Leaving polish on for too long
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الثلاثاء، 28 فبراير 2017
7 Everyday Habits You Didn’t Know Were Ruining Your Nails
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9 Things a Toothbrush Can Clean Besides Teeth
Use as all-purpose cleaners
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GREAT News: Funny Cat Videos Are Actually Good for You
There are a surprising (or perhaps frightening) number of videos on the Internet that involve small animals (particularly dogs and cats) doing adorable things. Online are videos of kittens resting, kittens playing with dogs, puppies crawling along with babies, kittens chasing dots from laser pointers, cats trying (and failing) to jump on couches, and puppies playing with squeaky balls. What’s with our seemingly boundless fascination with kitten videos?
The starting point for the joy of kitten videos is our evolutionarily programmed sense of what is cute. Both men and women (unless they have hearts of stone) find human infants cute. Particularly cute infants tend to have larger heads but smaller features. This structure gives infant faces large foreheads. Cute infants also have large eyes.
Infant cuteness creates positive feelings in the adults and older children who see them. This positive feeling is necessary because (as anyone who has spent a lot of time with infants can attest) babies can be quite difficult to be around in large doses. Babies require a lot of care. They need to be fed, washed, and carried. They often cry when they are not sleeping. And babies often wake up in the middle of the night needing to be fed, or changed, or just because.
In order for all of the baby demands to seem worth it to adult caregivers, they need some positive feedback. Before infants are mature enough to engage with adults and smile and laugh, all they have going for them is their cuteness. And not surprisingly, adults are wired to respond to infant facial features with positive feelings.
As it turns out, the facial features of immature humans are similar to the facial features of young animals, like kittens and puppies. Baby animals also have small facial features and large eyes, so you generally respond to kittens and puppies in the same way you do to babies. Looking at them, you get an immediate dose of the “warm fuzzies.”
You might wonder whether kitten videos, like any great little snack, are actually good for you. Because they, like many drugs, can provide an immediate boost of positive feeling whenever you’d like one, you might suspect that they are not something you should waste your time on.
But it turns out that cute videos are probably good for you, as long as you don’t become so enthralled that you allow hours to slip by as you sit motionless staring at them. The modern world is filled with lots of stresses. From early in the school years, kids have busy schedules with lots of activities and homework. Most adults’ jobs are busy, and many adults work long hours. For many people, days are filled with more drudgery than joy.
There is lots of good evidence that a positive mood is beneficial in lots of ways. For example, people tend to be more creative when they are in a positive mood than when they are in a neutral mood. They make better decisions in complex environments when they are in a positive mood. In addition, people in positive moods have more self-control resources. When you are feeling good, you are less likely to snap at a co-worker who annoys you than when you are not.
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And when you are feeling a little down (or perhaps just not feeling that good), a kitten video can jump-start a positive mood. Once you are in a positive mood, two good things can happen. First, people’s behavior is often contagious. If you smile, the people around you are likely to smile as well. That means that making yourself a little happier can increase the happiness of the people around you.
Second, your mood affects what you remember. When you feel good, you tend to remember positive things. When you feel bad, you tend to remember sad and stressful things. What you recall in turn influences your mood, so if you start out in a positive mood, that mood can be maintained by the things you remember. When you start out in a bad mood, the things you recall can make the bad mood persist.
If you find yourself stuck in a bad mood, then watching some cute videos can provide a way to inject some positive feeling into your day in ways that might set you on the course to feeling good the rest of the day.
Of course, small doses are the key to any mood enhancement. For one thing, you get the biggest effect on mood from the first video you watch. After that, you have already engaged the system that creates positive feeling from faces. Before long, you may habituate to the videos (as you may habituate to the effects of a drug), meaning that you are no longer getting any additional value from watching them.
Plus, if you spend too much time watching cute videos, you will probably run out of time to take care of important things you need to accomplish, and the stress of missed deadlines can ruin the joy induced by big-eyed kittens.
Art Markman, PhD, and Bob Duke, PhD, host the podcast Two Guys on Your Head. Find more of their answers to fun psychology questions (Why are other people such slackers? What’s the best way to deal with life’s endless litany of nuisances?), grab a copy of their book, Brain Briefs: Answers to the Most (and Least) Pressing Questions about Your Mind.
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9 Easy Ways to Beat Those Post-Vacation Blues
Plan your next trip
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These DIY Paper Flowers Will Make Your Home Feel Like Spring
Do you start craving warm weather and beautiful blooms way before winter thaws out? You’re not alone. When the chilly temps are hanging on a bit too long, take matters into your own hands. Even on the dreariest days, these paper hyacinths will be sure to brighten your home.
Debbie Chapman from One Little Project made these gorgeous blossoms out of paper, but they look so realistic. They don’t call for any obscure craft supplies either—beyond the basic scissors and glue, all you need is colorful cardstock and construction paper. Just swirl, roll, and wrap strips of paper to create these cheerful flowers.
Each bloom only takes about five minutes, so you’ll have a full bouquet in no time. Tiny hands might not have the fine motor skills needed to shape a paper flower, but your kids will love playing with the blossoms with your help.
Pop a rainbow of these faux flowers in a pretty vase to brighten up your home, or pick colors to match a bridal or baby shower. Best of all, these blossoms won’t wilt, so you can display your handiwork year-round.
To get the detailed instructions for this fun springtime craft, visit One Little Project.
MORE: Style Your Home for Spring: 12 Easy Decorating Tricks
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This Is What Really Happens When You Bring Your Own Lunch to Work
Any New Yorker or big-city native knows that lunch hour isn’t exactly the most affordable. Though you can scrounge around for special deals, the average meal will cost you upwards of $12—and that’s not even including a bottle of water or a bag of chips, much less a cookie.
I consider myself a balanced person. In terms of money, I’m at the midway point between being frugal and enjoying myself. The same goes for my health and nutrition standards. So, when I decided to implement a BYOL (bring your own lunch) program into my life, I knew it would be an adjustment, but not an impossible one.
Here’s what happened when I took matters into my own hands and packed lunches to bring to work every day for two months:
The Good: Saved Money
First and foremost, I noticed a significant change in my bank account. I knew I would save money on lunch, but I didn’t know just how big of an impact it would make on my overall weekly spending budget. No longer was I spending exorbitant amounts on a salad. Instead, I allowed myself to spend that money on better, more useful things—or at least treat myself to a morning cup of joe outside the office.
And while I don’t have an exact dollar amount of how much I saved, I can say with full confidence that my paycheck didn’t deplete as quickly, and I certainly didn’t feel as guilty when going out for a steak dinner on a Saturday night.
The Good: Got Creative
Bringing my own lunch allowed me to put my culinary skills to the test. I was able to whip up warm quinoa bowls, eccentric salads, or filling soups with ease. (Just make sure your salad of choice isn’t secretly a calorie bomb.) It felt different than cooking a rushed, weeknight dinner. Making a batch of weekly lunches became a therapeutic process for me. On a week where I was truly on my A-game, I’d go to the grocery store early on a Sunday afternoon, and spend that evening making meals just how I’d want them, each in their own container for Monday to Friday. On other more busy weeks, I’d prepare lunches the night before. From time to time, I got bored of the same old meals, which was quickly solved with a little help from recipe blogs and cookbooks.
The Bad: Cooped Up
I did, however, notice that eating at my desk meant getting out of the office and away from my computer less. Going out for lunch is a good excuse for fresh air and a little bit of sun, so when I began eating at my desk, I noticed the clock would often strike 5 p.m., and I hadn’t been outside since the morning. (Find out what healthy people do on their lunch break.)
The Good: Felt Powerful
Oddly enough, packing lunches to bring to work gave me a sense of power and control that I didn’t have before. With each packed lunch, I felt empowered and healthy—as if I was taking back something that was previously taken from me. A little voice inside my head said, “You got this. You’re in control. You can do something good for yourself every single day.”
The Bad: Anti-Social
Lunchtime, especially in the city, is often the one time of day we get to socialize with co-workers or friends. I noticed that when bringing a homemade lunch, I was often left sitting at my desk by myself, with no one to engage in conversation with besides those I’m texting.
So, will I continue? Certainly, but I won’t make it a strict five-day a week eating plan. Instead, one day will be reserved for eating out with a friend, because after all, we need a little variety and balance now and again.
To kick start your own BYO-lunch plan, try these healthy, nutritionist-approved snacks for your next workday.
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Which One Works Best—Body Butter, Body Lotion, or Body Oil?
With so many formulas lining the beauty aisle shelves, finding the right moisturizing product can be daunting. Beyond the bazillion brands available, there are also numerous formulas, including three key moisturizer types—body oil, body lotion, and body butter—and while none of them is the best across the board, each may be better suited for different skin needs.
It’s important to realize that all three have unique viscosities (thicknesses), which should influence where and how you’d use them. “Body oil is usually the lightest feeling, with lotion in the middle, and butter being the thickest and richest,” says skin biologist Sergio Nacht, PhD, of Skinphonic. “All three consistencies result in a very different feel when applied to your skin,” he adds.
Body Oil
“Body oils are the most emollient, meaning they soften and nourish the skin,” says Skincare Educational Expert Sara LaBree. “They also resemble the natural oils in our skin, so are easily absorbed.” Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, of the Connecticut Dermatology Group adds that oils are not water-based, which means they may be more likely to cause breakouts. “The majority of skin oils are easily absorbed and are usually non-comedogenic, meaning they don’t clog pores, but if you are more acne-prone, I would avoid oils in acne-prone areas such as the face, chest, and back,” Dr. Robinson advises. Instead, body oils like Jurlique’s Rose Body Oil and Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula are best for dry, rough skin, and are ideally applied to warm, damp skin, like after a shower or bath. Body oils are also versatile, according to LaBree, in that they can be used for body and massage treatments.
Body Lotion
Lotions, on the other hand, are good as a sheer moisturizer and are better for skin that isn’t as dry, or for people who tend to have oilier skin, according to Dr. Robinson. LaBree adds that “body lotions like Jurlique’s Rose Body Care Lotion are great for use in hotter, more humid climates or seasons, as they tend to absorb quickly and won’t ‘sit’ on the skin.” A budget pick new to the market is Everyone Body Lotion—it’s natural and organic with zero chemical nasties.
Body Butter
And finally, body butters are the most occlusive, meaning they provide the strongest possible protective barrier to seal and lock in moisture, according to LaBree. They’re “best used on dry and delicate skin, or in a dry climate where moisture can escape from the skin,” she advises. This means that you should definitely turn to body butter and this one skin-care move during winter, when environmental aggressors are most likely to leave your skin parched. Our high-end pick is Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter; our budget pick is Burt’s Bees Mango & Orange Body Butter. Dr. Robinson adds that what makes butters so effective is that they contain not only moisturizers, but also oils or fatty acids derived from plant sources, such as shea butter, for deeper hydration.
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Cutting This One Thing from My Diet Helped Me Get a Handle on My Anxiety
Some 18 percent of Americans suffer from anxiety, according to the National Institutes of Health, but Alison Lundberg wasn’t one of them—until a personal tragedy a few years ago left her riddled with anxiety on a daily basis. “It was just a general sense of anxiety,” she explained about her feelings after unexpectedly losing a family member. She felt jittery, restless, and emotional. “I had never experienced the problem, so I wanted to quickly take action to stop the uneasiness.” A therapist suggested cutting caffeine, and Lundberg agreed to give it a try.
In fact, it’s well known in the medical community that caffeine can actually trigger anxiety attacks, as it stimulates the body’s “fight or flight” response, according to Everyday Health. “I was looking for alternatives to prescription medicine,” she shared about her journey to a caffeine-free lifestyle. “I wanted to look at ways to cut stimulants, and anything I might be consuming that triggered anxiety.” It wasn’t easy though, because Alison admitted to a daily routine of Diet Coke and coffee before being faced with her traumatic loss.
“I was not afraid to start each day with a Diet Coke and continue drinking throughout the day, with coffee serving as a treat, whether it was meeting up with friends or to cap off a delicious meal,” she says. It was this routine, everyday consumption that made cutting caffeine so incredibly difficult. Still, Lindbergh went cold turkey on soda and coffee, replacing colas with sparkling water and coffee with calming herbal teas. “The first weeks were challenging. The dependency was real. It was also the habitual acts like taking comfort in sipping a hot cup of coffee on a Sunday morning, or knowing I needed to power through a meeting.”
The positive results came quickly, though, and improved with each passing day. Alison soon noticed decreased anxiety and increased overall energy—two side effects she was more than happy to have instead of a hot drink on a sleepy weekend morning. “After the caffeine was out of my system and the headaches proved to be just temporary, it took a bit of time but my body started providing plenty of energy for me to be successful in my day.”
The physical effects helped Alison jumpstart her personal stress management and confidence makeovers too. “It’s an amazing feeling to be free of any addiction, big or small. To no longer be dependent makes you feel incredibly independent, and the natural energy I’ve found is much more satisfying than anything chemical. I absolutely noticed my anxiety lessened, and I was able to have a stronger grasp on controlling my emotions.”
Could you be drinking too much coffee? Mind the signs that you could be over-caffeinating.
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This Is the Iced Coffee Hack You Never Knew You Needed
However, there are bad ways to make iced coffee, like using regular ice cubes. You know what they do to your drink, how they water it down and turn it into coffee-flavored water. No one wants that. We deserve more from our beverages.
Luckily, you can save yourself from this unfortunate experience with one easy solution: coffee ice cubes, like the ones made by our friends at The Burlap Bag. Simply pour leftover coffee (or a fresh pot, your choice) into an ice cube tray and let it sit in the freezer for 3-4 hours. You’ll probably want a tray specifically for coffee cubes so your actual ice cubes don’t taste like java.
Add those to your cup of iced coffee, and as they melt, your drink stays rich sans the extra, unwelcome water.
Need tips on how to brew the best coffee, hot or iced? We’ve got them right here.
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8 Habits You Didn’t Know Could Cause Hemorrhoids
You’re lifting heavy objects
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Why You Should Never Sip from Straws Again—and It Has Nothing to Do with Lip Lines
According to Ecocycle, Americans use more than 500 million straws daily, which is enough to fill 127 school buses each day, and they can’t be recycled. That means plastic straws end up in landfills or oceans, where fish and other marine wildlife mistake the small bits for food and ingest them. After seeing a photo of a whale beached on the shore with a belly full of plastic, Grenier felt the inspiration to launch the Lonely Whale Foundation, hoping to inspire and educate others on the challenges facing marine life.
Along with stopping the use of straws, Grenier hopes to educate consumers on the dangers of other single-use plastic items such as grocery bags and water bottles. While many Americans use these plastic products in their daily life, there are more sustainable alternatives that can help protect the environment. Ecocycle recommends the use of straws made from stainless steel, glass, and even bamboo instead of plastic. You can buy a number of these environmentally friendly straws online and in stores.
Along with quitting your straw habit, you can further help the environment by taking the I Choose to Reuse pledge, and stop your use of single-use coffee cups, checkout bags, bottled water, and polystyrene to-go containers. Instead, take advantage of any number of alternative reusable products, including stainless steel water bottles and reusable grocery totes. In your effort to reuse, you may want to consider reusing these items around your home too.
Need another reason to stop sipping from straws? According to celebrity esthethican Renée Rouleau, using straws can cause wrinkles. In an interview with Marie Claire, Roulealu revealed that when drinking out of a straw, “the movement of the mouth area that you have to make will encourage the breakdown of collagen and elasticity more quickly, causing unnecessary wrinkles and lines.”
Make your efforts to go green more effective by separating the myths from the truths when it comes to being kind to the earth.
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Do Botox Injections Provide a Shot at Happiness? Research Says Yes
Botox, the very same neurotoxin that also softens wrinkles, curbs excessive underarm sweating, and alleviates blinding migraine headaches (among other uses), may also relieve the symptoms of depression.
This use is still considered investigational and off-label, but a growing number of studies are suggesting that the wonder neuromodulator may help beat the blues without many of the side effects associated with antidepressants, such as weight gain.
Research in the June 2016 Journal of Psychiatric Research explains how it works—a phenomenon called emotional proprioception. “When you inject the frown lines—the 11s between the eyebrows—with Botox or another neuromodulator such as Xeomin or Dysport, it also blocks the brain’s trigeminal nerve, which is what gives us the ability to frown and also tells the brain that we are sad,” explains New York City plastic surgeon Z. Paul Lorenc, MD. In a sense, Botox plays a trick on the brain by making sure this message doesn’t get delivered.
Calling the research “fascinating,” Dr. Lorenc points out that the improvements in depressive symptoms seen in studies have been “significant.” He has been noticing that winter blues, also known as seasonal depression, tend to subside in people who receive Botox injections at his practice. (Dr. Lorenc was not affiliated with the new study.)
There are other theories on how Botox can improve mood. “You look better, you are perceived better, and you feel better about yourself,” he says. “The cosmetic effect is part of it, but there is much more to it.” Studies show that the antidepressant effects outlast the cosmetic ones.
The study authors, a prominent psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical School, and Maryland dermatologic surgeon Eric Finzi, MD, PhD, are also optimistic about the role that Botox may play in treating depression. “We suggest that Botulinum toxin type A may be considered a potential Rx for depression,” they write. “As more data accumulate, we will learn when and how best to deploy this new tool.”
At least one psychiatrist, David Straker, DO, a staff psychiatrist at several New York Hospitals including New York Presbyterian-Columbia, isn’t 100 percent sold on Botox as an antidepressant just yet. “Evidence shows that Botox can be helpful, but large studies have not been done,” he says. “Clinical trials are taking place, but it is not yet U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved.”
He also cautions, “If someone has major depression and Botox is used alone without psychiatric or psychological monitoring, symptoms could worsen,” he says. “Only in mild cases would I recommend Botox alone.” Here’s how to tell if it’s clinical depression or just the winter blues.
MORE: 11 Things to Know Before Getting Botox
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9 Ways to Make It Feel Like Spring Inside—Even When It’s Freezing Outside
Buy fresh cut flowers
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10 Things to Always Do on Your Last Day of Work
End on a positive, cheerful note
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9 Surprising Factors You Didn’t Know Were Affecting Your Blood Pressure Reading
The way you sit
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9 Spring Superfoods You’ve Probably Never Tried—But Should
Morel Mushrooms
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QUIZ: What Kind of Puppy Are You?
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8 “Bad” Social Media Habits You Can Stop Feeling Bad About
Posting mundane pictures
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Why Sourdough is One of the Healthiest Breads
Sourdough bread is an old favorite that has recently risen in popularity. Many people consider it to be tastier and healthier than conventional bread. Some even say that it’s easier to digest and less likely to spike your blood sugar. But is there any truth to these claims? This article takes a close look at […] The article "Why Sourdough is One of the Healthiest Breads" appeared first on AuthorityNutrition.com
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الاثنين، 27 فبراير 2017
7 Hidden Health Dangers of Spring Cleaning
Bleach
One of the most common cleaning toxic cleaning products used around the world is bleach. Bleach can cause many health problems. Regular high exposure could cause asthma and pneumonia and one-time contact to high bleach levels can cause eye irritation, chest pain and burning skin, according to Beyond Toxics. If you must use bleach, it should always be used and stored in a well ventilated area away from any kids. Replacing bleach altogether is possible at home and in many workplaces. Non-chlorine bleach can be used for white laundry and in many cases lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide can be used as a perfectly acceptable alternative to bleach when cleaning your home. Another important thing to know about bleach is that it can be especially dangerous when mixed with other chemicals. Make sure you are practicing safe cleaning habits by avoiding these cleaning products that you should never mix.
Formaldehyde
There is no question that formaldehyde is not a chemical you want in your home. When checking cleaning product labels, keep an eye out for both formaldehyde and formalin. This chemical is a known carcinogen, according to the Environmental Working Group, an non-profit organization that provides information for creating a healthier living environment. Mrs. Meyers and Earth Friendly are among the most well known formaldehyde-free cleaning product brands and can be found in most major grocery stores.
Borax and boric acid
Most commonly used in laundry detergents, Borax is widely believed to be a safe cleaning product but that actually isn’t true. Some studies have suggested borax and boric acid have lasting, negative effects on libido and fertility in both men and women if they are exposed to high concentrations of this ingredient, according the EWG. Although the United States is still working to make a definite, well-researched decision about safety of borax, the European Union has made up their mind that this is a product to avoid. In place of borax or boric acid, baking soda is a nearly perfect replacement and is considered to be a much safer alternative.
Fragrances
We all love it when our home smells like fresh cotton or a bouquet of flowers but many fragrances aren’t so great for our health. In general, artificial fragrances are often reported to be allergens or irritants, causing wheezing or other respiratory problems or skin irritation. Reactions to fragrances vary from person to person, but it isn’t a bad idea to avoid them altogether since fragrances are considered to be among the top allergens in the world, according to the EWG. In place of scented products, choose unscented or free and clear products. If you love scented products, find a natural way to bring that scent into your home like adding fresh flowers to your dining table. Here’s what your favorite flower says about your personality.
Ammonia
Perhaps the most well known use of ammonia is for cleaning windows and mirrors. This chemical is found in most Windex products along with floor cleaners and waxes. Ammonia is known to be an asthmagen and more recent research has suggested that the ingredient is toxic to the brain with high exposure. Swapping out window cleaners for white vinegar mixed with water is an inexpensive and smart way to protect your health while cleaning your home. If you are looking for more non-toxic cleaning products to try, check out these 13 natural cleaning products.
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Quaternary ammonium compounds
Care to say that three times fast? Quaternary ammonium compounds are also called quats and they are known to be asthmagens. Asthmagens are any chemicals that have the potential to cause asthma to develop in healthy individuals. Benzalkonium chloride is among the most common quats and is often found in cleaning products that have an antibacterial component, according to EWG. According to a report released by The Mount Sinai Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health, at home and in workplaces where the risk of the spread of infection is fairly low, cleaning products with quaternary ammonium compounds can be avoided altogether. In place of antibacterial soap, for WebMD suggests that regular soap is a perfectly acceptable alternative at home.
Ethanolamines
When you are checking the label of your cleaning products, keep an eye out for monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. These ethanolamines are surfactants, or a chemical that reduces the surface tension of a liquid. According to EWG, these chemicals are also asthmagens. Unfortunately, ethanolamines are commonly found in cleaning products, including floor and tile cleaners and laundry detergents. If you’re looking to replace a floor cleaner or a detergent, brands like Martha Stewart, Eco-Me, and Babyganics have a high safety rating.
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Diet or Exercise: The Final Verdict on Which Is Better for Weight Loss
Despite the constant message to burn fat and calories away at the gym, people who only change their diets lose more weight than those who only increase physical activity, according to a report in the journal Systematic Reviews. In fact, another recent study in the journal PeerJ found that over three years, people who got 30 minutes or more of physical activity a day actually had higher rates of weight gain than those who exercised less. So why isn’t gym time the miracle weight-loss machine we’ve been led to believe?
Basically, it’s way easier to avoid calories in the first place than to try to burn them off, says registered dietitian nutritionist Marjorie Nolan Cohn, MS, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Working off a 100-calorie cookie is one thing, but it would take hours at the gym to negate 1,200 calories from a burger and fries. “You can’t exercise off a weekend of terrible eating,” says Nolan Cohn. Committing to a 30-minute workout program? Easy enough. Turning your entire eating plan on its head? Not so much.
Plus, if you don’t pay attention to portion sizes, you might eat more after you start a new workout routine, says Nolan Cohn. Not only will your appetite increase naturally from the energy burn, but you might also slack off on healthy food choices. “There’s this idea that you’ve earned it to eat something because you worked out,” says Nolan Cohn. “It winds up holding people back.” Half an hour on the treadmill might blast away 300 calories, but just one slice of cake could totally negate that hard work—and then some.
You might have heard that muscle weighs more than fat. That’s true, but it doesn’t mean you should claim that bigger number on the scale is all muscle. “That’s a few pounds, not 20 or 30 pounds,” says Nolan Cohn. “It’s not an excuse for the weight gain.” If you’ve been exercising without results, your diet is probably to blame.
Still, don’t cancel your gym membership. The Systematic Reviews study found that pairing diet with exercise was even more successful for weight-loss than diet alone. Exercise doesn’t just burn calories and build muscles—it boosts endorphins too, says Nolan Cohn. “It improves feelings of positivity or accomplishment,” she says. “When you combine those forces [of diet and exercise], it reinforces losing the weight and keeping it off.” While adding exercise to a healthier diet doesn’t lead to additional weight loss in the first six months of a program, those who both diet and exercise have better long-term results over a year, found a review in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Plus, weight maintenance is just the beginning when it comes to reasons to exercise. Studies have linked physical activity to all kinds of other healthy benefits, from heart health and immune system function to mental health and sleep improvements. “The list just never ends,” says Nolan Cohn.
MORE: 8 Exercises That Flatten Your Belly (Without a Single Crunch)
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Can Fish Oil Treat Asthma? Signs Point to Yes
The latest study, which appears in the February 2017 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation–Insight, adds to a growing body of evidence showing that omega-3s have a role to play in alleviating the symptoms of many diseases, including asthma.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which airways become inflamed, causing symptoms that may include shortness of breath, chest tightness, chronic coughing, and trouble sleeping due to coughing or wheezing. In allergic asthma, the immune system produces too much immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to a trigger, causing inflammation of the airways that makes it harder to breathe and can result in an asthma attack, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
In the new study, researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York, collected blood from 17 people with asthma and isolated their B immune cells in the lab. They compared the results to that of 17 people who did not have asthma. Most participants were taking steroids by mouth or inhaler depending on the severity of their asthma. Everyone in the study responded to the omega-3 fatty acids to some degree as evidenced by a reduction in IgE antibodies. There was a catch, however. People who were taking oral steroids, however, were less sensitive to the omega-3 treatment, the study showed. When corticosteroids are used steadily, they can impair some of the body’s natural ability to fight asthma-related inflammation, the researchers note.
In mild to moderate asthma, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the production of IgE and improve asthma symptoms, the study authors conclude.
These findings dovetail with a New England Journal of Medicine study in late December 2016 showing that children born to women who took fish oil during the last three months pregnancy were about 30 percent less likely to develop asthma and asthma symptoms. “There has been a lot of interest in omega-3 fatty acids and breathing diseases,” says Pamela L. Zeitlin MD, PhD, the Silverstein Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and a professor of pediatrics at National Jewish Health in Denver. “The mechanism isn’t completely worked out yet but when fatty acids get absorbed, they exert anti-inflammatory effects in the blood and the lungs.”
The American Heart Association recommends eating a variety of fish at least twice a week, especially fish containing omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, trout, and herring, or these other fish options. A serving size is 3.5 ounce cooked or about ¾ cup of flaked fish. If you’re not a fish fan, you can still get omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil and walnuts or these other foods.
Even if you eat foods rich in omega-3s, supplements can be considered a home remedy for asthma, Dr. Zeitlin says. But more isn’t better, she warns. “Research has shown that the benefits are greatest in people who are deficient and consume more omega-3s.” The best way to make sure your asthma symptoms are under control is to see your doctor regularly and take your medications as directed. Eating salmon every week couldn’t hurt.
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What the Heck Is Venmo—and How Safe Is It?
If you’ve yet to try it for yourself, the intriguing payment app Venmo may seem like something of a minefield. After all, isn’t it dangerous to hand over your bank details to a third party? We dug up answers to the burning questions, from “What is Venmo?” to “How does it work?” to “Is Venmo safe?”
So, what is Venmo anyway?
Far from its initial roots in 2009 as a text messaging service, Venmo offers peer-to-peer payments via the use of their mobile app or website. What that means is that you can charge people money, pay them, and split bills using the platform. Since few people, least of all Millennials, tend to carry cash these days, the ability to transfer small sums using a simple app is ideal.
Why would you want to use it?
Any minor expenditure is fair game. For example, after a night on the town, paying the babysitter can be done with just the touch of a button. (Here’s what the sitter thinks of you, by the way.) What’s more, if you’re in a bar with your girlfriends, splitting a round of drinks has never been easier. All you have to do is transfer the cash to one person and let them head to the bar while you carry on chit-chatting. The list of ways you can use Venmo is almost endless. Remember, the aim of the app is to make these payments as smooth and painless as possible.
How to use Venmo
The first step is, of course, a sign-up process. Don’t worry—it’s relatively easy. Just head to the Venmo page and create an account using either your Facebook profile or your personal email address. Once you’ve done that, you can download the app and log in in mere seconds. (Luckily, the app is available for all major smartphones on the market.) Next, link a credit card, debit card, or checking account to your Venmo account. Be aware that in doing so, you’re handing over access to the service. After this final step, you’re all ready to get started and begin transferring cash between you and your peers. The service is free if you’re using a debit card or bank account but you will be charged a 2 percent fee on transactions should you use a credit card.
Is Venmo safe?
Security is, understandably, one of the major worries that people have when it comes to financial apps. We’re learning about new technology all the time and, for many, the idea that an app can access your bank account is utterly terrifying. Luckily, there are a few regulations in place designed to protect you and your finances. As you would with any banking app, this one allows you to set up a personal pin code. Without knowing that pin, no one can access your app, no matter how hard they try. What’s more, the Venmo app uses both bank-level security and data encryption within the app. These two precautions prevent any unauthorized transactions. Should your account be compromised in any way (which, frankly, is unlikely), Venmo is liable for $50 worth of losses. The moment you realize that there’s an issue with your account, it’s crucial that you contact the support service, since their coverage applies only if they’re alerted within two working days.
What about the competition?
While there’s no doubt that Venmo is the market leader in peer-to-peer payment, there are, of course, many other options out there. In fact, just this week, Mashable reported that a whopping 19 banks are planning to launch something called Zelle. The web page and mobile app will share many of the same traits as Venmo and will, of course, allow users to split bills with ease. It should be available for a variety of users and will connect directly to your bank account. Whether this latest service will make the likes of Venmo obsolete is yet to be seen. Meanwhile, if you’re in favor of using apps to manage your finances, check out these money-saving apps for iPhone and Android.
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Why Aren’t the Letters on a Computer Keyboard in Alphabetical Order?
If you’ve ever looked down at your keyboard and wondered why it’s not in alphabetical order, you’re not alone. But who came up with the current design, anyway? A few popular myths abound, but one Japanese study got to the root of it. (Hint: This design dates back WAY farther than you think.)
Myth #1: The keyboard is designed in accordance with letter usage to allow for the fastest typing possible.
This idea makes sense: Designers must have looked at the varying degrees of usefulness of each letter and attempted to evenly split them between each hand. That way, we could type quickly and not have one hand doing more work than the other.
Myth #2: The design is a relic of the typewriter era, and was engineered to stop the machine from jamming.
This myth is the opposite of the first, and alleges that the QWERTY design was meant to slow typists down in order to stop the typewriter from jamming. While it’s unclear whether or not separating the useful keys makes typing a slower endeavor or a faster one (as the creators of the first myth would argue), this one’s also been debunked.
The truth: The design is a hand-me-down from morse code transcribers.
We’re guessing you didn’t expect this, so we’ll let Smithsonian reporter Jimmy Stamp, who originally sleuthed through the Japanese study, explain.
“The QWERTY system emerged as a result of how the first typewriters were being used. Early adopters and beta-testers included telegraph operators who needed to quickly transcribe messages. However, the operators found the alphabetical arrangement to be confusing and inefficient for translating morse code. The Kyoto paper suggests that the typewriter keyboard evolved over several years as a direct result of input provided by these telegraph operators.”
It’s an interesting idea, but now that we’ve moved from morse code to iPhones, we’re thinking it might be time for a new system.
MORE: 7 Women You Should Thank Every Time You Use a Computer
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Word Nerds Have Found the Perfect Way to Celebrate Pi Day, and You Should Join Them
You! I have a nerdy rejigging of poetry every man ought consider indulging!
It’s called Pilish, a form of constricted writing built around the infinitely unfolding digits of everyone’s favorite irrational number, pi. And for several years running, word/math nerds have made it the official art form of Pi Day (3/14). Now it’s your turn to join them!
The rules are deceptively simple. Just as a sonnet, limerick, or haiku is governed by mathematical restrictions of syllable length, Pilish poems—or “piems,” as practitioners call them—take their shape from 3.14159… (etc.). Here’s the only rule: In Pilish, each word’s length must match the corresponding number in the sequence of digits of pi. (In other words, the first word in your piem must be three letters long, the second word must be one, the third word four, and so on into infinity.)
If you’re wondering what Pilish prose might look like, take a closer look at the first paragraph of this story. I wrote it in Pilish up to the 13th digit (3.141592653589):
You (3)! I(1) have(4) a(1) nerdy(5) rejigging(9) of(2) poetry(6) every(5) man(3) ought(5) consider(8) indulging (9)!
Not so bad, eh? While the comic strictness of Pilish does cause you to make some questionable word choices (running the risk, as I did, of sounding like a Victorian sea captain writing a letter to his betrothed), the trained hand can work poetic wonders. Consider this rhyming Pilish poem by Joseph Shipley from the 1960 book Playing With Words:
But a time I spent wandering in gloomy night;
Yon tower, tinkling chimewise, loftily opportune.
Out, up, and together came sudden to Sunday rite,
The one solemnly off to correct plenilune.
Or marvel at the work of Michael Keith, a mathematician and fan of constricted writing, whose novel Not A Wake reads in perfect Pilish up to the 10,000th digit of pi. (Opening lines: “Now I fall, a tired suburban in liquid under the trees, Drifting alongside forests simmering red in the twilight over Europe.”)
We invite you, dear reader, to join in this emerging movement of alphanumeric nerdery, and write a piem of your own. To get you started, here are a few tips from Pilish prodigy Michael Keith, a list of the first million digits of pi (child’s play!), and a neat web tool that will check your text to make sure it is all in proper Pilish. Good luck—or, as we say in Pilish:
You I wish a grand numerical-to-poetic quest!
Of course, if pi is too persnickety for you, St. Patrick’s Day is only three days after Pi Day. It couldn’t hurt to brush up on your bawdy limericks either! Cheers.
MORE: 18 Math Jokes to Get Every Nerd Through Pi Day
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18 Entertaining Easter Games for Kids
Easter Egg Hunt
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This Is the Only Way You Should Be Making Mac and Cheese
If there’s anyone who knows about macaroni and cheese, it’s Guy Fieri. As host of Guy’s Grocery Games and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (Triple D, for short) on Food Network, this “culinary rock star” as he’s known by his fans has tasted mac ‘n cheese in all 46 states he’s visited while filming Triple D.
“I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of mac ‘n cheese,” he says.
How can pasta and cheese possibly go wrong? According to Fieri, “the worst” is when it’s one mushy flat note flavor of “creaminess” where you can’t discern between the pasta and the cheese. “If you can eat it through a straw, that’s bad,” he says.
And what makes the best? Perfectly cooked pasta, properly shaped noodles, and plenty of cheese.
Be picky with your pasta
All pasta is delicious but not all shapes (or sizes) work when it comes to macaroni and cheese. Too large and it won’t get coated with cheese, too small and it’ll get lost in the sauce. “I like a pasta with ridges, so elbows or a small shell,” says Fieri. Those ridges trap the cheese sauce so you get enough in each bite. Cook the noodles as al dente as possible in salted water (“Salt water is the foundation of flavor!”)—they should have a good bite to them, not mushy. “As long as the pasta is hot and in sauce it’ll continue to cook,” he says.
Make a béchamel sauce
This creamy sauce is the critical base for a killer mac ‘ n cheese. It’s made with flour, butter, milk, and nutmeg (and whatever you do, don’t leave that spice out!). “I think a little kiss of nutmeg in there always helps out and nobody will know it’s there,” says Fieri.
Don’t skimp on the cheese
A good cheese blend ensures your macaroni and cheese has layers of flavor and you shouldn’t try to be frugal. “If you buy cheap cheese you’re going to get cheap flavor. If you’re going to eat mac ‘ n cheese, make it a bomb mac ‘ n cheese,” says Fieri. His favorites are cheddar, smoked gouda, a little Monterey, and some parmesan for that saltiness. Shred it up good (“Chunks don’t melt well!”) and sprinkle it in your béchamel with some black pepper and a pinch of paprika. And no matter how hungry you are, be patient. “You can’t rush the melting of the cheese. Let it melt and work itself together,” he says. Stir on medium heat until you’re standing over a lump-free pot of cheese sauce (too high heat will leave you with one big blob of cheese). Then add your pasta and mix until it’s completely coated.
Add some crunch
If you’re a stove-top fan like Fieri, your mac ‘n cheese is done! If a baked mac is your thing, pour it into a casserole dish and pop it in the oven until it bubbles and the top and edges turn golden. Regardless of your type, don’t shove a forkful in your mouth without topping it with some sort of crunchy element. “You need texture! I love pancetta because it’s light and crispy. Crumble bacon, crisp up breadcrumbs, add fresh herbs like scallions or chives, or crush up crackers to sprinkle on top,” says Fieri.
Eat!
There’s nothing better than a heap of creamy macaroni and cheese…unless it’s on top of a burger. Make cheat day really count by piling a mound on top of a burger, one of Fieri’s favorite ways to eat it. You can taste a mac ‘n cheese burger for yourself at any of his restaurants, including Guy’s American Kitchen and Bar in New York City.
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A Professional Chef Reveals the Surprising (and Only) Way You Should Be Making French Toast
Don’t settle for limp and soggy French toast when you could be devouring thick, flavorful slices that are crispy on the outside and sumptuously soft on the inside, instead. Marc Murphy, a judge on Food Network’s Chopped and executive chef and owner of several New York City restaurants told us his secrets behind (as he calls it) “not your mama’s French toast.”
Ditch the fancy bread
Forget what you’ve heard about challah and brioche being the best French toast loaves. Yes, they’re rich and delicious all on their own, but they won’t stand up to the type of bread-dunking necessary to achieve a brunch-worthy French toast. “I like a crispy outside and soft, custardy inside. For that, I use a crusty bread,” he says. Anything with a hard crust (like a baguette or hearty Italian) will do the trick.
Prep the night before
Nighttime prepping sounds labor intensive, but it’ll actually save you time and effort the next morning when all you can think about is breaking the fast—and, it’s Murphy’s pro tip for achieving standout French toast. Whisk together eggs, cream, a few splashes of cognac, and vanilla extract. Then lay thick slices of bread in the mixture and soak it overnight (or for 24 hours if you have the time). “That thick bread will drink up all those ingredients and won’t fall apart like white bread or challah,” he says. The next morning, lay the slices on a cooking rack for 15 minutes to drain excess liquid.
Cook it two-ways
The key to a crunchy outer crust and silky soft inside is dual cooking. Dust each side of the bread with a little flour and sugar mix (“This gives it a nice crust!”), then sear it in a nonstick or cast iron pan on high heat until both sides are golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet and pop it in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes. “This helps it become like a custardy soufflé in the middle,” says Murphy.
Don’t dilly dally
“Have some respect for French toast and get your butt to the table. It’s best to eat it fresh so it’s still crusty,” he says. Keep the garnish simple with a handful of berries or a quality maple syrup. “Take it easy with the toppings and let the French toast do the talking.”
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The Middle Name Traditions in 8 Countries Across the World
Scotland
According to Scottish businessman Max Robinson, middle names are actually a fairly recent discovery, as previous generations didn’t even think to give their kids a middle name. However, as the practice has grown in popularity around the world, it has become pretty common for Scottish babies to have middle names. Because last names in Scotland are generally associated with your family roots, and first names usually describe a physical characteristic, many parents see a middle name as an opportunity to give their baby a slightly more creative moniker that has no relationship to appearance or family history. “Consequently, middle names tend to be pretty interesting!” Robinson says. Laura Wattenberg, author and founder of Baby Name Wizard, who did an analysis on current middle names in Scotland, has noticed that many of the top middle names are two generations behind fashion across the globe. “The Scottish still want to honor our grandparents, but are no longer willing to sacrifice style to do it. So, we use their names as middle names, instead of as first names,” she explains.
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Creative way to increase safety in asbestos inspections: drones
A cargo company that leases space at London's Heathrow Airport recently used a drone to take pictures of a leaking warehouse roof rather than performing a physical inspection because the roof, which contains asbestos, could have potentially collapsed with the weight of a person walking on it, according to Your Local Guardian. If roofing materials containing asbestos were to break or be crushed, asbestos fibers could become dangerously airborne in released dust, so the drone approach was a good and creative safety practice.
Asbestos is not dangerous if part of a solid object
Asbestos becomes dangerous when its microscopic fibers become airborne, creating the possibility that someone might breathe them in, putting him or her at risk of developing a severe and potentially fatal disease like mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer.
The mineral has often been used within building materials because of asbestos' insulating and fireproofing properties. When a building material is intact, the asbestos does not pose a danger, but when the material is broken or starts to deteriorate, the fibers become friable, meaning subject to floating into the airstream and potentially into someone's respiratory system.
Interestingly, in the Heathrow story, a company spokesman said that in the past it would have used cherry pickers to safely inspect the roof without walking on it. Unfortunately, sometimes those responsible for building repairs, remodels, renovations or demolitions do not observe safe practices (including worker safety and environmental laws and regulations) to contain and prevent the release of asbestos from broken building materials.
Other uses of drones in the asbestos context
In 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the first time used a government drone to photograph waste piles used to contain asbestos contamination on a 25-acre Pennsylvania Superfund site, according to Unmanned Aerial Online. The EPA said it would be hard to get to the piles while walking and it wanted to be sure the piles were holding. Presumably, it was also safer for the people involved in the inspection.
An Italian initiative has looked at a drone that would use a special sensor to detect asbestos below based on the mineral's unique frequency. The aircraft could potentially fly over a city of rooftops and even identify deterioration of asbestos-containing material, suggesting a potential need for replacement or remediation, according to sUAS News.
The evolution of drone technology for use in the fight against asbestos is likely to continue.
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19 Co-Sleeping Tips from Moms Who Swear By It
It doesn’t have to be one or the other
“
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Look Hot Sweating! Your Guide to the Most Flattering Fitness Gear
Avoid wearing bright patterns on areas you want to hide
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19 Math Jokes To Get Every Nerd Through Pi Day
Like my favorite middle-school teacher always said: The problem with math puns is that calculus jokes are derivative, trig jokes are too graphic, algebra jokes are formulaic, and arithmetic jokes are just basic. (But I guess the occasional statistics joke is an outlier.)
If you are cringing right now, you know how my entire 8th grade math class felt every day. However, it is important to know a few good, short jokes for every occasion—even if only the smarty pants in the room will get them. In honor of Pi Day (3/14), here are 19 additional math jokes guaranteed to multiply your enjoyment on this nerdiest of days.
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12 Innocent Habits that Are Completely Ruining Your Sleep Quality
You love being productive at night
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14 Simple Ways to Break Through a Weight Loss Plateau
Achieving your goal weight can be tough. While weight tends to come off fairly rapidly at first, at some point it seems as though your weight won’t budge. This inability to lose weight is known as a weight loss plateau or stall, and it can be frustrating and discouraging. However, several strategies may help you […] The article "14 Simple Ways to Break Through a Weight Loss Plateau" appeared first on AuthorityNutrition.com
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10 Smart Tricks to Keep Your Shoes Stink-Free
Baking soda
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10 Things In Your House that Could Be Making You Sick
Your dirty bed sheets
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الأحد، 26 فبراير 2017
6 Side Effects of Too Much Vitamin D
Vitamin D is extremely important for good health. As a hormone, it plays several roles in keeping your body’s cells healthy and functioning the way they should. Most people don’t get enough vitamin D, so supplements are common. However, it’s also possible — although rare — for this vitamin to build up and reach toxic […] The article "6 Side Effects of Too Much Vitamin D" appeared first on AuthorityNutrition.com
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السبت، 25 فبراير 2017
Is Eating Raw Fish Safe and Healthy?
There are several practical reasons people cook fish before eating it, rather than simply serving it raw. Most importantly, cooking kills bacteria and parasites that can cause disease. Nevertheless, some people prefer the texture and taste of raw fish. It is especially popular in Japan as part of dishes like sushi and sashimi. But how […] The article "Is Eating Raw Fish Safe and Healthy?" appeared first on AuthorityNutrition.com
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الجمعة، 24 فبراير 2017
Despite Ban, Asbestos Still Getting into Australia in Imports
The Sydney Morning Herald recently reported that even though the country banned asbestos in 2004, some imported building products containing the mineral are slipping through Australian borders. The country’s construction union has reported to the senate that construction materials like insulation with asbestos and other dangerous materials are getting in through Australian ports and ending up in residential and other buildings.
A union official was cited for his opinion that border officials are not sufficiently staffed or “resourced” to stop the flow of illegal products, largely from Russia, a country that opposes all asbestos bans. He also faulted “dodgy builders” eager to cut corners and use the cheapest product possible. The senate heard evidence that asbestos-containing building products are also coming in from China, Sri Lanka and the U.S.
One senator felt that federal law enforcement “should be on alert” for the possibility of organized crime being involved in the illegal imports. He called for the strengthening of regulations to prohibit imports of building products from countries without “zero tolerance to asbestos in their products … unless every one … is tested prior to arrival …”
Australia Is in the Minority of Countries that Ban Asbestos
According to International Ban Asbestos Secretariat, as of February 18, 2017, 59 countries banned all types of asbestos, except for some minor uses. In North America, only tiny Honduras has banned the deadly mineral, but as we have posted before, Canada has announced a ban by 2018.
European countries have almost all forbidden it. However, the U.S. has not, despite the advocacy of many, although it is banned in some products. We recently posted a blog about the history of and potential for a U.S. ban. Other large, industrialized countries that still allow it include Brazil, Russia, China and India.
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20 Wine Terms True Wine Lovers Should Know How to Use
Vinotype
According to wine geeks, Moscato is a summer wine. But people who love Moscato love it all year round—not just when the weather gets warm. Truth be told, your favorite wine is “not dictated by the solstice; it’s actually dictated by personal preferences,” according to Tim Hanni, MW (master of wine) and author of Why You Like the Wines You Like. These preferences are called your “vinotype.” Much like a personality trait, your vinotype combines your own personal sensory sensitivities with your culture, tradition, and life experiences to dictate your wine preferences. “We just have this insane premise that wine’s supposed to match to the season, or the food, or some other greater glory,” says Hanni. Instead, he says, “match the wine to the diner, not to the dinner.” Check out the best wines for every health and lifestyle need.
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Ever Wondered Why There’s an “R” in “Mrs”?
Spelling in the English language can be tricky, downright hilarious, or just plain confusing. Case in point: Why does the abbreviation “Mrs.” have an “R” when the full word “missus” is R-less?
That’s because Mrs. wasn’t always the abbreviation for missus. Centuries ago, it stood for mistress, which at the time meant the woman of the household. A governess who looked after children was also called a mistress. Eventually, the abbreviation became the title for married women, while men used Mr., pronounced master.
Since English speakers have a tendency to shorten words by means of contractions, the moniker was pronounced missus at the end of the 18th century. It was probably for the best, since “mistress” was given a new definition, the one we know today involving extramarital romantic affairs. Confusing the two could land you in seriously awkward trouble.
The grammar changed for the gents, too. The pronunciation of Mr. eventually went from master to mister, but the whole title was rarely written out. Mister was already a word that referred to an occupation or trade.
Long story short: The English language is confusing. At least some grammar rules don’t require lessons; we just do them without even noticing.
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8 Things You Should Know Before Getting a Gel Manicure
The upside of gel polish
One of the reasons gel manis are so popular is how long they last! “The efficacy of a gel is based on how well the product goes on, its durability and how easily it can be removed,” says Kallens. Most salons will guarantee no chips for a week, but if applied properly, they can last up to three! Unlike regular polish, which can chip after two to three days (unless you take these steps to make them last longer), they’re borderline indestructible, which makes them ideal for weddings, special occasions, and vacations. The question is only whether your health pays a price.
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Meeting Mother Teresa Completely Changed My Life—and We Barely Spoke
I am waiting on a wooden bench in the open courtyard of an old house in Kolkata. It’s a sultry summer morning, and seated next to me is a blonde girl in her early 20s. She’s trying to read a book, but looks distracted. There’s almost total silence around us. “I can’t believe I’m here,” the girl next to me speaks up suddenly. I smile back at her. We are in the house where Mother Teresa lives.
The year is 1989, and I am in my final year of college. A friend needs to pick up some documents from house number 54A on AJC Bose Road, where the famous founder of the Missionaries of Charity (MoC) lives. My friend is working on a story on her and needs the papers for his research urgently, but is stuck with something else today. Since Mother House is not far from my college, I have offered to help.
I meet a nun in a white sari with blue-striped borders at the MoC office. She needs a little time to put the papers together and asks me to wait in the parlor. This is where I meet Sharon, a student from Minneapolis, in the U.S. Midwest. Sharon grew up reading about Mother Teresa and dreaming of meeting her some day. She had started saving, from her pocket money and earnings from summer jobs, for her trip to India. She would meet Mother Teresa and volunteer at the MoC when she had enough for a return ticket, she had decided.
And today was that day. A few days ago Sharon had already started volunteering at Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, the MoC orphanage down the road. Today, she had been granted an audience with the woman who had touched her with stories of her kindness. “This has been my dream,” she says, lowering her voice. I could feel her excitement as she spoke.
“Have you met her before?” she asks me, assuming I too am waiting for my turn to meet Mother Teresa.
“Um, no, I haven’t had the chance,” I gulp.
She looks surprised, and I see why. I have lived in this city all my life, the city that Mother Teresa made her own, where she built an institution that saved millions, giving them a decent life, or dignity as they died. This is the place from where she inspired millions across the globe to come and volunteer and donate for her cause. Here is an American girl who has traveled thousands of miles to see her. And me, I’ve been here all along.
Of course, Mother Teresa has had more than her share of criticism, often from people who saw ‘an agenda’ in her service to the poor. But that’s not why I haven’t made an effort. I have read about her work, watched her on TV. But it’s never passed my mind to come down and see for myself.
“Do you think they will let me see her if I ask?” I look at Sharon, almost wondering aloud. “You must try to since you are here,” she says, with a big smile.
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I am back at the office where the nun, who met me earlier, seems to be in charge. “We’re almost done, dear. You’ll have everything in a few minutes,” she says. “Thank you so much, Sister, but I have a request,” I say hesitantly. The nuns at Mother House hear this request so often that she isn’t surprised at all when I ask her if I can see Mother Teresa briefly.
“There’s only one visitor for her this morning, so you are lucky,” she smiles. “But you will have to promise me something.”
“Sure, whatever you say.”
“She is recovering from an illness and is very weak now. She loves meeting people and talking to them, but you must make sure she does not speak too much. OK?”
I nod vigorously, unable to contain my excitement. I am very pleased that I had offered to help my friend this morning. Of course, I’ve read about Mother Teresa’s illness in the news. She had a serious heart condition and was recovering at home.
“We’ll call you when it’s your turn,” the nun tells me.
I return to the courtyard to give Sharon the news. We do a spontaneous high five and before we know it, she is called in. As I wait, I try to think of something meaningful to say to Mother Teresa in the two minutes I would have with her. There were no selfies to fill up spaces between people back then. I have no idea how long I had spent letting my mind wander, but suddenly I find Sharon is back.
“How was it?” I ask her excitedly. But, before she could answer, it’s already my turn. “I’ll wait for you here,” Sharon tells me as I leave.
Another nun from MoC briefs me, as she takes me up the stairs to the first floor. Mother Teresa is taking a walk around the veranda. “Please be brief, her doctor has asked her not to exert herself,” the nun tells me somberly. I see her as I reach the head of the staircase and start walking toward her. She looks hunched and more shrunken than I have known her to be in all her pictures. She is walking slowly, with a rosary in hand.
I am now standing before Mother Teresa. Her eyes twinkle and narrow as she smiles gently at me. “How are you feeling?” I ask her, haltingly. She comes closer, looks at me, and smiles.
“Let me bless you, my girl,” she says faintly. As her palm rests on my head, I feel a mild shiver running down my body. I am a bit startled by it. I look at her gentle face and a warm rush fills me, as she looks me in the eye. I find tears rolling down my eyes, as I feel her palm on my head. I am not sure how to describe it, but I have never felt this way before. I want to speak, but I stand there tongue-tied. I am not able to make sense of this powerful experience. Mother Teresa blesses me silently and, as she is done, I reach out for her hand. It’s frail and cold—she lets me hold it for a moment. “Thank you,” I manage to say the words somehow.
I realize my time is over, so I turn around and run down the steps.
Sharon is waiting on the bench. We don’t say a word to each other. We will spend the rest of the day talking about our experience. We will become friends and she will inspire me to volunteer at the orphanage down the road, until I start my career as a journalist. We will write letters to each other for the next few years, until life catches up with both of us. Until I lose her address while moving to New Delhi.
But we are holding the moment now. We hug each other briefly but spontaneously, overcome by our experience. We sit on the bench for a while, saying nothing. We are strangers, worlds apart, bound together by a moment. The moment that Mother Teresa touched our lives and blessed us.
For more on Mother Teresa, read these inspirational quotes from the Catholic saint.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2lih43K