Physicians Urge Americans to Stop Wasting Money on Supplements

Many people pop a multivitamin each day, believing they are boosting their health; however, new research suggests that routine dietary supplements may be unnecessary or even harmful.
In a new editorial in Annals of Internal Medicine (AOIM), physicians urge Americans to “stop wasting money on vitamin and mineral supplements.” The editorialists—referencing new research included in the same issue of the journal—warn that, “[m]ost supplements do not prevent chronic disease or death, their use is not justified, and they should be avoided.” This is especially true for people who lack symptoms of nutritional deficiencies, including most supplement users. In fact, in some cases, supplements may cause harm.
“We need vitamins and minerals to function,” explains one of the editorialists, Dr. Eliseo Guallar. “So many people think, ‘the more you get, the better you should be.’ But we actually have a lot of accumulated evidence that vitamin supplements aren’t helping. They aren’t working in the general population to prevent chronic disease.”

Supplements May Not Prevent Cancer, Could Cause Harm

In a new review article in AOIM, published early online, researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, Oregon examined 26 studies of dietary supplements, including single, paired, or multivitamin combinations of nutrients.
The researchers found no consistent link between supplement use and decreased risk of cancer, heart disease, or all-cause mortality. Only two studies showed a potential link between multivitamin use and cancer prevention among men. However, the statistical significance of those links was limited and no benefits were found for women.
The researchers also found no consistent pattern of harm with multivitamin use. But they did find several studies linking specific supplements to certain ailments. For example, beta-carotene supplements may boost the risk of lung cancer and death among high-risk populations, such as smokers.
10 Diet Changes to Extend Your Life

Multivitamins Don’t Prevent Cognitive Decline in Men

Multivitamins typically contain several nutrients believed to promote cognitive health—such as vitamins B, C, and E. However, downing a daily multivitamin may do little to keep your mind sharp, warn scientists from the Physicians Health Study II, also included in the new issue of AOIM..
The researchers assigned nearly 6,000 participants over the age of 64 to a daily multivitamin or placebo regimen. Over twelve years, they assessed changes in participants’ cognitive function and found no significant differences between multivitamin and placebo users.
The researchers conclude that daily multivitamin use provides no benefit for preventing cognitive decline.

High-Dose Multivitamins Won’t Stop Heart Problems

Daily multivitamins may also fall short of the mark for protecting patients with a history of heart attack.
In another study published in AOIM, researchers assigned over 1,700 men and women to a high-dose multivitamin or placebo regimen. All of the participants had experienced a heart attack at least six weeks before the start of the study.
After an average follow-up of 4.6 years, the researchers found no difference in the rate of recurrent cardiovascular events among participants who took supplements compared to those who did not. Multivitamins did not appear to be harmful; however, the supplements also did not seem to offer any protection against ongoing heart problems.
Best Tips for a Healthier Heart

Supplements Do Provide Benefits in Certain Situations

For most people, eating a variety of healthy foods is all it takes to meet their nutritional needs. Plus, according to the Mayo Clinic, whole foods provide benefits that pills don’t offer – such as dietary fiber, protective phytochemicals, and micronutrients.
However, research shows that some people do benefit from certain supplements. For example:

• Women who may become pregnant should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent spina bifida and other birth defects, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who take folic acid in early pregnancy may also lower the risk of delivering a child with autism, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
  
• Women who are pregnant may also benefit from iron supplementation to protect against anemia. Prenatal iron supplements may also reduce the risk of low birth rates, advises a recent review of over 90 studies.
  
• Vegetarians and vegans who avoid meat, eggs, and dairy should eat foods fortified with B₁₂ or take supplements, counsels the Harvard Health Letter. People over the age of 50 are also at risk of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, which may impact balance, memory, and possibly mood.

Before you stock up on multivitamins or other supplements, exercise some extra caution: take the time to ask your doctor if they are right for you.

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/physicians-urge-americans-stop-wasting-money-supplements

Scary Symptoms You Can Relax About

Don't hit the panic button

It has been nearly 20 years since I officially practiced medicine, but my friends and family consider me their frontline medical adviser. In an age when it is hard to get a doctor on the phone and can be pricey to see one, I remain really good at screening symptoms. The vast majority of the time, I can assure people that their anxiety is unfounded. Of course, every once in a while, my advice is "Yikes, worry more!" Here are some common medical worries you can set aside—along with a little guidance on when you should indulge them.

Don't worry about: A single elevated blood-pressure reading

The human body is constantly changing in response to an array of factors: stress, medications, what you eat, how you sleep. This is definitely true of blood pressure, particularly the top number in the blood-pressure measurement, the systolic blood pressure. In fact, there is a phenomenon called "white coat hypertension," in which blood pressure goes up when the measurement is taken at the doctor's office because you're nervous about having it checked! A friend of mine was recently in the hospital, hooked up to a display that checked his blood pressure every 15 minutes, with tremendous variation. It nearly drove him crazy.

13 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

When to worry about blood pressure

If you get a high reading several times in a month, talk to your doctor; untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke. Extremely elevated blood pressure (systolic pressure over 180 or diastolic pressure over 110) is a medical emergency.

Don't worry about: A blood-test result that's a little high or low

Even if the lab report says the number is out of normal range, that value is most likely normal for you. For his entire life, my husband has had a slightly low platelet count, but he has never had bleeding problems (platelets help with clot formation). No problem, no disease. Part of the reason a new doctor does routine blood work when you're feeling good is so that she can learn what is typical for you.

Don't worry about: Low blood pressure

You know the saying "You can never be too rich or too thin"? Low blood pressure is kind of like that. It puts less stress on your organs, so it's generally considered a good thing.

When to worry: If low blood pressure leaves you feeling lightheaded or faint, or if you feel your heart fluttering, then you need to see a doctor.

Don't worry about: A couple days of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

People want to know if it's food poisoning or a virus, but in terms of healing, it doesn't really matter. If there is no intense abdominal pain, high fever or blood in your stool, your body will take care of it. The important thing is not to get dehydrated. I prefer that old favorite, flat ginger ale, but any clear liquid, like water or Gatorade, will do.

When to worry about vomiting: If you feel faint or are vomiting up blood, get to the doctor.

Don't worry about: Painless lumps

As bodies age, they develop a wide variety of lumps. The overwhelming majority of them are not cancerous. The causes of lumps are so numerous that it is impossible to give a complete list here, but they range from benign cysts to fatty deposits under the skin (called lipomas). Make sure you show them to your doctor on your next visit, but try not to be too alarmed.

When to worry about lumps

Some lumps should be evaluated as soon as possible. Breast lumps should never be ignored. Lumps that are tender, warm and red could be from underlying infections that need treatment. Hard or fast-growing lumps should also be seen promptly.

Don't worry about: Bleeding

In terms of species survival, it's probably good that the sight of blood provokes panic. But most of us panic more than we should. Cuts on certain parts of the body, like the scalp, can bleed profusely, but that shouldn't necessarily cause alarm. Put pressure on a cut for 5 to 10 minutes to see if you can get it to stop bleeding. If you can't, or if the two sides of the slice seem widely separated, you may need stitches to help healing.

When to worry about bleeding: If you're not sure whether a cut needs stitches, it's not wise to wait and see. Wounds need to be stitched within 24 hours or the risk of infection rises markedly.

Don't worry about: A little rectal bleeding

The most embarrassed call I receive concerns blood on toilet paper or in the bowl. It is almost always related to hemorrhoids or small cuts in the rectal area rather than a sign of an ulcer or cancer. Try taking a stool softener, or eat more fruits and vegetables to do the same trick.

When to worry about rectal bleeding: If the bleeding persists for more than two or three days or is painful, head to the doctor.

Don't worry about: Sharp, localized chest pain

We tend to associate the chest with the heart, but there are lungs, bones, muscles and digestive organs in there, too. Sometimes chest pain that's worse with a cough, a deep breath or movements of the torso, like lifting or twisting, can be caused by strains or irritation in the small muscles and ligaments that surround the ribs. These can be due to injury or a viral infection and generally resolve themselves; a nonsteroidal medicine like ibuprofen may help in the meantime.

When to worry about chest pain: If you are also short of breath or have a fever, see a doctor. In that case, sharp, localized pain could be a sign of a lung problem. And if you have any doubt about whether you should get medical help for chest pain, it's always better to err on the side of caution.

Don't worry about: Rashes

During my medical training, I had an itchy rash on my arms and legs. It lasted two weeks and went away. I still have no idea what it was. Minor rashes are part of life, and no cause will be found for many of them. Use common sense to treat symptoms—taking an antihistamine or applying hydrocortisone cream can help with itching, for example—and think about new products or foods you've come in contact with so you can try to avoid a recurrence. Have you used any new shampoos? Is the rash only on the legs (in that case, think plant allergy)? Only on areas exposed to the sun? Only on areas under clothing?

Danger in the Beauty Aisle: 19 Ingredients that Cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Skin Rash)

When to worry about rashes: If an itchy rash comes on suddenly while taking a medicine (particularly an antibiotic) or eating a new food, seek immediate medical attention, especially if you also have shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing. It could be the start of a life-threatening allergic reaction. Also, if the itching is unbearable despite over-the-counter treatment, you might need something stronger, like a short course of steroids.

Should you worry more?

As I said, usually my advice involves calming unneeded anxiety. Most of my friends are worriers. But there is another type of patient—the denier—and those people should worry more. That group would include my own husband. So if you're one of them, here are a few things that should always prompt an urgent medical visit: chest pain or pressure that you can't localize with one finger and comes back every time you exercise; the worst headache of your life; intense abdominal pain, particularly if accompanied by fever; and shortness of breath severe enough that you have trouble finishing a sentence. This list is by no means complete, but these symptoms should set off immediate alarms. Put down this magazine and see a real doctor!

 

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/healthcare/scary-symptoms-you-can-relax-about

Where the Jobs Will (and Won't) Be in 2014

Getty Images/Getty Images - Thinkstock

If you hope to land a job in the next three months, where in the country will you find the most vibrant job market? According to the just-released Employment Outlook Survey from staffing giant ManpowerGroup, the No. 1 spot is the Deltona, FL metropolitan region, which includes Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach on the state's east coast.

Each quarter, Manpower surveys employers about whether they plan to add or cut jobs, keep employment levels the same, or haven't yet decided. In the Deltona area, a net 24% of companies plan to hire new staff in the first quarter of next year.
That compares with a net 13% of U.S. employers who expect to add to their workforces next quarter. According to Manpower president Jonas Prising, that's the strongest nationwide number since the first quarter of 2008, before the recession hit. At that point a net 16% of U.S. employers expected to add jobs. The number is up one point from the same period last year and significantly up from the weakest in the history of the survey, 4% in the first quarter of 2010. "If you look back over the last four years, employers have gradually but consistently and doggedly improved their outlook," says Prising. "It's been slow and steady and as we look into the first quarter of 2014, we see no change."
[More from Forbes: The Easiest And Hardest Cities For Finding A Job Right Now]
To gauge companies' hiring plans, Manpower surveyed more than 18,000 employers in the U.S., gathering data in the top 100 metro areas. It used a research firm that quizzed hiring managers and human resource professionals by phone and email over the first two weeks of October. The firm asked one multiple-choice question about companies' plans for the first quarter of 2014: How do you anticipate total employment at your location to change in the next three months to the end of March 2014, as compared to the current quarter? Companies could choose four answers: Increase staff. Reduce staff. Keep staff levels the same. Unsure. Then Manpower crunched the numbers and came up with a "net employment outlook." The survey is a rough measure, since it doesn't count the number of jobs employers plan to add or subtract, but simply asks whether they plan to hire or fire.
Lisa Hancock, Manpower's central Florida executive vice president, says the Deltona area is producing new jobs in both the hospitality business and in professional and business services, with a big player in the professional services set to open a call center (the plans aren't yet official so she couldn't name the company). Another boon to the area: the new SunRail commuter train, set to open early next year.
After Deltona, the second-strongest hiring outlook is in McAllen, TX, near the southernmost tip of the state. A net 23% of employers expect to add jobs there early next year. According to Kelli Stanton, Manpower's regional director for south Texas, two segments of the economy are growing fast. One is what she calls "twin maquiladoras." Auto plants in Reynoso, Mexico, produce cars and then companies in McAllen inspect the vehicles and ship them out. Retail businesses like Walmart, Costco, Dillard's and Macy's also benefit from McAllen's proximity to Mexico as people cross the border to shop. In addition, the young bilingual population has spurred a growth in call centers for companies like T-Mobile and Ticketmaster. Construction is also healthy as retirees, or "winter Texans," have moved to the area. That has spurred the expansion of health care services, producing hospital, residential care and home health care jobs.
[More from Forbes: The 10 Cities Where People Earn The Biggest Paychecks]
Third place on the list is shared by Austin, TX and Cape Coral, FL. In both cities, a net 20% of employers expect to hire in Q1. Cesiah Kessler, Manpower's regional director in Austin, says a slew of high tech companies are hiring, including Apple and Samsung. Austin-based National Instruments and Dell, based in nearby Round Rock. HID Global, a security company that makes key cards, keys and cyber-security systems, announced in late 2012 that it was building its North American operations center in Austin, and it is still hiring. Another company with hiring plans that's based in Austin: the Liquidation Channel, a QVC-like cable channel and website that sells jewelry and other discounted goods. The Cape Coral-Fort Myers area was No. 1 on the list last year, boosted by the recovering housing market and a low density rate, which leaves it plenty of room to grow. The housing recovery has fueled restaurants and retail businesses, including new Walmart and Sam's Club stores. In Fort Myers, a new waterfront development has also produced jobs.
At the other end of the spectrum is Buffalo, NY, where a net of -3% of employers plans to hire in Q1. But the hiring picture there is not all negative, insists Manpower's upstate New York and Vermont regional director, Deena Perro. Though high-paying manufacturing jobs have died out, and the Niagara Falls-related retail and hospitality economy has contracted, there has been growth in green and high tech manufacturing and also in health care and education. M&T Bank, a regional financial chain, has also added a new call center, which is hiring. The next-weakest metro areas, tied with a 0% hiring outlook: Chicago, Hartford, CT, and Memphis.
What does Manpower's Prising predict beyond the first quarter of 2014? "Despite everything we read about volatility, employers in the U.S. are seeing a gradually and steadily improving economy and they are hiring accordingly."
Where The Jobs Will Be In 2014

1. Deltona, FL
Net employment outlook: 24%

2. McAllen TX
Net employment outlook: 23%

3. (tie) Austin
Net employment outlook: 20%

3. (tie) Cape Coral, FL
Net employment outlook: 20%

4. Dallas
Net employment outlook: 19%

See more of The Places Jobs Will Be In 2014.

Where The Jobs Won't Be In 2014

1. Buffalo
Net employment outlook: -3%

2. (tie) Chicago
Net employment outlook: 0%

2. (tie) Hartford
Net employment outlook: 0%

2. (tie) Memphis
Net employment outlook: 0%

3. (tie) Boise, ID
Net employment outlook: 3%

See more of The Places Jobs Won’t Be In 2014.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/where-jobs-wont-2014-131600535.html

The 8 Worst Snacks for an Afternoon Slump

Crash-warning snacks

It's 3 p.m. You're hungry again and feeling sleepy. You might be tempted to reach for one of these common -- and deceptively healthy -- treats to perk yourself up, but don't. Our nutrition experts offer smarter picks to avoid an afternoon crash and stay full until dinner.

1. SKIP: Pretzels
 You may feel virtuous reaching for a bag of fat-free pretzels instead of fried potato chips. But don't do it. "It's not a snack that will energize you or keep your blood sugar level steady to get through the rest of your afternoon alert and focused," says registered dietitian Elisa Zied, author of Younger Next Week. "It provides calories, refined carbohydrates, too much sodium, and not much else to keep you nourished and satisfied long term."

Try instead: A whole-grain, high-fiber cereal mixed with two tablespoons of nuts, such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans, says Zied.

Related: 10 Ways Not to Pack on the Pounds During the Holidays

2. SKIP: Baked potato chips
 It's true that baked chips aren't bad as the regular variety, but they're still mainly fast-acting carbs (hello, blood sugar spike) with very small amounts of protein, fiber, and fat. Even so, "There are so many better, more filling foods that provide these nutrients that won't lead to the blood sugar crash that saps your energy," says Samantha B. Cassetty, M.S., R.D., nutrition director of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. 

Try instead: A different kind of crunch: dry roasted edamame. "A 1/4 cup serving has a whopping 14 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber with less salt than traditional chips," says Cassetty. "They're even a good source of iron -- a nutrient that many women fall short on."

3. SKIP: Sports and energy drinks
 Don't let healthy-sounding names deceive you. Like soda, energy drinks are pretty much straight sugar, which can cause -- you guessed it -- a sugar-fueled roller coaster ride. "Because there's no fiber and these drinks are often consumed on an empty stomach, the sugar will be absorbed rapidly," says registered dietitian Joan Salge Blake, a clinical associate professor at Boston University and a spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

Try instead: Sipping on zero-calorie water or fun, flavored seltzers (also calorie-free). People often mistake thirst for hunger.
4. SKIP: An apple
Don't gasp. Yes, fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but eating it alone won't keep you going. "Adding a little protein to the mix will help make it even more filling," says Cassetty.

Try instead: Pairing your fresh fruit with a few nuts, a dip made from nonfat Greek yogurt, a small schmear of nut butter, or a slice of protein- and calcium-rich cheese (think mini Babybel). 

Related: What to Eat to Speed Up Your Metabolism

5. SKIP: Frozen yogurt
The word "yogurt" makes it sound like a smart pick, right? Alas, frozen yogurt is full of sugar and calories (about 120 calories in a half cup). And it doesn't have as many probiotics or as much calcium as regular yogurt. Plus, it's very tempting to add some candy-based toppings.
Try instead: If you can't resist, indulge in moderation. "Get the smallest you can," says Blake. "And instead of adding candy on top, try fresh fruit." Better still: Grab a Greek yogurt topped with berries.

6. SKIP: Pita Chips
 "They have this huge health halo," says registered dietitian Karen Ansel, a spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "But they're really just straight carbs." And straight carbs will just cause your energy levels to crash. 

Try instead: Munch on the whole grain version of these chips -- or better yet, fresh veggies -- with a small amount of hummus.

7. SKIP: Smoothie
"If it's a smoothie just made with fruit and juice (all sugar), then you know you're going to crash," says registered dietitian Keri Gans, author of The Small Change Diet. Fruit is primarily carbs, which digest quickly in your body and that can lead to a slump. "And juices tend to be made with lots of fruit -- and therefore have lots of sugar," adds Cassetty. "Juicing also eliminates the fiber -- the filling part of fruit that also helps modify its impact on blood sugar." 

Try instead: Green tea is an energy-boosting options, say Ansel, because it contains an amino acid that aids alertness and concentration. Or, if you can't pass up the smoothie, go for a small size made with unsweetened yogurt.

Related: 8 Foods to Eat Now For a Flawless Complexion

8. SKIP: Candy bar
Tempting as it is, candy is obviously a no-no. "A little chocolate with its hint of caffeine can definitely perk you up," says Zied. "But your blood sugar will rise and fall flat soon after because candy's loaded with sugar and very low fiber."

Try instead: If it's a sweet treat you're after, get a nutty-chocolate fix from a protein-rich, low-sugar granola bar, like KIND or Kashi Dark Chocolate Coconut Layered Granola Bars.

- By Karen Springen

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/8-worst-snacks-afternoon-slump-142400044.html#!pll2T

Lost Wallet Returned to First Grader With Personal Note From Santa

Good Morning America/Courtesy Eric Arnold -

When one little first grader lost his wallet earlier this week in the Walmart parking lot in Warner Robins, Ga., he probably never expected to see his black leather Minnesota Twins money holder ever again.
But fortunately for the young boy, 'tis the season of magical Christmas cheer when Santa Claus keeps his eyes on children far and near. Or at least that's what Eric Arnold, from neighboring Macon, would like the boy to believe.

"My wife, myself and my kids were leaving Walmart and we just happened to see a wallet laying on the ground," Arnold, 38, told GoodMorningAmerica.com. "I picked it up and was going to bring it inside to return, but when I looked inside the wallet, there was nothing but a handwritten piece of paper that had the kid's name and home address, his elementary school and that he was in first grade."

See the World's Largest Gingerbread House
When he realized he had stumbled upon a child's prized possession, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Arnold brought the wallet home, carefully packaging it up along with a personalized letter designed to look like it was written by the jolly big man himself.
"Merry Christmas!," the note began, typed on official "From The Desk of Santa" letterhead. "I can't believe another year has gone by so quickly and it's almost time to visit you in [xxx] again. The elves have been very busy this year and I'll be bringing you something very special they created just for you. I'm sure you'll like it!"
As the letter continues, Santa Claus asks the boy to please leave snacks for him and the reindeer on Christmas Eve because they "get hungry flying to visit so many kids."
The thoughtful message concludes with a simple, "P.S. - While I was making sure you and other girls and boys were being good at Walmart, I found your wallet and thought you would like it back."
Can't get enough of the holidays? Click here for more festive stories.
Arnold mailed the magical package on Dec. 2, making sure to include a North Pole return address "just in case his family doesn't celebrate," so his parents "could intercept the letter" before getting to the boy.
Although he has no way of knowing if the lucky first grader has received his wallet yet, Arnold says he was "just spreading the Christmas cheer and showing that 'Hey, Santas are out there everywhere."
More than anything, Arnold says he hopes people take the time this season to "do a random act of kindness and see what comes back to you."

Most Popular Puppy Names of 2013

Thinking about getting that dog you've always wanted.... Here are the most popular puppy names!!

 

By Kristen Seymour

 

ThinkstockThe end of the year is a great time to sit back, reflect and be grateful for all the wonderful things that have happened in the past year. Like puppies. And their names.

Just like we did in with the top puppy names of 2011 and top puppy names of 012, we searched through Vetstreet's database of 925,000 puppies born since January 1 to determine what the most popular puppy names of the year are. While the top 10 don't yield too many surprises, we're noticing a few trends and have our eyes on a few rising stars. 

Check out vetstreet.com's infographic below or go to this link and click on the image to view a larger version.

Graphic by: Vetstreet

Top 10 Female Puppy Names The female puppies mixed things up a bit this year. The top four - Bella, Daisy, Lucy and Molly - remained No. 1 through 4 for the eighth straight year. Previously, Daisy had held the top spot for two years (2004-2005), and Molly had been No. 1 for four years before that (2000-2003), but Lola, which had moved up steadily over the past decade and jumped three spots to land at No. 5, dropped two places to No. 7.
Sadie and Sophie changed their order and moved up, claiming Nos. 5 and 6. Chloe and Maggie held tight at No. 8 and No. 10, but last year's No. 9, Coco, dropped down to No. 12 after only a year on the top 10 list, with Zoey moving up from No. 12.
See Also: 20 Hottest Dog Breeds
Top 10 Male Puppy Names While there was a bit of place-hopping, the top 10 most popular male puppy names stayed the same. In fact, the top five were exactly the same as last year, with Max at No. 1 for the eighth straight year, Buddy at No. 2 after spending four years in the No. 1 spot, and Charlie, Rocky and Cooper rounding it out.
No. 6 through No. 10 saw a bit of movement, with Duke moving up two spots to No. 6 and Jack moving up one to land at No. 8, which caused Bear and Bentley to move down on the list, one and two spots, respectively. Toby continued to hold its position at No. 10.
Puppy Names to Watch Zoey isn't the only rising star in the top 50 names, but it's worth noting that it has been gaining popularity quickly, moving up from No. 33 10 years ago.
Luna is the hottest female puppy name on the list, moving up from No. 84 a decade ago and jumping five spots since only last year, from No. 18 to No.13. Diesel, which landed at No. 13 this year, is the hottest male puppy name, climbing three spots since last year.
The trends of using traditional human and classic pet names seem to be holding strong as we make our way toward 2014. Will those trends continue? Only time will tell!
Can't get enough of pet names? Take a look at some recent fun pet lists.
-- 14 Celebrity Inspired Pet Names
-- 11 Pet Names That Are Real Mouthfuls
-- 11 Unique Names That Will Whet Your Appetite
-- 8 Clever Names Named After Famous Places

More on Vetstreet.com:
* 5 Dog Breeds You Haven't Heard of Yet (But Soon Will)
* This Designer Dog Is One Super-Smart Breed
* Why Does My Dog... Drop to the Ground When He Sees Others?

http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/most-popular-puppy-names-2013-135800100.html

Waitress who received alleged anti-gay receipt suspended pending investigation

 

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The New Jersey waitress who claimed she received an anti-gay message in lieu of a tip has been suspended pending an investigation.
Dayna Morales, a waitress at the Gallop Asian Bistro restaurant in Bridgewater, N.J., said that a couple who ate at the restaurant paid their bill but left no tip, saying "I'm sorry but I cannot tip because I do not agree with your lifestyle and how you live your life." Morales is gay.
However, the couple later came forward and provided their copy of the receipt to counter Morales' charges, along with a copy of the credit card statement indicating that the tip had been included. Now, the restaurant has suspended Morales pending its investigation into her conduct.
“Ms. Morales is currently not on our employee schedule while we are still working to complete our investigation," the restaurant wrote on its Facebook page.
Both the husband and the wife who ate the meal strongly protested the allegation that they left an anti-gay "tip," with the wife noting that she is left-handed and does not write like the receipt indicates, and the husband saying he did not vote for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie because of his opposition to gay marriage. Morales, in turn, has said the handwriting is not hers.

In the wake of the incident, Morales has drawn criticism from her co-workers. Morales, an ex-Marine, was reportedly discharged from the Reserve Corps in May under conditions other than honorable for failing to attend drills.

Contact Jay Busbee at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @jaybusbee.