Just In Case You Didn't Know...

Just in case you didn't know, at least 18% of appendectomies are unecessary, according to a recent study at the University of Washington. Many doctors are quick to recommend the surgery without waiting to confirm the diagnosis. Mis-diagnosing inflamed lymph nodes or stomach viruses as appendicitis are common errors. If you're not sure about the doctors diagnosis, ask for a CT scan of your stomach before being operated on.

Are there other secrets of health, money and everyday life that are hidden from you? You bet. Five more follow, just in case you didn't know.

1. Parking Lot Treasure

Rapid temperature changes when getting in and out of cars and buildings cause diamonds to come loose from their settings. This makes parking lots one of the most common places diamonds are lost. An older couple became experts at telling the difference - from a distance - between the sparkle of a diamond and bits of glass on the pavement. They regularly took early morning walks in mall parking lots for a second income during retirement.

This couple claimed that the difference in how diamonds reflect light is noticeable with a little practice. To do this right, though you need a loose diamond or two. Lay them down near bits of glass to learn to spot them - and don't forget where you put them!

2. Double Tax Deduction For IRA Contribution

Whether starting an IRA (individual retirement account) or ading to it, there is a way to get two tax deductions. Instead of funding the IRA with cash, sell any stock you own which has decreased in value, and put THAT cash in it. You can write off the capital loss for the sale of the stock (first deduction), and deduct your contribution to the IRA as well (second deduction).

And if you still like the stock you sold? Just buy it back using your IRA. It's true that there's a "wash rule" in the tax code, which says you can't sell and repurchase a stock within a certain amount of time just to claim a loss. But you and your IRA are separate entities as far as this rule is concerned. As I write this, you can immediately repurchase the stock in your IRA and still write off the loss (but check with your accountant or tax professional to see if this has changed).

3. Creatine For Brainpower

Normally found in meat, creatine is used as a supplement by athletes to help build muscle mass. Research, however, shows that it helps your brain also. Proceedings B , a journal published by the Royal Society reports improvement in working memory and general intelligence resulting from creatine supplementation.

In the study, the dose used was 5 grams per day - about the same level used to boost sports performance. This is as much as you'd normally get in four pounds of meat, according to lead researcher Doctor Caroline Rae.

4. Possible Herb Dangers

Natural doesn't safe in all cases. For example, be careful when giving certain herbal supplements to children. Regular garlic can thin the blood and increase bleeding in kids. At any age, Saint John's Wort may interfere with chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drug treatments. Certain herbal weight loss products can cause heart arrhythmias in users. So let the doctor know what herbs the kids (and yourself) are on before he prescribes medicines and treatments.

5. Internet Travel Secret

Whikle preparing to travel overseas, email important information and numbers to yourself before you go. Include the number to call if your credit card is stolen, and the numbers of the U.S. Embassies where you'll be traveling. Any information you'll need or want if you lose your luggage and wallet should be included as well.

When and if you need any of this information, it will be available in any internet cafe in the world. And just in case you didn't know, public internet access is much more common outside the United States, even in most third-world countries (there is more demand for this when buying a computer is too expensive).