vision Council of America. Approximately 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18, when the eyes are less developed and less able to block UV rays. Here are a few tips about how you can help protect your family's vision not only in the summer but year-round:
·Know when to move into the shade: After spending time in the sun, drink lots of water to keep both your skin and eyes hydrated. Watch for the warning signs of visual problems, including squinting and headaches. If possible, stay out of the sun from 10am to 2pm when temperatures and UV levels are at their peak.
·Remember proper eyewear: Certain lenses can safely block UV radiation and help protect the eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Dark sunglasses without UVA and UVB block cause the pupils to dilate and allow harmful UV rays into the eye, potentially causing major eye damage. Make an informed purchase, and be sure to buy lenses that clearly state that they offer both UVA and UVB protection.
·Consider photochromic lenses: Photochromic lenses are those that quickly change from clear indoors to as dark as sunglasses outdoors. They are the smart choice in everyday convenience because of their ability to block 100 percent of dangerous UVA/UVB rays, and reduce painful, uncomfortable glare. Transitions® Lenses are the number one recommended photochromic lenses worldwide.
·Cover up if you plan to snooze: Lying down with eyes closed can cause sunburned eyelids, so be sure to cover the face entirely if there's a chance you'll fall asleep in the sun. Along with your sunglasses, make sure to bring a towel or hat to cover the face.
·Check your UV index: Check daily UV levels in your area and plan accordingly. Always wear proper eyewear, and also carry a hat and sunblock. According to a survey conducted by Transitions Optical, Inc., 36% of respondents wear a hat when they plan to be out in the sun for long periods of time, and only 18% wear eyewear with UV protection.
·Schedule regular eye exams for overall health: Even though vision may be clear, exams can detect changes in the eye caused by underlying health problems. Some eye diseases have no symptoms in the early stages, so make yearly eye exams part of your family's regular health routine.