The winner is… the Wynn Macau!
It’s the dream of every globetrotter to stay in a five-star hotel; any hotel that’s been awarded five out of five stars represents the pinnacle of the hospitality industry. Well, unless you take into account that a single hotel just received eight separate five-star ratings in a single assessment, more than any other resort. Then, you have a clear winner.
Forbes released its yearly Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating list at the end of February 2019. To determine the ratings, Forbes’ team of inspectors stays no fewer than two nights at each property and judges it on up to 900 separate criteria before awarding it stars. According to the Forbes Travel Guide site, five-star winners are “outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.” And for the third year in a row, a single hotel earned eight separate five-star ratings—Wynn Macau, a sleek, luxurious resort in the Macau region of China. (See how it compares with the most expensive luxury hotels in the world.)
The eight categories in which Wynn Macau earned five stars are its main Wynn Tower; its luxurious, all-suite Encore Tower; the spa; Encore Tower’s spa; and its four fine dining restaurants, each one unique and showcasing a different culture and cuisine. Wynn CEO Matt Maddox credits his company’s big win to its thousands of dedicated staffers. “Their commitment to excellence and ability to anticipate every need is what creates the singular five-star experience that only Wynn provides,” he said in a Wynn press release. (These are the hotels in Canada that have hosted royal guests.)
The Wynn name as a whole also won big. Between its three properties, Wynn Resorts received a whopping 19 five-star ratings in total. This puts Wynn Resorts ahead of every other independent hotel company in the world. And this also means that, if China is a little far away for you, you can still experience Wynn’s unrivaled luxury right within the United States; Wynn’s Las Vegas property raked in five of the five-star ratings. The remaining six went to Wynn Palace, Wynn’s second luxury resort in Macau that’s located on the opposite side of the city’s Outer Harbour from Wynn Macau.
You can also get an incredible hotel experience while staying at Canada’s 10 greatest hotels!
What’s behind the increase in turbulence?
This week 30 passengers were reportedly injured when a Turkish Airlines flight landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport encountered turbulent conditions. Injuries included bruises, bloody noses, and broken bones. In mid-February, a Delta Airlines flight made an emergency landing to assist three passengers in getting to the nearest hospital after some sudden and unexpected turbulence. Doctors treated 15 passengers after a flight from Miami to Buenos Aires last October for everything from severe bruising to nosebleeds after the plane caught some rough winds over Brazil. In 2016, 23 passengers were injured on a United Airlines flight after severe turbulence threw people into the cabin ceiling.
The list goes on. Turbulence has been become increasingly common, with painful outcomes for those on board. And more costly to the airlines, too. Forbes estimates that the cost of turbulence has risen to over $500 million each year in damages and delays. And there are no signs the increase in turbulence will be stopping anytime soon.
“The prevalence of transatlantic wintertime clear-air turbulence will increase significantly in all aviation-relevant strength categories as the climate changes.” A study from Advances in Atmospheric Sciences concludes.
How significantly? Experts from the University of Reading predict a 149 per cent increase in severe turbulence.
So how can you avoid being injured? “Always keep your seat belt fastened.” Dr. Paul Williams, a research fellow at Reading University studying the phenomenon said. “I never used to bother until I started studying incidents of turbulence and the injuries involved. Of course, that won’t protect you from someone else getting thrown in the air and landing on you, but it will substantially minimize your chances of getting hurt.” (Can you guess the five most punctual airports in the world?)
In addition, flight experts suggest adhering to your airline’s carry-on restrictions, using approved child safety seats for young children, and most importantly, listening to your flight attendants to help keep you and your family safe during rough skies. Turbulence can be nerve-racking, but here are some facts about flying that will help you stay calm.
As flights get bumpier there’s help on the horizon to help passengers steer clear of further injuries. Boeing is working on developing a laser that, when attached to the nose of an aircraft, would give pilots an extra warning about clear-air turbulence, the type of turbulence they currently are not able to detect until they’re right in the middle of it. This technology could give pilots the extra time they need to avoid the rough air and give flight attendants enough forewarning to secure the cabin to avoid potential injuries.
Next, take a look at 11 things travelling on a plane does to your body.
What’s the difference between lice and dandruff?
It’s very easy to tell when hair is dirty; it’s greasy, smelly, and sticky, too. If you spot little white dots as well, you might also think there’s lice or dandruff—but they aren’t the same thing. Although lice and dandruff both cause itching, that’s where the similarities between the two end.
Head lice are small parasitic bugs that live on the scalp and feed off your blood, according to Benjamin Garden, MD, a dermatologist practicing in Chicago. The insects lay yellow, brown, or white, eggs or nits in the hair. Dandruff, on the other hand, has nothing to do with bugs but rather inflammation and dryness in the scalp. The inflammation causes itchiness, redness, and what dermatologists call “scale.” No, not like fish scales, but tiny white flakes of dry scalp. Another difference is that dandruff isn’t contagious while lice are easily contagious through sharing brushes or getting close to hair with lice. (Don’t miss these eight ways to treat head lice.)
How can you see the difference between lice and dandruff?
Dandruff flakes easily come off of the hair, while nits usually stick on the hair, says Shari Lipner, MD, a dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. It’s best to have someone else check your scalp with a mirror and comb to get a good look, especially since it’s hard to see nits. Even after they hatch, the eggshell stays in the hair for several months, according to Dr. Garden. (Are you suffering from thinning hair? Doctors recommend this at-home trick.)
Dandruff scale is on the top of the scalp, but lice only lay nits on hair strands—not the scalp, Dr. Garden says. Similarly, dandruff is usually across the whole scalp. Head lice are typically behind the ears and on the back of the neck, with exceptions for extreme cases where nits are everywhere.
The treatment is also very different
Treating lice and dandruff are very different. Dr. Lipner says there are over-the-counter medicines and prescriptions to treat lice. You’ll need to comb the nits out of the hair, too. Make sure to wash brushes, combs, linens, and vacuum all carpets and rugs. As for dandruff, Dr. Garden recommends patients alternate showers using a shampoo with salicylic acid, which helps break down the scale, and ketoconazole, which helps decrease inflammation.
If all else fails, it doesn’t hurt to check in with your dermatologist about either or both of these conditions. If it turns out you have dandruff and not lice, here’s everything you need to know about dandruff.
This is the Best Beach in the USA
The USA is home to some of the best beaches in the world. When you think “gorgeous beaches,” your mind probably goes right to the white, sandy, turquoise water beaches in Hawaii. But the location that was deemed the best beach in the USA is actually a few thousand miles east of the islands’ shores. These are the beaches have the clearest water in the world.
TripAdvisor recently came out with their list of the best beaches in America and they gave Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida the top spot. The winners were determined by the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings by travelers over a 12-month period on TripAdvisor.
“The sugar fine white sand is a trademark of this fabulous beach. Perfect for a day in the sun. You might even spot a dolphin or two playing on the horizon,” a reviewer wrote on the TripAdvisor website.
Florida actually holds ten spots on the list of 25. Panama City Beach took third place, Saint Pete Beach fourth, and Pensacola Beach fifth. Unsurprisingly, Ka’anapali Beach in Hawaii came in second and six other Hawaii beaches also made the list. Check out the full list of the top 25 below.
- Clearwater Beach – Clearwater, Florida
- Ka’anapali Beach – Lahaina, Hawaii (Here’s what you should know before you book that Hawaii vacation.)
- Panama City Beach – Panama City Beach, Florida
- Saint Pete Beach – St. Pete Beach, Florida
- Pensacola Beach – Pensacola Beach, Florida
- Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida
- Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area – Puako, Hawaii
- St. Augustine Beach – Saint Augustine Beach, Florida
- Fort Lauderdale Beach – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Driftwood Beach – Jekyll Island, Georgia
- Cherry Grove Beach – North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Navarre Beach – Navarre, Florida
- Poipu Beach Park – Poipu, Hawaii
- South Beach – Miami Beach, Florida
- Hollywood Beach – Hollywood, Florida
- Coronado Beach – Coronado, California
- Wailea Beach – Wailea, Hawaii
- Ogunquit Beach – Ogunquit, Maine
- Newport Beach – Newport Beach, California
- Waikiki Beach – Honolulu, Hawaii
- Coligny Beach – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay) – Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
- Napili Beach – Lahaina, Hawaii
- Race Point Beach – Provincetown, Massachusetts
- Sandbridge Beach – Virginia Beach, Virginia
If you’re looking to go further afield for your next vacation, check out this list of the best beaches in the world.
The Real Reason Alex Trebek Has Never Retired
For 55 years, Jeopardy! has been a staple in North American households, with longtime host Alex Trebek becoming an honorary family member to many viewers. But there’s one Jeopardy! question even the most diehard fans would likely get wrong: when will Alex Trebek retire? The answer: not anytime soon, even after 35 years of hosting.
While many would start planning for retirement after more than three decades on a job, Trebek told People he’d be “lost” without Jeopardy! and he loves his role presenting trivia to eager contestants. In November 2018, he signed up for another three years on the show—a contract he intends to fulfill despite a recent cancer diagnosis. (Read up on how to spot the signs of pancreatic cancer here.)
“You get to a certain age, and if you’ve been doing the same show for 30 years, or the same job, whatever it is, for 30 years, wouldn’t you think about retirement?” Trebek told People. “What am I gonna do? I’m enjoying myself and I’m having a good time with what I’m doing now, but if I were to retire, what would I do? I’d be lost. My wife would say I’m getting on her nerves because I’m around all the time. I’m around most of the time anyway now except for two days.”
Trebek noted that people have wondered for years when he’ll retire, and while he’s committed to the show, that’s not to say he hasn’t thought about life beyond Jeopardy! Trebek expressed interest in staying in front of the camera as an actor. In 2018, during an interview with TMZ founder Harvey Levin, Trebek recommended that hockey announcer Alex Faust or CNN legal analyst Laura Coates could be his replacements—they’d both have to brush up on these Jeopardy! categories that stump everyone if either decided to consider the job down the road.
Trebek reminded loyal viewers of his dedication to the show in a video to fans where he gave an update on his health.
“I’m going to keep working and with the love and support with my family and with the help of your prayers also,” Trebek said. “I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease. Truth told, I have to because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years.”
During Trebek’s last health battle, the show and Trebek kept a united front. He took a brief medical leave in 2018 after a fall, but the show never resorted to a guest host—and here’s hoping they never have to. Now, check out these memory boosting tricks from a Jeopardy! whiz.
What’s the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath?
If someone does something scary, manipulative, or violent, it’s easy to call them a “crazy” or “psycho,” among other choice words. Psychologists, however, aren’t fans of calling people psychopaths or sociopaths.
In fact, the American Psychiatric Association’s fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) uses neither term. The closest thing is antisocial personality disorder (ASDP), according to Thomas G. Plante, PhD, a clinical psychologist, and professor who has been teaching for more than 30 years. “When talking about psychopathy and sociopathy, we’re mostly talking about certain types of people and their problematic behaviour,” Dr. Plante says. Whichever term you use, you’re generally referring to the hallmark symptoms of ASDP, such as lack of guilt, disregard for laws and social norms, and aggression, according to Psychology Today. (If you order this drink at the bar, you might just be a psychopath.)
If there is any useful distinction between the two terms, says Dr. Plante, it might be that “sociopath” can refer to people who are a product of their environment—especially the environment they grew up in. And experts tend to use “psychopath” to mean that nature, biology, or genetics are to blame for a person’s erratic behaviour (in addition to environmental factors). But mostly, professionals avoid the use of these terms, sticking to ASDP. You might be able to call yourself a psychopath if you like to drink your coffee black.
Unfortunately for the average person, “antisocial personality disorder” doesn’t roll off the tongue the same way “sociopath” or “psychopath” does. So if you’re searching for a label to describe that nutjob in accounting, you could go with Psychology Today‘s definitions: Psychopaths have a cool, calm, manipulative style and no empathy. Sociopaths are more impulsive and prone to rage-fueled outbursts, though they’re able to form attachments to others. If a psychopath commits a crime, she’s likely to carefully plan it to minimize the chance of being caught, explains psychcentral.com; when a sociopath breaks the law, it’ll be on impulse, with little planning and no regard for the consequences.
Understanding the differences between these two terms, however, are probably the least of your worries if you meet either a sociopath or a psychopath, according to Forrest Talley, PhD. Instead of defining the person, Dr. Talley recommends remembering that both are manipulative, lack remorse, disregard social norms, and hide things well.
Next, check out these 52 psychology terms you keep using wrong.
The truth about washing fresh eggs
It makes a lot of sense that you’d want to wash the food you eat before cooking it. When it comes to what you’re putting in your body, the cleaner the better, right? Well, it would certainly be nice if matters were so simple when it came to food contamination. But, in the case of some foods, washing them does virtually nothing. And, for some others, washing can do more harm than good. Both of these can be the case when it comes to fresh eggs. (This is the reason why North Americans refrigerate eggs and Europeans don’t.)
Of course, it would be quite the feat to wash the part of the egg that you’re going to eat. But plenty of cooks like to, at the very least, rinse the egg in the shell before they crack or boil it, to make sure that there’s no lingering dirt or germs. But the truth is, that’s actually already been done—and more thoroughly, probably, than even the most thorough germaphobe could do it.
According to the USDA, there are federal regulations that require the washing of all commercially produced eggs. The process removes a natural protective coating called a “bloom” or a “cuticle” from the surface of the egg. Once the egg has been washed, a film of edible mineral oil gets applied to the surface of the egg. That film is there to keep any bacteria from penetrating it and potentially contaminating the egg.
Even with that knowledge, though, you still might feel inclined to give the eggs another quick wash—after all, that egg’s made its way from a farm to a carton that’s sat on a grocery shelf and in a shopping bag. But the USDA and nutritionists alike say that washing the eggs is not necessary—and can actually further bacteria. (Learn about the cooking mistakes practically everyone makes—and how to fix them.)
“If you wash an egg before you cook it, because its shell is porous, the water… can push bacteria into the egg,” warns Amy Leigh Mercree, holistic health expert and bestselling author of 10 books including the upcoming The Mood Book. She says that this is especially true if you use cold water or running water. Mercree admits that, yes, there is the potential for bacteria to form on the surface of your egg, but by washing it, you make matters worse. “Because the shell is so porous, you’re pushing it back through the surface of the egg,” she says. And that poses a far bigger risk of contaminating the part of the egg that you’re actually going to eat.
Mercree does admit that farm-fresh eggs—which have not undergone the rigorous commercial washing process—do have a greater potential to come into contact with dirt. Though she still recommends against washing them, she says that if you do wash them, make sure you’re using warm water and avoiding soap. But, when it comes to commercially sold eggs, don’t wash them—save yourself some time and keep bacteria where it belongs.
Next, find out why you should never wash chicken before cooking it.
What are the world’s most punctual airports?
Travelling can take a toll on anyone’s sanity—especially if you’re flying. Long layovers, crazy delays, and cancelled flights can make even the most composed fliers go nuts. Given everything that can go wrong, most jet-setters are happy to simply reach their destination on time. But there might be another way to guarantee smooth travels: Flying through the most punctual airports in the world, according to travel analyst OAG.
The UK-based company gathered data from 58 million flight records in 2018 to create its comprehensive list of the world’s most punctual airports. Since larger airports have more complicated air traffic, OAG ordered the airports by size. (These are the best times to book holiday flights anywhere in the world.)
For the fourth year in a row, the mega-airport with the most on-time performance is Japan’s Tokyo Haneda. The airport, which has over 30 million departing seats, managed to keep 85.62 per cent of its flights arriving or departing on schedule. The top major airport—with 20 to 30 million seats—is Moscow Sheremetyevo, which has an on-time performance of 87 per cent. Meanwhile, Japan’s Osaka Airport was the most punctual large airport (10 to 20 million seats), where 88.22 per cent of flights were on time. (The world’s biggest airport is opening this year—and this is what it looks like.)
The top medium airport (five to 10 million seats) went to Panama City (91.11 per cent). And 92.35 per cent of flights were on schedule at Belarus’ Minsk National Airport, which ranked as the most punctual small airport (with 2.5 to five million seats).
Have you ever flown through any of these airports, and did you find that they were indeed punctual? If they aren’t airports you frequent, don’t worry—that’s not the only way you can guarantee a timely trip!
Here are 10 airport tips for seniors you’ll wish you knew sooner.
The truth about celiac disease
Your mouth is a window into your health, according to the American Dental Association. Two examples are links between gum disease and heart troubles, and poor oral health as a potential early indicator of Alzheimer’s. Now, experts say that off-coloured spots on your teeth may actually be a sign of celiac disease.
Celiac, an autoimmune disorder, affects one per cent of people worldwide, and affects 0.5 to one per cent of the North American population, according to Health Canada. Celiac sufferers suffer an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Over time, that immune response can damage digestive structures in the small intestine, and this interferes with your body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients—such as calcium. (Here’s what your bowel movements can teach you about your health.)
And missing out on calcium can cause dental enamel hypoplasia—the medical term for white, yellow, or brown spots on your teeth. “It can be seen in as many as 40 to 50 per cent of new pediatric celiac patients, compared to six per cent of the healthy population,” says Hilary Jericho, MD, a specialist in pediatric gastroenterology at the University of Chicago. Experts don’t agree on the exact reason why, but the spots may occur when the body fails to absorb the calcium needed for strong teeth, she explains.
“For some people with celiac disease, a dental visit, rather than a trip to the gastroenterologist, was the first step toward discovering their condition,” says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK). When it comes to white spots, they’re most often seen in kids since these nutrient deficiencies affect the way tooth enamel forms, but it may also affect adults who are undiagnosed, adds Dr. Jericho.
Of course, the spot may not be a sign of celiac at all; however, your doctor should be concerned if those spots are symmetrical and scattered across most of your teeth, says Dr. Jericho. Recurrent canker sores, a red, smooth, shiny tongue, or dry mouth can also point to celiac, according to the NIDDK. (Find out the easiest way to get rid of bad breath.)
In addition to dental woes, patients will likely experience other body-wide symptoms, such as diarrhea or bloating, heartburn, fatigue, and joint pain. If your child has the spots and is falling behind on growth charts, appears pale, or is suffering from GI symptoms, says Dr. Jericho, talk to your doctor about celiac.
Just remember that unless you’ve been diagnosed with celiac, you shouldn’t go gluten-free—there are real health risks.
Next, check out the 13 secrets Canadian dentists want you to know.
How hearing loss can lead to memory loss
Memory loss and confusion are among the most frightening aspects of aging: Is it a sign of dementia? Alzheimer’s disease? A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that at least some forgetfulness may be due to hearing loss.
The research, published in the Canadian Journal on Aging, analyzed cognitive screens in a group of elderly people who were complaining about forgetfulness and other mental processing issues that suggest dementia. The researchers found that while most of the patients’ brains were functioning fine—it was their hearing that was suspect. Yet only 20 per cent were wearing a hearing aid. The researchers point out that you can’t remember something you never heard. Plus, following directions is tough if you can’t hear them. (Reading in this font could improve your memory.)
The Canadian research builds on previous studies linking hearing loss to dementia. If you feel like your memory is giving you trouble, talk to your doctor about a hearing screen. According to a report on the study, people that have untreated hearing loss could eventually lead to dementia. People who have trouble communicating are at risk for social isolation and loneliness—conditions that can contribute to dementia. Only a fraction of the people who need hearing aids wear them.
Next, here are 50 everyday habits that reduce your risk of dementia.
