What basic supplies would you need to survive the immediate aftermath of a disaster? Once a disaster is imminent or in progress, it’s too late to acquire these supplies. However, by taking the time to assemble and maintain a disaster preparedness kit now, your household will have survival supplies on hand. Experts recommend that each of us … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Assembling a Basic Disaster Preparedness Kit
Promoting Healthful Living
Dare to Prepare: Introduction to Disaster Preparedness
What is the longest period of time you’ve gone without electricity? A couple of hours after a bad thunderstorm? A few days while camping? A week while on a mission trip to a developing country? During the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in 2008, I went 15 consecutive days without electricity. This episode wasn’t exactly convenient, but I learned … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Introduction to Disaster Preparedness
Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Cereal Killers
When I’m hungry for a snack, few things can satiate my hunger like sweet, crunchy breakfast cereal with cold milk poured over the top. Unfortunately, many breakfast cereals that are rich in taste are quite poor in nutrition. In fact, many of them are so awful that it might be more apt to title this post Killer Cereals instead of Cereal … [Read more...] about Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Cereal Killers
The Lowdown on Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths have bourgeoned in popularity in recent years. I’ve heard them described in a number of ways: amazing, awful, soft, rough, environmentally friendly, bad for the environment, etc. With descriptors that are this conflicting, it’s hard to determine if these cloths are something you should be using. While I’ve had several … [Read more...] about The Lowdown on Microfiber Cloths
Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Managing the Mayhem of Healthy Eating Recommendations
I remember when the toughest decision I faced while grocery shopping was whether to purchase a name brand product or its generic equivalent. That was before I started learning about nutrition. Now when I shop, I’m faced with an abundance of questions: Are the pesticides used on fruits and vegetables harmful to environmental and human … [Read more...] about Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Managing the Mayhem of Healthy Eating Recommendations
Shedding Light on Sunscreens
In our area, winter took its time transitioning into spring. Now it’s finally warmed up and we are spending more time outdoors. Subsequently, we need to take steps to protect our skin from the sun. What harm can the sun do to skin? Ultraviolet rays from the sun, as well as from sunlamps and tanning beds, are forms of radiation that … [Read more...] about Shedding Light on Sunscreens
Tips for Healthier Grilling
Memorial Day is this Monday. Will you be among the many Americans who fire up their grills to barbeque dinner? My husband and I will be, so I’m reviewing some important health information about grilled foods. Grilling is often cited as a healthy way to prepare meat (because the meat doesn’t simmer in its own fat), but grilled meats also harbor … [Read more...] about Tips for Healthier Grilling
Triclosan in Antibacterial Products: Harmful or Helpful?
Triclosan, a synthetic, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, has been added to various products including soaps, cosmetics, fabrics, and plastics since the 1970s. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asserts that triclosan is not known to be harmful to humans, they also state that regulators do not have scientific research demonstrating … [Read more...] about Triclosan in Antibacterial Products: Harmful or Helpful?
