But since I’m not technically a health nut and I really love talking with you guys most about philosophy, oddities, relationships, humor and life, that’s what I’m going to talk about. You can find out about my new projects for 2008 at a little site called SaraOst.com. I’m not going to say I’ll miss you all, because I know we’ll catch each other on the internets soon.

Now, what about the ‘bolt? No worries. B5 has hired two awesome, smart, experienced bloggers, Liz and Liberty, to bring you daily health delights. Liz is an American-turned-Kiwi, reformed military brat who loves trotting the globe, a writer, an RN (An expert around here! Finally!), and she spent a year living with princes and princesses in Saudi Arabia (she doesn’t recommend it). Liberty is a freelance writer, and, well…from Liberty:

Like my Healthbolt predecessor, I too am left-handed, proving without doubt that
lefties are terribly brilliant. I’m a magazine junkie to the point that I am currently looking into entire display units to house my subscriptions. I can go from goofy to serious with a shift of the wind. It’s a gift. I’ve written a novel that will likely never see the the inside of a Borders. But it’s a damn cool accomplishment. I have former lives in the pharmaceutical, jewelry, shopping center and automotive industries. My hamster just died and telling my kids was heartbreaking. For me. I’m pretty sure that if there was some way to make out with my Mac, I probably would. I love it THAT much.

Have fun, gang! And keep in touch.

(Wobbly smile, pushes Publish, walks away…)

Post from: Healthbolt

Our Governments can do anything. They have all sorts of strange technologies they’re not sharing with us. All sorts of fantastic proofs for the unexplained mysteries of the universe, and national cover-ups so fabulous you’d never credit it (Here’s one for free – yes, we landed on the Moon – but we built it first. It’s made of plywood, which took decades to ship up there. See? You don’t believe me).

And it’s common knowledge that all the government agencies can spy on us from above, using all those secret satellites up there. They can do anything with those satellites – maybe even look into our bodies and diagnose illnesses.

The Washington Post reports that a man in Rayville pocketed more than $800,000 from family members and friends by claiming his wife was a CIA agent that could arrange for spy satellites to scan their bodies in search of medical problems. But that’s not all: if a problem was found, a cure could be secretly administered as they slept. (So that’s why those Men In Black always look so healthy). This would cost a bit extra, of course.

The doctor will shortly be in.

Tragically, instead of being hailed as national heroes in the quest for freedom and justice, the couple in question were convicted of fraud, forced to pay everything back, and locked away for a total of nine and a half years. The District Attorney even went as far as labeling them “scam artists”, and the national media ran with the story until its legs gave out…..because at the end of these long winter days, there’s nothing more heartwarming than hearing about people making absolute fools of themselves.

But do you know what this really sounds like to me? Cover-up. Yeah.

(This is a guest post by Mike Sowden).

(Image credit: BBC News Online)

Post from: Healthbolt

When we think about our health, we usually focus on things like wrinkles, Omega-3’s and beer bellies. Fiber may be bulky and greens may be grand, but in the scheme of things, I think the kind of life you lead may be much more important. I’m not saying a chipper outlook will squelch diabetes or that a thoughtful life will eliminate the need to hit the gym on a regular basis. But I do think that internal satisfaction cannot help but to create a right relationship with yourself, your body, and your life. (I know, I know…what is this impenetrable silver lining and what have you done with Sara?)

Here are 28 things health experts don’t talk about that really matter for your health.

1. Overlook small inconveniences rather than complain about them.
2. Change your own tire, scrub your own tub, dry your own hair.
3. Let go of sarcasm by default. True conversation is so rewarding. (Develop yo skillz.)
4. Stop every hour at work to take a short walk or get a drink of water.
5. Pay your bills on time. If you can’t, call the company instead of avoiding the problem.
6. Return phone calls. (Texting is for pansies.)
7. Keep plans. If you keep canceling, that means: find new friends. Hooray!
8. Avoid telling white lies. Asserting yourself is liberating and no one cares that much anyway. Dammit!
9. Learn the facts of a situation to the best of your ability rather than going the sound bite route. Because in real life it’s just too much chew and not enough juice.
10. Read something every day.
11. Trust the opposite gender implicitly; reserve judgment for the individual.
12. Let go of the adversarial mindset in relationships. (My court vs. your court instead of playing on the same team. It’s tough to keep the ball in the air when you’re both watching your backs.)
13. Maximize thy gadgets. This is a fun way to stay sharp and spend money.
14. Assume that whatever it is, it’s not about you. You’re just not that important!
15. Learn a language. If only to swear in it. (Just me? Anyone?)
16. Pay your own way. (Coughladiescough)
17. Remember that the past is done.
18. Ask yourself if you are acting or reacting when you feel passionate about doing something. (Translation: wait to send the email.)
19. Find a cut of clothing that works for you and stick with it. Why go through life feeling any less than a million bucks? If Armani can wear the same outfit for a lifetime, anyone can.
20. Play every day. (Hang around people who want to play with you.)
21. Fall in love with the person you want to fall in love with.
22. Conquer a physical fear.
23. Forgive.
24. Conquer a mental fear.
25. Actually cook your food. Heat, time, and personal investment add so much to meals.
26. Know how to build a proper fire.
27. Two words: mutual orgasms.
28. In all you do, commit.

The bones of self-assurance, self-reliance, self-worth: they may not make you live until you’re 90, they may not give you a six-pack, and they may not be available in whole grain. But they feel great!

Now I know this list doesn’t stop at 28…

Photo credit: Cayusa

Post from: Healthbolt

1. I believe time is our most precious commodity. I am consequently very selfish about how I spend my time. In fact, on my 27th birthday (September 7th of this year), I made the decision never again to give my time to anything or anyone I couldn’t believe in. It’s interesting.

2. I think that religion is hilarious, that courage is the most important virtue, and that change is vital. I think American culture is drowning in narcissism, I think casual therapy is vulgar, and I despise horse sh*t like The Secret.

3. Steak is my favorite food. (I was a vegetarian for 12 years. I’m making up for lost time. Sorry, cows.)

4. I believe the best thing in life is a true friend.

5. I was primarily home-schooled until high school. (Dingdingding!)

6. I am exceptionally curious. I love philosophy, science, history, design, art, and original people. Especially the fighters.

7. I am hooked on blogging. The post I’m most proud of is “How to Get Over a Broken Heart”. And I might as well tell you now: in 2008 I’ll be launching a couple of bad-ass not-at-all-health-related projects. Details to come very soon.

P.S. I know I have the best readers, and for the ones I’ve been lucky enough to become friends with, online and off, I’m grateful.

Now here’s the deal, just because I’m ornery like that: I’m not tagging any bloggers. I’m tagging you. Tell me 7 things about yourself.

Post from: Healthbolt

Do you own yourself?

The pursuit of happiness is a national obsession. Everybody wants to be happy. We place tremendous value on the idea of and the quest for happiness. It’s even written into our earliest of historical documents, the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson certainly knew of what he wrote. The money he spent on wine alone in his first term as president was legendary. (The equivalent of our current president dropping 50 G’s a year on alcohol.)

Happiness: that elusive elixir.

What is happiness? Think about the enormous energy we exert in this effort to feel happy. When we care about someone, we say, “I just want you to be happy.” When things seem uncertain, we tell each other, “As long as you’re happy.” There are many perceived routes to this nebulous but desirable thing, happiness. Many of us fill the void of dissatisfaction in our lives with ever more stuff, succumbing to a desperate cycle of greed and fear. In fact, we could make a pretty compelling case that in America, the pursuit of happiness is simply the pursuit of stuff.

And so, we run to our internal visions of happiness out of fear; we define “being happy” by its opposite, pain. When one defines the other, they are one in the same. Happiness: is it satisfaction, is it self-worth, is it integrity, is it truth, is it security, is it freedom, or is it a big pile of cool crap? If we can even begin to grasp it, can we ever hope to achieve it? And why should we feel so entitled to this “happiness” we all want so desperately? When millions face starvation and death as a matter of course, and we angst over luxurious dilemmas like credit card interest rates and undercooked eggs at Sunday brunch, the pursuit of happiness begins to seem vulgar and juvenile. MLMs. Anti-aging. Weight loss. The Secret. Botox. Therapy. Yoga. Relief. Just whom do we think we are?

Psychologists and the current cool kids in science class who look at how our evolution ostensibly affects our behavior in modern times have already piled up quite the heap of happiness theories. And let’s not forget Oprah.

Happiness may be romantic, but it’s not a right. It may not even be necessary in terms of evolution. And increasingly, evidence suggests that true happiness – that wellspring of inner satisfaction – has more to do with a combination of generic factors and day-to-day trivialities than how much money you make, what you do, or what your station in life is.

I personally think the pursuit of happiness is a touch narcissistic. Of course we ought to wish happiness upon everyone (well, nearly everyone). Focusing on the positive, consciously being grateful, and simply enjoying simple pleasures in daily life are all in my view more effective than wealth or status or achievement or things when it comes to feeling happiness.

The reason I think it’s important to define what we mean by “happiness” is because there are so many levels. Are we talking about daily contentment? Or a deeper, inner feeling of richness? If you have the latter, do you need the former?

My grandfather has led a simple life. He was a truck driver who never went to college. He’s not a particularly handsome man nor does he have a long list of academic or financial achievements trailing behind him. He will never be in any history book nor will his name grace any wall. But what is remarkable about my grandfather is that despite his simple life, people cannot help but to respect him and take him seriously. He is a philosopher of life, incredibly observant and perceptive, and blessed with beautiful judgment. This humble man possesses a quiet strength that needs no justification: he is truly and deeply happy. I’ve always wondered what his “secret” is. As a child I instinctively knew he was the strongest; the most satisfied. I have come to understand that the reason he is happy is because he owns himself. He is fiercely loyal to himself, and from that spring of integrity and truth – even when he makes mistakes – happiness results.

We all remember Thoreau’s famous (and famously muddled) line: “Most men lead lives of quiet despair and go to their graves with their songs still in them.” And it’s true. Do you own yourself? Or does something, someone, some fear, or some life own you?

Read up:

It’s the day to day stuff, silly

Being grateful

Post from: Healthbolt

Some of the most dangerous jobs aren’t ones you’d expect. All of these labor-intensive jobs are far riskier than being a fire fighter, cop, or convenience store clerk.

America’s Deadliest Jobs:

- Fisher People

Formerly known as fishermen, fishers have the deadliest job of all. (142/100,000 deaths.)

The runners-up:

- Pilots and Flight Engineers
(88/100,000)

- Loggers
(82/100,000)

- Iron and Steel Workers
(61/100,000)

- Refuse Collectors
(42/100,000)

- Farmers and Ranchers
(38/100,000)

- Electrical Power Line Workers
(35/100,000)

- Roofers
(34/100,000)

- Drivers
(27/100,000)

- Agricultural Workers
(22/100,000)

(Photo: Leena on Flickr)

Post from: Healthbolt

Scientists Create (heh) White-House Friendly Stem Cells

Where there’s a W, there’s a way. Scientists have developed cells that look and behave just like embryonic stem cells, but they’ve managed to do it without any actual embryonic source. The cells were created using human skin cells. What’s truly disappointing about this is that in addition to the fact that no embryos were used, no cloning was involved, either. Fine, fine. We’re going to have to get our festive scientific melodrama elsewhere…

Sugar Increases Your Sex Hormones

This isn’t a good thing. Fructose and glucose have been shown to turn off the gene that regulates production of testosterone and estrogen in the body. What actually happens is that consumption of too much sugar burdens your liver. To cope, your liver converts the excess sugar to lipids. These lipids happen to turn off the gene that controls your sex hormones, and said hormones go into overdrive. The consequences are myriad and unpleasant: acne, cancer, cysts, and cardiovascular disease.

Conversation Impairs Your Vision Even if You Think It Doesn’t

It doesn’t matter if you think you are visually “paying attention”. Talking on your mobile phone is dangerous because it alters your brain’s ability to process images accurately. According to researchers, even hands-free headsets do not stop your vision from becoming impaired. Watching the road and chatting is the modern day equivalent of walking, talking, and chewing gum.

Post from: Healthbolt

As usual, Iowa messes up the rotation.

In a surprising twist, research reveals that the earlier kids become sexually active, the less likely they are to turn into the dreaded juvenile delinquents. Are we really surprised? This is what I’ve been recommending all along. The sooner the sprouts get started on getting busy, the better for everyone. Just a few of the benefits I have researched:

- Reduced national debt
- Increased lollipop and bonbon production
- More LOTR box sets for everyone (director’s cut)
- Greener vegetables, redder meats, whiter teeth, more use of comparative adjectives generally
- Fluffier, more shimmery ruffles
- New haircuts and skincare products for all the world leaders plus cupcakes
- No more products with double vowels, like Wii, because new vowels will magically emerge
- Endless supply of nachos
- More sea urchins
- And world peace

Post from: Healthbolt

The numbers are in and the facts don’t lie: there are exploding bladders everywhere. Scads. I don’t want to bring up the frog scene in Magnolia, because I know a lot of you are just getting started on your lunch, but this is what we’re dealing with here.

Women’s bodies are more sensitive than men’s when it comes to alcohol consumption and urinary tract health. So the fact that women are binge-drinking in growing numbers as they try to “keep up with the boys” is creating a spate of unintended and unpleasant consequences. And I’m not even talking about the walk of shame next morning.

It is possible to make your bladder explode from a night of drunken revelry. Typically, only men have dragged themselves into the E.R. with torn up piddlins, because men are usually the alcoholics. Unfortunately, the problem is now showing up frequently in women, particularly in women who are not alcoholics at all but simply gals-about-pub. Though it’s not exactly an epidemic, still, it’s a useful to know that getting hamboned can give you something a lot worse than a hangover. Remember that scene in Little House in the Big Woods when Laura and Mary fought for the right to play with the pig bladder that Pa had puffed up like a balloon? I’m just going to leave you with that.

HT: Carolyn (thanks, baby!)

Photo: AMagill

Post from: Healthbolt

I’m not a clumsy sort of sapiens, but nevertheless I seem to acquire a lot of bruises. So, I gave up the bar fights, hoping that would help, but I still manage to have at least one bruise happening on any given limb. I’ve learned two tricks, and I’m passing them along to you. Son magicos!

Ice It

As soon as you bump your knee or hip or tail bone (that’s always a fun one, isn’t it?), immediately apply a cold pack or ice or those frozen vegetables you don’t have any intention of ever eating. If you notice a bruise and don’t remember how you got it, that’s all right; go ahead and ice it for a few minutes anyway.

Arnica It (rolls off the tongue, I know)

Arnica gel is often used for muscle aches, but it also helps reduce inflammation. A bruise is just a cluster of inflamed, damaged capillaries, so rubbing down with arnica gel a few times will help the bruise quickly clear up. Note: the American Cancer Society is less than impressed with arnica.

- Photo: Sheeshoo

Post from: Healthbolt