STUDY: Caffeine Makes You Happy

According to a new study, caffeine makes you happy.

Researchers found that the equivalent of two to three cups of coffee are enough to make people happier – as well as more productive and less likely to make mistakes. (Daily Mail)

MONEY MATTERS: 50 Percent of Us Think we'll be Debt-Free in 5 Years

According to a new survey, 50 percent of adults believe they can wipe out their debt within five years – and 10 percent think it will take more than 20 years.

Most people surveyed, nearly 79 percent, plan to budget their way out of the mess, with 52 percent planning to get another job and 13 considering bankruptcy. (San Francisco Chronicle)

Top 10 places to Shop in Canada

1 – Yorkville, Toronto

2 – West Ed Mall

3 – ByWard Market – Ottawa

4 – The Forks –Winnipeg

5 – Pacific Mall – Markham

6 – Old Quebec City – Quebec City

7 – St. Jacobs Market – St. Jacobs, ON

8 – Yaletown – Vancouver

9 – Granville Island – Vancouver

10 – Halifax Waterfront – Halifax

readersdigest.com

STUDY: Exercise Actually Suppresses Your Appetite

Posted: Friday 01:01PM Nov. 16, 2012 PST

When you work out, you might feel the urge to snack – or chow down on a full meal – after  you’re done.

Common sense says that this is because the workout causes you to be hungry, but a new study shows that exercising actually suppresses appetite.

The conclusion is that you only THINK you’re hungry after you work out.

Researchers say that you’re really not looking for food. Instead, you’re looking for a reward.

So, one way to get past it all is to reward yourself for all your hard work in the gym with something other than food, like a movie rental, which won’t add any calories. (Today Health)

STUDY: Looking Old May Be a Sign of Heart Risks

According to a new study, people who look old have a greater chance of developing of heart disease than younger-looking people the same age do.

Researchers looked for such things as receding hairlines, bald heads, creases near the ear lobes and bumpy deposits on the eyelids. People who have at least three of these traits have a 57 percent higher risk for heart attack – and a 39 percent higher risk for heart disease.

Don’t worry … Wrinkles elsewhere on the face and gray hair seemed like they’re just ordinary things that happen when we age and don’t have anything to do with heart risks. (WisTV.com)

HUMANS ARE GETTING STUPIDER – AND THAT’S OK

Scientists from Stanford University believe that human intelligence is in a general decline. That’s right. People, in general, are getting stupider.

But the scientists say it’s not a big deal because having big brains won’t be that important in the future.

The thinking is that technology keeps expanding and improving, allowing us to rely on machines and gadgets instead of our intelligence. (TGDaily.com)

STUDY: Your Brain Shuts Down When You’re in Love

While falling in love might sound like a magical thing, scientists have discovered that it’s just a biological reaction that affects the brain.

In fact, falling in love actually shuts down part of the brain.

Researchers have found that the part of the brain that’s in charge of judgment is the first to go.

This causes people in love to stop criticizing or doubting, which explains why so many people fall in love with someone who, in hindsight, might be a terrible choice of a mate.

Fortunately, people who are in are still capable of making other major decisions in their lives, such as doing business deals. (MedicalDaily.com)

STUDY: Extend Your Lifespan by Walking

A new study shows that walking just two and a half hours per week could extend your life by seven years - and walking just half of that could add two years.

The researchers found that you’ll get results by walking fast enough to break a sweat, but not jogging or running. (IOL)

THE SOCIAL NETWORK: Facebook Friends Make You Fat, Broke and Lazy

While being popular on social media sites can boost your ego and self-esteem, having lots of Facebook friends can also make you fat, broke and lazy.

Researchers have found that being the king of social media also disrupts your self-control, causing you to over-eat, over-spend and under-exercise.

When your ego is pumped by all your adoring “friends” on Facebook, you feel good and can rationalize ordering dessert or buying something you don’t really need.

“I feel good today,” you tell yourself. “I deserve a treat.”

And, the next thing you know, you’re fat, broke and lazy. (Times of India)

BATTLE OF THE BULGE: New Pepsi Product Blocks Fat

If you love soda and want to lose weight – but were never a fan of diet soda – then Pepsi might have a soda for you.

Pepsi Special is made with dextrin, an indigestible dietary fiber that acts as a fat blocker.

The drink will be introduced in Japan and will be sold in “luxury” gold and black bottles. (New York Daily News)

STUDY: Doctors Are Biased Against Fat People

According to a new study, doctors are biased against fat people – and aren’t even aware of it.

It’s a well-known fact that people, in general, have biases against those who are overweight. Researchers were surprised to learn that doctors have the same negative attitudes.

Doctors who are obese themselves were the only ones who were generally more sympathetic to overweight people. (Fox News)

GREAT GADGETS: Neck Brace Lets You Sleep While Sitting

Here’s something to put on your holiday wish list this December – the UpRight Sleeper, which is pretty much a neck brace that lets you sleep while sitting.

That’s right. With this amazing gadget, you can now sit up and nap without straining your neck or sleeping on your hand.

It costs $30 – and can be fitted to go around the forehead or under the chin.

The only problem, of course, is that you’ll have to deal with people asking what horrific accident caused your injury. (UprightSleeper.com)

WELL-BEING: Things You Need for an Amazing Life

If you want an amazing life, there are a few things you can’t cut corners on or let slide. Here’s a rundown of some of those things you need for an amazing life:

• Honesty – Lying and keeping track of lies will burn you out.
• Positivity – Don’t waste time being negative. Things have a way of working out – always.
• Effort and Perseverance – You can’t go wrong by working hard and not quitting.
• Confidence – People are attracted to confident people. The more you radiate confidence, the more people will want to follow you and help you succeed.
• Keeping an Open Mind – Being opinionated is fine, as long as your opinions are flexible enough to change if you hear a stronger argument for another point of view.
• Being Grateful for What You Have – If you have food on the table and a place to live, you’re doing very well for yourself. Everything else is a bonus. (EliteDaily.com)