We give a great deal of attention to protecting our skin from the harmful rays of the sun. There are sunscreens that go as high as 100 SPF. Are we neglecting our eyes? Sunglasses come in all shapes, patterns and colors. Some of them can even make us look extremely cool. They may be the best way to protect our eyes as we age. Besides protecting us from the suns’ rays, they can protect our eyes from dust, dirt, bugs and drying winds of all temperatures. Although there have been few warnings about the dangers of exposing our eyes to the sun, sunglasses can prevent a host of many dangerous eye diseases including melanoma. Glasses, no matter what the price, should have at least (400 mm) UVA protection. Color does not matter but darker is better. Wrap around is a good choice. There is also an anti-reflective coating that can be on both sides of the glass which protects rays coming from behind. Children’s eyes are extremely susceptible to the suns’ rays since they are still in development. Check with your optician if you want to be sure of what you are buying. Think of how cool it would look if the whole family went out wearing shades. I wonder if I should consider a pair for my pooch.
Author: Lenny Variano
Temperature vs. Exercise…
Does exercising in a low temperature produce less soreness and a speedier metabolism? In contrast, does high heat make muscles more pliable? “Brrrn”, the sound of your teeth chattering, is a studio in Manhattan that keeps its temperature at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. “Bikram” yoga studios can have their thermostat set at 95 with humidity at 75 percent. Since the body temperature naturally rises during exercise, extreme heat can make it rise beyond what the body’s natural cooling system can handle. On the contrary, sustained exercise in heat can make you perform better in the cold. Extreme cold can leave the body susceptible to hypothermia, but colder temperatures can enable you to exercise longer giving some athletes the edge. Sports medicine practitioners feel that extremes of temperature can make the body feel as if it is doing more work. The general consensus among athletes is a comfort level of between 68 and 70 degrees although it varies from person to person. This is the temperature of most fitness centers. Colder weather can be better for athletic performance since it protects the body from overheating and dehydration. Warmer temperatures increase motivation to exercise. There is more of a positive psychological connection to being outside in addition to the fact that it takes less time for our muscles to relax. Warm temperatures expose us to more Vitamin D which improves muscle function and growth. Learn to be in tune with your body. Find at what degree you exercise most comfortably and go for it!
Eye Level Matters…
Make proper use of the middle shelf of your refrigerator. Eye level is where most people have a tendency to grab something to eat. Keep foods like hummus, fruit, yogurt, hard boiled eggs visible. Store in either clear plastic bags or see-through containers.
Waste Not, Want Not…
Waste Not, Want Not…
France is the first country to pass laws pertaining to food that is wasted. As of January 2016 it became mandatory for supermarkets to donate food nearing expiration date instead of discarding it. France went even a step further in having the larger markets sign contracts with local food banks. It is now illegal to pour bleach on food being discarded to discourage the homeless from picking through trash bins. Part of the new law is that charities do their part as well. Food has to be stored in a hygienic manner and distributed with dignity at a food center and not in the street.