Circumcisions are a money-spinner: Motsoaledi

Unscrupulous people are abusing the traditional ritual of circumcision to earn quick money, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said. You can get the whole story here.

Obsessed: Amazing Meal, Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf and Avocado

Obsessed: Amazing Meal, Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf and Avocado
Editor note that you already know but the FTC makes me include here: I am an official brand advocate for Bel Brands in 2013. While I receive compensation for participation as a brand advocate, opinions are my own. Things I’m obsessed with lately: Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatloafs from PaleOMG. So simple and easy. I do [...]

Editor note that you already know but the FTC makes me include here: I am an official brand advocate for Bel Brands in 2013. While I receive compensation for participation as a brand advocate, opinions are my own.

Things I’m obsessed with lately:

Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatloafs from PaleOMG. So simple and easy. I do not eat a paleo diet but I can appreciate a good recipe. The only real difference I noticed was that instead of bread crumbs or oatmeal, I used coconut flour. The first time I made them, I used Cholula.

The second time I made them, I used Franks Red Hot and The Laughing Cow Light  Blue Cheese Wedges. The cheese is a must if you are not paleo. I cut the meatloaf muffin in half and smeared the cheese down the middle like butter on a muffin. So good.

I made sweet potato home fries using my favorite recipe of just evoo, salt, pepper and all spice. Seriously, the all spice is a magical ingredient. If you can’t tell, I’m trying to eat gluten free for the most part these days. It’s given me a stomach the past few times I’ve had it. Thanks to the Udi’s Gluten Free Community, the transition has been pretty easy. They have provided me with some great tips and recipes.

My avocado addiction is getting worse. I can put it on toast, in a smoothie, really anywhere. One of my favorite places to put it is with sautéed kale, seeds like pepitas and raisins. Simple and delicious. Avocado is loaded heart healthy fats and fiber. It also makes your skin look good!

Smoothies for breakfast are also my new jam. I’ve always enjoyed them but recently, they have taken over my protein pancake as my new go to morning meal. My friend told me that I had to try Amazing Meal and while at first I was like, this doesn’t taste very good, the nutrition info is crazy packed. It is raw, gluten free, vegan and made with no sugar added. For 90 calories, you get 10 g of protein, 6 g of fiber, probiotics, digestive enzymes and lots of leafy green vitamins. It really is superfood. I have found that I actually like the taste when I blend it with 1/2 banana, frozen mango chunks and almond milk. It’s a bit pricey at $2 serving from whole foods, but if you are trying to get more vitamins in your life from real sources, this is a great alternative. It is instantly energizing. I ran out of almond milk this week and have been making it with water and ice and it tastes just fine!

Mantras. I love them and can’t get enough of them lately when it comes to staying motivated to train and eat clean. Check out my top 31 favorite mantras as compiled by me from all of your suggestions! Check to see if yours made the list here.

What are you recently obsessed with?

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Mozzies with altered gene can't sniff people out

Mozzies with altered gene can't sniff people out
Researchers have found that mosquitoes with an altered gene can't sniff people out, and hope the finding leads to better prevention of malaria and other diseases.

Maybelline Master Smoky

Maybelline Master Smoky
Want smoky eyes in 5.2 seconds? Check out the new Maybelline Master Smoky ($9.99 CAD), new from Maybelline’s EyeStudio range (which I love, by the way) available this June 2013 in 5 smouldering shades. Glide on. Smoke out. Done. Review & swatches coming soon! Copyright © Beautezine, 2013. | Original Post | No comment | [...]

Want smoky eyes in 5.2 seconds? Check out the new Maybelline Master Smoky ($9.99 CAD), new from Maybelline’s EyeStudio range (which I love, by the way) available this June 2013 in 5 smouldering shades.

Glide on. Smoke out. Done. Review & swatches coming soon!

Maybelline Master Smoky in (top to bottom) Blue Blaze, Smouldering Violet & Black Smoke

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Copyright © Beautezine, 2013. | Original Post | No comment | Twitter | Facebook
Categories: Daily Beauty
Tags: Cream Eyeshadow, Drugstore, Eyes, Eyeshadow, Makeup, Maybelline, Maybelline Master Smoky, Maybelline Master Smoky in Black Smoke, Maybelline Master Smoky in Blue Blaze, Maybelline Master Smoky in Smouldering Violet

Some common prescriptions linked to impotence

By Kerry Grens NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Tranquilizers known as benzodiazepines and certain older antidepressants are linked with a greater chance of having erectile dysfunction (ED), according to a new survey. "Definitely it confirms the tricyclics (antidepressants)" are tied to ED, said Dr. Richard Balon, a psychiatry professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Contrary to some other studies, however, the research did not find any increased risk of ED among men taking blood-pressure medications. "I don't know what to make of this," said Balon, who was not part of the study. ... Read more

Fewer tobacco products in movies

Fewer tobacco products in movies
Movie characters appear to smoke less since 1998 regulations that stopped tobacco companies from buying on-screen brand placements.

Extensive List of Politicians Paid Off By Monsanto

Extensive List of Politicians Paid Off By Monsanto
As long as you can help Monsanto slide its icy tentacles into the food chain, then there's some financial tip available to you.

Democrat, Republican, it doesn’t matter. As long as you can help Monsanto slide its icy tentacles into the food chain, then there’s some financial tip available to you. Thankfully, many such ties can be exposed through some data digging, and thanks to diligent readers who send comprehensive news tips and other researchers out there, we now have an extensive list of politicians getting paid cold hard cash from GMO juggernaut Monsanto.

Keep in mind these are the figures we know, which means that behind the scenes expect these numbers to multiply extensively. But what is most amazing is that these politicians just don’t care that you know they’re receiving thousands of dollars from Monsanto! They sweep it under the carpet, but they are openly taking money from this corporation that has been caught running ‘slave-like’ rings and disregarding public health. We’re talking about a corporation that primarily aided in the creation of Agent Orange — the Vietnam-era chemical weapon that killed over 400,000 people and led to 500,000 plus birth defects.

Looking at these figures, over $260,000 was openly pumped into the House, and $122,000 was pumped into the Senate. And again, this is openly. I’m speculating, but I would imagine the real number to easily be in the millions. Can you imagine how much they must pay these politicians to shoot down GMO labeling bills that 90 plus percent of the entire country wants?

Or how about the nice chunk of cash that Monsanto paid Senator Roy Blunt to ‘help write’ the Monsanto Protection Act that grants Monsanto immunity from federal courts? Roy’s cash payment is not included in this list, however RT reports he received $64,250 towards his campaign from the company. Surely they expected nothing in return.

Politicians Paid By Monsanto

House of Representatives:

Total paid by Monsanto to Democrats: $72,000
Total paid by Monsanto to Republicans: $190,500

Barrow, John (D-GA) $2,500

Bishop, Sanford (D-GA) $5,000

Boehner, John (R-OH) $10,000

Braley, Bruce (D-IA) $5,000

Camp, Dave (R-MI) $5,000

Cantor, Eric (R-VA) $10,000

Clay, William L Jr (D-MO)$10,000

Cleaver, Emanuel (D-MO) $5,000

Conaway, Mike (R-TX) $2,000

Courtney, Joe (D-CT) $4,500

Crawford, Rick (R-AR) $2,500

Fincher, Steve (R-TN) $8,000

Gardner, Cory (R-CO) $7,500

Goodlatte, Bob (R-VA) $4,500

Graves, Sam (R-MO) $5,000

Griffin, Tim (R-AR) $1,000

Guthrie, Brett (R-KY) $1,000

Hanabusa, Colleen (D-HI)$5,000

Hannemann, Mufi (D-HI) $1,000

Hartzler, Vicky (R-MO) $3,000

Holden, Tim (D-PA) $1,000

Huelskamp, Tim (R-KS) $2,500

Hultgren, Randy (R-IL) $2,500

Jenkins, Lynn (R-KS) $2,500

Johnson, Timothy (R-IL) $3,000

King, Steven A (R-IA) $2,500

Kingston, Jack (R-GA) $7,000

Kinzinger, Adam (R-IL) $3,500

Kissell, Larry (D-NC) $5,000

Labrador, Raul (R-ID) $2,000

LaMalfa, Doug (R-CA) $1,000

Landry, Jeff (R-LA) $1,000

Latham, Tom (R-IA) $10,000

Loebsack, David (D-IA) $5,000

Long, Billy (R-MO) $2,500

Lucas, Frank D (R-OK) $10,000

Luetkemeyer, Blaine (R-MO)$5,000

Lungren, Dan (R-CA) $1,000

McIntyre, Mike (D-NC) $1,000

Neugebauer, Randy (R-TX)$1,000

Noem, Kristi (R-SD) $1,000

Nunes, Devin (R-CA) $3,500

Owens, Bill (D-NY) $2,000

Peterson, Collin (D-MN) $10,000

Rogers, Hal (R-KY) $7,500

Rokita, Todd (R-IN) $5,000

Roskam, Peter (R-IL) $1,000

Schilling, Bobby (R-IL) $3,000

Schock, Aaron (R-IL) $5,000

Shimkus, John M (R-IL) $5,000

Simpson, Mike (R-ID) $10,000

Smith, Adrian (R-NE) $5,000

Stutzman, Marlin (R-IN) $5,000

Thompson, Bennie G (D-MS)$10,000

Thompson, Glenn (R-PA) $1,000

Upton, Fred (R-MI) $5,000

Valadao, David (R-CA) $2,500

Wagner, Ann L (R-MO) $10,000

Walden, Greg (R-OR) $1,000

Walorski, Jackie (R-IN) $2,500

Womack, Steve (R-AR) $1,000

Senate

Total paid by Monsanto to Democrats: $37,500
Total  paid by Monsanto to Republicans: $85,000

Akin, Todd (R-MO) $3,500

Baucus, Max (D-MT) $1,000

Berg, Rick (R-ND) $10,000

Blunt, Roy (R-MO) $10,000

Boozman, John (R-AR) $5,000

Casey, Bob (D-PA) $2,500

Chambliss, Saxby (R-GA) $5,000

Fischer, Deb (R-NE) $5,000

Gillibrand, Kirsten (D-NY)$1,000

Grassley, Chuck (R-IA) $2,000

Hirono, Mazie K (D-HI) $1,000

Johanns, Mike (R-NE) $1,000

Klobuchar, Amy (D-MN) $5,000

Landrieu, Mary L (D-LA) $1,000

McCaskill, Claire (D-MO)$5,000

McConnell, Mitch (R-KY) $10,000

Moran, Jerry (R-KS) $2,500

Nelson, Ben (D-NE) $13,000

Rehberg, Denny (R-MT) $2,000

Risch, James E (R-ID) $3,500

Roberts, Pat (R-KS) $9,000

Stabenow, Debbie (D-MI) $8,000

Thompson, Tommy G (R-WI)$5,000

Wicker, Roger (R-MS) $1,000

Wilson, Heather A (R-NM)$2,500

Healthy quintuplets born in Salt Lake hospital

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah woman gave birth to a healthy set of quintuplets over the weekend with help from a team of eight doctors, one anesthesiologist and dozens of nurses ensuring the mother and the tiny babies survived.

Original Source

Children getting poisoned by medical marijuana

Legalising marijuana may have unintended consequences, and in some instances young children have been unintentionally poisoned with the drug. For full post, click here.

Manuka: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Kills Deadly MRSA Bacteria

Manuka: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Kills Deadly MRSA Bacteria
Manuka oil's active ingredients, Triketones and Sesquiterpenes, are anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-septic and anti-bacterial. The oil of the Manuka tree is even successfully fighting MRSA bacteria, also known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or staph.

In 1769, James Cook called the tea tree a medicinal wonder with an ‘agreeable bitter taste’, but New Zealanders call their Manuka trees life savers. Manuka oil is derived from the Manuka tree that grows primarily in New Zealand. Its active ingredients, Triketones and Sesquiterpenes, are anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-septic and anti-bacterial. The oil of the Manuka tree is even successfully fighting MRSA bacteria, also known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or staph.

A skin disease which can cause mild to a fatal infection, skin rashes, boils, redness, and itching, MRSA isn’t always deadly, but it can be. Thankfully, recent scientific studies show that manuka oil can not only prevent MRSA, but treat it as well. In fact, the oil has been shown to be more effective than many pharmaceutical antibiotics, prescribed by doctors to treat MRSA. The oil can also alleviate symptoms from everything from anxiety to eczema.

In addition to being a potent answer to drug resistant bacteria like MRSA, another study published in the journal Microbiology found that honey – particularly that derived from bees foraging on manuka flowers – halted one type of streptococcus pyogenes from inhibiting the healing of wounds.

Over the years, staph has been treated with a drug called methicillin, but the ailment has become increasingly immune to that drug’s ‘medicine.’ Manuka honey and oil are common natural therapy replacements that are offering a surprisingly fast and efficient way to cure the staph bacterial infection as well as other fungus, and virally transmuted diseases. It was once even used in a decoction to treat urinary ailments. Chewing on the bark can induce a peaceful mind and restful sleep as well.

Those with a compromised immune system can especially benefit from manuka oil, since it supports the overall immune function without compromising gut flora as many antibiotics do. Our gut flora, or healthy bacteria, is considered one of the biggest components of our immune system, so manuka oil can help to fight ‘bad’ bacteria without hurting the ‘good.’

Even better, Manuka trees flourish well without the use of pesticides, and the evergreen grows throughout the year. It can be found in tinctures, teas, honey, and oils, and is easily digestible or used topically.

You can get manuka oil in many places, but one easy way to utilize manuka is by eating some manuka honey. The health benefits of honey are astounding not only for fighting and preventing infection, but also for boosting overall health.

Additional Sources:

Squidoo

EurekAlert

Seniors more likely to crash when driving with pet

Seniors more likely to crash when driving with pet
Elderly people who always drive with a pet in the car are far more likely to crash than those who never drive with a pet, researchers have found.

What Kind Of Cosmetics Did Your Great-Great-Great Grandmother Wear On Memorial Day?

The Beauty Brains are taking the day off. We hope you enjoy this Memorial Day post from our archives.  Happy Memorial Day to all the Beauty Brains community in the United States! We hope you’re enjoying the long weekend and all the cookouts and parades. We also hope you haven’t forgotten the real meaning behind [...]

The Beauty Brains are taking the day off. We hope you enjoy this Memorial Day post from our archives. 

Happy Memorial Day to all the Beauty Brains community in the United States! We hope you’re enjoying the long weekend and all the cookouts and parades. We also hope you haven’t forgotten the real meaning behind this national holiday.

Holiday history

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day because it was designated as a day to decorate the graves of the U.S. men and women who died in the American Civil War. It is celebrated at the end of May because that is close to the day of reunification of the North and South. After World War I the holiday was expanded to include American casualties of any war or military action. That historical tidbit started me thinking: what kind of beauty care formulas were women using back in the at the time of the Civil War?

Civil War Era Cosmetics

According to the link above, women at the time of the Civil War generally looked down on wearing “face paints” but moisturizing creams and lotions were widely used. There were probably simple beeswax/borax emulsions. Because lily white skin on faces and hands was the desired fashion, bleaching lotions were also widely used. Hand lotions where essential items for women who tended to the cleaning and washing, because the lye soap commonly used at the time was very harsh on skin.

Hair treatments were popular grooming aids and primarily consisted of various oils. (Remember this was before the modern age of silicones and quaternary ammonium conditioners.) Long before there were flat irons there were hot combs that were used with sweet oils to straighten curly hair. Some women used homemade herbal rinses to soften and brighten their hair since the soaps that were avaiable back then were so harsh. And just to show you that somethings never change, even back in the 1860′s there were bogus hair growth products on the market.

Perfumes were very popular during this period and were considered an essential part of getting dressed. Floral notes like Lavender, Rose, Orange Blossom and Gardenia were among the favorites. Some of the brands sold during the Civil War, like Florida Water and Bay Rum, can still be found today.

Without an antiperspirant stick, women resorted to applying powder under their clothes to stay dry and cool. Some even used foundation powder on their face to even out their complexion and whiten their skin.

Red powders were applied to the cheeks as blush, but only by the “bad girls” of the time. Of course the look was much different than Smashbox O-Glow Blush because the red color was applied to the cheekbone in a little circle just beneath the outside corner of the eye. Some might even be applied to just to the center of the lips because full lips were not in fashion.

The Beauty Brains bottom line

It’s fun to think about what beauty products were like in times past. Did you ever think about asking your grandma or great-grandma about beauty products she used at your age? If you have any good stories, leave a comment for the rest of the Beauty Brains community.

For full post, click here.

Exercise should be core subject at school

Exercise should be core subject at school
Schools need to boost efforts to get students moving, and make gym class as critical as other core subjects if they want to increase test scores as well as students' general well-being, experts say.

A Natural Approach: 3 Sunburn Remedies

A Natural Approach: 3 Sunburn Remedies

Prevention is the key to burn-free skin, but sometimes SPF lotion and a cute hat don't stand up to the Summer sun. Once you've been burned, start out by replenishing your fluids from the inside out by drinking plenty of water. If you're still in pain - or looking a little fried - then try out one (or a combination) of the following natural sunburn remedies to soothe your skin naturally.

Collodial oatmeal: Think that oatmeal baths are just for kids with chicken pox? You won't be saying so once you've soaked in some milky oatmeal after a long day in the sun. But tossing the rolled oats from your kitchen into the tub won't do. Look for a colloidal oatmeal bath like this Aveeno Oatmeal Bath ($7) that calms down and works to heal inflamed skin.

Vitamin C: Instead of popping aspirin, upping your vitamin C can help alleviate sunburn damage. "I tell my patients to take 1,000 milligrams [of vitamin C] for three days, as opposed to the recommended daily allowance of 75 milligrams, and also apply the vitamin topically," says dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD. She suggests Philosophy's Turbo Booster C Powder ($36) as a topical solution for sunburn woes.

Aloe vera: Aloe vera is king of the natural remedies. Whether you have an inexpensive gel lotion or a fresh plant at home, aloe vera will help soothe your skin naturally, since it contains nutrients that heal your skin back to health and prevent infection simultaneously. To heighten the cooling sensation, refrigerate your aloe vera gel before you apply.

How do you deal with your skin after a bad sunburn? Tell me below!

Too few kids use fast-food kilojoule info

Children who eat fast food at least twice a week are 50% less likely to use the nutritional information than kids who eat fast food less often, research shows. Here is the full post.

Use more clinics: Papo

Use more clinics: Papo
Gauteng residents should make more use of clinics to help ease a strain on hospitals in the province, health MEC Hope Papo said.

Eating Mexican? Pick a Healthy Burrito Bowl Instead of a Wrap

Eating Mexican? Pick a Healthy Burrito Bowl Instead of a Wrap

Eating Mexican? Pick a Healthy Burrito Bowl Instead of a Wrap

05/23/2013 - 10:15am by The Greatist Team

 

When a burrito craving hits, consider losing the wrap and asking for the dish “naked.” You’ll save a few hundred calories and enjoy the tasty filling without having to deal with a soggy tortilla. 

Do it Today: Stay healthy on Taco Night with a burrito bowl that includes brown rice instead of a tortilla wrap.

Eat Your Veggies:

Add some superfood kale to make any taco salad a nutritional winner.  

Fiesta Bowl:

Make any night special with this healthy chopped Mexican salad. 

Long-term use of antibiotic helps COPD

Long-term use of antibiotic helps COPD
A study has found that taking azithromycin for a year cut down on re-hospitalizations for COPD flare-ups.

FDA panel: Merck's insomnia drug effective, safe at low doses

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Merck & Co's experimental insomnia drug is safe and effective at the lower of two doses studied but not at the higher, a panel of medical experts said on Wednesday. The panel, which advises the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on matters related to central nervous system disorders, voted 13-3, with one abstention, that the drug, suvorexant, is safe for elderly patients at 15 milligrams a day, and is safe for non-elderly adults at 20 milligrams. ...

Click here to read the rest

Extreme weather threatens mental health

The monstrous tornado in Oklahoma, killing dozens of adults and children, shows how violent weather that can affect a child's mental well-being. Here is the full post.

Mbuli died of pulmonary embolism

Mbuli died of pulmonary embolism
SABC radio and television presenter Vuyo Mbuli died of a pulmonary embolism, and not a heart attack as reported.

Vit D could fight Crohn's disease

Vit D could fight Crohn's disease
A new study has found for the first time that vitamin D supplementation can relieve the symptoms of Crohn's disease.

Summer Skincare: Physical Sunscreens vs Chemical Sunscreens – What’s Better?

Summer Skincare: Physical Sunscreens vs Chemical Sunscreens – What’s Better?
Summer is here and the sun is out in force!  And with it comes questions about how to enjoy the weather without turning our skin into leather.  One of the questions that comes up most often is, “What are the … Continue reading →

Summer is here and the sun is out in force!  And with it comes questions

The right protection today can give you                                    a lifetime of beautiful skin.

about how to enjoy the weather without turning our skin into leather.  One of the questions that comes up most often is, “What are the differences between physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens, and which one should I use?”

This question came to Felipe Jimenez (see video inset), Ph.D., the Chief Scientific Officer at Envy Medical, Inc., a company based in Southern California that specializes in professional grade skin care treatments and products.  Dr. Jimenez explained, “A chemical sunscreen contains oil based ingredients that get absorbed into skin.  When you go outside, what these chemical sunscreen ingredients do is that they absorb the energy from UV rays in sunlight, and they evenly disperse this energy throughout the skin.”

In doing so these chemical based sunscreens may work effectively in preventing a sunburn. However as Dr. Jimenez explained, the process of absorbing the rays and dispersing the energy can still trigger hyperpigmentation in the skin, and, while they may stop the burning rays from damaging your skin cells (sunburn), many chemical sunscreens are not broad spectrum protectants and therefore may not absorb some damaging rays that can break down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to long term photo damage and skin that looks prematurely aged.

So how do physical sunscreen agent’s compare?

“A physical sunscreen, like the Lumixyl MoistureLock Sunscreen, contains either zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide,” explained Dr. Jimenez.  ”They function to essentially mirror-away, or prevent the entry of the energy from these UVA/UVB rays into skin.  So by preventing this energy from entering the skin you essentially prevent photo-damage and hyperpigmentation from happening altogether.”

This makes sense, because the reason we call them “physical sunscreens” is that zinc and titanium are minerals, that when spread evenly across the skin, act as a shield, so that the rays bounce off them like a ball bounces off a concrete wall – physically blocked.  Chemical agents work entirely differently as Dr. Jimenez explains in the short video answer, by absorbing into your skin and then absorbing the energy of the sun rays.  Still, that leaves concerns about how good those chemicals may be for your skin, and the fact that the energy is largely dispersed into the surrounding skin where it can trigger hyperpigmentation anyway – even though you are not getting burned.

There are other concerns with some of the chemicals used in sunscreens. Oxybenzone, for example, is one of the more popular chemical agents found in retail shelf sunscreens.  The Environmental Working Group reports that, “Oxybenzone is a sunscreen ingredient associated with photoallergic reactions.  This chemical absorbs through the skin in significant amounts.  It contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans according to Centers for Disease Control research.”  They point to concerns that the chemical tends to accumulate in the body over time, and may disrupt the hormonal system.

This risk is debated by manufacturers and dermatologists, some believing the risks are small, and others believing that any risk is too much.  But one area that there is universal agreement on, is that physical sunscreens are both safe and effective.  The key is to find well formulated sunscreens with Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide, that go on elegantly, and Envy Medical, Inc’s Lumixyl MoistureLock Sunscreen SPF30 is formulated to be just such a product.

Related Links:

- Recommended Sunscreens on The Today Show with Hoda & Kathy-Lee Gifford.

- Sun-Safety Tips on WebMD.com

Scientists explore future tropical rainfall

Scientists explore future tropical rainfall
A new study, looks to the past to learn about the future of tropical climate change.

Links We Love: Foodie Edition

Links We Love: Foodie Edition

05/19/2013 - 11:18am by The Greatist Team

Happy Sunday! As always, Links We Love brings you our favorite health and fitness inspiration from around the web. This week, we have two awesome articles on food: purple artichokes (!) and the flexitarian diet. We also dig deep into the ins and outs of exercise and the body, and share some helpful productivty hacks. We want to show our love and share kick-ass content in the wellness world, and here are our picks:

Photo: James Ransom/Food52

 

FIGURING OUT HOW TO COOK PURPLE ARTICHOKES

Baby Purple Artichokes: Small Size, Big Heart
Pasta is one thing. But...artichokes? (And purple ones for that matter.) Learn how to store, prep, and cook this veggie up and really get a chance to taste the rainbow. (via Food52)

EATING A FLEXITARIAN DIET 

The Flexitarian Diet
A little bit of this (meat) and a lotta bit of that (plants). Learn more about the flexitarian diet and if it's good for your health. (via IDEA Fit)
 

 

 

Defending Gen Y (Sort Of...)

Generation Cry: Why I Can (Kinda Sorta) Defend Gen Y
Oh Gen Y: Is it really all about me me me? This article delves into the behaviors of millenialls and the idea of "healthy self-promotion." (via LearnVest)

Learning what Exercise Really does

How Exercise Affects Your Body (And How to Pick the Right Workout)
A heavy breath, a high heart rate, and super sore muslces. What is actually going on in the body when we hit the treadmill, weight rack, or swimming pool? (via LifeHacker)

 

Getting A Ton of Sh*T Done (And fast)

The Secret To Getting More Done In Less Time
Productivity FTW. Perhaps we don't need more hours in the day — just some tips to stay organized, manage your inbox, and stay happy. (via The Daily Muse) 

 

What were your favorite links from around the web? Share in the comments below or tweet @greatist!

[Note: The stories collected here are outside sources, which don't always follow Greatist's strict (and awesome) research standards.]

Source

POPSUGAR Wedding Roundup: Dresses, Decor, Music, and More For Your Big Day

POPSUGAR Wedding Roundup: Dresses, Decor, Music, and More For Your Big Day

Wedding season is in full swing here at POPSUGAR, and we have everything you need when it comes to dresses, decor, bridal beauty, and more. Whether you're in need of bridesmaid tips, seeking savvy spending advice, or in the mood to check out the most memorable TV and movie weddings, look no further.

Click through now to see our ever-expanding 2013 wedding season coverage!

Source: Bauer-Griffin Online, Shutterstock

View Slideshow ›

Doping in professional sport

Worldwide, governments and professional sporting bodies have expressed their outrage that the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs in professional sport has yet again come to the fore. Read more...

Risk Of Kidney Stones Increases When Drinking Sodas

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/soda-day-ups-kidney-stone-risk-study-article-1.1346882
Risk Of Kidney Stones Increases When Drinking Sodas
"Our study found that the relation between fluid intake and kidney stones may be dependent on the type of beverage consumed," said senior author Dr. Gary Curhan. "We found that higher consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks was associated with a higher incidence of kidney stones."

Organ donor cards hard to implement in China, official says

Organ donor cards hard to implement in China, official says
BEIJING (Reuters) - A system of donor cards indicating consent for organ transplants will not work in China as families will insist on having the final say, and many people see nothing wrong in using organs from executed prisoners, an official said on Friday. Nearly 1.5 million people in China need transplants every year, but only 10,000 can get organs, according to the Health Ministry. ...
Source: news.yahoo.com

Psychiatrists unveil their long-awaited diagnostic "bible"

Psychiatrists unveil their long-awaited diagnostic "bible"
By Sharon Begley NEW YORK (Reuters) - The long-awaited, controversial new edition of the bible of psychiatry can be characterized by many numbers: its 947 pages, its $199 price tag, its more than 300 maladies (from "dependent personality disorder" and "voyeuristic disorder" to "delayed ejaculation," "kleptomania" and "intermittent explosive disorder"), each limning the potential woes of being human. ...
Source: news.yahoo.com

Multiple concussions tied to more suicidal thoughts

By Andrew M. Seaman NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who've sustained multiple brain injuries throughout their life were more likely to report suicidal thoughts than people with one or no concussions, according to a new study of deployed U.S. military personnel. "Personnel who had sustained more than one concussion in their lives were significantly more likely to be suicidal in their past - as well as in the past year," said Craig Bryan, the study's lead author from the University of Utah National Center for Veterans' Studies in Salt Lake City. ... Courtesy of Yahoo News

Warning didn't change for-profit dialysis drug use

By Andrew M. Seaman NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Despite a strong warning from U.S. regulators in 2007, for-profit dialysis centers still gave their kidney failure patients more of a certain anemia drug than non-profit centers in 2008, says a new study. The researchers write in JAMA Internal Medicine that their finding suggests for-profit dialysis centers may have been motivated to give more of the drug for financial gain in spite of the warning. For example, the more of the drug the centers used, the more they'd get paid. ... Original Source

China steps up inspection of meat trade after fake lamb scandal

China steps up inspection of meat trade after fake lamb scandal
BEIJING (Reuters) - China has begun a crackdown on the sales of fake, diseased and tainted meat products after a series of scandals that have further dented public confidence in the food industry, the official Xinhua news agency said on Thursday. It said the State Council, China's cabinet, recently ordered local government departments to step up checks on meat and processed meat products, and carry out detailed inspections of rural factories, workshops and warehouses as well as private slaughterhouses. ...
Source: news.yahoo.com

Vitamin C and Skin Health

Scientifically, Vitamin C is known as L-Ascorbic Acid.  We have known for a long time that Vitamin C is essential for overall health and that a deficiency in Vitamin C can result in a range of health conditions including those that affect the skin, like scurvy, infections, poor wound healing and scarring, and accelerated photo damage (damage from UV exposure).

More recently, topical Vitamin C has been studied for its antioxidant qualities in the form of creams and serums, where it penetrates the stratum corneum and upper cell layers of the epidermis. Once in the skin, studies reveal that L-ascorbic acid:

• Stimulates collagen production
• Provides UV protection
• Protects the skin by reducing free-radials that would destroy healthy skin cells
• Improves tone and texture of the skin
• Reduces brown spots
• Promotes normal cell growth
• Aids in the development and maintenance of connective tissue
• Improves wound healing
• Promotes normal metabolic reactions (necessary for maintaining body and skin health)
• Decreases appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Prevents the formation of fine lines and wrinkles

These studies also reveal that when Vitamin C is used daily, the depth of penetration increases, producing concentrations of L-ascorbic acid that are more than 20 times the normal levels after just three days of use. Moreover, studies show that this concentration of L-ascorbic acid in the skin lasts for three days, even if use is stopped. This lasting effect of L-ascorbic acid in the skin explains the skin rejuvenating benefits we see with daily applications of Vitamin C.

Sources of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

L-ascorbic acid is one of the most important and powerful water soluble antioxidants in the body. Foods rich in Vitamin C include citrus fruits, dark leafy green vegetables, strawberries, tomatoes, green/red peppers, Brussels sprouts and turnips. But oral Vitamin C (food sources) cannot deliver adequate amounts of L-ascorbic acid to the skin. For optimum levels of Vitamin C for maximum skin health, you need both oral and topical sources of Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid).

For topical L-ascorbic acid to be properly absorbed into the skin, the creams or serums must be correctly formulated. Most preparations are not pH balanced for optimal biologic activity and penetration. It’s a complex chemical formula, but suffice it to say, if you want a quality Vitamin C skincare products, look for preparations with the following levels for optimum benefits:

• L-Ascorbic Acid concentration of 20%
• pH of 2.6 to 2.0

Finally look for Vitamin C serums and creams that are properly packaged in light protected, airless containers to avoid oxidation of the product which will render it ineffective.

Homemade Vitamin C Skincare

Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C. They are also rich in alpha-hydroxy acids that help exfoliate the skin. So fresh strawberry masks are great for dull, damaged or acne-prone skin. Here are two strawberry masks that can help cleanse, exfoliate and brighten your skin.

Basic Strawberry Mask

• 8 Fresh strawberries
• 3 Tablespoons of honey

Mash/blend strawberries in a bowl. Add the honey and mix the ingredients together until smooth. Apply the mixture to face, avoiding the eye area. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry and follow with moisturizer.

Creamy Strawberry Mask

• 5 Fresh strawberries
• ½ Tablespoon of plain yogurt or heavy cream (yoghurt for oily skin; cream for dry skin)
• 2 Teaspoon of honey

Mash/blend the strawberries until smooth. Add honey and yoghurt or cream oil and blend well.  Apply the mixture to face, avoiding the eye area. Leave the mask on for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry and follow with moisturizer.

For more natural remedies for skincare (as well as more strawberry recipes) read our article on Natural Remedies.

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Source: www.healthyskinsolutions.com

Warning didn't change for-profit dialysis drug use

Warning didn't change for-profit dialysis drug use
By Andrew M. Seaman NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Despite a strong warning from U.S. regulators in 2007, for-profit dialysis centers still gave their kidney failure patients more of a certain anemia drug than non-profit centers in 2008, says a new study. The researchers write in JAMA Internal Medicine that their finding suggests for-profit dialysis centers may have been motivated to give more of the drug for financial gain in spite of the warning. For example, the more of the drug the centers used, the more they'd get paid. ...
Source: news.yahoo.com

Roche banks on new drug data to defend cancer business

By Caroline Copley ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Roche hopes data published this week will show it has a viable follow-on product to help fend off cheaper competition for its best-selling cancer drug, which loses patent protection in Europe later this year. Roche is set to present full results early on Thursday of a late-stage study for its GA101 drug in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), ahead of the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago from May 31 to June 4. ...

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Recipe: Gluten-free Vegetarian Pinto Bean Burgers

Plant-based diets may seem healthy by default, but that’s not always the case. Veggie alternatives to your favorite meat-laden comfort foods can actually be chock full of chemicals, artificial flavors, genetically modified soy, and gut-irritating

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Roche banks on new drug data to defend cancer business

By Caroline Copley ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Roche hopes data published this week will show it has a viable follow-on product to help fend off cheaper competition for its best-selling cancer drug, which loses patent protection in Europe later this year. Roche is set to present full results early on Thursday of a late-stage study for its GA101 drug in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), ahead of the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago from May 31 to June 4. ...

Courtesy of Yahoo News

FDA approves labels with lower doses for zolpidem sleep drugs

(Reuters) - The Food and Drug Administration approved label changes incorporating lower dosages for sleep medications containing zolpidem, a drug that can continue to affect patients' mental alertness even a day after its use. The regulator approved changes to the labels of Sanofi SA's Ambien, Ambien CR and Meda AB's Edluar on Tuesday. The agency said patients who take zolpidem extended-release drugs, such as Ambien CR, should not drive or take part in activities that require complete mental alertness the next day. ...

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Melon, a New "Mindreading" Headband Measures Your Focus

Melon, a New "Mindreading" Headband Measures Your Focus

05/14/2013 - 8:01am by Zachary Sniderman

 

 

What if a device could tell you what your mind looked like? Melon is a new device and mobile app that measures — and claims to improve — focus by measuring the electrical activity coming off your brain. If it sounds like science fiction, well, it kind of looks like science fiction, too. But the Melon headband could very well change the way we think about self-tracking and the Quantified Self movement.

What It Is

The team behind Melon launched a Kickstarter campaign on Tuesday, and they’re looking to raise $100,000 in 30 days to mass-produce their headband. The headband is connected via Bluetooth to a mobile app which shows in real time how well you're focusing. A small white line appears on screen when the app is activated, rising and falling as you work.

Before getting to work with Melon, users are prompted in the app to provide a bunch of details like where they’re working, what they’re doing, if they're on a deadline, and even what kind of music they’re listening to. The app and headband can then track when focus (ie. electrical activity) decreases and offer tips to improve it. Been working too long? Melon can detect when you lose focus and suggest you get up to stretch. If that doesn't help, Melon will make a note and offer a different suggestion next time.

The app also comes with an origami minigame where the more you focus, the faster you can "mentally" fold origami just by concentrating on each move.

Why It Matters

Melon is a cool idea (mind reading!), but the real power of the concept is how little direction it has. Most devices are created to fulfill a specific purpose (better performance, better sleep, etc.). Melon is putting its money on users figuring out the best way of using it. The video above shows people using a consumer-level Melon to write essays, practice yoga, play games, and more. If you think Melon could help with a task, odds are you can give it a shot.

Melon’s creators also designed the device and software to be hacked, modified, and improved. As part of their Kickstarter, Melon is offering up software development kits and hacking documentation to help people play with the tech behind the device. Think there's a better way of manipulating Melon? The makers are sure hoping you'll try.

Is It Legit?

Yes, kind of. Melon can come off looking like a gimmick, but it's backed by good science. Melon partnered with NeuroSky, which claims to measure EEG (or electroencephalography) with 96 percent accuracy. The headband displays "focus" by using EEG to measure brain activity. Essentially, everything your brain does gives off a small electrical charge. The headband places three electrodes on the forehead, which catch these charges and convert it into data on your mobile phone.

So why the "kind of?" Despite all the science, it's hard to directly correlate electrical activity from the brain with performance on any given task. For example, did my focus improve because I respond to classical music? Because I stretched? Because I finally closed my Facebook tab? Melon can approximate results, but it's not strictly measuring cause and effect.

That said, Melon is a fresh approach and a tool that could help people hack their brain — but it won’t cure all our productivity problems overnight. Melon is essentially open-source, encouraging experimentation and exploration of how we can better use our brains.

Cool tech, or totally nuts? Let us know if you'd back Melon in the comments below or find the author on Twitter at @zsniderman.

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