Monday, May 30, 2011

10 facts about sharks

    National Geographic Readers: Sharks!
  1. According to the ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research, sharks date back between 455 million and 425 million years in the fossil records.
  2. Despite rumors to the contrary, most species of sharks actually have good eyesight, at least according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. Some species of sharks have better eyesight than others, but generally speaking sharks have eyesight at least as good as humans. Some scientists suggest sharks can see objects better at a distance, which could help with hunting prey. Also, the eyes of sharks are more sensitive to light than the eyes of humans, which gives sharks an advantage in darker waters.
  3. Do sharks sleep? This question continues to stump scientists across the globe. R. Aidan Martin, former Director of the ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research, offers no direct answers, but there is some evidence that some species of sharks sleep from time to time while others never sleep. Generally speaking, most species of sharks need to keep on the move to flood their gills with water, thus providing them with live-giving oxygen. But all animals need rest, including sharks and other fishes. Witnesses have given reports of what they believed were sleeping sharks, but at the same time the eyes of the sharks appeared to follow movement. Martin reports that the part of the nervous system that co-ordinates swimming in sharks is not found in the brain, but in the spinal column, which theoretically might make it possible for sleeping sharks to continue swimming. The truth to the question about sleeping sharks is that sciences does not know. At least not yet.
  4. Science generally accepts the whale shark as the largest fish on the planet. Whale sharks have been known to grow as long as 42 feet and weigh nearly 80,000 pounds.
  5. What is the smallest shark? That's somewhat debatable. Why? Because several species of sharks are quite small. The Dwarf Lanternfish shark is usually between six and eight inches in length. The pygmy ribbontail catshark is usually between six and seven and a half inches in length. Also, the spined pygmy shark is often between seven and eight inches in length.
  6. The shortfin make shark is considered the fastest shark on the planet. It has been recorded swimming at a swimming speed of 31 miles per hour. More impressive is the fact these sharks have been recorded going as fast as 46 miles per hour for short durations.
  7. According to National Geographic, there is an average between 50 and 70 shark attacks worldwide each year. Of those attacks, an average between five and 15 are fatal.
  8. How long do sharks live? There is no definitive answer. According to sharks-world.com, sharks average living between 20 and 30 years, but scientists suspect some species of sharks live as long as a hundred years, and some species might live even longer.
  9. How many different kinds of sharks are there? Science generally accepts there are about 440 different species of sharks currently swimming in Earth's waters.
  10. The megalodon is an extinct species of shark that supposedly existed between one and a half million and nearly 30 million years ago. It is believed to be the largest shark species to ever exist, having been more than 50 feet in length.

More marine links
10 facts about seahorses
10 facts about starfish
10 tips for avoiding shark attack while swimming


Image via Wikipedia

10 more common phobias

  1. Dentophobia: As you might be able to tell from the name, this is fear of the dentist. Some people are more than simply bothered with a visit to the dentist's office, but have a deep-rooted fear of such.
  2. Hoplophobia: This is a fear of weapons, usually with a focus on firearms. This term pops up every once in a while in the media concerning politics, but this is an actual phobia recognized by mental health professionals.
  3. Entomophobia: Are you scared of insects? If so, you might suffer from entomophobia, which is the fear of insects.
  4. Ophidiophobia: Do green, scaly things that slither give you the chills? If that's the case, you might have a fear of snakes, which is ophidiophobia.
  5. Cynophobia: Cynophobia is the fear of dogs. This one is sad, because dogs can be great friends, good workers and even great members of the family.
  6. Hydrophobia: This is actually a symptom, not a recognized mental health issue. What it is is the fear of water, which is a common symptom of those who suffer from rabies.
  7. Anatidaephobia: Fear of being watched by a duck. Okay, okay, to tell the truth, this is not a real phobia. Artist Gary Larson made this one up for his The Far Side comics. I thought it was worth throwing in to lighten the mood.
  8. Technophobia: A person who is afraid of technology suffers from technophobia, and is often labeled a technophobe. This term has gained some general mainstream use during the last few decades, but it is an actual phobia recognized by doctors.
  9. Panphobia: This is probably one of the worst phobias to encounter. What is it? It's the fear of everything.
  10. Nomophobia: This is a pretty modern phobia, but it's real. It is the fear of being out of range of cell phone contact. As if the whole world didn't exist for thousands of years before cell phones came along.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

10 common phobias

  1. Arachnophobia: Everyone has heard of this one. There has even been a comedic movie about it. But in case you don't know, arachnophobia is the fear of spiders.
  2. Aerophobia: This one is the fear of flying, and it has probably grown more common in recent years because of terrorist attacks and media focus upon accidental crashes throughout the world.
  3. Acrophobia: This fear is somewhat related to the one before, aerophobia. Acrophobia is a serious fear of heights. If you feel you suffer from a serious phobia, contact a doctor, because there are treatments available nowadays.
  4. Astraphobia: Astraphobia is the fear of lightning and thunder, basically a fear of storms. Humans are not the only ones to suffer from astraphobia, as pets commonly are also afraid of storms.
  5. Necrophobia: This is the fear of the dead and death. When we stop and think about it, most of us have some fear of death, but those who suffer from necrophobia have a strong reaction, and often cannot attend funerals or visit funeral homes or even hospitals.
  6. Carcinophobia: Do you fear cancer? Those with carcinophobia do. Panic attacks are not uncommon from those who suffer with a phobia, but those with carcinophobia often have to stay away from those who smoke because it will bring about a panic attack. Also, some with carcinophobia will try to stay out of sunlight for fear of skin cancer.
  7. Demophobia: This is a fear of being in a crowded place. Those who have to cope with demophobia are more than just a little uncomfortable going to parties, movie theaters, etc. They definitely would not want to go to Times Square on New Years Eve.
  8. Xenophobia: A fear of strangers. Xenophobes sometimes stay indoors a lot, especially at home. They often don't like to go out in public where they will be constantly confronted with strangers. Again, there is help available, some of it medicinal and some therapeutic.
  9. Claustrophobia: Are you afraid of tight or enclosed spaces? If so, you might suffer from claustrophobia, especially if you have an irrational fear of such spaces.
  10. Mysophobia: This phobia is sometimes known as "germophobia." And, as you can likely guess, it's a fear of germs. It is not uncommon for those who have an obsessive compulsive disorder to have mysophobia as one of their symptoms, as those with OCD sometimes focus on cleanliness.

Monday, May 23, 2011

10 health benefits of jogging

    adidas Originals Men's Jogging Sneaker,Tru Blue/Sun,13.5 M
  1. General fitness: Also known as cardiovascular fitness, this refers to the general wellbeing of one's circulatory and vascular systems within the body. Basically, we're talking about the heart, the lungs and the veins and arteries, the systems that carry oxygen throughout the body. Jogging and exercise keep a human body generally fit, thus helping to disperse oxygen throughout the body, and this has all kinds of benefits.
  2. Cholesterol: Cholesterol can build up as plaque within a person's arteries, which can lead to heart disease or even a heart attack. How does jogging help with this? By keeping that cardiovascular system in good shape. Since jogging helps with the spread of oxygen throughout the body, that oxygen helps the bloodstream to build good cholesterol. Good cholesterol is important because it fights at removing bad cholesterol from the bloodstream and takes it to the liver where the bad cholesterol can be processed out of the body.
  3. Bone strength: Jogging helps with this, too. Jogging, or any weight-bearing exercise, adds physical stress onto the bones. The body will work back against this stress by making the bones stronger and less brittle.
  4. Blood pressure: Remember all that oxygen that can spread through the body, and how jogging helps with that? Cardiovascular fitness also helps with blood pressure.
  5. Cancer: Jogging is just one form of general exercise, and exercise is known to lower one's chances of contracting any forms of cancer, perhaps even lowering one's chances as much as 50 percent.
  6. Diabetes: Exercise, including jogging, helps to keep a person in good physical condition, and this can help stave off diabetes. But even for those who already suffer from diabetes, regular jogging can help to keep the diabetes in check somewhat.
  7. Endurance: We're back to all that oxygen again. Oxygen in the bloodstream helps the body to better utilize the energy the body derives from food. Which means more oxygen, more energy. And what helps to do all that? Jogging.
  8. Losing weight: Jogging burns calories and fat, and it builds muscular strength. Which are both important in losing weight for better general health. But since jogging also helps with endurance, that's also important for losing weight.
  9. Mental fitness: Yes, jogging can even improve your mental fitness and put you in a better mood. How? Jogging, and other forms of exercise, bring about a release of special hormones in the body. These hormones are known as endorphins, and they are known to make a person feel good, kind of like getting a rush. Also, simply being in better shape physically can make a person feel better about themselves. If nothing else, the time spent jogging allows a person time to think about issues in their life, to deal with problems, etc.
  10. Sleep: Jogging makes the body tired while also putting one in a better frame of mind. Counting that and the added benefits of better health means better sleep for you tonight.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Is a Weimaraner the right dog for you?

Weimaraners 2011 Square 12X12 Wall CalendarWith their lanky gray bodies and noble faces, Weimaraners are a beautiful breed of dog. But are they the right breed for you?

Weimaraners take plenty of love and care to be good pets. They are very high energy, basically being a breed that was originally supposed to be an all-day hunter, and they often suffer from separation anxiety.

But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy one as part of your family. You just have to know how to deal with a Weimaraner. First, you should be in fairly good health and should lead an active lifestyle. Weimaraners are not good pets for couch potatoes. These animals love to run, run, run and walk and play all day long. They're born with tons of energy under that gray fur.

As for the separation anxiety, there are ways to deal with that. If you happen to work at home or have a job that allows you to have a pet with you all day long, then that's a plus. You're Weimaraner is possibly going to bond with you or someone in your family, and your new gray buddy is going to want to be with the person all the time. Literally, all the time.

Crate training and sometimes medications can help with separation anxiety in a Weimaraner, but pill popping isn't something that should be taken lightly. Consult your veterinarian about mood medications for your pet, but please don't depend on a magic pill. You'll get much more enjoyment and love from a Weimaraner without it being drugged all the time.

As for temperament, Weimaraners get along with most everyone. They can be shy at first with strangers, but they especially love the high energy of children. Just keep in mind this is a large dog, at least a couple of feet tall at adulthood and weighing as much as 85 pounds, so you might want to be careful allowing small children around such an animal. It's not impossible a Weimaraner could accidentally harm a small child simply because the animal is so big.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Weimaraners like to eat. So make sure you can afford the food before you invest in such a pet.

As far as health concerns go, Weimaraners can suffer from hip dysplasia and some other diseases and ailments common to larger breeds. Make sure your puppy buddy sees a veterinarian every so often.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

5 foods for a low sodium diet

It is relatively easy to find low-fat foods and low-calorie foods. More and more one can even find low-carb foods. But what about low-sodium foods? They are becoming a little more common, but there still are not a lot of options available at most grocery stores. Which is a shame, because more and more doctors are suggesting low-sodium diets, especially for those who suffer from heart disease or are candidates for heart disease.

But never fear! There are some low-sodium items available at the grocery store, and here are five of them.

Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats

One would think that breakfast cereals would not contain much sodium, but most of them do. Pay attention when cereal shopping, because even many of the ones labeled as "heart healthy" still contain a fair amount of sodium. But one big exception is Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats. This particular cereal comes in a variety of flavors, and all of them except for the chocolate variety have either no sodium or very low sodium, as low as 10 mg per serving. And thank goodness for the variety here. You can have regular Frosted Mini-Wheats, Blueberry, Strawberry, Little Bites and more.

Heinz No Salt Tomato Ketchup

Yes, ketchup is more of a condiment than an actual food, but it's used so commonly and so often that many of us forget it is full of sodium. The folks at Heinz have come up with a great product for those on a low-sodium diet, ketchup with no salt. This product is a little difficult to find, not being available in all stores, so if you don't see it on your local grocery shelves, make sure to ask a manager to order it for you. A word of warning, however, because this ketchup is quite sweet; it's almost as if Heinz took out the salt and replaced it with sugar. The flavor might take a little getting used to, but it's still ketchup and it's not awful by any means.

Garden Fresh Gourmet Unsalted Tortilla Chips

For those who love their tortilla chips, it can be downright impossible to find low sodium chips in most grocery stores. And usually when you do find low-sodium chips, they don't taste all that great. Well, here are some chips that taste pretty decent and are great for snacking. Best yet, these chips have absolutely no sodium in them. Garden Fresh Gourmet chips are usually not on the chips aisle in most grocery stores, but can usually be found on display in the deli section. These chips are common to nearly all Kroger stores.

Natural Jif

If you are on a low-sodium diet, you might be thinking you have to give up peanut butter. But that's not necessarily true. Jif makes a peanut butter called "Natural Jif" that has only 80 mg of sodium per serving in the creamy variety, and 65 mg of sodium per serving in the crunchy variety. That's about as good as it gets for real peanut butter.

Ezekiel 4:9 Low Sodium Bread

If you've got peanut butter, then you'll want bread, right? But it is more than difficult to find bread that is low sodium or sodium free. Fortunately, the folks from the Food for Life bakery are here to help. They make a bread that actually has no sodium in it whatsoever. The taste is a bit bland, but it's not awful. If you'd like bread with more flavor, the regular Ezekiel 4:9 bread, the non-low-sodium version, still only has 75 mg of sodium per slice, which is still considerably lower than most breads on the market.
More food links

10 health benefits of crying

  1. Stress relief: Yes, crying actually helps us to relieve stress. According to psychological counselor Li Jinwith the Yang Guang Hua Ren Psychological Service, crying can help people deal with many different kinds of stress, "pressure, frustration, sorrow or anger -- any negative emotions."
  2. Relationships: Believe it or not, crying might actually improve your relationship with someone, as long as you cry in front of them. Dr. Oren Hassan of the Tel Aviv University has performed a study about crying in which he concluded that crying allows you to be vulnerable in front of others, and allows them to take care of you, which benefits both the crier and the watcher by bonding them emotionally.
  3. Toxin removal: Did you know that all tears are not the same? Several studies have shown that tears brought about by stress are different biologically from tears brought about by working with onions. Also, tears that are brought about by stressful situations contain some toxins that are within the body, which means those tears are helping the body to get rid of those toxins. No, no one wants to cry over a bad situation, but at least the tears are helping the body by shedding toxins.
  4. Lubrication: This one should be rather obvious. Tears help to lubricate the eyes, keeping the eyes functioning better by not allowing them to dry out.
  5. Irritant remover: All those tears not only lubricate the eyes, but they also help to remove any kinds of irritants in the eyes, such as grit or dirt or sand or smoke or whatever. If you need to clean your eyes, try a good cry.
  6. Feeling good: Crying actually releases endorphins into the body. Endorphins are hormones that can help to ease your mood, even put you into a better mood.
  7. Blood pressure: No, crying in and of itself doesn't necessarily lower your blood pressure, but holding back those tears can build up stress, which actually heightens blood pressure. So don't act like a tough guy who never allows himself to cry, because you're only hurting yourself.
  8. Bad hormones: Not only does crying help in a round-about way with blood pressure, but it also helps with other cardiovascular problems, and also with potential problems with the gastrointestinal systems, bones, muscles and more. How is this? Tears shed bad hormones from the body, hormones that could potentially affect all these different parts of the body in negative ways.
  9. Nose cleaner: You read that correctly. Tears actually help to keep the insides of the nose clean of bacteria and irritants. How is this possible? Quite simply. The tear ducts actually run down and connect to the inside of your nose, and whenever you shed some tears, some of those tears are sent down into your nose. Not only are you crying on the outside, but you're also literally crying on the inside. At least according to Dr. Judith Orloff.
  10. Infections: Tears contain a chemical known as lysozyme, a natural anti-bacterial that works to keep infections from happening in one's eyes.
Healthy links

Monday, May 16, 2011

10 health benefits of sleep

    South Shore Furniture Cosmos Collection Twin Mates Bed, Black Onyx and Charcoal
  1. Heart health: A study in 2010 showed that a protein with links to heart disease, the protein C-reactive, is more prevalent in those who got only six hours or less of sleep each night. So, if you suffer from heart problems or want to avoid heart problems, make sure to get plenty of sleep each night.
  2. Attention span: Feeling drowsy? Lack of sleep can affect one's attention span. The journal Pediatrics released in 2009 the results of a study in which it was shown that children who got less than eight hours of sleep each night were much more likely to suffer symptoms similar to attention deficit disorders. Meaning, basically, a lack of an attention span.
  3. Depression: According to Dr. Raymonde Jean of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center of New York City, getting good sleep regularly can help with anxiety and emotional stability and can contribute to depression. Dr. Jean also suggests that quality sleep needs to be regular, not just one or two days a week, for full effect.
  4. Pregnancy: That's right. Sleep effects a woman's ability to become pregnant. A survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that women who worked late shifts, and thus suffered from better sleep, had a much more difficult time trying to become pregnant. If you're planning a family, it would seem good sleep is in order.
  5. Weight: Trying to lose some weight? If so, you might consider more sleep and quality sleep. According to Speedsleep.com, people who have seven or fewer hours of sleep each night have a higher chance of being obese or overweight.
  6. Inflammation: Inflammation in the body damages tissue, and can lead to all kinds of health problems from the flu to heart disease and more. And it's the body's immune system that is the first line of defense against inflammation. Research by the UCLA Cousins Center shows that those who do not get a good night's sleep are more prone to illnesses brought about my inflammation.
  7. Allergies: A final verdict hasn't been fully given linking sleep with allergies, but a French study of almost 600 people found that those who did not get plenty of good sleep also suffered from allergies. Does this mean sleep can help with allergies? Or does it mean those with allergies have a harder time getting good sleep? Science doesn't know as of yet, but research continues.
  8. Energy: This one should be common sense. The less sleep you have, especially quality sleep, the less stamina one is likely to have throughout the day. Keep in mind, if you are having serious problems getting sleep, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
  9. Memory: Yes, sleep helps with memory and retaining memories. Not only does sleep allow the mind to rest and refresh daily, but during sleep our mind's are still performing tasks, what is called "memory consolidation." Basically, while sleeping, our minds work on problems, thus allowing us to learn even while we are out of it.
  10. Arthritis: Because good sleep helps the body deal with inflammation, sleep is also good for arthritis because it is often inflammation in the body that causes the pain of arthritis.

Monday, May 9, 2011

10 health benefits of brushing your teeth

    AquaFresh Fluoride Toothpaste, Triple Protection, 6.4-Ounce Pumps (Pack of 6)
  1. Plaque: Okay, admittedly, removing plaque is one of the most well-known health benefits of brushing your teeth. A lot of us grew watching television commercials that constantly told us to get rid of the plaque by brushing. You remember plaque, right? It's that thin layer that builds up on your teeth. But do you know why it's important to rid oneself of plaque? Plaque is made up of germs that live inside your mouth, and when enough plaque builds up it creates acids that eat away at your teeth, your gums and the bones around your mouth.
  2. Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the onset of gum disease. Basically, your mouth is cruddy and full of germs and plaque. What comes after gingivitis is full-blown gum disease. Deal with this by brushing regularly.
  3. Periodontitis: So you didn't deal with the problem when you had gingivitis. Well, know you've got full-blown periodontitis. Still, it might not be too late, just make sure to see your dentist very, very soon. Periodontitis is a gum disease that slowly breaks down your teeth and the bones around your mouth. It can be quite painful, and tooth loss and tooth abscesses are quite common.
  4. Heart disease: More and more studies are suggesting that tooth and mouth disease can lead to diseases of the heart. Apparently the inflammation that builds up in the mouth due to periodontitis and other mouth disease can spread somewhat to other parts of the body, including the heart, which means a higher chance of heart disease.
  5. Blood circulation: Related to matters of the heart, a recent study by the UCL Institute of Child Health looked at 120 patients of middle age. Patients were split into two groups for six months. One group brushed their own teeth as normal. The other group had extensive teeth cleaning and other dental work done throughout the six-month period. At the end of the six months, the group with the major dental work had far better circulatory functions in their blood vessels and arteries.
  6. Diabetes: Can not brushing your teeth bring about diabetes? Maybe, maybe not. But according to Dr. Damien Walmsley of The School of Dentistry at University of Birmingham, it's possible that poor oral health can lead to several different diseases, including diabetes.
  7. Dementia: Yes, dementia. Didn't see this one coming, did you? Researchers from Columbia University in New York City studied a group of more than 2,300 people older than 60 who suffered from periodontitis. The study found that those with serious gum and mouth diseases fared far worse when it came to memory-based tests. The link between brushing one's teeth and dementia isn't clear to scientists yet, but it is known that damage to blood circulation can help lead to dementia. And remember, better blood circulation is one of the things brushing your teeth is good for.
  8. Sperm count: Guys, pay attention. Especially if you're interested in having children. A study of men by the Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine showed that men with serious gum and mouth disease had a much lower sperm count, sometimes no sperm count whatsover, than men with a healthy dental and mouth history.
  9. Bad breath: This is more of a symptom than a disease or health disorder. But bad breath is a common sign of mouth disease. And it can be annoying. So brush those teeth! And if you suffer from constant and/or severe bad breath, you should probably check with a doctor or dentist.
  10. Weight loss: Yes, it sounds a little odd, but according to the publisher of Fitness Blog, brushing your teeth can help to lose weight. How? Several ways. First off, toothpaste usually doesn't taste good with anything, so brushing instead of eating can help to curb your trips to the kitchen. Second, brushing actually burns calories. Third, brushing can help you deal with food cravings because by the time you're finished brushing, the craving will most likely be gone.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

100 tips to help you live to 100

  1. Don't smoke. Or if you do, give it up.
  2. Pet a pet. Several studies show simply petting an animal can lower one's blood pressure.
  3. Walking is perhaps the best low-stress exercise that can keep your body fit.
  4. Eat a healthy breakfast.
  5. But don't forget to watch your weight.
  6. As much as possible, avoid wild bears.
  7. Add sharks to the list of wild animals to stay away from.
  8. Don't live in filth. In other words, pick up the garbage around your place. This will cut down the chances of you contracting disease, suffering from infections, etc.
  9. Also, don't forget to clean where you live. White vinegar is cheap and an excellent natural cleaner.
  10. Drink more water than other liquids. It really is good for your body.
  11. Eat a little cinnamon from time to time. It's healthy!
  12. Garlic is good for you, as well.
  13. Don't forget to have fun! Video games are sometimes a favorite.
  14. Did I mention giving up smoking? That means cigars, too.
  15. Keep safety in mind when mowing the yard, or when operating any kind of machinery.
  16. Keeping organized can reduce your stress.
  17. If you believe you are having heart troubles, get to your doctor right away.
  18. Do not wear flip flops! They are dangerous! At the very least, they're not healthy for one's feet.
  19. Don't forget to get some good sleep every night.
  20. Almonds are good for you.
  21. Get outside every once in a while. Hiking is great for this.
  22. Avoid serial killers. Uh duh!
  23. You can have some ice cream, but don't over do it.
  24. Candy bars are the same. You can have one from time to time, but don't live off them.
  25. Don't forget to read a good book from time to time.
  26. Get out there and dance! Show everyone what you've got!
  27. Don't forget to have a good chuckle every once in a while.
  28. Two words: Toilet paper.
  29. Bicycling is another way to work in some exercise.
  30. Every now and then one is okay, but you probably shouldn't eat a Happy Mealevery day of the week.
  31. beer every once in a while won't hurt.
  32. Actually, beer has numerous health benefits.
  33. Use your turn signals. It's a safety thing.
  34. Enjoy a good movie every once in a while.
  35. Learn how to cook. It can be fun and healthy.
  36. Don't forget to give gifts to friends from time to time. Yes, this can benefit you. Not only could you get great gifts in return, but giving can actually make you happy, thus potentially lowering your stress and allowing you to live longer.
  37. Work out your stress. How? Play some Grand Theft Auto. No, seriously.
  38. Honey has plenty of health benefits.
  39. Lemons offer plenty good for your health, as well.
  40. Heck, even tomatoes are supposed to be good for you, but I personally don't care much for them.
  41. There's the old saying that "laughter is the best medicine." There's some truth to that. Here, laugh at Batman.
  42. Or maybe you prefer to laugh at Star Trek?
  43. I'm a dog person myself, but some people prefer kittens. Yes, pets can help you live longer.
  44. For some people, keeping a job lowers their stress level.
  45. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," is another old saying. It's partially true, because apples offer all kinds of health benefits.
  46. Babies make lots of people giggle and happy. But it's up to you whether you think a baby would be good for your health. Or not.
  47. Oatmeal is another food healthy for you.
  48. And don't forget about the benefits of eating a banana.
  49. If you can avoid the wrong end of a firearm all your life, you have a pretty good chance of living longer. Hopefully, that's an easy one to follow.
  50. A little coffee can't hurt, but avoid drinking a lot of it often.
  51. If you like to try different foods, learn about the health benefits of avocados.
  52. Believe it or not, sex actually provides plenty of health benefits. Including relieving stress.
  53. Did you know a little chocolate is good for you?
  54. Don't just eat your food. Have fun with it, too!
  55. Remember that carrots aren't just for rabbits.
  56. And did you know wheat germ offers lots of healthy benefits?
  57. Don't pay attention to conspiracy theories. Nearly all of them are stupid, and they'll just raise your stress level.
  58. Two more words: Sesame oil. Look into it.
  59. Spinach is good for you. Don't forget it.
  60. So is the herb Rosemary.
  61. Heck, even gelatin has some health benefits.
  62. Improve your manners. You'll get along better with others, and that will lower your levels of stress.
  63. Have a hobby.
  64. Or two.
  65. Or more.
  66. Don't forget the herb thyme is also healthy.
  67. Yoga is good for you.
  68. Acupuncture, too.
  69. Avoid all duels. If possible.
  70. Pursue your passions in life! Maybe you want to be a writer. Then write!
  71. Mmmmm. Warm bread.
  72. Yuck! Broccoli. But it's supposed to be good for you.
  73. Try to eat healthy foods whenever you eat.
  74. Be a cautious driver.
  75. Strawberries not only taste good, but they're good for you.
  76. If you like to spice up your food, don't forget that curry is good for you.
  77. Listen to good music. A lot.
  78. Always believe in Santa. Always. Keep the spirit alive.
  79. Laugh at the simple things. Like funny place names.
  80. Don't forget to travel whenever you can. Experience the world!
  81. If you can't travel, another way to experience the world is to read, read, read!
  82. Blueberries. Mmmm. Need I say more.
  83. What about cherries?
  84. Want to live longer? Try not to annoy your boss.
  85. Don't spend all day on the Internet.
  86. If your boyfriend or girlfriend is bad for you, dump them.
  87. Don't worry about zombies. Unlike Santa, they're not real.
  88. At least, not yet.
  89. But even zombies bring some health benefits, believe it or not.
  90. Oh, and don't forget jalapeno peppers are good for you!
  91. And watermelon.
  92. Yes, it's true, even video games have some health benefits.
  93. Did I mention watching good movies?
  94. Move to America! Hell, yeah!
  95. Allow yourself to be nonsensical from time to time. It's fun! It relieves stress!
  96. Laugh at your food.
  97. Find out what's important to you, and spread the word.
  98. Don't ever talk about Fight Club. Did you hear me?!? Don't ever talk about Fight Club!
  99. Visit a good book store from time to time.
  100. Tell someone you love them.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

10 tips for going green at work

  1. Pack your lunch in reusable containers, or at least the traditional brown paper bag. Stay away from those plastic bags!
  2. Especially if your office uses tons of paper for printer or faxes, make sure the company buys recycled paper. And try to use both sides of a sheet of paper whenever possible.
  3. Or better yet, try not to use paper at all. Do as much of your work as possible on your computer.
  4. Take a look at the energy settings on your desk computer. Usually those settings can be turned down a notch to help save energy. And don't forget to turn off your computer at the end of the day!
  5. Walk to work, or ride a bike. That way you don't even have to start up your car in the morning. Heck, maybe you can talk to your boss and just work from home.
  6. Are you in a coffee club at work? Ask all the members to bring a mug from home. That way no one will have to worry about paper cups.
  7. Even if there's no aluminum can recycling in your office, you could still set up a collection bag or box yourself. Ask your box if you can set your can collector somewhere near the exit/entrance or next to a garbage can. Then make sure to let the other employees know. Not only are you helping the environment, but often you can sell the cans at a recycling center and make a little money.
  8. Instead of buying new ink cartridges, try having the used ones refilled.
  9. It's the end of the work day. Make sure to turn off as many lights as possible.
  10. When your company decides to buy new computers, ask your boss about getting laptops instead of those big, heavy desk computers. Laptops tend to use much less energy than the desktop variety.