Category: Health

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Good News: Owning a Cat Is Good for Your Health

This is great news for anyone who’s ever been pegged as a “crazy cat lady”: being a cat lady is actually good for your health. Science says so.

Owning a cat can help reduce stress, and it’s good for your heart, too.

One study in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology found that cat ownership can be beneficial to heart health in multiple ways. Cat owners in the study showed a lower risk of death by heart attack and all cardiovascular diseases, including stroke.

Also, petting your cat is a known stress reliever. Cuddling with your cat releases oxytocin, the “cuddle chemical,” which in turn reduces stress, according to NBC News.

Another study found that cat lovers are more open-minded, smarter and more sensitive than dog lovers.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

So why the assumption that cats aren’t good for your health?

Well, there’s an age-old myth holds that cats can literally drive you crazy. This stems, in part, from the fact that cat feces can sometimes contain Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis. It’s an infection that actually can lead to psychosis (contaminated water and undercooked meat can also cause toxoplasmosis).

Not all cats carry the parasite though, and even if you get infected, you’ll likely be fine. A recent study in Psychological Medicine found no relationship between cat ownership and psychosis later in life.

“The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than 60 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite through all means, including cats,” David Haworth, doctor of veterinary medicine, Ph.D., and president of PetSmart Charities told NBC News. “But very few people show symptoms because a healthy person’s immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness.”

Photo Credit: Pixabay

So there you have it, cat people. Cats don’t drive you crazy; on the contrary, they’re good for you.

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10 Food Charts for Reaching Healthier Eating Goals

Want to get healthier? Maybe need to change up your diet?

The best way to reach a goal like that is to start with a plan. A plan will help you stay on track and prevent you from having to make choices when you are hungry – cause that’s not when you want to be picking your meals out.

If you don’t know where to begin, these food charts are a great kick-start.

1. Deli meat Alternatives

One way to cut out processed food is to watch how much deli meat you are eating. This chart gives you tasty alternatives.

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Why I don't buy deli meat? I finally finished that blog article I promised…the one with allll the nuance. ? Link in bio "Why I don't buy deli meat and how you can make your own choice." Like this post before you head over there to let me know you've been waiting. ?⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ The article answers questions about nitrates, processed meats, and even has a sandwich guide that shows you where to get granola butter and provides a zillion sandwich ideas. After you read it, come back and let me know what you think!⠀⠀ #kidseatincolor⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ . . . . . . .⠀⠀ #lunchbox #lunchboxideas #kidslunchbox #kidslunchideas #kidslunch #lunchideas #healthylunch #schoollunchideas #healthylunchideas #kidslunch #lunchtime #instalunch #lunchtime? #healthylunchbox #packedlunch #lunchprep #easylunch #lunchideas #foodforkids #yumbox #schoollunchbox #kidsfoodideas #toddlerlunch #schoollunch #vegetarianlunch #meatlessmeals #meatlessmonday #veggielove

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2. Snacking at Work

Mindless eating at work is bad. Check out these more thoughtful choices.

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According to the oxford dictionary, the word ‘Snack’ (noun) is: ‘a small amount of food eaten between meals’. – – If one was to embark on a goal to lose fat, they will likely focus their attention on main meals consumed. They may be vigilant in ensuring consumption of calories aligns with their fat loss target. They may also believe that consumption of large quantities of food from main meals holds more significance to the outcome of their goal than that of smaller quantities of food. – – The problem is, sometimes there is no correlation between relatively small amounts of food and it’s native caloric worth. A 115g blueberry muffin represents 5-8 bites of food – and 420 calories. Coffee with milk and 2 tsp of sugar represents a drink – and 60 calories. 75g of fruit and nut mix represents 2 handfuls of dried fruit and nuts – and 360 calories. The Friday represents the day where one feels they deserve 1 or 2 (or 7) treats. The snacking pattern on the left demonstrates how easy it is to consume significant calories from small amounts of food. – – On the right side of this graphic, the weekly total is over 3000 calories less, yet virtually the same volume of food is consumed (minus reduced portions of nuts and custard creams). There is a balance of foods that require similar lengths of time to consume, foods that one may refer to as a treat and foods that are nutritious. There is also an element of intelligence implemented on the Friday by inclusion of a time consuming food (popcorn), whilst still engaging with colleagues and enjoying a Danish pastry. – – When we are hungry, we should eat. But when we are trying to reduce body fat, we should implement awareness and strategy. Adherence to balanced, calorie supportive, satiating main meals should be a priority, but so should adherence to strategically planned (and measured) snacks which also support one’s caloric deficit, satiety and still provide a disco on your tongue with each bite. ?? – – #thefitnesschef #worksnack #snacktime #fatloss #fatlosshelp #nutritioncoach #eatsmart #diettips #diethelp #treat #caloriecounting #portioncontrol #fatlosscoach #snack #losebellyfat #cakes #officesnacks #officefood

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3. Refrigerator Storage Times

Spoiler alert: meat does not keep indefinitely in the fridge or freezer. Bone up on limits to keeping food in your refrigerator.

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Refrigerator storage times! Keeping your ? food as fresh as your brand new ? Nikes! lol. _ I’ve posted about this before, but a couple people missed the post so I created a new graphic! It also includes freezer ? times. _ You can go slightly beyond the times and probably won’t get sick or anything, but these I’ve found are the best storage times for ultimate freshness and taste. They’re also what foodsafety.gov recommends on their website! _ Which is your favorite meat for mealprep? #fridgegoals #fridgetimes #iifym #mealprep #mealprepping #foodstorage #healthyeating #healthylifestyle #foodpoisoning #foodpoisoningsucks #healthandwellness #meats #cookingathome #homechef

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4. Fruit

Not necessarily a low-cal food. Figure out how much fruit will actually help you meet your daily calorie intake goal.

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Tag a friend and hit save to stay informed on the calorie and sugar quantities within this extensive list of fruits. – – Most fruit proposes a plethora of vitamins and minerals to it’s consumer. And whilst the cringeworthy term, ‘nature’s candy’ is descriptively tragic, fruit is a source of sweet tasting whole food than offers micronutrients for overall health, fibre for satiety and water for hydration. – – As you can see, each fruit has a different macro-nutritional make up. Some have more sugar, others have less. Some have more calories, others have less. And (not displayed here), some have more fibre, whilst others have less. – – It is worth noting that sugar extracted from fruit will have the exact same metabolic result as sugar extracted from a snickers. But the combination of sugar and fibre consumed via a whole food (in this case fruit) makes it more likely to satisfy one’s hunger more than food comprising of sugar and minimal fibre. However, one’s attainment of satiety will differ from another’s. – – Fruit is a more nutritious, calorie sparse source of energy than confectionary. But it is important to realise that caloric values of any food count towards overall energy balance. Fibre density per calories consumed may make one ‘feel fuller’ and therefore aid adherence to overall energy targets – especially calorie deficits. – – Thus, consuming any item of ‘sweet’ tasting food is a valid option, but those which provide more satiety after consumption may support one’s energy balance more, whilst also delivering a host of nutritious advantages at the same time. ? – – P.s. which is your favourite fruit? ? – – #thefitnesschef #fruit #sugar #calories #berries #nutrients #snacktime #snack #vegan #caloriescount #eatsmart #flexiblediet #fruitsalad #micronutrients #avocado #fatlosstips #dieting #lowcaloriesnack #fruitbowl

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5. Low Calorie Swaps

Eat this and not that if you want to reduce calories but not taste.

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The point of consuming food is to remain alive. The point of controlling one’s intake of food is to manage physique and overall health. The point of consuming fewer calories is to reduce body fat across one’s composition. But one constant in all of the above should be one’s enjoyment of food. – – When an individual embarks on fat loss, each of the above are important. One must enjoy their energy consumption, be aware of energy intake in relation to their energy output, and consistently ensure that hat they are in a state of sustainable caloric deficit. To ensure progress, one may have to change and adjust their dietary habits. But instead of completely changing one’s diet, adherence may be more likely if one makes small changes over time. For example: consuming the same volume of lower calorie foods/drinks that are essentially the same foods/drinks. – – This graphic shows two groups of foods/drinks. One group contains over double the calorie amount of the other, yet quantity of both remains the same (apart from the freddo). Crucially, the lower calorie versions resemble the same taste/experiment as their high calorie counterparts (or very similar). – – Whilst consumption of lower calorie versions may not be immediately significant, they can be over a period of time. For example, if one swapped daily consumption of 300ml of whole milk for semi skimmed milk for 1 year, they would consume 17520 fewer calories whilst experiencing is minimally compromised. – – One must make an informed choice in the knowledge that lower calorie items may contain less of a particular macronutrient. And in the case of low calorie beverages, awareness that sweeteners are included. – – Losing fat is not straightforward. It requires a change of habits. But if an individual recognizes opportunities to make small changes which reap big long term rewards, it’s seems short sighted not to take them. ? – – #thefitnesschef #fatlosshelp #fatlossdiet #fatlosstips #halotop #eatsmart #meat #lowcalorie #calories #caloriedeficit #caloriecounting #losefat #diet #dieting #smartchoices #flexiblediet #nutritionfacts #losebellyfat

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5. 6 Ways to Pizza

Pizza can be healthy. See all the ways here.

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Because who doesn’t love pizza?! ? Want a fun way to get your pizza on while still getting in more veggies? Try any of the options in the top row! . My personal favorite is the portobella pizza but all of these are great fun options you can make at home. Get crazy with it and add some fun toppings of choice! Info below: . Bell pepper pizza – 1/2 bell pepper, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese + 2 broccoli florets. . Portable pizza – 1/2 Portabella mushroom cap, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese, 2 basil leaves, 1 olive cut into slices. . Zucchini pizza boats – 1/2 zucchini, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 2 tbsp mixed cheese, 2 cherry tomatoes. . Rice cake pizza – 1 rice cake, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 2 basil leaves, 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese. . Pita pizza – 1 medium pita, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese, 2 basil leaves + 3 cherry tomatoes. . Pizza pizza – Ordered from the doughroom in Culver City haha Because sometimes you can treat yo self to a damn real pizza. . How to cook the veggie pizzas: 1 – Preheat oven to 350F. 2 – Scoop out the inside of the mushroom, bell pepper or zucchini boat (you can cook the bell pepper or zucchini in oven before adding toppings or add toppings then cook if you don’t need it well done. Mushroom you can add the toppings right away & cook) 3 – Add 1/4 cup marinara, toppings & cheese 4 – Bake in oven for about 10 minutes then enjoy! . You can bake the pita & rice cake in oven or you can microwave xoxo. . P.S. make sure you check my 101 Healthy Snacks Ebook link in bio! (www.101healthysnacks.com) . . . #cleaneating #healthyeating #nutrition #cleaneats #mealprep #foodprep #fitfood #protein #weightloss #mealplan #healthychoices #mealprepsunday #healthyfood #mealprepping #macros #mealprepmonday #flexibledieting #iifym #instahealth #pizza #glutenfree #getfit #gains #meals #healthyliving #determination #healthylifestyle

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6. Muscle Meats

Portion control is an excellent way to healthier eating. Learn to eyeball your servings.

8. Meat

Make sure you’re getting enough protein with this chart.

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Tag a a meat eater and hit save to keep you and your friends informed on the calorie/protein values of this assortment of meat/poultry. – – Consuming fewer calories and/or moving more is the only way you can lose fat – aka creating a calorie deficit. And whilst it is not definitive, consuming adequate protein is heavily linked to a higher rate of satiety (feeling full). Thus, feeling satiated for extended periods may reducing the likelihood of consuming excess calories. I stress the word ‘likelihood’. Furthermore, protein consumption will help one maintain adequate muscle mass during the process of fat loss or muscle gain. Most sources of meat and poultry are protein dense. – – As you can see, there are lower calorie options available for the same or greater protein value. Whilst meat/poultry is just one component of a balanced meal containing carbohydrates and fats, it is an area where you can make a relatively small change which could help your goal in the long run. – – In terms of protein density per gram of food, not many food/drinks come close to meat. If you don’t eat meat, sourcing and consuming adequate protein for your fitness needs becomes more difficult, but definitely still possible. – – If you are vegan… This post is clearly not for you. – – #thefitnesschef #meat #protein #highprotein #meatlover #mealprep #dinnerideas #nutritioncoach #leanmeat #fatloss #muscle #musclegain #eatsmart #eattogrow #losefat #buildmuscle #calories #caloriecounting #steak

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9. Vitamins and Minerals

Don’t overlook the importance of these healthful building blocks.

10. Calorie and Protein Chart

Nothing can stop from healthier eating when you use this food chart for meal planning.

Planning, shopping and prepping will be your keys to healthier eating. Get educated and save these informative food charts as your first step to eating better and feeling better.

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Scientists Worry That the Incurable “Zombie Deer” Disease Could Make the Leap to Humans

Deer (and related animals, like elk) in 24 states that have tested positive for chronic wasting disease – sometimes referred to as the “zombie deer” disease, and scientists are worried that humans might not be immune to catching it, should we eat tainted meat.

The disease causes infected animals to stumble through the forest, drooling and becoming more aggressive toward humans. They’re listless, consistently lose weight, and will eventually die from the incurable infection.

It’s the result of a prion – a mis-folded brain protein that’s mysteriously able to infect other nearby proteins, talking them into re-folding wrong, too. A prion is not alive, so it cannot be killed, which means there are no treatments or cures for chronic wasting disease or any other prion diseases like it.

We’ve been aware of these types of infections, and how hard they are to fight, for years. Mad Cow Disease is the result of prions, as is Jakob Creutzfeldt Disease. In humans, prion disorders cause people to decline over the span of several months; they lose the ability to speak, move, and eventually control the muscle movements necessary for life.

CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) currently seems limited to deer, moose, and elk, but researchers at the University of Minnesota are urging local lawmakers to consider funding further research into the matter.

Michael Osterholm, the university’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Prevention director, is at the forefront of the effort.

“It is my best professional judgement based on my public health experience and the risk of BSE transmission to humans in the 1980s and1990s and my extensive review and evaluation of laboratory research studies …that is it probably that human cases of CWS associated with the consumption of contaminated meat will be documented in the years ahead. It is possible that the number of human cases will be substantial and will not be isolated events.”

Basically, even though as of yet there is no reason to panic, scientists are sounding the alarm.

Osterholm has reason to be concerned – he was involved with the British review panels that dealt with the mad cow disease scare, when it was found that it was rare, but possible, for humans to contract the disease by eating contaminated tissue.

That said, all evidence points to the consumption of brain tissue specifically as being the means for transmission, not other, more commonly-eaten portions of meat.

The existence of CWD in deer and the potential for contraction in humans is not news to the CDC – since the 1990s, they’ve kept an eye on hunters who come down with versions of the prion disease killing the deer. Many are diagnosed at surprisingly young ages, and some were known to eat deer meat regularly.

All of the patients died not long after their symptoms emerged, but in all cases, no known herds infected with CWD were in the area.

Basically, there was no way to confirm that they contracted anything at all from eating contaminated deer meat – some of the men weren’t even conclusively diagnosed with prion infections – so it could have been a simple coincidence.

Rates of prion disease in human aren’t any higher in areas rife with infected deer than anywhere else in the United States, but scientists are also quick to point out how little we know about the afflictions overall.

This CDC report states that “because CWD has occurred in a limited geographic area for decades, an adequate number of how people may not have been exposed to the CWD agent to result in a clinically recognizable human disease. The level and frequency of human exposure to the CWD agent may increase with the spread of CWD in the United States.”

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The progression of chronic wasting disease in North America (CWD) since 2000. CWD is a highly contagious disease in cervids (deer, reindeer, elk) that degrades the animal’s neurological system, leaving holes in the brain. It is 100% fatal. ⠀ Although there are no known cases of CWD in people, there is concern that the prions that cause the disease could adapt to new hosts and someday infect humans, just as the prion culprit of mad cow disease did in the United Kingdom in the 1990s. ⠀ To offer her expert testimony and recommendations, wildlife disease ecologist Dr. Krysten Schuler joined the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources for their June 25 subcommittee hearing on the subject. “Any meaningful strategies to combat CWD will require long-term approaches with sustained state and federal efforts," said Schuler. ⠀ Her recommendations included ✔ sustained fiscal support for state and federal wildlife agencies, as well as veterinary and wildlife diagnostic labs ✔ research funds to work toward new breakthroughs in treatment and prevention ✔ improved support from stakeholders up through their elected officials to raise the disease to a national level of prominence ⠀ #cornellvet #cornell #vetmed #veterinary #cwd #chronicwastingdisease #wildlife Maps created by @cornell_cwhl and image provided

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The disease has been spreading through deer, elk, and moose populations since 1981 (at least), when it was first identified in wild deer. While most populations still have low infection rates, they have grown to 10% or even 25% in others.

The more deer infected, the bigger risk to humans, warns a 2012 review in Emerging Infectious Diseases.

“The potential for interspecies CWD transmission (by cohabitating mammals) will only increase as the disease spreads and CWD prions continue to be shed into the environment.”

The CDC and WHO agree that transmission between species is possible, or one day could be, even though we have no evidence that it has already happened. Researchers are hoping to develop a test that could be used in the field, one that would tell hunters whether or not the meat they’re butchering is contaminated before they eat it.

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Members of the UWSP Student Chapter of #TheWildlifeSociety helped construct a Chronic Wasting Disease kiosk for the Stevens Point area. Students will now have the opportunity to assist local DNR with collecting CWD samples from harvested deer. . Thank you @uwsp_tws for allowing us to share! Want to see your student chapter featured? DM us @thewildlifesociety. . Repost: Through a partnership with the @wi_dnr and @uwsp_bha, the UWSP TWS was able to construct and deploy a #CWD kiosk for the Stevens Point area. Over the course of several weeks, student volunteers constructed the kiosk and were able to set it up before the gun opener this past weekend. With the kiosk, students will have the opportunity to monitor and check for heads and assist the DNR with lymph node extraction and sampling. The kiosk is located at Frank’s Hardware in Stevens Point. . . . . . . . . . . #Wisconsin #CWD #wildlifedisease #chronicwastingdisease #deer #wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlifemanagement

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University of Minnesota scientists are working on that now, but in the meantime, if you hunt in an affected area, be aware of what the animals you kill looked and acted like prior to being shot. In all cases, you’re better off avoiding touching the internal organs as much as possible, particularly the brain and spinal cord.

If you’re worried, contact your local wildlife authority to get the animal tested before consuming it.

This is new territory, but as with most things that could cost you your life, better safe than sorry.

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Firefighters Wish You Knew These 10 Important Things

Firefighters have one of the toughest jobs on the planet – they put their lives on the line every single day to keep everyday citizens safe from a number of awful things that could happen.

So when they talk, we should pay attention. Period.

Here are 10 important things that firefighters think you need to know. Listen up…

1. It could happen to you.

House Fire Total Destruction in Unsafe Amsterdam New York 156 Guy Park Avenue

A lot of people think that fires won’t or can’t happen to them, and that can turn out to be a costly mistake. John V. Murray, the Chief Fire Safety Instructor for the Nassau County Firefighters Museum, said, “People have the mindset in many cases that fires will never happen to them. That can be a deadly assumption.”

2. If you don’t have one, you need one.

You must have a smoke detector in your home and/or business. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that three out of five fire deaths in homes could have been prevented if a working smoke detector had been in the house.

It’s suggested that you have a working smoke detector on every level, and inside and outside of each bedroom. Also, remember to replace your smoke detectors every ten years.

3. You can get new stuff.

(Re-Edit) Quint 94 11-17-11

If there’s a fire, please, please remember to leave your possessions behind. Material possessions are important, but they can be replaced. Your life and your safety? Well, that’s another issue…

4. Smoke is more deadly than fire.

Richard Stack, captain of the North Attleborough Fire Department in Massachusetts, said, “A single breath of toxic super-heated smoke could definitely cost you your life. Most victims of structural fires die from asphyxiation rather than coming into contact with flames.”

5. Never enter or go back into a blaze.

(Re-Edit) 3 Alarm Building Fire 11-18-11

Once you escape from a fire, never, ever go back inside. Let the fire department do their job. This mistake often ends up with people dying. And if people or pets are trapped inside, let the firefighters know. That’s their job.

6. The clock is ticking.

Experts say that you really only have one to two minutes to escape a fire. That is enough time to get out, but you need to remain as calm as possible while leaving the structure to make best use of the time.

7. Two important points.

House Fire

Never try to hide from a fire or try to fight a fire on your own. Hiding is a terrible idea: escape should be the only thing on your mind. And never try to fight the blaze yourself. Escape, call the fire department immediately, and then they’ll get there ASAP.

8. DO take care of kitchen fires when possible.

Many fires start in the kitchen, so reacting quickly to a small fire in the kitchen can be crucial. Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and remember, if a fire starts, PASS.

P – Pull the pin

A – Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire

S – Squeeze the trigger

S – Sweep the nozzle from side to side

9. Make sure your address and house number is clearly visible.

Massive Condominium Complex Fire Prospect Heights Illinois 7-18-18 2681

This may seem inconsequential, but make sure your house number is easy to read on your house and your mailbox if it’s by the street. This will cut down on any confusion, which will in turn cut down the response time by firefighters and paramedics.

10. Close your doors!

Fires spread much faster based on how much oxygen they have, so keeping your doors closed while you sleep at night might end up saving your life one day. Fire professionals think it’s so important and such a good preventive measure that an organization has launched Close Your Door to educate the public.

Be safe out there and remember to follow these tips!

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Unusual but Handy Uses for Aspirin That You Might Not Know About

You probably know you’re supposed to break out the aspirin when your head is throbbing or when you have a toothache, but did you know there are a whole bunch of other things you can do with aspirin as well?

I’m talking about everyday things that you really might benefit from.

Here are 5 unorthodox ways you can use aspirin that you might want to consider.

1. No more pimples.

Zit.

You can crush aspirin and add a little water to create a paste that you can leave on pimples for a few minutes or even overnight. The aspirin contains salicylic acid – the primary ingredient in some acne creams – which removes oil and dead cells and will unclog pores. Not a bad hygiene hack, huh?

2. Stain fighter.

If you crush up three aspirin and add it to a half a cup of warm water, you can use that solution to fight stains on your clothing – especially stains from sweat and oil. The salicylic acid found in aspirin (it’s a handy chemical) fights stains just like the acetic acid found in vinegar, another useful stain fighter.

3. Works on calluses.

Callused

If your feet or hands have tough calluses, you can (once again) crush up aspirin and make a paste by combining some water and lemon juice. Rub the paste onto your calluses, wrap with a warm towel, and cover with a plastic bag. Let that sit for ten minutes, remove everything and then you can use a file to get rid of those pesky calluses.

Unless you want them around to keep on protecting your tender hands, of course.

4. Let’s talk about dandruff.

Having dandruff is embarrassing, and controlling it can be difficult. Well, here’s a remedy that you might not know about. Crush two aspirin and put it into the shampoo you use to wash your hair.

Leave it in your hair for a couple of minutes, then rinse it all out. Then wash your hair again with plain shampoo and make sure there is no residue from the aspirin left behind.

5. You could stop a heart attack.

heart attack anatomy

You might have heard this one before, but it’s worth repeating.

First of all, you should educate yourself about the warning signs for a heart attack. If you do think you are having a heart attack, chew on aspirin until paramedics arrive. Aspirin will inhibit the platelets that trigger the blood clotting, so you could buy yourself some very important extra time.

Get it? Got it? Good!

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How Does Fluoride in Tap Water Affect Your Health?

Adding fluoride to water supplies or fluoridation is a common practice. The practice started after studies showed that fluoridation could decrease the case of food decay. Ideally, adding fluoride to water is a way of curbing tooth decay. Strengthens the enamel and enhances the remineralization of teeth. It fights decay-causing bacteria and hence prevents and reverses tooth cavities. Remember, tooth decay is a common health problem. Adding fluoride in water was a simple way of improving the dental health of the population. Thus, individuals and families could, in turn, save their dental care costs. However, the ingestion of high amounts

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A Former Executive of One of the Biggest Health Insurance Companies Talks About How They Lie and Trap People

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act – also known as Obamacare – became law. It not only got millions of people health insurance, but it also made that insurance more affordable to consumers.

Right?

According to former VP of CIGNA Wendell Potter, it’s not quite so straightforward. And we’ve got good reason to believe him – the insurancer’s former VP now considers himself a whistleblower against the industry.

It may seem strange that someone would go against the company they once worked for, but Potter has good reasons to take his stand. Medical debt and bankruptcy is an enormous problem in the United States, and the ACA hasn’t really helped.

The ACA was supposed to decrease the cost of health insurance and, eventually, medical debt. Unfortunately, a February 2019 study shows that levels of medical bankruptcy stayed roughly the same despite the reforms.

Here’s what Potter wrote about the subject.

As Potter explains it, the industry had to redefine “choice.”

He goes on to explain how health insurance companies manipulated perceptions of choice.

Potter explained how employer-based insurance really works.

Next, he admitted that the industry used gaslighting techniques.

Then he exposed some campaigns used to sell “choice.”

And there’s more.

He also explains why things are different now.

Then, Potter discusses one reason Medicare For All would work better for the public.

The last tweet provides useful guidance.

Whew! That’s a lot of great (though disheartening) information for anyone who wants to understand why the US healthcare industry runs the way it does.

What it comes down to, like always, is money.

Was there anything on this Twitter thread that stood out to you? Feel free to let us know.

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American Girl Introduces a Doll With Hearing Loss

It’s really important for children with disabilities to see themselves in pop culture, whether it’s movies, music, TV – or even the toys and dolls they play with. That’s why this announcement from American Girl should make a lot of kids and parents very happy. American Girl rang in 2020 with a new doll, and this one, for the first time ever, has a hearing impairment.

And the new doll is also American Girl of the Year.

Meet Joss Kendrick. Joss’s story is that she hails from Huntington Beach, California, and that she is “a fierce athlete born with hearing loss and a passion for surfing and competitive cheer.”

Joss was born deaf in her left ear and she wears a hearing aid in her right ear. The company said about Joss, “Whether she’s on her surfboard or in the gym, Joss shows girls the importance of trying new things, pushing past stereotypes, and being a good team player.”

The new doll was introduced with the help of Caroline Marks, a 17-year-old surfer who is looking to make a mark at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo as part of the U.S. Women’s Surfing team (I didn’t even know surfing was an Olympic sport). Marks said, “I’m so excited to be a part of the Joss launch and share her message that passion and hard work can really take a girl places—even to the Olympics.”

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Happy times ?

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As part of the launch of the new doll, American Girl donated $25,000 to the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA).

This is a great move by Mattel and American Girl!

Congratulations and good luck to Caroline Marks at the 2020 Summer Olympics!

The post American Girl Introduces a Doll With Hearing Loss appeared first on UberFacts.

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American Girl Introduces a Doll With Hearing Loss

It’s really important for children with disabilities to see themselves in pop culture, whether it’s movies, music, TV – or even the toys and dolls they play with. That’s why this announcement from American Girl should make a lot of kids and parents very happy. American Girl rang in 2020 with a new doll, and this one, for the first time ever, has a hearing impairment.

And the new doll is also American Girl of the Year.

Meet Joss Kendrick. Joss’s story is that she hails from Huntington Beach, California, and that she is “a fierce athlete born with hearing loss and a passion for surfing and competitive cheer.”

Joss was born deaf in her left ear and she wears a hearing aid in her right ear. The company said about Joss, “Whether she’s on her surfboard or in the gym, Joss shows girls the importance of trying new things, pushing past stereotypes, and being a good team player.”

The new doll was introduced with the help of Caroline Marks, a 17-year-old surfer who is looking to make a mark at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo as part of the U.S. Women’s Surfing team (I didn’t even know surfing was an Olympic sport). Marks said, “I’m so excited to be a part of the Joss launch and share her message that passion and hard work can really take a girl places—even to the Olympics.”

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Happy times ?

A post shared by Caroline Marks (@caroline_markss) on

As part of the launch of the new doll, American Girl donated $25,000 to the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA).

This is a great move by Mattel and American Girl!

Congratulations and good luck to Caroline Marks at the 2020 Summer Olympics!

The post American Girl Introduces a Doll With Hearing Loss appeared first on UberFacts.

Posted on

Here’s How Alex Trebek Plans to Officially Say Goodbye to “Jeopardy!” Fans

I’m not looking forward to this one bit…

Alex Trebek has hosted the hit TV show Jeopardy! since 1984, and in those three-and-a-half decades, he’s become a beloved figure. His name and face are so synonymous with the television program, it’s hard to imagine anyone else hosting the show.

It was revealed last year that the 79-year-old Trebek has stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and since then the public has been rallying by his side and hoping for a happy outcome as he has gone through multiple rounds of chemotherapy.

Trebek has said he doesn’t have a particular date in mind for his exit from Jeopardy!, but he added that when he leaves it will be “a significant moment for me, but I’ve kind of, in my mind, rehearsed it already. What I would do on that day is tell the director, ‘Time the show down to leave me 30 seconds at the end.’ That’s all I want.”

Trebek continued, “And I will say my goodbyes [and] I will tell people, ‘Don’t ask me who’s going to replace me because I have no say whatsoever. But I’m sure that if you give them the same love and attention, and respect that you have shown me…then they will be a success and the show will continue being a success. And until we meet again, God bless you and goodbye.’”

Here is the video of Trebek’s interview with Michael Strahan where he discusses his farewell.

We’re going to miss you, Mr. Trebek! Thanks for all the great entertainment throughout the years!

The post Here’s How Alex Trebek Plans to Officially Say Goodbye to “Jeopardy!” Fans appeared first on UberFacts.