Lessons from 15 years of change at CES

Lessons from 15 years of change at CES

LAS VEGAS—I’m here for my 15th annual CES. That is a possibly scary number: I’ve yet to spend more than 15 years in any one home.

A great deal has changed about this show since I stepped off the plane at McCarran Airport in 1998 and encountered the first of many long taxi lines. The exhibit space has sprawled outward; the laptops of reporters have gotten lighter and smaller; the total bandwidth consumed has escalated exponentially.


While this year’s show was getting into gear, I was mulling over these changes and what they mean for the industry as a whole.


Decline of the defining product.


Back when its official name was still the Consumer Electronics Show, you could define each year’s show by the genre of gadget that dominated it. In 1998 digital TV took the stage; Blu-ray had its turn on the runway in 2004.


But the last such defining category was 3-D TV, the big deal of 2009—which has since proved to be a much smaller deal for consumers. You can blame part of that on the declining role of new physical-storage formats in the electronics industry; companies like Amazon and Apple also get credit for reinventing the e-book reader, smartphone and tablet away from CES.


Either way, CES looks less like a showroom and more like a bazaar. Since I think a decentralized market offers more openings for innovation, I’ll count that as an upgrade.


A lead actor loses the limelight.


You also could count on one firm landing in the bulk of the headlines about CES: Microsoft. Its keynotes kicked off the show, and its product launches set many other firms’ agendas. But between such high-profile flops as SPOT smart watches and the less-public but more significant failure of its effort to make its Windows Media formats industry standards, this company no longer moves the market as it once did.


So I was less than shocked to see Microsoft announce that it would no longer keynote the show, although its decision to stop exhibiting was more of a surprise: In Windows Phone 7 and the upcoming Windows 8, the company seems to have some good stories to tell.


(Note that, as CEA’s Jason Oxman wrote here earlier, Microsoft will almost certainly continue sending executives and engineers to the show.)


Our eyes wander from big screens to small ones.


From 1998 onward, TV screens got larger (and flatter) at every CES. But as the size of an affordable flat-panel set steadily expanded, a funny thing happened: The smallest screen we carry, the one on our phones, got a lot more interesting. It brings us the Web, it steers us home, it runs a growing universe of apps, and it even plays video. The smartphone may even help make the big screen more useful: An app on my phone lets it double as a remote control for our Blu-ray player.


Everything will connect to the Internet.


Because the cost of adding connectivity to a device has collapsed while the bandwidth available in many homes has broadened, it’s getting to be an assumption that anything big enough to have a remote control will incorporate an Ethernet port or a WiFi receiver. Those have helped to liberate Web media from our computers; they’ve also made it easier to keep hardware up to speed with updates from manufacturers.


Sure, some of this gets a little ridiculous. The WiFi-connected fridge I saw last year certainly seems a bit much—but you know, I wouldn’t mind seeing a major appliance report its electrical consumption to me over the Internet.


Marginalization of audio- and videophiles.


News flash: Customers have voted overwhelmingly for portability over purity. The successor to the CD turned out not to be the ultra-high-fi SACD and DVD-Audio formats, but MP3 and AAC files that sound no better than the CD, while the future of video looks increasingly like digital streams and downloads instead of optical discs.


There will always be a market for high-end audio and video—this year, I expect to see many “4K” screens with four times the resolution of HDTV—but those products no longer mark the outlines of the average customer’s aspirations. And that represents an enormous shift in how the business has been able to present itself.


Green is a go.


You’re well advised to be a little skeptical of manufacturers claiming a newfound environmental sensitivity. But from what I’ve seen, the change is real: Eco-marketing has gone from simply claiming an Energy Star certification by the Environmental Protection Agency—something that hasn’t been that hard to obtain—to offering hard numbers, as I saw three years ago when TV vendors began showing off sets with power meters to report their electrical consumption.


Cooperation isn’t.


Sadly, the electronics industry hasn’t lost its appetite for format wars. Standards continue to arrive late (a pointless dispute over memory-card formats only ended in 2010) or not at all (you still can’t buy a TV that can tune into cable or satellite service without the help of an external box).


This history of self-inflicted conflict makes the industry’s biggest success at standardization over the last decade—the HDMI cables that carry audio and video between most of our gadgets—look even more remarkable in retrospect.

And The Winners Are…

And The Winners Are…

CEA’s third annual Best Shots photo contest came to an end today after contestants shared some great shots over the last month. The contest encouraged consumers to share and display their digital photographs. All shots were displayed near the PMA@CES TechZone at the 2012 International CES. A slate of expert judges selected 10 finalists for each category, and winners were determined by an online popular vote. The grand prize winner will receive a Nikon D3100 14.2MP DSLR camera, a UV filter, an 8GB memory card and an extra 55-200mm lens. Top winners in each category will win one of four compact point-and-shoot cameras: Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, Fujifilm FinePix Z900 EXR, Pentax Optio WG-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55. Prizes from the Photojojo Store will be awarded to six honorable mention winners as well.

Grand Prize Winner: Edward Labozetta

People: Karen Mason

Travel: April Pollard

Pets: Steven Snyder

Cell Phone Shots: Natalie Goodman

Honorable Mention Winners: Kristie Gardner, Tammy Link, Katie Eickhoff, Bonnie Swilley, Mike Fard, Julie Lawrence

5 New Restaurant Survival Strategies

5 New Restaurant Survival Strategies

Many of the foods we eat today, from drive-thru snacks to sit-down dinners at chain restaurants, are far, far worse for our waistlines than we could ever imagine. See, food marketers have spent the past few generations devising ever more creative ways to pack our food with fat, salt, and sugar in an effort to hit the bull's eye on our tongues. In fact, we now consume an average of 300 calories a day more than we did in 1985. You can stop that. Simply follow these restaurant rules to trim calories and fat effortlessly. Trust us, you'll never notice the difference...well, except in the size of your waistline.

 Order À La Carte

Your best bet at nearly any sit down restaurant is to skip the regular menu choices and piece together your own custom-made meal. Nowhere is that strategy more important than at Chili's. Create your own combo with a mix of grilled shrimp, chicken, or sirloin, then tack on a healthy side like black beans or seasonal vegetables. It's one of the only ways to come out unscathed.

Omit the Oil

There's nothing more dangerous than an apathetic sandwich maker with a bottle of oil, but unfortunately that's what you'll find behind many deli counters. At Blimpie, for example, many sandwiches get oiled whether you ask for it or not, so if you decide to stray from the Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich, be sure to specify "no oil." Otherwise, you're facing 120 calories per half ounce, and there's no telling how much of it will wind up on your lunch.

Avoid the Pot Pie

.Seems innocuous, right? A pie made out of vegetables? Too bad those vegetables are bound together with a creamy sludge and held upright by a buttery pastry crust. At Bob Evans that amounts to 862 calories and more than your entire day's intake of saturated fat. You can expect similar numbers elsewhere.

Keep It Simple

The rule of menu nomenclature: The longer and more embellished the name of the food, the more fat, sugar, and sodium it contains. For example, IHOP's French Toast carries 640 calories, but the Strawberry Banana French Toast carries 1,060. Similarly, a Hamburger at Applebee's delivers 790 calories, while the fancier Steakhouse Burger with A.1. Sauce swells to 1,190. Stick to basic dishes you know and love and you'll come out ahead almost every time.

Slow Down

A study published last year in Psychological Science discovered that the mere sight of a fast-food sign can make you feel rushed, which can lead to impulsive decisions and poor nutritional choices. Sidestep your impulses by planning your choices ahead.

Why we're crazy about CES 2012

What's big, hot and makes everybody gasp? That's right: CES, the consumer electronics industry's annual beanfeast and arguably the world's greatest technology showcase.As ever, it's happening in Las Vegas - and, as ever, the best way to enjoy it is to be as far from Las Vegas as humanly possible.While some 140,000 attendees will battle one another to get hold of the hottest new gadgets, you'll be able to get the skinny from the comfort of your sofa thanks to our cunningly named Techradar @ CES news hub.

So what are we excited about? CES is where the big guns of home entertainment show off their most exciting new kit, and we're expecting to see some cool new tellies from the likes of Samsung, whose latest TV designs are positively lickable.

LG will be there too, with some new home theatre systems and an impressively hefty 55-inch OLED display and a 4K TV. If you're not familiar with 4K, it's the latest standard for higher-than-high definition TV: where typical HD resolutions are expressed in vertical lines (720p, 1080p), 4K is horizontal and means resolutions of nearly 4,000 pixels across. Expect to hear a lot of 4K chat at CES.

CES TV announcements won't just be about TVs, though: the lines between TV and computers continue to blur, and Opera will be showing off its TV app store this month while various firms show off internet-enabled Smart TVs.

Gaming, Windows 8 and yet more tablets

Could this year's CES bring good news for gamers? We already know about Nintendo's Wii U, but little internet birdies have been tweeting about the possible unveiling of Microsoft's next console, which probably won't be called the Xbox 720. A CES announcement would certainly steal the march on Sony, whose PlayStation 4 remains a long way in the future, but it all depends on whether Microsoft reckons it's got something to shout about yet.

The biggest of the big deals will be Windows 8, which is going to dominate computing news throughout 2012. Expect to see lots and lots of Windows kit, especially Ultrabooks. Intel and AMD will both be showing off important new PC components including Ivy Bridge processors, the successor to the Sandy Bridge range, and AMD's new Southern Island graphics cards.

Like last year, CES 2012 will have more tablets than you'll find in a branch of Boots. We're particularly excited about the device we've dubbed the GoBot, the Asus Transformer Prime Mini. As the name suggests, it's a Transformer Prime but, er, mini-er. We'll also see the potentially hilarious PadFone and a new version of the Eee Memo Pad.

There's "something big" from Sony Ericsson, which we think means a "super phone" boasting a ridiculously clever 13MP camera and the rubbish codename of LT28at. SE should also take the wraps off its Xperia Arc HD, which we're told has an Exmor R camera for superb low-light shooting. It's going to be one of very many top-end smartphones we'll see over the next few days, but we promise not to use the phrase "iPhone Killer". Apart from that bit, just there.

Last but not least, there's this frankly bizarre-sounding bit of kit as described by CES boss Gary Shapiro: "There is a product that is made by a British company which is apparently more effective than IVF for helping a woman figuring out when she should get pregnant and it has a money back guarantee." What on earth could it be? All will be revealed in four days time.

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5 Big Gizmo Trends for CES 2012

5 Big Gizmo Trends for CES 2012

Each year begins for technologists and geeks with the annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas for CES. It's easy to write off this massive technology trade show as an outdated, overrated, and overhyped gizmo-fest. But I think it's incredibly valuable, and often results in real marketplace knowledge ahead of the curve.
That said, I go into CES each year with some insights and some crystal ball gazing that often helps me focus on what I'm expecting to see. This year, 2012 CES has a handful of trends that will impact media, content creators, and devices.


Here are FIVE CES PREDICTIONS you can expect to see come true in Las Vegas this year.


TVs get sexy. Expect Samsung, Vizio, Panasonic, Sony, and more to come out with sleeker, brighter, more awesome screens. A related new technology called 4K is expected to greatly improve image resolutions. While it's still early on, there will be some new voice control gizmos trying to get a jump on the Siri TV product that Apple is rumored to have on its way to market. However, as always, no Apple at CES. Last year the big buzz was 3-D on the heels of Avatar. But the glasses were expensive and proprietary to the set manufacturer, which kept customers away. Expect a new batch of passive 3-D glasses that are cheap (like the ones in the movie theaters) and interchangeable from set to set. LG is planning to offer 4K HDTVs that include passive 3-D technology. TVs with 4K resolution will be able to deliver full HD resolution with the passive 3-D. Maybe 3-D will break out this year? Could be.


Game platforms vie for dominance. Nintendo and Xbox both promise new home-media friendly devices that will put them even deeper into the battle for living room dominance. Expect more improvements with Microsoft Kinect as a device-control interface for your home TV.


The year of the app. There's huge jump in the number of web-connected TVs shipping this year, from 60 million last year up to 80 million this year. And Adobe has come out swinging, saying it wants to be the dominant provider of technology in the new world of app-centric viewing.


The cable-cutting dilemma. While the buzz on cable cutting has been huge, the reality of life without cable TV has proven to be a bit of a programming minefield. This CES will see a series of shifts in the space, with Boxee shifting from a computer-centric model to a hardware+software solution. Roku will continue to build a base, with content deals and its new "Streaming Stick" looking to grow its 2.5 million customer user-base. Tivo's offerings or new gizmos are under wraps (or nonexistent) this year. But the dark-horse candidate for most disruptive new technology may come from a small company, Syncbak. Syncbak founder Jack Perry is no stranger to Web TV, having launched TitanTV.com at CES back in 2000. Perry says the big guys have it all wrong, and that web video isn't about search. Instead, he says, "content should search for consumers."


"We're taking broadcasters OTT in less than 5 minutes at no cost," Perry told me. He claims 50 TV stations reaching 22 million households have been testing the technology over the past year. Syncbak says Spokane, Wash., will launch in January with several TV stations. They'll use Syncbak to distribute live broadcasts to viewers' mobile devices. The app will also include two national broadcast channels (but Syncbak won't reveal who they are).


Laptops will make way for Ultrabooks. Mobile computing will get lighter and thinner as Ultrabook manufactures like Dell, Lenovo, Samsung, HP, and others hustle to catch up with Apple's popular Macbook Air product line. Intel is driving the Ultrabook push, but it won't be till Windows 8 shows up that you'll see really snappy performance. So, Apple still has a running head start. Oh, did I mention that there's no Apple booth at CES? Yet their impact is everywhere.


Expect CES 2012 to be a hotbed of disruptive technologies, changing screens and devices, and programmers looking to protect their existing revenues while getting a piece of the future.


Good times in Vegas, if you're willing to place a bet or two.


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CES 2012: Best-Selling Blueprint for Economic Recovery: The Comeback Now Available as Audio Book

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Best-Selling Blueprint for Economic Recovery: The Comeback Now Available as Audio Book

Best-Selling Blueprint for Economic Recovery: The Comeback Now Available as Audio Book

On the first day of the 2012 International CES, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro announced that his New York Times best-selling book, The Comeback: How Innovation Will Restore the American Dream, is now available in audio book format. Theunabridged recording of The Comeback, narrated by Jack Roberts, is available for download immediately from major audio book retailers Audible, Ambling Books and Learn Out Loud. It is coming soon to iTunes.


The Comeback lays out a clear path to economic recovery built on an innovation agenda. It was released in print at the 2011 International CES, debuted at No. 7 on the New York Times best-seller list, and became a best-seller at Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Publishers Weekly, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Shapiro’s no-nonsense, nonpartisan, comprehensive innovation agenda earned praise from all corners, including businessmen, elected officials and activists.


“The International CES illustrates the incredibly influential role America’s innovators and entrepreneurs play in driving our country’s economic success,” Shapiro said. “Innovation allows us to invent entirely new industries, creates good jobs and opens up new markets to American goods. It’s time our federal government pursued a comprehensive agenda to promote innovation, as laid out in The Comeback.


“Since we released The Comeback at the 2011 International CES, people have been asking for an audio book version.” Shapiro added. “CES is all about empowering people to utilize technology however they want, so this was a perfect time to finally make the audio book available. Americans are still hungry for decisive action to fix our economy, and the national strategic plan laid out in The Comeback is still meeting that need.”


By returning innovation to its rightful place at the center of America’s economic policy, Shapiro shows that there is hope for America’s economic future, but it will require sacrifice and strategic thinking. In particular, some of the tough policy choices Shapiro says U.S. lawmakers must pursue include:


Reforming immigration laws to ensure the world’s best and brightest come to and stay in America.
Opening American products to world markets by finalizing, expanding, and creating free-trade agreements.
Releasing more spectrum for wireless broadband.
Reducing litigation, encouraging investment rather than debt, improving education and supporting America’s best companies.
Drastically reducing the deficit through triage, smarter tax collection, and economic growth.
High Praise for The Comeback:


“Informative, sobering, and at times frustrating, The Comeback is that rare breed of book that actually delivers on what it promises: A way forward.” 
– Steve Forbes, President and CEO of Forbes and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes magazine
“By working together in public/private partnerships, we all can deliver on the compelling vision Gary Shapiro details for innovation and economic growth based on creating the products people really want and value.” 
– Alan Mulally, CEO, Ford Motor Company
“Our nation is facing a major crossroad and we need a new strategy to excite our people. Throughout his career, Shapiro has always understood the role of innovation in business; he is right that we can only preserve the American Dream by doing what we do best – doing things better.” 
– Ivan Seidenberg, Chairman and CEO, Verizon Communications
“We cannot afford to allow our nation to fall further behind in the race to create innovation and save our American Dream. Gary offers a gripping story that is a road map to American success.” 
– Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Chairman, House Government Oversight and Reform Committee
“The Comeback is exactly the kind of forward-thinking economic strategy that America lacks right now. This should be required reading for everyone in Washington. What Shapiro has done is deliver an honest, tough assessment of the nation’s precarious economic situation. You won’t agree with every solution he offers, but we ignore his advice to our peril.” 
– Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform
About Gary Shapiro: 
Gary Shapiro is the president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the U.S. trade association for more than 2,000 consumer electronics companies. CEA owns and produces the International CES, the world’s largest annual technology trade show. Shapiro has led the technology industry through seismic shifts, including the transition from analog to digital television, and the move to wireless, personal computers and the Internet. He has received many awards including the Pinnacle Award, the exhibition industry’s highest award, and was recognized repeatedly as one of the 100 most influential people in Washington by Washington Life magazine. A graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center, he is married to Dr. Susan Malinowski, and commutes each week between Virginia and Michigan.


About CEA: 
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $190 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online: www.CE.org and www.DeclareInnovation.com.

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Caesarean born babies at high risk of asthma by age of 3Caesarean born babies at high risk of asthma by age of 3

Caesarean born babies at high risk of asthma by age of 3

Children delivered by caesarean section have an increased risk of developing asthma at the age of three, researchers have suggested.This was particularly seen among children without a hereditary tendency to asthma and allergies, according to the study from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa).Data from more than 37 000 participants in the MoBa study were used to study the relationship between delivery method and the development of lower respiratory tract infections, wheezing and asthma in the first three years of life.Children born by planned or emergency caesarean section were compared with those born vaginally. 

The results indicate that children born by caesarean section have a slightly elevated risk for asthma at three years, but have no increased risk of frequent lower respiratory tract infections or wheezing.The increased risk of asthma among children delivered by caesarean section was higher among children of mothers without allergies.“It is unlikely that a caesarean delivery itself would cause an increased risk of asthma, rather that children delivered this way may have an underlying vulnerability,” said Maria Magnus, a researcher at the Department of Chronic Diseases at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. The increased risk of asthma may be due to an altered bacterial flora in the intestine that affects their immune system development, or because children born this way often have an increased risk of serious respiratory problems during the first weeks of life. 

The finding was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Source Zeenews.com

What to know about asthma

Asthma symptoms can start at any age. About one in 12 adults are now diagnosed with the disease. Genetics and environmental factors may play a role in its development. Women are more susceptible than men.
Asthma is a serious, chronic disease that affects the lungs and narrows the airways that deliver air to the lungs. Although symptoms of asthma sometimes vary, the telltale signs usually include a scratchy throat or tightness in the chest, followed by a cough, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Asthma causes symptoms when the bronchial tubes become narrowed and hyperactive. An asthma "attack" begins when the airways become inflamed in response to a trigger, causing the mucous membranes covering the walls to become swollen with fluid. When this sticky mucus fills the remaining space in the airway, it makes it very difficult to breathe.

Peak flow meters are used to measure one's peak expiratory flow rate

These symptoms tend to come and go, and are related to the degree of airway narrowing in the lungs. The airways are sensitive to a variety of stimuli, which may include viral illnesses (such as the common cold), allergens, exercise, foods or environmental conditions.
Asthma attacks vary in length and severity. They can be mild, moderate or severe, and can last for minutes, hours or even days. Attacks can occur anywhere and at any time. Many occur at night. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment options include the use of anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, bronchodilators and inhalers.


The common triggers of asthma are well documented. They include:


» Allergens: The leading triggers of asthma include allergies to dust/dust mites, pollen, mold, animal dander or fur and cockroaches.
» Infections: Both viral and bacterial infections can trigger asthma.
» Irritants: Strong odors and sprays, certain chemicals and changing weather conditions (for example, breathing in very cold, dry air can trigger an asthma attack).
» Smoke: Cigarette smoke is especially hard on the airways of people with asthma.

Salbutamol metered dose inhaler commonly used to treat asthma attacks.

» Exercise: Although exercise is good for people with asthma, it can trigger an attack.
» Anxiety: Strong emotions and nervous stress seem to trigger asthma attacks in some people.


An important way to reduce the allergens is to reduce the number of dust mites at home. It helps to run the air conditioning in the summer months and to avoid using a humidifier in the winter, because mites thrive in a warm, moist environment.


Other helpful tips to reduce triggers:


» Eliminate household pets (especially cats), if possible.
» Vacuum regularly.
» Replace carpeting with wood or tile floors, especially in bedrooms.
» Cover bedding and pillows with airtight, plastic covers.


Asthma can usually be treated successfully. However, this requires being well educated about the disease and becoming an active partner in managing it. It is important to seek continued education and health maintenance with your primary care provider.

Top Antiaging Foods from Around the World

Top Antiaging Foods from Around the World

From exotic juices to cans of cocktail peanuts, more and more edibles in the supermarket are being dubbed "antiaging" by some marketer or media pundit. The real deal about munchies that keep you youthful? They come from the earth, not a vacuum pack.
We're not the only ones who are saying that. Take a look at what the longest-lived people in the world are eating (if you know us, this list will look familiar, but with a few twists). Then, put their favorites on your own table.


Costa Rica: Beans for Breakfast 

Beans

Residents of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula are four times more likely than most North Americans to live past age 90. One reason may be dishes like gallo pinto, a tasty mix of black beans and rice flavored with onion, red peppers, garlic, olive oil, cilantro, and a salsa lizano -- a condiment a little like Worcestershire sauce. The Oz part of this team learned on a trip to Nicoya that big breakfasts that begin with beans rule there. But don't limit yourself; this dish is great at any meal.


Nova Scotia: Wild Blueberry "Grunt" 
Some of Nova Scotia's picturesque villages are home to Canada's highest percentages of centenarians -- people who've lived for at least 100 years. One reason may be polyphenol-packed wild blueberries produced by the millions of tons on this island. Luckily, you can find frozen wild blueberries in your supermarket. Use 'em to make a traditional "grunt"-- lightly cooked blueberries (skip the sweetener that's usually in the recipe; the berries are sweet enough!) served over a biscuit (but please, make it whole grain, or skip the biscuit altogether). It's also known as a slump, a fungy, a buckle, or a bang belly. 
France: Wine 

Wild Blueberry "Grunt" 

In this country, local red wine is king. And for good reason. Moderate drinking (1 glass for women, up to 2 for men) with a meal a day seems to explain some of the "French Paradox"-- low rates of heart disease despite a penchant for artery-clogging goodies like cheese. It may help explain why the French tie the Italians (another nation with a healthy love of wine) as Western Europe's longest-living people. Wine's magic seems to come from a few components: ethanol, which boosts levels of healthy HDL cholesterol; resveratrol, which new research suggests can mimic the life-extending effects of cutting calories; and polyphenols, which rev up the body's own cell-protecting antioxidants. Why not try a red wine from a vineyard near you, or head for a heart-healthy zinfandel, syrah, pinot noir, or cabernet sauvignon?


Greece: Lots of Veggies, Little Meat

Wine

On some Greek islands, one-third of the residents have already celebrated their 90th birthdays. Their longevity secret? The famed Mediterranean diet. When researchers quizzed 23,349 Greek women and men about what's on their plates, they found that death rates were lowest for those who ate the most fruit, vegetables, beans, and olive oil. The occasional glass of wine helped, too. So did fish, seafood, whole grains, and dairy products. What wasn't on their plates also mattered. Those who ate red meat just a few times a month lived longer than those who indulged more frequently.Eating lots of vegetables accounted for 16% of the youth-power of Mediterranean eating. Drizzle on a little olive oil and top with a scattering of walnuts and you can more than double the impact. Not only will it be delicious, the good fats pamper your heart and help your body absorb more of the carotenoids and other nutrients in cooked veggies and in salad greens.


Japan: Tofu

Food guide pyramid

Tofu's on sale in the produce department of nearly every supermarket. Good news, because on the Japanese island of Okinawa, it may be why residents age gracefully to 100+ more often than anywhere else on earth. Researchers credit this mild-tasting soy curd's low fat content and high levels of good-for-you saponins and isoflavones. Chunk up some extra-firm tofu instead of chicken or pork in a stir-fry, or use soy crumbles in place of ground meat in a hearty spaghetti sauce. Marinate first to heighten flavor; we love it with ginger, garlic, and low-sodium soy sauce. 




So instead of falling for an antiaging additive pitch, steer yourself toward these flavorful, health-giving goodies. You'll see what these cultures have known for years: When it comes to the tastiest antiaging foods, Mother Nature makes the best.

Hand Sanitizers Are Handy, But May Not Be So Healthy

Your hand sanitizer's handy, but is it healthier than hand washing?

If you're attached to your antibacterial gel like it's your childhood BFF, think about taking a break. Hand sanitizers are certainly handy—if there's no sink in sight and you desperately need to eat with your hands. But most of the time, sudsing up with soap and water will suit you just fine (even preventing sickness more often than antibacterial products!). Recent research showed that soap and water specifically protects against the norovirus (an ugly stomach bug) more effectively than hand sanitizers. Healthcare staff who routinely used sanitizers instead of hand washing were more likely to experience vomiting and diarrhea symptoms from the norovirus.

Of the 45 long-term care facilities studied, over half that used hand sanitizers also saw an outbreak of the norovirus. So here's what you do: Stock hand sanitizer in your purse for lengthy travel to mitigate germ exposure when you don't have the chance to take a hand-wash break. But day-to-day, leave your sanitizer be, opting instead for good, old-fashioned soap and water. You'll help yourself build up immunities and have a happier stomach because of it!

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR WASHING WITH SOAP AND WATER