Staying fit can be difficult at the start of the year. Cold, wet weather combined with dark evenings and the ‘come down’ from Christmas and New Year festivities can all make getting to the gym seem unattainable.
But all is not lost, everyday activities around the home can have huge physical benefits and support mental well being too. In fact, researchers at Oregon State University found that 300 minutes of household chores and other light-intensity exercise may be nearly as effective as moderate or vigorous exercise for older adults.
Activities such as hoovering, tidying and changing sheets all exert energy and are great all-round exercises for improving strength and flexibility and can be of great help in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other medical conditions.
AXA PPP healthcare has released the following infographic outlining just how beneficial everyday activities can be on the body, to celebrate a new year of living life well.
InformationComments Off on Meet The Stunning Animal Many Are Calling ‘The Most Beautiful Horse In The World’
May022017
As anyone who’s ever watched Animal Planet (or gone outside) knows, the biodiversity found among Earth’s many creatures can be pretty stunning.
As anyone who’s ever watched Animal Planet (or gone outside) knows, the biodiversity found amongst Earth’s many creatures can be pretty stunning. For those paying close enough attention, there’s almost no end to all the little variations to be discovered. Take horses, for example. You’re probably picturing a tall, regal animal galloping in a field, maybe with a black or brown coat (or even a white coat, if you’re into Westerns).
But no matter how many horses you’ve seen, you’ve probably never seen them like this:
These incredible animals are called Akhal-Teke horses and are native to Turkmenistan. We know what you’re thinking: Akhal-Teke? That sounds like a mythical steed from the Lord of the Rings. Although the comparison holds, we can assure you these sleek, metallic-looking animals are entirely real.
While Akhal-Teke horses are something of a national treasure in Turkmenistan, they are revered throughout Asia as well. Nicknamed “golden horses” or “horses from heaven” in China, they were originally bred to survive in extreme weather conditions and are known for their intelligence, endurance, and speed. Still, the most striking thing about them is their lustrous coats which seem to reflect the light.
The reason for this is that the structure of their hair follicles differs somewhat from other horses. The core of each hair strand on these animals is not as opaque as that of other horse breeds. Instead, there’s a larger transparent portion which takes up more space and captures more light. All this explains that glorious sheen as pictured below:
While the Akhal-Teke are undoubtedly beautiful, they are also quite rare. By the last count in 2012, there are approximately 6,600 Akhal-Tekes on Earth, the majority of which are in Turkmenistan and Russia. Due to their prized status, the government of Turkmenistan sometimes gifts these animals to other countries as diplomatic gifts. After all, who wouldn’t want one to spend some time with one these big guys?
Pictures of animals like these can be a humbling reminder of how vast the world really is and how much we still have to learn about it. Fortunately for those who can’t afford a plane ticket to Asia, we can appreciate the beauty of these gorgeous horses through our computer screens. Thanks, Internet!
InformationComments Off on 7 Things You Should Know About Bed Bugs
May012017
One in five Americans either has had bed bugs, or knows someone who has. And the problem isn’t going away. It’s actually getting a lot worse.
They’re tiny, resilient, and they want to suck your blood. Bed bugs are a serious issue that isn’t going away any time soon. Here’s what you need to know about the microscopic monsters.
As this video from the SciShow YouTube channel explains, bed bugs are one of the fastest growing pest problems in the developed world—and it’s getting worse. If you’re unfamiliar with bed bugs, or Cimex lectularius, they’re tiny, blood-feeding insects that have acquired a taste for us humans over thousands of years. In the video, you’ll learn that bed bugs can live just about anywhere in your home, stuffing bedding and mattresses in plastic bags to starve out bed bugs doesn’t work, and the most efficient way to kill a bunch of bed bugs is heat. Adults and eggs will die within 10 minutes if exposed to temperatures of 115 degrees Fahrenheit (but don’t go lighting your bed on fire.) Fortunately, bed bugs don’t seem to pass on disease like most other blood-feeding insects, so you can take some solace in that.
There are some things you can do to fight off bed bugs, like freezing blankets and linens for several weeks, or calling an exterminator. But the best thing you can do is try to prevent them. Seal up cracks and crevices around your home so they don’t have anywhere to hide, check hotel rooms for them so you don’t any home, and set out traps.
InformationComments Off on The World’s First ‘Clear Coffee’ Is Full Of Caffeine But Won’t Stain Your Teeth
Apr282017
Made from Arabica beans and water, Clr Cff is free from chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavors, and sweeteners.
Image Credit: @fabgiovanetti/Clr Cff
Caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in the world. And where do most people get their hit of it? That’s right, from coffee. The beverage is what persuades most people to leave their beds in the morning and embark on another day of work or errands. Unfortunately, a downside accompanies the consumption of the beverage: stained teeth.
Fortunately for coffee lovers everywhere, a clear version of the beloved drink has been invented. Not only is Clr Cff packed with caffeine, it is guaranteed to keep one’s pearly whites stain-free. As Mashablereports, the clear coffee (the first in the world!) was founded by brothers Adam and David Nagy.
The drink is made from Arabica beans and water and is produced using a secretive method “which has never been used before.”
Though the new product might make one apprehensive, the brothers guarantee that the drink is free from chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavors, and sweeteners.
The Nagy brothers were inspired to develop the product as they are self-proclaimed “heavy coffee drinkers.” David explained to the Evening Standard:
“Like many other people we struggled with the teeth stains caused by it. There was nothing on the market that would suit our needs so we decided to create our own recipe.”
Image Credit: @fabgiovanetti
It took three months of trial and error, but the duo eventually succeeded in making a clear coffee which reportedly tastes like cold brew-style coffee. Each bottle contains about 100 mg of caffeine, which is just slightly more than a conventional cup.
The clear coffee – which is best served chilled – is presently available on shelves at Whole Food Markets and Selfridges & Co in London. We expect the product will soon be available worldwide, however. After all, coffee is great, but being able to drink the beverage and maintain white teeth is even better.
Have you ever wondered just how far your money is going?
Whether it’s in your hometown, while you are traveling or during your vacation, money goes fast.
A recent report by Business Insider explains.
A gallon of gas varies from state to state. So does a cup of coffee and other consumer goods. This variation has to do with the real purchasing power of a dollar.
