Debunking Fuel-Economy Myths

Like all drivers, you want to save gas and do what’s right for your car. But along with the tried-and-true advice, there are some well-intentioned—if off-the-mark—tips that can lead you astray. Below are several common myths about fuel use and gas mileage, and the real stories behind them.


A dirty air filter drops gas mileage
Our tests show that driving with a dirty air filter no longer has an impact on fuel economy, as it did with older engines. That's because modern engines use computers to precisely control the air/fuel ratio, depending on the amount of air coming in through the filter. Reducing airflow causes the engine to automatically reduce the amount of fuel being used. Fuel economy didn't change in the family sedan we tested, but it accelerated much more slowly with a dirty filter.


Warming up before driving is necessary
That was true back in the days of carburetors and chokes, but it isn’t the case with modern fuel-injected, electronically controlled drivetrains. Engines are most efficient when they’re at regular operating temperature, and the fastest way to reach that point is to drive right after starting the car.


Filling up when the air is cool gets you more gas
A common tip is to buy gasoline in the morning, when the air is cool, rather than in the heat of the day. The theory is that the cooler gasoline will be denser, so you will get more for your money. But most stations store the gasoline underground, so its temperature changes very little, if at all, during a 24-hour stretch. Any extra gas you get will be negligible.
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Nature's New Pain Relievers

You're in pain, and ibuprofen just won't cut it. NSAIDs don't agree with your stomach, and you're wary of stronger meds.

Fortunately, you have alternatives for natural pain relief. From herbs that attack inflammation to techniques that leverage the brain's remarkable healing powers, nature offers many treatments for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and even muscle strains. Here are eight natural remedies that may enhance or replace conventional antidotes, and leave you happier, healthier, and pain free.
As with any new form of treatment, it's important to consult your doctor before you begin to make sure it's safe for you.

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11 Foods That Make You Smarter

Better memory, test scores, and mood are all just a forkful away—if you pack your plate with the best brain-boosting foods such as berries, eggs, and chocolate (yum!). Let natural compounds in delicious foods act as the first line of brain-health defense, clearing your body of cancer-promoting free radicals, pesticides, and plasticizers while nurturing neurotransmitter health and chasing away depression. And remember—when it comes to choosing these foods, go the organic route. Many pesticides are neurotoxic and have been shown to lower IQ in kids.

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11 Quick Health Fixes

You're standing at the kitchen counter cutting the juicy watermelon you just hauled home from the supermarket. You can't wait to sink your teeth into it and... ouch! You sink the knife into your finger instead. Wincing in pain, you have to make a split-second decision: Bandage or cold water? In many cases, what you do (or don't do) first matters most. Knowing the right course of action will help you make the best choice. Whether it's treating a sunburn or stopping a bloody nose, read through for quick ways to treat common ailments.

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The Five Worst "Healthy" Fast Food Meals for Kids

Calling them contributors to the childhood obesity epidemic, a non-profit advocacy group made up of nutritionists and physicians has named the five worst "healthy" fast-food meals for kids -- and some longtime favorites are on the list.

For the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) study, dietitians took a look at the calories, fat, sodium, sugar, and cholesterol content using data from the fast-food restaurants' websites. They focused on many of the 53 large and small chain restaurants that participate in Kids Live Well, a program aimed at increasing the "healthful" options on their menus. (McDonald's ubiquitous Happy Meal was also included in the study, even though the chain isn't part of the Live Well campaign.)
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Diet Tips the Pros Tell Their Friends

Wish you had your own get-slim dream team? Well, you’re in luck: We tapped celebrated weight-loss pros and asked them to share the one strategy they feel makes the biggest difference.
Weave these seven wonders into your daily routine, and you’ll be wowed by how the little changes really do add up.

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