CONSUMER REPORTS

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.

USDA says it is rethinking its approach to bacteria in poultry that sickens hundreds of thousands of people every year.

The disrupter economy has set its sights on your bedroom, offering gel capsules, ice fabric, green-tea memory foam, and copper-infused toppers. Will they help you get a better night’s sleep?

Companies are getting creative in passing along rising costs to consumers —  and making it harder to comparison shop — by tacking on fees and surcharges at the last minute.

Protests in Sri Lanka turned deadly this week as the country faces imminent bankruptcy. In Colombo, the capital city, supporters of the now-resigned Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa reportedly attacked antigovernment demonstrators, which led to multiple deaths and property damage, including the burning of several homes owned by current members of the government. In the days since, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, brother of the former prime minister, has refused calls to resign and authorized the military to shoot protesters on sight should they be deemed a threat.

Fertilizing your yard too often—or at the wrong time—can do more harm than goodBy Mary H.J. FarrellA lush lawn can make your home’s landscaping shine (and make your neighbors green with envy). Bu...

Over 47,000 pickup trucks from the 2021 model year are included in the recallBy Keith BarryFord is recalling certain 2021 F-150 pickup trucks because their transmissions may unexpectedly shift in...

Restaurant brands make new commitment when study finds dangerous PFAS chemicals linked to serious health problems widespread in fast food packaging

An investigation by Consumer Reports found some level of indicators of PFAS in packaging from 24 different restaurant chains.

If the wipers stop working in bad weather, drivers may not be able to see the roadBy Keith BarryFord is recalling over 157,000 F-150 pickup trucks from the 2021 model year because their windshiel...

Some models are so hard to come by that consumers are paying well above the sticker price for themBy Jeff S. Bartlettwith Todd YoungIf you have your heart set on buying a new car this year, be pr...

Porcelain planks with simulated wood grain and texture have their benefits—and drawbacksBy Tobie StangerWood floors are high on the wish list of many a homeowner and buyer. And it’s easy to see w...

These gas sippers are easy on the walletBy Jeff S. BartlettFuel economy is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new car, because it has an impact on your weekly operating c...

These power sources can have many uses, CR saysBy Consumer ReportsElectric cars are becoming a more viable option for many car buyers, with almost 100 pure electric models set to debut by the end...

The designation is further validation of Ford CEO Jim Farley's belief the company can not only compete with Tesla but also beat Elon Musk when it comes to EVs.

We explain how this new electric vehicle bumped the Model 3 from our annual Top PicksBy Jeff S. BartlettIn its annual Top Picks, Consumer Reports highlights the standout cars, SUVs, and trucks ac...

The mistake was discovered two days later, during a routine bandage change.

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

Consumer Reports ranked most reliable vehicles and brands you can buy. Tesla came in next to last thanks to subpar scores from its SUVs.

Lexus, Mazda and Toyota topped the 2021 Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Report, while Jeep, Tesla, and Lincoln ranked in the bottom three.

November is traditionally one of the best months to find deals, but many hot products are in short supply or more expensive than usual.

More than 60 percent of adults say they prefer to sleep on their side, at least for part of the night. To make sure we have it right for the majority of sleepers, we run extensive tests on mattre...

Utility bills typically shoot up this time of year, as homeowners crank up their central air conditioning. To keep costs down, you might try to skimp on the AC—but that can create squabbles in th...

TOWN SQUARE | Your credit report — and credit score — can make the difference between a loan approval or denial and the interest you pay on your loan.

Service providers use their lock on neighborhoods — and a lack of rules — to take advantage of us. Here’s how to spot their tricks.

In May, Tesla announced it would no longer include radar sensors in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles made for customers in North America on or after April 27.

Before you try to take out a mortgage or a car loan, check your credit report. It may have a mistake that could cost you.

For many of us this past year, our backyards took on a profoundly important role. In the era of social distancing, yards were transformed into outdoor oases, and even now, there are no signs that...

Over the past months, with folks working and studying at home, homeowners began to appreciate their central air conditioning systems more than ever. In fact, 14 percent of the members we surveyed...

Advocacy group Consumer Reports has linked the products, which were not previously regulated, to at least 106 infant deaths.

Drivers naturally become concerned about reliability as a car ages, because the risk of inconvenience and unexpected expenses rises while the miles rack up. Most modern cars can make it to 200,00...

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

Consumer Reports’ tough tests continue to find that some laundry detergents clean only slightly better than water—and that some washers use lots of water yet leave clothes dirty and dingy. Some d...

Consumer Reports and IIHS are taking away top safety endorsements from Tesla, after the company's move from radar to vision-based driver assistance systems.

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.

Two key groups that offer automobile safety ratings are yanking their top endorsements from some Tesla vehicles because the company has stopped using radar on its safety systems. Consumer Reports pulled its “Top Pick” status for Tesla's Model 3 and Y vehicles built after April 27, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety plans to remove the vehicles' “Top Safety Pick Plus” designation. The U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is no longer giving the Models 3 and Y check marks on its website for having forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and emergency brake support.

When you start a weight-loss plan, adopting simple strategies that have been shown to work can help set you up for success. One such tactic is using an accurate bathroom scale to help you track y...

A common concern with cars as they age is dependability—not only that they may not get you to work one day but also that a catastrophic failure could cost thousands of dollars. Major problems are...

Shortages spurred by the pandemic have made used cars more expensive.

Getting exercise through walking is as easy as lacing up your sneakers and hitting the pavement or trail. Doing so is a safe way to get a workout without needing a gym, and it can boost your ment...

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 said Thursday that in testing this week it found it could "easily" get a 2020 Tesla Model Y to drive "even with no one 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.

Mazda just topped Consumer Reports' annual ranking of the most reliable automotive brands for the first time. BMW, Subaru, Porsche and Honda rounded out the top five spots on the Consumer Reports 2021 Brand Report Card, which was released Thursday. To determine the rankings, Consumer Reports buys vehicles anonymously from dealerships for road testing. Genesis fell 13 places this year "due to declining predicted reliability among its models," Consumer Reports said. Consumer Reports noted that the brand's redesigned sport utility vehicles, the Aviator and Corsair, performed well in road tests but had "much below average reliability."

Baby food from several of the country's largest manufacturers are "tainted" with toxic heavy metals, according to a disturbing new government report. The report, released Thursday morning, says those baby foods have "significant levels" of substances including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. But one thing Kerner and her husband Bryan, who is a doctor, never worried about was whether the baby food contained toxic metals. The report says "baby foods are tainted with dangerous levels" of "toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury." Several said they are part of the Baby Food Council, a group formed with the goal of voluntarily reducing heavy metals in baby foods.

Baby food from several of the country's largest manufacturers are "tainted" with toxic heavy metals, according to a disturbing new government report. The report, released Thursday morning, says those baby foods have "significant levels" of substances including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. But one thing Kerner and her husband Bryan, who is a doctor, never worried about was whether the baby food contained toxic metals. The report says "baby foods are tainted with dangerous levels" of "toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury." Several said they are part of the Baby Food Council, a group formed with the goal of voluntarily reducing heavy metals in baby foods.

Microwave ovens will soon have a new safety feature that is long overdue: child-resistant doors. Doctors in pediatric emergency rooms and burn units have long known microwaves to be a fairly common cause of young children getting scalded. It may be that most families attributed the injuries to the hot spills rather than the microwave itself. While pleased that the new standard is coming into play, Quinlan cautions parents and other caregivers to maintain their vigilance. "We think of stoves as getting hot, but we never think of microwaves as getting hot," the doctor added.

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.

Brand new Tesla Model S cars sit on front of a Tesla showroom on August 2, 2017 in Corte Madera, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty ImagesConsumer Reports is no longer recommending Tesla's Model S and is panning the reliability of the new Model Y. The Consumer Reports' annual Auto Reliability Survey, released Thursday, also dropped a Toyota brand from No. Consumer Reports in 2015 ranked the Model S as its top-rated vehicle ever. Of the 26 brands ranked in the Consumer Reports reliability survey, Japanese automakers fared the best.

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.

A steering wheel light bar and cluster icons indicates the status of Super Cruise™ and will prompt the driver to return their attention to the road ahead if the system detects driver attention has turned away from the road too long. General Motors' Super Cruise system topped Consumer Reports testing of assisted driving technology, leaving Tesla's Autopilot "a distant second," the consumer research nonprofit reported Wednesday. Super Cruise on a Cadillac CT6 sedan scored 69 out of 100 points in Consumer Reports' testing. Tesla's Autopilot on a Model Y was second at 57, followed by Ford Motor's Co-pilot 360 system at 52 and Audi's Pre-sense at 48. Consumer Reports evaluated 17 systems as part of its testing.

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.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The airline industry could run into turbulence on Capitol Hill next week as a U.S. Congressional panel tackles passenger complaints about unpleasant airline experiences, holding a hearing that will include budget airline Spirit Airlines Inc (SAVE.N) and passenger advocates. FILE PHOTO: A Spirit Airlines Airbuys A320-200 airplane sits at a gate at the O'Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois October 2, 2014. Airlines have shrunk the average space between seats and seat width over the last decade to pack more passengers on planes. U.S. airlines revenue from baggage and reservation change fees increased from $5.7 billion in 2010 to $7.6 billion in 2018. Unlike other large airlines, Spirit also charges for bottled water and soft drinks, but their base fares are often significantly cheaper than rivals.

Overall, Tesla climbed eight spots to rank 11th out of 33 auto brands, according to Consumer Reports. In addition, the Consumer Reports auto team made the Model 3 a "Top Pick" among vehicles with a sticker price between $45,000 and $55,000. "We saw a marked improvement in reliability in both the Tesla Model 3 and the Model S," said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing for Consumer Reports. Noticeably better quality in the new Model 3 cars helped Tesla show the biggest improvement among automakers in Consumer Reports' latest brand rankings. In addition, the Consumer Reports auto team tests dozens of new vehicles at the firm's test track in Connecticut.

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.

Power and The Car Connection carefully analyze and rate nearly every car model that comes on the market each year, and car owners would do well to heed their findings. Consumer Reports rated this sedan 50/100 for its 2021 edition and put it on the list of popular cars to avoid buying. Consumer Reports handed the 2020 Pathfinder a score of 54/100, with a predicted owner satisfaction score of 1/5. Consumer Reports included the 2021 EcoSport among its 10 least reliable cars for the year and gave the model a grade of 45/100. The publication gave it low marks across the board, including a 3/10 for performance and a 4/10 for comfort and quality.

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.

A new investigation may have you rethinking some of your vitamins. Consumer Reports finds certain ingredients in dietary supplements sold around the country can carry major health risks. Dana Jacobson reports on the dangers of a virtually unregulated, yet growing industry.

Consumer Reports' Dan DiClerico shares tips for optimal food storage in your fridge that will help extend its shelf life.

The new cover story in Consumer Reports out Tuesday is called, “What you don’t know about your doctor could hurt you.” The magazine reports how "thousands of doctors across the U.S. are on medical probation for reasons including drug abuse, sexual misconduct and making careless -- sometimes deadly -- mistakes. But they are still out there practicing." Dr. Holly Phillips joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the investigation and offers tips on choosing the right doctor.

Prepared foods at grocery stores is now an almost $29 billion industry, growing twice as fast as overall grocery sales. A new Consumer Reports investigation looked at six major supermarket chains to learn whether the prepared foods are fresh, healthy and save money. The magazine analyzed food samples in a lab for calories, fat, saturated fat and sodium. Trisha Calvo, Consumer Reports deputy content editor of health and food, joins “CBS This Morning” to discuss the findings.