Foods Better Together

Certain foods are more nutritious when eaten together. Here are six combinations to remember.

Sweet potato wedges and olive oil. Healthy fats in olive oil increase the absorption of beta-carotine in the sweet potato.

Lentils and red peppers. The vitamin C in peppers helps absorb more iron from the lentils.

Brown rice and onions. Onion and garlic boost the absorption of zinc and iron from wholegrains.

Avocado and tomatoes. Healthy fats in the avocado help your body absorb more of the lycopene in the tomato.

Fish and red wine. Polyphenols in red wine protect the omega-3 fats in oily fish from breaking down in the body.

Egg and salad. Adding eggs to salads makes it easier to absorb health-boosting carotenoids in the raw vegetables.

Source: Feature in Good Housekeeping, October 2017

Netiquette

How to use social media sensibly.

1. Watch where you tweet (not when talking to someone, at the dinner table or during a performance - except a pop concert)
2. Beware of posting pictures of children.
   # Don't tag a friend's child in a photo without parental consent.
   # Don't tag other adults in pictures with seeking their permission first.
   # Don't post pictures of under-13s even if it is your child.
3. Don't comment on news that has not been made public.
   #Warn children not to post about a death in the family before everyone has been told.
4. Be careful what you post.
   # Chronic complaining is irritating.
   # Over-sharing is inappropriate.
   # Like farming (asking for Likes or Shares) is annoying.
   # Brag posts put people's backs up. Stick to only posting about really big achievements.
5. Ignore, decline, unfriend
   # Most people think it is odd to connect with a stranger on Facebook.
   # Most people are happy to ignore or decline a request, regardless of sender.
   # 61% of people think being friends with your boss is unwise.
   # Many people would avoid their children's friends on the social network.

Rudeness is a big turn-off on social media, as are opposing political views or repetitive posts. Don't want to seem rude by unfriending someone? Hide their updates from your news feed without them knowing - search for their profile, tap the icon Friends and then select Unfollow.

Source: Feature in Good Housekeeping September 2017

Citrus Juice and Phytophotodermatitis

While lime and lemon are often eaten in the summer, if you get the juice on your skin and then expose that skin to sunlight, it can lead to phytophotodermatitis.

This appears as mild burns, blisters or skin discolouration, usually some 24 to 48 hours later.

After handling citrus, wash the juice from your skin before going outside.

Source: Health page in Good Housekeeping August 2017

To Tip or not to Tip?

Customs on tipping for good service vary significantly from country to country.

• In Japan there is a no tipping culture and you may offend your waiter if you try to give them money.
• In America, tips are very much expected and it's rude if you don't leave anything.
• In France the service charge must be included in the bill by law. However, many locals will also leave some coins as an extra sign of appreciation.

Research before you travel. In some countries you will be expected to tip taxi drivers and hotel staff, so you'll need some local currency from the start.

Source: Item in Good Housekeeping, August 2017

Avoid Cyber Attacks

As more criminals use the anonymity of the internet, cyber attacks are on the rise. A feature in Good Housekeeping magazine suggests the following tips.

1. Don't use unsupported operating systems as security holes aren't patched. If you are using Microsoft XP (unsupported since 2014) or older operating systems you should upgrade immediately.
2. Always apply updates; fixes for problems are constantly released so turn on automatic updating.
3. Use security software. Install antivirus software - preferably one with anti-ransomware. Free versions that include anti-ransomware are Avast, AVG and Bitdefender.
4. Back up your files on secure online storage or an external hard drive so you won't be at the mercy of hackers.
5. Be wary of attachments - even if you know the sender. If you are expecting the attachment, that's ok. Otherwise, check with the sender before opening.

Source: feature in Good Housekeeping, August 2017