We can avoid germs. An article published in Prevention Magazine warns about the 7 germiest public places. 1. Restaurant Menus - colds and flu viruses can survive 18 hours on hard surfaces. 2. Lemon Wedges On Restaurant Glasses - nearly 70% contain disease -causing microbes. 3. Condiment Containers and 4. Restroom Door Handles - both are germ-laden. 5. Soap Dispensers and 6. Grocery Cart Handles - both are contaminated with fecal bacteria - 25% and 66% respectively. 7. Airplane Bathrooms - surfaces from faucets to doorknobs are contaminated with E. coli. Because an average adult can touch 30 objects in one minute, this is a "touchy subject".
We can reduce stress. According to another article published in Prevention Magazine, there are 6 tried-and-true ways to reduce stress. 1. Eat 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate daily to reduce stress hormones. 2. Express anger to specifically reduce the stress hormone cortisol. 3. Participate in repetitive activities - walking, painting, knitting - to focus attention. 4. Be with your pet - pets are more soothing than a spouse or friend. 5. Resolve to discuss problems the next day and get stress-relieving sleep. 6. Don't dwell on problems - it increases anxiety and depression. Of course, if you're still feeling stressed, maybe you should try #1 again.
We can learn a second language. According to research presented to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, it's good for our brains. As we age, bilinguals tend to maintain better cognitive function. In fact, bilinguals on average are 4-5 years older than monolinguals at comparable stages of neurological impairment. When Alzheimer's starts to compromise the brain, bilinguals can function in spite of damaged tissue. Bilinguals are also better at multitasking. Although fluency in a second language is not likely in middle or old age, every bit of language learned prevents cognitive decline. So ... parlez-vous Francais?
If you're a man, you can avoid overloading your man bag. It's bad for your back. According to the British Chiropractic Association, the average man bag weighs 13.67 pounds. However, after using the over-the-shoulder laptop case, messenger bag or satchel-style bag to carry a computer, mp3 player, phone and other must-have's, it can weigh considerably more. Because the prolonged stress can cause both pain and poor posture, the BCA recommends alternating the carrying shoulder, keeping the strap short and not carrying the bag for extended periods of time. If you're a woman - well, you have your own "baggage".
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