Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Sek3E-X63SM

You’ll make your best choice faster by quickly narrowing your alternatives to a pair.  Swiss psychologists now report the dynamics of this process after their study of 129 subjects attempting to finalize food choices from a menu.

The investigators unraveled the decision-making process by following the participants’ eye movements.  Those who arrived at a final choice most quickly, rapidly chose two possibilities as an intermediate step.

When selecting an entrée or a partner, use this rule of twos.  Whittle down your alternatives to a pair of the best.  Then focus on the pros and cons of each.  If a final decision eludes you, don’t stress but rather flip a coin. 

Sebastian Gluth, Nadja Kern, Maria Kortmann, Cécile L. Vitali. Value-based attention but not divisive normalization influences decisions with multiple alternatives. Nature Human Behaviour, 2020; DOI: 10.1038/s41562-020-0822-0

#decisionmaking #humanbehavior #selection

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/n8Fx1Wj1qzY

Aortic valve replacement by a minimally-invasive transcatheter technique, TAVR, yields long term results equal to those of open heart surgery.  Both restore a patient’s life expectancy to normal without an undue risk of post-op stroke.  

A just published multi-site study led by cardiologists at LA’s Cedar-Sinai Hospital followed more than 2,000 patients for 5 years following valve replacement.   Half underwent catheter and half surgery.  A study published last year revealed that catheter valve replacements had a 50% lower incidence of immediate bleeding, stroke, and death.

Not everyone is a candidate for TAVR.  If your doctors are recommending aortic valve replacement, do ask about it.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200130104927.htm

https://www.dicardiology.com/content/tavr-performs-well-compared-surgical-aortic-valve-replacement-low-risk-patients

#TAVR #aorticvalvereplacement #transcatheter #heartsurgery

Touching Foods Enhances Eating Experiences

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/zHerBqSyA4w

Handling food makes it tastier for individuals who select their meals with health in mind.  Marketing researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology tested a group of 190 undergraduates half of whom ate healthy cheese cubes or unhealthy mini donuts with their fingers and half with a toothpick.

The results show that touching food intensifies the satisfaction of consumption and the savory experiences but only for those particular enough about their food choices to make healthy choices.  Those shoveling anything in didn’t benefit from touching it and maybe didn’t notice they did.

Eating will be more rewarding if we take our time to enjoy food.  Stuffing your mouth only earns you more pounds.

Adriana V. Madzharov. Self-Control and Touch: When Does Direct Versus Indirect Touch Increase Hedonic Evaluations and Consumption of Food. Journal of Retailing, 2019; 95 (4): 170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jretai.2019.10.009

#eating #utensils #savoring

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Sun Organic Wintergreen Essential Oils recalled due to inadequate child-resistant packaging and risk of poisoning due to the methyl salicylate component.  Secure the product out of reach of children and contact company at 800-216-7295 for a replacement with safe packaging.

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/phgFpIJvc7k

#skinoil #recall #poisoning

Star Water Systems Sump Pumps recalled due to overheating and fire risk.  Discontinue use and contact company at 800-742-5044 to obtain a full refund.

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Uuvyfhb13Jg

#sumppump #firerisk #recall

Juratoys Sophie la Giraffe Bead Maze Toy recalled since the toy has small parts that fail to meet federal safety standards.  Specifically the wooden triangle shape is a choking danger.  For questions, call the company at 855-665-9287 to check if your batch is being recalled.. 

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/HvNJ3c60gak

#toyrecall #choking

Country Home Products DR Walk Behind Leaf Blowers recalled since blades may break off and fly out of the unit.  Stop using produce and contact company at 800-687-6575 for instructions regarding refund.

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/PsPZKjcpVJY

#leafblower #recall

Infantino Infant Carriers recalled due to faulty buckles that can break and create a fall hazard.  Stop using and contact company for directions to receive a replacement carrier at 800-840-4916.

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/tQ7DqXML7BA

#infantcarrier #recall

Rawlings Catcher Helmets recalled since the back plate can fail to protect and lead to a head injury.  Sold in: US and Canada.  Return product to point of purchase or call 800-729-5464.

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/F_XOfcBOxkE

Rooms To Go #Patmos #ChaiseLounge Chair #recalled due to violation of the federal lead paint ban.  Stop using the chairs and contact company at 855-688-0919 for a replacement.