What Are You Hiding?

By: Kate M. Serrano

Almost everyone has at least one real or perceived physical imperfection. You may either think your nose is too big or that your lips do not have the perfect pout of Angelina Jolie’s. For those who are financially capable, seeking the help of a plastic surgeon is the quick solution. For those who are not, cramming a hat on the head to conceal a thinning topknot or a long-sleeved blouse, oversized shirt or ball cap can often provide a quick cover-up that is a cheaper and less painful alternative.

In extreme cases, body image issues may fall into the category of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This is a condition where a person obsessively worries about appearance, even for individuals who may actually look attractive. 93 percent of women and 82 percent of men openly admit that they care about their appearance and work to look more attractive while someone with BDD is overly preoccupied with worrying about his or her looks that it interferes with daily life.

In 2012, there more than 14 million cosmetic procedures performed in the United States alone and this is all in the pursuit of beauty. Below is a rundown of the top 3 body parts (in random order) people hide as they are most prone to criticism.

The Breasts. Breast augmentation tops the list of cosmetic surgeries performed in the U.S. in 2010 while breast reconstruction is among the top five reconstructive plastic surgeries. Breast issues can be disturbing for both men and women. For women most especially, the breasts have deep significance so problems with breast perception can have wide-ranging quality of life implications.

The Stomach. A large or sagging stomach is hard to conceal with layers of clothing. Unfortunately, women who have given birth may have trouble getting rid of that extra pouch of pregnancy-related stomach flab. It's hard to make a rounded belly look like anything other than what it is. Exercise and surgery may be the only two viable options.

The Face. The face is a person's most distinctive and recognizable body part but people most of the time perceive their facial features as being too large, too small, or uneven. It probably doesn't help that apart from the way the lips, nose, eyes, complexion, chin, and forehead are formed individually they have to work well together to create a pleasing whole. Nose reshaping and eyelid surgery were two of the top five cosmetic surgery procedures performed in 2010 in the United States.

Depending on the standards of beauty in a given culture, body parts transform to conceal or downplay specific flaws. But nobody is perfect. So don’t let the judgemental and harsh ones of today convince you that you’re not beautiful.

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.  

                         

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.

                                          

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.