Is Your Mattress Making You Sick?

The scary news that bed bugs might be carrying drug-resistant bacteria, including the superbug MRSA, provides all the more reason to make sure your mattress is as clean as it can be. But even if you don't have bed bugs, your mattress could still be causing you to feel sick—and it might even trigger asthma symptoms in those who suffer from dust allergies.

If you consistently wake up with watery eyes, a scratchy throat, or a runny nose, you might be allergic to your bed.  According to Web MD, dust mite droppings are among the top allergens that trigger asthma symptoms and aggravate allergies. And your mattress and pillows are prime hiding places for these common allergens.

Luckily protecting yourself from both germ-ridden bugs and dust mites is simple. Follow these steps to make sure your place of rest is as clean as can be.

1.    Invest in hypo-allergenic mattress covers.
Experts suggest covering your mattress and pillows with plastic or vinyl casings that seal in dust mites and other bugs so you don't inhale them. This step is especially important for those with asthma or severe dust allergies.  According to a 2003 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, those who used dust mite-proof mattress and pillow covers were able to reduce their asthma medications. In addition, hypo-allergenic casings also protect against mold, which is another common source of allergies.

Luxurious Bedding That Makes a Statement Too


2.    Replace old, uncovered mattresses.
If you're sleeping on an old mattress, chances are it's crawling with dust. In fact, according to Web MD, the average mattress will double in weight in ten years due to dust mites and their waste. Yikes!


3.    Wash bedding often in hot water.
Unlike cold water, washing sheets and other bedding in hot water will kill dust mites. Sheets should be washed once a week, while comforters can go one to two months between washings.

Eye-Catching Decorative Pillows


4.    Keep your bedroom clean, cool, and dry.
Dust mites and other allergens thrive in warm, humid places. Keep your room below 77 degrees F and consider investing in a dehumidifier in order to create an inhospitable environment for allergy-causing bugs and a comfy, clean place for you

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5 Ways to Lose Weight without Diet Pills

by Jessica Smith, REDBOOK

Most diet pill advertisements, these drugs can do everything from give you more energy to help you drop pounds in record time. And we're buying it – according to a recent CBS News report, Americans are spending over $35 billion a year on weight loss products. But what these supplement companies don't tell you is that most of their "success stories" are actually paid participants whose job it is to lose weight on a strict diet and exercise plan. (And believe it or not, a recent FTC investigation found that one popular diet pill brand had evidence from a study that found subjects lost more weight taking a placebo than the actual diet pill.)

Related: "I Went Undercover on America's Cheating Website"

So why not save some money, and potential health risks, and lose weight without the pills? Here are five ways to get the power of a pill (sans supplements) and speed up your weight loss naturally:

1. The Diet Pill Claim: Curbs your appetite.

Get it the drug-free way: Drink water instead! It's free, simple, and it works: a recent Virginia Tech study found that women who drank two glasses of water before every meal lost more weight than those who took diet pills to curb hunger.

2. The Diet Pill Claim: Speeds up your metabolism.

Get it the drug-free way: Sorry folks, but the best way to rev your metabolism is through exercise. "Do some heavy resistance training or HIIT (high intensity interval training)," suggests Michele Collier and John Dull, co-creators of the "Supreme 90 Day" system. "After just one session of HIIT, your metabolism can stay elevated for up to 18 hours after."

Related: The 18 Most Annoying Male Habits Explained

3. The Diet Pill Claim: Increased energy.

Get it the drug-free way: Spice up your meals! "Spicy hot foods and condiments increase circulation and increase metabolism," says Dr. Lynn Anderson, creator of the "Aero*Boga" DVD. "When you increase circulation to your brain, it gets charged and you get energized." Anderson recommends adding salsa, red pepper and a little horseradish to meals.

Related: 5 Things Super-Happy Couples Do Every Day

4. The Diet Pill Claim:Cuts cravings.

Get it the drug-free way: Got a craving for chocolate that just won't quit? Take a whiff of peppermint. One study done at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia found that subjects who regularly took sniffs of peppermint throughout the day consumed 2,800 calories less per week than their non scent-smelling counterparts. Researchers believe this may be because when our brains focus on a strong scent (such as peppermint) our focus is shifted away from the food we may be craving.

Related: 5 Dresses Every Woman Should Own

5. The Diet Pill Claim: Reduces calorie intake.

Get it the drug-free way: Eat in volume. If you like to eat, don't fight it! Instead, indulge in low-calorie, high-volume foods like broth-based soups, popcorn or large salads. A recent study published in the journal Appetitefound that subjects who consumed soup before a meal ate 20 percent less calories at mealtimes than those that didn't.

Jessica Smith is a certified fitness lifestyle expert and creator of the 10 Pounds Down DVD series.

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Injury-proof your gardening

Istockphoto

By Milena Damjanov

Getting on your hands and knees to plant, bending over to water—gardening can wreak havoc on your body. Sidestep mishaps with these tips from P. Allen Smith, author of the Garden Homeseries.

Health.com: Plant a healing herb garden

Protect your back
Plant your garden in raised beds and containers—it's easier on your back than bending way over to the ground.

Health.com: 5 quick ways to stop back pain

Get a grip
Pad the handles of tools with grip tape or foam rubber; this makes them easier to handle and prevents blisters.

Get your blood flowing
Warm up before you start gardening by walking or stretching. And don't do the same task in the same position for too long—that can lead to muscle and joint pain or repetitive-motion injuries.

Health.com: Walk a little, lose a lot

Keep it toxic-free
Reduce your exposure to pesticides by adding plants that repel bad bugs. For instance, garlic plants keep aphids away.

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6 foods that make you feel fuller, faster

Add olive oil to your weekly menu to feel fuller, faster.Credit: sxc.hu/pyong, pyong

Still can't kick those mid-afternoon cravings? If you're determined to stick with a healthy diet this week but are still battling hunger pangs throughout the day, it's time to stock up on foods that will make you feel fuller. Remember that very strong cravings for a certain food could mean your body has a deficiency of certain nutrients. Seeking out foods that will satisfy your appetite without exceeding your calorie quote for the day can be tricky. Fortunately, Mother Nature has provided us with dozens of foods that contain plenty of nutrition and will fill you up quickly -- without a calorie overload.

These six foods can make you feel fuller, faster:

1. Boiled Eggs

A boiled egg is high in protein and fat. Just one boiled egg can make you feel comfortably full for a few hours. Chop one up to add in your afternoon salad or enjoy one for breakfast with whole grain bread or cereal to say goodbye to hunger until lunch time.

2. Fatty Tuna or Salmon

Tuna, salmon and oily fish are high in Omega-3s, an essential fatty acid that is not only good for brain but can also keep you feeling fuller, longer. Add some tuna or salmon to your salad or enjoy grilled salmon filets for dinner a few times per week to get your fix.

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains oleic acid and healthy fats which can make you feel more satisfied. Add some olive oil to your salad dressings or enjoy some whole grain bread slices dipped in olive oil to keep hunger pangs at bay. Just a teaspoon of olive oil is all you need to feel fuller after your snack or meal.

4. Avocado

Another food high in Omega-3s, avocado packs a nutritional punch and can make any salad or sandwich that much more satisfying. If you're tired of the usual salad or sandwich routine for lunch, whip up some homemade guacamole with fresh avocado, or enjoy this addictive dip as a snack in the middle of a busy day.

5. Oatmeal with Lowfat Milk

A small bowl of old-fashioned oatmeal with lowfat milk can help to curb cravings for sugar-laden carbs. This healthy whole grain is rich in fiber and the protein content from the milk can help you feel satisfied for the next few hours. Add some flavor with a natural sweetener, cinnamon or even some cocoa.

6. Nuts

Walnuts, almonds and pine nuts are your best bet for taking care of those cravings for salty foods. Make some healthy granola bars with a handful of these nuts to keep hunger in check. Adding these nuts to your favorite baked goods or even sprinkling them on salads can help you feel fuller and more satisfied. As long as you're not overdoing it, the fat in these nuts won't add inches to your waistline.

High-fiber, low-fat foods loaded with nutrients are your best bet when you want to keep hunger at bay. Make sure you include these six foods in your weekly diet to nix cravings and extreme hunger for good.

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4 Common Weight Loss Questions Answered

As the Director of Nutrition at the Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa in Miami, Florida, Gayl Canfield spends her days educating guests on weight loss, healthy habits and how to enforce them at home. Guests at the renowned health and wellness resort attend 4-5 lectures a day, not just on nutrition, but on exercise and health issues as well. During a recent chat with Gayl, we tapped into her expertise to answer some of our most popular weight-loss related questions.

Q: We've heard that the best and healthiest way to lose weight is by losing no more than 2 pounds per week. Is that true?
A: That is the correct. In fact, we recommend 1-2, with 2 being the maximum. Losing any more weight is unhealthy, because you can't just ever lose fat tissue by itself, so when you lose weight you're also losing a little muscle mass. And losing a large percentage of muscle mass at once isn't healthy.

Q: How many days per week should we be exercising, and for how long?
A: Here at Pritikin, we follow the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines, which recommend physical activity six days out of the week. Basically, just try to be physically active almost every day. Whether that means going to the gym or going out for a walk, just keep moving. Try to get some variety in there, like cardio, strength training, yoga – it doesn't mean you have to go to the gym every day.
 
Q: What are some of the healthiest seasonal foods for summer?
A: We focus on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and summer's a great time for that. It's the healthiest food you can possibly eat, so get whatever is in season in your area.

Q: What advice would you give someone who wants to stick with a diet on vacation?
A: If you're eating in a restaurant, start your meal with salad and order vegetables as a side. I like to recommend people bring fruits as snacks on vacation. When you're out sightseeing, just having an apple or banana with you really helps as opposed to searching for something unhealthy.

More Healthy Living from Spa Magazine:

12 Wellness Tips for 2011

6 Easy Exercises for Getting Fit Now

5 Stretches to Increase Your Flexibility

5 Easy Ways to Relieve Stress

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How to Love the Weight You're At Right Now

Most of us have at least a few things we'd change about our bodies if we had the chance. But no matter if you're at your ideal weight or if you have quite a bit of weight to lose, you can learn to love the weight that you're at right now. It may sound hippity-dippity, but the more that you can begin to love and respect your body as it is now, the easier it can be to choose healthy behaviors that will allow you to get to your weight-loss goals or maintain your weight. So how do you start loving the weight you're at? With these tips of course!

1. Focus on what you love. No body is perfect, but instead of focusing on what you don't like about your body or your weight, switch your attention to what you do like. This switch in focus harbors self love and acceptance.

2. Nix negative self talk. Do you talk to yourself like you would your best friend? If not (and most of us don't), start paying attention to your inner dialogue. Whenever you catch yourself saying something not so nice to yourself, nip it in the bud by immediately replacing the negative thought with something positive about yourself. Awareness is key!

RELATED: Top Workout Motivation Tips from Real Women

3. Don't get stuck in the comparison trap. I learned about the "comparison trap" a few months ago, and it's really stuck with me as an important concept to break free from. In a nutshell, busting free from the comparison trap means that you make a pact with yourself to stop comparing yourself to others. Be it financial, career, weight, looks, family, material goods -- you realize that you can't be the best at everything, but you can be the best you.

More on SHAPE:
• 25 Exercises That Tone More Than You Think
• 10 Ways to Increase Your Metabolism
• 15 Cute Hairstyles to Rock at the Gym
• Jillian Michaels' 20-Minute Workout Routine
• 30 Gym Bags with Style

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Are you eating cloned food without knowing it?

Did you know the FDA does not require labels on most products made with genetically engineered plants or meat and milk from cloned animals?

Why? The agency says meat and milk from cow, pig, and goat clones and the offspring of any animal clones are as safe as the food we eat every day.

Okay, maybe that's true, but it still creeps me out. A lot. I want to know if something is cloned and make my own decision, thank you very much.

But wait, there's more…

Genetically modified versions of corn, soybeans, and canola are widely sold in the U.S., according to the USDA. About 60 percent of processed food out there has genetically modified ingredients.

Then there's the whole Frankenfish/super salmon thing. The fish is genetically engineered to grow twice as fast as normal salmon. If it's approved, it could be in grocery stores by 2012.

What to do? If you don't want to eat cloned or genetically modified foods, buy organic. And don't buy processed foods. Be careful with labels that claim a product is "GMO (genetically modified organisms)-free." It may not be. The only label backed by independent verification and testing says, "Non-GMO Project Verified." That label comes from a nonprofit group backed by food manufacturers, farmers, and retailers.

You can see a list of verified GMO-free products here.

Do you want labels on cloned food?

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4 Foods That Make You More Hungry

Whether you're kicking your weight-loss goals into play or looking to make tweaks to your diet, these foods will make your stomach growl even more. See which eats are empty promises, so you can steer clear.

French Fries

"Although school districts consider french fries a vegetable, they are really just starchy simple carbs that are fried, salted, and dipped in high fructose corn syrup (ketchup)," says Kate Brown, ISSA CFT forDailyBurn. "Between the salt and carbs, fries will always leave you wishing that you had ordered a supersize."

White Pasta

"White pasta is stripped of its original nutrient content and fiber, making it more concentrated and sweet but less healthy too," says Keren Gilbert, MS, RD and founder of Decision Nutrition. "The simple carbs cause your blood glucose levels to go up, which makes you feel hungrier."

Flavored Yogurt

While yogurt is packed with bone-benefitting calcium, that yummy Key Lime Pie flavor is packed with sugar, and sometimes, high-fructose corn syrup. Be sure tocheck the container's label before buying. Gilbert suggests buying plain yogurt and adding your own natural toppings like nuts and fruit for additional fiber and healthy fats.

Hot Dogs

"Filled with nitrates, dyes, preservatives, and high sodium, these links wreak havoc on our digestive systems," says Gilbert. "When you fill your body with unnatural ingredients, it won't feel satisfied for very long." Your better-BBQ pick? A hamburger!






Related Links

• The New Miracle Foods
• 33 Sneaky Ways to Look Thin and Stay Slim
• Your Energy: In Crisis
• 45 Best Body Secrets
• 10 Foods That Make You Sleepy and 10 That Keep You Up

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

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User Post: September 11, 2001 -- Where I was not.

September 11th did not affect me, directly. Not really.                                                                                                                      

I did not live in New York City, or Washington, DC or have a loved one aboard one of the hijacked planes.  I will never know what that day was really like.

I did not witness the smells and maybe worse, the sights.  Nor did I feel the ash permeate my clothes and my City.  I did not bravely continue to walk on the streets of New York on September 15th and 16th and January 14th.  Trying to live a life.

I was not trapped on an island, with the worst kind of murderer at large.  Commanded not to leave by the closing of all transportation.

I cannot let pride keep company with my grief because my son was one of the brave few who used his airplane ride to sacrifice his own life. Who though not trained or dressed in military colors, knowingly gave his own short and potential -filled life so that many more may live theirs. 

I did not have to attempt to guide my congregation whose neighbor is Ground Zero, through a process of making sense of something nonsensical. And answer questions, that really, had no answers.

I did not respond first or second or indefinitely and with no sleep.  I did not enter a field that the best training could not have prepared me for.  

And keep going in anyway.

I did not hold my buddy- my brother, as his last words were said to me. Requiring assurance that his wife and children would be taken care of, and that there would never be another friendship like ours.

I did not receive a call, letting me know that my daughter was okay, safe at 9:51, not to hear from her again.

I did not scour the streets, desperate.  Posting photos and descriptions of my aunt, my mother, my daughter, begging and pleading with strangers and God to tell me that they had seen her, that she was okay.  

I did not pray that after seven days, one of the survivors miraculously pulled from the rubble, would be my dad, my brother, the father of my beautiful and deserving children.  

I was not met with the realization of hopelessness when the mission turned from search and rescue to recovery.  

Instead, my holidays are enjoyed with the company of my family and closest friends.  Every one accounted for.

My loved ones know my children, and are at birthday parties and Christmas Eve dinner.  Every day of my life, I thank God for this.  

Really, there are only three thoughts seemingly appropriate for me to share on a day as monumental and somber as the tenth anniversary of September 11th.  

The first is for those who survived September 11th, and the families of those who did not.  Know that so many of us have you in our prayers regularly.  

While we cannot understand the trauma that you are forced to process or repress, and the grief that lives in your innermost self- that may define you, we pray that you seek strength and comfort from those of us who know that we cannot understand.

The second is for the responders of that horrific day, and the days and weeks that followed.  Bravery, selflessness, courage…certainly none of these words identify what it took to choose to walk into what is now known as "Ground Zero".    

Repeatedly.  

None must be fitting for the Hell going on around you as you persisted in your "job".  Somehow, and unbelievably, making sense out of chaos.  Carefully and methodically carrying on, brick by brick, through fire and smoke and buildings collapsing around you- otherworldliness.  Driven by a desire to make sure that everyone survives.  

The third is for our military.  Those who keep us safe and confident with the knowledge that they too, are willing to sacrifice their own life to ensure that my son plays another game of hide and seek, and my grandmother enjoys another cup of tea.  

So today, I would like to share a deep gratitude to our military and rescue personnel, and admiration and solace to the women and men and children who were truly impacted by September 11th.     

A warm thank you for taking the time to read today's musing!

  I would love for you to stop by and visit www.ponderingjane.com, for more musings, tips, information and humor on family living!

If you have a minute follow the link below to stop by and visit me on Facebook (where I sure would appreciate a "like"):

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pondering-Jane

or on Twitter:  @ponderingjane

Jen

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Kathy Griffin's D-list stay-fit and fabulous tips(video)

By Laurel House

Kathy Griffin is just like you and me when it comes to being a time-crunched, over-extended, do-everything chick. But she still has to  look like she has it all together, while staying slim, pretty, in shape and TV-ready, all the while doing her best not to end up on "The D-List." And that's why she has lots of quickie tips to fit in fitness, dating, and stayingbalanced- both on the road and at home. We call them DailyQuickies. Sure, we all know what a "quickie" is, but it's more than that; it's a lifestyle. Just as "quickies" are fun, exciting, sometimes unconventional, resourceful, efficient, sexy, quick, and always (or almost always) instantly gratifying… so are DailyQuickies. These aren't long overdrawn processes that require prep-work, expensive equipment, patience and perseverance. They are right now solutions that work!

Here are Kathy's go-to's when it comes to:

Style: Classic dress, simple colors and flats- at events

Beauty: Powder and Vaseline

Fitness: Hiking and Walking

Little Indulgences: Chocolate Squares

Getting Him to Ask for Your "Digits":Throwing herself at them

Alcohol: Nope

Like ExerciseTV on Facebook! 

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