Happy Halloween!

Good spooky morning to you! Hope your day is filled with treats and not tricks....
Remember we have ipad at the Center tomorrow at 10. I am expecting s large group so please be on time. Call Krystal if anything has changed or if you can't make it.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Fun facts about spices

Healthy benefits of allspice and nutmeg

 By Chris Kilham 

Published October 29, 2014

 During the long holiday season from Halloween to New Year's, various dishes and recipes call for spices that mostly get their moment in the sun at this time of year. Herbs and spices that get relatively little play during other times of the year find themselves in the kitchen spotlight. But spices not only add flavor and aroma to favorite foods- they also add healthy benefits. Most spices are also traditional medicines, with modern science to back their efficacy. Among these holiday stars are allspice and nutmeg. Known variously as newspice, Jamaica pepper or myrtle pepper, allspice is native to several Caribbean islands, Mexico and Central America. Looking similar to dried peppercorns, allspice is the fruit of an evergreen shrub. Christopher Columbus encountered allspice during his second voyage to the New World, and the flavorful condiment was named by ship's physician Dr Diego Alvarez Chanca. 

Employed in sausages, various meat dishes, pies, cakes and a variety of desserts, allspice imparts a somewhat sharply sweet and aromatic flavor. As a traditional medicine, allspice is used to relieve digestive complaints, notably intestinal gas, abdominal pain, and indigestion. Rich in aromatic compounds, allspice contains cineole, eugenol, alpha pinene, alpha terpene, limonene, and many more agents which collectively possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting, sedative, antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal properties. 

An intriguing study published in the August 2013 issue of the journal Carcinogenesis shows that allspice contains a novel compound called ericifolin, which helps to fight prostate cancer. Virtually all effective chemotherapeutic agents are derived from natural sources. Allspice may prove useful in the battle against this common cancer. 

Another sweet and aromatic spice, nutmeg, is the seed of a tree deriving from the spice islands of Indonesia. This egg-shaped spice comes wrapped in a red elastic material that is the spice mace, which is sold separately from nutmeg itself. Grated nutmeg features somewhat prominently in Indonesian, Penang and Indian cookery, but is also popular in European cuisine as well. The powder is used variously to flavor meats, baked goods, vegetable dishes of various kinds, soups, mulled wines and cocktails. This spice enjoys a long and colorful history, dating back to medieval cuisine. Arab traders dealt in nutmeg during the middle ages, relying on the sole supply of the spice, from Indonesia's Banda island. The trade was subsequently dominated for a time by the Dutch during the 17th century. Eventually the British gained control of Banda island, and spread the cultivation of nutmeg far and wide, thus breaking the Indonesian monopoly. Nutmeg is a source of essential oil, containing geraniol, saffrol, limonene, and other aromatic compounds. 

Collectively these provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other protective activities. Used in pharmaceuticals and in cosmetics, perfumes and toiletries, nutmeg essential oil is found in a broad variety of products. Nutmeg enjoys a long history as a traditional medicine, for indigestion, as a sleep aid, to enhance blood circulation, to protect the liver, and as an anti-microbial agent used in oral care products. Applied topically, essential oil of nutmeg helps to soothe sore muscles. Published studies show benefits for protecting the liver, and for fighting leukemia. A word of caution- in very large amounts, nutmeg can be psychoactive. This is due to the presence of the natural chemical myristicin. The amount required to get high on this is about 20 grams, so a very big amount. In this quantity, people can experience palpitations and delirium. Not really recommended. Stick to the healthy lower amounts. At the very foundation of modern pharmacy, herbs and spices play important historic and modern roles. Traditional remedies are now typically backed by modern science, thus bridging the gap from antiquity to current times. 

Allspice and nutmeg, two traditional seasonings and medicines, maintain their place in both the kitchen and the medicine cabinet. 

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide. His field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France. Read more at  MedicineHunter.com . 

The Dreaded Time Change

5 ways to deal with the end of daylight saving time 

By Michael Gollust 

Published October 28, 2014 

 If you've been starting your day in near-total darkness each morning, relief is in sight: November 2 marks the end of daylight saving time (in most of the country) and the day when your clocks "fall back" an hour. That means you'll get a bonus hour of light in the morning, but lose an hour in the afternoon. Although the prospect of leaving work when it's dark out may be depressing, sleep specialist and clinical psychologist Michael Breus, reminds us to count our blessings.  "Believe it or not, people have an easier time adjusting to this time change than to the one in March," Breus said. "That's because we gain an hour of sleep in the fall, but end up losing an hour when we 'spring ahead.'

 Here, how to make the transition to standard time as seamless as possible, plus some silver linings to the time change. Don't change your routine on November 1 The night before the time change, just go to bed when you usually do, Breus advised. "Most people are already sleep deprived, so in all likelihood you could use the extra hour of sleep you'll get," he said. "Think of it as your own little hour-long staycation. 

Use it as a sleep hygiene checkup 

You can use the time change to diagnose your sleep habits. Before bedtime on November 1, set your clock back an hour (cell phones will be updated automatically at 2am), and keep your alarm set for your regular wake up time. "If you find yourself sleeping for the entire extra hour in the morning, that's a sign you're sleep deprived," Breus said. If, on the other hand, you wake up before your alarm goes off, that's your body telling you that you're getting enough sleep. "The fall time change is a once-a-year opportunity to calibrate your ideal bedtime.

After the time change, maximize your sun exposure... Even after the fall back, it's not uncommon to feel out of sorts the first few days of November. It doesn't help that the sun will start setting close to 5 p.m. So what should you do? While your afternoon mood might take a hit because of the looming darkness, Breus advised taking advantage of the extra sunlight in the morning, which can give you a mood boost to start the day. 

If you tend to work out in the evenings, switch your routine to the morning. At the very least, make an effort get outside during your lunch break, if only just to take a walk around the block. ...and maybe boost your indoor light If you're still feeling draggy in the afternoon after a few days, consider investing in a light therapy box, which can counteract your brain's inclination to start producing melatonin when the sun goes down. Just be sure to look for one that provides alertness-promoting blue light. "Blue light mimics sunlight and tells the brain to stop producing melatonin, the chemical that starts your brain's sleep engine," Breus explained. 

If you need a little burst to get over that 4 p.m. hump at work, click on the light and let it shine for no more than 20 minutes. "That amount should be enough to make you feel more alert for a couple hours," Breus explained. If you want to get to bed at a reasonable hour, be sure not to use the light after 7pm; any later than that can interfere with your sleep. Breus likes the Philips goLITE BLU ($137, amazon.com), but Amazon has a range of light therapy box styles and sizes. Don't want to buy another gadget? Definity Digital by LightingScience makes alertness-promoting bulbs you can install in most household fixtures ($70, amazon.com).

 And if you have kids... The downside to falling back is that small children, already allergic to spending extra time in bed, may actually start waking up an hour earlier. (I foresee this gloomy prospect in my own household, where my 5-year-old and 2-year-old, already attuned to a 6 a.m. wake up, will go right on waking up at the same time, which will actually be 5 a.m. come November 2.) Here's how to get them to get with the program. "Starting about a week or so before the time change, every two days put your kids to bed 15 minutes later, in a stair-stepping pattern," Breus said. In other words, on October 25, put your kids to bed 15 minutes later. Then again on October 27 and October 29, so that by October 31, they're going to bed an hour later. (Added bonus: an extra hour of candy-fueled capering on Halloween!) When November 2 arrives, they'll be acclimated to going to bed an hour later, and-in theory, at least-waking up an hour later that morning, which will wash out when the clocks reset. And if the bedtime rollback plan doesn't take? Breus suggested making the morning of November 2 a special occasion. The night before, lay out books or games the kids can play with quietly when they wake up. Set an alarm in their room(s) for when you'll wake up and tell them it's bonus playtime and they don't have to bother mom and dad! If the thought of your kids quietly reading and biding their time until the sun comes up sounds preposterous, don't hesitate to bring out the big guns. "Even setting your kids up to watch a video in the early morning is okay in this instance," said Breus. "In all likelihood, the parents could use that extra hour of sleep, so do whatever it takes to take advantage of it. 

This article originally appeared on Health.com. 

iPad training Saturday, November 1

Good morning friends,
 I am loving the cool, dry weather. What a relief for our aching allergies! Remember, we are having ipad training at the Center on Saturday. I have been promised additional access points and super connections!

If you live on a Links accessible route, please call and use Links for your ride. We have more folks to pick up than Van seats and it makes a very long ride for our clients if Earl has to double route.

We will be learning about email, setting up accounts and downloading apps.

Looking forward to seeing everyone Saturday! Call Krystal and let her know you are coming!

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

More opinions on coffee

Coffee not always a good thing for introverts 

By John Johnson 

 If you're an introvert, here's what may happen if you drink coffee. Introverts preparing for a big meeting might think that coffee beforehand will give them a needed jolt in performance. In fact, the opposite may be true, reports New York mag. The insight comes from a newly released book by psychologist Brian Little, who writes in Me, Myself, and Us that extroverts may indeed benefit from a 'cup' or two of joe ahead of the meeting, "whereas introverts perform less well. This is particularly true if the meeting is about "quantitative" matters, say budget projections or data analysis. 

So what gives? In an interview with New York , Little explains that researchers have shown that the brains of extroverts and introverts respond differently to their environments. Extroverts are typically "under the optimal level" of alertness in regard to their surroundings, and the caffeine nudges them up to the perfect level. Introverts, however, start out above the optimal level, and the caffeine sends them even further away from it. Hold the coffee for later in the day, Little advises. Or if you must fill the mug, "maybe stick with a nice 'cup' of non-caffeinated tea instead," suggests  jobs.aol.com . (You can blame your coffee craving on eight specific genes .) 

Saturday update

good evening everyone,
We are home from a very long and productive day in Paragould! What a great group and they are so much fun we just can't leave! Thanks again to Bonnie for getting the church, Margaret for making the calls and everyone for coming. A special thanks to my traveling companions--I absolutely couldn't do it without the terrific help and friendship of this group.

November 1 will be ipad training at the Center
November 8 will be our Thanksgiving meeting
Please call Krystal at 664-7100 to be on the list.

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Happy Friday

Good morning everyone!
The traveling OIB van will be rolling to Paragould tomorrow. We will meet at the Church of
Christ in Paragould at 10. Hope to see everyone there!
Have a great day.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Funny, sad, and true.....

Medicare - Part G – Nursing Home Plan

You're a sick senior citizen and the government says there is no nursing home care available for you. So what do you do? Our plan gives anyone 65 years or older, a gun (part G) and 4 bullets. You are allowed to shoot four Politicians. This means, of course, that you'll be sent to prison where you'll receive three meals a day, a roof over your head, central heating & air conditioning, cable TV, library and all the health care you need. Need new teeth? No problem. Need glasses? That's great. Need a hearing aid, a new hip, knees, kidney, lungs, sex change or heart? They're all covered. As an added bonus, your kids can come and visit you at least as often as they do now! And who will be paying for all of this? The same government that just told you they can't afford for you to go into a home. (And you can get rid of 4 useless politicians while you're at it)... And because you're a prisoner, you don't have to pay anymore income taxes. Is this a great country or what?

Food for thought......a little morning inspiration

Mom was a good cook.

No, I take that back. She was a great cook. She could take a little hamburger, a few potatoes and some canned tomatoes and whip up a feast that would make Bobby Flay weep. And the things she could do with a chicken . . . well, it makes my mouth water to think about it. Her homemade chili sauce was second to none. Her bottled peaches were better than candy. And I once offered to make my sister Kathy's bed for a week if she would give me the last slice of toast made with Mom's homemade bread and slathered in Mom's homemade apricot-pineapple jam.

Kathy wouldn't go for it. She preferred to eat the toast – infuriatingly slowly – in front of me, watching me suffer with each exquisite bite. If memory serves, that was the same day I tried to kill Kathy with a crutch. If I had succeeded, all we would have had to do was give the judge a taste of Mom's homemade bread and jam, and he would have ruled it justifiable sistercide.

No doubt about it, Mom was a great cook. Most of the time.

But put a beef steak in her skillet, and she turned into the anti-cook. She could take the finest, most perfectly marbled ribeye and turn it into a hunk of protein with the flavor and texture of shoe leather. Of course, it wasn’t intentional. She really did try, bless her heart. The night before I was married she thought she was giving me a special treat by preparing a thick cut of top sirloin. Instead, she gave me a case of gastric distress that lasted throughout our honeymoon.

Tender? I think not.

Several months later my big brother Bud took me out for lunch and ordered steaks for both of us. I wasn't thrilled, but since he was paying I figured I could choke down a few bites. When the waitress served our steaks, I was surprised at how good they smelled. Mom's steaks never smelled like that. The first bite was a char-broiled epiphany, a revelation of sizzling flavor. Suddenly I understood why others spoke of steak fondly. I devoured my steak greedily, and stole a bite of Bud's when he took a second trip to the salad bar. I was a born-again beef-eater and that steak was my first communion.

"You know," I said to Bud, patting my stomach contentedly. "I used to think Mom was a great cook. But it's hard to believe her steaks come from the same animal as these steaks."

"Mom is a great cook," Bud said. "But think about it. She grew up during the Great Depression. That's when she learned to cook. How often do you think they had steak?"

"Probably not very often," I guessed.

"Probably never," Bud said. "And when I was little and Dad was in the service, I don't remember ever having steak. It's only been recently that they could afford to buy steak. So it isn't that she isn't a good cook. It's just that she hasn't had a lot of experience cooking steak."

So my mother had a weakness in the kitchen. It was difficult to wrap my brain around that concept, especially the next Sunday after we enjoyed one of Mom's incredible fried chicken dinners. But then it occurred to me … so what? “Great” doesn’t mean “perfect.” It just means “great.” Sandy Koufax was a great pitcher, but he still lost 87 games. Dustin Hoffman is a great actor, “Ishtar” notwithstanding. They say Luciano Pavarotti occasionally struggled with his lower register. And my mom was a great cook even though her steaks weren’t.

Great, that is.

It’s that way with all of us, isn’t it? Even our strengths have elements of weakness. That’s why great athletes still practice, great actors still rehearse and great pianists still run scales. Because when it comes down to it, greatness isn’t something we are; it is something we become. And that process of becoming includes learning and growing through both success and failure.

And, occasionally, gastric distress.

~ Joseph B. Walker ~
<ValueSpeak@msn.com>
Copyright © 2014

Sugar danger

Should you slash your sugar intake to cut cavities? 

Published October 19, 2014 

Ever since you were a kid, you've always been told that sugary sweets will rot your teeth. So it doesn't really come as a surprise that a new study from the U.K. finds that greatly reducing the amount of added sugar you eat can significantly lower your risk of dental decay. Researchers found that over time, people's risk of cavities increased incrementally as the consumption of free, or added, sugars grew from about 0 percent to 10 percent of total daily calories. So for healthier teeth, the study authors recommend cutting the amount of added sugars to no more than 5 percent, with a target goal of 3 percent. 

That 5 percent figure is one fifth of the daily limit suggested by the Institute of Medicine. And it represents half of what the World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends--though it has recently proposed guidelines that would cut its max to 5 percent, too. This includes any sucrose, glucose, and fructose added to food, as well as the sugars present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices. (There's a lot to smile about--except for the smiles themselves. 

Let's take a closer look at what 5 percent really means: A guy eating 2,000 calories a day would be limited to just 100 calories, or 25 grams, of added sugar. So drink one glass of orange juice with breakfast, and you've pretty much hit that cap for the day. That means no honey-sweetened oatmeal or fruit-flavored Greek yogurt. But as it turns out, it's not exactly how much sugar you're eating that bumps up your tooth decay risk--it's how often you're eating it, says Carole Palmer, Ed.D., head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. That's because of how the decaying process works: Bacteria attach to your teeth and coat them in a thin film known as plaque. When you eat sugars, they reach the bacteria, which begin to chow down. They then turn the sugars into acid, which deconstructs the enamel of tooth and causes decay. 

The acid reaction starts each time sugar comes in contact with plaque. If you glug down a sweet drink quickly, the excess sugar beyond what the bacteria can use is simply swallowed. So when looking at tooth decay, it doesn't really matter if you're drinking a 'cup' of sweetened coffee with one teaspoon of sugar or 10--the decaying potential would be the same. (For solids like cookies or cake, however, the leftover particles stay in your mouth for the bacteria to continue to munch on, says Palmer.) What matters most, though, is if that same 'cup' of Joe lingers from 9 a.m. to lunchtime. "As long as you're sipping it or snacking on it, the bacteria that can cause decay are changing that sugar into acid, and that acid is eroding the tooth," Palmer says. The best thing to do? Eat your sugary foods during your three main meals--the decaying reaction would be sparked then anyway, because there are natural sugars in healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains. Then brush after, advises Palmer. Try not to graze on sweetened food or drinks throughout the day, but if you do, give your mouth a quick rinse after. That'll flush out the extra sugar that's hanging out there hoping to feed the bacteria later. 

How Much Sugar Should You Eat? Look at it from a health and body composition standpoint, since the total amount of sugar you eat isn't what will rot your chompers. The 5 percent recommendation from the study isn't realistic or sustainable for most guys to incorporate in their everyday life-- and it's unnecessarily low from a general health standpoint, says Men's Health nutrition advisor Alan Aragon, M.S. A more realistic goal: Shoot for a maximum of 10 percent of your daily calories to come from added sugars, Aragon advises. 

FALL GREETINGS

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE

 

Hope you are enjoying these beautiful fall days as much as we are.  Maybe summer is finally gone. 

Barbara remains very busy traveling the state making personal visits.

We want to wish a Happy Birthday to Sarah McDanel and Dorothy Banks who celebrate birthdays this month.

Please continue to keep Dan in your prayers

Have a great day/and until tomorrow

DON'T TOUCH THAT SNOOZE BUTTON

What happens to your body when you hit the snooze button Published October 13, 2014 You know you've been there: Your alarm starts blaring in the a.m., and with your brain consumed by a lethargy haze, you reflexively reach over and hit snooze, stealing yourself 10 more minutes of shuteye, then another 10 minutes, and then another. You probably have an inkling that relying on the snooze button so heavily isn't doing your sleep quality any favors. But the damage you're racking up and how it spills over and messes with your day might surprise you. First, pressing snooze screws with your REM sleep. This is the most restorative sleep stage, crucial to feeling mentally focused the next day, said sleep specialist Michael Breus. It occurs just before you wake, and your alarm pulls you out of REM sleep. But hitting snooze and shutting your eyes again sends you right back into a new phase of it, which your brain stays in long after you've forced yourself to get up. The result: You're foggy all day, and your productivity takes a dive. MORE: What to Do When You Can't Freaking Sleep Another consequence is that your body clock gets out of whack, said Breus. The circadian rhythms that govern your internal timer want you to wake when the alarm sounds-the first time. Retreat back into sleep, however, and these rhythms get thrown off. Soon your body isn't sure when to wind down and when to wake up. It's a vicious cycle: You're increasingly sleep deprived, so you rely more on the snooze button, but that just leaves you zombie-like day after day. So swear off hitting snooze, advised Breus. It's a hard habit to break, but begin by investing in a new clock that doesn't have a snooze setting, or just set your alarm for when you typically snooze to in the first place (so if you hit it then, you'll definitely be late). Then, make a real effort to turn in earlier at night, which might mean sleep-proofing your bedroom so it's easier for your body to doze off ( these tips can get you started ). Do it in half-hour increments until you find the bedtime that allows you to feel rested and ready to rise and shine...not slink back under the covers.

 

ONE OF THE NEW THINGS FROM IPAD AIR-2

Apple Tech Apple SIM lets you switch between AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile on new iPads. By Josh Lowensohn. Apple's iPads with built-in cellular antennas have long let you hop between carriers just by swapping out the SIM card, something Apple seems to have solved with one SIM card that can hop onto whatever carrier you pick from a list inside iOS. The new technology, called Apple SIM, is only available in the new iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3, and limited to some carriers in the US and in the UK. It potentially paves the way for the company to include the same technology in the iPhone so it could just sell one device to people for them to set up with their carrier of choice later on. In terms of the initial carriers, Apple says its new SIM technology works with short-term plans, like the monthly and on-demand data packages with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and EE in the US and UK. Notably missing on that US list is Verizon, though Apple notes that its list of carriers could change. Apple did not mention the new feature during its presentation today, but explains it like this on its website : The new Apple SIM is preinstalled on iPad Air 2 with Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The Apple SIM gives you the flexibility to choose from a variety of short-term plans from select carriers in the U.S. and UK right on your iPad. So whenever you need it, you can choose the plan that works best for you with no long-term commitments. The iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3, were announced alongside the iMac with Retina display and an updated version of the Mac Mini. The iPad Air 2 goes on sale beginning tomorrow, and you can check out our hands-on with it here .

 

NIFTY KITCHEN GADGETS

Kitchen gadgets that might just change your life Published October 15, 2014 Let's face it; some kitchen gadgets are all hype. You see an advertisement for a handheld tool that promises to make even the most laborious cooking techniques quick and easy to accomplish, and so you purchase it in hopes that you'll eat healthier or cook more. But when you get the gadget home, it either doesn't work or isn't as useful as you thought it would be and it sits in a drawer, taking up space and reminding you of money wasted. Before you swear off kitchen gadgets altogether though, consider a few of the classics; there are some kitchen gadgets that are incredibly useful and reliable, kitchen gadgets that totally deliver on their promise to make cooking easier. One of the things to look for when you're considering purchasing a new kitchen gadget is its usefulness. In order for a kitchen gadget to be worth the money you'll spend on it and the space it will take up in your kitchen, it either has to serve multiple purposes or be meant for an ingredient or technique that you use routinely. Be wary of single-purpose kitchen gadgets like an egg slicer, for example, unless you eat a ton of boiled eggs. A gadget is also useful if it does something that another kitchen utensil cannot do easily. In the case of the egg slicer, unless you're eating large quantities of boiled eggs, you can easily cut slice an egg with a knife, eliminating the need for a special slicing tool. Similarly, you don't need a special tool to crimp the edges of empanadas or hand pies when a simple fork will do the job just as well. A gadget like a garlic press, on the other hand, is the type of kitchen tool you'll use virtually every time you cook and it is well worth the small amount of money you'll spend on it. If you're unsure which kitchen gadgets are most useful, we've rounded up eight that are super useful for anyone who cooks. 1. Garlic press iStock Possibly the greatest kitchen gadget ever invented, the garlic press minces cloves of garlic in one, easy, mess-free motion. If you use a lot of garlic in your cooking, this gadget is a major time- and flavor-saver. 2. Microplane spiral slicer iStock Whether you're trying to go gluten-free, carb-free, or are simply trying to eat more vegetables, this spiral slicer from Microplane will make cutting carrots, zucchini, cucumber, and squash into long noodle-like ribbons easy. In less than a minute you'll have a bowl full of raw vegetable "noodles" that can replace pasta or be used to make a salad. 3. Food Huggers silicone food savers YouTube/FoodHuggers If you always seem to have half of a fruit or vegetable on hand, you're probably tired of trying to fit it in to an airtight container or zipper lock bag to save the unused half. Food Huggers silicone food savers are easy to use and fit a variety of foods from halved lemons to avocados. They can also replace lost tops on glass jars! 4. Wayfair apple slicer iStock Whether you like to make apple pie or whether you have kids who love to snack on apples, this apple slicer from Wayfair.com is a must-own. It quickly and easily takes the core out of the apple and slices it into pie-perfect (or snack-perfect) slices. It even gives you the option to cut the apple into 8 or 16 slices with a simple twist of the base.

 

CAN ANDROIDS BE FAR BEHIND

Your typing style can reveal your emotions, study suggests Published October 14, 2014 While computers outperform humans in most mathematical tasks and can do complex calculations that people never could, there's one area where machines haven't quite achieved humanlike smarts: emotional intelligence. But now, a new computer program can recognize people's emotions based on how they type, paving the way for computers that could one day be smarter than humans - a concept called "the singularity. In a new study, researchers asked a small group of people to type a block of sample text, and then analyzed the keystrokes and characteristics to see if they could identify any of seven different emotional states: joy, fear, anger, sadness, disgust, shame or guilt. The emotions that the program recognized with the greatest degree of accuracy were joy (87 percent of the time) and anger (81 percent of the time). "If we could build any system that is intelligent enough to interact with humans that involves emotions - that is, it can detect user emotions and change its behavior accordingly - then using machines could be more effective and friendly," the researchers, from the Islamic University of Technology in Bangladesh, wrote in the study. The researchers noted that emotion-detecting systems could be used in applications like online teaching: An emotionally intelligent online system could change its look, teaching style or the contents of its lectures to better adapt to a particular student's emotional state, they said. In the first part of the study, 25 people, ages 15 to 40, retyped two paragraphs from Lewis Carroll's famous novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and picked one of the emotions that they felt while they were typing: joy, fear, anger, sadness, disgust, shame, guilt, feeling neutral or tired. The last two options were added in case an individual did not identify with any of the original options. In the second part of the study, the researchers used software that collected text samples from users, who were prompted every 30 minutes to enter their mental state, choosing from the following possibilities: joy, fear, anger, sadness, disgust, shame, guilt or none of the above. In this part of the experiment, the text that the users typed did not come from a particular source assigned to them, but was collected during their regular computer use. The researchers used a special type of software that ran in the background to record all keys pressed by the users as well as the users' press and release times. The researchers then extracted 19 keystroke attributes from the collected data. Some of the attributes included typing speed in 5-second intervals and the time elapsed between when a particular key was pressed and released. To analyze the sample texts, the investigators used a standard database of words and sentences that were associated with the seven different emotional states. The newly described emotion-detecting system "does not look like a breakthrough," Myounghoon Jeon, an assistant professor of applied cognitive science at Michigan Technological University who was not involved in the study, told Live Science. "But [the researchers'] effort to integrate the existing methods looks fair, positive and promising. However, Jeon said the method of detecting emotions in text that was used in this study has some limitations. For instance, unlike speech-recognition technologies or devices used to detect facial expressions, it is based on something a person has to do, as told by someone else. Therefore, if a person is truly sad or angry, they may not be able or willing to type something they are told to type because of the emotions they are feeling. Still, the new system could be a valuable tool for online counseling sessions, Jeon said. For example, in some cultures where online counseling is particularly popular, psychiatrists may be able to estimate a patient's internal state even without the person verbally articulating it them.

 

GOOD IDEA

We can already do this with FACE TIME if your doctor will participate.

 

Google Tech Google testing service to connect patients with doctors over video chat. By Dante D'Orazio. The internet's good for many things, but it's never been a great source for medical advice. It looks like Google's testing out a new program that could change that. The new service, currently being tested with a limited number of users, connects people searching for health conditions with doctors over video chat. The feature was first revealed by a Reddit user who posted a screenshot of the service online, and Google representatives later confirmed its authenticity to Engadget . In a statement released to Gizmodo , the company explained that "When you're searching for basic health information from conditions like insomnia or food poisoning our goal is provide you with the most helpful information available. We're trying this new feature to see if it's useful to people. According to reports, the service ties into Helpouts , a marketplace where "experts" can charge to give lessons and advice over video chat. It's unclear what the future of the program is, but the wording presented in the screenshot posted to Reddit suggests that it will cost money if it progresses past the testing phase. Depending on the ease of use and the cost of the service, it could be nice option to have online. Google did not immediately return request for comment.

 

PASS THE CHEETOS PLEASE

The real reason why you binge eat By Christa Sgobba Published October 12, 2014 After you've double-fisted Cheetos, you're probably looking for an excuse to explain that empty bag. Unfortunately, you can't equate those salty snacks with a compulsion: A review from the U.K concluded that the food you eat doesn't have any addictive properties. However, you might be able to blame the way eating makes you feel. According to the review, there is no sufficient evidence to support the idea that any particular food, nutrient, ingredient, or additive--with the possible exception of caffeine--can cause changes in the brain to trigger future consumption, as is the case with substances like drugs or alcohol. So there's nothing chemical in sugar, fat, or salt that makes us need to come back for more. But food does exert a pull on us. Tasty high-caloric options like candy or pizza can motivate us to eat even when we're not hungry, said study author John Menzies. That's because we find food rewarding, and we gain pleasure from the taste and feeling of fullness that eating provides. What's beyond doubt is that humans have a sweet tooth, but it's the pleasure of eating, not the neurochemical activity of sugar, that drives this," he said. It's just like other pleasurable activities that trigger addictive-like behavior, like sex or gambling. The brain associates positive feelings with eating, which drives the desire to chow down. Do This To Control Your Overeating The good news: Because the "addiction" is related to the act of eating, not something inside your favorite snacks, you have the ability to control its belt-busting implications. And the best way to do this is to work on modifying your behavior and your environment, said Sofia Rydin-Gray, the director of behavioral health at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center. You don't have to necessarily take yourself away from settings where you know you're prone to stuffing your face--like sprawled on the couch in front of Sons of Anarchy--as long as you run some snack interference first, she says. Try not to keep your trigger food readily available, because if you see it in front of you, you're more likely to automatically grab it and start chowing down, she says. Instead, ask yourself what it is about that food that starts you salivating. Then, plan out a healthier snack that includes those same attributes. Let's say your snack of choice is a big bag of chips. If it's the saltiness you're after, swap out that bottomless vat with a pre-portioned serving of salted nuts. It'll help satisfy the same craving, and portioning it out beforehand means you won't mindlessly eat more than you planned. Don't try to go from Doritos to celery sticks, though. Choosing something just because it's "healthy"--especially if it's not what you're craving and you don't even really like it--can make you feel frustrated and unsatisfied. This could trigger an emotional eating episode later on, said Rydin-Gray.

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT AND A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

8 foods to help you sleep By Patricia Bannan Published October 11, 2014 According to a recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation, 63 percent of Americans say their sleep needs are not being met during the week. Whether your lack of shut-eye is due to a difficult job, a stressful environment or jet lag, not getting enough quality sleep can lead to serious health problems, including depression and heart disease. But before you reach for that prescription sleep aid, take a look at what you're eating. Here are eight foods rich in sleep-inducing ingredients that can naturally help you get more z's. Fish is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that raises serotonin levels that are needed to make melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps to control your sleep and wake cycles. In addition, most fish (cod, salmon, halibut, tuna, trout, and snapper) provide vitamin B6, which is also needed to make melatonin. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that participants who ate tryptophan-rich foods showed a reduction in sleepiness and sustained alertness early in the morning, most likely due to improved sleep overnight. DAIRY There may be something to that old adage that a glass of warm milk will help you sleep. Dairy products like yogurt, milk and cheese are rich in melatonin-boosting calcium, and a number of studies are finding that being calcium-deficient may make it difficult to fall asleep. CHERRIES Cherries, especially the tart varieties, are one of the few food sources of melatonin, the sleep hormone that regulates your internal clock. In one small study, participants drank eight ounces of tart cherry juice in the morning, and another eight ounces in the evening, for two weeks and reported better sleeping habits. BANANAS Bananas, well-known for being rich in potassium, are also a good source of magnesium. Both minerals help to relax overstressed muscles. In addition, magnesium deficiencies are related to restless leg syndrome, which interferes with a good night's sleep. Bananas also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that has been linked to sleep quality. NUTS Nuts are rich in magnesium and also provide calcium - two minerals that help promote sleep. The unsaturated fats found in nuts also improve your serotonin levels, and the protein nuts provide can help maintain a stable blood sugar level, which helps promote sleep. HUMMUS Chickpeas (garbanzo beans), the main ingredient in hummus, are not only rich in tryptophan, but also in folate and vitamin B6. Folate helps to regulate sleep patterns, especially in older people, and vitamin B6 helps to regulate your body clock. DARK LEAFY GREENS Dark leafy green vegetables (such as spinach, Swiss chard, kale, turnip greens and collard greens) are rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium - three minerals that play an important role in helping you sleep. Calcium helps the body generate melatonin, the hormone that helps your body maintain its sleep-wake rhythm. Potassium and magnesium are minerals that help relax overstressed muscles. TEA A smart, soothing beverage to drink before bedtime is an herbal tea such as chamomile or peppermint. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine free and some have sleep-inducing properties. Chamomile is an herb that has been successfully used for insomnia for thousands of years, and peppermint has been shown to reduce stress and promote sleep. In addition to herbal teas, green tea contains theanine, an amino acid that helps reduce stress and promote relaxation. Choose decaf green tea so that the caffeine does not keep you awake.

 

Saturday, October 11 update

good evening everyone,
It has been a busy week as usual. Barbara and Cindy traveled most of Southern Arkansas. I had the privilege of seeing friends old and new in the village today for iPad training. My next event is October 25 in Paragould if Ms. Bonnie can arrange for the church.

November is shaping up to be a busy month! On the first we will have ipad training at the center and on the 8th.....everyone's favorite......Thanksgiving Celebration! Call Krystal to get on the list for any or all of the events. One request, if you live in the Links service area, please rely on Links for your ride. We are having huge crowds and it takes a very long time to get everyone to and from the Center.

Until tomorrow --keep smiling and count your blessings!
Dr. Janet

P.s. Happy Birthday, Sarah!

SIMPLE IDEAS WORTH MILLIONS-DO YOU HAVE ONE

Who Knew? Human Tales Behind Useful Inventions BY ALANA HOROWITZ FROM BUSINESS INSIDER Bendable Straw Sitting in his brother's soda shop, Joseph Friedman observed his daughter as she struggled to drink a milk shake through a straight paper straw. An inventor, he thought of a way to help her out and fix this drinking conundrum for good. Friedman decided to insert a screw into the straw and wrap it with floss to create a ribbed texture. When he removed the screw, the straw bent over the rim of the glass, and his daughter was able to drink her milk shake with ease. Friedman patented his idea in 1937 and founded the Flexible Straw Corporation (which was later renamed the Flex-Straw Company) in 1939. He sold the patent rights to the Maryland Cup Corporation, which now sells about 500 million of the straws every year. Upright Paper Bag In the 1860s, Margaret Knight was working in a paper-bag factory when she noticed how difficult it was to pack things into the flimsy, shapeless sacks. So she decided to invent a handy machine that folded and glued paper to make a flat-bottomed bag. Unfortunately, Knight couldn't obtain a patent until she made her very own prototype of the device out of iron. Meanwhile, Charles Annan-an employee who worked at the shop building Knight's prototype-copied her idea and got a patent for it. Knight sued Annan for copyright infringement. Annan had argued that because Knight was a woman, she couldn't have been the true inventor. But Knight's sketches won her the case. To protect her ideas, she made her own paper-bag company. Intermittent Wipers On a rainy night in 1963, engineer Robert Kearns tried to squint through the sporadic showers that blurred his windshield. In the 1960s, windshield wipers typically had two settings, high and low. If rain wasn't steady, driving could be extremely difficult. Kearns wondered why windshield wipers couldn't react like blinking human eyes and respond to all kinds of precipitation. He built a model of his idea, patented it in 1967, and sent it to the major American car companies, but none bit. However, they suddenly started to use his wipers in their cars without asking for his approval. After battling Ford, Chrysler, and other manufacturers, Kearns won more than $30 million. Pop-Top Soda Can E rnie Fraze, the owner of a machine tool company, was attending a picnic in 1959 when he realized he didn't bring a can opener, a tool necessary to open the fully sealed flat-top soft drinks that were popular in the 1950s. The result: He had to pry them open using a car bumper. Later that year, he designed a pop-top can that could be opened with a removable tab. Eventually, his company began mass-producing these cans for soft drink and brewing companies. By 1980, Fraze's company was making more than $500 million in annual revenue from his invention. Shoe Scale The son of a shoemaker, Charlie Brannock wanted to figure out the best way to measure feet and, in turn, help his father's business. The only way to determine shoe sizes in the early 1900s was by using an inaccurate wooden block. While attending Syracuse University, Brannock used a toy construction set to build a prototype of a device that accurately measured foot size. The Brannock device has since become a staple for shoe stores all over.

 

 

SANDWICHES GET A BAD WRAP

 

Daily sandwich eaters consume more sodium calories than non-sandwich eaters, study says Published October 07, 2014 FoxNews.com Quizno's veggie sub on wheat. On any given day, nearly half of American adults eat at least one sandwich, which accounts for one-fifth of the recommended daily sodium intake, reveals a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics . The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is 2,300 mg of sodium for most Americans. For people over age 50, as well as African-Americans, and people with high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease or diabetes, it's 1,500 mg of sodium per day. Excessive sodium consumption can result in high blood pressure, a cause of heart disease and stroke- two leading causes of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Depending on the person, sandwiches can contribute 30 to 46 percent of daily sodium intake recommendations. In the study, about 5,760 adults over age 20 recorded what they ate and drank the previous day, Medical News Today reported. Participants listed exactly what was on each of their sandwiches, and researchers assigned each food and beverage one or more food codes to assess their nutritional content. Previous studies didn't take specific ingredients into account, but rather considered sandwiches based on a single code. Based on those studies, scientists believed that sandwiches were responsible for only 4 percent of daily sodium intake. Some of the sandwiches in this study were still given a single code, specifically fast food items- such as a turkey submarine sandwich with cheese, lettuce, tomato and spread. "In 2009-2010, only about 20 percent of all sandwiches were represented by a single food code," said study co-author Rhonda Sebastian, a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Research Service (ARS) nutritionist. "For that reason, previously published estimates of sandwich contributions to sodium intake that were based on only single-code sandwiches are considerably underestimated. Researchers from the USDA and investigators at the Food Surveys Research group also found that those who ate a sandwich also consumed about 300 more calories than those who did not, Medical News Today reported. Those who reported having a sandwich also ended up consuming around 600 mg more sodium per day than those who didn't. Study co-author and ARS nutritionist Cecilia Wilkinson Enns said these findings don't suggest that sandwiches should be out-ruled as a lunch choice, but that consumers should consider ingredient choices when opting for the fare. "The unanticipated finding that sandwich consumption is associated with higher overall intake of energy underscores the importance of making healthful choices of sandwich ingredients," Enns said. "Many sandwiches, such as burgers and franks, and common sandwich components, such as yeast breads, cheese and cured meats, are among the top contributors not only to sodium but also to energy in the diets of adult Americans.

 

IPAD TRAINING UPDATE

GOOD MORNING ALL:

 

Hope everyone’s week is going well.  We have been enjoying the nice cool fall evenings. 

For those of you in Hot Springs Village don’t forget our iPad training at 10:00 AM on Saturday morning, October 11^th.  If you need to be picked up, please call Krystal at 501-664-7100 by tomorrow, the 9^th to let her know.   Looking forward to seeing all of you there.

 

Until tomorrow

 

CURIOSITY DIDN'T KILL THE CAT, IT JUST GAVE HIM A BETTER MEMORY

Being curious can boost your memory By Tanya Lewis Published October 06, 2014 Everyone knows it's easier to learn about a topic you're curious about. Now, a new study reveals what's going on in the brain during that process, revealing that such curiosity may give a person a memory boost. When participants in the study were feeling curious , they were better at remembering information even about unrelated topics, and brain scans showed activity in areas linked to reward and memory . The results, detailed Oct. 2 in the journal Neuron, hint at ways to improve learning and memory in both healthy people and those with neurological disorders, the researchers said. "Curiosity may put the brain in a state that allows it to learn and retain any kind of information, like a vortex that sucks in what you are motivated to learn, and also everything around it," Matthias Gruber, a memory researcher at the University of California, Davis, said in a statement . "These findings suggest ways to enhance learning in the classroom and other settings. Gruber and his colleagues put people in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and showed them a series of trivia questions, asking them to rate their curiosity about the answers to those questions. Later, the participants were shown selected trivia questions, then a picture of a neutral face during a 14-second delay, followed by the answer. Afterward, the participants were given a surprise memory test of the faces, and then a memory test of the trivia answers. Not surprisingly, the study researchers found that people remembered more information about the trivia when they were curious about the trivia answers. But unexpectedly, when the participants were curious, they were also better at remembering the faces, an entirely unrelated task. Participants who were curious were also more likley than others to remember both the trivia information and unrelated faces a day later, the researchers found. The brain scans showed that, compared with when their curiosity wasn't piqued, when people were curious, they showed more activation of brain circuits in the nucleus accumbens, an area involved in reward. These same circuits, mediated by the neurochemical messenger dopamine , are involved in forms of external motivation, such as food, sex or drug addiction. Finally, being curious while learning seemed to produce a spike of activity in the hippocampus, an area involved in forming new memories, and strengthened the link between memory and reward brain circuits. The study's findings not only highlight the importance of curiosity for learning in healthy people, but could also give insight into neurological conditions. For example, as people age, their dopamine circuits tend to deteriorate, so understanding how curiosity affects these circuits could help scientists develop treatments for patients with memory disorders, the researchers said.

 

GOOD INFORMATION TO KNOW

13 Things Urgent Care Centers Won't Tell You BY MICHELLE CROUCH ILLUSTRATION BY SERGE BLOCH 1. ER or urgent care? Always head to the ER for chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, a neurological issue such as a seizure, or a serious head trauma with loss of consciousness. 2. The next time your regular doctor says it will be months before you can get an appointment, we may be able to help. Many urgent care centers offer STD tests, school and sports physicals, adult vaccinations, Pap smears, skin allergy treatments, and more. 3. Some primary care docs don't like us because they say we skim the easy work and avoid responsibility for more complex matters. For instance, we ' ll sew up the laceration on an inebriated person, but we won't address bigger issues like alcoholism and high blood pressure. 4. Sorry, you won't save money if you come here when you really need to go to the ER. If we transfer you by ambulance to the hospital, you may be responsible for co-pays at both places, plus the ambulance ride, which can double your fee. 5. All urgent care centers are not created equal. Some can handle only basic ailments: sore throats, simple wounds, colds, and coughs; they don't have an X-ray machine or a lab. Others can take on diagnoses and tests. 6. We're happy to give you a sample of the latest drug for your treatment. But that tends to be the most expensive. Ask for a less pricey but equally effective option so you can refill your prescription with ease. 7. If I suggest a specific test or procedure, ask whether you really need it and what it will cost. To protect us from potential lawsuits, our clinic guidelines may require us to suggest various treatments even when they're not really needed. 8. If you're paying cash, don't be afraid to negotiate on price. We may be able to reduce your bill, but there has to be a reason. Some urgent care centers even have special cards you can purchase that guarantee you a discount at every single visit. 9. To save time, call to see if you can get on the waiting list before you come. Some centers will send you a text message 30 minutes before someone can see you. 10. Very few of our doctors start in urgent care. Many are burned-out ER or primary care doctors looking for less stress and easier hours. 11. Because we're partially judged by patient-satisfaction scores, we're under pressure to please. So if you want a steroid shot or an antibiotic for your cold, we'll probably give it to you, even if it's not necessary. The one thing we're stingy about? Narcotic pain medications, since we know drug dealers can sell them. 12. Even if there's a doctor on-site, you may never see him or her. Most urgent care centers are staffed with physician assistants and nurse-practitioners; typically, a doctor is consulted for complicated cases. 13. We don't have time to sanitize our waiting room after every patient. If you're coming in at the height of flu season, stay safe by asking for a mask and using the hand sanitizer we have out.

 

A LITTLE TONGUE AND CHEEK PUMPKIN HUMOR

Pumpkin spice madness: Stop the insanity By Michele Mahone Published October 04, 2014 Print Pumpkin, pumpkin everywhere. (Reuters) Fall has arrived. Let's talk about pumpkin spice. Back in the last millennium, when I was a kid, we didn't have pumpkin spice. The highlight of our season was picking out a plain old pumpkin. Find a round one (better for carving) with a flat bottom (so the candle wouldn't fall over), have a 'cup' of hot chocolate when you got home and call it a day. But that was then. That was before someone, somewhere, for some reason, decided glowing eyes just weren't enough anymore. Pumpkins were so 20th century; 21st century pumpkins needed spice. Fads come and go, but pumpkin spice is here to stay. Retailers are barely scratching the surface of this goldmine. You can't throw a rake today without hitting pumpkin spice. Every October, my mother buys a pumpkin spice candle the size of a small child, conducts a brief safety meeting and then grabs her blowtorch. It produces a spicy orange glow that fills the room and burns the eyes. Thanks for the hay fever, mom. But if a nice, warm house fire isn't your 'cup' of pumpkin spice tea, no problem; they make pumpkin spice scented oil, too. They sell it in 25-gallon drums. It's over in aisle 2, right next to the pumpkin spice placemats. (I'm taking their word for it. No way I'm sniffing a placemat.) Would somebody tell me, please . . . When did pumpkin spice become a holiday? I once had an entire relationship while waiting in line for a pumpkin spice latte. We met at the back of the line on a Friday afternoon, and by Saturday morning we had almost reached the counter. We liked art museums; he laughed at my jokes; we were making plans for Thanksgiving. And then came time to order. He let me go first. (All that and a gentleman, too!) I was a Tall, Non-Fat, Decaf. He was a Grande, Soy, Iced. It never would have worked. When we parted, he let me keep his 'cup' holder. But I can't date a man who drinks iced soy. I mean, really, it's the children who would suffer. This pumpkin nonsense has even made its way into our food. The other day I saw a winter squash trying to pass itself off as a spicy pumpkin. That's just sad. Even muffins aren't immune. Blueberry and banana are perfectly fine any other time of year. But when they bring out the pumpkin spice muffins, they become half-priced-day-old, way over there on the side, next to the bran. There's hope, of course. Come December, pumpkin spice will have to slide over to make room for cinnamon sprinkled and peppermint flavored. But it's that horrifying, endlessly long stretch of hours between the end of Thanksgiving and the first day of December that I'm worrying about. What to do then? How about pumpkin spice cinnamon candy canes? Coming soon to a store near you. For a limited time only. Be sure to buy in bulk. Fads come and go, but pumpkin spice is here to stay. Retailers are barely scratching the surface of this goldmine. Sure, there are air fresheners for your home and car, but where's the toothpaste? Someone has dropped the orange ball on that one. I say, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

 

KEEPING OUR MEMORY FRESH

How many memory slips are too many? By Markham Heid Published October 03, 2014 Everybody misplaces cell phones or forgets a name from time to time. But if you're older than 60 and feel like your memory is slipping, don't just ignore it--you may be at greater risk for brain diseases like dementia, according to new research from the University of Kentucky. The study team analyzed years of memory and health data on a large group of men and women age 60 and older--none of whom started out with dementia or memory impairment. Compared to those who reported no memory issues during the study, people who complained of worsening recall were roughly three times more likely to develop dementia later in life. How much later? Dementia set in an average of 12 years after a person first noticed memory problems, the authors say. Of course, memory slips can be as common with aging as sore knees. More than half of the people who participated in the study reported memory glitches, said study coauthor Richard Kryscio, of UK's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. But while those memory concerns signaled an increased risk for some brain diseases, "those memory complaints did not guarantee a person would develop dementia," Kryscio stressed. He also warns that an occasional memory hic'cup'--those lost phones or forgotten names--are not reasons to freak out. Instead, you should be on the lookout for a noticeable decline in your ability to recall things, Kryscio said. "Ask yourself what direction your memory is heading over a period of several months or years," he suggested. If you think your recall is definitely declining, that's a sign you need to notify your doctor, he adds. But what can your doctor do about it? "First of all, he or she can help you assess if the problem is real and getting worse," Kryscio explained. "Your doctor can also look for other things that might be causing your memory issues. He mentioned vitamin deficiencies--specifically a lack of B12--and poor sleep as two not-so-scary explanations for your muddled memory (if shut-eye is hard for you, these 20 ways to sleep better every night can help ). Unfortunately, there's no cure for dementia. But Kryscio said he's hopeful treatments will soon be available that can forestall or prevent the advance of the disease. By keeping on top of your memory issues with your doctor, you'll ensure yourself the best possible outcome, he added. MORE: Cut Your Risk For Dementia By 50 Percent

 

Brilliant idea or lazy effort -- you decide

 Zubits magnetic shoe closures let you keep your laces while ditching the chore of tying them. by Amanda Kooser @akooser 

October 1, 2014 

Doing your laces is a snap with magnets.  As of 2014, the Nike Air Mag self-lacing shoes from "Back the Future: Part II" have not yet been fully realized. Sure, we've gotten some replicas and a Nike designer has said he expects the laces to become reality by 2015, but most of us are still tying our shoes just like we always have, with big floppy loops hanging off the top. That could be about to change for the Kickstarter backers of the Zubits project. Instead of power laces like Marty McFly had, these are magnetic laces. The magnetic closures work with your existing laces. You thread them on, stick your foot in the shoe, adjust the laces to your liking, and then knot up or cut off the excess material. The magnets click together to hold your shoe in place or you can push your foot forward to break the connection and step out of the shoes. 

The Zubits come in three sizes, the smallest being suitable for children's shoes and the biggest being designed for "high activity by large individuals. The campaign has 35 days to go and is currently up over $8,700 in pledges toward a $29,000 goal. A set of Zubits for one pair of shoes is going for a $20 (£12, AU$23) pledge. 

There are a few questions floating around the project, like how well the lace closure would hold up to vigorous sports activities. Zubits acknowledges it can't possibly test every shoe on the market and that heavy or stiff-soled boots could cause the magnetic closure to pop open, but it looks like a pretty solid solution for everyday activities. Some people will tell you to just quit being lazy and tie your laces like normal, but other folks will appreciate the clean look, easy access and lack of laces flopping around. 

While $20 may sound like a high price for fancy laces, the Zubits will travel with you from shoe to shoe as your wardrobe evolves. It should at least tide you over until Air Mag power laces become reality.