Topic: Your Body

Poll: Should The CDC Stop Protecting Companies That Spread Salmonella?

Poll: Should The CDC Stop Protecting Companies That Spread Salmonella?

Between October of 2011 and last week, at least 68 consumers across 10 states were infected with Salmonella as the direct result of eating at a national fast food restaurant chain, according to a report released by the Center for Disease Control a few weeks ago. And while the CDC won’t tell you which restaurant (so that, you know, you can choose not to eat there), they will give you a hint: it’s a “Mexican-style fast food restaurant chain.” Beyond that, you’ll just have to guess–because that’s just how the CDC does it.

Sorry! This poll is now closed.

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“Spice,” The Drug That Demi Moore Smoked, Is Dumb, Dangerous…And Legal

"Spice," The Drug That Demi Moore Smoked, Is Dumb, Dangerous...And Legal

The stories and rumors about Demi Moore‘s recent medical emergency/drug-induced hospitalization just keep getting weirder and weirder. First, she was “exhausted.” Then, she was on “whip-its” (a drug that I didn’t realize anyone who wasn’t a 16-year-old barista was using). Now, it’s widely believed that the “stuff” she’d been smoking, which was mentioned in the 911 call, was “ spice” or “K2,” a supremely stupid, dangerous–and legal–synthetic version of cannabis, available at smoke shops and convenience stores. Maybe now this ridiculous drug will get the attention it deserves. More »

Wet Feet Lead To A Cold, And Other Flu Season Myths

Wet Feet Lead To A Cold, And Other Flu Season Myths

You may think you’re out of the germ-laden, sniffling and sneezing woods, but the truth is that February is typically the peak of cold and flu season–which means it’s also the peak of flu season myths. Whether it be the mystical, magical healing powers of chicken soup, or the idea that wet clothes or hair can make you more susceptible, these rumors get circulated every year…even though they have no foundation in science. More »

6 Reasons Why Your Period Might Be Irregular

6 Reasons Why Your Period Might Be Irregular

Contrary to what you may be inclined to believe by the period-shaming media, your monthly flow is not embarrassing, not blue, not consistant, and often, not monthly at all. In fact, for most women, at some point in their lives, unusual menstruation is the norm–and that perfect, 28-day cycle is an illusive creature, like a hormonal unicorn leaping over rainbows of body-positive tampon ads off on the horizon. But even with that knowledge, when your period does something unpredicted, it can still be worrisome. More »

Diet Coke, #ShowYourHeart By Owning Your Link To Heart Attacks

Diet Coke, #ShowYourHeart By Owning Your Link To Heart Attacks

Fashion Week in New York City just wouldn’t be the same without its staples: big designers, scary-skinny 17-year-olds, and copious cans and cups brimming with Diet Coke.  So it makes sense that the company who has made its millions as a zero-calorie meal replacement for hoards of disordered eaters is teaming up, yet again, with America’s biggest week in style. What makes less sense, though, is Diet Coke’s joint project with The Heart Truth® , which combat’s America’s biggest killer: heart disease. Because, you know, Diet Coke has been linked to heart attacks. More »

Statistically Speaking, Your Food Allergy Is Probably A Lie

Statistically Speaking, Your Food Allergy Is Probably A Lie

With the saturation of gluten-free and non-dairy products on the market in the last year, you’d assume that food allergies were on the rise like crazy. But in fact, the only allergy that’s actually increasing at all is the deadly peanut allergy (happy National Peanut Butter Day, by the way). And, according to the Washington Post and Consumer Reports, about 17% of people with gluten, dairy, shellfish, wheat, and other food allergies are probably lying without knowing it. More »

Special K Thinks You Can’t Be Sassy, Proud If You’re Not Thin

Special K Thinks You Can't Be Sassy, Proud If You're Not Thin

When I was a kid, the only thing that came in a cereal box was a lick-on tattoo, or possibly something made of plastic. Now, if you’re to believe Kellogg’s ladies-only diet-brand Special K‘s new series of ads, your cereal box not only has the only prize women should ever care about (weight loss, of course!), but also a few hidden surprises–like a personality, which apparently, you can’t have if you’re even remotely overweight. More »

These Preservatives Are Trying To Kill You

These Preservatives Are Trying To Kill You

Even if you know next to nothing about eating healthy, you probably know one thing for sure: that preservatives and additives found in many packaged and pre-made foods are bad for you. But even though I know a few things about what constitutes a healthy diet, if I’m being honest with myself, when I’m staring down the barrel of a loaded food label, I’m not always sure what even is a preservative. With so much coded language (and so many gross additives), it’s hard to tell what’s harmless–and what’s carcinogenic. More »

Study: Doctors Suck At Giving Breast Cancer Patients Good Information

Study: Doctors Suck At Giving Breast Cancer Patients Good Information

In the fight against breast cancer, one of the best weapons a woman can have is knowledge and correct information about her diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis. Unfortunately, according to a new report in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, doctors are wildly unreliable about arming women with even the most basic of information, making it difficult for patients to make informed decisions about their own bodies. More »

5 Core Workouts To Boost Your Runs

5 Core Workouts To Boost Your Runs

What’s the difference between smart runners and really smart runners? Smart runners incorporate exercises besides running, like yoga, and weight training, to keep their legs and hips in tip-top shape, and ensure that all of their muscles are getting some attention. Really smart runners do that, too–but they also add in pilates or other ab workouts to strengthen their core. And you want to be a really smart runner, right? More »

Hydration Salvation: What To Drink (And Eat) When You’re Tired Of Water

Hydration Salvation: What To Drink (And Eat) When You're Tired Of Water

You’re tired. You have a headache. Your hands are dry. Your eyes are sticky. You know what’s going on: you’re in desperate need of some hydration. But you also know that if you drink another glass of boring, plain water, you’re going to fall asleep and drown in your 32-ounce sustainable aluminum reusable bottle. You’re supposed to get 64 ounces of water per day…but what’s a good exchange for the clear stuff? More »

Dynamic Movement Prep: If You’re Not Doing It, You’re Stretching Wrong

Dynamic Movement Prep: If You’re Not Doing It, You’re Stretching Wrong

Last week, I spent a lot of time speaking with fitness coaches and chiropractors and health professionals who specialize in injury (and injury-prevention). And while we were mostly discussing barefoot running, one non-running-specific phrase (that I’d never heard of) came up over and over again: “dynamic movement prep.” Which is, apparently, the single most important thing that no one’s doing. More »

7 Cool Reasons To Use Eco-Friendly Mason Jars For Everything

7 Cool Reasons To Use Eco-Friendly Mason Jars For Everything

Earlier today, The Kitchn featured a product called the Cuppow, which is a rubbery lid that goes over Mason and other glass jars to make sipping from them easier. And while the video and images from Cuppow’s website look like they were ripped straight from a popular website with a dirty word in its name, the fact is that this article reminded me that jars are really actually quite awesome, highly eco-friendly, and not, as you may believe, relegated to hipsters. You can even trick them out with a lot of free or inexpensive stuff. So c’mon. Give jars a chance. More »