We're good people to start off but the addition of money motivates greed, which in turn, motivates unethical behavior. This according to a new study from the University of Utah and Harvard University, reported on CNBC. The study found that if money is involved, people are more likely to exhibit unethical behavior than when money is not involved. 

"Were were interested in why good people would do bad behavior," said Kristin Smith-Crowe, a management professor and co-author of the study released last month to CNBC.

"We certainly found that the love of money is corrupting and just the mere exposure to it makes people do bad things," Smith-Crowe said.

Researchers followed 324 undergraduate students at the University of Utah. Each group conducted four separate games in two different groups. The games were played with and without money.

Game 1: Students were presented with scenarios where unethical acts were committed for money.

Game 2: Each group could earn more money by lying rather than telling the truth. 

Game 3: Each group could hire a graduate who promises to share insider information if they’re hired for a job. 

Game 4: Each group could earn more money if they were dishonest when students engaged in performance tasks. 

The study found that those exposed to financial gain were more likely to demonstrate unethical intentions, decisions, and behavior. 

"The study didn't ask people to do horrible acts, there were more mundane like stealing office supplies," said Smith-Crowe. 

"But it just shows how insidious this can be. These were normal people and this is something we can all be affected by," she said.

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High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and sugar in general have taken the lion share of the blame for our expanding waistlines, but doctors dispute whether HFCS, the highly processed corn derivative, is the main culprit. 

High Fructose Corn Syrup Versus Sugar

Recently, I called on Dr. Michael Goran, director of the Childhood Obesity Research Center at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine and main author of a new study which looks at the impact of fructose on the developing fetus. His research is finding that the consumption of high levels of fructose, more prevalent in HFCS, promotes the development of obesity in infants. The different chemical make up of table sugar versus HFCS may be to blame. 

Table sugar is a disaccharide, half glucose and half fructose. HFCS is already broken down and Dr. Goran's lab testing of soda made with HFCS found that it was 60 percent fructose and 40 percent glucose. When the balance of fructose shifts, as it does with HFCS, this may lead to differing hormonal development in the womb.

“High levels of fructose promote the greater development of fats,” Dr. Goran said to Discovery Health. “When fetal cells are developing they have the choice of what kind of cell they will become but consumption of high levels of fructose seem to cause the development of more fat cells.”

High Fructose Corn Syrup an Obesogen

In the study, published in the journal Nature, researchers refer to HFCS as an obesogen, an environmental toxin which promotes the development of neonatal or childhood obesity in the body, similar to BPA, another widely studied toxin. Obesogens, like HFCS, may also alter hormonal development. 

“Fructose seems to dampen leptin response,” says Dr. Goran. He explains that fructose alters fetal hormonal development in such a way that the brain’s strong response to filling full is watered down. An issue that may be a contributor to childhood obesity.

Previous research at USC Keck School of Medicine found that in countries that produce HFCS and therefore consume it (the largest of which is the U.S.), incidence of type 2 diabetes was 20 percent higher than in countries that don’t produce and consume HFCS. 

“HFCS appears to pose a serious public health problem on a global scale,” says Dr. Goran. “The study adds to a growing body of scientific literature that indicates HFCS consumption may result in negative health consequences distinct from and more deleterious than natural sugar.”

Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock 

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According to the International Business Times:

A source told Grazia: "Kate has researched various birthing methods. She wants it to be natural, so hypno-birthing is one option that appealed and she had been reading up on it and listening to CDs to get into the right frame of mind.

HypnoBirthing is supposed to remove some of the fear behind giving birth, calming the body and mind of the mother. Self hypnosis is used to soften the pain and discomfort of birth similar to Lamaze classes and yoga. According to a report on CNN, "Moms who've taken HypnoBirthing classes give birth at hospitals. Some choose to get pain medication, epidurals or cesarean sections. Others elect to give birth at home. The point of HypnoBirthing is that giving birth is natural and can be done with less anxiety, its practitioners say."

The Duchess of York had used hypnotherapy first to ease the acute morning sickness that landed her in the hospital at the beginning of her pregnancy. Acute morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a fairly common complication in pregnancy characterized by painful nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and malnutrition. It's a much more extreme form of morning sickness. 

Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage

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Researchers found that of young adults leaving a bar on a Saturday night, 41 percent of designated drivers had been drinking and 20 percent had been drinking enough to be considered impaired. 

It turns out designated drivers don’t necessarily think that the term means fully abstaining from all alcohol as many safety advocates had formerly charged. Americans, like Europeans, think the term simply means to stay below the legal limit. 

NPR reports:

Some studies have found driving skills impaired with a blood alcohol level of 0.02 percent — much lower than the 0.08 percent that's the current legal limit across the U.S. At 0.05 percent, pretty much everyone's unable to drive very well.

In the study, which was conducted at the University of Florida, 1,071 people took breath tests as they were leaving a bar in Gainesville after a football game. Of the participants, 165 claimed to be designated drivers and of them, 41 percent had been drinking. Of the 41 percent, 17 percent had blood alcohol levels (BAL) below .02 and 18 percent had a BAL of .05 and higher. 

According to the study, “These findings identify the need for consensus across researcher, layperson, and communication campaigns that a DD must be someone who has abstained from drinking entirely.”

DDs play an important role in a country where, according to the CDC, over 10,000 people are killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (31 percent) of all traffic-related deaths. Additionally, in 2010, over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. 

Photo: Istock/Thinkstock

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It also adds a cultural experience to our meals. We’re eating outside with family and friends enjoying the warm evenings and longer days. It’s part of the American experience more than any other cooking method. 

Consider amping up your grilling experience with some of these healthful tips:

1. Shrimp

Shrimp are so good for you. They have iodine, a nutrient that many women lack, which is needed for the production of thyroid hormone. The body does not make iodine, so it is an essential part of your diet.

Shrimp can dry out on the grill so it’s best to cook them with the shell still on. Additionally, point the tails in the same direction for good presentation and use double pronged skewers so that the shrimp don’t slip and are easy to flip on the grill. Extra large shrimp are usually a good investment if you’re grilling.

2. Sweet Potatoes

We don't often think of sweet potatoes as a food that's good for grilling but their firm texture and sweet flavor make them ideal. Try this simple marinade. 

Cilantro-Lime Marinade 

1 cup chopped cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
2 Tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Whisk together and paint onto sweet potatoes.

3. Patty Pan Squash

Everyone likes grilled summer squash but patty pan is even more appealing to the eyes. In the summer time, it’s also pretty easy to pick up at the farmers’ market. 

Patty pan squash are a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin A, fiber, potassium, folate, copper, riboflavin, and phosphorus.

4. Asparagus

You can make an entire meal by chargrilling delicate asparagus and topping them with a poached egg. It’s elegant, restaurant quality food that any guest would feel honored to be served and at the same time, it’s a weekday meal. 

Asparagus is also one of the best, natural artery-clearing foods around, says Shane Ellison, an organic chemist and author of Over-The-Counter Natural Cures to Shape. "Asparagus works within the 100,000 miles of veins and arteries to release pressure, thereby allowing the body to accommodate for inflammation that has accumulated over the years." 

5. Pineapple

Grilling disks of pineapple caramelizes the outside, making them sweet and delectable. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence and you’ve got a fancy dessert. 

Pineapples are loaded with vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that defends your body against the free radicals that damage normal cells. Diets rich in vitamin C have been shown to stave off a host of illnesses. 

6. Cabbage 

Cabbage is delicious when it's charred and crispy on the outside. It's also a cruciferous vegetable. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale and are known for a compound that neutralizes toxins in the liver and helps cleanse the system as a result. 

Quarter cabbage and top with this tasty combo:

3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 heads quartered cabbage
Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Photo: IStock/Thinkstock/Ingram Publishing

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Bits of Truth

What seeds of truth can you gather from criticism? Have enough confidence to know what may actually be healthy without allowing your ego to reply negatively. In other words, you can learn from your own mistakes without letting someone tear you down. What can you learn about yourself from this criticism?

Truly listen to what people have to say. In my post on being a good listener I wrote that it doesn’t just mean hearing what someone else is saying, but truly trying to consciously understand what they mean.

Your Reaction to Criticism

Don’t attack back with the force of your ego, instead take a moment to be mindful of your instinctive response. Watch it without letting it go into action. Then take a few moments to react like the person you want to be: calm, collected, and thoughtful. This way your ego won’t get absorbed in the moment with regret being the following response. Again, there are no mistakes. You’re dealing with this criticism for a reason so what can you learn from it?

Practice Forgiveness and Letting Go

Forgive the person that criticized you even if it hurts you to do so. The more you carry around animosity, the more it actually impacts you. As you forgive, let go of the experience--don’t spend time dwelling on past negative experiences that you could spend moving forward with your life. 

“You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.” ― C. JoyBell C.

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"One in 10 people are highly attractive to mosquitoes," reports Jerry Butler, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of Florida.

Why are they biting? Well, male mosquitoes don't bite, it's just females who must have human blood to develop fertile eggs. 

"People with high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin surface attract mosquitoes," Butler tells WebMD. That doesn't necessarily mean that mosquitoes prey on people with higher overall levels of cholesterol, Butler explains. These people simply may be more efficient at processing cholesterol, the byproducts of which remain on the skin's surface.

Are you one of those people that mosquitoes love to feast on? Yet, at the same time, you don’t want to coat yourself in DEET? Try these effective, yet natural mosquito repellants:

1. Sip on cider vinegar.

Mosquitoes strongly dislike the smell of cider vinegar so you can either rub it on your skin or eat enough of it that you develop an odor. 

2. Burn sage and rosemary. 

Sage and rosemary smoke turns mosquitoes off so burn this herbal combination over coals. 

3. Plant the good stuff.

Marigolds, chrysanthemums, asters, and pyrethrum daisies all repel insects. Plant them on your porch or in your backyard. 

4. Take B-1.

According to the People's Pharmacy, taking 100 mg of vitamin B-1 (thiamine) may also be effective, though the original research on this was done in the 1940s and doesn't meet today's standards.

5. Take garlic capsules.

Similar to fleas, mosquitoes don't like garlic. The only problem is people don't really like garlic either. But if you don't mind, garlic capsules are another option. 

6. Consider the American Beautyberry plant.

According to Science Daily, the American Beautyberry plant is effective at repelling bugs. "Scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service housed at the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi have isolated compounds in the American beautyberry plant, Callicarpa americana, that may keep chomping insects away."

7. Dress prepared.

Avoid wearing dark colored clothing, perfumes, hairsprays, and other cosmetics. Mosquitoes are attracted and just can't wait to take a bite.

8. Oil up.

In addition to the obvious citronella oil, mosquitoes also dislike lemon eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, and geranium oil. Put a few drops in a spray bottle with water and you're all set.

Photos: Thinkstock

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Whether it’s your traffic-laden morning commute or a quick drive to the store, new research from Audi and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology finds that driving is one of our most stressful activities and, in fact,  our reactions to it can be compared to jumping out of a plane.

The study found that heart rate, facial expressions, and skin conductance (skin moisture level related to sweat glands, which is connected to the nervous system) and other health vitals showed that driving is among the most stressful activities that we do in our daily lives. Researchers compared our vitals while driving with other activities such as having breakfast or attending an economic lecture. 

“We found that certain driving situations can be one of the most stressful activities in our lives.”

“The data we received is fascinating. One study showed that getting side swiped by an oncoming car can be almost as stressful as jumping out of a plane,” said Filip Brabec, director of product management, Audi of America on CBSLocal.

Reduce Your Driver Stress Levels

What can you do to reduce driver stress? If possible, adjust your morning and evening commute so that it’s in off hours so you don’t get caught in a traffic jam every day. If possible, take public transportation, walk, or bike to your destination. If you must drive, take steps to relax your body. Take ten long, deep breaths before you get on the road. Soften your shoulders, release your jaw, and release the excessive tension with which you hold the steering wheel. Ask yourself “what’s the rush?” And must of all, treat others on the road like you would treat them in person so it’s not such a conflict-filled experience. 

Photo: IStockphoto/Thinkstock

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Italian doctors G. Crippa; D. Zabzuni; A. Cassi; and E. Bravi of Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital found that blood pressure increased from an average 121/71 to 129/82 for individuals consistently using their cell phones.

The increase in systolic blood pressure was less dramatic in those that were used to participating in 30 or more calls per day on their cell phones. 

According to Science Daily:

Systolic blood pressure rise was less drastic in patients who were used to participating in more than 30 phone calls per day. While the reason behind this is not known, Dr. Crippa speculates two possible reasons: "The subset of patients who were more accustomed to phone use were younger, which could show that younger people are less prone to be disturbed by telephone intrusions. Another possibility is that people who make more than 30 calls per day may feel more reassured if the mobile phone is activated since they are not running the risk of missing an opportunity."

According to the CDC, blood pressure is the pressure with which blood hits the artery walls. When blood pressure stays high for a long period of time it can cause health problems including heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S. One third of Americans suffer from high blood pressure and as of December 2012, 87 percent of Americans had cell phones.

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According to the study, reported in Science Daily, 26.2 percent of study participants binge drank up to twice per week and 3.1 percent binge drank more than twice per week. Study results were adjusted for demographics, medical conditions, and elevated depression. 

The results were astounding: 84 percent of those that binge drank more than two times per week were likely to report regular insomnia.

"It was somewhat surprising that frequent binge drinking (more than 2 binge drinking days per week, on average), but not occasional binge drinking (more than zero, but less than 2 binge drinking days per week, on average) had a significant association with self-reported insomnia symptoms," said lead author Sarah Canham, PhD, postdoctoral fellow in Drug Dependence Epidemiology, John Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health in Baltimore, Md on Science Daily.

The study followed 4,970 adults age 55 and older from a 2004 Health and Retirement study. Participants reported on how many days per week they had had more than four drinks in the prior three months. They also reported on whether they had difficulty falling asleep, waking too early, and not feeling rested the next day. This is the first study of its kind.

"Clinicians and health care providers should be aware of and discuss the use of alcohol with their older patients, particularly those who report poor sleep," said Canham. "Binge drinking behaviors may be an appropriate target for improving poor sleep."

Photo: Stockbyte/Thinkstock

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