THE MOST COMMON LIFE JACKETS Because all boats must carry a Type I, II or III life jacket for each person on board, make sure you’re bringing the appropriate
type. In addition, all boats 16 feet or longer must also carry a type IV flotation device, which is a throwable device like a ring or cushion.
Type I Offshore Life Jackets These vests are geared for rough or remote waters where rescue may take a while. They provide the most buoyancy, are excellent for flotation, and will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water.
Type II Near-Shore Vests These vests are good for calm waters when quick assistance or rescue is likely. Type II vests will turn some unconscious wearers face up in the water, but the turning is not as pronounced as with a Type I.
Type III Flotation Aids These vests or full-sleeved jackets are good for calm waters when quick assistance or rescue is likely. They are not for rough waters since they will not turn most unconscious persons face up. Type III PFDs are used for water sports, such as water-skiing. Some Type III PFDs are designed to inflate when you enter the water.
CHOOSE A BUSY DOCTOR FOR SURGERY If your surgeon looks like Doogie Howser, don’t fret. University of Michigan Medical School researchers found that the number of surgeries a doctor performs is a better predictor than age in determining the quality of the surgeon. The study looked at death rates for complex heart and cancer surgeries. Doctors who had the highest volume of surgeries had fewer deaths, regardless of age. Study author Jennifer Waljee, M.D., a surgical resident at the University of Michigan, says patients
should also consider their comfort level with a surgeon, in addition to his or her experience. Don’t like yours? Find another doctor who’s busy.
-Health
GET OFF THE PHONE EASILY Next time a chatty acquaintance calls, resist the screening urge. Instead, answer with “I’m glad you caught me, but I only have a few minutes.” That way there’ll be no surprise a few minutes later when you interrupt her to say, “Oh no, I’m late! I really have to go. I’ll talk to you soon.” If you can’t set a time limit at the
beginning of the conversation, say her name, which makes people pause. Then jump in with “Oops, forgot to tell you, I have to run. It was great talking to you. We’ll talk again.” You’re home free, and there are usually no hard feelings. For extra damage control, add, “And thanks for calling!” after you say goodbye.
-Fitness
BY THE NUMBERS 8: Additional pounds lost by women who exercise to music, compared with those who sweat in silence.
-Prevention
SUGAR BY ANY OTHER NAME A product may contain sugar even if it’s not listed on the ingredient label. It hides under a variety of names, including barley malt, brown-rice syrup, dextrose, fructose, galactose, lactose, maltodextrin, sorghum, sucrose and turbinado.
