Green Sexy

Now Hear This...Or Don't.

USA Today's health blog reports a European Union committee on emerging health risks finding that 1 in 10 MP3 player users could go deaf!  Well, that is if you listen to it for an hour a day for five years.  That would then include basically anyone who owns a personal MP3 player! 

As one who works in a junior/senior high school, I can tell you right now that we'd better start teaching sign language with the way that these kids blast the music in their ear buds.  I swear, you can hear the music from their iPods halfway down the hall.  It's as if they have to "ego-cast" to their peers what kind of music they're listening to.  Now, that's not much different from when I was in high school and kids cranked the music up to full volume on their walkmans, but at the very least those earphones sat on the outside of the ears, not directly inside the ear!  Maybe this explains why some idiots feel the need to install kickers in their cars and drive around in an earthquake-inducing machine---it's not that they're trying to subject the rest of the world to their bass-driven music, rather it's that they've already gone completely deaf from listening to their iPods and have to resort to "feeling" their music.

The sad thing is, once you've damaged your hearing to the point at which you've killed the hair cells in your ear that amplify and interpret sound waves for your brain, you'll never be able to gain it back without the assistance of a hearing aid of some kind.  According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), "the safe limit for noise exposure (is) 85 dB for 8 hours a day. Each time the noise level increases by 3 dB, safe exposure time is cut in half."  The maximum volume for an iPod is 100-110 decibels, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is equivalent to a chainsaw or jack hammer at 100 decibels or an amulance siren at 110 decibels!   Going by the figures for the maximum job-noise exposure allowed by law, an iPod user can only listen to their iPod at 100 decibels for 2 hours before suffering permenant hearing damage, or for only 30 minutes at 110 decibels.  How many of you have a teenager who practically lives with their iPod's earbuds planted in their ears?   Maybe it's time for MP3 users to "Turn on, tune in, drop out"---that is "turn on" to what's actually going on around them, "tune in" to the sounds of real life, and "drop out" of listening to their MP3 players 24/7! 

It's Official: Kissing Is Good For You!!!

I always knew it---kissing relieves stress!  Now, according to a Lafayette College (in Pennsylvania) study, they discovered that "cortisol, a stress hormone, lowered in men and women after they kissed."  In fact, according to Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist at Rutgers University:  "When a couple kisses, the brain is bombarded not only by sensations but by chemical processes...when a man kisses a woman, he injects testosterone through his saliva."  Sounds good to me!

So, pucker up and improve your health today!

Information derived from "More than just a kiss" from USA Weekend, August 22-24, 2008.

Summer Sunscreen!

Now that Summer is officially here, we're going to be spending more time outside enjoying all that nature has to offer!  Ah, but there is an upside and a downside to everything---the glorious sun that makes our summer days warm and bright can also damage our skin and eyes with its UV rays.  There are actually two main kinds of rays to be concerned about:  UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin and cause long term skin damage, and UVB rays, which cause sunburns, are linked "to more than 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancer" and to the development of cataracts.  According to a USA Today article, a decade ago sunscreens were designed to primarily protect people from UVB rays.   Nowadays scientists have come to the conclusion that UVA rays are far more detrimental to the skin because they penetrate more deeply than UVB rays and are the most likely cause of melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer.   

What can you do to protect yourself?  First of all, wear sunglasses with UV protective lenses to protect your fragile eyes from the sun.  With the bug-eye goggles the girls are wearing these days, it seems that fashion has inadvertently provided an unintended health-benefit!

Another thing you can do is to cover up exposed skin with summer-appropriate clothing.  Yes---for some especially fair-skinned that may include long pants and long-sleeved shirts.  Some companies like  Coolibar, Solumbra , and Solartex manufacture SPF clothing that block up to 97% of UVA/UVB rays. If you don't want to purchase a new wardrobe, you can make your clothing into sun protective clothing by washing your garments in SunGuard, a laundry detergent that gives your clothes a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 30, which effectively blocks 96% of the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Yet another thing to consider is that the sun's ultraviolet rays are the strongest from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., so it is advisable that you avoid being in the sun during these hours.  If you must be out during these hours, slather on the sunscreen, or seek the shade of a tree or some outdoor structure.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to choose the right kind of sunscreen.  First of all, you must choose one with the proper SPF, which means "Sun Protection Factor...a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Here's how it works:  If it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer —  about five hours."  The Skin Cancer Foundation warns that sunscreens are ineffective after two hours and must be reapplied, and that most sunscreens don't protect you from UVA rays.  You'll find that most sunscreens contain octylmethoxycinnamate and/or cinoxate, which protect against UVA rays, and oxybenzone  and/or sulisobenzone, which protect against shortwave UVA rays.  To get even more effective protection, purchase a sunscreen that contains avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule (Mexoryl), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide. 

My wife and I use sunscreens manufactured by Aveeno, L'oreal, and Neutrogena and have been pleased with their non-greasy feel and relative waterproof properties.  These three products were a bit pricier because they are non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and because of their well-recognized namesakes.  The L'oreal sunscreen was especially pricey because it contains mexoryl SX, a product long used in Europe that blocks short wave UVA rays not blocked by other sunscreens.  On the low end we've tried Coppertone's Continuous Spray sunscreen, and while the price was reasonable and the coverage/protection effective, I felt like I was wearing a spray-on rubber suit and had a heck of a time trying to wash it off in the shower.   

In any case, you don't have to break the bank to protect your skin from the sun's rays this summer.  Sure, you may find the prospect of applying sunscreen unappealing and contrary to the free spirit of summer, but consider the alternatives---looking like George Hamilton (see above picture), or even worse, Magda---that ultra-tan freaky lady from There's Something About Mary!!!!!!!!!!

Are Reusable Water Bottles Not Safe?

First, allow me to say "Aaaarrrghh!" 

Okay...I'm okay now.  It took me a while to break the addiction to buying cases of bottled water in favor of using a reusable bottle to transport water in.  I was just beginning to feel good about myself for reducing my plastic consumption, but now I come to find out that a good number of reusable plastic water bottles constructed of polycarbonate plastic contain an organic compound called bisphenol-A, or BPA.  In recent scientific studies, BPA has been potentially linked to hormonal imbalances, risk of cancer, fertility issues and other health problems.  In fact, in a study released just last Tuesday by the National Toxicology Program, BPA was given a mid-range level of risk and scientists acknowledged that "the possibility that bisphenol A may alter human development cannot be dismissed".  Bisphenol-A is also present in the lining of many canned goods (including soda), plastic bottles/containers, baby bottles, cds, dvds, eyeglasses, dental sealants, and other common household items.  How many people who utilize a reusable plastic water bottle are using one that contains BPA?  Probably a very large percentage.  What I'm talking about is the kind of plastic bottle that has a #7 on the bottom of it.  Take a moment to turn your bottle over...see it?  Okay.  Yes, my wife and I own a few ourselves. 

In response to the bad press, Nalgene, a sport-bottle maker out of Fairport and Rochester, NY, had originally planned to quell consumers' fears over the recent BPA report by launching a new website that lists statistics about each of its products.  Shortly after the website's launch, Nalgene decided it would be more prudent and proactive to pull all of its products containing BPA immediately off store shelves.   How long until other manufacturers follow suit?  Until more definitive research comes out, it may be a long time coming.

So, looking to replace your current #7 reusable water bottle?  One option is to go for plastics with BPA safe numbers on them, like ones that read #2HDPE or #5PP on the bottom.   You could also buy stylish and durable aluminum or stainless steel water bottles, like those made by SIGG, Klean Kanteen, or those offered by Nalgene---sure, they're a bit pricier (in the $20+ range), but they'll last longer than the traditional plastic bottles, they're chemical-safe, and you'll look really cool and stylish using these Green Sexy products!

Candles---Beautiful, Relaxing, Aromatic...HARMFUL?!?

** Update...we just got a reference in the Chicago Tribune web edition. In in their Green Buzz regarding eco-friendly candles. Check it out!**

Americans have the luxury of electricity, so candles have largely become a novelty, useful for illuminating romantic dinners or for helping to soothe the soul at the end of a long day.  As a result, some stores like Yankee Candle charge exorbitant rates for these waxy creations.  Other candle manufacturers have made a fortune touting candles' supposed aromatically-therapeutic effects.

One thing that never gets discussed is the fact that many traditional candles---especially scented candles---contain and release noxious chemicals when burned.  According to E/The Environmental Magazine, many scented candles release phthalates, which are chemicals that are linked to the disruption of hormonal systems and other health issues.  Other harmful chemicals that burning candles can release are acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and naphthalene. 

People have become very aware and proactive about getting the lead out of their homes by removing old lead paint from their walls.  However, few are aware that many candlewicks contain lead---specifically the wicks with the stiff metal center.  If you have candles with such wicks, refrain from burning them and replace them with candles with soft cotton wicks.

In this day of record-setting oil prices, a good number of Americans have begun to take measures to help reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil---from driving less to saying no to plastic bags at the grocery store---we are certainly more conscious of the role we play in this issue.  So, did you know that you can also help mitigate the oil crisis by not buying paraffin-based candles?  How so?  Paraffin-based candles are "made from waxes derived in the process of refining crude oil and literally consist of hydrocarbons."

So, what is a candle lover to do?  One option is to buy soy-based candles, which are made from plant waste.  Beeswax candles are another natural option.  For those aromatherapy addicts, buy scented candles that use only pure plant essential oils.  Check out these candle makers for a more Earth-friendly option:  Bluecorn Naturals, Honeyflow Farm, Vermont Soy Candles, and Aveda.

 

Bloated Myths About Water Consumption

A lot of what we've been told about water consumption no longer holds water.

In a National Public Radio report entitled "Five Myths About Drinking Water", it states that "Scientists say there's no clear health benefit to chugging or even sipping water all day."  In fact, Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, a kidney expert at the University of Pennsylvania, says that "Nobody really knows" where the 8 glasses of water a day advice originated from. 

Another myth is that water helps flush toxins from the body, but it's actually the kidneys' job to do this.  In fact, drinking too much water will actually reduce the kidney's ability to act as a filter!

In addition, some believe that drinking water makes for beautiful skin.  With the body already being composed of 60% water, Goldfarb says that that the additional water consumed has little benefit for the skin.

Finally, some believe that drinking water leads to weight loss.  Water itself does not in any way drain calories from the body, as some may believe.  Rather, according to Madeline Fernstrom of the University of Pittsburgh, "Water is a great strategy for dieters because it has no calories.  So you can keep your mouth busy without food and get the sense of satisfaction."  She also advocates the drinking of diet sodas as another zero calorie option (although potential negative health-effects of consuming diet sodas have been revealed with recent research).

I am someone who always has a reusable bottle of water on hand and I definitely believe that drinking water helps stave off headaches and keeps my mouth from feeling dry or pasty.  However, I'm not sure if even I, who drinks like a fish, meets the "8 glasses of water a day".  I'm sure most of us don't.  Thankfully, due to the latest research, the new guideline is to simply drink whenever you're thirsty.

The Diaper Dilemma

Any new parent will testify that the bottom line increases once you introduce a new member to the family.   One big drain on the budget of new parents is diapers.  On average it takes about 30 months to potty-train a child.  In that time span, a child goes through roughly 6,700 disposable diapers, which is equivalent to $2,400 (Washingtonpost.com). 

Cost aside, there are other issues related to disposable diapers---health issues.  According to the Real Diaper Association, disposable diapers contain trace amounts of dioxin, a toxic byproduct of the paper bleaching process.  Dioxin is a carcinogenic chemical, listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals (of course, this chemical is banned by many countries, but not by the United States).  Disposable diapers also contain the toxic pollutant Tributyl-tin, a toxic pollutant that causes hormonal issues in humans and animals.  Sodium polyacrylate, a type of super absorbent polymer, is also used in disposable diapers, and is similar to the absorbent polymers banned from tampons in the 1980s because of they increased the risk of toxic shock syndrome. 

Disposable diapers are also have a detrimental effect on the environment.   According to EPA estimates, 3.3 million tons of diapers end up in landfills each year---that's 18 billion diapers!  Holy Crap!  According to the Children's Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC), "Proper use of disposables includes dumping fecal matter into the toilet before putting the soiled diaper in the trash. In practice, however, most parents don’t take that extra step. The smell and bacteria can create public health hazards. Fecal matter also carries live viruses that could potentially be released into the environment through leaking landfills." 

Parents could help both their bottom lines and the environment by using washable and reusable diapers.  Whereas millions of tons of disposable diapers end up in landfills, a reusable diaper can be reused between 100 to 150 times, and then reused again as rags!  One option for reusable diapers is the kind offered  by gDiapers, which consists of a washable cotton outer pant and a flushable or compostable insert.  Another option is the Tiny Tush Trim Organic Diaper by Heavenly Organic, which offers a reusable waterproof shell that you wrap around the organic cotton diaper, which has a highly-absorbent and removable cotton liner that can absorb up to 16 ounces of liquid! 

For those who just can't bring themselves to wash soiled diapers, there are some environmentally-viable options.  Seventh Generation offers Chlorine-Free Baby Diapers that are gentle on a baby's skin and on the environment.  Or even more revolutionary, how about having your baby go "diaper free"?  According to parenting expert Ann Pleshette Murphy, more than 4,000 parents have joined a social networking group called DiaperFreeBaby.org, that is dedicated to their pursuit.  How do these parents manage to achieve this?  Through "elimination communication", parents try to read their baby's signals and try to get the child to the toilet before they unload their loads.  With babies going through 10 diapers a day, a parent trying this method needs to be hyper-vigilant and have a lot of time on their hands for childrearing!

Whatever you decide on, moving away from using disposable diapers is good for the family's bottom line, the child's "bottom line" and reducing our effect on the environment.

Pharmaceuticals With a Twist of Lemon, Please!

That's what I usually ask my waitress for when I order a water when dining out, don't you?

In a disturbing report, an Associated Press probe found traces of various pharmaceuticals in the drinking water of at least 41 million Americans!  These pharmaceuticals range from common drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to more serious fare like antibiotics, mood-stabilizers and sex hormones! The human body cannot assimilate all of the medicine it intakes, so the rest gets flushed away and into reservoirs,rivers and lakes, and after being treated and filtered, down the hatch and into our bodies!  Other ways these drugs get into our drinking water is through people flushing outdated prescription and over-the-counter drugs and through the waste products of livestock, who are often times injected with a form of anabolic steroids intended to "pump them up" for the market.  These livestock waste products seep into the earth and into the groundwater. 

No one knows for sure what effect long term exposure to small traces of pharmaceuticals will have on the human body, but some studies have found "that small amounts of medication have affected human embryonic kidney cells, human blood cells and human breast cancer cells. The cancer cells proliferated too quickly; the kidney cells grew too slowly; and the blood cells showed biological activity associated with inflammation."  Furthermore, studies on wildlife have discovered that pharmaceuticals can feminize male fish and negatively affect vital creatures like earthworms and zooplankton.

Now understand, the amounts found were measured in parts per billion or trillion, so it's not like you have to go on some crazy bottled-water binge or anything.  In fact, bottled water is often times just tap water wrapped up all nice and pretty in a wasteful little plastic package.  Well, how about water filtration systems?  Sorry, Charlie---they do not filter out pharmaceuticals. 

As usual, we are the cause of our own problems.  According to IMS Health and The Nielson Co., "Over the past five years, the number of U.S. prescriptions rose 12 percent to a record 3.7 billion, while nonprescription drug purchases held steady around 3.3 billion..."  Y'know all those snazzy commercials we see on television that promote drugs that will have a euphoric effect on our lives and cure all our problems and ailments---I think they have a lot to do with this recent trend.  They always seem to end with some actor stating "I'll ask my doctor."  Ah, the power of suggestion: "Hey doc, what exactly does Cialis do again?  Oh, really?  Um...heh...no thanks." 

It is also an undeniable fact that people are, very much thanks to pharmaceuticals, living much longer than they used to.  With a huge ever-aging baby-boomer population comes huge prescription drug sales.   

Now, we can't exactly tell grandma to lay off the drugs, so what can we all do to try to reduce the drugs in our drinking water?  Here's some food for thought:

1.  Eat livestock products from animals that were fed only organic feed and were not injected with hormones or antibiotics.  The more profitable it becomes for livestock farmers to go organic, the less drug-riddled runoff we'll have polluting our water.

2.  Try (gasp) homeopathic remedies or at least take a less conventional route when treating simple ailments.  Every sniffle doesn't require antibiotics.  Try drinking more fluids and relaxing a bit.  Every muscle ache doesn't require acetaminophen or ibuprofen---get a massage, either from the one you love or from a licensed massage therapist.  Etc, etc, etc.

3.  Be a rabble-rouser and get in the ears of your local Water Authority and question them regarding their filtration and purification practices to know exactly what's in your local drinking water.  Treatment plants that add chlorine to clean the water often times make some pharmaceuticals more toxic.  Does your local treatment plant use chlorine?  Heck---call Erin Brockovich!

The way I see it, this is just one more piece of evidence that we're not slowly making a descent to hell---we're hurtling there with ever-increasing speed.  Ironic, isn't it---the very drugs that we use to enhance our quality of life, are, in small and nearly undetectable doses, a factor that is potentially destroying our quality of life at the same time.

Well... on that note, raise a glass and say "Cheers!"

Can Diet Soda Make You Gain Weight?

I enjoy diet soda immensely.  I drink at least one diet soda a day.  I always jump to the defense of diet soda and its artificial sweeteners when detractors try to deter me from my junkie diet soda ways.  But there has been some disturbing studies of late that link weight gain, metabolic syndrome and heart disease to the body's reaction to the artificial sweeteners.  In fact, studies found that there may be actual changes in the brain and body chemistry itself when artificial sweeteners are consumed.  Watch this video while I go cry in the corner and try to softly rock myself to sleep.

Germs, Germs, Germs!

Did you know that in a 30-minute period Americans touch roughly 300 different surfaces?   According to  sixwise.com, the University of Arizona tested over 800 surfaces in four U.S. cities and determined the 10 most germ-infested areas in public places:

1. Playgrounds
2. Bus rails/armrests
3. Public bathrooms
4. Shopping cart handles
5. Escalator handrails
6. Chair armrests
7. Vending machine buttons
8. Shared pens
9. Public telephones
10. Elevator buttons

Researchers tested for three specific biochemical markers, which were:  hemoglobin (blood), alpha-amylase( mucus, saliva and/or urine), and urea (urine).  They found that children's playgrounds were the most germ-infested areas with 44 percent of playground surfaces testing positive for bodily fluids.  No wonder why kids always seem to have a persistent sniffle!

So, short of living in a bubble, what can one do to protect oneself from the germs around us?  Washing one's hands after being in public places and especially after going to the bathroom (OKAY, MEN?!?) is a good way to stay germ free.  Another measure one can take is to disinfect the common areas that people touch the most (computer keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, etc.). 

No matter how clean you try to be, you can never be rid of germs, especially in the public places we visit, shop at and work in.   So, don't freak out and just live your life!