Month: March 2021

Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR It doesn't take an expert to know that money is so much more than dollars and cents. Our relationship with money is emotional. Hopes and fears, guilt and shame — they can all play a significant role in your financial life. And those feelings can be tied to lots of things: our upbringing, our environment, plus, y' know, all the money messaging in the world and the media. But honing those feelings and creating your own strong, secure financial voice? That takes some expertise. Tiffany Aliche, better...

There are renewed concerns that the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in the U.S is moving in the wrong direction. Hospitalization rates are on the increase and the number of cases is climbing in 33 states. Nearly 15% of the total U.S. population, however, is now fully vaccinated, according to the CDC, and almost half of seniors 65 and over are fully vaccinated. A daily record of more than 3.3 million shots wwas reported on Friday, pushing the total number of doses administered in the United States to more than 136 million. "We have the weapon that wins the war, we have the weapon that kills the enemy. But, it has to be here," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Friday, pointing to his arm. The push for vaccinations went into even higher gear this week — from pop-up centers opening in ...

It’s probably no surprise that preservative-packed foods like Pop Tarts, Cheez-Its, and Rice Krispies Treats aren't great for you, but here’s a twist: a new study reveals that they may actually deliver a serious blow to your immune system. Breaking research from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found that over 1,250 popular foods contain two chemicals that are likely harming your health: tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Read on to find out why you should stop consuming foods with these two ingredients before getting your COVID vaccine, and for more foods to cut from your diet ASAP, If You're Eating This for Breakfast, Stop Immediately, FDA Says. The new stu...

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) — Maryland reported 14 new COVID-19 related deaths and saw a rise in hospitalizations on Saturday, according to data from the State Department of Health. The state reported 1,366 new cases, bringing the total to 406,709. READ MORE: Maryland Weather: Severe Storms Possible Throughout Much Of The Region Sunday Afternoon A total of 8,061 Marylanders have died as a result of the virus. Hospitalizations now stand at 947, up 14 since Friday. Of those, 238 patients are in ICU beds, while 709 are in acute care. The statewide positivity rate went down slightly to 4.58%. As of Saturday, 877,651 Marylanders are fully vaccinated. The state has administered 2,481,607 doses in total: 1,603,956 first doses and 812,297 second doses. Some Marylanders got their first dose of...

Saccharin – the first artificial sweetener - was discovered by accident when, in 1879, Professor Ira Remsen from Johns Hopkins University noticed a sweet substance on his hands after experimenting with different chemicals in the laboratory.   Saccharin quickly became extremely popular, mainly due to how cheap it was. It was particularly widespread during World War II, when real sugar was in short supply. Today, artificial sweeteners are central to the huge market of diet- and sugar-free food and drinks. Their attraction today is not only how cheap they are, but their potential to combat the increasing threat of obesity and its associated health impacts. Saccharin is over 200 times sweeter than sugar but has zero calories. Does this mean that we should replace all sugar with artificia...