http://t.healthyliving.msn.com/health-wellness/women/your-body-on-%e2%80%a6-high-heels
Posted by Smooches
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
High Heels & Your Health
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Fish You Should Never, Ever Eat
One fish, two fish, bad-for-you-fish. Yes fish, no fish, red fish…OK fish? Our oceans have become so depleted of wild fish stocks,
and so polluted with industrial contaminants, that trying to figure out
the fish that are both safe and sustainable can make your head spin.
"Good fish" lists can change year after year, because stocks rebound or
get depleted every few years, but there are some fish that, no matter
what, you can always decline.
The nonprofit Food and Water Watch
looked at all the varieties of fish out there, how they were harvested,
how certain species are farmed, and levels of toxic contaminants like
mercury or PCBs in the fish, as well as how heavily local fishermen
relied upon fisheries for their economic survival. These are the 12
fish, they determined, that all of us should avoid, no matter what.
1. Imported Catfish Why It's Bad:
Nearly 90% of the catfish imported to the US comes from Vietnam, where
use of antibiotics that are banned in the U.S. is widespread.
Furthermore, the two varieties of Vietnamese catfish sold in the US,
Swai and Basa, aren't technically considered catfish by the federal
government and therefore aren't held to the same inspection rules that
other imported catfish are.
Eat This Instead: Stick with domestic, farm-raised catfish, advises Marianne Cufone, director of the Fish Program at Food & Water Watch.
It's responsibly farmed and plentiful, making it one of the best fish
you can eat. Or, try Asian carp, an invasive species with a similar
taste to catfish that's out-competing wild catfish and endangering the
Great Lakes ecosystem.
2. Caviar
Why It's Bad: Caviar from beluga and wild-caught sturgeon are susceptible to overfishing, according to the Food and Water Watch report, but the species are also being threatened by an increase in dam building that pollutes the water in which they live. All forms of caviar come from fish that take a long time to mature, which means that it takes a while for populations to rebound.
2. Caviar
Why It's Bad: Caviar from beluga and wild-caught sturgeon are susceptible to overfishing, according to the Food and Water Watch report, but the species are also being threatened by an increase in dam building that pollutes the water in which they live. All forms of caviar come from fish that take a long time to mature, which means that it takes a while for populations to rebound.
Eat This Instead: If you really love caviar, opt for fish eggs from American Lake Sturgeon or American Hackleback/Shovelnose Sturgeon caviar from the Mississippi River system.
3. Atlantic Cod
Why It's Bad: This one was difficult to add to the "dirty dozen list," says Cufone, because it is so vital to the economic health of New England fishermen. "However, chronic mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service and low stock status made it very difficult to recommend," she says. Atlantic cod stocks collapsed in the mid-1990s and are in such disarray that the species is now listed as one step above endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.
Eat This Instead: The good news, if you love fish
'n' chips (which is nearly always made with cod), is that Pacific cod
stocks are still strong and are one of Food and Water Watch's best fish
picks. Why It's Bad: This one was difficult to add to the "dirty dozen list," says Cufone, because it is so vital to the economic health of New England fishermen. "However, chronic mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service and low stock status made it very difficult to recommend," she says. Atlantic cod stocks collapsed in the mid-1990s and are in such disarray that the species is now listed as one step above endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.
4. American Eel
Why It's Bad: Also called yellow or silver eel, this fish, which frequently winds up in sushi dishes, made its way onto the list because it's highly contaminated with PCBs and mercury. The fisheries are also suffering from some pollution and overharvesting.
Eat This Instead: If you like the taste of eel, opt for Atlantic- or Pacific-caught squid instead.
5. Imported Shrimp
Why It's Bad: Imported shrimp actually holds the designation of being the dirtiest of the Dirty Dozen, says Cufone, and it's hard to avoid, as 90% of shrimp sold in the U.S. is imported. "Imported farmed shrimp comes with a whole bevy of contaminants: antibiotics, residues from chemicals used to clean pens, filth like mouse hair, rat hair, and pieces of insects," Cufone says. "And I didn't even mention things like E. coli that have been detected in imported shrimp." Part of this has to do with the fact that less than 2% of ALL imported seafood (shrimp, crab, catfish, or others) gets inspected before its sold, which is why it's that much more important to buy domestic seafood. (Still need convincing? Find out the
Eat This Instead: Look
for domestic shrimp. Seventy percent of domestic shrimp comes from the
Gulf of Mexico, which relies heavily on shrimp for economic reasons.
Pink shrimp from Oregon are another good choice; the fisheries there are
certified under the stringent Marine Stewardship Council guidelines.
6. Atlantic Flatfish
Why It's Bad: This group of fish includes flounder, sole, and halibut that are caught off the Atlantic coast. They found their way onto the list because of heavy contamination and overfishing that dates back to the 1800s. According to Food and Water Watch, populations of these fish are as low as 1% of what's necessary to be considered sustainable for long-term fishing.
Eat This Instead: Pacific halibut seems to be doing well, but the group also recommends replacing these fish with other mild-flavored white-fleshed fish, such as domestically farmed catfish or tilapia.
Why It's Bad: This group of fish includes flounder, sole, and halibut that are caught off the Atlantic coast. They found their way onto the list because of heavy contamination and overfishing that dates back to the 1800s. According to Food and Water Watch, populations of these fish are as low as 1% of what's necessary to be considered sustainable for long-term fishing.
Eat This Instead: Pacific halibut seems to be doing well, but the group also recommends replacing these fish with other mild-flavored white-fleshed fish, such as domestically farmed catfish or tilapia.
7. Atlantic Salmon (both wild-caught and farmed)
Why It's Bad: It's actually illegal to capture wild Atlantic salmon because the fish stocks are so low, and they're low, in part, because of farmed salmon. Salmon farming is very polluting: Thousands of fish are crammed into pens, which leads to the growth of diseases and parasites that require antibiotics and pesticides. Often, the fish escape and compete with native fish for food, leading to declines in native populations. Adding to our salmon woes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is moving forward with approving genetically engineered salmon to be sold, unlabeled, to unsuspecting seafood lovers. That salmon would be farmed off the coast of Panama, and it's unclear how it would be labeled. Currently, all fish labeled "Atlantic salmon" come from fish farms.
Eat This Instead: Opt for wild Alaskan salmon now, and in the event that GE salmon is officially approved. Why It's Bad: It's actually illegal to capture wild Atlantic salmon because the fish stocks are so low, and they're low, in part, because of farmed salmon. Salmon farming is very polluting: Thousands of fish are crammed into pens, which leads to the growth of diseases and parasites that require antibiotics and pesticides. Often, the fish escape and compete with native fish for food, leading to declines in native populations. Adding to our salmon woes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is moving forward with approving genetically engineered salmon to be sold, unlabeled, to unsuspecting seafood lovers. That salmon would be farmed off the coast of Panama, and it's unclear how it would be labeled. Currently, all fish labeled "Atlantic salmon" come from fish farms.
8. Imported King Crab
Why It's Bad: The biggest problem with imported crab is that most of it comes from Russia, where limits on fish harvests aren't strongly enforced. But this crab also suffers from something of an identity crisis, says Cufone: "Imported king crab is often misnamed Alaskan king crab, because most people think that's name of the crab," she says, adding that she's often seen labels at supermarkets that say "Alaskan King Crab, Imported." Alaskan king crab is a completely separate animal, she says, and it's much more responsibly harvested than the imported stuff.
Eat This Instead:
When you shop for king crab, whatever the label says, ask whether it
comes from Alaska or if it's imported. Approximately 70% of the king
crab sold in the U.S. is imported, so it's important to make that
distinction and go domestic. Why It's Bad: The biggest problem with imported crab is that most of it comes from Russia, where limits on fish harvests aren't strongly enforced. But this crab also suffers from something of an identity crisis, says Cufone: "Imported king crab is often misnamed Alaskan king crab, because most people think that's name of the crab," she says, adding that she's often seen labels at supermarkets that say "Alaskan King Crab, Imported." Alaskan king crab is a completely separate animal, she says, and it's much more responsibly harvested than the imported stuff.
9. Shark
Why It's Bad: Problems associated with our eating too many sharks happen at all stages of the food chain, says Cufone. For one, these predatory fish are extremely high in mercury, which poses threats to humans. But ocean ecosystems suffer, too. "With fewer sharks around, the species they eat, like cownose rays and jellyfish, have increased in numbers," Cufone says. "And the rays are eating--and depleting--scallops and other fish." There are fewer of those fish in the oceans for us to eat, placing an economic strain on coastal communities that depend on those fisheries.
Eat this instead: Among the recommendations for shark alternatives are Pacific halibut and Atlantic mackerel.
Why It's Bad: Problems associated with our eating too many sharks happen at all stages of the food chain, says Cufone. For one, these predatory fish are extremely high in mercury, which poses threats to humans. But ocean ecosystems suffer, too. "With fewer sharks around, the species they eat, like cownose rays and jellyfish, have increased in numbers," Cufone says. "And the rays are eating--and depleting--scallops and other fish." There are fewer of those fish in the oceans for us to eat, placing an economic strain on coastal communities that depend on those fisheries.
Eat this instead: Among the recommendations for shark alternatives are Pacific halibut and Atlantic mackerel.
10. Orange Roughy
Why It's Bad: In addition to having high levels of mercury, orange roughy can take between 20 and 40 years to reach full maturity and reproduces late in life, which makes it difficult for populations to recover from overfishing. Orange roughy has such a reputation for being overharvested that some large restaurant chains, including Red Lobster, refuse to serve it. However, it still pops up in grocer freezers, sometimes mislabeled as "sustainably harvested." There are no fisheries of orange roughy that are considered well-managed or are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, so avoid any that you see.
Eat This Instead: Opt for yellow snapper or domestic catfish to get the same texture as orange roughy in your recipes.
11. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Why It's Bad: In addition to having high levels of mercury, orange roughy can take between 20 and 40 years to reach full maturity and reproduces late in life, which makes it difficult for populations to recover from overfishing. Orange roughy has such a reputation for being overharvested that some large restaurant chains, including Red Lobster, refuse to serve it. However, it still pops up in grocer freezers, sometimes mislabeled as "sustainably harvested." There are no fisheries of orange roughy that are considered well-managed or are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, so avoid any that you see.
Eat This Instead: Opt for yellow snapper or domestic catfish to get the same texture as orange roughy in your recipes.
Why It's Bad: A recent analysis by The New York Times found that Atlantic bluefin tuna has the highest levels of mercury of any type of tuna. To top it off, bluefin tuna are severely overharvested, to the point of reaching near-extinction levels, and are considered "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Rather than trying to navigate the ever-changing recommendations for which tuna is best, consider giving it up altogether and switching to a healthy, flavorful alternative, such as Alaska wild-caught salmon.
Eat This Instead: If you really can't give up tuna, opt for American or Canadian (but not imported!) albacore tuna, which is caught while it's young and doesn't contain as high levels of mercury.
12. Chilean Sea Bass
Why It's Bad: Most Chilean sea bass sold in the US comes from fishermen who have captured them illegally, although the US Department of State says that illegal harvesting of the fish has declined in recent years. Nevertheless, fish stocks are in such bad shape that the nonprofit Greenpeace estimates that, unless people stop eating this fish, the entire species could be commercially extinct within five years. Food and Water Watch's guide notes that these fish are high in mercury, as well.
Eat This Instead: These fish are very popular and considered a delicacy, but you can get the same texture and feel with US hook-and-line-caught haddock.
Why It's Bad: Most Chilean sea bass sold in the US comes from fishermen who have captured them illegally, although the US Department of State says that illegal harvesting of the fish has declined in recent years. Nevertheless, fish stocks are in such bad shape that the nonprofit Greenpeace estimates that, unless people stop eating this fish, the entire species could be commercially extinct within five years. Food and Water Watch's guide notes that these fish are high in mercury, as well.
Eat This Instead: These fish are very popular and considered a delicacy, but you can get the same texture and feel with US hook-and-line-caught haddock.
From: Healthyliving.com/ Posted by Mags
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
Thinner by Dinner: How to Dress 10 Pounds Lighter
Changing up how you dress can take off 10 pounds—or more. Steal these insider tricks from top stylists to the stars.
To help you do the same, we turned to two of those gurus—Nicole Chavez, whose clients include Catherine Zeta-Jones and Scarlett Johansson; and Phillip Bloch, stylist to such stars as Sandra Bullock and Halle Berry, and author of The Shopping Diet: Spend Less and Get More. Use their insider advice to master your top dress-slim challenges.
Dress-slim secrets
Sure, many celebs start off with better bodies than the rest of us mere mortals. (They have personal chefs and trainers on demand, after all!) But even the fittest stars still deal with figure challenges, so they turn to stylists who are geniuses at putting together outfits that hide flaws and play up a star’s best assets.To help you do the same, we turned to two of those gurus—Nicole Chavez, whose clients include Catherine Zeta-Jones and Scarlett Johansson; and Phillip Bloch, stylist to such stars as Sandra Bullock and Halle Berry, and author of The Shopping Diet: Spend Less and Get More. Use their insider advice to master your top dress-slim challenges.
What's the best way to hide a less-than-flat tummy?
One word: shapewear. “It
smooths and reshapes, but also helps you stand taller,” Bloch says.
“Shapewear makes you more conscious of your posture.”
Invest in a high-waisted shaping bike short, Chavez advises: “It’s one-stop shopping—for the stomach, hips, thighs.” It’s also important, she adds, to not buy clothes that are too fitted in that area: “Go up a size, then have them tailored to your dimensions so they fit you perfectly.”
Invest in a high-waisted shaping bike short, Chavez advises: “It’s one-stop shopping—for the stomach, hips, thighs.” It’s also important, she adds, to not buy clothes that are too fitted in that area: “Go up a size, then have them tailored to your dimensions so they fit you perfectly.”
What should you wear on top of your slimming underthings?
An empire-waist dress is flattering, as are A-line dresses, because “they
graze the stomach,” Bloch says. “You can also put a wider belt—3 to 4
inches—over the tummy, especially in a darker color. No skinny belts.
You’re looking for a corset-like belt.”
What’s the most surprising figure complaint you hear from your celeb clients?
"Every woman I dress complains about the skin under her arms,”
Bloch says. “No matter how thin they are, the triceps area bothers
them.” To cover it, he suggests illusion T-shirts—a sheer top over a
tank top, “sort of like what Helen Mirren wore at the Oscars.” Also, he
adds, “a little shrug or cardigan will cover that area. For fuller arms,
go for a full cap sleeve.”
Do you have a foolproof outfit for a star who has gained a few pounds?
"Star or no star, a great-fitting black dress
is a great go-to,” Chavez says. “The classic is short-sleeve or
3⁄4-length sleeve, fitted at the waist, slightly above the knees.” Above
all, “when you feel you’ve added extra pounds, don’t go baggy. That’s
what we all feel like doing, and it’s the worst thing you can do,” she
says. “It will just make you look heavier. Instead, wear something
tailored.”
Can the right accessories really make a difference?
"A larger necklace can make you
appear taller and leaner,” Bloch says, because it directs attention up
and away from your figure flaws. Depending on your body, a choker can be
good, drawing attention to the neck. But if you have a big bust, choose
a necklace on a short chain instead.
Accessories like earrings or sparkly headbands are great distractions, he adds, drawing attention “to where you want people to look. Remember Fran Drescher’s great quote: ‘The bigger the hair, the smaller the hips will look.' "
Accessories like earrings or sparkly headbands are great distractions, he adds, drawing attention “to where you want people to look. Remember Fran Drescher’s great quote: ‘The bigger the hair, the smaller the hips will look.' "
What’s the best way to minimize a big bust?
“Bra-fitting is crucial,” Bloch
says—and it’s available for free at most department stores. If you’re
chesty, look for a bra that both supports and sleeks you. When it comes
to the clothes you put over that bra, Bloch says, “You need to leave the
neckline open—create a V, an upside-down triangle, so you pull the eye
down toward a narrower place. A vest over a shirt is nice. If you wear
just a shirt or blouse, open the buttons and wear a tank top underneath.
Overall, it helps to create a sleek, column-like effect,” Bloch says.
So, what styles make you look tall and thin?
"Head-to-toe in one color
creates a long, thin line,” Chavez says. “You can even wear all white or
all tan. And you’ll always look taller wearing a heel or a wedge rather
than flats. Even a kitten heel will make you look taller.” Bloch
suggests choosing shoes in a color close to your skin tone, to lengthen
the legs: “No ankle straps, which will cut you off. And those shoe boots
are terrible—not with skirts, please. They cut off the leg.”
Slimming jeans are hard to find! Which styles will pare me down?
"Look for a slim fit or flat
front,” Chavez says. Bloch’s advice? Avoid both very high- and
low-waisted styles and go for a more-flattering midrise jean. Finally,
when hunting for the ultimate skinny jeans, keep in mind Bloch’s golden rule: “the darker the better.”
From: Health.com/ Posted by Mags
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
Nasty Things to Throw Away Today
From dangerous to disgusting — you don't want these in your home
Hazardous Waste
Aerosol cans,
batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, paint — they all need to be disposed
of properly so they don't contaminate the environment or accidently harm
children or pets. Visit Earth911.com, a huge clearinghouse for
recycling info, to help you find a place that will safely dispose of
hazardous material.
Piled-Up Plastic Containers
Containers with recycle codes 3 or 7 may contain BPA, a hormone-disrupting chemical that leaches into food as containers age or get heated in the microwave or dishwasher. Tupperware made before 2010 can also have BPA. Replace with new plastic or glass.
Expired or Unused Medications
Toss
your old drugs in a safe, legal, eco-friendly way. Do not flush them
down the toilet or put them in the trash. Take them to official
collection sites on National Take-Back Initiative Day, April 27. Check
the SMARxTDisposal website for other approved disposal ideas.
Old Spice(s)
Dried-up,
decades-old spices won't make you sick, but they won't add flavor to
food or impart any nutrients either. The experts at McCormick say
seasoning blends last one to two years; herbs and ground spices, one to
three years; and whole spices, up to four years.
Moldy Makeup
Makeup stays safe
for only a limited time; after that, bacteria that may cause infection
can start to grow — especially in eye makeup. Mascara has the shortest
shelf life (two to three months), followed by lip gloss (six months).
Replace foundation after six months to a year, at most.
Crusty Contact Lens Cases
Studies show that up to 92 percent of cases are contaminated due to poor cleaning and hygiene. Eye experts and the government say cases should be replaced every month to three months, and cleaned and air-dried (facedown) daily. Use fresh soaking solution every day — no topping off.Friday, November 1, 2013
Healthy Foods ThatAre Bad For Your Teeth
Citrus Fruits
Fruit, especially citrus, are a big culprit, Dr. Banker says. “Many are acidic and full of sugar, and their stringy fibers can actually get lodged between teeth, causing further exposure.” After you eat sugary fruits, rinse with some water.Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are even worse for your teeth, according to Banker. They are chewy, stick to teeth and have the same amount of sugar as they had before they were dried. “The only difference between the sugar in fresh fruit and in dried fruit is that the sugar in dried fruit is just more concentrated.”Juice
Juices, especially citrus juices like orange and grapefruit, are also acidic and full of sugar. Some actually have the same amount of sugar as soda, Banker says, so moderation is key. “You can enjoy your juice, just don't sip it all day long! Constantly bathing your teeth in acid and sugar doesn’t allow your saliva to wash it away and neutralize the acids."Sports Drinks
Many sports drinks are marketed as "healthy," but they are also packed with sugar. Skip the sugar-filled sports drink and grab a bottle of water, says Banker. If you want the best of both worlds, get a bottle of water enriched with electrolytes.Chewable Vitamins
Chewable vitamins seem like a good idea, Banker says, but the reason they taste so good is because they are usually full of sugar. “While you’re chewing they can get stuck in the grooves of teeth, creating a great environment for bacteria to develop a cavity.” Opt for non-chewable vitamins: you can swallow the pill and get the same benefits.Red Wine
Wine has been reported to have heart-healthy benefits, but its acidity can erode tooth enamel. To avoid long-term damage, dentists recommend brushing within an hour of drinking wine. If brushing isn’t possible, sip on a glass of water to dilute everything in the mouth and significantly reduce the potential for decay, Banker says.Milk
Milk does a body good with its calcium, but the natural sugar lactose can coat teeth and cause cavities. It’s this reason pediatricians recommend that children don’t go to bed with bottles—and why adults should make sure they have time to brush after drinking milk before hitting the hay.From: WWW.babble.com/ Posted by Mags
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