Consumer Report

How to Find a Family Counselor

When you've made the decision to bring your family to a family counselor, you might not know what to look for in a good therapist. Whether you're looking for someone to help you become a better communicator with your family, or you're hoping to...

Fish Oil Specifications

Fish oil is a dietary supplement that provides omega-3 fatty acids, a substance that the human body cannot create. The omega-3 acids, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are essential to assisting brain function, promoting coronary...

Is N-Acetyl Cysteine Good for Colds?

N-acetylcysteine, or NAC for short, is a pharmaceutical drug and nutritional supplement derived from an amino acid known as L-cysteine. Doctors may recommend NAC to reduce the intensity of the common cold and related viral infectious diseases such...

Bikes for Exercise

Using bikes for exercise is a good exercise option, especially for people with back or joint problems. Cycling is a low-impact workout that can provide excellent aerobic benefits, report researchers at Consumers Report. Stationary exercise bikes...

The Best Hybrid Used Cars

You'd like to have an ecologically-friendly car, but one of the biggest consumer complaints about new hybrids is their sticker prices. They can cost 35% to 40% more than their gas-powered counterparts. That's why it's important to have a good idea...

Types of Breast Pumps

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with solids for the first 12 months of your baby's life. Breast pumps can help you achieve this goal when you cannot...

Bike Seat Safety for Babies

Having your baby on board or behind your bicycle combine the both of best worlds: you get your exercise while your tot gets some fresh air and sunshine. Unless your baby is old enough, however, Consumer Reports warns that this may lead to...

Common Sources of Food Poisoning

Foodborne illness, or food poisoning, can come from a variety of food sources. Many times, the food source becomes contaminated with a microorganism from the soil, water or animal/human waste. Other times, the food carries the infectious organism...

Natural Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements

High cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy, soft, fatty substance that is produced in your body and also consumed in food. It can cause atherosclerosis,...

How Do Body Fat Scales Work & Are They Accurate?

Although a scale is a useful tool in measuring weight loss, it is limited to evaluating only one component: weight. When it comes to health risks related to being overweight, fat is the culprit. Measuring body fat percentage is a better indicator...

Pharmaceutical Brands of Fish Oil

Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids that the U.S. National Library of Medicine supports as an effective treatment for high blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods such as fish, vegetable oils and nuts, however...

What Are the Dangers of Acai Berry Supplements?

Acai berries are marketed as a "super food" and touted for their health benefits and supposed weight loss effect. While acai berries offer many nutritional benefits, there are also dangers associated with acai berry supplements. The red berry is...

How to Make a Notation on My Credit Report

You are entitled to make notations on your credit report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). These notations are called consumer statements, according to the BCS Alliance website. They give your side of a dispute if you were unable to get...

The Best Way to Lose Weight Without Videos or Machines

Losing weight can be a challenging task for anyone. It requires consistency and motivation to commit to a specific diet and fitness plan. The fitness industry has evolved tremendously, and it provides people with tools such as workout videos and...

About the Fair Credit Reporting Act

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), enacted in 1971, was prepared by Federal Trade Commission, the agency that currently enforces it. The purpose of the FCRA is to ensure accuracy in a consumer's credit report, provide the consumer a way...

Black Women & Hair Loss

Hair loss in black women can be caused by a number of reasons, including excessively tight hair styling methods, medication, chemical and heat damage, illness, hormonal changes, heredity, and vitamin deficiencies. Hair loss is, in many cases,...

How to Negotiate a Lower Interest Rate on Credit Cards

Credit cards can be a very useful tool when used correctly. Sometimes, however, you can be slapped with an interest rate that can seem almost enslaving. Having a high interest rate doesn't necessarily indicate a life-sentence and can be negotiated...

The Best Way to Lose Weight Off of Your Hips

Two factors play a role in the width and size of your hips. One is the size of your hip bones and the other is the excess fat stored around your hips. You can't change your bone size but you can lose the fat around your hips. In order to lose your...

Can I Take a Fish Oil Capsule With Milk?

Fish oil capsules come in a variety of forms; some are more palatable than others. Drinking milk is one possible way to mask the taste and reduce the fishy aftertaste. No evidence available suggests that taking fish oil with milk is harmful, but...

Credit Counseling Effects on a Credit Report

The act of seeking credit counseling is not reflected on a consumer's credit report. However, information collected by Experian, Equifax and TransUnion is gleaned from creditors who report how the consumer manages a specific debt. This type of...

The Truth About Diet Pills

There is a fine line between truth and fiction -- it's always easier to believe the latter. When it comes to diet pills, you may want to believe the hype and promises behind the marketing. Lose 15 lbs. in 10 days? Of course you want to believe...

The Best Home Weight Benches

Essential pieces of equipment for any home gym are a weight lifting bench and a pair of adjustable dumbbells. You can perform dozens of strength-training exercises with these two pieces of equipment, getting an effective workout without the...

Slendertone Pros & Cons

Slendertone is an electrical muscle stimulation device (EMS). This means that a mild electrical current produced by the device forces involuntary contractions from your muscles. Advertisements for commercial EMS systems, including Slendertone,...

What Can I Take to Help Me Lose Weight?

Losing weight can be challenging -- and you may have discovered that it takes more time than you think. Before you reach for an over-the-counter pill that promises to curb your appetite, make sure you get the scoop on these supplements. Many...

How to Clear Old Items Off a Credit Report

Each record that appears on your credit report has a predetermined "life," points out the financial advisers at Credit.com. Most old items, including negative reports of charged-off accounts, repossessions, collections records and foreclosures,...