Daily Health Bits

We don't drink tap water in our house.  We buy bottled water or use a filtering device.  Today I read about a website which is a database of water companies across the country and their "report cards" with regard to contaminants.  You can search for your water supplier and read which contaminants are in your own tap water, and whether there have been any complaints toward the company.  I was surprised to find that there were 21 pollutants in our tap water, including 5 unregulated contaminants.  Now, I REALLY don't want to drink the water!  Visit the website and make your own decision: www.ewg.org/tapwater.  There are many different solutions for drinking better water and avoiding contaminants.

 Source:  Body + Soul

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:32 AM | Permalink

If you are like my hubby and I, your dog is a part of the family.  Therefore, our dog's health is extremely important to us.  I have written about the RealAge test to find our your own biological health, and they have a test for your dog's health as well.  The really interesting thing is that it gets you thinking about the habits of your dog, nutritionally and behaviorally.  After all, we are responsible for our pets and their health to a large degree.  So, if you are a dog-parent, check out the test and see what habits you can do better to prolong the life of your pet!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:55 AM | Permalink

So, in my neverending mission for beauty, I came across a product I had not really heard of called SYN-AKE (yes, like "snake" and you'll see why).  I had not heard much about this product so decided to do some research.  Apparently, SYN-AKE is an ingredient being used in a lot of topical creams for decreasing wrinkling and improving the skin's surface, much like Botox, but without the injections.  According to Pentapharm, the manufacturer of SYN-AKE, the compound is a synthetic tripeptide which mimics the action of a “neuromuscular blocking compound of the venom of the Temple Viper.” Once the snake has bitten its prey the venom blocks the nerve impulses to the muscles, thereby paralysing its victim. Whereas this causes death, the synthetic imitation of parts of the venom only causes relaxation of facial muscle contractions, supposedly resulting in smoother skin.  The venom is milked locally in Brazil and then transported to Switzerland for purification and further processing. The studies that Pentapharm has done reports that results can be seen in just a few days and forehead wrinkles were reduced up to 54% in 28 days.  Sounds too good to be true, and I am going to continue researching before I try a product containing SYN-AKE. I just thought I would enlighten you to yet another ingredient in our quest-for-youth arsenal. 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 11:31 AM | Permalink

Researchers have shown that chocolate contains a chemical called oxalate, which may inhibit calcium absorption.  The study showed that women who indulged in chocolate every day had lower bone density which is a precursor to osteoporosis.  So, to counteract these effects, if you are a chocoholic, (or even if you're not) make sure you are getting at least 1000 mg. of calcium a day through a supplement, lowfat dairy products or dark leafy greens.  My favorite calcium is Bone Up by Jarrow.  It contains the form of calcium called hydroxyapetite which is one of the most easily absorbed by the body.  It also contains Vitamin D and folic acid among other things.  They also make a vegetarian formula, an herbal formula and Ultra Bone Up. 

Source: Shape Magazine May 2008.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:16 AM | Permalink

Despite countless reports of the harmful effects of indoor tanning, the trend continues to gain in popularity, and now studies have some interesting results.  Dermatologists have long suspected that some people may be addicted to tanning – similar to addictions to drugs or alcohol – and refuse to alter their behaviors, even knowing they have an increased risk of developing skin cancer. In a report entitled, “UV light abuse and high-risk tanning behavior among undergraduate college students,” published in the March 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists used a standardized testing tool to gauge the presence of a substance-related disorder (SRD) as a means to determine whether some college students could be addicted to tanning.  The study's participants were asked to complete a multiple-choice questionnaire that included questions about their personal tanning practices and those of their family and friends.  Those who indicated that they purposefully tanned despite knowing the negative health effects, were given a CAGE test which is used in determining other forms of addicition.  They asked such questions as:

• “Have you ever felt you ought to cut down on your tanning?”
• “Have people annoyed you by criticizing your tanning?”
• “Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your tanning?”
• “Have you ever thought about tanning first thing in the morning?”

The results showed that 18% of the participants showed an SRD (substance related disorder) related to tanning.  Shockingly, 77% of participants who had a family history of skin cancer STILL visited indoor tanning salons.  Education of the risks associated with tanning have not proven effective in these people, but what will it take? 

Source: American Academy of Dermatology. "New Study Indicates Tanning May Be Addictive." ScienceDaily 20 March 2007. 16 April 2008 <http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2007/03/070319212951.htm>.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:14 AM | Permalink

...but I'm doing it.  I made a commitment to someone to join her in running in a 5K in June.  I have only started my training program, and I thought I'd write a blog about the health benefits of running, to keep me motivated.  Running is a great way to lose weight because it requires a great deal of energy.  The number of calories burned while running is significantly more than with other less taxing forms of exercise.  Improved cardiovascular health is another benefit of running as well as lowering the blood pressure and helping the arteries to maintain their elasticity. While running, the arteries expand and contract approximately three times as much as they do when you are sedentary. In doing this the risk of heart attack and stroke becomes diminished. Running can also help to slow down the aging process. Those who run regularly are less likely to experience bone and muscle loss as they age at the same pace as those who do not run regularly or at all. Running can also have many psychological benefits as my husband attests to. Most runners typically report being happier and feeling less stressed after a good run. Hormones called endorphins are released while running. These hormones create a sense of euphoria often referred to as a runner’s high and can be attributed to a better sense of well-being. Improved coordination is another worthwhile benefit which may be gained from running. Those who engage in running typically have to negotiate different trails, objects in the way, and maintaining their overall posture and sense of awareness of what’s around them.  So, OK, I guess I’ll keep running…the benefits far outweigh my distaste for it!

UPDATE: I registered for the race today!!!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:25 PM | Permalink

When we were little, my mom taught my sister and I this remedy, and it is a great way to get whiter teeth without spending a ton of dough on whitening treatments, or going through the sensitivity of whitening strips which some people, myself included, experience.  Combine a teaspoon of baking soda with 1 or 2 drops of peroxide. Brush on, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse (don't swallow) and enjoy your pearly whites. Baking soda serves as a safe, light bleach.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 07:17 AM | Permalink

I watched a very interesting show last night called "Live to 150, Can You Do It? Secrets to Living Longer With Barbara Walters".  I was excited to see the show, because I DO want to live to be 150 and was curious to see what these centurions attributed their longevity to and what scientists say is the wave of the future for anti-aging.  There are over 84,000 people over the age of 100 in the United States, and the ones on Barbara's show were whippersnappers!  They were playing music, dancing, talking about romance, and sharp as can be.  There were three main areas of interest in this show.  The first was the scientific aspects of anti-aging including growing new body parts in a lab and the newest anti-aging products coming out in the future with resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, which will ironically be in our next product, The Multi-antioxidant Formula.  They also talked about calorie-restricted diets which is the only proven way to extend life.  Those who participate in that regimen consume 30% fewer calories than the average American.  And lastly, did you know that your genes only account for 25% of your longevity.  It is 75% lifestyle!  So, let's get crackin' with healthy habits to ensure our longest lives possible.  And if you get a chance to see the show again, on ABC, I would recommend it.  It is informative as well as an inspiration!

 To buy a copy:

Purchase a copy of the Barbara Walters special, 'Live to Be 150' on DVD.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:25 AM | Permalink

I have decided that I no longer want to write this blog anymore....

 

APRIL FOOL'S!!! 

 

Actually, today is not only April Fool's Day, but it's National Have Fun at Work Day, so I thought I would by writing that little funny...Incorporating fun at work is not a bad idea.  Most people dread going to work each day, and their health and stress levels could probably benefit from having a little fun at the office.  So, today, I challenge you to have fun at work; memorize a joke and tell someone (keep it clean, so you stay out of trouble!), or relay a funny story.  Don't have fun at someone else's expense though; try to spread the joy of laughter in the workplace.  It is for everyone's benefit!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:21 AM | Permalink