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America’s Health (Dis)Advantage 0

America’s Health (Dis)Advantage

Posted by on Apr 24, 2013 in childrens health, eat for health, heart health, Heart Healthy Products, Live Green, Womens Health

ig_image.phpMore and more Americans are becoming disillusioned with the modern healthcare system, and the changes the people want are not being made. Polls have shown only 33% of Americans are satisfied with their healthcare coverage, and over 50% consider there to be major problems with the system.

What many Americans don’t know, however, is the extent to which the health care system in the USA is broken. A common point in rhetoric on healthcare, from both Republicans and Democrats, is that Americans would pay more if the country switched to a single payer system. Even though it the USA is one of the only developed countries in the world not to provide universal, government healthcare, Americans pay the most per capita for health care of any country on the planet, and get worse results.

The United States pays $8,233 per capita on healthcare every year, for a total of $2.6 trillion. This number is anywhere from $2845 to $5505 dollars higher than in other countries. In spite of this, the USA has the lowest life expectancy, highest infant mortality rate, and most deaths from disease and injury per capita. Additionally, the USA has the highest rates of obesity, diabetes, AIDS, adolescent pregnancies, and teenagers with STD’s of all developed countries.

What does the future hold for American healthcare? Polls have shown only 34% of respondents approve of the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, when prior polls showed 77% of respondents supporting health care reform. Many of the measures contained in the Affordable Care Act have yet to take effect, and many of them will help solve some of these problems in the short term, but those are a year off, at the shortest. In the long term, much bigger changes will have to be made, and only time will tell what happens.

Image source: BestMasterofScienceinNursing.com

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The Economics of Counterfeit Drugs 0

The Economics of Counterfeit Drugs

Posted by on Apr 19, 2013 in ADD, ADHD, childrens health, eat for health, heart health, Heart Healthy Products, Live Green, recalls, Womens Health

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When you are sick, what do you do to try to relieve your symptoms and help you get over your illness? Well you take a drug, prescribed for whatever ailment you currently have. We don’t really think much of the drugs we take when we are sick as we expect them to work each time we take them. But, let’s say you take a drug that you have been told is the right one for the illness you have and find that no matter the dosage it doesn’t work? Or say it works too well, to the point you are rapidly losing weight, your organs are shutting down and you are having to be hospitalized because the drug you took is killing you? You most likely have come across a type of drug that no person should ever have to come across: The counterfeit drug

Unlike generic drugs, which have all of the ingredients of their name brand drug counterparts, counterfeit drugs are usually smuggled into the country as cheap alternatives. In making them cheap, the makers of these drugs try to cut as many corners as possible in order to cut down on the price. Such corner cutting includes not adding the active ingredients, adding too much of one active ingredient, or adding ingredients that while they do work, are harmful to the human body. These drugs are usually caught when they are brought to the shores of first world countries, though sometimes they can slip through the cracks of examiners and when they do they can wreck havoc on the users in those countries

Via: Carrington College Pharmacy Technician Schools

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9 Natural Alternatives To Harsh Chemical Cleaners

Posted by on Apr 5, 2013 in childrens health, conserve, contaminants, Live Green, Womens Health

When spring cleaning season rolls around, chances are you’ll be breaking out your cache of cleaning products. But, did you know that many of the chemicals used in standard cleaners can be dangerous? In fact, some come with serious risks such as neurological damage and hormonal disruptions.

For example, two common sudsing agents called diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) can react with nitrates, which are often used as a preservative in cleaning products, to form carcinogenic compounds. Bleach and ammonia products create toxic chlorine gas when combined, and the chemical solvent butyl cellosolve aka ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is a suspected neurotoxin, meaning it can damage the brain and nervous system. Even fragrances can be dangerous, since many use the flammable ingredients butane and propane as propellants, which can be inhaled inadvertently and cause drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, and even asphyxia.

Natural Alternatives

Fortunately, there are many safe, more natural alternatives that you can use without sacrificing efficiency, and that don’t cost a fortune. Below are 9 types of common cleaning products, and their natural counterparts:

1. Bleach – Lemon juice
2. Abrasive cleaners – Baking soda mixed with water to form a paste
3. Glass cleaner – Vinegar and water
4. All-purpose cleaner – Soap and water
5. Bathroom surfaces and toilets – Vinegar, baking soda, and water
6. Floor cleaners – Vinegar and water plus some drops of peppermint, lemon, lavender, or another essential oil to add a lasting fresh scent
7. Wood furniture – Olive or vegetable oil and lemon juice
8. Disinfectants – Borax, vinegar, hot water, and liquid castile soap
9. Mold and mildew – 100% vinegar

Don’t have the time or desire to whip up your own home remedies? Check out some of these natural products instead:

• Power Herbal Disinfectant, www.earthpower.com
• Seventh Generation products, www.seventhgeneration.com
• Earth Friendly Earth Enzymes Drain Opener and Earth Friendly Shower Kleener, www.ecos.com
• Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile (Liquid) Soaps, www.drbronner.com
• Aubrey Organics Liquid Sparkle, www.aubreyorganics.com
• BioShield Glass Cleaner, www.bioshieldpaint.com
• Earth Friendly Furniture Polish, www.ecos.com
• Bon Ami Cleaning Cake and Bon Ami Cleaning Powder, www.bonami.com
• Aroma Naturals essential oil aromatic room mists
• Greenridge Herbals’ aromatherapy soy candles
• Swiffer duster cloths (not the wet cloths, which are treated with a potentially irritating chemical)

Regardless of whether you choose to make your own cleaning products or decide to switch to a more natural store-bought product, by keeping safety in mind when you’re doing your spring cleaning, you put yourself and your family well on the way to living a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Kara Alcamo is a concerned mother, freelance writer and contributor to the Ross Feller Casey blog.

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10 Green Ways to Improve Our Cities 0

10 Green Ways to Improve Our Cities

Posted by on Apr 4, 2013 in alternative energy, childrens health, conserve, Live Green, Womens Health

ig_image.phpWhen one speaks of making cities greener, it is not just metaphorical. We are literally turning the cities green with urban gardening and vegetation. The best way to keep humanity in close harmony with nature is to invite nature into our cities. This means more than plants, parks, and gardens; ideas from nature are working their way into our design philosophy.

By revolutionizing our cityscape with intelligent, responsive thermal control and traffic sensors we are mimicking natural systems, which are aware of their own operations and capable of adjusting them to different situations. Green roofs retain water from rainfall, keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter, generate food and space for relaxation, and pull waste carbon out of the atmosphere.

The green cities of the future will be efficient, clean, and many beautiful shades of emerald and lime. They will be more enjoyable for the communities that dwell within them and healthier for the land that supports them.

Source: Best Sociology Degree Programs

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3 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 0

3 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Posted by on Apr 3, 2013 in alternative energy, conserve, Live Green

If the extended cold weather we have had recently has told us anything it could be that climate change is as real as the snow that has cut off so many people from the rest of society in recent weeks. This winter has been the longest on record for over 50 years and has left a lot of people thinking that perhaps we need to take notice and start doing whatever we can to protect our environment.

One of the most effective ways to safeguard our children’s future on this planet is to reduce our current carbon footprint and reduce the amount as harmful emissions that are entering into the atmosphere. Sadly we are not able to reverse the effects that have already occurred but if we act quick enough then we may be able to make a positive change. So here are three great ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

Behold Biomass –

Most houses these days will either be heated by gas, oil, LPG or electricity and although these are all viable methods of heating your home; they release large, dangerous amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Even electricity, which you may think has limited emissions, is twice as bad as oil and three times worse than gas due to the amount of waste energy that is generated by power stations.

Biomass is a different kind of boiler system which could increase the efficiency of your heating and drastically reduce its emissions. Biomass boilers are fuelled by plant waste products such as wood pellets and they burn these to create heat. They will then only release the same amount of carbon that the tree absorbed during its life and so no extra carbon is created and a balance remains.

Cut Out The Car –

In 2010 the number of cars on the world’s road hit 1 billion and is predicted to reach a whopping 1.7 billion by 2035. The most alarming thing about this statistic is that the figure jumped from just 980 million in 2009 meaning that the number is growing exponentially and quickly.

With this in mind perhaps you should have a long hard think about whether you need you own vehicle or not. It may seem like a drastic decision to cut out your car but it could save you plenty of money in the long run and help the environment in the process.

There are plenty of alternatives to owning your own car such as public transport, car hire or car sharing schemes, so however much use you get from your vehicle there are options. Car hire is a great way to have the use of a car whenever you need it but without paying out for everything throughout the year such as tax, insurance, maintenance and fuel. By using car hire services just when you need to; your carbon footprint will be massively reduced.

Put Paid To Packaging –

This may seem like a smaller change than the other two but it can still have a big impact on your carbon footprint. Supermarkets are attempting to become more responsible when it comes to packaging their products but some are doing more than others. When you are out shopping try and look for the produce that has the least amount of packaging and then always recycle any packaging you can. Plastic is more recyclable than paper but cloth textiles are even better still.

Featured images:

Chris Mayhew is conscious about environmental issues and does whatever he can to reduce his carbon footprint. He is working for Collison Vehicle Rental who provide a car hire service perfect for anyone thinking of getting rid of their vehicle.

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Processed Food Industry Cover Up? 0

Processed Food Industry Cover Up?

Posted by on Mar 15, 2013 in ADD, ADHD, eat for health, food, Heart Healthy Products, Live Green

poision prosessed foods

Processed Foods

Honestly, I believe the processed food industry does not promote health. Looks like others are seeing the same thing. Why do we need so many over processed food products? Really, I cook a lot from scratch. It really isn’t that hard. Home made snacks are a healthier alternative to processed and artificial ones that are so readily available. You are more likely to know what is in your snacks and goodies by making your own. DIY and replace your processed food intake, Who knows, you just might loose that last 10 lbs, or even start feeling good again. Check out these facts that the processed food industry does NOT want you to know!

1. Processed Foods Are Addictive and Can Cause You To Overeat

Whole foods are made up of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber and water. When foods are processed the components of these foods are modified (for example, fiber, water and nutrients are removed) and in other cases, components are concentrated. In each case, processing changes the way they are digested and assimilated in your body.
Eating highly processed or highly concentrated foods can artificially stimulate dopamine (the pleasure neurotransmitter), which plays a role in addiction. In this way, you are eating foods that lack nutrients and fiber, but create a pleasurable feeling. A food addiction starts because you feel good when you are eating these foods and they make you think they taste better. You crave that pleasurable feeling again and again and voilà…this is what starts a food addiction.

2. Processed Foods Are Linked to Obesity

Additives in processed foods, like high fructose corn syrup, sugar and MSG have been linked to weight gain and obesity. 
Dr. Mercola recently reported about a new study that showed childhood obesity could be reduced by 18 percent, simply by cutting out fast food advertisements during children’s programming. The Australian government is clearly more concerned about their children’s health as television advertisements to children were banned several years ago.

3. Processed Foods Often Contain Ingredients That Do Not Follow The Principle of Food Combining

This can lead to low energy, poor digestion, illness, acidic blood and weight gain. An example would be a frozen meat and cheese pizza. Cheese (a dairy product), meat (an animal protein) and pizza crust (a grain product) make a terrible food combination that can wreak havoc on your digestive health.

4. Processed Foods Contribute to An Imbalanced Inner Ecosystem

This can lead to digestive problems, cravings, illness and disease. Beneficial microflora cannot survive in your digestive tract when you are poisoning them. Like us they thrive on foods that are made by nature not by man.

5. A Diet High in Processed Foods Can Lead to Depression, Memory Issues and Mood Swings

Ingredients in processed foods are often the lowest cost and sub-par, nutritionally. For example, the fats and oils used in processed foods are refined, which means they are stripped of the essential fatty acids necessary for healthy blood sugar levels, moods and memory. Your heart, hormones and brain suffer when you choose to eat these fats and oils. Instead choose organic, unrefined or “virgin” fats and oils.

6. Processed Foods Often Go Hand In Hand With “Eating on the run” or Multitasking

Most people will choose convenience if they are on the run and in today’s busy lives, who of us isn’t? Unfortunately, multitasking while eating causes people to lose touch with their natural appetite, often leading to weight gain. Additionally, multitasking sends the wrong signals to your digestive system, which needs to be in a restful mode to digest properly.

7. Nutrition Labels on Processed Foods Are Often Misleading and Have Harmful Health Effects

Many labels say “sugar free,” but contain other sweeteners like agave, which is like high fructose corn syrup. 
Additionally, product labeling may hide ingredients like GM (genetically modified) foods and harmful additives like MSG. (These are hidden behind words on the label like “natural flavorings” or “approved spices”).

8. Diets High in Processed Meats (like hot dogs and deli meats) Have Been Linked to Various Forms of Cancer

One of the reasons for this link to cancer is thought to be because of the preservatives used in processed meats. Clare Hughes, Australian Cancer Council nutrition program manager, says a number of studies have linked processed meat to cancer and the problem is multi-fold. ”Processed meats are high in salt and fat. In addition, chemicals such as nitrites are added to many processed meats to maintain their colour and to prevent contamination. Nitrites can be converted in the stomach to carcinogenic nitrosamines.”

9. Eating Too Many Processed Foods Can Lead to Infertility and Malnutrition

Processed foods, like cereal, are stripped of important vitamins and nutrients that your body truly needs. You could be eating a large amount of calories and still be malnourished if your diet is high in processed foods. Animal studies have shown that over three generations, a deficient diet causes reproduction to cease. Today, infertility is on the rise, affecting 7.3 million people in America.

10. Processed Foods are Made For Long Shelf-life, Not Long Human Life!

Chemicals, additives and preservatives are added to processed foods so that they will last for a long time without going rancid or affecting the taste of the food. Food manufacturers spend time, money and research on beautiful packaging and strategies to lengthen shelf-life, with little attention on how the foods will lengthen your life or create lasting health.

Source Link: http://bodyecology.com...

 

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