Ever fall asleep thinking about a project at work and wake up the next day with a splitting headache and pain in your jaw? Or been on the go with the kids all day and ended up with stomach cramps and a bad case of the runs? Don't blame it on the weather or bad luck! It could be your body's way of saying you're too stressed out.
Headaches and stomach problems are among several seemingly mundane ailments that could signify you're under too much tension in your life, says Dr. Kenneth L. Savage Jr., an osteopathic physician at the University Community Hospital Physician Care Group in Tampa, Fla. "It's normal to have some level of stress," he says. "When it becomes abnormal -- or your body can't handle it -- that's when things start to happen."
In the worst-case scenario, stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, mood disorders and other issues. But it can also be the source of more common health issues. Do any of these sound familiar?
Argh! My skin's so itchy!
A sudden outbreak of hives or a rash can be a sign of tension (assuming you haven't walked into a patch of poison ivy recently). Stress taxes your body by causing its energy to funnel away from the immune system, says Savage. This can lead to the abnormal release of inflammatory substances in your skin -- and suddenly, you're scratching away. Too much tension in your life can also worsen rashes you're already susceptible to, such as allergy-related dermatitis or the itchy scalp and greasy dandruff of seborrheic dermatitis.
Try: An outdoor walk or bike ride. "A little bit of sunlight and exercise can be healthy," says Savage. Moderate sun exposure provides your body with vitamin D, and it can improve your mood and well-being. Staying active also benefits your circulatory and immune systems.
Yuck! A cold sore!
Tingling on your lip, then an ugly, crusty red blister … you know it's another cold sore, and right before an important meeting at work too! Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. Although the initial infection comes through direct contact with someone who has the virus, recurrences can crop up when you're under stress because your immune system isn't strong enough to fight it off.
Try: Saying no once in a while. "Manage stress by controlling the source of the stress," says Savage. If your workload is weighing you down, talk to your boss about delegating some tasks. If all those school fundraisers are taking up too much time, remember that you don't have to volunteer for all of them.
Achoo! I'm sick again!
Sure, you're bound to catch a cold every so often -- especially when everyone in your office has the sniffles. But you're more likely to come down with a runny nose and scratchy throat when your body is already run down by an overactive schedule or lack of sleep.
Try: Getting your z's. Adequate sleep doesn't just make you feel refreshed in the morning; it also boosts your immunity and makes you less prone to picking up your coworkers' or kids' colds. Go to bed an hour earlier and see what a difference it makes.
Ugh! My stomach hurts!
How we care for our bodies while under stress can cause as many problems as the stress itself. If you're so busy shuttling the kids to dance class and baseball practice that you're skipping meals or grabbing fast food all the time, that's a formula for stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation.
Try: Planning ahead. Shop on Sunday for a week's worth of healthy meals, including dishes you can serve as leftovers the next day. Knowing you have the dinner situation under control is one less thing to stress out about. Keep fruit, plain yogurt and other nutritious snacks in the fridge so you can grab them and go.
Ow! My jaw's so sore!
Stress doesn't magically end at the end of the day. Going to bed with worries on your mind may lead you to clench or grind your teeth while you sleep -- a condition called bruxism. If you often wake up with an aching jaw, head or ear, or if your teeth seem worn or chipped, see your dentist. He may prescribe a mouth guard or suggest ways to keep your mouth relaxed at night.
2011年6月12日星期日
2011年6月8日星期三
Sore Throat May Bring Relief to Oil Market
There’s a popular saying to describe the importance of the U.S. to the world economy: “When America sneezes, the world catches a cold.”
This week, the American economy seems to have a least infected the Saudi Oil Minister, Ali Al-Naimi. Mr. Naimi, who decides production levels at the world’s largest oil exporter, told reporters at the start of the OPEC meeting in Vienna: “Don’t waste your time, go talk to someone else. I have a sore throat.”
Mr. Naimi has said little in public this week, but has apparently been doing a lot of talking in private in a series of behind-the-scenes meetings to convince other skeptical members of the group that OPEC should increase its oil production, perhaps by as much as 1.5 million barrels a day.
If his throat is sore from these pleas falling on deaf ears, it is in large part due to uncertainty about the strength of the world’s largest oil consumer–the U.S.
A stream of negative economic data in the past week has stoked fears that a previously robust U.S. economic recovery is faltering. If the U.S. stumbles, other OPEC members fear that oil demand could fall and prices follow it.
“We have to wait and see the behavior of inventories and demand at the end of the year” before changing oil production, said Venezuelan Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez. “Demand is an uncertainty. The recovery of the economy is an uncertainty,” he said.
Mr. Ramirez is one of the most intractable skeptics at Wednesday’s meeting, but there are signs that other members, notably Iran, may drop their previous opposition to allow a modest increase in production.
If so, oil consumers should be grateful for Mr. Naimi’s sore throat.
This week, the American economy seems to have a least infected the Saudi Oil Minister, Ali Al-Naimi. Mr. Naimi, who decides production levels at the world’s largest oil exporter, told reporters at the start of the OPEC meeting in Vienna: “Don’t waste your time, go talk to someone else. I have a sore throat.”
Mr. Naimi has said little in public this week, but has apparently been doing a lot of talking in private in a series of behind-the-scenes meetings to convince other skeptical members of the group that OPEC should increase its oil production, perhaps by as much as 1.5 million barrels a day.
If his throat is sore from these pleas falling on deaf ears, it is in large part due to uncertainty about the strength of the world’s largest oil consumer–the U.S.
A stream of negative economic data in the past week has stoked fears that a previously robust U.S. economic recovery is faltering. If the U.S. stumbles, other OPEC members fear that oil demand could fall and prices follow it.
“We have to wait and see the behavior of inventories and demand at the end of the year” before changing oil production, said Venezuelan Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez. “Demand is an uncertainty. The recovery of the economy is an uncertainty,” he said.
Mr. Ramirez is one of the most intractable skeptics at Wednesday’s meeting, but there are signs that other members, notably Iran, may drop their previous opposition to allow a modest increase in production.
If so, oil consumers should be grateful for Mr. Naimi’s sore throat.
Fraunhofer Develops 3D Herpes Model to Test Potential Treatments
Approximately 90 percent of people are carrying the herpes simplex virus, but the virus spends most of its time in a dormant state which has proven difficult to research. Now, scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB have developed a 3D herpes infection model which they are now using to study the virus’ dormant state. The investigators claim their research will aid in the testing of future cold sore treatments by reducing the need for animal testing.
From the press release:
To date the skin models used for drug testing and to detect the virus have been very simple and unable to simulate the dormancy state of the virus. “We have integrated a neuronal cell line into the certified skin model of the IGB and are able to detect this latency stage for the first time.”
Research on active ingredients can profit from the 3D herpes infection model of the researchers from IGB, a model that also enables improved study of infection mechanisms. This procedure might also be used to test new medications for shingles, which is also caused by a variant strain of the herpes virus.
From the press release:
To date the skin models used for drug testing and to detect the virus have been very simple and unable to simulate the dormancy state of the virus. “We have integrated a neuronal cell line into the certified skin model of the IGB and are able to detect this latency stage for the first time.”
Research on active ingredients can profit from the 3D herpes infection model of the researchers from IGB, a model that also enables improved study of infection mechanisms. This procedure might also be used to test new medications for shingles, which is also caused by a variant strain of the herpes virus.
2011年6月6日星期一
Health-giving plants freely available in the average garden
One famous comic book Gaulish village managed to protect itself from the ancient Romans thanks to a magic potion made from mistletoe. The plant is also used in holistic medicine to treat blood circulation ailments.
Many other plants and herbs have been used over the centuries as medicines and are freely available in many gardens. 'It's worth your while having a closer look in your garden to see if there's something you can use to make a medicinal tea with,' says gardening consultant Sven Goerlitz.
Right at the top of the list of medicinal plants is mint but due to the wide variety of species you must be careful which mint you choose.
'There are a few poisonous varieties as well as a few with very high levels of menthol that can cause stomach irritation,' warns Manfred Fischer from the German body and health care product manufacturer Kneipp-Werke.
One safe variety of mint is Mentha x piperita. 'Research on the plant has shown that its oil can ease digestive system complaints and improve gallbladder function.'
Another medicinal plant is the nettle. 'Some gardeners don't want it because it grows so exuberantly,' says Andrea Danitschek from a consumer group based in Munich.
'But if you cut off a few stems you can make a wonderful tea with them.' The first shoots of the season contain very high amounts of minerals and vitamins. 'Nettle tea is good for the kidneys and helps them filter the blood,' says Fischer.
Wild chamomile is another common plant found in many gardens. 'Made into a tea it can reduce inflammation and ease the cramp of a sore stomach. If applied to a wound it can also speed up healing time and the steam produced while cooking the plant can also ease the symptoms of a cold,' says Fischer.
The flowers of the Yarrow plant is even better at treating cramp and the leaves of the Ribwort Plantain can also help with a cold.
Other useful plants can be found in the kitchen. 'An underestimated herb with healing powers is thyme,' says Danitschek. Thanks to its anti-bacterial properties thyme can help with dealing with a cold.
Sage is another anti-inflammatory herb that will also ease cold symptoms. 'Sage tea is very often used to treat gastritis,' adds Fischer. It also helps to reduce perspiration and is often drunk by women going through the menopause.
A prerequisite to extracting the benefit from a herb, leaf or flower is choosing the right plant. 'That requires specialist knowledge,' warns Ursula Sellerberg from Germany's Pharmacists Association.
For example, Ribwort Plantain is difficult to discern from the Common Plantain. 'You should not walk through a park or forest carelessly picking plants as the risk of making a mistake is very high. Many plants are also under nature protection.'
A better method is to choose which plants you want and then grow them in your own garden. Dried leaves and flowers should be crushed just before making a tea with them.
'That will increase the surface area and the aroma will be stronger,' says Goerlitz. 'If you use fresh plants you will need to use between four and five times the amount,' adds Fischer.
You must use boiling water to make the infusion. 'That's the only way to guarantee that any germs that may be present are killed,' says Danitschek. Medicinal plants can be contaminated with bird excrement or salmonella bacteria.
'Depending on which plant you are using, the steeping time can be between five and ten minutes.'
Although herbal teas can be very beneficial their effects are limited. 'Herb tea is a gentle medicine that can support the healing process,' says Sellerberg. The quantity of plant extract in the tea is not of a very high concentration and its medicinal effects can only go so far.
The herbs and flowers used to make herbal teas can also be stored. They should be dry at the time of picking and can be dried further in an oven or by leaving them in the open air.
Many other plants and herbs have been used over the centuries as medicines and are freely available in many gardens. 'It's worth your while having a closer look in your garden to see if there's something you can use to make a medicinal tea with,' says gardening consultant Sven Goerlitz.
Right at the top of the list of medicinal plants is mint but due to the wide variety of species you must be careful which mint you choose.
'There are a few poisonous varieties as well as a few with very high levels of menthol that can cause stomach irritation,' warns Manfred Fischer from the German body and health care product manufacturer Kneipp-Werke.
One safe variety of mint is Mentha x piperita. 'Research on the plant has shown that its oil can ease digestive system complaints and improve gallbladder function.'
Another medicinal plant is the nettle. 'Some gardeners don't want it because it grows so exuberantly,' says Andrea Danitschek from a consumer group based in Munich.
'But if you cut off a few stems you can make a wonderful tea with them.' The first shoots of the season contain very high amounts of minerals and vitamins. 'Nettle tea is good for the kidneys and helps them filter the blood,' says Fischer.
Wild chamomile is another common plant found in many gardens. 'Made into a tea it can reduce inflammation and ease the cramp of a sore stomach. If applied to a wound it can also speed up healing time and the steam produced while cooking the plant can also ease the symptoms of a cold,' says Fischer.
The flowers of the Yarrow plant is even better at treating cramp and the leaves of the Ribwort Plantain can also help with a cold.
Other useful plants can be found in the kitchen. 'An underestimated herb with healing powers is thyme,' says Danitschek. Thanks to its anti-bacterial properties thyme can help with dealing with a cold.
Sage is another anti-inflammatory herb that will also ease cold symptoms. 'Sage tea is very often used to treat gastritis,' adds Fischer. It also helps to reduce perspiration and is often drunk by women going through the menopause.
A prerequisite to extracting the benefit from a herb, leaf or flower is choosing the right plant. 'That requires specialist knowledge,' warns Ursula Sellerberg from Germany's Pharmacists Association.
For example, Ribwort Plantain is difficult to discern from the Common Plantain. 'You should not walk through a park or forest carelessly picking plants as the risk of making a mistake is very high. Many plants are also under nature protection.'
A better method is to choose which plants you want and then grow them in your own garden. Dried leaves and flowers should be crushed just before making a tea with them.
'That will increase the surface area and the aroma will be stronger,' says Goerlitz. 'If you use fresh plants you will need to use between four and five times the amount,' adds Fischer.
You must use boiling water to make the infusion. 'That's the only way to guarantee that any germs that may be present are killed,' says Danitschek. Medicinal plants can be contaminated with bird excrement or salmonella bacteria.
'Depending on which plant you are using, the steeping time can be between five and ten minutes.'
Although herbal teas can be very beneficial their effects are limited. 'Herb tea is a gentle medicine that can support the healing process,' says Sellerberg. The quantity of plant extract in the tea is not of a very high concentration and its medicinal effects can only go so far.
The herbs and flowers used to make herbal teas can also be stored. They should be dry at the time of picking and can be dried further in an oven or by leaving them in the open air.
Editor's Choice China paper warns Google may pay price for hacking claims Four suspected U.S. cases of E.coli linked to Germany U.N. says climate talks will miss Kyoto deadline Gas to pass coal in 15 years, equal oil by 2035: IEA Hackers attack Nintendo's servers in United States Cancer costs put treatments out of reach for many Facebook blunder leads crowd to teen's birthday Comment: Activision’s brainy toys take over Video: Tiny eco-home demonstrates big energy savings Slideshow: Marijuana merchandise Follow Reuters Facebook Twitter RSS YouTube Read Missouri River flood levee breaches expected 5:43pm EDT Expert links samples from Casey Anthony's car to human decay 2:53pm EDT UPDATE 1-Cancer costs put treatments out of reach for many 1:46pm EDT Congressman Weiner admits online affairs | Video 7:49pm EDT China paper warns Google may pay price for hacking claims 7:42am EDT Discussed 79 150 economists back U.S. Republicans in debt fight 67 ”The world is getting warmer”: Romney 65 Moody’s sounds alarm over U.S. debt limit and deficits Watched Transsexual model takes Rio Transsexual model takes Rio Fri, Jun 3 2011 Latvian blondes prove they have more fun Latvian blondes prove they have more fun Thu, Jun 2 2011 Bodypainters apply their skill Bodypainters apply their skill Mon, Jul 19 2010 small business Kara Goldin, founder and CEO of flavored-water startup Hint Inc. and her husband and COO, Theo Goldin (L), at their company's office in San Francisco, California on March 30, 2011. REUTERS/Natalie Armstrong Beverage startup fights for shelf space Kara Goldin started her business, Hint, by adding fruit to water as an attempt to wean herself off soft drinks. With sales set to hit $30 million this year, her main challenge now is battling the big bottlers for shelf space. Full Article | Video Factbox: Hint Inc More Entrepreneur's Edge pitches Smokers show higher risk of leg artery disease
Women who smoke are much more likely than non-smokers to develop clogged arteries in the legs -- but quitting can lower those odds, according to a study published Monday.
The study, reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that female smokers were up to 17 times more likely than non-smokers to develop peripheral artery disease (PAD).
About 8 million Americans have PAD, which usually arises when atherosclerosis, a hardening and narrowing of the arteries, restricts blood flow to the legs. The main symptom is leg pain or cramps during normal activities, like walking, though not everyone with the condition has symptoms.
People with PAD often have widespread atherosclerosis, including coronary heart disease -- where arteries feeding the heart become narrowed and stiff. For some, leg pain is the first symptom of wider problems.
Smoking has a well-established link to heart disease. But fewer studies have focused on PAD.
The good news from the current study is that women who kicked the habit appeared to lower their risk of PAD -- though they did not eliminate it.
"Our most important finding, in my view, is that smoking cessation substantially reduces this risk," said lead researcher Dr. David Conen, of the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland.
"We found a gradual decrease in risk with an increased duration of smoking abstinence, highlighting the importance of smoking cessation," Conen told Reuters Health in an email.
Compared with lifelong non-smokers, former smokers had three times the risk of developing PAD over 13 years.
But current smokers showed much higher odds: those who smoked fewer than 15 cigarettes a day had a nine-fold higher risk of PAD than lifelong non-smokers, while those who lit up more often had a 17-times higher risk.
"Clearly, our study adds one more reason to quit smoking as soon as possible," Conen said.
However, he added, "the fact that the risk of PAD does not get down to that of women who never smoked also emphasizes the importance that never starting smoking is at least as important."
The findings come from a long-running study of U.S. women who were age 45 or older and free of heart disease and other major health problems at the outset. Of nearly 40,000 women followed for 13 years, 178 were eventually diagnosed with PAD.
Among the heaviest smokers -- 15 or more cigarettes per day -- PAD was diagnosed at a rate of 1.6 cases for every 1,000 women each year. Among lifelong non-smokers, there were 0.1 cases for every 1,000 women each year.
When Conen's team accounted for other PAD risk factors, like older age, obesity and diabetes, smoking itself was still strongly linked to the disease.
The researchers also gained some clues as to why smoking might lead to PAD. Based on blood samples from a subgroup of women, high levels of certain inflammatory proteins accounted for some of the risk linked to smoking.
That, Conen's team says, suggests that smoking leads to PAD, in part, by spurring chronic inflammation in the blood vessels.
He suggested that doctors be careful to look for signs and symptoms of PAD in patients who smoke.
Besides leg pain during exercise, other signs include leg sores that don't heal, feelings of cold or numbness in the legs or feet, and hair loss or slowed hair growth on the legs.
Once PAD is diagnosed, treatment usually involves lifestyle changes to improve a person's overall cardiovascular health, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. People with PAD may also take aspirin or other medications to prevent blood clots.
In cases where leg pain is debilitating, doctors may prescribe medications that improve blood flow to the legs. Some people end up needing angioplasty or bypass surgery to take care of blockages in the leg arteries.
The study, reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that female smokers were up to 17 times more likely than non-smokers to develop peripheral artery disease (PAD).
About 8 million Americans have PAD, which usually arises when atherosclerosis, a hardening and narrowing of the arteries, restricts blood flow to the legs. The main symptom is leg pain or cramps during normal activities, like walking, though not everyone with the condition has symptoms.
People with PAD often have widespread atherosclerosis, including coronary heart disease -- where arteries feeding the heart become narrowed and stiff. For some, leg pain is the first symptom of wider problems.
Smoking has a well-established link to heart disease. But fewer studies have focused on PAD.
The good news from the current study is that women who kicked the habit appeared to lower their risk of PAD -- though they did not eliminate it.
"Our most important finding, in my view, is that smoking cessation substantially reduces this risk," said lead researcher Dr. David Conen, of the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland.
"We found a gradual decrease in risk with an increased duration of smoking abstinence, highlighting the importance of smoking cessation," Conen told Reuters Health in an email.
Compared with lifelong non-smokers, former smokers had three times the risk of developing PAD over 13 years.
But current smokers showed much higher odds: those who smoked fewer than 15 cigarettes a day had a nine-fold higher risk of PAD than lifelong non-smokers, while those who lit up more often had a 17-times higher risk.
"Clearly, our study adds one more reason to quit smoking as soon as possible," Conen said.
However, he added, "the fact that the risk of PAD does not get down to that of women who never smoked also emphasizes the importance that never starting smoking is at least as important."
The findings come from a long-running study of U.S. women who were age 45 or older and free of heart disease and other major health problems at the outset. Of nearly 40,000 women followed for 13 years, 178 were eventually diagnosed with PAD.
Among the heaviest smokers -- 15 or more cigarettes per day -- PAD was diagnosed at a rate of 1.6 cases for every 1,000 women each year. Among lifelong non-smokers, there were 0.1 cases for every 1,000 women each year.
When Conen's team accounted for other PAD risk factors, like older age, obesity and diabetes, smoking itself was still strongly linked to the disease.
The researchers also gained some clues as to why smoking might lead to PAD. Based on blood samples from a subgroup of women, high levels of certain inflammatory proteins accounted for some of the risk linked to smoking.
That, Conen's team says, suggests that smoking leads to PAD, in part, by spurring chronic inflammation in the blood vessels.
He suggested that doctors be careful to look for signs and symptoms of PAD in patients who smoke.
Besides leg pain during exercise, other signs include leg sores that don't heal, feelings of cold or numbness in the legs or feet, and hair loss or slowed hair growth on the legs.
Once PAD is diagnosed, treatment usually involves lifestyle changes to improve a person's overall cardiovascular health, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. People with PAD may also take aspirin or other medications to prevent blood clots.
In cases where leg pain is debilitating, doctors may prescribe medications that improve blood flow to the legs. Some people end up needing angioplasty or bypass surgery to take care of blockages in the leg arteries.
2011年6月1日星期三
The hike up Mount Kilimanjaro is breathless in several ways
The climb has started. “Polle, polle” is the theme: “slower, slower” the guides will say. Our team of 16 climbers, one of five attempting the climb, has taken the message to heart. Hearing the horror stories of the failures of all the kids our age: The staggering statistic is that the group that fails most often on the climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro is men between the ages of 18-25. Though it is a little disappointing to leave for the summit without some of our teammates it is still exciting to move closer and closer to the daunting peaks in the sky.
The amazing things about this mountain are not limited to its great size. The mountain is a home to nearly every ecosystem. It is home to many families that came out to walk with us a bit on our climb. Some of the children who walk each day down the path that took us hours to climb, carried their back-packs and slowed down to talk to us.
The scenery going up the mountain was also a great distraction from the enduring step-pause-breath-step pattern we were employing. The needles on the pine trees we passed were so fine they looked like the bristles of a brush. When we passed into the rainforest area on the first day the greenery was so lush and diverse that I found myself tripping over rocks while I was distracted.
The feet and backs of many of us are sore at camp but the world around us keeps our minds and imaginations occupied between the games and stories that we share with our teammates. All in all, it was a great start to the end of our journey.
Day two of the climb, when we awake at around 6:30 the cold waiting for us outside the tent is bitter and biting. We make our way slowly to the mess tent, wiping a rough night’s sleep, for most of us, from our eyes. The air is already a little thin and it is tough for many of us to breath too easily in the few short steps to the tent.
We enjoy a breakfast of toast, pancakes (more like crepes) and fruit before packing up our day packs to move. Today’s walk would be the first real test: four hours uphill, short break for lunch and then another four hours to camp. By the time we finish the day two of our group members are sick, from the water that was not treated appropriately, one of our other group mates is feeling sick from the altitude and at the rate that we are going and the amount we are struggling right now is starting to put into perspective the task we have undertaken.
When we finally reach the camp we hear that the oldest of our coaches attempting the hike, and one of the players had been sick before the climb. Feverish, they both couldn’t eat and laid in bed just hoping to get through the night and maybe feel well enough to reach the next camp. One day at a time seems to be becoming more and more important.
The amazing things about this mountain are not limited to its great size. The mountain is a home to nearly every ecosystem. It is home to many families that came out to walk with us a bit on our climb. Some of the children who walk each day down the path that took us hours to climb, carried their back-packs and slowed down to talk to us.
The scenery going up the mountain was also a great distraction from the enduring step-pause-breath-step pattern we were employing. The needles on the pine trees we passed were so fine they looked like the bristles of a brush. When we passed into the rainforest area on the first day the greenery was so lush and diverse that I found myself tripping over rocks while I was distracted.
The feet and backs of many of us are sore at camp but the world around us keeps our minds and imaginations occupied between the games and stories that we share with our teammates. All in all, it was a great start to the end of our journey.
Day two of the climb, when we awake at around 6:30 the cold waiting for us outside the tent is bitter and biting. We make our way slowly to the mess tent, wiping a rough night’s sleep, for most of us, from our eyes. The air is already a little thin and it is tough for many of us to breath too easily in the few short steps to the tent.
We enjoy a breakfast of toast, pancakes (more like crepes) and fruit before packing up our day packs to move. Today’s walk would be the first real test: four hours uphill, short break for lunch and then another four hours to camp. By the time we finish the day two of our group members are sick, from the water that was not treated appropriately, one of our other group mates is feeling sick from the altitude and at the rate that we are going and the amount we are struggling right now is starting to put into perspective the task we have undertaken.
When we finally reach the camp we hear that the oldest of our coaches attempting the hike, and one of the players had been sick before the climb. Feverish, they both couldn’t eat and laid in bed just hoping to get through the night and maybe feel well enough to reach the next camp. One day at a time seems to be becoming more and more important.
The Time is Here to Watch Out for Sun Exposure
Despite some rain, typically Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of nicer weather activities when we can start to think about wearing our sunscreen diligently, slathering down our squirmy kids with it and maybe eating more of some fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables?
While we have always protected ourselves on the outside from the sun, there are studies now that provide us with new ways to enhance protection with what we eat. As an example, some red fruits and vegetables contain lycopene, a strong antioxidant, that protects skin from damaging ultraviolet rays.
Participants in one study on lycopene and sun exposure, published in The Journal of Nutrition, had 20 to 40 percent fewer sunburns when they ate tomato paste every day. Thankfully, we can expand out from tomato paste and receive some benefits of this concept. Start adding in extra servings of lycopene-rich foods into your family's meals routinely. Stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers are all good sources, especially since they are while cooked. Cooked sources of lycopene are believed to provide more benefit by being better absorbed. With jarred and canned products, be on the lookout for added dyes. Some food dyes have been suspected of links to ADHD, and in children this is a big concern.
Some may think that a tan looks good right now, but what they don't know is that the damage on skin from the sun's rays may take 15 years to appear. Most sun damage occurs during childhood. There is no safe or base tan. All UVA and UVB exposure compromises the collagen in the skin and risks hyperpigmentation, permanent darkening of the skin, or hypopigmentation, permanent white spots, not to mention the obvious risk of skin cancer.
If you try a tanning bed and don't get a burn from its exposure, it just means that you have received more UVA exposure, which has more of the aging effects instead of as much burning as from the UVB type.
There are other alternatives for tanning the skin without the harmful effects. Self-tanners have come a long way and are easy to use. Nearby, Bella Tanning in El Sobrante offers spray tans.
While we have always protected ourselves on the outside from the sun, there are studies now that provide us with new ways to enhance protection with what we eat. As an example, some red fruits and vegetables contain lycopene, a strong antioxidant, that protects skin from damaging ultraviolet rays.
Participants in one study on lycopene and sun exposure, published in The Journal of Nutrition, had 20 to 40 percent fewer sunburns when they ate tomato paste every day. Thankfully, we can expand out from tomato paste and receive some benefits of this concept. Start adding in extra servings of lycopene-rich foods into your family's meals routinely. Stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers are all good sources, especially since they are while cooked. Cooked sources of lycopene are believed to provide more benefit by being better absorbed. With jarred and canned products, be on the lookout for added dyes. Some food dyes have been suspected of links to ADHD, and in children this is a big concern.
Some may think that a tan looks good right now, but what they don't know is that the damage on skin from the sun's rays may take 15 years to appear. Most sun damage occurs during childhood. There is no safe or base tan. All UVA and UVB exposure compromises the collagen in the skin and risks hyperpigmentation, permanent darkening of the skin, or hypopigmentation, permanent white spots, not to mention the obvious risk of skin cancer.
If you try a tanning bed and don't get a burn from its exposure, it just means that you have received more UVA exposure, which has more of the aging effects instead of as much burning as from the UVB type.
There are other alternatives for tanning the skin without the harmful effects. Self-tanners have come a long way and are easy to use. Nearby, Bella Tanning in El Sobrante offers spray tans.
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