This YouTube video fascinates me. Using an ultraviolet lens, the camera reveals how years of exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage our skin. Even more interesting is how sunscreen looks.
(It’s best viewed full screen.)
The summer heat rages on, so I hope this video is a timely reminder to wear … read on
Save your money on omega-3 supplementsThis isn’t a new topic for me; I’ve written twice about fish oil supplements and omega 3-enriched foods. In both posts, I presented evidence that the heart health benefits (little to none) aren’t worth the price.
A new review from Cochrane last week confirms this.
The researchers conclude:
… read onThe review provides good evidence that taking long-chain omega 3 (fish oil, EPA or DHA)
Are we living, or just not dying?I just finished reading Natural Causes: An Epidemic of Wellness, the Certainty of Dying, and Killing Ourselves to Live Longer by Barbara Ehrenreich.
She’s also the author of Nickel and Dimed, a book about welfare reform and the quest for fair wages. So I was surprised to learn that she has a PhD in cellular biology!
Ehrenreich brings her scientific chops to … read on
What’s in your pool water?School is out, summer is in full swing, and both kids and adults are flocking to local public swimming pools and wading pools.
And that’s where an ugly parasitic infection lurks: Cryptosporidium.
Cryptosporidium (aka “Crypto”) causes diarrhea. It spreads when contaminated fecal matter gets into the pool. Which is frighteningly easy to do, especially when toddlers wear diapers into wading pools or onto splash … read on
Brain on Fire: My Month of MadnessI wrote this post two years ago, but the movie is now available on Netflix. It’s worth watching, although the book goes into much more detail so I definitely recommend you read it, too, if you like medical mysteries. FN
As a twenty-something cub reporter in New York, Ms. Cahalan began experiencing strange, seemingly unconnected symptoms, such as forgetfulness, paranoia and the sensation … read on
I’m still undecided if earth’s warming trend is the result of man-made emissions or just another cycle that will come and go like others throughout the millennia.
Whatever the cause, I love this interactive map from Climate Central. Find your city on the map and it will tell you what the average summer temperatures will be in 2100.
Seattle … read on
A common summer ailmentFew summer ailments are as common as sunburns.
If you or your kids get a sunburn, here are some simple steps you can take to stop the burning and promote healing.
You don’t need to buy a bunch of special or expensive products. The important steps are to stop the burning, treat the pain, and stay hydrated.
Use sunscreen! The American Academy of … read on
How to choose a sunscreen—what works?Do you know what to look for when choosing a sunscreen product?
Do you understand what SPF means and which ingredients offer effective protection?
If you aren’t reading labels, and are judging by brand, price or marketing claims alone, you might not be getting the best deal.
So what should you look for on a label?
Because protection from UVA rays is more difficult … read on
There is no cure for Restless Legs SyndromeI have to be honest.
This post will not tell you about a miracle cure for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), or how you can achieve quality sleep every night.
I’ve suffered (and those of you with RLS will sympathize) with RLS for most of my adult life. I’ve tried prescription medications, supplements, elimination diets, exercise and even acupuncture in my quest for … read on
Stay safe this 4th of July!My state’s Fire Marshall recently reported a record number of fireworks-related injuries and fires in 2017.
As a nurse I’ve seen what both legal and illegal fireworks can do to hands and faces. It’s not pretty.
It’s especially tragic when small children are burned or disfigured.
The American Academy of Pediatrics makes this statement on their website:
… read onThe American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues