Is there a health benefit to cold temperatures? Do we need the change in temperature to stimulate the body and in turn develop a stronger immune system? Studies have shown that people actually think more clearly in the winter and are able to make more complex decisions. Glucose, which is important for brain function, is diverted more often in the summer in order to keep the body cool. The body’s metabolism actually burns more calories in colder weather in an effort to maintain a body temperature of 98.6. For those who suffer from allergies the winter provides an atmosphere in which the pollen count is almost non-existent. Core temperature drops when you sleep. This can take longer in the summer months which can limit the hours of deep restful sleep. Exercising in colder temperatures strengthens the immune system as well as your heart muscles, kills ticks and mosquitos as well as burns fat and makes you appreciate the warmth of your home. In spite of all this, I really love a hot summer evening.
Author: Lenny Variano
Peace and Quiet in the Ocean…
Marine animals and their behavioral patterns can be greatly upsetby all the activity that takes place in the waters of the oceans and seas.
The sounds of propellers, sonar and drilling can interfere with the
sounds the sea animals use to communicate. Most marine life, especially
whales and dolphins, have poor visibility and rely on sound to communicate
long distances. The Ocean Noise Strategy Roadmap Draft is a first attempt
of setting standards for reducing the level of ocean noise by showing its
effect on ocean life. The National Academy of Sciences was commissioned
by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to do a study on the effects
of these noises on sea life. They are setting an example by using ships that
are much quieter to conduct their study. Another danger of all the noise
produced by ships is that some larger animals have become so accustomed
to the noise of ships that they no longer see them as a threat and do not move
out of the way when a vessel is approaching. Noise, as opposed to other
environmental threats, is a less complicated issue to reduce
…Source Readers Digest
Back Pain and Tight Hips…
Back Pain and Tight Hips…
We spend so many hours of our day sitting. This in turn has
an extremely negative effect on our hip flexor muscles. Sitting
for long hours causes the fibrous tissues encasing our joints
to thicken resulting in limited ROM (Range of Movement).
Sitting actually puts more than double the amount of pressure
on our backs and even more so if you are slouching or leaning
forward to work on a computer. To loosen your hip muscles,
an exercise called a Frog pose can help relieve some of the pressure.
Placing your knees on the floor, spreading your legs apart and
sliding your forearms forward while keeping your feet touching
each other can stretch these often neglected muscles.
–taken from Muscle/Performance Magazine–
Paying for the Subway with Cans…
Istanbul has come up with a new way to replenish their version of a metro card.
It is particularly aimed at those who are a little short of cash. A person can receive
money on their card simply by inserting a bottle or can into a special recycling
machine the city has set up. The Turkish economy is suffering and recycling is not
an idea that is popular. However, this will help alleviate two problems. The machine
will also have a device that will record the highest number of items by a particular
person and as a reward they will be given a small prize (theater tickets etc.) in addition
to their replenished card. The city plans on having 100 of these machines installed by
the end of 2018. This idea is extremely popular with college students who are often
challenged financially.