Author: Staff (Page 65 of 158)

When Being “In The Dark” Is A Good Thing

February 18, 2012 / Staff

Light affects our biology and that includes artificial light, as well.

From regulating sleep cycles and menstrual cycles in addition to combating tumors, our bodies rely on natural cycles of light and dark to manage our hormones which govern a variety of necessary functions in the human body.

It seems our bodies have yet to adjust to the luminous 24-hour cityscape many of us know today. Considering that artificial light stimulates non-visual systems like hormones, fertility and the sleep-wake cycle, it might be worth it to cut your exposure to TVs and computers a few hours before bed-time and enjoy your shut-eye in total darkness. A happy pineal gland pays off for your body, mind and soul.

Research, Wellness

affects of artificial light artificial light Hormones light and dark affects on the body light therapy sleep cycles

Sugar Overdose? Block the Effects With 7 Tricks

February 17, 2012 / Staff

Fatty snacks and a glass of wine with your dinner are just two of the ways that you can block the absorption of sugar into your system.

You can blunt the blood sugar-raising effects by taking advantage of natural substances in foods that slow carbohydrate digestion and entry into the bloodstream. No matter what kind of sugar blocker you use, your waistline (and health) will win in the end.

Read on for more tips.

Nutrition, Quality Control, Wellness

diet glucose High fructose corn syrup Sugar

Poison Kiss?

February 17, 2012 / Staff

The FDA finds lead in 400 shades of lipstick.

There is no immediate concern as the effects of lead poisoning are cumulative.

In a letter to the FDA last week, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics countered that “lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels” — a particular concern for millions of women of childbearing age, the group said. Citing a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating that no amount of lead is safe for children and that exposure in both children and pregnant women should be prevented, the group pushed the FDA again to set a maximum allowable limit for lead in cosmetics.

Quality Control, Wellness

environmental health FDA lead lead in lipstick lead poisoning

Super-Sized In A Kid Sized World

February 16, 2012 / Staff

Obese children are having trouble fitting into their child-sized world.

“That is an obesity trend reflected in the furniture,” said Tom Brennan, president of School Outfitters, which sells school furniture. “For perspective, when we look at import product from China, you can tell the difference from the China market and the U.S. market. The buckets are generally not wide enough. They have to be designed specifically for the U.S.”

School furniture and kid’s clothes are all undergoing size adjustments to accommodate larger children who are not only more hefty but taller as well.

Quality Control, Research, Wellness

childhood obesity children's health obesity

Mediterranean Diet May Help Protect The Brain As Well As The Heart

February 16, 2012 / Staff

The Mediterranean diet is not only good for your heart but for your brain, as well, study shows.

All those beautiful fresh, colorful foods might be able to help to boost brain health.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, nuts and fish are the staples of the diet credited with improving health and wellness.

Dr. Wright cautioned that the study doesn’t prove that a Mediterranean-style diet causes less brain damage and said more study is needed. But he said it indicates that the diet might be protective of small blood vessels in the brain.

Nutrition, Quality Control, Research, Wellness

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