Clean Water Using Sunlight and Plastic Bottles

August 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The Cause of Alcohol's Benefits to Heart Health - Walter Jessen
Clean Water Using Sunlight and Plastic Bottles

Walter Jessen Phd

Water is essential for life, yet less than 1% of water on the planet is safe to drink. This is especially a problem during natural disasters or in developing countries. Take Hurricane Katrina; back in 2005 when it hit the Gulf Coast, one of the biggest needs for storm victims was access to clean drinking water.

Around the world, each year nearly one billion people lack access to safe, clean water [1]. More than 2 million people, most of them children, die every year from water-borne diseases. And time is of the essence: by 2020, more people could die of water-related diseases than those that have died due to HIV/AIDS [2].

In the 1990s, researchers figured out a simple, free and effective way to clean polluted water and kill disease-causing organisms, including E. coli, Vibrio cholera (which causes cholera), Salmonella (which causes typhus) and Yersinia enterocolitica (which causes diarrhea) [3]. Solar water disinfection, known as SODIS, is a method of disinfecting water using only sunlight and transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles (think: clear 2-liter soda bottles).

The first study to evaluate the effect of the SODIS method on health was investigated by the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland. Carried out in Kenya, research showed that 16-24% of diarrhea-type illnesses and 86% of cholera occurrences were avoided [3]. Since then, many scientific studies have confirmed the effectiveness and reliability of the SODIS method.

The SODIS procedure is incredibly simple: contaminated water is filled in a transparent PET-bottle and exposed to the sun for 6 hours (or 2 days under very cloudy conditions). During exposure, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun kills disease-causing pathogens. Moreover, infrared radiation heats the water. The combined exposure to UV plus heat in the SODIS process has a synergistic effect on microbial inactivation. For details, Google  the word “SODIS”.

The SODIS method is used around the world in places like India, Cameroon, Bolivia, Kenya, Nepal and Nicaragua. So why then are people in developing countries going without clean water? According to a 2008 report by Urs Heierli of msd consulting GmbH, a Swiss company focused on market-based development interventions, it’s difficult to persuade the poor to use SODIS and to ensure that those who have been persuaded continue to use it.

The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Red Cross all recommend the SODIS method as a way to treat drinking water in developing countries. Indeed, it is an ideal way solve one of the world’s most vital issues: making clean water.

References

  1. Water Facts. Water.org Accessed 2011 Jul 8.
  2. Dying for A Drink of Clean Water. The Washington Post. 2005 Sep 20.
  3. SODIS: Safe Drinking Water for All. Sodis.ch Accessed 2011 July 8.
Filed Under: Environment, Water Tagged With:

Water – Abby Fox

August 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Abby Fox
Abby Fox

Abby Fox

Not only important to the world we live in, but the body you live with!

Imagine a world with no water.
 Draught brings disaster and famine. When you don’t water a plant, it shrivels up, loses its color, dries up, and dies. This is exactly what would happen to us, if we had no water. Even after hearing how important drinking water is, it’s easy to sometimes simply forget.
You can quickly suffer many harmful side effects when you become dehydrated. You may feel hungry, get a headache, or become irritable. The brain is 90% water, which explains why a headache or migraine is the result of dehydration. The benefits of drinking water goes on and on; but to name a few, water nourishes bones, aides in muscle recovery, helps with healthy digestion, and will keep your cravings down.
Drinking water not only benefits your health on the insides, it will improve your outward appearance too! It will hydrate your skin making it easier to keep that youthful glow. I remember a few beauty secrets my mom told me growing up, and still preaches on. She would say to always practice good posture with shoulders back and stomach held in, never pick your face, and drink more than enough water! She is a smart one, and these secrets must work because she is absolutely stunning.
Breakdown of water in our body:
Blood 83%
Brain 90%
Bones 22%
Muscles 75%

Building Hope, Not Just Bodies Abby Fox, Mind & Body Coach


Filed Under: Environment, Water Tagged With:

Summer Survival Guide – Walter Jessen Phd.

July 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The Cause of Alcohol's Benefits to Heart Health - Walter Jessen
Walter Jessen

Walter Jessen Phd

Summer is a great time to practice a healthy lifestyle. There are plenty of chances to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, get some sun, and get in shape, whether it be by playing a sport, exercising or just working around the yard. However, being active during the hottest season of the year can lead to mosquito bites, bee stings, sunburns and dehydration.
Sunlight in moderate exposure is good for you and, for most people, is the most important source of vitamin D. A few minutes per day is all you need; five or ten minutes of modest exposure to just the arms, while protecting the head, neck, ears and shoulders, is enough to make plenty of vitamin D. A recent study suggests that the benefits of moderate sun exposure may outweigh the risk of developing skin cancer for people deficient in vitamin D [1]. Moreover, people with the lowest vitamin D levels have more than twice the risk of dying from heart disease and other causes compared with those with the highest vitamin D levels [2].
Repeated sun overexposure can lead to wrinkles, discoloration and other signs of premature aging of the skin, as well as skin cancer. You can take these simple steps to help prevent sunburn and skin cancer:
use generous amounts of sunscreen
cover up with long sleeves and a hat
stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
The downside of summer is the bugs: mosquitos, flies, bees, spiders, etc. Bites and stings bring momentary alarm and temporary discomfort. The best way to deal with insect bites and stings is to prevent them before they happen. Here are some tips to remember:
stay indoors at dawn and dusk; this is when the flying insects are most likely to be active
wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible
avoid bright colored clothes as bees, wasps and yellow jackets are attracted to bright colors
avoid wearing heavy smelling perfumes as insects are attracted to the smells
if you are outside at dusk or later, burn citronella candles to repel mosquitos
Heat-related dehydration is a big issue in the summer. If you’re active — even if you’re healthy — you’re at risk of dehydration. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in. And thirst isn’t always the best clue that it’s time to take a drink. Indeed, as we get older, it takes longer to recognize you’re thirsty.
If you’re out in the sun and only replace your electrolyte-packed body fluids with water, you’re at risk for dehydration and heatstroke. Consider drinking sports drinks as they replace some of the salts you lose when sweating. Be sure to drink a minimum of one small liter bottle every hour.
When the heat index is high, stay indoors in air-conditioned areas when possible. Schedule your activities for cooler times of the day (before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.) and be sure to take frequent breaks. If you must go outside, take the following precautions:
wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible
use generous amounts of sunscreen
protect your head from the sun by wearing a hat
drink plenty of water before starting an activity outdoors and drink sports drinks or water throughout the day
avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages
References
Moan et al. Addressing the health benefits and risks, involving vitamin D or skin cancer, of increased sun exposure. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Jan 15;105(2):668-73. Epub 2008 Jan 7.
Dobnig et al. Independent Association of Low Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Levels With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality. Arch Intern Med. 2008 Jun 23;168(12):1340-9.

Walter Jessen, Ph.D., is the editor and senior writer of Highlight HEALTH, a new media news organization focused on biomedical research.
http://www.highlighthealth.com | Discover the science of health

Filed Under: Beauty, Dehydration, Environment, Skin, Skin Cancer, Sun, UV Rays, Vitamins Tagged With:

Shine Baby, Shine – Abby Fox

June 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Abby Fox
Abby Fox

Abby Fox

So we are focusing on sunlight and UV awareness, but I can’t help but go straight to the mind on this one. In my redundancy with writing about balance and having a positive attitude to the side, today I want you to really soak this in.

being said, let’s review some key benefitsgetting a little sun.  Improved mood, bone density and powering up the immune system are a few of the good things.  On the other hand you have the dangers with skin cancer and premature aging.  Balance, yes I am back to it again!  It is a must when spending time in time in the sun. Working on your tan will give you a glow and act as a natural energizer. But be wise, don’t overdo it!  The damages from skin cancer can most often be treated but why put yourself through that.  Premature aging however cannot, there is not enough Oil of Olay, body butter, or cocoa lotion to fix this kind of damage.Beach Tan

Switching over to the real sunshine of this column, focus on being a ray of lightduring your daily routine. Just imagine making someone feel the same energy that you feel stepping outside under a bright warm sun. You can bring that same radiance with a simple smile. Everyone gets all jazzed up about summer time and finally getting outside in the nice weather.  How cool would it be to know they get that feeling of excitement after seeing you?!

Building Hope, Not Just Bodies

Abby Fox
Mind&Body Coach



Filed Under: Bone Density, Environment, Immune System, Skin Cancer, Sun, Tanning, UV Rays Tagged With:

Sunlight Can Breakdown Medicines – Walter Jessen

June 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The Cause of Alcohol's Benefits to Heart Health - Walter Jessen
Walter Jessen

Walter Jessen Phd

A recent study published in the journal Drug Metabolism & Disposition offers a new model to explain individual differences in the effects of drugs and how the environment can influence the body’s ability to break them down. Researchers at the

Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have shown that the body’s ability to metabolize medicines may be closely related to sunlight exposure and vitamin D, and thus may vary with the seasons.

The principal enzymes involved in drug metabolism are the cytochrome P450 enzymes (abbreviated as CYP). The primary CYP expressed in adult human liver is cytochrome P450, subfamily IIIA, polypeptide 4 (gene name: CYP3A4). It is continuously expressed as well as activated by a variety of drugs used in the clinic. Although the reasons are unknown, CYP3A4 enzyme activity can have significant variability between different people as well as within the same person at different times.

The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that plasma concentrations of three immunosuppressant drugs — tacrolimus, sirolimus and cyclosporine — show seasonal variations associated with increased CYP34A4 enzyme via vitamin D. These drugs were used because they are dependent on the CYP3A4 metabolic pathway and most patients use them for long periods of time, requiring repeated concentration determinations.

Researchers reviewed almost 70,000 analyses from patients who had undergone regular monitoring of the levels of tacrolimus, sirolimus or cyclosporine in their blood. The investigators found that samples collected during the late summer months of July – September had significantly lower dose-corrected concentrations of tacrolimus and sirolimus compared to those collected during winter months of January – March. In contrast, no change was detected in cyclosporine concentrations.

A more detailed analysis found that the concentrations of tacrolimus and sirolimus changed throughout the year. In the body, vitamin D formation depends on sunlight. Scientists found that the pattern of drug concentration changes closely reflected changes in the level of vitamin D in the body. In patients taking part in the study, the highest levels of vitamin D were reached when the levels of the drugs were lowest.

The results of this study are correlative. Researchers have yet to establish a causal link between sunlight exposure and the body’s ability to metabolize medicines. Nonetheless, scientists think the connection between sunlight exposure and the bioavailability of sirolimus and tacrolimus arises from activation of the liver detoxification system by vitamin D through CYP3A4.

Genetic variation has long been thought to be responsible for the differences between people to metabolize drugs. The results of this study suggest that it may be even more complicated than genetics alone.

Filed Under: Drugs, Environment, Sun, Vitamins Tagged With:

How Are You Going To Get That Warm Healthy Glow – Starla West

June 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Starla West
Starla West

Starla West

Summer is finally here – that time of year we shed all those layers of warm clothing and show off a little more of our beautiful skin.

This is the time of year I focus a little more attention on my legs. During the winter months, the high contrast between my black hair and rosy, porcelain skin is quite stunning. However, during the summer months when I show a ‘little more leg,’ the oh-so-bright sun bounces off my legs and creates a blinding effect for innocent by-standers. So even though my skin, hair and eye color have cool undertones, during the summer months I prefer my skin to have a warm and healthy glow.

How do I get that? It’s quite easy! Once a week, I simply visit Emily, my favorite airbrush tan technician at Air-Tan in Broad Ripple, IN. She sprays a level two airbrush tan (out of a five-level system) onto my entire body. It looks fabulously natural and blends quite nicely with my cool undertones.

Beyond the fact it only takes 15 minutes each week to maintain this warm, healthy glow, airbrush tanning is SAFER than lying in the sun or roasting in a tanning bed. Angela Alney, the owner of Air-Tan in Broad Ripple agrees. She says, “First of all, tanning beds are just scary! While the natural sun has the same harmful UV rays, it is not as concentrated as what you get in a tanning bed. In July of 2009, the World Health Organization placed tanning beds in the highest risk category, comparing it to arsenic and mustard gas.”

I’ve always said that placing our body in a tanning bed is no different than placing a food item in the microwave. They both cook the contents of what’s inside. Yikes!

Angela adds, “When lying in the sun, we still need to protect our skin. When our skin begins to change colors, it is because the sun is damaging it – like when a fruit gets old and turns brown.”

So what makes an airbrush tan so safe? Angela says, “The spray tan is placed on the top couple layers of our skin and never penetrates the epidermis. Therefore, it never enters the blood stream making it a completely safe alternative.” She also notes, “The main chemical, DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), has been out since the 1960s and is made from beets.”

When searching for an airbrush tan provider, keep in mind that this is your appearance we’re talking about so choose quality over price. High quality, well-trained technicians along with a quality solution cost money and, as the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Bargain basement deals often result in fake-looking tans that fade unevenly over time.

Men, if you think airbrush tanning is not for you, think again! 15% of Air-Tan’s clients are men. You deserve a warm, healthy glow, as well, don’t you?

Cheers to the summer months! Make sure you find time to enjoy them!

Filed Under: Environment, Sun, Tanning, UV Rays Tagged With:

Waiting To Inhale – Abby Fox

May 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Abby Fox

 

 

 

 

Abby Fox

Abby Fox

 

Addiction: The state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma (Dictionary.com)

The American Society of Medicine has defined addiction as a primary chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.

Habit: An acquired pattern of behavior that often occurs automatically (Wikopedia)

A recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition. (Dictionary.com)

Waiting To Inhale

You are addicted to smoking.  Or are you addicted to the high and euphoric feeling you get from deep breathing? Bet you have never thought of it that way. If you have had the desire to quit smoking but are afraid of weight gain, this may help you gain the courage and strength to do it.

Smoking can give you a sense of euphoria and relaxation. It’s not necessarily the nicotine, it’s the deep breathing.  It is equally challenging to overcome the habitual oral fixation as kicking the nicotine addiction.  We are creatures of habit. As for me, I have never been addicted to smoking. But I will tell you what I have been addicted to: Daily Starbucks visits, mid afternoon “fun size” candy bars, and hitting snooze two times in the AM.

Statistics show that smoking can burn up to 400 calories a day. Often when someone quits smoking they turn to food to compensate for those lost calories. It goes back to that oral fixation or habit. If you gear your focus towards a different deep breathing as in Yoga or weight training, you will still be burning the 400-500 calories a day without the harm to your lungs.

Inevitably, you will put on weight if you do not find another way to burn those calories your body is use to burning. Looking at the math, that surplus of 400-500 calories a day plus an extra bag of chips you may find an extra pound a week and an extra inch a month to your waistline. YIKES!

Filed Under: Environment, Smoking, Weight Loss Tagged With:

Productivity and Other Drugs

April 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Robby Slaughter
Robby Slaughter

Robby Slaughter

A left over saying from Just-Say-No era insists: “I’m not high on drugs, I’m high on life.” While you may cringe when hearing this statement, most of us can also silently acknowledge its allure. Everyone wants to be happy. Don’t we all—at one time or another—partake in caffeine, alcohol or cigarettes as a way to make life easier? Would we really be better off if we were completely, 100% drug-free?

The philosophical questions may be murky, but our scientific knowledge of drugs is incredibly rich. Researchers have extensively studied how we metabolize these chemicals. We understand their short-term impact in almost every part of the body and we have extensive data about long-term effects.  The psychology of drugs, however, may be even more interesting to layman than the biochemistry. Current models explain patterns of use, abuse and addiction with startling accuracy. We know why we start, how to stop, and the reasons it’s so hard to quit.

Ash TrayOf all of the casual drugs, however, alcohol may be the most curious. Although about half of adult Americans consume beer, wine and liquor at least monthly, the vast majority of those who drink do so safely and without any serious health risks. Yet according to a 2010 study from the Centers for Disease Control, a record 15% of all Americans “regularly binge” on alcohol. Most people don’t have a drinking problem, but those who do put themselves at a serious threat of injury, disease or death.

Furthermore, the physiological effects of this drug create a devastating paradox. Most drinking occurs in environments where you need to have good judgment, yet alcohol impairs judgment! The worst time to make a decision about whether you are too buzzed to drive is when you are under the influence. Sober people make good choices; drunks make bad choices.  Instead making us more cautious, alcohol generates one of the most self-destructive emotions possible: a false sense of confidence.

The ultimate purpose of any drug is substitution. We use caffeine instead of getting enough rest; we smoke cigarettes instead of relieving stress through healthy means; we drink alcohol to escape the day and give us a sense of satisfaction. When used in moderation, most substances are not dangerous. Yet there is an alternative to drug use to address our day-to-day challenges.

Instead of drinking glass after glass, consider the impact of being productive. Conducting and completing tasks generates a sense of accomplishment. Finishing your work on schedule gives you the time to relax. Knowing that you’ve fulfilled your promises may be the greatest drug of all. Best of all, getting hooked on being productive will only make your healthier and happier!

Robby Slaughter is a Principal with Slaughter Development, an Indianapolis-based business process and workflow consulting company. His new book, Failure: The Secret to Success is available now at www.failurethebook.com.

Filed Under: Alcohol, Caffeine, Drugs, Environment, Smoking Tagged With:

To Drink Or Not To Drink – Abby Fox

April 16, 2011 By 9 Comments
Alcohol
Abby Fox

Abby Fox

The question that we face so often, unless you have joined the rest of us “fitness freaks” with staying away from alcohol. It is tough to decide against it when all of your friends are drinking, but it may be the best decision you make regarding your health. If the chart below isn’t enough to encourage this decision, let me tell you a little more…

Health Effects of Alcohol Consumption

Arthritis Increases risk of gouty arthritis
Cancer Increases the risk of cancer in the liver, pancreas, rectum, breast, mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Causes physical and behavioral abnormalities in the fetus
Heart Disease Raises blood pressure, blood lipids and the risk of stroke and heart disease in heavy drinkers.  Heart disease is generally lower in light to moderate drinkers.
Hyperglycermia Raises blood glucose
Hypoglycemia Lowers blood glucose, especially for people with diabetes
Kidney Disease Enlarges the kidneys, alters hormone functions, and increases the risk of kidney failure
Liver Disease Causes fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis
Malnutrition Increases the risk of protein-energy malnutrition,; low intakes of protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B6 and riboflavin, and impaired absorption of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and zinc.
Nervous Disorders Causes neuropathy and dementia; impairs balance and memory
Obesity Increases energy intake, but not a primary cause of obesity
Psychological disturbances Causes depression, anxiety and insomnia

Alcohol consumption will indefinitely pack on the unwanted LBS. We all know exactly what the term “beer gut” means. The reason why this phenomenon accumulates is not the 3am pizza and Taco Bell runs. Well they will have something to do with it! But it is due to the livers ability to metabolize all of the alcohol. Only the enzymes in the liver can metabolize ethanol. When ethanol is in our digestive system, along with other food, it will take priority. The liver prefers fatty acids for energy (fuel) but will not get to the fat if is forced to focus on breaking down the alcohol. With that said, fatty acids are stored and usually for good.  When the liver is put through such havoc, its cell structure is damaged permanently. With this change, the livers ability to metabolize fat is impaired.

You have probably heard me say “sugar eats muscle,” need I say more?? As we are striving towards our best conditioned bodies, why would be pour a bunch of sugar down our throats? Alcohol reaches the brain in about 60 seconds. Of course many factors play into how much a person should drink to stay responsible. Gender, age, sex, height, and family history will all play a role in making that decision. But on average you should stick to one ounce of ethanol per hour. The liver can digest that and will not be thrown into shock.

Like everything in life, we need balance. I will definitely join my family at Thanksgiving Dinner for a glass of red wine, or on Christmas Eve with my mom and her traditional “spiced egg nog.” Just remember what the goal is, and that EVERY decision will either build up or break down the body!

Filed Under: Alcohol, Environment Tagged With:

Weight Loss and Alcohol

April 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
cocktail
Donna Phelan

Donna Phelan

There has been a lot of discussion in the media of late regarding the health benefits of alcohol consumption.  Study after study has shown that moderate (1-2 drinks daily) amounts of alcohol can lower the risk of heart disease by as much as 25% as well as increase the levels of “good cholesterol.”  Alcohol carries a lot of social benefits as well – turning shy people into the life of the party; teaching white men how to dance; and who hasn’t enjoyed life that much more thru a pair of “beer goggles”!  Yes, I’ve heard ALL these arguments from those in our weight loss program trying to convince me that a bit of wine has so many positive benefits that surely it can’t hurt their weight loss.  Can it?

cocktailThere are people on both sides of this argument, but personally, I see no harm with most things – in moderation – for individuals who are living a healthy lifestyle.  The key part of that last sentence, however, is healthy lifestyle. The fact is, alcohol has NO PLACE in a weight loss regimen.  No place.  The reasons for this are many.

First off, alcohol is empty calories. There are many foods which you will never see on any sensible weight loss plan that still have some nutritional value – not so with alcohol.   Alcohol lowers blood sugar levels.  This leaves you feeling hungry, a recipe for overeating.  Alcohol also dehydrates the drinker.  We all know the importance of staying properly hydrated for facilitating weight loss as well as supporting our work out regimen.  And, despite the drowsy relaxed, feeling that usually accompanies its consumption, alcohol has been shown to actually disrupt sleep.   Proper rest is another key element of the weight loss process.

But, here’s the kicker…  according to the Mayo Clinic, alcohol inhibits fat loss. I could provide the scientific explanation for this, but here is the short version:  your body metabolizes alcohol differently than it metabolizes fat and carbs.  When you put alcohol in, your body begins working to eliminate it from your system immediately, and the processing of food becomes secondary.  This leads to food being stored and synthesized as fat, which can lead to weight gain.

Alcohol GlassesThe evidence is pretty clear – moderate alcohol consumption CAN result in some health benefits.  But, don’t kid yourself.  A healthy lifestyle produces similar results, without the hangover!   See you in the gym!

Filed Under: Alcohol, Cholesterol, Environment, Weight Loss Tagged With:
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