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This video talks about the effects that ignoring our bodies’ natural processes has on us. As a consequence for our obsession with smart phone and tablets, we have forsaken many things we once held in high regard — contact with those physically around us, attention to tasks like driving, and sleep.
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When big business and food meet, the results are often delicious. But is it healthy? I recently read an article in Reader’s Digest (June 2015, print issue) about 50 things food manufacturers don’t tell consumers about packaged foods. Here are some that I found particularly deceptive:
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There is a lot of information, and misinformation, about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This video from PBS.org cuts through the myths about GMOs spread by the corporations who create these “Frankenfoods,” foods which have never been scientifically confirmed to be safe for consumption, despite what these corporations are telling consumers.
A few days ago, I came across an article called, “Students in Full-Scale Revolt Against Michelle Obama.” Naturally, I was intrigued, and clicked on the link.
Upon arriving at the site, I quickly realized from its title, “ConservativeTribune.com” with the curious sub-heading, “In Defense of Western Civilization,” that anything written in this article would probably be heavily biased against Michelle Obama. And it was.
Tanya’s Comment: The over-charging of life saving medications needs to stop.
By Robert A. Vella
High demand means high prices. That’s the system of capitalism which dominates our world today. In theory, market competition rises in proportion to growing demand which exerts downward pressure on prices through innovation and increased efficiency. However, reality often doesn’t match theory in the realm of economics especially in the U.S. Enabled by the de facto practice of corporatism, business interests can monopolize markets, drive out the competition, and exploit consumers and workers. In the health care industry, this leads to exorbitant costs that can limit or exclude vital medical services from whole groups of sick and injured people.
Such is the case now with a new and effective hepatitis C drug called Sovaldi.
From Reuters (March 21, 2014) – U.S. lawmakers want Gilead to explain Sovaldi’s hefty price:
(Reuters) – U.S. lawmakers have asked Gilead Sciences Inc to explain the $84,000 price…
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Tanya’s Comment: Treating gun violence as a public health issue is completely proper given the amount of people who are killed, including accidentally, by guns every year. For the NRA to have the power to prevent the medical community (researchers and doctors) from doing its job is insane. Doctors have a responsibility to their patients, but their hands are tied if they can’t discuss guns with patients they fear may be in danger of hurting themselves or others with a firearm.
Several years ago, the American Medical Association advised doctors to ask their patients about firearms and “educate patients to the dangers of firearms to children” in the name of public health. But doctors in Florida may be suppressed from giving this medical advice, now that a federal appeals court upheld a Florida law that became known as the “physician gag rule” because it punishes doctors for talking about guns.
The ruling could have major implications as policymakers examine gun violence as a public health issue. The National Rifle Association-backed law it upheld imposes severe limits on when doctors can ask their patients about guns or keep records in their patients’ charts about firearm safety. Doctors who are found to have violated the provision risk sanctions or loss of their license.
At least ten medical associations and the American Bar Association argued that the law should be struck down because doctors…
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MSN has a video up about the debate over whether organic produce is healthier than conventional produce. The video cites studies done that compared the two and found that organic fruits and veggies have up to 70% more antioxidants than conventionally grown food. The studies also confirm that organic food doesn’t contain chemicals that conventional food is doused with, namely pesticides and cadmium, thus making organic healthier.
Tanya’s comment: To practice self-compassion is to forgive yourself for your mistakes; to stop saying “I should’ve…”; to stop criticizing yourself for things you can’t change. Seeking to improve one’s self is a great pursuit, but constant self-judgement is not productive.
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The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization that works to provide consumers with the truth about what’s in our products and the effects product ingredients can have on our health. They cover a wide range of household items, including skin care, food, and cleaning supplies. Just in time for summer is their guide to what to look for, and watch out for, in sunscreens.
Illuminate 