Whether you're planning your next home's design, renovating your existing abode or merely interested in saving water and saving energy to lower your household expenses, green is the way to go. It can take very little effort to go green. Of course if you're designing your next home to be more earth friendly, you'll have lots of ways to green your plans.
But even the smallest effort can pay off for you and the environment. Recycling, conserving and sometimes just a few simple changes can reap substantial rewards. Buying more efficient home appliances can also add to your green endeavors. And when it comes to food - storing it right and canning or preserving is also living green. Find ways to go green and leave a gentler
By Mariette Mifflin
Go Green!
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Headaches & Migraines
Avoiding Migraine Triggers
Friday May 6, 2011
Spring's arrival and summer just around the corner mean flowers blooming, longer days, lunches in the park -- and potential migraine triggers in the warmer forecast.
As many sufferers know, changes in temperature and weather can spell trouble in the form of more migraine attacks, with certain seasons being especially bad for people over other times of the year.
There are proactive ways to try and ward migraines off before they strike, however, and these tips for avoiding weather-related triggers are a great starting point.
As many sufferers know, changes in temperature and weather can spell trouble in the form of more migraine attacks, with certain seasons being especially bad for people over other times of the year.
There are proactive ways to try and ward migraines off before they strike, however, and these tips for avoiding weather-related triggers are a great starting point.
Stroke or Headache? When Migraine Symptoms Mimic Stroke Symptoms
Wednesday February 23, 2011
The video of reporter Serene Branson (KCBS-TV) slurring her speech and speaking gibberish while covering the Grammys has gone viral, making headlines all over the country. Many people wondered, did she have a stroke on air? Did she drink a little too much at the show?
But during a follow up interview, Branson revealed that she suffered from a complex migraine. The symptoms of a complex migraine, slurred speech and slight numbness on the side of the face, mimic that of a stroke.
According to Branson, she came down with a severe headache around 10PM. As she reviewed her notes, "the words on the page are blurry" and she noticed that her "thoughts were not forming the way they normally do." While on air, there was an numbness on the right side of her face that prevented of her from saying what she wanted.
While the symptoms of a complex migraine and a stroke may appear similar, the two conditions are different. A complex migraine is caused by an electrical malfunction in the brain, while stroke is caused by a restriction of blood to the brain. Also, the effects of a complex migraine are reversible. The symptoms only last up to an hour at the most.
If you are feeling any of the symptoms of a severe migraine, especially for an extended period of time, don't hesitate to see a doctor.
But during a follow up interview, Branson revealed that she suffered from a complex migraine. The symptoms of a complex migraine, slurred speech and slight numbness on the side of the face, mimic that of a stroke.
According to Branson, she came down with a severe headache around 10PM. As she reviewed her notes, "the words on the page are blurry" and she noticed that her "thoughts were not forming the way they normally do." While on air, there was an numbness on the right side of her face that prevented of her from saying what she wanted.
While the symptoms of a complex migraine and a stroke may appear similar, the two conditions are different. A complex migraine is caused by an electrical malfunction in the brain, while stroke is caused by a restriction of blood to the brain. Also, the effects of a complex migraine are reversible. The symptoms only last up to an hour at the most.
If you are feeling any of the symptoms of a severe migraine, especially for an extended period of time, don't hesitate to see a doctor.
FDA Approves Botox for Chronic Migraine Treatment
Monday October 18, 2010
After a decade of study and debate, the Food and Drug Administration has finally approved Botox to treat chronic migraines. Patients who experience debilitating migraines 14 days a month or more may experience a reduction in their symptoms with injections in the face and neck of the drug, Allergan's onabotulinumtoxinA, which was originally created to reduce wrinkles by inducing muscle contractions. The FDA's new recommendation says that treatment every 12 weeks should be sufficient for chronic migraine sufferers.
Study IDs Possible Genetic Link to Migraines
Wednesday September 1, 2010
As one in six women and one in 12 men well know, a cure for migraines would mean relief from debilitating pain. In fact, the World Health Organization ranks migraines 19th among all causes of "years lived with disability."
That's why it's a big deal that an international team of researchers, having studied data from 50,000 people, identified a genetic risk factor associated with common migraines. The DNA variant in question affects the regulation of the neurotransmitter glutamate. It seems that this variant's effect is to thwart the clearance of glutamate from the synapses, potentially resulting in a migraine-inducing neurotransmitter buildup.
Needless to say, these findings have the potential to affect migraine treatments down the line.
That's why it's a big deal that an international team of researchers, having studied data from 50,000 people, identified a genetic risk factor associated with common migraines. The DNA variant in question affects the regulation of the neurotransmitter glutamate. It seems that this variant's effect is to thwart the clearance of glutamate from the synapses, potentially resulting in a migraine-inducing neurotransmitter buildup.
Needless to say, these findings have the potential to affect migraine treatments down the line.
Prostate Cancer
The Most Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Friday July 22, 2011
What are the most common symptoms of prostate cancer?
The most common symptoms of prostate cancer relate to problems with urinating. The prostate gland is located just under the bladder and wraps around the beginning of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body). When cancer or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) cause the prostate to enlarge there are numerous urinary symptoms that can develop. These are often the first symptoms of prostate cancer.
There are a number of less common symptoms as well.
There is much more to learn about both common and uncommon symptoms of prostate cancer.
The most common symptoms of prostate cancer relate to problems with urinating. The prostate gland is located just under the bladder and wraps around the beginning of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body). When cancer or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) cause the prostate to enlarge there are numerous urinary symptoms that can develop. These are often the first symptoms of prostate cancer.
There are a number of less common symptoms as well.
There is much more to learn about both common and uncommon symptoms of prostate cancer.
The Importance of Updating Family Histories
Monday July 18, 2011
A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association has highlighted the need for patients to update their family histories on a regular basis, especially when it comes to cancer.
The study showed the importance of an up-to-date family history for obtaining the appropriate cancer screening tests. For example, updating your doctor as to a sibling who has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer may significantly alter your doctor's recommendations for you as to when you should begin screening tests for prostate cancer.
Nearly all types of cancer have a set of screening recommendations for those individuals who are thought to be of normal risk of developing the disease and a second set of recommendations for those who are thought to be of high risk of developing the disease. One of the most common reasons for being considered "high risk" is to have a close family member (or multiple family members) who have been diagnosed with the disease.
Prostate cancer is well known to have a strong familial risk factor and it is important to let your doctor know when/if someone in your family is diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The study showed the importance of an up-to-date family history for obtaining the appropriate cancer screening tests. For example, updating your doctor as to a sibling who has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer may significantly alter your doctor's recommendations for you as to when you should begin screening tests for prostate cancer.
Nearly all types of cancer have a set of screening recommendations for those individuals who are thought to be of normal risk of developing the disease and a second set of recommendations for those who are thought to be of high risk of developing the disease. One of the most common reasons for being considered "high risk" is to have a close family member (or multiple family members) who have been diagnosed with the disease.
Prostate cancer is well known to have a strong familial risk factor and it is important to let your doctor know when/if someone in your family is diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Combination Treatment May Increase Long-Term Prostate Cancer Survival
Thursday July 14, 2011
A new study has shown that men with early-stage prostate cancer may have improved survival when treated with radiation therapy plus hormone therapy when compared with men treated with radiation therapy alone.
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, followed men for over 10 years who had undergone either radiation therapy alone or radiation therapy plus hormone therapy for their prostate cancer. The results showed that there was an overall significantly increased survival in the men treated with both therapies.
At the time of treatment, the men were categorized into low, medium, and high risk groups. The results showed that men in the low and risk groups showed no definite increased survival benefit from the hormone therapy, while the intermediate group did.
Of concern, the men who were treated with both radiation therapy and hormone therapy reported increased rates of erectile dysfunction than those treated with radiation alone.
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, followed men for over 10 years who had undergone either radiation therapy alone or radiation therapy plus hormone therapy for their prostate cancer. The results showed that there was an overall significantly increased survival in the men treated with both therapies.
At the time of treatment, the men were categorized into low, medium, and high risk groups. The results showed that men in the low and risk groups showed no definite increased survival benefit from the hormone therapy, while the intermediate group did.
Of concern, the men who were treated with both radiation therapy and hormone therapy reported increased rates of erectile dysfunction than those treated with radiation alone.
New, Expensive Prostate Cancer Treatments Getting Lots of Attention
Tuesday July 5, 2011
In the past year and a half, there have been three drugs approved by the FDA for use in men with advanced prostate cancer who have stopped responding to hormone therapy. They are the first new drugs to be approved since 2004 that have been shown to increase the length of survival in men with advanced prostate cancer.
That is, of course, great news for men with prostate cancer.
The drugs have been receiving a great deal of attention both inside and outside the healthcare world not only because they represent significant steps forward in the fight against prostate cancer, but also because they carry very large price tags.
The three drugs (Provenge, Zytiga, and Jevtana) each costs tens of thousands of dollars over the course of just a few months. Additionally, many men may receive more than one of these medications in succession in hopes of further increasing their survival - thus greatly increasing the price tag per patient.
In recent weeks, several prominent media outlets, politicians, and government agencies have cast their attention on these new, expensive prostate cancer treatments. Expect much more scrutiny of pricey treatments in the coming months as increasing health care costs become even more center stage for the U.S.
That is, of course, great news for men with prostate cancer.
The drugs have been receiving a great deal of attention both inside and outside the healthcare world not only because they represent significant steps forward in the fight against prostate cancer, but also because they carry very large price tags.
The three drugs (Provenge, Zytiga, and Jevtana) each costs tens of thousands of dollars over the course of just a few months. Additionally, many men may receive more than one of these medications in succession in hopes of further increasing their survival - thus greatly increasing the price tag per patient.
In recent weeks, several prominent media outlets, politicians, and government agencies have cast their attention on these new, expensive prostate cancer treatments. Expect much more scrutiny of pricey treatments in the coming months as increasing health care costs become even more center stage for the U.S.
10 Ways to Go Green and Save Green
1. Save energy to save money.
- Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
- Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
- Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
- Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
- Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
- Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
- Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
- Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.
- Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
- Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
- Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.
- If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.
- Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
- Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great.
- Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain [pdf]. This is especially true for seafood.
- Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
- Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.
- Check out this short article for the latest on bottled water trends.
- Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
- Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.
- When making purchases, make sure you know what's "Good Stuff" and what isn't.
- Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse.
- Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
- Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.
- Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
- Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.
- Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).
- Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
- Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.
- Recycle your cell phone.
- Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.
- The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.
- Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality.
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