In numerous studies around the world, the use of cannabis has been shown to increase the risk for schizophrenia and psychosis. Researchers in New Zealand found that individuals using cannabis before the age of 15 were more than 300% more likely to develop mental illnesses like schizophrenia, while professor Robin Murray of the London [...]
February 28th, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | ContinuedArchive for Debbie Dragon
Are Social Networking Sites Hurting Your Credit?
Banks may be using social networking sites to determine whether to extend, take or deny you credit. If you have these social networking sites you use often, you may actually be doing more damage to your credit.
Managers and coworkers may also be using these sites to determine “problem” workers. In these hard economic times you [...]
Some States Looking to Ban BPA in Baby and Toddler Products
Recent health concerns for BPA, an estrogen-like chemical found in plastics, have prompted some states to consider banning use of the chemical. The chemical can be found in numerous plastics on the market today including food and drink containers, most notably those that are used by infants and toddlers. Last month the Food and [...]
February 23rd, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
From a Few Treats to Childhood Obesity in Two Generations
Childhood obesity is an issue that was first raised as a possible concern in the eighties, a definite concern in the nineties, and now in 2010, an epidemic. Approximately 40% of American children between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese. In the seventies, this percentage was approximately around 5%.
If these statistics seem unbelievable, [...]
February 22nd, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
New Simple Test Checks for Concussion
A concussion is an injury to the brain that can result in a bad headache, altered level of alertness meaning the person is drowsy or hard to arouse, loss of memory and even unconsciousness. Concussions occur in individuals who have taken a serious blow to the head. Most people who suffer from a [...]
February 19th, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
Things to Consider When Rejoining the Workforce
The economy has everyone on edge. Perhaps you are one of those unfortunate Americans who have recently lost their job and are looking for a new one. Or maybe you’re a stay at home parent who needs to earn an income to help ease the pressure of rising costs in the household by rejoining [...]
February 14th, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
McDonald’s Sales Increase Globally, Decrease in the U.S.
McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-food chain on the planet, reported that overall sales in the month of January have increased 2.6 percent globally, offsetting a 0.7 sales decrease in the United States. These figures do not include locations that have been open for less than 13 months.
McDonald’s continues to succeed while competitors, such as Wendy’s [...]
Michelle Obama Launches Campaign to Fight Obesity
Obesity in the Untied States has reached epidemic levels. Common causes of obesity are: consumption of unhealthy foods, lack of physical activity, and general overconsumption.
In an effort to combat childhood obesity, first lady Michelle Obama launched “Let’s Move”, a campaign geared to teach young people across the country the importance of nutrition and exercise.
Increased physical [...]
Swine Flu Killed 11,690, CDC Says
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the swine flu has been responsible for 11,690 deaths in the United States thus far. The number of deaths could actually be as high as 17,160, and as low as 8,330, but the CDC uses the midpoint number in determining the death toll.
The H1N1 disease caused [...]
How Long Should You Keep Your Paperwork After Filing Your Taxes?
It is a new year, and with that comes many fresh starts many of us. Many people make resolutions to purge themselves of their excess weight, as well as excess clutter, which usually includes all of the paper occupying space in the attic. Before you decide to get rid of your old tax documents, take [...]
February 9th, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
Try Alternative Therapies for Stubborn School Sores
Impetigo or school sores are caused by either of two bacteria, Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, and are not, as was once thought, from poor hygiene. These bacteria live harmlessly on our skin or in our nose, but any cuts, abrasions or eczema can allow the bacteria to enter the body.
Called “school sores” because they affect mostly [...]
February 2nd, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
Wal-Mart, Home Depot Cutting Jobs
Recent data has shown the economy in the United States is slowly recovering. However, this has not automatically translated to people keeping their jobs, or finding new ones. Some of the largest retail chains in the country are continuing to lay off employees at a staggering rate.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. announced plans on cutting over 11,000 [...]
Businesses Hope for Super Profits from Super Bowl
With the up-and-down economy in the United States, businesses are struggling to stay alive. Business owners welcome any occasion that can bring a boost in sales, even if it’s temporary. For some, the Super Bowl provides this boost, albeit temporary.
On February 7, 2010, the city of Miami, Fl will host Super Bowl XLIV at Land [...]
Research Reveals Link Between Antidepressants and Delayed Lactation
A new study, the first to look at the impact of antidepressants and breast feeding had findings that indicate that there could be a link between antidepressants and lactation in women. The study found that delayed lactation after giving birth was twice as common in moms who were taking SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) [...]
January 28th, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
Eating Less Salt Could Save Your Life
Researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine this past week that reducing salt intake by as little as 1/2 teaspoon a day could prevent as many as 66,000 strokes, 99,000 heart attacks and 92,000 US deaths in the United States. It would also save approximately $24 billion dollars a year in health care [...]
January 28th, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
Michelle Obama Kicks of Campaign Against Childhood Obesity
This past week Michelle Obama kicked off a campaign to begin a national movement to fight childhood obesity. Obesity has been on the rise and year after year the numbers reach new shocking highs. Current statistics show that 2/3 of all adults and 1 in 3 of all children in this country are [...]
January 28th, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
New Study Links Flame Retardants to Fertility Issues
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of California Berkley has shown a link between flame retardants and fertility. The study results can be found in the January 26th Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives. Results of the study found that women had difficulty getting pregnant when they had high levels of [...]
January 25th, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
New Blood Test Could Lead to Easier Colon Cancer Detection
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. While the cancer is pretty evenly spread, men do have just a slightly higher risk over women in developing the disease. Over our lifetimes, each of us has about a 1 in 19 chance of [...]
January 24th, 2010 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
How a Savings Plan Can Help Global Recovery
The beginning of 2010 has seen the dust settling on the global financial crisis. The worst appears to be over, and world-wide, governments and business have recovery plans under way. Confidence is returning to business and households, with both groups looking to the future.
This is an excellent time for salary earners to re-assess their financial [...]
Tax Preparers to Be Regulated By IRS
The tax season is in full swing, and many people will choose to have their taxes completed by a paid tax preparer, seeking the largest refund possible. Most of these tax preparers are unregulated, but that may soon change, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
It is unclear as to how many tax preparers are in [...]
E-cigarettes Under Fire
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States today, responsible for 467,000 premature deaths each year. Many people understand the risks and dangers of cigarette smoking, and often seek other options to help them finally kick the habit.
E-cigarettes have been marketed by many companies as a safe alternative to cigarettes. Some [...]
Will Congressional Bailouts Stop Sinking the Ship?
Congress made history in 2009 by loaning billions of dollars to failing banks across the country in an effort to boost the disastrous economy. Many Americans were outraged as it began to appear as though big business could mishandle exorbitant amounts of money and just sit back and let the federal government toss money at [...]
December 30th, 2009 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
4 Ways To Keep Your Health Insurance Between Jobs
In today’s economy losing your job can be downright terrifying. With the rising rate of home foreclosures and consumer loan defaults it is clear many Americans are struggling just to pay the basic expenses. This makes losing your primary source of income an additional burden that many families simply cannot afford. When [...]
December 24th, 2009 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
Health Care Bill Proposal Drops Public Option and Looks to Avoid Medicare Expansion
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard all kinds of speculation about the proposed health care bill and the controversial public option. With President Obama determined to find an answer to the unacceptable challenge of affordable health care in the United States, the idea of a public option for government assisted health care [...]
December 21st, 2009 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
Consumer Financial Protection Agency Proposed
The House of Representatives is taking action to attempt to avoid another financial disaster in the big banking industry like the one that led to the economic crash last year. While many Americans are skeptical of the way Congress has handled the problem so far, Congress is working to create an agency, The Consumer Financial [...]
December 21st, 2009 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
Androids Step Back- Google is In Town
There is little doubt the iPhone, the Droid and other Android phones have been the most technologically advanced cell phone to date. It could be the Apple boys are in for a surprise, however, as the gang from Google gets ready to bring their contender to the cell phone market. Google is continuing to be [...]
December 20th, 2009 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued
Medical Studies Suggest Too Many CT Scans Increases Cancer Risk
Millions of Americans undergo CT scans as a routine screening in diagnosing a variety of medical problems. A CT (computed tomography) scan, commonly called a “cat” scan, is a special type of X-ray that gives a detailed view of scanned areas to help doctors make diagnoses. A CT scan, like other X-rays, exposes the patient [...]
December 20th, 2009 | Debbie Dragon | Comments | Continued



