Here are this week's reading diversions for your personal enlightenment. Have a splendid weekend!
To make sure you’re not sabotaging your style, have a glance at the sock rules and make an effort to rectify any deviant sock tendencies you may have.
Too much fat in men's diet could lower chances of fertility: Study
In a study of 99 U.S. men, researchers found an association between high total fat intake and lower total sperm count and concentration. It also found that men who ate more omega-3 fats (often found in fish and plant oils) had better formed sperm than men who ate less of these types of fats.
Eight great travel tips for retirees | BrighterLife.ca
If you’re travelling for pleasure, it’s your adventure – so be adventurous! Eat something you’re not used to. One of my nephews once travelled to Rome, home of one of the world’s great cuisines. What did he eat? Peanut butter from home, spread on whatever bread or rolls he could get. You can do better than that. Whenever you can, eat at local restaurants for a more authentic experience. And talk to the locals. They know when the bus comes, what to do, where to eat. Just ask!
What if every day was Valentine’s Day? | BrighterLife.ca
In the heart of Paris is perhaps the most romantic spot on earth. Couples huddle on the picturesque Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. With the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre as their witnesses, they bring a padlock, tenderly hold hands and make private commitments to each other. After a smooch or two, they fasten their padlock to the bridge and to symbolize that they’ll never go back on their commitments, they toss the lock’s key into the river below.
Taking Care of Yourself - Advice for Caregivers - Pets & Stress - Oprah.com
Researchers who tracked 24 hypertensive stockbrokers who adopted a cat or dog found that pet ownership blunted the blood pressure response to mental stress (incidentally, the standard hypertension drug did not). Don't have a pet? Visit a neighbor who does or stop by an animal shelter on your way home.
Life Experiences You Won't Regret Missing - Lisa Kogan - Oprah.com
There are people who search and delve and pioneer, and we are all the richer for it. But there's something to be said for the occasional road not taken. Sometimes the quest to restore creativity and courage begins with a single, mascara-free Saturday filled with fettuccine and flannel and more than a few episodes of Downtown Abbey (and, of course, by Downtown Abbey, I mean reruns of CSI: Miami). Here, a little encouragement for anybody who's looking to sit this one out.
Four cleansing benefits of dandelion and a... | Chatelaine.com
Still skeptical? Here are four reasons to consume these weedy wonders (and yes, they're available at grocery stores too):
Aspirin May Lower Skin Cancer Risk | Men's Health News
You already know sunscreen may help protect you against the sun’s rays. Now, a new study finds common anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin may lower your risk of developing life-threatening forms of skin cancer, too. (Here are 20 Little Changes for a Healthier Life.)
Say Hello to "Healthy Junk-Food" | Men's Health News
Consuming dark chocolate can leave the body feeling fuller and less hungry, reports a recent study published in Nutrition and Diabetes. The study monitored the appetites and energy intake of men who consumed portions of dark and milk chocolate
Information About Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic and serious inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically the lower intestines. The disease is also sometimes referred to as ileitis, regional enteritis, or Crohn’s colitis. Gastroenterologists may use one of these terms to differentiate the portion of the bowel that is affected by the disease.
Secondhand Smoke Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - Secondhand Smoke At A Glance on MedicineNet
Thirdhand smoke exposure is a new concept; it is exposure to many of the toxic agents in smoke that have accumulated (as residue) in clothing, drapes, rugs, furniture, dust, and other items due to secondhand smoke. The toxic agents, deposited in and on items from secondhand smoke, can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes of non-smokers, especially by infants and young children. Prevention of secondhand smoke exposure can prevent thirdhand smoke exposure.
Smoking Effects Pictures: How Smoking Affects the Teeth, Face, Lips, Skin & Breasts
There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, and many of them trigger the destruction of collagen and elastin. These are the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. Smoking or even being around secondhand smoke "degrades the building blocks of the skin," Keri says. The consequences include sagging skin and deeper wrinkles.
Staying social could shield your brain from the effects of aging, shows a study from the Harvard School of Public Health. Among a group of 16,638 older adults, the least socially active participants showed twice the rate of memory decline compared with the most gregarious folks.
Pet ownership's effect on your health: for good or bad - latimes.com
There are obvious pluses and minuses to living with pets, not only with respect to your happiness and housekeeping, but also with respect to your health. Here's a sampling of some of what scientists know about how pets can affect your physiological and psychological well-being — the good, bad and downright gruesome.
7 Foods That Don't Need to Be in Your Fridge | Shine Food - Yahoo! Shine
There are impostors in your refrigerator! Foods that you may think need refrigeration, but in reality, are totally fine without it.
Gallery: These foods have super powers vs. diabetes
Beans, such as navy, black, kidney or pinto, are very high in fiber, with about a third of the daily requirement in a half-cup. They're starchy vegetables, but a half-cup provides as much protein as an ounce of meat.