CONSUMER REPORTS

According to a new study, your risk of premature death decreases as your daily step count increases. We’re working for you on how to track your steps to better fitness and health.

Sunscreen - that magic elixir that protects against skin cancer and premature aging – and the best part – it’s easy to find and inexpensive.

Whether you’re a year-round griller or more of a seasonal barbecuer, now is a good time to take a look at your grill and decide if it needs replacing ... but do you know what to look for?

As the weather warms up, we’re in our yards more. We’re working for you, so you can have the best lawn on the block.

It’s annoying dealing with a Wi-Fi dead zone at home! The good news is that fixing it can be easy and affordable. We’ll explain why it doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money.

Here’s a breakdown of the best deals this month.

Having to throw out uneaten food from the fridge is like throwing money away ... something that’s even more painful with today’s high food prices.

From inflation to unemployment, to worries about being unable to work because of an illness, having an emergency fund can help smooth out life’s financial hits ... this is why starting one may not be as hard as you think.

According to a recent Consumer Reports survey, only 42% of us would describe our sleep as good or very good.

We’re working for you, to break down your options when it comes to which eggs to buy and whether it’s worth paying a premium for them.

Whether you’re pro-powders, prefer pods, loyal to liquids, or shopping sales, Consumer Reports' tests of dozens of laundry detergents can help.

When it’s time for a new car, the choice between buying or leasing can be a tough call, especially with persistent supply chain issues and rising interest rates.

Michelle Concha loves shopping on Facebook Marketplace.

Easter and chocolate — the two go hand-in-hand.

If you need a refresh on your tools to get the job done right – we’re working for you to take a look at discounts on top-rated products for a fresh start this April.

Cars, trucks, and SUVs have become more fuel efficient over the past decade, but at what cost? Are you footing the bill for greener rides?

We’re working for you with expert advice on getting a better night’s sleep.

Here’s a look at some products and tips for keeping your floors in tip-top shape.

With the closet and other storage space tight for many of us, it’s important to figure out what to keep, and what to toss.

With the clock change, you might be having challenges falling asleep and staying asleep.

Spring cleaning will be underway in plenty of households soon, if not already, and you might be looking for some new products to get your place nice and spiffy.

Car seat technology has improved dramatically since they were first introduced decades ago.

Believe it or not, the air quality inside your home can be worse than the air you breathe outside - especially in colder months when we keep windows and doors closed.

Composting is a great way to keep your food scraps from ending up in a landfill, while delivering nutrient-rich soil in return.

If your morning shower helps you get energized for the day or a nighttime shower helps you relax before bed ... we’re working for you with ways to shower smarter for the planet, your skin, and your water bill.

Find Consumer Reports' list of the top vehicles in 2023 here.

If you’re ready to upgrade your home with automated features or features powered by the touch of a button... we’re working for you to explain how inexpensive upgrades on everyday items can bring many smart home features to you.

It’s a deadly danger inside many homes: furniture that tips over.

Electric bikes have grown in popularity, and with it, growing numbers of battery fires - some of them fatal. Here’s a look at the very real dangers of e-bikes and how you can prevent a fire if you own one.

Despite being the shortest month of the year, February has plenty of opportunities to score savings on purchases big and small.

Keeping yourself accountable can be easier with the help of an accurate bathroom scale.

Winter is here, and with it, shorter days. Less sunlight might have you feeling a little down.

Consumer Reports shares why it may still be a good idea to toss on the layers when it’s cold outside

Millions of people get sick each year from contaminated food, and finding the source of the contamination isn’t easy ... But that could be changing.

How much are you paying for your internet? If you grabbed your bill but are confused and still can’t find the answer – guess what, you’re not alone.

If you feel like some of your 2023 resolutions have already started to go by the wayside, don’t fret just yet!

Consumer Reports revealed some information about the tasty treat – some chocolate bars contain toxic heavy metals.

If you’ve shopped online, you might have noticed a new option when you get to the checkout page: buy now, pay later.

Homeowners can take advantage of rebates and tax credits for making energy-efficiency upgrades

Over the years, people have looked to various tools to try to stay safer online, including anti-virus software or virtual private networks, but you can get a false sense of security from some VPNs.

With colder weather here, we’re working for you to share some safer heating alternatives.

It’s the holiday season and there is no shortage of feasts, filled with favorite foods and maybe some overindulgence.

Cold and flu season is here and doctor’s offices are packed with sick kids suffering from numerous respiratory illnesses.

You don’t need to spend lots of money to make a great meal, and the same goes for prepping that meal.

Whether you want your favorite cocktail without the fuss or the right tools to make one yourself, Consumer Reports said you have lots of options.

This holiday season, you’ll probably take lots of pictures of family and friends, but what about all the old prints, slides, or even home movies on VHS or films you have tucked away somewhere?

Gas-electric hybrids were the most dependable vehicles sold in the U.S. in the past year, while big pickup trucks and fully electric automobiles performed the worst in Consumer Reports’ annual reliability survey.

If you’re shocked by price tags on nearly everything recently, you’re not alone.

Consumer Reports shares how you can prepare for the worst

Taco Bell was ranked as having the fastest drive-thru service time with an average wait time of just under four minutes, and Chick-fil-A came in dead last with a wait time of around five-and-a-half minutes.

Beating the heat is not only essential for your own comfort, but also for your health – Here’s how you can stay cool and safe all summer.

Consumer Reports recommends shopping with a plan.

Things you will want to keep in mind as you head out to the stores for you Black Friday shopping this year.

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kick-off to summer travel.

Two key groups that offer automobile safety ratings have yanked their top endorsements from some Tesla vehicles because the company has stopped using radar on its safety systems.

Consumer Reports says it was able to easily trick a Tesla into driving in the car's Autopilot mode without a person in the driver’s seat.

Consumer Reports explains what you need to know about the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, and how to safeguard against that hazard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that from 2005 to 2017, more than 900 people died of carbon monoxide poisoning while using portable generators. To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, some new generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO gas builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space, like a garage or carport. All of them passed CR’s new CO safety technology test, shutting down before carbon monoxide reached specified limits in this enclosed chamber. CR will now only recommend portable generators with an automatic shutoff for dangerous levels of CO.

The Better Business Bureau Serving Western Virginia warns this is a time scammers take advantage of with lottery and sweepstakes scams. Lottery and sweepstakes scams have been around for years. Wheeler said people let their guard down they hear scam artists use well-known names like Publishers Clearing House for a sweepstakes win, sometimes they even use BBB to create credibility. It should be noted the real Publishers Clearing House is BBB accredited. Bradford paid a total of $1,600 in four pre-paid visa gift cards.

DETROIT – Mazda beat traditional winners Lexus and Toyota to win top honors as the most dependable auto brand in Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey. Mazda took top honors for the first time in the survey, which this year included Consumer Reports organization members who own more than 300,000 vehicles from model years 2000 to 2020. Consumer Reports said that the Ford Explorer SUV, redesigned for the 2020 model year, is among the lowest-scoring models of any manufacturer with transmission, electronic, and engine issues. Only the company's Model 3 small car was rated as reliable and recommended by Consumer Reports. Nearly half of the new models have much worse than average reliability, Consumer Reports said.

ROANOKE, Va. – As more people are staying home and practicing social distancing, the task of getting groceries is becoming increasingly challenging. Consumer Reports senior editor Tobie Stanger blames poor supply-chain planning for some of the difficulties. While some grocery workers may be at home sick or caring for others, delivery services are also gaining more customers so all around, it’s been hard for them to keep up. You can also find groceries and toiletries at places that aren’t supermarkets, like CVS or Lowe’s. If you prefer to use grocery delivery or pickup Stanger has some special tips for that as well.

Fall is in the air, but winter is on its way, ringing flu season with it. The health team at Consumer Reports says one key to staying on your feet is by paying attention to your hands. If you can't get to a sink -- use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. And remember, the number one way to reduce your risk of catching the flu is by getting a flu shot. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Reports of lead in drinking water in several communities across the country may have you wondering what's in your tap water. Most municipal water in the U.S. appears to be safe to drink and free from harmful contaminants, according to EPA data. Consumer Reports says if you're connected to a community water system and pay your own bill, you should receive an annual water quality report called a Consumer Confidence Report, or CCR. You should also get your water tested if your home was built before 1986 when lead-free pipes were mandated. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

But Consumer Reports warns there might be a real-life scare inside your car -- bulky or puffy costumes might cause your child's car seat harness to not fit correctly, which means it might not offer optimal protection in a crash. Consumer Reports advises having your child change into their costumes after they get to the party. Children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization which accepts no advertising.

Months after the recall of millions of popular infant inclined sleep products, new data shows potential dangers with other sleep products. This time, in-bed sleepers are the issue. Consumer Reports found major safety issues with in-bed infant sleeper products, like the Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Infant Sleeper, DockATot and SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper. In-bed sleepers are not required to meet any federal safety standards related to infant sleep, but cribs, bassinets and play yards are. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

That's one reason why insurance claims for deer strikes spike in the fall. To avoid hitting a deer, Consumer Reports auto expert Jennifer Stockburger offers the following advice. Instead, Consumer Reports recommends you slow down as quickly and safely as you can. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization which accepts no advertising.

If you've ever had that feeling that your smartphone is listening to your conversations or tracking what you're looking at, you're not alone. "This is something that researchers have looked at a lot," said Bree Fowler, Consumer Reports tech editor. "And despite all those weird feelings, they've yet to find any evidence that phones and the apps on them are actually recording or listening to your conversations." All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization which accepts no advertising.

But it has become more than just a part of our lives -- Consumer Reports says it has unwittingly become a part of our diet, too. We call these little fragments microplastics -- they're five millimeters at their largest but they can be much smaller, they can be microscopic," says Kevin Loria, Consumer Reports health editor. To eat less plastic, Consumer Reports says start by drinking tap water. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization which accepts no advertising.

Here's how milk alternatives stack up to cow's milk when it comes to taste and nutrition. More than half of plant milk buyers in a Consumer Reports survey said they think it's healthier than cow's milk. If you're ready to replace milk from a cow with milk from a plant, consider starting with soy, which is closest to cow's milk nutritionally. Consumer Reports says almond milk is the most popular plant milk. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Consumer Reports says this milk is closest to cow's milk in protein contentCopyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.

ROANOKE, Va. - Frozen foods can be a lifesaver when you don't have the time or ingredients to make a meal from scratch -- but Consumer Reports says you do have to be careful what you choose. Consumer Reports says the healthiest frozen foods are the single-ingredient ones. "Look for high-quality whole foods you can use as ingredients to make quick, healthy meals," said Amy Keating, Consumer Reports nutritionist. Since these are foods that usually take a long time to cook, using frozen can be a real time-saver -- and a money-saver. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Consumer Reports says you have to be careful about what frozen foods you chooseCopyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.

ROANOKE, Va. - Most of us know to keep things like cleaning products away from kids, but many don't realize that common beauty items can be just as dangerous. "Most of these injuries were due to kids swallowing personal care products, which led to poisoning," said Consumer Reports' Lauren Friedman. "The second most common scenario were these products coming in contact with kids' skin or eyes leading to a chemical burn." To better protect your family, Consumer Reports says personal care products should be stored securely out of reach and out of site. All poison control centers can be reached by calling the same number at (800) 222-1222.

Consumer Reports says some common beauty products have been known to send kids under 5 to the ER every 2 hours.

And Consumer Reports says you don't have to spend hours in the wilderness to benefit. "One study shows that as little as 20 minutes in or near green spaces may help lower stress hormones," said Kevin Loria, Consumer Reports health editor. "And even something as simple as taking care of your potted plants could help reduce stress." To get the most out of your time outside, Consumer Reports says leave the electronics behind and simply enjoy all that nature has to offer. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

ROANOKE, Va. - It's the ultimate burger showdown meatless burgers that is. But the Impossible Burger was that much closer to a mimic of real meat, because of the taste and appearance," said Amy Keating, Consumer Reports nutritionist. Because both burgers are plant-based, you might think they are healthier than an actual burger. Unlike the Beyond and Impossible Burgers, IT doesn't try to taste exactly like meat, and it has less sodium, fat, calories and fewer highly-processed ingredients. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Whether allergens come from outside the house or in, Consumer Reports says to put your appliances to use to eliminate them. The A/C can also cut humidity, limiting the growth of mold and dust mites -- but be sure to clean the filter regularly. Wipe out dust mites from your bedding by using the sanitizing cycle on your washer which uses extra heat that can kill mites. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization which accepts no advertising.

If you've been thinking about trying a grocery delivery service, here's a look at if they're worth the money and which service works best. Consumer Reports put seven grocery delivery services to the test by ordering the same products from each company. Shipt, owned by Target, and Amazon Prime Now led the pack in Consumer Reports' overall satisfaction score. While some services like FreshDirect packed food thoroughly, Consumer Reports says others didn't take recommended safety precautions with raw meat and poultry. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Consumer Reports says the right homeowner's insurance can help protect you. "The key is to get your home and its contents protected, at the best price," said Tobie Stanger, Consumer Reports money editor. Consumer Reports recommends insuring your home for the full replacement cost. "The two at the very top of the ratings, USAA, which mainly deals with military, veterans and their families -- and Amica -- are not available on homeowners' insurance search sites," said Stanger. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

ROANOKE, Va. - If you're seeing ads that seem to be based on your browsing history, you're not alone. Those are called targeted ads, and Consumer Reports says instead of reaching a mass audience like TV commercials do, targeted ads allow advertisers to reach specific consumers. Consumer Reports says companies do this -in part- by keeping track of what you're searching for online. You can also consider using browsers like Brave and Firefox that have built-in ways to help stop targeted ads. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

ROANOKE, Va. - If you have plans to enjoy a salad with lunch or dinner, a Consumer Reports test may have you re-thinking that. But Consumer Reports found some very real reasons to take care with greens that aren't cooked. New Consumer Reports' tests of 284 samples of fresh greens found six of the samples tainted with listeria monocytogenes -- a potentially deadly bacteria. The tainted samples included red and green leaf lettuce, spinach and kale -- both conventional and organic, packaged and loose. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

If you have plans to enjoy a salad with lunch or dinner, a Consumer Reports test may have you re-thinking that. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.

With the increasing number of people in high-deductible health insurance plans, Consumer Reports says some medical providers are offering discounts -- sometimes deep discounts -- to people who pay out of pocket. "It sounds counterintuitive, but it's true in some cases," said Donna Rosato, Consumer Reports money editor. A company like MD Save even pulls together hundreds of doctors, hospitals and labs across the U.S., offering discounts to people willing to prepay their bill. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization which accepts no advertising.

"If you take certain over the counter drugs, you may be more susceptible to sunburn, skin problems or dehydration," said Lisa Gil with Consumer Reports. "Those and many other medications can increase your risk of heat-related illnesses, or they make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can risk your risk to sunburn," said Gill. Consumer Reports says taking one or a combination of these medications could increase your sensitivity to the sun. If you take any of these medications, Consumer Reports says ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can take the medicine at night. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

But a Consumer Reports investigation has revealed some surprising restrictions. Ultimately, Consumer Reports uncovered more than a dozen additional deaths through its investigation. Yet the identities of the companies whose sleepers were linked to infant deaths were kept hidden from the public for years because of Section 6-B of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Consumer Reports says there have been problems with other products -- some of them fatal -- that the CPSC knew about. All of this has led to Consumer Reports calling for the repeal of section 6-B.

ROANOKE, Va. - Having a sleep app on your phone may be your key to better sleep. "While there has been some research on the effectiveness of sleep apps, it's preliminary at best," said Diane Umansky, Consumer Reports health editor. Consumer Reports says you can choose from several different types of sleep apps. Other apps lead you through guided imagery, meditation and even hypnosis to calm your mind. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

ROANOKE, Va. - It's no secret that eating too much sugar can cause health problems, but replacing it with substitutes may create other risks. "Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and that's just for starters," said Ellen Kunes, Consumer Reports health editor. "If you're trying to get yourself off sugar, substitutes can be a useful tool," said Kunes. Your body can get used to a certain level of sweetness, whether it's from real sugar or sugar substitutes. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

So, Consumer Reports wanted to clear things up with its own credit score quiz. "Overdue library fines will not affect your credit," said Tobie Stanger, money editor for Consumer Reports. "You can check your credit report at any time without it affecting your credit score," said Stanger. Consumer Reports says you don't have to pay a credit-monitoring service just to check your score. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

ROANOKE, Va. - After an allergic reaction sent Dean Cecil to the ER in 2016, an allergist was able to diagnose him with an allergy to red meat caused by a tick bite. "It's not entirely clear to scientists why a bite from the Lone Star tick bite causes an allergy to the carbohydrate, alpha-gal, found in red meat, or how common this is," said Catherine Roberts, Consumer Reports health editor. Right now the Lone Star tick is found mainly in the Southeast United States and is very common here in Virginia. Consumer Reports' testing of repellents found products that contain between 25-30 percent DEET are best at repelling ticks. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

ROANOKE, Va. - You know you need to protect your skin from the sun, and makeup with SPF can help... but Consumer Reports says this is *not* a substitute for sunscreen because you're probably not using enough to truly protect your skin." "You should be using one whole teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and neck, said Trisha Calvo, Consumer Reports health editor. It's also likely the SPF in your makeup is only SPF 15, and most dermatologists recommend you use at least SPF 30. Consumer Reports recommends you first apply sunscreen, and then your make-up. After CR's testing, two of the best performers are, Equate Walmart Ultra Protection Lotion SPF 50 and Coppertone Ultra Guard Lotion SPF 70.

ROANOKE, Va. - Antibiotic resistance isn't just a concern for people, but also our pets. But rather than rush to prescribe an antibiotic, Weir's vet gave her two choices, and let her decide. The health team at Consumer Reports says no one should take an antibiotic they don't need -- that goes for people or pets. Keep your pets up to date on their shots and be diligent with hand washing and washing your pets bedding. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

ROANOKE, Va. - Every nine days, a child left in a hot car dies from vehicular heatstroke. "It all fits the same pattern - that memory gets suppressed temporarily and we lose awareness of the child is in the car," said neuroscientist David Diamond. "The temperature inside a closed vehicle can reach dangerously high levels in less than an hour," said Emily Thomas, Consumer Reports car seat expert. Because a tragedy like this can happen to anyone, Consumer Reports says it's best to create a routine with reminders for yourself every time you drive. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

"The first thing people should look for in a toothpaste is fluoride. Consumer Reports says other ingredients include baking soda or sodium bicarbonate, which may help reduce plaque, and hydrogen peroxide, which can act as a whitener. If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold, you may use a toothpaste with desensitizers. Used regularly, ingredients such as sodium citrate, casein phosphopeptide, and potassium nitrate may help relieve sensitivity. It creates foam to help circulate the toothpaste into the spaces between teeth.

But a recent study found vitamins and supplements could be harming you. An estimated one half of all adult Americans take vitamin supplements. Nutritionist Sandra Arevalo says if you eat a healthy, balanced diet, most of the time vitamins and mineral supplements are unnecessary. Cauliflower, leafy greens, and brussels sprouts are all rich in Vitamin K," said Trisha Calvo, health editor for Consumer Reports. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Consumer Reports says they would like to see these life-saving features in all cars. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.

Scott Olson/Getty Images(CNN) - Most drivers with advanced auto safety technologies in their cars say the features have helped keep them out of crashes, according to a new survey from Consumer Reports. Such safety systems use a variety of cameras and sensors to detect other vehicles, pedestrians and lane markings. Of car owners whose vehicle had this technology, 60% said it had helped them avoid a crash. Rear cross traffic alert systems, which alert drivers to vehicles approaching from either side as the vehicle is backing up, were credited with avoiding crashes by 52% of vehicle owners. The systems should be standard equipment on every new car, said William Wallace, a safety policy advocate for Consumer Reports.