Sharing is Not Always Loving

Kate M. Serrano

That’s correct. Sharing may not always mean loving. Such is the case for sharing a bed with your pets. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), roughly half of all dogs and 62 percent of cats in the U.S. sleep with their owners. While humans do benefit with this arrangement, there are a few factors to consider when sharing a bed with one’s pet.

Pets offer physical comfort. Animal company provides a positive result and may mean a more restful night. Having pets around lowers blood pressure while reducing loneliness and stress. These benefits are magnified when your dog is allowed to sleep with you. Cats are also cuddly and therapeutic but it may be a little trickier to sleep with. Because of their nocturnal nature and hunting instincts, a little of your tossing and turning may be enough to provoke a playful kitty. It can be harder to fall back to sleep after booting it out of the bedroom  as cats do not react well if you take away territory.

The risk of getting sick is another consideration. In rare cases for example, pet owners can become ill after making mouth-to-mouth contact with their pets which can easily occur while sleeping. Children can contract diseases after sharing beds with a flea-ridden cat. Or people who are sensitive to dust, pollen and fur may develop pet allergies. Kids, the elderly, and individuals with unstable immune systems will have to consider this as they are most vulnerable to diseases.

Dogs shed fur, cats may have dirty paws. If you don’t mind changing sheets or sending the comforter to the dry cleaner, then it shouldn’t be an issue. If you worry about the sheets being ruffled or the pillows scratched then it may be a good idea to make room for your pet in another spot.

There is no harm letting your pet share a bed with you but if this causes sleep-related issues then it is best to reconsider your night time arrangements. You may want construct a designated sleeping space for your dog or cat in another part of the house, somewhere warm and comfortable for them so you don’t feel as guilty booting them out of the bedroom.

                            

Not So Sweet Dreams

By: Jessica Robertson

We are all well aware of the constant presence of chemical compounds in our surroundings. Because of their prevalence, it can be a natural reaction to trust in their safety; anything so common shouldn’t be a threat. A team of environmental engineers from Cockrell School of Engineering has recently investigated a frightening topic that had never previously been considered. Looking at the foam padding in new crib mattresses, the team recorded high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the material. Sometimes found in products like household cleaners and sprays, VOCs include chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and acetone, among others. No conclusive studies have shown the definitive health effects of exposure to the chemicals, although they are regarded as dangerous chemicals.

By comparing polyurethane foam and polyester foam in a group of both new and old crib mattresses from ten different manufacturers, the researchers found that the new crib mattresses release VOCs at a level four times higher than old crib mattresses, and a baby’s body heat triggers VOCs to be emitted. Frighteningly, the VOC emission levels were found to peak in the baby’s immediate breathing zone. The VOC levels that the new crib mattresses emit are comparable to some other potentially hazardous household materials, including laminate flooring and wall coverings.

Considering that infants are highly susceptible to pollutants and that infants can spend over half of their time asleep in their cribs, the presence of these chemicals within the mattress material is shocking. The findings did not shock some of the experts, saying that the levels of VOCs, while surprising, were not high enough to cause true alarm for the safety of children. However, those experts deem this very valuable research and worthy of further investigation to assure safety. 

It is not recommended to replace new mattresses with older mattresses that contain banned substances, like flame-retardants; reusing an older crib mattress that is known to have no banned substances may reduce infants’ exposure. To reduce levels of VOCs in new mattresses, a period of airing-out may help. Keep an eye on this issue to make sure your children are protected.  

                         

Autism on the Rise

By: Daniela Silva

Autism is now believed to be affecting 1 in 68 children, rather than 1 in 88. An estimate of 1.2 million children and teenagers are believed to be affected by autism and are diagnosed by four main criteria: The ability to communicate, problems with social interaction, repetitive behavior, and severely limited interests. The increase in autism should not be a concern to expecting parents; it is said to be a result of a better diagnosis.

It is believed that genetics and environment do have a role in the development of autism but there is not yet substantial proof that this can be a factor. Children diagnosed with autism have several irregularities in the brain believed to be caused due to a disruption ith the genes that are responsible for the growth of the brain and regulate how the brain cells communicate with each other. Again this theory is preliminary and needs further study.

With treatment and age, autism can better and bring about significant improvement within the patient. Educational and behavioral treatment with medical and other controversial therapies can be used to aid in the improvement of the child however there is not enough information as to why it happens and how the disorder can be eradicated completely.

Nigari: You Will Hate to Like It

By: Kate M. Serrano

Sometimes wellness leaves a bad taste. It is the case of Nigari, the natural form of the Magnesium Chloride. This sea water extracted mineral is used to coagulate soya milk into tofu and has various beneficial properties for the human body. Magnesium Chloride has therapeutic and prophylactic effects for certain infectious diseases and help the healing and recovery of the human body.

Pierre Delbet, a French surgeon and founding member of what became the French Cancer Society, particularly uses Magnesium Chloride as the base of his experiments. His first studies date back to 1889 when he was looking for an antiseptic to clean contaminated wounds of soldiers that does not cause degradation of organic tissues. Unlike regular antiseptics used at the time, Magnesium Chloride perfectly fulfilled the role.

Much later studies have shown that this mineral can benefit blood pressure and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke. GreenMedInfo.com's database project records over 100 health benefits – premenstrual syndrome, aging, type 2 diabetes and migraine, among others. Not more than two years ago, I was periodically suffering tonsillitis. A friend advised me to drink a glass of water mixed with no more than a quarter tablespoon of Nigari every morning. Besides the horrible taste, the effect was immediate; it stopped the inflammation of my throat. I would even manage to trade my morning coffee with it as it boosts me for the whole day.

If you feel sudden loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness, these may be early signs of magnesium deficiency. One way to optimize magnesium level is by consuming plenty of organic green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. Or better yet try including seaweed, almond butter and unsweetened cocoa in your daily diet.

                                    

Potential New Class of Antibiotic

            

By: Jessica Robertson

All currently marketed antibiotics are slowly but steadily losing their power against the bacteria of our time. Bacteria have been exposed to our drugs for decades now, and they continue to develop resistance mechanisms. It is absolutely essential that new agents be developed to war against the infections of our day if we plan to remain victorious against modern disease.

            An international team of researchers from Germany, Austria, and Canada has been busy studying a promising new antimicrobial mechanism. They are observing a small peptide known as MP196, which represents a class of very small peptides with a positive charge; composed of just four to ten amino acids, these peptides are showing themselves effective against a wide array of bacteria, even those that are considered multi-drug resistant and are common causes of sepsis. In order for a drug to be approved for use, its mechanism must be fully and deeply understood; after much thorough research, this team has finally answered that question, making the path to a new antibiotic a little easier.

The team showed that the peptide forces its way into the membrane of the bacterial cell, causing major disruptions in some of the crucial proteins located in the cell wall. The bacterial cell cannot continue the synthesis of its cell wall, an ongoing process that lends protection and stability to the cell, and the cell can no longer efficiently produce its own energy, making all cell mechanisms impossible.

The processes by which the peptide disarm the bacteria are special in nature, and the researchers predict that the peptide will be particularly difficult for bacteria to develop a resistance against. The nature of the process also ensures that the peptides will not harm human cells, since human cells lack the cell wall that the peptides are designed to attack.

Findings such as these establish hope that even in the face of numerous multi-drug resistant diseases, the age of the antibiotic is not over. We can all do our part to prolong the efficacy of our current drugs by following the directions of our prescriber's. Do not stop taking a series of antibiotic drugs unless directed by your doctor, and always properly dispose of unused antibiotics by returning the leftover pills to a participating pharmacy, instead of throwing them in trash or flushing them through the water system.

Top 6 Super Foods for Asthma

There may not be a solid cure for asthma, however there is a variety of super foods with excellent nutrient profiles that are well suited to tackle and alleviate asthma symptoms such as the shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. These 12 super foods prove time and again that they can combat these terrible symptoms with wholesome goodness.

1. AVOCADOS - A rich source of glutathione, which has been proven to protect cells against free radical damage and been shown to successfully detoxify foreign substances such as pollutants.Without glutathione various antioxidants would not be able to function efficiently. Avocados provide an excellent source of vitamin E, particularly for asthma which is linked to a nut allergy (Nuts are ordinarily a prime source of vitamin E) However if you’re diagnosed with a latex allergy avoiding avocados may be in your favor; those allergic to latex are often allergic to avocados and other foods that contain chitinases. Organically grown avocados are not treated with ethylene gas which therefore results in lower levels of chitinases  

2. BROCCOLI SPROUTS - is the goldmine of nutrition, a excellent addition to your diet if you are a sufferer of asthma. Recent studies suggest that those who ate broccoli sprouts for 3 days had a significant increase in antioxidant compounds that control inflammation in the airway that is associated with bronchial asthma. The effect was even more so pronounced within those who had ate the most broccoli sprouts. Available at many health food stores, markets and grocery stores, these make a excellent addition to soups salads salsa topped dishes and sandwiches.  

3. APPLES - Some studies show that apples possess some very extraordinary properties that provide extra protection against asthma; Showing that children drinking apple juice daily have wheezing reduced up to 50%. These effects are caused by the fruits bioflavonoids, such as quercetin; which is known to possess strong anti-histamines, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. When purchasing apples, avoid shiny apples these ones are waxed and try and stick to organic, better yet, peel them before you eat them! Apples contain the highest levels of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

4. BANANAS -This super food may help you breathe easier. According to a study conducted in Britain children who consumed a banana a day had a 34% less of a chance of developing asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing. Bananas are one of the best sources of pyridoxine, commonly known as the vitamin B6. Pyridoxine plays a critical role in the production of adenosine trisphosphate (ATP_ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) molecules that have been proven to relax bronchial smooth muscle tissue.

5. GINGER - One of the most well known spices in the world, it is also known for its powers in aiding and relieving common illnesses, but what its not commonly known for is for its power to help alleviate asthma symptoms. The asthma fighting properties are thought to be attributable to gingerols, a strong anti-inflammatory substance that also gives ginger its strong distinctive flavor. Fresh ginger, is said to be the most effective form of ginger is available year round in the produce section of your local supermarket,                                                                                               

6. SPINACH - The nutrients found in spinach makes it one of the most valuable and important health foods that you can add to any anti-asthmatic diet. One study conducted with 68,535 female participants found that women with a high intake of spinach had a lower prevalence of asthma. Spinach is one of the best sources of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium. It also has a substantial amount of potassium content in comparison to its calorie content; a 100 calorie serving provides 40% of the reference daily intake for an important anti-asthmatic meal.

                                          

Ray of Hope for the Mantas

Kate M. Serrano

Would you kill a giant manta ray? You’re answer might be a big no yet unknown to some, manta rays are facing extinction. Manta rays are found in temperate, subtropical and tropical waters, single or in groups. Manta gills are highly valued in Chinese traditional medicine as they are used for trapping food particles when filter-feeding. What used to be known as limited scale fishery has become an expanding commercialized fishery in some countries thus dramatically increasing the number of mantas caught each year. And due to their slow growth and slow reproductive rate (one pup every 2 to 5 years), manta rays have a limited capacity to recover from overfishing; a decline in their population has been observed. Manta rays though are protected in some countries like the Philippines, Mexico, Ecuador, Hawaii, Western Australia, and New Zealand but they may migrate into unprotected waters of other countries.

Governments from the countries listed have laws in place that make harming or killing a manta ray illegal. This is not only for conservation but also for the amount of revenue that tourists pay to be in the waters with them. So what can we do to help?  We expose these manta rays to danger through the chemicals and toxins that enter the water. They have very thin mucus membranes that protect them, so it is important that we keep the waters clean. There are also cause-oriented groups all over the world that offer numerous information online we can reach out to. Learn more and inform others about the urgent need to protect manta rays. Or if you are brave enough, dive with a manta ray! Dive ecotourism is a more sustainable economic alternative to fishing. Time is ticking. We must act before it’s too late. 

New Prospect for Clean Up of Contaminated Soil

By: Jessica Robertson

It is no secret that the high level of pollution of our planet, from sources like car engines or even cigarettes, is harmful. One particularly common contaminant, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is a toxic tar substance that is believed to be a cause of cancer. These contaminants, and others, are often trapped in soil; PAHs, particularly, were thought to be mostly immobile in soil, binding to soil particles and being unable to dissolve in water. These qualities made clean up of contaminated soil quite a challenge.

A new study shows, however, a way to deal with these pesky contaminants. Some tiny microorganisms that do have the ability to move, like the unicellular slipper-shaped ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis, have the surprising ability to take up the substance into the lipid layer of their cell membrane and act as a shuttle to the PAHs. This method means a much faster transport of the PAHs than the method of simple diffusion; furthermore, the ciliates are still able to transport the PAHs when there is no fluid flow, a situation where diffusion would be impossible.

Increasing the mobility of the PAHs by ciliate transport can increase the exposure of the PAHs to bacteria that can degrade them or to plant roots that can absorb them. These being the two main methods of biological treatment of PAH-contaminated soil, introducing such micro-organisms to contaminated soil can speed up what used to be a lengthy bioremediation process. 

The Key to Longevity

By: Kate M. Serrano

It is well known that Japan has one of the better life expectancies worldwide. Scientists often explain this phenomenon by the quality and health content of food Japanese people eat: a lot of fish and vegetables and very little meat. But when two countries from Europe, namely Italy and Switzerland, are both as well ranked by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as Japan, the mystery of longevity once again becomes a blur.

The OECD is an organization of 34 countries that helps promote policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. They work with governments to seek solutions to common problems and help drive social, economic and environmental change. Since 1970, countries from the OECD have extended their life expectancy by ten years. This progress can be explained by the improvement of the living conditions and the advances in medicine. While the Japanese eat rice and drink tea, Italians eat pasta and drink coffee. In this case, it seems that the quality of food is not as determinant in the longevity as we thought it was. Geographically close to Italy, Switzerland is standing at the highest place of the podium with a life expectancy of 82.8 years and is one of the richest countries in Europe. Ironically the United States – who is as rich as Switzerland – is 24 ranks down.

So what is the key to longevity? It’s not just on the quality of food intake and eating patterns, it’s just a quarter of the story. There are other factors to consider – a healthy lifestyle and time well spent for loads of happiness.

                      

Breastfeeding too Sexy?

By: Daniela Silva

Breastfeeding in public has become a very heated and highly debatable topic; should breastfeeding in public really be covered up? Or should this unnecessary hype be disregarded and breastfeeding be treated as what it is? A natural source of nutrition for our infants.

Lets not beat around the bush, breasts have been sexualized to the point where even as new mothers, with sore and engorged breasts, pained from latching feel uncomfortable with feeding our own children in front of people. We have a responsibility to nourish our children when they feel hungry; yet we are expected to retreat and hide in wash-rooms and bedrooms to do so. If a woman chooses to breast feed without a cover it is her choice. If she chooses to retreat and hide because of her own comfort level, let it be her choice. Breasts have become way too sexy, and its a real shame. 

They were made for one sole purpose, to feed and nourish our children. Don't let anyone tell you to cover up, hide away or neglect your child just because they see your breasts as sexual objects.Normalize breastfeeding, it is the most natural way of nourishing and bonding with your child one can have; embrace it.