The cold and flu season is quickly approaching, making this an apt time to consider one of the biggest fears of public health experts: The arrival of a post-antimicrobial era—one in which bacterial infections cannot be effectively treated or cured with existing antibiotics. Let’s take a closer look at antibiotic resistance so we can … [Read more...] about Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: Should I Be Concerned?
health and safety
Dare to Prepare: Obtaining and Storing Disaster Preparedness Supplies
If you attempt to gather the disaster preparedness supplies we talked about two weeks ago, you’ll likely encounter some tricky issues related to procuring and storing the supplies. Let’s explore four of these. How to afford disaster preparedness supplies You may find yourself shelling out as much as several hundred dollars if you purchase … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Obtaining and Storing Disaster Preparedness Supplies
Product Review: Pomi Tomatoes
It’s very difficult to avoid bisphenol A (BPA) if you eat any canned foods. This is especially true of tomatoes because their acidic nature limits what substances can be used to line the cans that contain them (you can read more about this here). After looking into the available options, my household has begun using BPA-free and non-GMO Pomi … [Read more...] about Product Review: Pomi Tomatoes
Dare to Prepare: Assembling a Basic Disaster Preparedness Kit
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 … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Assembling a Basic Disaster Preparedness Kit
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
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