Your Good Health Matters

Scientists Find that Honey can Kill Bacteria

Tom Cobb — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:50:06 +0000

Honey has been known to be used as a cure for a variety of things that ail us. Recent research has shown that bees make a protein that they add to the honey called defensin-1 which could one day be used to treat burns and skin infections. It could also be used to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. This new information also sheds some light on the inner workings of the immune systems of honey bees which one day may be able to help breeders create healthier and heartier honey bees. Bacterial infections can be nasty and having a potent antibacterial ingredient from honey can really help.

Pool Chemicals Found to be Linked to Disease

Tom Cobb — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:49:49 +0000

A recent study out of the University of Illinois has linked disinfectant chemicals with diseases like asthma and bladder cancer. Researchers found that pool chemicals react with the organic matter in the water to create various toxic bonds that can lead to some serious health issues. All water sources have some organic matters that comes from decaying leaves and other dead life forms. In addition to these, pool waters contain sweat, hair, urine and sunscreens and lotions from swimmers. Drinking water is exposed to disinfectant once before reaching the public but pool water is exposed to a continuous stream of disinfectants that mix with other chemicals that can form dangerous chemical bonds. These bonds can cause birth defects, respiratory problems and cancer. This data suggests that brominating agents shouldn’t be used in recreational pools. As an alternative pools can be treated with a combination of chlorine and UV radiation.

Taking Care of Your Skin in the Summer

Tom Cobb — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:53:25 +0000

Summer time mean more of a risk for sunburn. Even if you use sunscreen you can burn and it can be very uncomfortable and dangerous. To start never use soothing cream as it can trap the heat and you can suffer even more. Cool it down with ice or a cold towel first or get into a cold bath. Aloe vera is key for using as an after sun saver, you can find pure aloe almost anywhere. If you are having a lot of pain or a headache, take ibuprofen to treat the pain. Don’t forget about your lips! Sally Hanson has a sun lip moisturizer that works very well to save your lips from getting burned. In order to treat years of sun exposure find moisturizers that don’t have water as their main ingredient as it will do the opposite of moisturizing. Be sure to take care in the sun, wearing a sun hat and using sunscreen and applying it often. It’s ok to get some sun but burning is not a good idea.

Ways to Avoid Cheating on Your Diet

Tom Cobb — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:53:15 +0000

You may go into a diet with the best intentions. You want to lose weight and look and feel better about yourself. You may have started your diet only to start cheating here and there after only a few days. There are a few ways to help you avoid the cheating. However, remember that cheating a little bit is not the end of the world. If you know you have strong cravings, don’t do a deprivation diet. Instead try eating less of the foods that you crave, not cutting them out. Let yourself have some space to have a small portion of the things you like every few days. Set up a reward system not related to food when you have achieved even a small goal, this will help keep you motivated. Don’t beat yourself up if you have a hard time, be your own cheering section. Finally avoid problems you know will make it hard for you to stick to it. If you like to go drinking with your friends, don’t go to the bar every week. You will be able to results in less time and stay on track. Dieting doesn’t have to be so hard, as long as you are committed to making a difference in your life you will be able to achieve your goal.

An Interesting Technique for Handling Stress

Tom Cobb — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:29:55 +0000

I came across a blog post with an interesting stress managing technique I thought I would share. Think of a book, movie or tv show that you are or got really into. Try forgetting yourself and becoming a part of it. Connect with the story but remain aware of yourself. Hold onto the awareness of both being in the story and know that you’re only watching or reading. When you do this you can become comfortable with the feeling of moving out of and back to every day reality. The reason for doing this is this; when life is stressful and you become the observer you can become detached from worries, stresses and concerns. it’s easier to remain calm when you removed and this can reduce your stress.

Toxic Relationships are Bad for Your Health

Tom Cobb — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:29:45 +0000

You may have one or several of these people in your life currently. When you spend time with them it may be emotionally and physically exhausting as they can be negative and have no space for anything or anyone but themselves. These are people who do not have your best interests at heart and can do damage to your health by creating more stress in your life. There are some questions you need to ask yourself to determine if someone in your life is toxic: When you interact with this person do you feel bad about yourself? Does this person add anything positive in your life? Does it feel like work to be in relationship with this person? If you find that you are having a hard time being around this person and you feel tense when you are around them these could be signs of a relationship that is not healthy for you. The process of letting someone go from your life is not an easy thing to do and can be painful, but in the long run life without this person will be much more beneficial to you.

BPA Chemical Found in 90% of Canned Foods

Tom Cobb — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:13:38 +0000

A Recent report put out by the National Work Group for Safe Markets has documented the contamination of BPA. The report shows that common canned foods can expose consumers to BPA levels that have been shown to cause health problems in lab animals. This was found in foods that are commonly purchased by consumers like beans, soups, sodas, and sauces and they are brand named foods not generic. The test conducted included 50 cans from 19 US states and one Canadian Province for the BPA contamination. In all of the cans tested over 90% had detectable levels of BPA and some at even higher levels. BPA has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, infertility and developmental and reproductive harm. Not only is it found in canned foods but toys, plastic bottles and food packaging. Ultimately it should not come in contact with our food supply. Be on the look out when buying plastic products as well.

Peaches and Plums May Kill Breast Cancer Cells

Tom Cobb — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:51:53 +0000

New research from Texas Agrilife shows that treatments involving peach and plum extracts killed off breast cancer cells. The two phenolic compounds responsible are chlorogenic and neochlorogenic. These are compounds that are very common in fruits but peaches and plums have the highest concentration levels. Two commercial varieties were used in the study, the “Rich Lady” peach and the “Black Splendor” plum. These extracts were used for treating two types of breast cancer cells, aggressive cancer cells, destroying them and amazingly leaving behind the normal health cells. This could be an amazing discovery and hopefully a path to a breast cancer cure.

Cancer-Fighting Herbs

Tom Cobb — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:26:01 +0000

You may have these herbs in your own garden that can help fight against cancer. Rosemary is commonly used in cooking and contains a naturally occurring fatty acid called terpenses that encourages cancer cells in tumors to stop reproducing and die off. Parsley most commonly known for use as a garnish contains apigenine, a natural oil that prevents the growth of blood vessels that supply cancerous tumors with nutrients. Thyme comes in 350 different species that has an essential oil rich in thymol that possesses anti-cancer properties. Mint has also been found to cut the blood supply to cancer tumors. Dill has many medicinal properties, it contains an enzyme which is very effective in neutralizing carcinogens and protects against cancer. These are herbs you can easily grow yourself and have on hand not only for tasty meals but also to help prevent and fight cancer.

Simple Cures for Jet Lag

Tom Cobb — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:11:47 +0000

For those that travel for work or just for play jet lag can be a real problem making you feel groggy and out of sorts. A recent mention in the New England Journal of Medicine says there are three basic strategies for overcoming jet lag that we’ll touch on here. You will need to reset your circadian clock that tells you to stay awake during the day and sleep at night. Taking sleep-inducing melatonin and timing your exposure to bright light can help you get back on track. Adjust your sleep schedule and take short naps in the first few days of your arrival. If you can, try shifting your sleep schedule by a few hours before your travel to prepare you for the time change. If you feel comfortable, take medications that will help you sleep or stay awake., caffeine is a natural way to keep yourself awake. Within a few days after your arrive to your destination you should feel back to normal.