environment

We all strive to be “happy and healthy,” yet both can be elusive and even subjective. How one person describes their level of happiness might seem snooze-worthy to someone else. So how do we figure out what really makes us happy? And what is happiness anyway? First, let’s start with a simple definition. Happiness is…

Have you ever considered putting your food scraps to good use by composting them? It’s not as complicated as you may think. Composting is an economical way to recycle food and plant waste and provide a little extra TLC to your garden. How to get started First, decide on the type of container to use.…

Next to the benefits of a healthy diet, sleep is one of the most essential requirements for maintaining optimal physical and mental wellbeing. Individuals who have normal and consistent sleep patterns benefit from increased longevity, improved brain health, higher HDL levels, and healthy blood sugar levels. This is no big surprise because sleep restores you…

We know that we've all been home more recently with COVID, but did you know that the average house collects a shocking 40 pounds of dust per year? Dust is more than just the thin layer of dirt you see accumulating on your dining room table. Common household dust contains a variety of particles, many…

Researchers have been suspicious about the adverse health impacts of hair dye for many years, and rightly so. Several studies have already revealed a strong link between the regular use of permanent hair color and an increased risk of certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis in women. As the largest consumer of hair products, it only…

Most of us love spreading peanut, almond, or cashew butter on our favorite foods. The sad truth is that not all nut and seed butter is created equal, especially peanut butter. There’s a dark and dirty little secret you might want to know about America’s favorite sandwich spread. Let’s start with the basics. Peanuts are…

Did you know that the bacteria in your gut actually run the emotional part of your brain? It seems a bit far-fetched, but it's true! The emotions we have on a moment by moment basis are not just "out there somewhere" feelings that ebb and flow throughout the day. Instead, they are largely influenced by…

A good night’s sleep is worth almost any amount of money, especially if it’s been weeks, months, or even years since you’ve slept well. Over-the-counter supplements that promise a good night’s sleep are nearly everywhere, which is clear evidence that this issue affects a significant number of us.  Research has shown that consistent quality sleep…

New Year's Resolutions.  Whether you love them or hate them, the tradition still runs strong. A simple Google search will pull up over 24-million internet pages about how to set them, keep them, and ignore them. And much of the information is snooze-worthy, to say the least. Setting a few resolutions at the beginning of…

Think back to all the years you've regularly visited the dentist to ensure healthy teeth and gums. How many of those visits involved the use of fluoride to enhance your dental health? Probably almost all of them!  Unfortunately, fluoride has a dark side that many people don't know about and your dentist isn't telling you…