الأحد، 31 يوليو 2016
What Is Quinoa? One of The World’s Healthiest Foods
- Click the link or visit Authority Nutrition to read the article now.
from Authority Nutrition http://ift.tt/2aC5TBa
السبت، 30 يوليو 2016
Coconut Milk Health Benefits and Uses
- Click the link or visit Authority Nutrition to read the article now.
from Authority Nutrition http://ift.tt/2aRQCts
الجمعة، 29 يوليو 2016
Updated environmental law will help EPA tackle asbestos problem
In the law, as in life, there is a time and a place for looking back at what has been accomplished, evaluating its effectiveness, and making the changes that need to be made. That is exactly what recently happened with the Toxic Substances Control Act, a federal law administered by the Environmental Protection Agency which regulates the industrial and commercial use of chemicals.
The Toxic Substances Control Act dates back to the mid-1970's and, until recently, had not been updated at all. Environmental groups had long called for changes to the law to make it more effective in protecting Americans from exposure to toxic chemicals.
Among the changes made to that the EPA now has the ability to issues orders for safety testing of chemicals and to establish deadlines to determine whether, and to what extent, the use of toxic chemicals should be restricted. The law also addressed a problematic aspect of the law which required regulators to prove that a chemical presented an unreasonable risk of harm before taking action to restrict its use. Under this burdensome standard, the EPA wasn’t able to completely ban asbestos.
These updates will allow the EPA to fully regulate the use of asbestos, and the EPA is expected to begin reviewing the use of asbestos in a homes and consumer products. All of this is good news for consumers, who are often unaware of the ways they may be exposed to asbestos and other harmful chemicals.
The additional protections will, hopefully, also provide plaintiffs the ability in the future to pursue civil claims against those who violate the law. Those who have been harmed by asbestos exposure, of course, should always work with an experienced attorney to determine their legal options for compensation and for zealous advocacy in resolving their case.
from California Mesothelioma Law Blog http://ift.tt/2ax0zxf
This Dad Surprised His Kids By Building the Ultimate Playhouse, and It Is AMAZING
Summer at my house in the 1970s was a time for creativity, relaxation, and lots of fun. I was that lucky kid, the one who had the awesome playhouse. Believe me, though I was only 10, I realized and appreciated how special it was. The playhouse became my retreat.
Here’s how it began. At the start of summer vacation, my little sister, Colleen, Mom and I went to visit my grandparents in Canada for three weeks. My dad, Bill, couldn’t get time off work, so he stayed home.
What we didn’t know was that he was working all day on his job at the steel mill and then all night in the backyard on a masterpiece. The looks on our faces when we got home and saw the playhouse must have been worth all the hours he worked, because he was beaming. It was a complete surprise to us, and we were amazed it was all ours.
The playhouse had six wooden stairs leading to a door that locked. It had one pulley used to hoist the ¬American flag (Dad was a Vietnam War ¬veteran, so the flag was a must) and another to open the window. Later, Colleen and I helped Dad add a sandbox to the playhouse. He wanted us to have a hand in it, too.
I already knew I wanted to be a writer, so I brought to the A-frame a typewriter with all my stationery supplies and wrote a book based on my favorite novel, A Wrinkle in Time. My pen pal letters to England all were written from the wooden floor of that space. The playhouse became my summer home. I would take my breakfast up there and spend all day writing, napping and daydreaming. This was where I read Black Beauty, Mandy and any book by Beverly Cleary available at the local library. There were many sleepovers, although the mosquitoes kept us from sleeping the whole night out in the backyard.
Because I was spending so much time there, I asked my mother if the postman could deliver my personal mail to the playhouse. She was too kind to tell me you needed a real address to have mail delivered, so she brought books, pen pal letters, junk mail, and Highlights magazines out to the playhouse herself.
Fast forward 30 years. Dad, my kids and I are in the backyard, basking in the beauty of a calm, quiet summer evening.
“Do you think the kids would like a playhouse?” he wondered aloud.
After hearing a resounding “yes” from all of us, my dad bought all the necessary materials. The kids were involved in the building process from the start. Of course, Dad didn’t let the kids do anything dangerous, such as use the nail gun. Instead, they dug holes for the posts, learned how to use a level and even placed the cedar shingles themselves. We encouraged Dylan, my 8-year-old son, to be creative and design the interior. His plan included a large window with a window seat, a rope swing and a desk.
Content continues below ad
Per my children’s requests, Dad screwed a large pretzel container into the ceiling so snacks could be kept safe from the wildlife. And he even ran an electrical cord from our sunroom to the playhouse so the kids and their friends could have a small refrigerator to store cold beverages. Hookups for technology were installed. Steel roofing would keep the rain out while giving my kids the pleasure of hearing the sound of rain on a metal roof.
In addition to all these aesthetic updates in the playhouse, times had changed in our town since the 1970s. We got a stern notice from the town code enforcer that our structure required a permit. After paying the $130, my dad and his grandchildren were able to complete their masterpiece.
So I have a playhouse again, and my children share it with me. It’s an amazing writer’s retreat—private and quiet except for some birds and the occasional squirrel. We’ve had sleepovers inside it (cedar keeps out the bugs, mostly), played endless games of Apples to Apples and enjoyed the view of our fire pit from the playhouse. I see my children creating memories that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.
Best of all is the rope to climb down so that as we leave we can all be carefree kids.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2aisY8O
Pregnancy Problems More Likely With Baby Boys?
Gender-related differences seem to start before birth
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2ajet34
Here Is Everything You Remember When Walking Your Daughter Down the Aisle
I know I’m not alone. Most fathers must feel sentimental when walking their daughters down the aisle. When it was my turn to walk with my Abby, I couldn’t help but remember the best moments of her childhood.
As I stood at the edge of the barn waiting for her, I noticed how very different this beautiful sunny day was from the dark and stormy night that we welcomed her to the world only 22 years earlier.
With her mother in full-blown labor, I raced through a rainstorm to get her to the hospital. But we made it in time, and our baby girl arrived happy, healthy and as beautiful as the woman who walked toward me in her flowing white wedding dress.
Abby took my arm, and then we stepped forward. I thought of the day when she was 4 or 5 and I found her halfway down our driveway with her tiny arms folded, a small bag by her side and her bottom lip stuck way out.
“What’s wrong, Ab?”
“I’m ‘wunning away,” she said in a serious voice.
“Running away? Why?” I asked.
“Because I’m going to be an actor in New York,” she replied.
I needed to buy time. “But don’t you want to eat a little something with me before you leave?”
She stood there thinking for a moment and then, without saying a word, slowly grabbed my hand and climbed up in the seat next to me. Thankfully, with the help of her mother’s cooking, New York would have to wait a few years, just as all our friends and family now waited for us to finish our procession.
I knew this boy had surpassed me as caretaker of my daughter’s heart.
We approached the arbor and the smiling young man who was the most eager for us to arrive. I recalled the moment I first realized that this young man—Jeremiah (or J for short)—had replaced me as the best man in my daughter’s life. It was during her junior year of college. Her right lung suddenly collapsed, and she had to have emergency surgery. Her mother and I jumped in the car and drove nine hours through the night to be with her.
In the recovery room, I leaned over Abby’s bed so she could see me when she woke up. I remember how she opened her eyes, blinked a few times, and then softly asked, “Where’s J?” Then and there, I knew this boy had surpassed me as caretaker of my daughter’s heart.
But J had long before won my approval. He clearly cherished my daughter as the God-given gem I knew she was from the moment she was born. The preacher started the service, and I took a seat in the front row next to her mother, the woman who also walked down an aisle to give me a life full of happiness.
A few hours later, we escorted the newlyweds to their car. As Abby hugged me and thanked me, I thought about asking her if she wanted to eat a little something with me before she left.
Of course, I didn’t. She wasn’t running away but going toward something wonderful. Our walk was a wedding present from Abby to assure me I will always have a place in her life. Without a doubt, it was a walk I’ll always remember.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2aQ6X1T
My Neighbor Was Ready To Use His Shotgun—Then, His Six-Year-Old Daughter Spoke Up
The pancakes were on the table, and our little family of three was about to dive into breakfast. As I poured maple syrup over my pancakes, our 2-year-old daughter, Jean, leapt from her chair.
“Mama, Mama … Pigs!” she yelled, making oinking noises in her little girl’s voice. She pointed out the window to our wooded backyard.
Now I leapt from my chair. In anger I slammed down my fork and grabbed the truck keys.
“Wait for me,” my husband, Mark, bellowed as he wrestled with his boots and jumped up to follow me out the door.
“Stay on the porch,” I told Jean, as Mark and I hopped in the pickup and drove it recklessly around the yard. We honked and screamed as we chased the pigs off our property for what must have been the 10th time that summer.
Our neighbors had rented a small pigpen to some old family friends so they could keep pigs. The friends didn’t do a good job with the upkeep of the pen, so the pigs kept escaping and vandalizing not only our garden and yard but also our neighbors.’ We called the owners of the pigs several times, but the man was old, and it was hard for him to get out to the pigpen to make repairs. We called the police but were told nothing could be done.
It was a frustrating situation for all of us who lived on that dirt road.
“That’s it! I’ve had enough!” I said. “I’m heading to the neighbors’ to come up with a plan to make this craziness end.”
Mark, Jean, and I drove to Angie’s and William’s place. They were in the middle of breakfast when we knocked on their screen door.
“Come on in,” William called out.
“The pigs are out again,” I huffed.
William got up from his breakfast and said, “I’ve had just about enough of them. I reckon it’s time to get out the shotguns and take care of this nonsense ourselves.”
“No!” cried Zora, the couple’s six-year-old daughter. “It’s not the pigs’ fault. Can’t we just fix the pen so they don’t escape anymore?”
Silence. We had been so full of anger and finger-pointing. We had forgotten that it was within our power to fix the problem with a little sweat and compassion.
The anger boiling inside me slowed to a simmer, and then it was gone. I knelt down to talk to her.
“Zora, we will fix the pen. Thank you for reminding us that violence is not a solution.” She beamed.
Later that day, we went down to the pen and repaired the broken gate. It took several hours of our time and several dollars of our hard-earned money, but the day was beautiful and the kids frolicked in the nearby hay field.
We never told the owner of the pigs what we had done, but a few months later, the ailing old man found himself in better health. He stopped by to apologize for the chaos his pigs caused.
Later that evening, we invited the neighbors over for dinner and again thanked Zora for coming up with a simple solution to the pig problem. The kids laughed as we feasted and celebrated an act of compassion. Our bellies were full, and so were our hearts.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2aj1sXt
Diet A to Z: Intermittent Fasting
The two-day-a-week diet: How intermittent fasting can help you lose weight and boost your health.
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2a5jHEo
New Guidelines on Post-Treatment Cancer Pain
Specialists urge doctors to offer alternative therapies for this widespread problem
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2auklep
Eczema's Effects More Than Skin Deep
Itchy skin condition also linked to a number of other ills, skin specialist says
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2ahNw1f
FDA OKs New Injectable Type 2 Diabetes Medication
Drug lowers blood sugar levels, and doesn't boost risk of heart problems, agency says
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2aukkqV
This Woman Chose to Commemorate Her Father After His Death in the Sweetest Way Possible
As he was growing up, my dad, Kenneth Davenport, fished a lot to provide food for his parents, brother and five sisters. Fishing was in his blood, and he passed his enthusiasm on to his children. We all listened to his advice on how to bait, cast and be patient. Over the years, Dad handed down the same lessons to his grandchildren.
Oh, how Dad, whose nickname was Pete, enjoyed eating his catch! Sometimes my mom, Vivian, came along on fishing trips with us, but her main duty was having the skillet hot and ready for the bass, catfish, goggle-eye, or crappie we brought home.
After 32 years in Bucyrus, a bump in the road with just a post office and a country store, Mom and Dad moved closer to town. They were still in the country, and Dad was even closer to fishing spots on the Big Piney and Little Piney rivers.
In 1995, Dad decided to build a little rustic cabin on his 3-acre property. His brother-in-law had given him some old lumber, and so to make use of it he decided an old-fashioned building would look pretty neat in his backyard near the shade trees and the small pond.
Dad and Mom enjoyed drinking coffee there every morning, and he cleaned a lot of fish on that porch. The Little House became a gathering place for us kids and grandkids when we came to visit. It’s chock-full of precious memories.
During one fishing trip on the Gasconade River, Dad thought he had a big one, but it ended up being a turtle. So he got out his pocketknife to cut his line, but the turtle snapped his knife and took it before going under. I will never forget the look on Dad’s face as he said, “He just took my knife!”
In 2007, my brothers and I took Dad to a new fishing place. He was 77 years old and had so much fun that day. He caught an albino catfish. We suggested having it mounted, but he said, “Nah, I’d rather eat it.”
His last fishing trip was on Labor Day 2013. Dad and I went to a small lake not too far from his house. He had to take several breaks to catch his breath—his body didn’t have the strength and energy it used to have. Still, we had a fun day catching bass and perch.
Dad wasn’t with us very long after he was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2014. He died on April 10 of that year. He would have turned 84 on April 18.
Over the years, I always told him, “Dad, I would like to have the Little House out by my pond someday.” He replied, “What would you want that old thing for? You’re silly.” But I just couldn’t let it go when Mom sold the property.
So the family got together, took apart the house and moved it 7 miles down the road. Fortunately, we were able to get the walls down without having to dismantle the house piece by piece.
My dad’s Little House now sits about 100 yards from my front door, overlooking a pond that’s stocked with bass, crappie, goggle-eye and perch. Even though Dad thought it was a silly idea!
The place is decorated with all of Dad’s fishing gear and pictures of him with his catch throughout the years. A sign that says “For Pete’s Sake” hangs on the front, in honor of his nickname.
Dad is gone—how we do miss him—but we still have a bit of him down at the Little House. We cherish all those memories of times on the river casting a line together and joking with each other.
His presence is all around us as I gather with my husband, Cecil; our two grown children; our three granddaughers; and my mom and brothers to share a delicious fresh fish fry.
If the opportunity occurs, take someone fishing. Life is too unpredictable to assume there always will be time for one more trip.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2aflvIj
It’s Here: Florida Confirms Local Zika Cases
The Zika virus, which causes grave birth defects and other brain and nerve disorders, is being spread by mosquitoes in South Florida, officials said Friday.
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2aCBseY
Is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Real?
Study finds distinctly different biological changes than those from celiac disease, wheat allergy
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2aCByTO
10 Unexpected Things That Happen to Your Body When You Quit Drinking Coffee
First of all, no one’s saying you SHOULD quit drinking coffee—your daily java habit is probably healthier than you think. But if you suspect you’re drinking too much coffee or caffeine and want to cut back, here’s what could happen.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2aiKSXJ
32 Weird Kitchen Gadgets You Won’t Believe Are Really a Thing
Calling all wedding registries! These kitchen tools range from clever to downright ridiculous. Either way, it's pretty impressive they exist at all.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2ahyaOR
Brayton Purcell LLP 2016 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
In 2016, nine Brayton Purcell LLP attorneys have been selected as as part of the annual Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. These lists are researched and created by the Thomson Reuter Legal Division and are published in print publications and online at SuperLawyers.com.
Super Lawyers are evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only 5% of nominated attorneys are selected to Super Lawyer status.
We are proud to announce that our four Super lawyers have been chosen for many consecutive years:
Super Lawyers
Alan Brayton (2004 - 2005, 2007 - 2016)
Gilbert Purcell (2004 - 2016)
David Donadio (2009 - 2016)
James Nevin (2013 - 2016; Rising Star 2009, 2010 - 2011)
Our Rising Stars are part of 2.5 percent of lawyers nominated in Northern California who have been in practice for less than ten years:
Rising Stars
Jennifer Alesio
Patrick Campbell
Chris Hersom
Michael Levinson
Jason Rose
If you would like to schedule a free consultation with a Brayton Purcell LLP attorney, we would be happy to assist you. Contact us at 1-800-598-0314 today.
from California Mesothelioma Law Blog http://ift.tt/2ahiZk5
Flip-Flops, Pool Toys, Beach Towels: How to Make All Your Summer Essentials Last Longer
Properly clean your summer items after a long summer of use to ensure use for another season.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2atJOF4
39 Cozy Reading Quotes That Will Make You Crave a Good Book
Get ready to feel all warm and bookwormy inside.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2aBoKhf
7 Underrated Powers of Middle Children
“Middle child syndrome" describes the feelings of neglect and isolation thought to afflict many middle-born children. But recent research shows that this "syndrome" a total myth; in fact, middle children develop personality traits that help them succeed in jobs and relationships even quicker than older and younger siblings.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2aeGriP
What Is a Vegan and What Do Vegans Eat?
- Click the link or visit Authority Nutrition to read the article now.
from Authority Nutrition http://ift.tt/2avEgZ4
10 Beauty Secrets to Steal from Marilyn Monroe
Because Old Hollywood never goes out of style.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2agl3Zx
الخميس، 28 يوليو 2016
Hour of Exercise a Day May Offset Sitting's Toll
Study found risk of early death dropped when physical activity levels went up
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2av3iaw
The Military Diet: Everything You Should Know
Could the Military Diet really work for you? Learn the facts about the diet.
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2a3HqoM
Florida Investigates 2 More Possible Cases of Zika Virus Local Transmission
If all 4 are confirmed, they would be first instances of mosquito-borne infection in continental United States
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2ali0yH
What Is Snus?
Is this smokeless tobacco product safe to use? Here’s how snus stacks up.
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2a7PtfL
Could Slight Brain Zap During Sleep Boost Memory?
Small study says yes, for a certain type of recognition
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2aeD8XO
Alcohol, Obesity Could Up Esophageal Cancer Risk
A third of cases would vanish if people stayed trim and didn't drink, cancer experts say
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2ar9TUX
Grape Seed Extract Benefits: How It Heals
Both the ancient Egyptians and Greek philosophers praised the medicinal and nutritional value of grapes, often imbibed as wine, while European folk healers made an ointment from vine sap to treat skin and eye diseases.
Modern grape seed extract is derived industrially from the seeds of red grapes. You can’t gain the benefits simply by chewing on the pips, although the grapes themselves are nutritious. Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant that may help to alleviate health problems associated with free radical damage. It also exerts a beneficial influence on blood vessels and is useful for conditions such as varicose veins. It may also be beneficial in the treatment of certain cardiovascular conditions and eye disease related to diabetes.
How Grape Seed Extract works
In a number of studies, antioxidants known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs) found in grape seed extract have been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency such as pain and swelling.
Grape seed extract may also help to reduce swelling following surgery or caused by an injury—making it popular with some athletes—and it might lower cholesterol. Research conducted in test tubes suggests it could prevent the growth of certain types of cancer; however, this has yet to be tested successfully on humans. It has also been shown to reduce high blood pressure in animals.
How to Use Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract is derived from grapes and can be bought as capsules—often in combination with citrus flavonoids as a powder for athletes to use during training or as a liquid and used as drops. No recommended dose has been established, though manufacturers suggest one 100 mg tablet a day or, in liquid form, 3 drops twice daily in water before a meal. Follow label instructions or take as professionally prescribed.
Safety First
Talk to your doctor before taking grape seed extract as it could affect the way certain medications are broken down in the liver. Common side effects include headache, sore throat, dizziness, itchy scalp, stomach-ache and nausea. It may also act as a blood thinner, so should not be used if you are taking anticoagulants or other blood-thinning medications. Nor should it be used by anyone with an allergy to grapes. Grape seed extract has not been widely tested during pregnancy or breastfeeding so is best avoided or used only under medical supervision during these periods
Where to Find Grape Seed Extract
Buy tablets, drops or powder in health food stores or from a qualified herbalist.
The book Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies offers effective ways to treat more than 85 health conditions and evaluates the most commonly used alternative therapies and supplements. Learn more and buy Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies here.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2ahBBlR
What Happens When You're Hypnotized?
Three distinct changes occur in the brain, scientists find
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2atOMQp
Is It Flu, or Is It Valley Fever?
Potentially fatal infection is found in Southwest U.S. and is often misdiagnosed, specialists say
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2a7y86t
What’s a Low-FODMAP Diet, and How Can It Help Your Digestive Health?
Developed by researchers at Australia’s Monash University, this eating strategy eliminates a group of potentially troublesome carbohydrates known as FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols). That list may sound exotic, but these compounds are found in everyday foods that contain lactose, fructose, fructans, galactans and sugar alcohols. Certain fruits, vegetables, dairy products and nuts as well as some breads and snack foods contain large amounts of these natural sugars and are considered high-FODMAP foods.
MORE: The 7 Worst Foods for Your Belly
A growing body of research suggests that in some people FODMAPs may linger in the digestive system where they feed bad gut bacteria, leading to gastrointestinal problems including abdominal pain, gas, bloating, flatulence, burping, constipation and/ or diarrhea. Saying “no thank you” to high-FODMAP foods can ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gas and other digestive complaints that have no apparent cause or cure, experts say. For this reason, low-FODMAP eating is gaining worldwide interest.
How a Low-FODMAP Diet Works
FODMAPs seem to cause behind-the-scenes trouble in two ways. First, they draw extra fluid into the digestive system, which can cause diarrhea. Second, undigested and unabsorbed FODMAPs (especially when eaten in large quantities) may stimulate fermentation by bacteria naturally present in the gut. This fermentation—the same process used to make beer and wine—releases gas that can cause bloating, pain and flatulence.
In one study from King’s College London of 82 people with IBS, those who followed a low-FODMAP diet enjoyed significantly more symptom relief than those who followed a standard IBS diet. Eighty-seven percent had less flatulence (compared to 50 percent on the standard diet), 85 percent had less pain (compared to 61 percent on the standard diet) and 82 percent had less bloating (compared to 49 percent on the standard diet).
How to Use a Low-FODMAP Diet
Following a low-FODMAP diet is a two-step process. First, you’ll eliminate all major, high-FODMAP foods for a trial period of six to eight weeks. Such foods include onions, asparagus, mushrooms, apricots, apples, honey, legumes, rye- and wheat-based baked goods, and most dairy products. If your digestive symptoms improve, you will then reintroduce test foods from each FODMAP category one at a time to see which trigger symptoms. Test foods include milk (for lactose), honey (for fructose), wheat bread (for fructans), lentils (for galactans) and apricots or mushrooms (for sugar alcohols).
You may only react to one FODMAP so the goal is to find the food(s) that you should avoid or limit for the long term. If your symptoms do not ease during the trial period, FODMAPs are probably not the cause.
Safety First
It’s wise to work with a dietitian familiar with low-FODMAP diets at first. He or she can help you design a healthy diet during the trial period and, if you find food culprits, suggest alternatives so that you don’t miss out on important nutrients.
How to Start a Low-FODMAP Diet
Read more about this diet strategy on the Monash University website.
Get More Natural Remedies Doctors Approve!
The book Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies offers effective ways to treat more than 85 health conditions and evaluates the most commonly used alternative therapies and supplements. Learn more and buy Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies here.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2acXem6
Zika Now Tied to Miscarriage
Dutch case finds woman's infection in South America may have spurred her pregnancy loss
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2azSpH9
E-Cig Liquid Nicotine Containers Often Mislabeled
Also, many aren't child-resistant, which poses a risk to youngsters
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2acBiaT
When the Bison Walked in Front of Our Car, I Knew My Sons and I Picked the Perfect Rockies Road Trip
One summer I placed a bet on the Rockies and won. Over six days and 1,400 miles I was sure my two young boys, Finn and Zevin, then 7 and 5, would love this ambitious road trip chock full of grand adventures through the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada.
The drive along one of the country’s most scenic highways promised gorgeous views of gemstone lakes and towering mountains. This region is home to three of Canada’s most beautiful national parks—Banff, the first and most visited; Jasper, the most northern of the parks with glaciers and diverse wildlife; and Elk Island, where endangered plains bison and wood bison roam.
An hour out of Calgary, we found ourselves among beautiful foothills that serve as the Rockies’ scenic entryway: the Kananaskis region. For a rare and highly valued moment, the boys were speechless. Mountains surrounded them for the first time ever.
And it was official—we had arrived in bear country! Although we hadn’t seen any, signs were everywhere, serving as reminders to stay safe. From the security of our van, we scoured the thick forests in the hope of spotting a grizzly bear. It had been at least 10 years since I had seen one in the wild, and I hoped for all of us that we would spot one—from a safe distance, of course.
After making it to our campsite at Sundance Lodges’ Kananaskis Campground, we unloaded our van and all of our camping gear. Once settled, the boys hopped on their bikes and darted down trails winding in and out of deserted campsites while I walked behind. We took a backcountry trail that led to a cliff and a sweeping view of magnificent Mount Lorette.
With tons more tolerance for the cold temps than I had, my carefree sons skipped stones and played in the Kananaskis River’s chilly glacier-fed waters. I relished the moment, pausing to soak it all in. Our special day was topped off with time around the campfire roasting marshmallows and then cuddling within the cozy confines of a heated tipi on the campground.
The trip kicked into high gear again the next day along the alpine hiking trails of Sunshine Meadows, just outside the town of Banff. A ski hill in the winter, the area straddles the provincial boundary between Alberta and British Columbia and offers clear views of some of the Rockies’ highest peaks. In summer the wildlife is abundant, the flora rich and the hiking amazing. The boys took in another first: a guided two-hour hike to Rock Isle Lake. Jovial, excited and awakened by the freedom to run, they dashed up the trail. We spotted a pine marten, found a recently overturned rock where a bear had been digging for flower bulbs, and we interacted with an entertaining ground squirrel. It was an easy introductory trail.
Few road trip routes compete with the constant unmoving beauty found while driving this stretch of country. The road between Banff and Jasper, known as the Icefields Parkway, has been recognized many times as the most scenic drive in the world. This was noted within our van as collective gasps filled the air, growing in volume, especially as we neared Jasper National Park.
Content continues below ad
By 9 a.m., we were suddenly transported from summer to winter with a visit to Jasper’s Columbia Icefields, the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies. Whisked away via Terra Bus, my awestruck boys were delighted with its monster truck appeal, thoroughly enjoying the ride over to the Athabasca Glacier.
Standing on 200 million tons of ice, more than 900 feet thick—or as high as the Eiffel Tower—was completely surreal. I proved to be Mother of the Year as my boys refused to wear boots and instead opted for flip-flops. On the ice. We explored the barren, white landscape beside a host of tourists who were better prepared for the cold conditions than we were, wearing winter gear and filling empty water bottles with fresh glacier water found trickling down icy crevasses.
After a short bus ride we arrived at Glacier Skywalk. This glass-floored observation platform 918 feet in the air juts out 100 feet from the side of a mountain. The only thing that separated us from the glacier-formed valley and waterfalls below was glass. Fog that morning was thick and the platform slick. My boys skidded and played around the curvature of this design marvel.
Our journey wound down the next day four hours east at Elk Island National Park outside Edmonton. Exhausted from our whirlwind adventures, we took it easy, biking a bit and then driving around admiring sweet marshy spots that are home to hundreds of bird species. We circled the bison loop and saw a few in the distance. On the way back to camp we got a closer look.
It was a standoff. A giant but docile male bison stood in the middle of the road. Studying us for a moment, he nonchalantly walked by.
Though we saw no grizzly bears, the bison experience made up for it. Sleeping under the bright stars that night, I realized I won my bet.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2axdmB6
Hour of Exercise a Day May Offset Sitting's Toll
Study found risk of early death dropped when physical activity levels went up
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2acrUnC
Family Lifestyles May Be as Important as Genes
Shared habits and environment contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure and depression, study reports
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2aMQ201
Deep Brain Stimulation for Early Alzheimer's?
Although treatment seems safe, benefit isn't yet clear
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2ak7jws
23 Secrets Your Financial Adviser Won’t Tell You
Read these before you trust ANYONE with your money.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2aMKcLV
7 Convincing Reasons You’re Better Off Paying With Cash
Stop at the ATM before you head out shopping—you’ll be surprised by the benefits.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2aeixYK
9 Clear Signs You’ve Gotten Too Much Sun
There's nothing like spending a beautiful summer day soaking up some vitamin D. But a fun day in the sun can quickly turn dangerous if you're not looking out for these symptoms of overexposure.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2azmHtF
Clever Hacks to Clean Every Type of Shoe in Your Closet
Give worn shoes a makeover with these simple cleaning tricks.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2ajFynP
16 Secrets Bed Bugs Absolutely Don’t Want You To Know
We may be tiny buggers (about the shape and size of an apple seed), but our presence elicits a massive case of the heebie jeebies. Read on to find out what you need to know to sleep tight and be sure we don’t bite.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2az8ahn
Rooibos Tea – 5 Health Benefits, Side Effects and More
- Click the link or visit Authority Nutrition to read the article now.
from Authority Nutrition http://ift.tt/2aiUIwj
12 Surprising Foods You Never Thought to Grate
If you’re only using your grater for cheese, you’re missing out. Skip the chopping and grab your grater for these surprising foods.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2abLNvb
الأربعاء، 27 يوليو 2016
How to Keep Your Liver Healthy
WebMD examines ways you can keep your liver in good shape.
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1dU8OQK
Light Therapy: The Benefits of Healing Through Sunlight
Light is critical for our health and well-being. Two hundred years ago, 75 percent of the population worked outdoors; today, less than 10 percent work in natural light. As the brain needs 5000 lux of sunlight to operate correctly, the 400 lux available in an average office falls short and could contribute to light-related health problems. In addition, skin must be exposed to sunlight in order to produce vitamin D.
MORE: 9 Signs That Could Mean You’re Not Getting Enough Vitamin D
The right amount of light at the correct time of day ensures your body clock operates normally. Modern living has altered nature’s cues, resulting in a dramatic increase in light- deficiency symptoms such as seasonal affective disorder and sleeping problems. Light therapy has been developed as a quick way to restore equilibrium to the body all year round. It is also used to treat certain skin conditions.
How Light Therapy Works
Light therapy can be a valuable tool to rectify a lack of light during the day and therefore restore the balance of melatonin, the hormone that makes us sleepy, and serotonin, a lack of which is associated with depression. A light therapy lightbox mimics daylight without the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and timed sessions can be used to treat seasonal affective disorder. It can also fool the body’s internal clock into thinking it is a different time of day, which helps frequent travelers to combat jet lag.
Light therapy that includes UV rays is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In this case, your doctor will refer you to a dermatologist.
Having a Light Therapy Treatment
When referred to a dermatologist for light therapy to treat a skin condition, you are likely to need two or three treatments a week. Most people have between 15 and 30 treatments. You might be asked to take a psoralen tablet two hours before your session or take a bath with it added. It might be applied as a cream or gel if the area being treated is small. This is to make your skin more sensitive to UV light. You will have to wear UV protective glasses for 24 hours after taking psoralen as your eyes will be extra sensitive, too.
For the therapy you will be asked to undress, leaving on your underpants. You will be given goggles to wear and might be asked to apply sunscreen to sensitive areas. A test dose of UV light might be given to assess the correct dosage for you. You will then stand in a cabinet containing fluorescent tubes. The first few sessions may only last for a minute, with the time increasing for subsequent sessions.
Safety First
This therapy has few side effects, although some people experience mild headaches, nausea, hyperactivity or itchy skin. If you want to use a lightbox at home, buy one that is certified as a medical device. Consult your doctor before using if you have an eye problem or are taking antidepressants or medication for epilepsy.
Light therapy has not been widely tested during pregnancy or breastfeeding so it is best avoided or used only under medical supervision during these periods.
Where to Find Light Therapy
Your doctor will refer you to a dermatologist, or you can purchase lightboxes from reputable manufacturers online.
Get More Natural Remedies Doctors Approve!
The book Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies offers effective ways to treat more than 85 health conditions and evaluates the most commonly used alternative therapies and supplements. Learn more and buy Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies here.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2axx9S4
'Ice Bucket Challenge' Funds Boon to ALS Research
Money raised during the online campaign helped scientists spot gene linked to deadly nerve disease
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2a56hnD
E-Cigarettes Emit Toxic Vapors: Study
Levels depend on type and age of device, and they increase as it heats up
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2a56FT2
Safer Heads Prevail With New HS Football Rule
When full-contact practices were limited, blows to the head dropped, study found
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/2a56M0J