Trends for Nov. 25, 2002

Lisa Ferguson

Monday, Nov. 25, 2002 | 8:15 a.m.

Baggage limits

Hitting the road for the long holiday weekend? We suppose you've packed the essentials: toothbrush, pajamas, earplugs (to drown out the constant complaining of your least favorite family members).

Before you lift that suitcase, though, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is offering some tips to help you avoid at least some pains in the neck and the back and shoulders on Turkey Day (even if there will be plenty of others seated near you at the dinner table).

The academy is a not-for-profit group that provides education programs for health-care professionals and the public. It recommends against carrying more than 15 percent of your body weight on your shoulders and back.

So forget about slinging an oversized tote or overstuffed backpack over your shoulder and dashing through the airport. Instead, consider investing in a rolling bag or another wheeled case, which will allow for better weight distribution of the load. If you're set on carrying an over-the-shoulder-style case, at least make sure it's made of an ultra-lightweight material, and that its straps are wide and padded for comfort.

Remember to switch shoulders when carrying such a bag, and move heavy items laptop computers and other high-tech gadgetry (aren't you supposed to be on vacation?) to your checked luggage.

For more back-saving tips, visit the academy's website, aaos.org.

Taste makes waist

If, however, you insist on bringing along an electronic buddy, at least make it something small, such as a Palm Pilot or other personal digital assistant (PDA).

Doesn't this sound fun: There's new software available for PDAs that will make everyone think twice before splurging on an extra piece of pumpkin pie.

The U.S. Agricultural Department and HealtheTech, a Golden, Colo., company that designs and develops handheld medical devices and software, have teamed to create a program that allows Palm-brand operating system users to download free of charge the USDA's National Nutrient Database. It's available at nal.usda.gov //fnic/foodcomp.

The program, which takes about 30 seconds to download and eats two megabytes of memory, gives users the caloric lowdown on 6,000 foods, as well as information about 30 nutrients. So, before you indulge in that extra squirt of canned whipped cream, you'll know exactly how much damage it might do to your waistline. Gee, how handy.

A little food for thought: That slice of pie is going to set you back 229 calories, 10 grams of fat and 22 milligrams of cholesterol. Enjoy!

Snore lore

And, finally, it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving dinner without a catching a few post-turkey winks.

So here's a bit of trivia to ponder while Uncle George is passed out and sawing logs on the living room couch: More than 80 million Americans snore. (You did pack the earplugs, right?)

The news flash comes courtesy of the makers of those goofy-looking Breathe Right nasal strips. The company recently commissioned a snoring survey to herald its new Snore Relief throat spray. It is also offering some suggestions for snorers (and especially those who love them) to help alleviate the condition.

For starters, don't drink alcohol before bedtime, as it causes the throat muscles to relax, thus restricting the air passages. Also, a snorer should sleep on his or her side, and not the back.

You think you've got problems? Be thankful you're not the sleeping partner of Englishman Melvin Switzer, who the Guinness Book of World Records lists as the planet's loudest snorer. His 92-decibel buzz is louder than the U.S. limit for noise allowed in the workplace.

Know someone who can top Switzer's snore? The Breathe Right folks want to meet him or her, via its Search for America's Loudest Snorer contest.

To enter, call (866) YOUSNORE and record the offender's sound; send an e-mail to yousnore@breatheright.com, with a written description of the sound (50 words or less) or an audio clip (no more than 15 seconds); or send a letter to the contest, in care of L. Hawkins, at 676 North St. Clair, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611. Phone and e-mail entries are due Dec. 31; mailed entries must be received by Jan. 7.