The use of e-cigarettes, also known as "vaping" has increased exponentially in recent years. These devices were originally marketed as a safer alternative to regular cigarettes. They were also marketed as a way for smokers to perhaps quit smoking. There are both positive aspects and drawbacks to the e-cigarette craze, but many people in the medical field still warn against the possible health effects associated with them.
There are so many risks involved with smoking yet people still do it. This addiction can lead to several diseases such as cancer of the throat and mouth, emphysema, and myeloid leukemia. This insidious disease is a fast moving and fast growing cancer that affects the bone marrow and the blood. It is rare and often isn't caught until later stages because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses, including the flu. After diagnosis, treatment often includes chemotherapy and perhaps a stem cell transplant. Neither methods are pleasant and both often require long bouts of hospitalization.
If you want information on the effects of what's actually within the liquid cartridges in e-cigarettes, the area is still a little unclear. There haven't been too many studies on these devices, but researchers from a study associated with the U.S National Institute of Health have warned that teens who use them are at higher risk to becoming addicted to nicotine. And while the e-cigarettes may not have all of the other cancer causing chemicals in them, they certainly do have nicotine - and that's certainly just one danger of cigarettes.
Basically the only real way to avoid illness associated from nicotine use is to avoid it altogether. "Smoking" an e-cig or vapor cigarette still allows for a risk of disease and serious illness. The only real way to to cut the number of deaths associated with tobacco use is to just never start smoking at all, no matter if it's regular cigarettes or e-cigarettes. However, if you must smoke, it may be beneficial to switch to e-cigarettes to help you kick the habit and/or to lower your risk of developing some diseases. It is a risk that only you know for sure if you want to take - just be sure to be an informed consumer.
Benefits of a Homemade Herb Garden
Gardening is a good way to enjoy nature, help
younger family members learn about food, and create a beautiful landscape. When
people think about gardening, they usually think either vegetables or flowers.
Herbs are a third of the garden varieties that have many great health and
wellness benefits. Here are just five of the many benefits of a homemade herb
garden.
1) Easy to Do – There are many types of herbs, and some do require a little experience to get them to thrive. Many, however, are simple to start and grow into big, healthy plants. Of the easiest, several are among the most popular store-bought herbs: sage, thyme, rosemary, lemon balm, parsley, mint, chives, cilantro, oregano and tarragon.
Herbs can be used fresh, but like vegetables, the extra produce that can’t be used immediately can be preserved. Rather than freezing or canning, herbs are most often dried and ground into powders or flakes. Drying them is easier than most vegetable processing, and anyone can learn how to do it quickly.
2) Financially Beneficial – Anyone who has priced herbs in the store, fresh or dried, knows that it is expensive to buy them. The seeds, however, are relatively cheap, and it doesn’t even take a lot of time to create and maintain an herb garden. Growing your own herbs will save money quickly and you can feel great knowing the food you are making is healthier for you and your family.
3) Herb Gardens are Beautiful – You can grow an herb garden just about anywhere. If you need to save space, you can even grow them indoors. There are inventive ways to add a touch of beauty and class with a healthy twist by adding trellis herb gardens, window box herb gardens or even unique designs in barrels and PVC structures designed to create an eye-catching display of lush foliage. Herb gardens create a beautiful backdrop for any room, and add a lot of curb appeal to the outside of a home while giving you all of the health benefits of eating fresh cut herbs added to your recipes.
4) Great Hobby – Taking the time to smell the herbs, and breaking away from boring routines like watching television or sitting around playing video games is healthier all around. Growing a herb garden gets you moving, helps you enjoy learning new things and provides you with additional sources of health such as the supplies for aromatherapy. Working in a garden is stress relieving and watching the beautiful plants grow, knowing that you made it happen is empowering and makes you feel proud. Growing herbs is a good hobby for everyone in the family, and offers educational value for even the youngest members.
5) Healthy Food Source – The most important benefit of growing your own herb garden is that it is healthier for you and your family. You can be sure that the herbs you grow are pesticide-free and at their peak nutritional value. Herbs are good for you and packed full of flavor. Growing them also makes you feel good about yourself. You can even spread the joy by sharing with neighbors and friends.
1) Easy to Do – There are many types of herbs, and some do require a little experience to get them to thrive. Many, however, are simple to start and grow into big, healthy plants. Of the easiest, several are among the most popular store-bought herbs: sage, thyme, rosemary, lemon balm, parsley, mint, chives, cilantro, oregano and tarragon.
Herbs can be used fresh, but like vegetables, the extra produce that can’t be used immediately can be preserved. Rather than freezing or canning, herbs are most often dried and ground into powders or flakes. Drying them is easier than most vegetable processing, and anyone can learn how to do it quickly.
2) Financially Beneficial – Anyone who has priced herbs in the store, fresh or dried, knows that it is expensive to buy them. The seeds, however, are relatively cheap, and it doesn’t even take a lot of time to create and maintain an herb garden. Growing your own herbs will save money quickly and you can feel great knowing the food you are making is healthier for you and your family.
3) Herb Gardens are Beautiful – You can grow an herb garden just about anywhere. If you need to save space, you can even grow them indoors. There are inventive ways to add a touch of beauty and class with a healthy twist by adding trellis herb gardens, window box herb gardens or even unique designs in barrels and PVC structures designed to create an eye-catching display of lush foliage. Herb gardens create a beautiful backdrop for any room, and add a lot of curb appeal to the outside of a home while giving you all of the health benefits of eating fresh cut herbs added to your recipes.
4) Great Hobby – Taking the time to smell the herbs, and breaking away from boring routines like watching television or sitting around playing video games is healthier all around. Growing a herb garden gets you moving, helps you enjoy learning new things and provides you with additional sources of health such as the supplies for aromatherapy. Working in a garden is stress relieving and watching the beautiful plants grow, knowing that you made it happen is empowering and makes you feel proud. Growing herbs is a good hobby for everyone in the family, and offers educational value for even the youngest members.
5) Healthy Food Source – The most important benefit of growing your own herb garden is that it is healthier for you and your family. You can be sure that the herbs you grow are pesticide-free and at their peak nutritional value. Herbs are good for you and packed full of flavor. Growing them also makes you feel good about yourself. You can even spread the joy by sharing with neighbors and friends.
Turning Big Tragedies Into Positives
Almost everyone at one time or another experiences tragedies in their lives. It can be in the form of a loss of a job, the loss of loved ones, or perhaps the diagnosis of a serious disease. It doesn't matter whether these life events are expected or unexpected, the impact they have is substantial. And while at the time the tragedy can seem insurmountable, we often come out on the other end with a sense of purpose and strength that we lacked before. We have the ability to turn a frightening life event into something we can learn from and perhaps even help others.
All of us unfortunately deal with some type of difficult events throughout our lives. However, how we react when these happens can seriously help or in some cases, hurt us more. It is important that we don't deny the importance the event or downplay it either to ourselves or others. We must face it and be a part of it - suppressing our feelings and reactions just isn't healthy. Don't act like nothing happened or pretend that you're fine - doing so won't help you process things or move forward in a healthy way.
As we get older we often find that personal growth is often borne from tragedy. We find we can learn from certain events, even if we don't understand how at the time. These events can teach us patience, perseverance, kindness, and empathy. We can take what happens to ourselves and our loves ones turn them into positive things that have the ability to help others.
There are certain events that have the ability to lead to the expansions of our hearts and our minds. The lessons gained from a loss can make us stronger. Those lessons can turn us into a better parent, child, friend, or spouse. The knowledge that is often found in the aftermath of these tragedies can change the direction of our lives and lead us onto paths we never expected. And while these events often shake us to the core, we realize we are stronger than we ever believed.
The Real Benefits of Resveratrol
If you're looking for ways to boost your skeletal muscle benefits and associative metabolism than resveratrol might help. And getting your daily dose from one to two glasses of red wine can be beneficial. However, we must remember that we can't enjoy perfect health by just taking some "magic pill." We must do the work to keep improving our bodies and fight off certain diseases. But there have been studies regarding the atherosclerotic tendencies of resveratrol - such as lowering bad cholesterol and keeping the arteries unclogged. That can also contribute to low blood pressure and decrease in the chance of Alzheimer's disease. This is yet another reason we should watch what we eat - as our diets contribute directly to many disease processes. Resveratrol is found in more than just red wine - it is also found in berries and some nuts - foods that have long since been considered healthy for the body in general.
Cancerous tumors need a blood supply to grow and invade the body. The growth of blood vessels is called angiogenesis. Reducing or cutting off blood supply in tumors can help the body fight cancer by effectively killing the tumor. Research is ongoing on how certain substances can effectively fight tumors.
Another benefit might be linked to memory and mental function. Mental sharpness is something we all strive for. As we get older we often feel as if we're losing it - we may feel more "scattered" than usual. There have been numerous studies that point out the benefits of antioxidants improves mental clarity. Another benefit of these substances is that they can increase testosterone levels in men.
Hurricane Preparation: Protecting the Ones We Love
If you live in an area that is at risk for hurricanes, you owe it to yourself and your family to be responsible and prepared for such an event. Have a plan in place and have the things you need in case disaster strikes. Flashlights with fully charged batteries, blankets, and extra food and water to last you for at least a few days - and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Make sure you also have enough medications and vitamins to last you for at least three days.
Technology can become vital after a storm. Prepare yourself and download apps to notify others your location so that you can find each other. There are apps that can alert you to others around you that can help you or in need of help. Along with various weather apps, the Red Cross has a first aid app that can be extremely useful before, during, and after a damaging storm.
There are also things you can do to your home to help protect it. Hurricane shutters are an obvious safety choice. However, if you don't have them you can use plywood to cover the windows. This can help keep them from shattering and causing damage. Make sure to clear gutters. This can reduce damage from heavy rains. Talk with your family about an evacuation plan. Talk about where to meet and how to find each other in the event of an emergency. Find out your nearest shelter location.
Hurricanes often have a path they follow and weather experts can often predict their paths. However, they do change course. If you are in the path or might be at risk, it's always better to be safe than sorry. If a storm is on the horizon, put as many perishables as you can into a cooler filled with ice. Use cooler to keep from opening freezer, especially if the power goes out. Fill bathtub with water to use for washing, drinking, and flushing the toilet. Water supplies are often compromised in the days after a storm. Make sure you have plenty of gas on hand for your generator. Turn off electricity gas and water.
Make sure to have a hand held can opener, a weather radio, extra batteries, and a first aid kit. Listen to NOAA weather radio for important updates. Keep your cell phone and chargers close by. Know where a set of extra house and car keys are located. Don't forget to store important documents in watertight container for safekeeping. And last but not least, be patient
Technology can become vital after a storm. Prepare yourself and download apps to notify others your location so that you can find each other. There are apps that can alert you to others around you that can help you or in need of help. Along with various weather apps, the Red Cross has a first aid app that can be extremely useful before, during, and after a damaging storm.
There are also things you can do to your home to help protect it. Hurricane shutters are an obvious safety choice. However, if you don't have them you can use plywood to cover the windows. This can help keep them from shattering and causing damage. Make sure to clear gutters. This can reduce damage from heavy rains. Talk with your family about an evacuation plan. Talk about where to meet and how to find each other in the event of an emergency. Find out your nearest shelter location.
Hurricanes often have a path they follow and weather experts can often predict their paths. However, they do change course. If you are in the path or might be at risk, it's always better to be safe than sorry. If a storm is on the horizon, put as many perishables as you can into a cooler filled with ice. Use cooler to keep from opening freezer, especially if the power goes out. Fill bathtub with water to use for washing, drinking, and flushing the toilet. Water supplies are often compromised in the days after a storm. Make sure you have plenty of gas on hand for your generator. Turn off electricity gas and water.
Make sure to have a hand held can opener, a weather radio, extra batteries, and a first aid kit. Listen to NOAA weather radio for important updates. Keep your cell phone and chargers close by. Know where a set of extra house and car keys are located. Don't forget to store important documents in watertight container for safekeeping. And last but not least, be patient
How to Add Sweetness to Your Meals – With Little or No Added Sugar
Sugar is everywhere. It’s in our cereal, milk, crackers,
jelly, even our kids’ vitamins! You’ll even find sugar under different names
such as maple syrup, molasses, agave nectar, coconut sugar, corn syrup, and
many more. Sugar serves many purposes; in food, it’s used to give color,
texture and flavor to baked goods. In our bodies, sugars fuel red blood cells
and the brain.
However, there’s a downside to sugar. It’s not bad per se,
but most of us consume too much of it. According to survey data, the average
person in America gets up to 20 teaspoons of the sugar every single day. The
medical community is up in the arms about this because the daily recommended
amount if 9 teaspoons for men and 6 teaspoons for women.
No one is telling you to cut your sugar intake completely,
but there’s no harm in cutting back especially if you are having more than the
recommended amount. Don’t fret; there are ways to sweeten your meals without
adding sugar. For instance, unsweetened cocoa powder is a great addition to
coffee and it provides a boost of antioxidants at the same time. Sweet
vegetables and fruits like melons, peaches, sweet corn and sweet peas are great
for sweet salad dressings or as a quick snack. Add a few dried figs or dates to
smoothies for added nutrition, fiber and sweetness. Cinnamon is also a great
way to add calcium, fiber and sweetness to things like baked goods, oatmeal and
even coffee. It also has the added health benefit of slowing down the rate of
digestion, which prevents blood sugar spikes.
Pink grapefruit or ripe tomatoes are great salad toppers,
but they could also be blended down into a sour-sweet salad dressing. For more
sweetness, ripe bananas are a baking favorite because they also add moisture to
baked goods. Simply wait until the peels are showing black spots and they are
good to go.
Dried fruit with no sugar added is another great snack
option and sweetener for foods like granola, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese.
Simply soak some raisins or dates in water and puree before adding to a
smoothie, or munch on them as is. Presto—you have vitamins, minerals, fiber and
phytonutrients in one.
A New Alzheimer's Test is on the Rise
Detecting the early
onset of Alzheimer's disease will be able to help hundreds of thousands of
patients around the globe, and it's a lot more easily done than you'd think.
All doctors will need to do a test is a patient's saliva, it's that easy.
The Progress with the
New Test
Doctors are already
able to look at the difference between a brain that is affected by the disease
and a healthy one, but they were never able to determine whether or not the
disease would onset early.
During the 2015
Alzheimer's Association International Conference located in Washington, this
saliva test was presented. During initial research, the test using saliva is
representing a future of diagnostic tools when it comes to the development in
detection for the neurodegenerative disease.
Heather Snyder, the
director of both scientific and medical operations in the Alzheimer's
Association, had this to say on the topic of the saliva test;
"As the field has
continued to mature over the last decade or so, we now have research and
evidence that suggests that the underlying biology of Alzheimer's disease is
changing a decade or more before someone experiences the memory or function
changes associated with Alzheimer's. This test examines saliva samples and
looks at changes in saliva as the potential way to detect changes in
Alzheimer's."
Shraddha Sapkota, a
graduate student in neuroscience from the University of Alberta, Canada, had
this to say when the study was presented;
Salivary metabolomics
analyses will advance the cause of early detection of Alzheimer's disease, and
promote our understanding of the mechanisms from normal aging to Alzheimer's.
Saliva is very easy to collect and transport, which will enhance participation
in remote centers and diverse populations. In science, the key is replication.
The study has to be replicated, and it has to be replicated in a larger
population."
The Bountiful Benefits
of the Test
Because this
progressive brain disorder affects approximately five million Americans, and is
the sixth leading cause of death, this test is exciting for the science world
and will save lives. Though there are no tests to determine fully if a person
will get Alzheimer's disease, the saliva test will be the perfect place to
start, as a screening tool.
It will indicate
whether or not a patient should receive more invasive testing, and will be the
perfect test to bring into community and clinical settings.
4 Quick Fitness and Nutrition Hacks
When it comes to
working out and eating healthily, whether you want to tone up for an upcoming
vacation, or lose a little fat, it can be difficult to know what exactly you
should be doing to get the best results. Here are a few easy fitness and
nutrition hacks that you can use to make sure that you get the most out of
working out and eating healthy.
1. Strength Training
If you want to
get stronger and tone up quickly, and vastly improve your heath, then strength
training is one of the best options. Whether it’s the barbell, kettlebells, or
even a sandbag, using weights to train boosts your strength, builds muscle,
strengthens your bones and it also increases your metabolic rate. This is
because when you strength train, you build more muscle and people with more
muscles burn more calories, even at rest, than others.
2. Make sure you’re getting Enough Carbs
Over the past
couple of decades, low carb diets have become incredibly popular. People see
them as a quick-fix way to lose weight. But, whether it’s the Atkins diet or
the Paleo diet, low carb diets aren’t good for your health.
From mood swings
to constipation, low carb diets cause a whole range of health problems and they
can impair your performance in the gym. Carbs are your body’s main source of
energy, so if you want to get the most out of your workouts, you need
definitely need them.
Make sure that
you choose unrefined carbs and whole grains, like whole-wheat pasta and oats,
rather than refined carbohydrates like white bread and white pasta.
3. Drink more Water
It’s common for
people to mistake feelings of thirst for feelings of hunger. This leads to
people eating more than they should, but not getting enough fluids. Drinking
plenty of water ensures your body is healthy and energized. So, make sure that
you are getting enough of it.
To get a rough
estimate of how much water you should be drinking each day, take your weight in
pounds and half it and that is the number, in fluid ounces that you should be
drinking. For example, a person that weighs 170 pounds would need to drink 85
fluid ounces of water per day
4. Workouts don’t need to be Long
Often, people
are put off of the idea of working out, because they feel like they don’t have
enough time. But, a good, effective workout doesn’t have to take long,
especially if you are doing the right types of exercises. A quick, 20 minute
workout that includes lots of full-body exercises, like squats and deadlifts is
an effective, but quick way to get in shape.
So, make sure
that you use these quick and easy tips to get more out of your workouts.
Scientists: Your Coffee Habit Doesn’t Affect Your Weight
Scientists say that your daily coffee habit may not
affect your weight. This is great news for almost 60 percent of the adult
population in the U.S. who drink coffee everyday. Research over the years has
shed more light on the health benefits of drinking coffee. One study in
particular found that drinking this delicious beverage does not increase your
chances of developing obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Some experts are surprised by the findings, saying
that increased coffee intake was found to be strongly associated with diabetes.
However, even they admit that genetics play a big part in determining how much
a person is drinking and how it affects them. Even exposure to caffeine has
been linked to improved brain performance in women, particularly older women.
Additionally, coffee has been shown to be
beneficial for heart healthy. In one study, results showed that drinking
moderate amounts of coffee was linked to lower risk of developing heart
failure. Another study showed that coffee may be associated with a reduced risk
of developing liver cancer by as much as 40 percent. That’s a significant
amount especially for those who are genetically predisposed to have liver
problems.
Remember to moderate your intake
Coffee without the unhealthy additives, sugars and
hydrogenated oils is a great beverage with many health benefits. Black drip
coffee is the best way to have it, but a cappuccino or latte can be okay too.
Just avoid the empty calories that usually come with dressed-up coffee drinks.
Those can end up canceling out any potential health benefits from your
favorite cup of Joe.
How much coffee is safe to drink?
It’s best to limit your coffee intake to about
three cups a day. More than that will jack up your caffeine intake, which in
turn will have a mild diuretic effect on the body. This can leave you feeling
dehydrated and can even cause energy crashes or withdrawals.
Have your coffee, black if possible, and don’t be
afraid to enjoy it. You could be doing your heart and liver a huge favor in the
long run.
Try The Quickest Hangover Cure Ever
When meeting people, you will find that each has
his or her own individual quirks. Some like to travel in flip flops; others
only like to sit in the front passenger seat otherwise they get very car sick;
there are also those who only like to eat white chocolate otherwise they won’t
eat chocolate at all. Then you’ll meet those who like whisky over wine, or
vodka over beer. However, those who belong in the latter examples have one
thing in common: they all have a hangover cure of choice.
After a night of fun, it can be a bit hellish to
wake up to bright sunshine due to what we call a hangover. This can mean
migraines, nausea, dizziness, fatigue or a general feeling of crappiness. Queue
the best natural hangover cure ever (or so they say): The Magic Tonic.
The Magic Tonic
2 tablespoons of Lemon Juice
½ tablespoon of finely ground coffee (must be
organic)
Mix these two together until they are well
incorporated. It should resemble a puree. If the mixture is too thick, add a
touch more lemon juice.
What makes it so effective?
Lemon juice is similar in structure to the body’s
natural digestive juices, meaning it will go down easily and be processed
relatively easily. It also acts as a powerful liver cleanser for those who
drink pretty heavily, filtering out toxins and promoting better nutrient
absorption. Coffee on the other hand, contains caffeine. That’s pretty
self-explanatory, right? We all love caffeine; it makes us feel human. But what
you probably don’t know is that coffee is abundant in antioxidants, which help
repair damage caused by free radicals.
Ramp it up further
Need something stronger? You can take it up a notch
if you so choose. Here’s the recipe for the Pre-Magic Tonic
Pre Magic Tonic
12-16 ounces of filtered water
1 teaspoon of sea salt
Dissolve the sea salt into the water and drink this
before the Magic Tonic. This solution stimulates the adrenal glands, waking you
up and supplying you with more energy.
Moderation
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