Common gene variants explain 42% of antidepressant response

Mar. 28, 2013 ? Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression, but many individuals do not experience symptom relief from treatment. The National Institute of Mental Health's STAR*D study, the largest and longest study ever conducted to evaluate depression treatment, found that only approximately one-third of patients responded within their initial medication trial and approximately one-third of patients did not have an adequate clinical response after being treated with several different medications. Thus, identifying predictors of antidepressant response could help to guide the treatment of this disorder.

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry now shares progress in identifying genomic predictors of antidepressant response.

Many previous studies have searched for genetic markers that may predict antidepressant response, but have done so despite not knowing the contribution of genetic factors. Dr. Katherine Tansey of Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London and colleagues resolved to answer that question.

"Our study quantified, for the first time, how much is response to antidepressant medication influenced by an individual's genetic make-up," said Tansey.

To perform this work, the researchers estimated the magnitude of the influence of common genetic variants on antidepressant response using a sample of 2,799 antidepressant-treated subjects with major depressive disorder and genome-wide genotyping data.

They found that genetic variants explain 42% of individual differences, and therefore, significantly influence antidepressant response.

"While we know that there are no genetic markers with strong effect, this means that there are many genetic markers involved. While each specific genetic marker may have a small effect, they may add up to make a meaningful prediction," Tansey added.

"We have a very long way to go to identify genetic markers that can usefully guide the treatment of depression. There are two critical challenges to this process," said Dr. John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychiatry. "First, we need to have genomic markers that strongly predict response or non-response to available treatments. Second, markers for non-response to available treatments also need to predict response to an alternative treatment. Both of these conditions need to be present for markers of non-response to guide personalized treatments of depression."

"Although the Tansey et al. study represents progress, it is clear that we face enormous challenges with regards to both objectives," he added. "For example, it does not yet appear that having a less favorable genomic profile is a sufficiently strong negative predictor of response to justify withholding antidepressant treatment. Similarly, there is lack of clarity as to how to optimally treat patients who might have less favorable genomic profile.."

Additional research is certainly required, but scientists hope that one day, results such as these can lead to personalized treatment for depression.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Elsevier, via AlphaGalileo.

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Journal Reference:

1. Katherine E. Tansey, Michel Guipponi, Xiaolan Hu, Enrico Domenici, Glyn Lewis, Alain Malafosse, Jens R. Wendland, Cathryn M. Lewis, Peter McGuffin, Rudolf Uher. Contribution of Common Genetic Variants to Antidepressant Response. Biological Psychiatry, 2013; 73 (7): 679 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.10.030

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/most_popular/~3/z5l4WA6eDzU/130328091730.htm

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NZ's Telecom to slash over 1,000 jobs, more cuts to come

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Telecom Corp said it will slash around 16 percent of its workforce to reduce costs by up to NZ$110 million ($92 million), the country's biggest telecommunications group said on Thursday, warning of more to come as it restructures its ailing businesses.

Telecom said it expected to cut full-time employees to 6,300 to 6,600 by mid-year, from 7,530 at the end of 2012, as the firm struggles to compete in the broadband market.

"This is an important step to build a leaner, more agile organization with a competitive cost structure, setting us up to win in the market," Telecom Chief Executive Simon Moutter said in a statement.

The restructuring, which also includes the Australian operations of its Gen-i unit, would incur a one-off cost of NZ$70 million to NZ$80 million in the current fiscal year.

Telecom said this initial exercise would cut its payroll costs by NZ$90 million to NZ$110 million on an annualized basis, pointing to more redundancy in the pipeline.

The phone operator said it is working through the remainder of its strategic change process, with further job cuts and other one-off costs expected.

"Telecom will provide a second update once decisions are taken," the company said.

The move was expected, as Telecom competes in the broadband market with Vodafone, which bought TelstraClear's operations last year.

Telecom shares were up 0.2 percent at NZ$2.325, compared with a 0.3 percent dip in the broader market.

It retained its adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization guidance of NZ$1.04 billion-NZ$1.06 billion for the year, excluding the restructuring costs.

(Reporting by Naomi Tajitsu; Editing by Bernard Orr)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/nzs-telecom-slash-around-1-000-jobs-cut-205958514--finance.html

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KC football team available to help community with outdoor spring cleaning

The Kilgore College football team will be doing more than work on the football field this spring.?

Football players are available for any day in March this semester to complete outdoor yard work for the East Texas community to help raise funds for the football program. This will be the program?s third annual ?Kilgore Spring Clean.?

Services include mowing, edging, trimming hedges, raking leaves, clearing debris and other lawn duties within reason.

The work is free, according to head coach J.J. Eckert, but donations are appreciated.

For more information and available dates, contact Coach Nick Dobler at 785-608-0511.

Source: http://kilgore.kltv.com/news/events/100451-kc-football-team-available-help-community-outdoor-spring-cleaning

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Microsoft fined $731M for breaking browser promise

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union fined Microsoft Corp 561 million euros ($731 million) on Wednesday for failing to offer users a choice of web browser, an unprecedented sanction that will act as a warning to other firms involved in EU antitrust disputes.

It said the U.S. software company had broken a legally binding commitment made in 2009 to ensure that consumers had a choice of how they access the internet, rather than defaulting to Microsoft's Explorer browser.

An investigation found that Microsoft had failed to honor that obligation in software issued between May 2011 and July 2012, meaning 15 million users were not given a choice.

It is the first time the European Commission, the EU's anti-trust authority, has handed down a fine to a company for failing to meet its obligations. While sizeable, it could have levied a fine of up to 10 percent of Microsoft's turnover.

"If companies agree to offer commitments which then become legally binding, they must do what they have committed to do or face the consequences," Joaquin Almunia, the EU's competition commissioner, told a news conference.

"I hope this decision will make companies think twice before they even think of intentionally breaching their obligations or even of neglecting their duty to ensure strict compliance."

Microsoft said it took full responsibility for the incident, which in the past it has blamed on a technical error. It did not say whether it would challenge the ruling, but it is not expected to do so, in part not to antagonize regulators.

"We have apologized for it," Microsoft said in a statement.

"We provided the Commission with a complete and candid assessment of the situation, and we have taken steps to strengthen our software development and other processes to help avoid this mistake - or anything similar - in the future."

Almunia said regulators may have made a mistake by allowing Microsoft to police its own behavior instead of appointing an external trustee to ensure compliance with the commitments.

"In 2009, we were even more naive than today," he said.

WARNING SHOT TO GOOGLE, OTHERS

Wednesday's fine brings the total EU sanctions issued against Microsoft over the past decade to more than 2.2 billion euros, making it the world's worst offender of EU rules.

While the charge could have been higher, it still marks a firm sanction and will be carefully noted by the likes of Google, which is involved in a dispute with the Commission over how it ranks search engine results.

Google is under pressure to offer concessions to prevent the Commission moving to the next stage in the case, which could involve fines. Other major technology firms such as Samsung Electronics are also under investigation.

Wednesday's decision is expected to help the company draw a line under its troubles in Europe as it gears up for an intensified battle against Google. Microsoft is one of the complainants in the EU's investigation into the search giant.

Microsoft has a long and bitter relationship with the EU's powerful antitrust body, which in 2004 found that the Redmond, Washington-based firm had abused its dominant market position by tying Windows Media Player to the Windows software package.

In 2009, in order to resolve other competition concerns, Microsoft undertook to offer users a browser choice screen allowing them to download a browser other than Explorer.

The Commission made that obligation legally binding for five years, until 2014, and initially the company complied. From March 2010 until November 2010, 84 million browsers were downloaded via the screen, the Commission said.

But the Windows 7 service pack 1 rolled out between mid-2011 and mid-2012 failed to offer the choice, leading to the investigation that resulted in Wednesday's fine.

In what was seen as an acknowledgement of the severity of the mistake, the board cut the bonus of chief executive Steve Ballmer last year, according to the company's proxy filing.

In calculating the fine, the Commission said it had taken into account that Microsoft had cooperated by providing information that had helped speed up the investigation.

Analysts always found it odd that Microsoft would have purposefully failed to offer a choice of browsers via its software given that the potential fine for such a failure would far exceed any potential income from not offering it.

Microsoft's share of the European browser market has more than halved since 2008 to 24 percent. Google's Chrome has a 35 percent share, followed by Mozilla with 29 percent, according to Web traffic analysis company StatCounter.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Luke Baker and Anna Willard)

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-eu-microsoftbre925005-20130305,0,6015428.story?track=rss

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Samsung loses latest Apple patent suit in UK

LONDON (Reuters) - Apple won a patent infringement lawsuit on Thursday in an English court, which exonerates the iPhone maker from charges it unlawfully used Samsung technology.

Samsung had argued that three individual patents relating to processing and transmitting data on 3G mobile networks had been infringed, but the court found all three claims invalid.

This is the latest case in a global barrage of claims and counterclaims between the two companies, which between them account for one in every two smartphones sold worldwide.

Samsung said it was disappointed by the court's decision.

"Upon a thorough review of the judgment we will decide whether to file an appeal," a spokeswoman said.

Apple declined to comment.

The Korean company won a bittersweet legal victory over its California-based rival last summer when another British judge ruled its Galaxy tablet should not be blocked from sale in Britain.

(Reporting By Isla Binnie, editing by Paul Casciato)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/samsung-loses-latest-apple-patent-suit-uk-140444883--sector.html

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Moffat County High School girls basketball coach Matt Ray talks to the team at practice Tuesday in t

Photo by Nate Waggenspack

Moffat County High School girls basketball coach Matt Ray talks to the team at practice Tuesday in the gym. Moffat County is hosting regional games this weekend and are preparing in much the same way they have the second half of the season.

Source: http://www2.craigdailypress.com/photos/2013/mar/05/59545/

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Succumb to Divine Indulgence with Jo Malone London Join us for a decadently t...

Succumb to Divine Indulgence with Jo Malone London

Join us for a decadently tempting experience to celebrate the launch of the limited edition Sugar & Spice Collection.

Indulge in a pampering Hand & Arm Massage, champagne* and delectable desserts inspired by the collection on Thursday 7 March at 6pm-9pm
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Please call 0870 192 5481 or drop in to the Jo Malone London boutique at Westfield London for further information and to book your place. http://bit.ly/WLJoMalone

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Ron Paul preaches revolution, provides advice for GOP

WASHINGTON ? The revolution is here, but it will not be the kind Karl Marx predicted, said former Texas Republican Rep. Ron Paul Monday night.

A crowd of eager young conservatives and libertarians gathered in the Lisner Auditorium on George Washington University?s campus Monday night to hear from the two-time GOP presidential candidate. Paul was also the Libertarian Party?s nominee in 1988.

?Policies of peace and trade like the founders advised,? Paul said, should be what conservatives pursue going forward.

Paul spent a large portion of his talk pressing his highly controversial foreign policy. He suggested that if Republicans want to lead a revolutionary change, they need to fix their stance on foreign policy, citing what he described as the ?no-win wars? of the last decade.

Paul surveyed the audience to see how many people trust information they hear from the government, not a person raised their hand. People today don?t believe the government, he said. People think the government is lying to us.

?Your generation,? he said, ?you want to know the truth.? Now, more than ever, issues of government transparency need to be at the forefront, Paul suggested. ?Truth should not be made treasonous.?

The crowd particularly lit up when Paul addressed the failures of the drug war.

?Vices don?t need to be crimes,? he said to roaring applause.

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2013/03/05/ro...#ixzz2Mh5cMCPB

Source: http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?406396-Ron-Paul-preaches-revolution-provides-advice-for-GOP&goto=newpost

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Revised recreation map for Capitol State Forest now available ...

The state Department of Natural Resources has released a new recreation map for the Capitol State Forest, updating the map released in 2002.

The revised map features new trail and forest road names, more precise elevation data, a recreation guide, tips for "playng it safe" in the forest and detailed maps of the Middle Waddell, Margaret McKenny and Mima Falls areas.

The map may be purchased at the state Department of Enterprise Services front office at 7580 New Market St. SW, Tumwater, and will also be available soon at local retail outlets. Single copies cost $9.

Source: http://www.theolympian.com/2013/03/04/2446796/revised-recreation-map-for-capitol.html

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Kenyans to vote in tense head-to-head presidential race

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenyans vote on Monday in a presidential election that will test whether the east African nation can restore its reputation as one of Africa's more stable democracies after a lethal ethnic rampage erupted following the 2007 poll.

Outgoing President Mwai Kibaki, the candidates and civil society groups have all appealed for a peaceful poll after the disputed vote five years ago unleashed a wave of killing by rival tribes that lasted weeks and left more than 1,200 dead.

"I also make a passionate plea for all of us to vote peacefully. Indeed, peace is a cornerstone of our development," Kibaki, barred from seeking a third five-year term, told Kenyans in a televised address before polling day.

Yet, as in 2007, the race has come down to a high-stakes head-to-head between two candidates, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, and once again both will depend heavily on votes from loyalists of rival tribes.

Though well ahead of six other contenders, polls suggest neither may be able to command enough ballots for an outright victory in the first round, which could set the stage for a tense run-off tentatively set for April 11. A narrow first round victory for either could raise prospects for legal challenges.

Kenya's neighbors are watching nervously, after their economies felt the shockwaves when violence five years ago shut down trade routes running through east Africa's biggest economy. Some landlocked states have stockpiled fuel and other materials.

The United States and other Western states are worried about the conduct of a poll in a state seen as a vital ally in the regional battle against militant Islam. Adding to election tensions, al Shabaab militants, battling Kenyan peacekeeping troops in Somalia, issued a veiled threat days before the vote.

But the West also frets about the result of the presidential race. One of the top candidates, Kenyatta, is indicted for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.

"PEOPLE CAN DECIDE"

The 51-year-old, accused with his running mate William Ruto of instigating the post-2007 vote violence, denies the charges. But, if he wins, it would present a diplomatic dilemma for Western states who donate hundreds of millions dollars a year.

"There are those who said that Uhuru and Ruto will not run because we are facing cases in Europe, but God has opened that road for us so that people can decide," Kenyatta told a final rally in Nairobi's central park on Saturday, where thousands of supporters gathered, some chanting "Uhuru, Uhuru".

Like other candidates, he called on his supporters to vote peacefully and promised he would accept any result.

To try to prevent a repeat of the contested outcome that sparked violence after the December 2007 vote, a new, broadly respected election commission is using more technology to prevent fraud, speed up counting and increase transparency.

This could speed a result announcement, after delays in 2007 fuelled the crisis. Provisional figures may emerge within hours of polls closing, although the commission has seven days to declare the official outcome.

Police chiefs have deployed extra forces to maintain security and there is a more independent judiciary which commands greater respect. Officials have appealed to candidates to raise any challenges in the courts and not on the streets.

But Odinga has already raised a warning flag, telling Reuters that the commission had by "design or omission" not registered all voters in his strongholds, putting him at a disadvantage, a charge the commission denies.

"We know and we hope there will be no rigging this time," Odinga, who narrowly lost the 2007 race, told a Nairobi stadium filled with supporters.

"We are urging all our supporters to be peaceful because you are winning," said the 68-year-old, a veteran of Kenyan politics who may now have his last shot at the top job.

RUNNING DOWN STOCKS

Many Kenyans, hoping for a peaceful vote, say memories of the brutal killings by gangs armed with machetes, knives and bows and arrows are still fresh enough to deter a repeat.

Among crowds streaming from Kenyatta's rally, Pedro Sibinde, 34, declared his candidate would accept defeat if he lost. But, expecting a victory, he added: "I am confident (there will be peace) as long as our rival Mr Odinga concedes."

Yet others are more wary, particularly in places where violence flared last time. Shopkeepers have run down stocks and some people in mixed tribal areas have returned to their homelands elsewhere, a few worried by threatening leaflets.

Michael Ochieng, in the tense city of Kisumu on the shores of Lake Victoria where businesses were looted five years ago, said reports of such leaflets in Rift Valley areas, another site of slaughter after 2007, did not bode well.

He spoke of growing animosity between Odinga's Luo tribe and Kenyatta's Kikuyu, in a contest where many voters will make their decision based on tribal loyalties not ideology.

Alongside the presidential race, there are hotly contested elections for senators, county governors, members of parliament, women representatives in county assemblies and civic leaders.

In the teeming slum of Kibera in central Nairobi, where Luos and Kikuyus live side by side, the sight on the election's eve of orange t-shirts of Odinga supporters walking alongside the red ones of Kenyatta backers encouraged some.

But Samuel Kitai, 60, a grain miller who is neither Kikuyu nor Luo and whose store was looted in the 2007 violence, was taking no chances. Pointing inside his largely empty corrugated iron shack, he said: "I usually have maize here, rice and everything, but now you can see the store is empty."

(Additional reporting by Hezron Ochiel in Kisumu; Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Stephen Powell)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/kenyans-vote-tense-head-head-presidential-race-030807934.html

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Rodman: Kim Jong Un wants Obama to 'call him'

In his first interview since returning to the U.S. from an unprecedented visit to North Korea last week, former NBA star Dennis Rodman said he bears a message for President Obama from the country's oppressive leader, Kim Jong Un.

"He wants Obama to do one thing: Call him," Rodman told ABC's George Stephanopoulos on "This Week." "He said, 'If you can, Dennis - I don't want [to] do war. I don't want to do war.' He said that to me."

The athlete even offered Kim some diplomatic advice for potential future talks with President Obama.

"[Kim] loves basketball. And I said the same thing, I said, 'Obama loves basketball.' Let's start there," Rodman said.

Rodman's comments come just days after the basketball star shocked the world with an unexpected trip to Pyongyang, North Korea, becoming the first known American to publicly meet with the mysterious Kim since he assumed command of the totalitarian nation after the death of his father, Kim Jong-Il in 2011.

The young leader has defied U.N. sanctions by continuing to develop North Korea's nuclear arms and missile program, which he says is aimed at the U.S.

Kim is often regarded as one of the world's most oppressive leaders, presiding over prison camps and allowing millions of his own people to starve.

PHOTOS: Kim Jong Un Through the Years

In a bizarre display of basketball diplomacy, Rodman went on the record to offer highest praise for Kim Thursday, telling reporters, "I love him. He's awesome." Today on "This Week," Rodman didn't apologize for those comments.

"No, I'm not apologiz[ing] for him," Rodman said. "You know, he's a good guy to me. Guess what? He's my friend. I don't condone what he does ? [but] as a person to person - he's my friend."

PHOTOS: Dennis Rodman Goes to North Korea

Rodman traveled through Pyongyang with members of the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team and a camera crew from the upcoming HBO series, "VICE." Kim warmly welcomed the Americans, with an itinerary that included ice skating, an aquarium visit and a long dinner and drinks.

During his visit, Rodman sat court side with Kim as they took in an exhibition basketball face-off with the Globetrotters and North Korean players. Kim, like his late father, is said to be a devoted basketball fan - especially for the 1990's-era Chicago Bulls championship teams, which included Rodman. Rodman stood up to give a speech to the basketball crowd, at one point telling Kim, "You have a friend for life."

Despite the unlikely pairing, Rodman said he has something in common with Kim and the North Korean people: a love of basketball.

"I'm not a politician. Kim Jung Un & North Korean people are basketball fans," he tweeted. "I love everyone. Period. End of story."

Dennis Rodman Through The Years

The U.S. State Department had no involvement in the visit, and officials say they have no plans to debrief Rodman after his meeting with one of the world's most mysterious leaders. Col. Steve Ganyard, USMC (Ret.), a former deputy assistant secretary of state and ABC News consultant, told ABC's Martha Raddatz the State Department's decision is "ridiculous."

"There is nobody at the CIA who can tell you more personally about Kim Jong Un than Dennis Rodman, and that in itself is scary," Ganyard said.

Still, Rodman thinks there are more trips to North Korea in his future.

"I'm not like a diplomat," Rodman told George Stephanopoulos. "I'm [going to] go back, do one thing and find out more, what's going on. Find out more."

Like "This Week" on Facebook here . You can also follow the show on Twitter here .

Go here to find out when "This Week" is on in your area.

Also Read

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/dennis-rodman-kim-jong-un-154606241.html

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Obama, Republicans maneuver over sequester, government shut-down

Two days after sequester-driven budget cuts went into effect, both sides in the battle ? Republican lawmakers and the Obama White House ? went into a 'Plan B' of sorts.

By Brad Knickerbocker,?Staff writer / March 3, 2013

Gene Sperling, Director of the National Economic Council appears on "Meet the Press" in Washington Sunday.

William B. Plowman/NBC/REUTERS

Enlarge

Two days after sequester-driven budget cuts went into effect, both sides in the battle ? Republican lawmakers and the Obama White House ? went into a ?Plan B? of sorts.

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At this point there isn?t much to it. Spokesmen from each side flooded the Sunday TV news shows with reiterated positions and little sign of give. Meanwhile, President Obama has been calling senators of both parties, looking for what White House economic adviser Gene Sperling calls ?a coalition of the willing, a caucus for common sense.?

?He?s making those calls ? trying to build trust, so he?s going to be having a lot more conversations like that,? Mr. Sperling said on CNN?s ?State of the Union? Sunday. On the Democratic side, that means long-term entitlement reform to cut costs; on the Republican side, reform of the tax code which would increase revenues.

The more immediate problem is what to do about the sequester and its $85 billion in across-the-board cuts to defense and nondefense spending.

?As this pain starts to gradually spread to communities affected by military spending, to children who need mental health services, to people who care about our border security, I believe that more Republican colleagues who are concerned about this harm to their constituents will choose bipartisan compromise on revenue-raising tax reform with serious entitlement reform,? Sperling said on ABC?s ?This Week.?

[We can?t mention Sperling without noting that his feud with Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward over the sequester?s paternity seems to have sputtered out. On ABC?s ?This Week,? Sperling called Mr. Woodward ?a legend,? and he described their relationship as "very friendly and respectful." On CBS?s ?Face the Nation,? Woodward said he?d be inviting Sperling over for dinner. ?I'm going to invite him over to my house if he'll come and hopefully he'll bring others from the White House, maybe the president himself,? he said. ?You know, talking really works."]

While he once warned (in a Wall Street Journal op-ed column) that the sequester would harm national security and cost thousands of jobs, House Speaker John Boehner ? as well as other GOP leaders ? have backed away from that position.

?I don?t know whether it?s going to hurt the economy or not,? he said on NBC?s ?Meet the Press.? ?I don?t think anyone quite understands how the sequester is really going to work.?

It?s almost certain to hit some regions and communities harder than others.

Some 90,000 civilian Defense Department employees in Virginia could be furloughed, according to the New York Times, and many more people who work for government contractors could see their work cut as well. Beyond that, the ripple effect on businesses providing the mundane goods and services of everyday life could be impacted as well as families tighten their belts.

?If the sequester occurs as it?s currently stated, I would expect the state of Virginia to go into a recession,? economist Christine Chmura told the New York Times.

One thing both sides agree on is the need to avoid a government shutdown.

The House this week will move on a measure to continue government funding through the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30, Speaker Boehner said. The current continuing resolution expires on March 27.

The White House has no stomach for a fight over shutting down the government either.

?What is fair is that if the Republicans stay with their part of the deal ? meaning that they put forward a continuing resolution that?s reasonable, not political, stays at the level we agreed to, which is $1.043 trillion ? if they agree to that, which they suggested they would, the president doesn?t believe in manufacturing another crisis,? Sperling said

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/zqvZjf1Jggc/Obama-Republicans-maneuver-over-sequester-government-shut-down

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Kerry: US to Release Millions in Aid to Egypt (Voice Of America)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories News, RSS and RSS Feed via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/288741580?client_source=feed&format=rss

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ScienceDaily: Living Well News

http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/living_well/ Stories about health and wellness, lifestyle issues and trends, family concerns and other topics about everyday life.en-usSun, 03 Mar 2013 20:05:17 ESTSun, 03 Mar 2013 20:05:17 EST60http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gifhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/news/living_well/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130301123312.htm While those active on social media aren't shy about expressing opinions on their Facebook pages, how much do their "Likes" really reflect the quality of an organization? A new study shows that Facebook "Likes" were indeed an indicator of hospital quality and patient satisfaction.Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:33:33 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130301123312.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130301122306.htm A new study of women's feet during and after pregnancy shows that arch height and arch rigidity decrease significantly from early pregnancy to five months after childbirth, causing corresponding increases in foot length that appear to be permanent.Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:23:23 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130301122306.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130301034833.htm Researchers have found that healthy adolescent females have predetermined expectations for becoming parents in the future, but have concerns about fertility and childbearing should they develop a life-threatening illness, such as cancer.Fri, 01 Mar 2013 03:48:48 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130301034833.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228194659.htm Want to know what you are eating? DNA barcodes can be used to identify even very closely related species, finds a new article. Results from the study show that the labelling of game meat in South Africa is very poor with different species being substituted almost 80 percent of the time.Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:46:46 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228194659.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228124142.htm Most serious traffic accidents occur when drivers are making a left-hand turn at a busy intersection. When those drivers are also talking on a hands-free cell phone, "that could be the most dangerous thing they ever do on the road," said an expert.Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:41:41 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228124142.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228124132.htm Much to the chagrin of parents who think their kids should spend less time playing video games and more time studying, time spent playing action video games can actually make dyslexic children read better, new research suggests. In fact, 12 hours of video game play did more for reading skills than is normally achieved with a year of spontaneous reading development or demanding traditional reading treatments.Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:41:41 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228124132.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228103458.htm Having more control in the workplace can have negative consequences for individuals, but it depends on the form of job control. Having control over one's work schedule and job autonomy are associated with lower levels of job pressure.Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:34:34 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228103458.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228103443.htm A healthy diet during pregnancy is critical to the future health of your children. New research suggests that pregnant mothers who consume junk food cause developmental changes of the opioid signaling pathway in the brains of their unborn children. Consequently, these children are less sensitive to opioids released upon consumption of foods high in fat and sugar, and need to eat more to achieve a "feel good" response.Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:34:34 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228103443.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228080547.htm Although the long-term consequences of childhood obesity are well documented, some school districts have reduced physical education classes to devote more time to the three Rs in education -- reading, writing, and arithmetic. However, there is new evidence that leaving out an important fourth R -- aerobics -- could actually be counterproductive for increasing test scores. A new study studied the associations between aerobic fitness, body mass index, and passing scores on standardized math and reading tests.Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:05:05 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228080547.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228080135.htm Researchers have discovered that acne bacteria contain "bad" strains associated with pimples and "good" strains that may protect the skin. The findings could lead to a myriad of new therapies to prevent and treat the disfiguring skin disorder.Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:01:01 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130228080135.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227225636.htm The perennial stress-buster -- a deep breath -- could become stress-detector. According to a new pilot study, there are six markers in the breath that could be candidates for use as indicators of stress.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:56:56 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227225636.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227183526.htm New research reveals that individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes would benefit from being told to sit less and move around more often -- rather than simply exercising regularly. The experts suggest that reducing sitting time by 90 minutes in total per day could lead to important health benefits.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:35:35 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227183526.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227183458.htm Sports-related head injuries are a growing concern, and new research suggests that even less forceful actions like 'heading' a soccer ball may cause changes in performance on certain cognitive tasks, according to new research.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:34:34 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227183458.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227183456.htm Higher humidity levels indoors can significantly reduce the infectivity of influenza virus particles released by coughing, according to new research.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:34:34 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227183456.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227183316.htm Praising children, especially those with low self-esteem, for their personal qualities rather than their efforts may make them feel more ashamed when they fail, according to new research.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:33:33 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227183316.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227151258.htm Research indicates that half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, well before adulthood. Three new studies investigate the cognitive, genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to mental health disorders in adolescence.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227151258.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227151254.htm A 98-year-old researcher argues that, contrary to decades of clinical assumptions and advice to patients, dietary cholesterol is good for your heart -- unless that cholesterol is unnaturally oxidized (by frying foods in reused oil, eating lots of polyunsaturated fats, or smoking).Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227151254.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227134342.htm Does your neighborhood really define health? Most of us make a choice between suburbs, countryside, or city and settle down. But others, particularly those living in poverty, don?t always get to make that choice ?- the choice that could actually determine our quality and length of life. So how does this choice affect our health?Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:43:43 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227134342.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227121903.htm While water bottles may tout BPA-free labels and personal care products declare phthalates not among their ingredients, these assurances may not be enough. According to a new study, we may be exposed to these chemicals in our diet, even if our diet is organic and we prepare, cook, and store foods in non-plastic containers. Children may be most vulnerable.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:19:19 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227121903.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227113100.htm New research is the first to systematically examine the role of trust in biasing memories of transgressions in romantic partnerships. People who are highly trusting tended to remember transgressions in a way that benefits the relationship, remembering partner transgressions as less severe than they originally reported. People low on trust demonstrated the opposite pattern, remembering partner transgressions as being more severe than how they originally reported.?Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:31:31 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227113100.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227113058.htm Researcher says terms such as "normal," "healthy" or "successful" aging can prejudice our views of seniors.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:30:30 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227113058.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227102940.htm Most parents would agree that raising a generous child is an admirable goal -- but how, exactly, is that accomplished? New results shed light on how generosity and related behaviors -- such as kindness, caring and empathy -- develop, or don't develop, in children from 2 years old through adolescence.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:29:29 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227102940.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227102100.htm Same-sex couples who live together have worse health than married opposite-sex couples and similar health as opposite-sex couples who are living together (after adjusting for socioeconomic differences), according to a new study.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:21:21 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227102100.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227101929.htm Older people who have low expectations for a satisfying future may be more likely to live longer, healthier lives than those who see brighter days ahead, according to new research.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:19:19 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227101929.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227085840.htm Advertisers who put images of female celebrities and models next to their products spark scorn rather than shopping, according to new research.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:58:58 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227085840.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227085838.htm Pregnant women should avoid taking vitamin D supplements, new research suggests. Substitution appears to raise the risk of children developing a food allergy after birth.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:58:58 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227085838.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227085706.htm Same-sex cohabitors report worse health than people of the same socioeconomic status who are in heterosexual marriages, according to a new study, which may provide fuel for gay marriage proponents.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:57:57 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227085706.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226194006.htm A study finds an increased risk of narcolepsy in children and adolescents who received the A/H1N1 2009 influenza vaccine (Pandemrix) during the pandemic in England.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:40:40 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226194006.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226141235.htm Fingers are one of the first body parts to suffer from the cold and popular fingerless texting gloves can lead to frostbite and in worst cases, amputation, says an expert.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226141235.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226101259.htm Orthopedic surgeon, spine specialist says excessive leaning head forward and down, while looking at a phone or other mobile device could result in what some people call ?text neck.?Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226101259.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081155.htm During sleep, our brains store what we have learned during the day a process even more effective in children than in adults, new research shows.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:11:11 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081155.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225181536.htm Results of a major study aimed at assessing the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases show that such a diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or tree nuts reduces by 30 percent the risk of suffering a cardiovascular death, a myocardial infarction or a stroke.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:15:15 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225181536.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225162229.htm Giving back through volunteering is good for your heart, even at a young age, according to researchers.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:22:22 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225162229.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153046.htm Targeting CPR education in high-risk neighborhoods could increase the number of bystanders giving CPR and decrease deaths from cardiac arrest, according to a new statement.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:30:30 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153046.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153029.htm The idea that boys are better at math and in competitions has persisted for a long time - primarily because of the competition format. A new study shows that competitions that extend beyond a single round result in parity between the sexes.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:30:30 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153029.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131541.htm A newly released international study reveals that the issue of climate change is not a priority for people in the United States and around the world. The surveys showed that when asked to rank priority worries, people were five times more likely to point to the economy over the environment.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:15:15 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131541.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131532.htm People become more politically liberal immediately after practising a spiritual exercise such as meditation, researchers have found.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:15:15 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131532.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225122047.htm New research highlights a memory strategy that may help people who suffer from depression in recalling positive day-to-day experiences.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:20:20 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225122047.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225112320.htm All employees are accountable for something, but very few fully understand exactly what they are accountable for, according to a new study.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:23:23 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225112320.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225092248.htm A new study suggests troubling perceptions exist when it comes to women involved in disputes at work.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:22:22 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225092248.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225092246.htm New research shows that most babies who are slow to put on weight in the first nine months of life have caught up to within the normal range by the age of 13, but remain lighter and shorter than many of their peers. There are significant differences in the pattern of "catchup," depending on the infant's age when the slow weight gain occurs.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:22:22 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225092246.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130222083127.htm Parents know that one day they will have to talk to their children about drug use. The hardest part is to decide whether or not talking about ones own drug use will be useful in communicating an antidrug message. Recent research found that children whose parents did not disclose drug use, but delivered a strong antidrug message, were more likely to exhibit antidrug attitudes.Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:31:31 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130222083127.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130222083125.htm In Jan. 2012, the United States Department of Agriculture passed a series of regulations designed to make school lunches more nutritious, which included requiring schools to increase whole grain offerings and making students select either a fruit or vegetable with their purchased lunch. However, children cannot be forced to eat these healthier lunches. In a new study, researchers determined that small, inexpensive changes to school cafeterias influenced the choice and consumption of healthier foods.Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:31:31 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130222083125.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221194241.htm Virologists have discovered a new class of molecular compounds capable of killing the influenza virus. Working on the premise that too much of a good thing can be a killer, the scientists have advanced previous researchers' methods of manipulating an enzyme that is key to how influenza replicates and spreads. The new compounds will lead to a new generation of anti-influenza drugs that the virus' strains can't adapt to, and resist, as easily as they do Tamiflu.Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:42:42 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221194241.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221143946.htm Scientists have found compelling evidence that older adults can eliminate forgetfulness and perform as well as younger adults on memory tests. The cognitive boost comes from a surprising source -- a distraction learning strategy.Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:39:39 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221143946.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221143912.htm Preliminary research findings suggest learning to use Facebook may help give adults older than 65 a cognitive boost. The study shows that seniors who learned to use Facebook saw improvements in their ability to continuously monitor and quickly add or delete the contents of their working memory.Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:39:39 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221143912.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221141604.htm Damage to muscles and the skeleton is the frequent consequence of carrying heavy backpacks and occupational gear on our backs. New research confirms that damage to the nerves that travel through the neck and shoulders is also a serious risk.Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:16:16 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221141604.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221115801.htm New research suggests the growing number of workers who are single and without children have trouble finding the time or energy to participate in non-work interests, just like those with spouses and kids.Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:58:58 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221115801.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221104357.htm Feeling good about spending money on someone else rather than for personal benefit may be a universal response among people in both impoverished countries and rich nations, according to new research.Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:43:43 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221104357.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221104157.htm An increasing number of people die from unintentional home injury, in large part due to accidental drug overdose, according to a new study.Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:41:41 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221104157.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221084618.htm Intense Facebook usage is found to have a positive effect on psychological well-being, according to a new study.?Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:46:46 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221084618.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221084602.htm Researchers have determined normative data for different exercises such as hopping or running. This enables parents and experts to gauge the motor skills of young children for the first time objectively and thus identify abnormalities at an early stage.Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:46:46 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221084602.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220203711.htm Similar to talking about being fat, talking about being old is an important an indicator of body dissatisfaction, shows new research. Body dissatisfaction is known to be correlated with, and predictive of, physical and mental health problems including binge eating, emotional eating, stress, low self-esteem, depression, and use of unhealthy weight control behaviors. High levels of talking about weight and being fat, ?fat talk?, is known to be a good indicator of body dissatisfaction.Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:37:37 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220203711.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220184955.htm Governments around the world should stop squandering resources fighting an "unwinnable war" against illegal drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. Instead, they should use the cash to curb antibiotic misuse, which poses a far more serious threat to human health, claims a leading ethicist.Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:49:49 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220184955.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220184949.htm Mosquitoes are able to ignore the smell of the insect repellent DEET within a few hours of being exposed to it, according to new research.Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:49:49 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220184949.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220163633.htm Gun violence in the United States can be substantially reduced if Congress expands requirements for background checks on retail gun sales to cover firearm transfers between private parties, a new report concludes.Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:36:36 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220163633.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220163629.htm Bullied children grow into adults who are at increased risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression and suicidal thoughts, according to a new study.Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:36:36 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220163629.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220163557.htm Workplace-based programs that include dietary advice coupled with behavioral counseling appear to be a promising approach for men and women with significant weight loss goals, based on the results of a pilot study. Employees enrolled in the intervention arm of a randomized controlled trial lost on average, 18 pounds over a six-month period compared to a two pound weight gain in a control group.Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:35:35 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220163557.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220131744.htm Using your bicycle to commute to work has numerous health and environmental benefits. Yet, the largest Canadian study on cycling injuries suggests cyclists are at risk of injury due to the lack of cycling infrastructure in large urban centers.Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:17:17 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220131744.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220131742.htm Resveratrol, a substance found in red grapes and red wine, may have the potential to protect against hearing and cognitive decline, according to a new study.Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:17:17 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220131742.htm

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Most Beautiful Items: February 23 - March 1, 2013

Phew. You guys, we made it! It's almost the weekend. While you crawl toward the Friday finish line, take a pause and check out some of the most beautiful things we found this week. More »

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Find Out How To Complete Home Improvement Projects It can be ...

It can be stressful to live in a home that needs repairs. It is even more stressful when you can not afford to hire a pro. You probably think that you do not have the time to complete the repairs on your own. This is false, however. Your home repairs may not take that much time after all. You will get good value from the tricks, tips and great ideas for home improvement offered here.

It can be very expensive to replace your flooring, no matter what material you use. One easy and affordable option is to remove the existing flooring and stain the concrete. This type of look isn't for everyone, but in terms of a money-saving way to make home improvements, you can't beat it.

Search for "how to" videos of the task you are about to undertake, being as specific as you like and including details like models and model numbers. It is amazing to find that many others have run into similar problems and that they have videotaped the way they handled the problem and then put it online. These videos offer the perfect way to learn from others and improve your own skills.

When planning your home renovation, make sure you have an area to pile up any debris as the job progresses. Demolition makes a huge mess, and you need to place the debris somewhere. Know where the debris will go and how you will get rid of it, so that it does not interfere with your work or your life.

If you will be cluttering up the street during your project, tell your neighbors about it before it happens. Blocking some or the entire road is usually needed when doing major renovations, for shifting equipment and making deliveries. Informing your neighbors will help prevent problems from occurring.

Remember that first impressions are important and take the time to make the yard appear well tended before tackling interior work. For this reason, improving the exterior of your home should be your first priority.

When you start home improvements, you should think about how much you will have to do. Take the time to write out all the things you need to do. A second opinion may help you avoid making any mistakes during your first assessment. If you know exactly what must be done, you will be able to economize.

You do not have to think about spending the money when you are doing any home projects; it will save you in the long run. You can save on electricity with newer appliances. Roof repairs and improved insulation also saves energy bills. Planning and budgeting are key basics of home improvement.

Completing a home improvement project is almost impossible when you approach it with a feeling of dread. Get some help from friends, siblings or your kids to make it a fun experience. Finishing any project that improves your home and adds value is very rewarding, and that feeling of accomplishment is multiplied tenfold when experienced with those you love.

One home improvement project that does not cost money, but can make a huge difference is cleaning your gutters. Gutters that are clogged up enough to retain water will let excess moisture attack vulnerabilities in the fascia boards on which they are mounted. This will leave the wood vulnerable to rotting. Maintaining clean gutters is a valuable home improvement chore!

If you require outdoor lighting, you should consider installing motion-activated lights. The motion sensors will add a layer of security by turning on and alerting you to anyone on your property, including potential thieves. Because these lights aren't on all night, they'll also reduce your electricity bill.

If you want to paint your walls, make sure the trim is taped off properly. Paint can run even if you're super careful when you paint. Taping off your trim is the only way to ensure paint does not get onto it. If paint gets on the trim and dries, it may need to be repainted.

At the end of the day, you don't have to worry that your home improvement projects are beyond your capabilities. By following the do-it-yourself tricks offered here, it is possible for you to make home improvements very quickly. This article has provided you with a simple and cheap way to go about your home improvement projects. Good luck and have fun repairing!

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Marketing Nuance: A Subtle Point - The Set Fee Real Estate Blog ...

You listed with a real estate broker to sell your house, right?

Actually, that?s probably not the correct syntax. What you really did was to list with a broker to get your house sold.

It?s a subtle difference in wording, but one that points out the disconnect between thought and reality for many real estate consumers. The first phrase imbues the broker with near magical powers: he is going to take the house, wave his magical real estate wand, and cause someone to buy it. That?s really not what happens, although many brokers would like you to believe the myth that it does. Phrase two is closer to the mark: you?re going to use a broker to gain access to the natural matching of buyers and sellers that?s already going on. The broker is not magical. He is just a skilled gatekeeper.

Of course, I was selling real estate when dinosaurs roamed the earth and I?m sure things have changed (yeah, right), but . . .

Sellers used to be very concerned about what I was going to DO to sell their house. They wanted to see examples of the advertising I would run on their property, thinking that it was advertising that would cause the house to sell. They wanted to know how many open houses I was going to hold, thinking that the activity of allowing people easy access would cause the house to sell. They seemed to think that selling a house was an active process, that somehow advertising and activities would cause otherwise disinterested potential buyers to suddenly want the home.

I toyed with the idea of telling the truth ? that that?s not what happens at all ? but opted instead to do what I was taught in one seminar or another: play to the sellers? misconceptions and overwhelm them with all of the advertising and activities I was going to DO.

By the way: this ?grin at ?em and tell ?em what they wanna hear? attitude is how salespeople die. Truth is always best.

The TRUTH was probably best expressed by my old broker back in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Richard Williams. Richard was and still is a real estate visionary and one of the smartest brokers I ever met. I was railing on one day about how he needed to do more advertising in this publication or that one when he calmly said, ?Jim, a certain number of buyers are going to buy houses in the neighborhood today whether you are there or not. Your job is to get in front of as many of them as possible.?

That statement encapsulates the marketing function of a real estate broker as accurately as it can be. People can?t be made to want to buy real estate. They either do, or they don?t. A little education can help them make an informed decision, but it is a decision beyond anyone else?s control. Their decision to buy one house over any other is not a decision at all, it?s a choice, an illogical, personal, quirky choice. No amount of full page advertising is going to cause them to choose one house over another.

The broker?s job is to orchestrate a marketing program that puts his or her office in front of as many of these potential buyers as possible. Once that is achieved, ?selling? real estate becomes a matching process: buyers? hopes and needs to inventory.

So how does a smart broker market to get in front of as many potential buyers as possible?

Job one is to be SEEN, to be VISIBLE. The consumer needs to see your sign, your logo, your name everywhere to have a comfort level that you may be able to help. The most effective way to accomplish this is with For Sale signs . . . SO: the best thing your real estate broker can do to sell your house is to go out and get another listing and another listing and another listing. The company with the largest number of signs in the neighborhood* is probably going to get the largest number of calls . . . of course, what they do with the calls is another issue, one we?ll talk about in a moment.

Job two is to GENERATE LEADS: to put marketing pieces into the hands of consumers that will motivate them to make contact with the office. When a broker decides to create a marketing piece, he or she should do it dispassionately . The decision to advertise one house or another should be made based on which one will cause the largest number of potential buyers to contact the office, not on which seller is ?owed? advertising this week. This is an important point. Truth is: almost always, the property that motivated the potential buyer to contact the office is NOT the property they eventually buy. There are dozens of kick-out factors they may encounter as they do their investigation. But that doesn?t matter. What?s important is that they contacted the office.

So, when a broker decides to advertise a property, it?s not to get that particular property sold, it?s to generate buyer contact. It is this general lead generating activity that will cause your house to sell and it may not even involve advertising your house at all.

Now, in today?s ordinary agent centered real estate world, this ?orchestration? of marketing rarely occurs. Agents, stumbling all over one another to beg for listings, promise the one tangible thing they can think of: advertising. And sometimes they actually do it: willy-nilly, this property, that property, whichever seller is most cranky this week. The broker is not taking control of this process, is not doing the higher level job of deciding what to advertise and what not to advertise, because he can?t afford to. He?s already paying his willy-nilly agents SOOO Much that he has no money for carefully planned marketing. In a universe where agents who do 6 deals a year command a 75% or even 80% split of the commission, marketing becomes the responsibility of the agent, not the broker, and there is no coordination, no strategic planning of marketing, no sense to it at all.

Ok: we?ve got Job One and Job Two. Here?s the third thing the real estate broker needs to do: CAPTURE LEADS. When marketing causes a potential buyer to contact the office, what will then cause them to agree ? however subtly ? to letting the office match them with a perfect property? It is a process that often occurs on the telephone, and smart brokers work on it constantly.

It?s important to understand what courage it takes for a potential buyer to pick up the phone or fill out an online inquiry form. They know they are likely going to hear from a salesperson . . . and that?s not what they want at all. What they want is the information. Period. So there is a very natural defensiveness on the other end of the line when the agent answers the phone.

How the agent handles the call, how he or she relaxes the caller, provides valuable information, builds a comfortable rapport with the caller is EVERYTHING. All of time money and effort the broker has used to generate the lead can be lost right here if the agent is not prepared to earn the caller?s trust and then to begin the matching process. Now, think back to the last time you called a real estate office for information on a property. Uh-huh. I know. It was a painful experience. If the agent made any attempt to earn your business at all, it was probably lame, stupid and full of sales scripts. And that?s IF they tried to get your business at all (most won?t).

As a business consultant to real estate companies, I can almost always increase the company?s bottom line by several percentage points (and that?s a lot) by simply working with whomever is answering the phone and responding to buyer inquiries. I?m not kidding. That phone call, that inquiry, is the ARENA. That?s where the process of ?selling real estate? begins. It is so important, I think it makes perfect sense for a home seller to call the office of the agent they are considering and see how they are handled. If the person on the other end of the line can?t comfortably communicate competence, if they can?t skillfully earn the right to help you find your next home, how are they going to capture the real caller who might be perfect for your house?

Bottom line: advertising wont sell your house. An agent or broker won?t sell your house. What will sell your house is an office with an active lead generation and capture process. And where will you find such an office? I?d suggest you look at Help-U-Sell. Our offices continue to keep the broker in charge of marketing, lead generation and capture. We are completely focused on the process and we do it better than anyone in the industry. AND: with low set fee pricing, we save sellers a lot of money, too.

*I talked about visibility in terms of signage only. It?s simpler that way. But understand that visibility extends far beyond your front yard. Today it?s getting the inventory all over the Internet. It?s putting the best houses in the inventory everywhere a potential buyer is apt to be looking. Marketing is like building a spider web: the more strands in the web, the more places the company?s identifiers and best listings can be seen, the more potential buyers can be caught.

Tagged as: how to sell a house, real estate marketing, Richard Williams

Source: http://setfeeblog.com/2013/03/02/marketing-nuance-subtle-point/

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