TIPS TO IMPROVE MEMORY

In this day and age, there is far more money to be made with a strong mind than a strong body.

But, having a strong mind doesn't happen by accident. You have to train the brain just like you'd train a muscle. And, any and all shortcuts that make the brain more effective could just affect your bottom line.

Here are a few tricks to improve your memory immediately:

1. Drink in Moderation -- While too much drinking certainly hurts the memory, there's evidence that light to moderate alcohol consumption can actually improve memory. Some studies have found that moderate drinkers do better on certain tests of memory than nondrinkers.

2. Get Moving -- Exercise not only exercises the body, it exercises the brain as well. By pushing more oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream into the brain, the brain's ability to work is improved.

3. 8 Seconds -- 8 seconds is the amount of time you need to completely focus your attention upon something to effectively get it from your short-term memory into your long-term memory.

4. The Name Game -- When you meet a new person, it's important to pay attention to the name and the face. As soon as you learn the name, repeat it back to the person by saying, "Nice to meet you, so-and-so." It actually works. Researchers have found that people have a 30 percent better chance of remembering a name when they repeat it as soon as they learn it.

5. Use Your Environment -- Tying a string around your finger to remember something has become a bit of a punch line, but it makes sense. By changing something in your environment, you create a reminder for yourself. Some people switch their watch or their ring from one hand to the other to remember things.

ECONOMIC MESS MAKING PEOPLE FAT, DRUNK, AND SLUTTY

New York City psychotherapist and author Tom Kersting is seeing first hand how the economic turmoil is affecting people. His clients are dealing with the stress in three ways. They're getting fat, drunk and slutty.

1. Food -- Employees are coming home from work rattled by stress and, instead of exercising and eating a salad, are climbing into bed with a container of ice cream. Days and weeks of comfort food are packing on the pounds.

2. Booze -- Fears of job loss and financial insecurity are a powerful trigger causing people to drink. It's so powerful, in fact, that some drinkers are becoming problem drinkers.

3. Sex -- Some people seek stress relief by engaging in risky sexual conduct -- even if they're in a committed relationship. More and more married people are visiting strip clubs and massage parlors and using escort services either for the very first time or far more often than usual.

33% OF EMPLOYEES FAKE ILLNESS TO SKIP WORK

According to a new survey from CareerBuilder.com, 33% of workers have played hooky from the office at least once this year.

On the flip side, 31% of bosses have checked up on an employee who called in sick -- with 18% actually having fired a worker for missing work without a good excuse.

More Survey Results:

• 30% missed work because they just needed to relax and recharge.
• 22% skipped work to catch up on sleep.
• 14% called in sick to run personal errands.
• 11% stayed home to catch up on housework.
• 11% pretended to be sick in order to spend time with family and friends.
• 9% of respondents admitted to playing hooky because they wanted to miss a meeting, buy some time to work on a project that was overdue, or avoid getting yelled at by a boss or coworker.
• And the kicker ... 34% said they called in sick because they just didn't feel like going to work that day.

Bosses Stalking ...

Of the 31 percent of employers who checked up on an employee who called in sick:

• 71% said they required the employee to show them a doctor's note.
• 56% called the employee at home.
• 18% had another worker call the employee.
• 17% drove by the employee's house or apartment.

10 REASONS YOU NEED YOUR SLEEP

You may have to add it to your to-do list, but scheduling a good night's sleep could be one of the smartest health priorities you set. It's not just daytime drowsiness you risk when shortchanging yourself on your seven to eight hours. Possible health consequences of getting too little or poor sleep can involve the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems.

In addition to those not getting enough sleep by choice, between 50 and 70 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorder -- for instance insomnia or sleep apnea -- that affects daily functioning and erodes health.

Here are ten reasons research shows why you need your sleep:

1. Less may mean more. For people who sleep under seven hours a night, the fewer zzzz's they get, the more obese they tend to be, according to a 2006 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report.

2. You're more apt to make bad food choices. A study published this week in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that people with obstructive sleep apnea or other severely disordered breathing while asleep ate a diet higher in cholesterol, protein, total fat, and total saturated fat. Women were especially affected.

3. Diabetes can become more likely, along with impaired glucose tolerance. A 2005 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people getting five or fewer hours of sleep each night were 2.5 times more likely to be diabetic.

4. Your heart is put at risk. A 2003 study found that heart attacks were 45% more likely in women who slept for five or fewer hours per night than in those who got more.

5. Blood pressure may increase. Obstructive sleep apnea, for example, has been associated with chronically elevated daytime blood pressure, and the more severe the disorder, the more significant the hypertension, suggests the 2006 IOM report.

6. Auto accidents rise. As stated in a 2007 report in the New England Journal of Medicine, nearly 20% of serious car crash injuries involve a sleepy driver. And that's independent of alcohol use.

7. Your balance is off. Older folks who have trouble getting to sleep, who wake up at night, or are drowsy during the day could be 2 to 4.5 times more likely to sustain a fall.

8. You may be more prone to depression. Adults who chronically operate on little sleep report more mental distress, depression, and alcohol use.

9. Kids may suffer more behavior problems. Research from an April issue of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that children who are plagued by insomnia, short duration of sleeping, or disordered breathing with obesity, for example, are more likely to have behavioral issues like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

10. You could die. Those who get five hours or less per night have approximately 15% greater risk of dying--regardless of the cause--according to three large population-based studies.

THE BEST DOG FOR YOUR SIGN

It seems like cute and cuddly dogs are everywhere these days -- as playthings of celebrities like Paris Hilton, starring in their own reality shows or movies, or popping up in commercials. But real pet lovers know that dogs are more than accessories. They can truly be our best friends.

But all breeds are not the same and choosing the dog that's best for you can make all the difference when it comes to the relationship you'll have with your pup. MSN Astrology takes all the guesswork out of choosing the right dog with this guide to how your astrological sign can tell you which dog will be your ultimate companion:

Aries: The American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff for short) is a confident dog that makes a loyal and devoted companion for Aries. Amstaffs are very trusting and friendly and, if you assert yourself like a true Aries, they'll be obedient companions.

Taurus: Your ideal companion is the German Shepherd -- intelligent, loyal, obedient, and easy to train. Some German Shepherds can be aloof and serious, like many Tauruses, but they are known for being great watchdogs, which helps put your mind at ease.

Gemini: Super intelligent and lively, Border Collies learn fast and are eager to please, which makes them easily adaptable to your world. Border Collies need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, like you do, which is why they're a great companion for busy Gemini.

Cancer: The Labrador Retriever is your ideal dog, not only for their sweet-natured, loving, ways but also because they are wonderful family pets. Labs are extremely friendly and mild-mannered, with a laid-back attitude. Because they love a ton of activities and have loads of affection to shower on their family, they're a great companion for family-centric Crab.

Leo: The grand, loyal, and honorable Bullmastiff is your type of dog. This huge dog is sure to turn heads wherever you go, giving you the attention you crave. But they're also cheerful, confident, attentive pets -- all characteristics that make any Leo dog owner swell with pride.

Virgo: The noble Weimaraner is perfect for Virgo. They're strong-minded and independent, and have almost boundless energy, so they really benefit from Virgos' energy. Once these dogs know they can depend on you, you can depend on them to reach their full potential.

Libra: Affectionate and gentle, the Whippet is a charming dog with a peaceful demeanor. They like to run and play, but they're also happy enjoying the comforts of home; this makes them more comfortable with your indecisiveness than other breeds. They love attention and will appreciate your creativity when it comes to finding activities to enjoy together.

Scorpio: As a strong and powerful Scorpio, you probably don't see yourself with a small dog like a Chihuahua, but you may be surprised to find they're a good fit for Scorpios. They are curious and very loyal, demonstrating quite a jealous streak if another pet or person is getting more attention than they are. Sound familiar?

Sagittarius: You need a dog who's as happy at home as they are on a road trip with you, and that's a Golden Retriever. The breed is popular for many reasons, like their social personalities and real passion for life. If you're up for doing it, so are they! Just make sure to get them a companion if you're gone a lot, as these pups do not like to be left alone.

Capricorn: Pugs are tenacious and devoted but also have a cheerful way about them, much like the typical Capricorn. These dogs don't need a lot of grooming or maintenance and are fine without a big yard to frolic in. Although Pugs can be willful at times, they will respond well to training.

Aquarius: You'll want to consider the gracious Rhodesian Ridgeback. They're intelligent, which you can appreciate, and also very independent and willing to follow the road less traveled with you. Just keep in mind that they have very intense sight and sound triggers, so they will wander off if something stirs their curiosity.

Pisces: Faithful, affectionate, and maybe a tad lazy, the Saint Bernard is a huge dog with a huge heart -- your perfect pooch! Saint Bernards are typically very calm, patient and loyal, like Pisces. These dogs need companionship and aren't good for people with hectic lives, but compassionate Pisces is usually willing to accommodate the Saint Bernard's needs.