New bodybuilding QA site proposed at StackExchange
For those of you familiar with StackExchange (StackOverflow/ServerFault) you might know it is a great QA platform.
You might not know that groups are now forming their own exchanges, and there is one proposed for BodyBuilding.
If you are interested in helping this site get up and running, all you need to do is follow the above link.
It is a really great opportunity to form a helpful online community.
The end of antibiotics?
Antibiotics as we know them today, have only been around for close to one hundred years. They were once heralded as a key to end all disease, but we may soon discover that our use/overuse of antibiotics have become a Pandora’s box. Overtime, bacteria become more resistant to our current arsenal of antibiotics. By treating infections with antibiotics we ensure that only the strongest and most resistant variants survive. This leads to stronger and stronger strains of bacteria reproducing. This cycle requires constant development of stronger and strong antibiotics which in turn ensure that over time we will eliminate all but the most resistant and un-treatable strains of bacteria.
It has been a growing concern that we might reach a point where common antibiotics become completely ineffective, and we are left only with powerful antibiotics that have serious side effects. Eventually even our most power antibiotics will become useless.
If this sounds slightly alarmists, it might be. Instead of just trying to fight off minor infections, more and more people are going to the doctor at the first signs of feeling bad. Doctors prescribe antibiotics, and with prices are so low today, with many antibiotics showing up on $5 plans, most patients have little incentive to not purchase and take the drugs. As we essentially over medicate ourselves with antibiotics we move closer and closer to a day when they will fail us all-together.
So, has this made you twice about rushing off to the doctor for another round of antibiotics?
Further reading : The Guardian : The era of antibiotics is coming to a close. In just a couple of generations, what once appeared to be miracle medicines have been beaten into ineffectiveness by the bacteria they were designed to knock out. Once, scientists hailed the end of infectious diseases. Now, the post-antibiotic apocalypse is within sight.
FDA warns of Vitamin D supplementation for infants
The FDA recently published a statement about the dangers and risks associated with giving infants and young children vitamin D supplements. The article suggests that supplementation is suggested for children breast feeding. We highly suggest anyone currently giving or considering giving a child vitamin D supplements read this article.
As a reminder, the human body does produce its own vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight. For those wanting a quick refresher (see Wikipedia). Also please note that humans have been relying on sunlight and diet for vitamin D for as long as we have been around. Since you can overdose on vitamin D, please make sure you actually need the supplement before taking it or giving it to a child.
How long can 10 minutes of exercise boost your body?
I’ve recently “discovered” burst or high intensity interval training, a method of exercise that tries to maximize benefits of exercise while minimizing the time spent actually performing the exercise.
It all comes down to chemistry, and how the body reacts to the physical stresses of exercise. The theory is that by pushing your body to the limits for about a minute, then resting until you can go again, you force maximum benefits in just a short 10-20 minute session. I don’t know about you, but ten to twenty minutes of cardio is much easier to put in over hours and hours, and burst can actually outperform, its simply amazing.
Today I ran across a story from CBC News that gives extra credence to the burst theory :
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/31/exercise-metabolism.html
More and more studies are showing the benefits of exercise at a chemical and cellular level. I hope this helps motivate some out there to start putting in at least ten minutes of exercise a day. You’ll feel better and hardly notice the effort!
Cancer, UV, tanning and sunscreens…
For years we have all been told that UV light causes cancer. Since the majority of our UV exposure comes from sunlight, we have constantly been told over the years to wear sunscreen. Sounds like pretty good idea right? Simply put on some lotion and go enjoy your time in the sun worry free. This idea is starting to come apart, new reports are showing that the use of sunscreens may actually accelerate or increase your risks of cancer. These increases are due to the chemicals commonly used in making sunscreen. It is also interesting to learn that the forms of vitamin A that many companies include in their lotions as “antioxidants” break down in the presence of UV light and actually become carcinogenic themselves.
Besides the potential for your sunscreen actually cause or accelerate skin damage, there are two other major drawbacks.
First is the fact that screening out UV(UVA and UVB) light dramatically reduces your production of vitamin D. The body is made to rely on sunlight and its UV light as a major source of this vitamin. Vitamin D is commonly accepted to assist in strengthening bones and the immune functions, but many people attribute many more health benefits to this vitamin such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and maintaining sound mental and emotional health. There are vitamin D supplements, but many cannot agree on the type and amount that the body would need to properly compensate for a near total lack of natural vitamin D production.
The second major drawback to sunscreens might at first seem cosmetic; sunscreens keep the body from forming a natural tan. But tanning is the skins natural way to defend against the harmful effects of UV exposure. Without letting the body form a natural tan, you keep requiring the repeated use of sunscreens to defend against the burning effects of the sun.
For more information on the harmful effects of sunscreens we suggest reading:
Sunscreens Exposed: 9 surprising truths
Study: Many Sunscreens May Be Accelerating Cancer
More evidence against simple carbs
The Independent release a good article today expressing the idea that the war against fats, might not be rooted in much fact, at least when it comes to heart disease. The article does a good job pointing out the fact that refined carbohydrates, such as processed sugar, white breads, sodas and candy put a tremendous amount of stress on the body, including the cardiovascular system. It appears that consuming large amounts of easily processed carbohydrates creates stress on the lining of the arteries themselves.
It seems the more research done on the health impact of simple carbohydrates the more we find out just how bad they are for you. This should be a serious wakeup call to anyone stripping fats out of their diet in favor for simple carbohydrates.
Don’t blame it on the burgers (The Independent)
LowCarb/Burst Update
Still sticking with the plan.
I already have some positve results, and I’m feeling better now that I’m off carbs. I’ve done low(er) carb for many years, but really need to get back an focus on eating healty, so more fruits and vegtables. Also I’m trying to stay away from bad fats and salt.
Low Carb + Burst put to the test
Today I’m starting a low carb and burst regimen. Hopefully the results will warrant some before / after pictures. I’m starting this adventure at 250lbs and hope to get down near 200. I’ll be documenting this daily so keep watching for updates.
As far as supplements, I’m looking at some simple one, most likely some probiotics, L-Arginine, B Vitamins and a good multi vitamin.
Let’s see where this goes.
GeekHealth Review : Supplement-IT
What is it?
Supplement-IT is a nutritional supplement formulated to specifically address the physical and mental stress challenges of Information Technology Professionals. Supplement‐IT takes a nutraceutical approach to supporting performance‐based functions such as enhanced concentration and mental clarity; sustained energy and endurance, promotion of a calm and controlled mood, and boosted immune system response.
How was Supplement-IT created?
Supplement-IT was created by two Information Technology Professionals who lived your daily grind.
“We know first-hand the effects of sleep deprivation, relentless pages, never-ending bridge calls, and the cubical life. We’ve been there, and we know your pain. We decided there HAS to be a better way to deal with the work-stress than just caffeine and energy drinks!”
Review Results
GeekHealth.org distributed bottles of Supplement-IT to a number of IT professionals: Developers, CSRs, and System/Network Administrators along with office administrative staff.
100% of the results reported back were extremely positive: Supplement-IT delivers a quality product that lives up to its claims.
In addition to the positive feedback we received, we are very happy to report that not one review
er encountered any adverse side effects. This was very good news because a number of our reviewers were also taking prescription medications and were initially concerned about interactions.
Reviewer Comment Highlights
· At first I was skeptical, but I definitely noticed a reduction in my eye strain on days I took Supplement-IT.
· Now when I feel a headache coming on, or start to feel my eyes go fuzzy, I bypass my aspirin and go for Supplement-IT.
· I’d take it just for the focus enhancement alone, having the other effects are just icing on the cake.
· I hate to admit it, but I’m taking it at home too. I take one before sitting down to play my X-Box. I can play for an hour or two at a time, and Supplement-IT actually helps me perform better.
· It has helped me get through a very stressful week.
· There wasn’t a kick or rush, which I expected. This stuff just kind of gets to work quietly but you can tell it is helping.
What are the Ingredients?
Quercetin: Antioxidant supporting mental alertness, concentration, work performance, and attention to detail
Theanine: Amino acid found in green tea. Theanine can produce a calming effect and improve mood along with increasing focus and cerebral functions. Safe to use if you are already caffeinated, in fact Theanine has been found to be synergistic with caffeine. [More Information]
Citicoline: Assists with concentration, energy, optimal neural function, and cognition. Nicknamed “food for the brain”
Lutein: Carotenoid found in green vegetables, alleviates eye strain, light damage, and maintains skin-health (elasticity & hydration)
Rhodiola Rosea (golden root): Mood lifter which fights stress, anxiety, and depression
Beta Glucan: Naturally boost your immune system
Vitamins D & E: Provides nutrients lost from sunlight deprivation.
Where is the Caffeine?
One common initial misconception we encountered was that an IT supplement must be an energy booster filled with stimulants. Reviewers were pleased to find out that Supplement-IT contains no caffeine or other stimulants.
Who Makes it?
Working with the staff at SMAZEN was a pleasure. They were quick to respond to all our questions, and we would like to point out most of the questions our reviewers asked before taking Supplement-IT were already addressed on the Supplement-IT FAQ
It is clear that the staff at SMAZEN have done their homework to develop and produce a safe and effective product.
GeekHelath.org fully supports SMAZEN and Supplement-IT.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein. Once formed, the clot can either restrict or cut off blood flow to the part of the body where it forms, or break free and travel to other parts of the body. If the clot travels to the lungs, it can cause a very serious condition called pulmonary embolism.
Main Causes
DVT has three major contributing factors: blood flow, blood thickness, vein health.
While DVT is most common after long periods of near complete immobilization, it can also occur during extended periods of sitting. DVT has been seen more frequently during long distance travel in airplanes leading some to refer to it as Economy class syndrome.
Relationship to office work
Many of today’s IT and office staff are spending more and more time working at their desks. When you pair this with not drinking enough water and poor sitting positions, you can dramatically reduce the circulation in your legs. These conditions are very similar to those found in airplanes and trains, so it should be of little surprise that DVT can also occur in the office environment.
Be aware, and protect yourself
There are a number of simple things you can do to help protect yourself from DVT:
- Move – Once an hour, stand up, stretch, and if possible take a small walk.
- Stay hydrated – Make sure you are getting enough water.
- Check the ergonomic layout of your working conditions : Workspace Planner