'Happy' shoppers; arm surgeries are up

'HAPPY' SHOPPERS, REJOICE

Those who love to shop are often painted as lonely souls, trying to fill a void and becoming even more isolated. But new Dutch research finds that shoppers who could be described as "happy hedonists" may become less lonely. "It is not a good idea to shop to become happy or to own more than others, but shopping for the fun of shopping might actually be not a bad idea after all," said lead researcher Rik Pieters of Tilburg University in the Netherlands. People who bought things to raise social status tended to get lonelier. Those who used stuff as medicine or panaceas -- "When I finally own my own . . . motorbike I will enjoy life and be truly happy" -- got even lonelier. But those who bought for sheer enjoyment did best. "There is no bragging, comparison or envy involved," Pieters said.

TO BARE ARMS WELL

More women are getting arm lifts, according to newly released statistics, with the number growing from about 300 procedures in 2000 to about 15,000 in 2012. This cosmetic procedure can include removal of fat by liposuction or brachioplasty, surgery in which loose skin is removed from the back of the arms. The rise is being driven by sleeveless fashions and celebrities -- including first lady Michelle Obama -- who have ultra-toned arms, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The average cost is nearly $4,000, and the total spent on arm lifts in 2012 was $61 million, according to the society.