Archives for May 2018

Eye Health Tips [INFOGRAPHIC]

May 29, 2018 By Essential Oxygen

After several bouts of goopy morning eyes and pink eye, we realized the importance of keeping our eyes clean. It blows your mind when you think about it. So many items that contact our eyes are breeding grounds for bacteria.

The CDC reports that over 30 million people in the U.S. wear contacts, which need to be carefully taken care of / cleaned or they can be a major source of eye irritation and/or infection. The CDC also reports that serious eye infections that can lead to blindness affect up to 1 out of every 500 contact lens users each year. Not following proper contact lens care is been linked to outbreaks of serious eye infections. Between 40%-90% of contact lens wearers do not properly follow the care instructions for their contact lenses – that seems like a LOT! Improper cleaning of contacts, contact lens cases, and other items that come in contact with your eyes have been linked to a higher risk of complications. (1)

According to the American Academy of Opthalmology, each year over 1 million Americans get eye infections so bad that they require a trip to the doctor or hospital. (2) You can prevent painful and potentially blinding eye infections by properly cleaning things that can come in contact with your eyes.

Check out the Infographic below for tips on how to protect your eyes from harmful bacteria and keep your vision pristine!

Sources

(1) https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/fast-facts.html

(2) https://www.aao.org/newsroom/eye-health-statistics

11 Camping Hacks You Need To Know

May 22, 2018 By Essential Oxygen

By Emmi Buck

Essential Oxygen Staff & Outdoor Enthusiast

These camping hacks will help you pack smarter and lighter, as well as reduce your impact on mother nature – all while making your outdoors trip the best experience possible!

#1: Freeze bottles of water to use in your cooler

This hack helps reduce the plastic you use (which usually becomes garbage on the trip), helps you bring plenty of water, and saves space in the cooler without bulky frozen pads. Fill up and freeze some re-usable water bottles at least 24 hours before your trip, and space them out in your cooler. As the water melts, you have nice icy-cold drinking water!

#2: Bring a travel sized container of biodegradable 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

This multi-purpose cleaner can be used to wipe down camp dishes, cleaning utensils or camping gear, get stains out of clothes, clean ears and wounds, and get rid of skunk smell in case you encounter one of those striped-smelly-sprayers! Since it’s biodegradable, you can confidently clean anything out in nature knowing that our biodegradable FGHP is good for you and for mother earth. You can also add a little to your ears to clean them out, or gently clean a cut to disinfect. Lastly, if your dog or yourself ends up on the wrong end of a skunk, making a paste with baking soda and a little FGHP will get the smell off fide or yourself!

#3: Pre-make most of your food

Whether it’s homemade pre-frozen breakfast burritos, a simple potato or pasta salad, or just washing and chopping veggies before you head out of town, these tricks help in lots of ways! You reduce the packaging/garbage you’ll need to bring with you, save time, and also save yourself the hassle of cleaning dishes while camping.

My favorite camping meal is healthy breakfast burritos, simple recipe below:

10 tortillas of your choice
10 organic eggs (look for local if you can!)
2 large potatoes (peel if desired and cut into grape-sized chunks)
½ a yellow onion (chopped)
4 cups fresh spinach
3 cups grated cheese (I prefer cheddar)
1 lb. MSG-free, organic sausage (local if possible again!) ***omit for vegetarian option and add more veggies if desired***
Olive oil, salt, pepper, italian seasoning
Aluminum foil
Salsa (if desired)

Directions:

If using sausage (or another meat of your choice) season to taste and cook in a pan, then remove meat on to a plate, keeping the grease inside the pan.
Using the same pan you cooked the meat in (or add some olive oil to a pan if you’re not using meat), add the chopped potatoes and season to taste with some salt, pepper and italian seasoning and fry on medium-high for ~8 minutes or until light brown. Add the chopped onion and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking another 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent. Once thoroughly cooked, add the veggies to a plate, keeping some oil and seasoning in the pan for the eggs.
Scramble the eggs in a bowl, and add to the same pan you’ve been using, cooking on medium-low heat until the eggs are thoroughly cooked, stirring as you go to give them some fluff texture. At the last minute, add the spinach and stir into warm eggs to help it saute down a bit.
Lay out tortillas, filling them one at a time, with a small handful/layer of cheese first, then the eggs, then the veggies, and lastly some meat. Roll up the burrito and place on a sheet of aluminum foil, wrapping it tight.
Once you’ve made them all, add to your freezer, and now the’re ready to reheat over a campfire or stove with minimum work and no clean-up in the morning! You can add some salsa for extra flavor and juicy-ness if desired before eating.

#4: Pack a 3-ounce travel size Organic Brushing Rinse

Not only is it a mouthwash and toothpaste in one, it is biodegradable, so it’s safe to spit out in nature. Keeping your oral care on track while camping/backpacking is crucial, so don’t neglect your pearly whites while you’re away from home. If you’re in a pinch, the Organic Brushing Rinse can also act as a cleaning product for your camp dishes since it has Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide in it!

#5: Bring pre-charged re-usable battery packs or small solar set-up

Whether you need to power a light, Bluetooth speaker, or charge your phone, you can mind many brands of small, lightweight battery packs or portable solar set-ups. Don’t forget the charging cables for any items you want to power-up! We love the Goal Zero mini-solar panels that easily strap to a back-pack and fold for transport.

Goal Zero Nomad Solar Panels Are Great For Outdoor Transportable Power

#6: Extra bags, large and small

You’ll find so many uses for some extra bags. Whether it’s a wet towel or bathing suit you don’t want getting everything else wet in your bag, some dirty dishes you’d rather wash at home, or you find trash left by others (please pick it up!) you can always find uses from your old shopping bags. I also like to put my really muddy camping shoes in them once the adventure is over and I don’t want to dirty my bag or car.

#7: Repurpose shirts or towels for camping rags

If you have an odl towel or t-shirt you we’re getting ready to toss, cut it up into hand-towel sized rags and bring along to use for cleaning while camping. Whether you use it to scrub off pans/dishes/silverware, or wipe down dirty camping gear, these always come in handy and you don’t have to worry how dirty they get!

#8: Bring a small container of coconut oil

By now we all know there are a LOT of uses for coconut oil, and you’d be surprised how handy it can come in white camping! You can use it in cooking, and also on your body. Did you know coconut oil is ~5 SPF and has antioxidants in it to protect skin from sun? It’s also great for dry or chapped skin, soothing aching hiking feet, and softening unruly or damaged hair. Forgot your creamer? It also tastes great when added to coffee! Add some to a small jar for easy and light transportation.

#9: Think through your car/RV/tent/cooler placement

When you get to your camping site, check where the sun is rising and setting and look for shaded areas to park your car and/or set up your tent. Those extra hours of shade in the morning will help you sleep in by keeping your tent nice and cool. It’s never fun to wake up to warm drinks in a cooler, or melted chocolate bars in the car!

#10: Avoid cotton based clothing

Cotton can hold water really well, so if it rains or you fall in a stream – you’d be much better off wearing a synthetic material or wool which dries much quicker. This is especially important if you’re going to be camping where it’s cold or temperatures drop at night. Staying dry and warm can mean the difference between life or death in extreme situations.

#11: Map it out

Make sure you have a detailed printed map of the area your going or before you leave cell service, pull up a map and take screenshots on your phone. Even if you think you know the area well, downed trees, shifted rivers, overgrowth of new plants, or closed trails can always throw you for a loop. Be prepared with a back-up camping spot or route so you’re ready in case things change on the fly while you’re out of cell service.

Your Everyday Products May Contain Toxins: Avoid These 3 Ingredients For Better Health

May 15, 2018 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post

By: Morgan Statt, Health & Safety Investigator for ConsumerSafety.org

Health and wellness has begun to encompass so much more than just regular fitness and proper eating habits. Although we can’t deny that these are the pillars of a well-lived life, we now have to consider other factors that may be affecting our health on a daily basis. The environment we live in, the products we use, and even our genetic makeup can play a role in our overall well-being.

Perhaps one of the easiest health factors to lose sight of during our hectic lives is our use of everyday products. Today, we’re tasked as consumers to educate ourselves on the harmful ingredients that may be lingering in things as common as the toothpaste we use and the foods we eat. More often than not, we expose ourselves to these toxins without us even being aware of it.

In addition to the healthy foods you eat and the exercises you do on a weekly basis, start actively checking your everyday product labels for the presence of toxins. Take the time to educate yourself on these three potentially harmful ingredients and the products in your very home that they may be lurking in.

Talcum Mining

Check for talc in your hygiene products.

Talcum powder is a mineral-based ingredient found in common hygiene products like baby powder and cosmetics to help to reduce friction and wick away moisture on the skin. Although the ingredient was commonplace in the later half of the 20th century, studies dating back to the 1970s have linked talcum powder to a higher risk of ovarian cancer and lung disease. Today, talcum powder continues to make headlines after thousands of women filed claims placing the blame of their ovarian cancer diagnosis on the presence of talc in Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower products.

The FDA does not currently regulate the use of talc in cosmetics, despite current regulation in place for food products. Interestingly enough, the European Union bans the use of the ingredient completely.

Tip: If you discover that your favorite hygiene products do contain talc, don’t stress. Instead, consider purchasing talc-free options for your cosmetics and baby powder which will clearly say so on the label.

Avoid alcohol in your mouthwash.

Did you know that even the slightest imbalance in our oral microbiome can cause a multitude of oral health problems? In a study conducted by the journal Microbiome, researchers found that Americans who were heavy drinkers had more “bad bacteria” in their mouth than good. This heightened amount of unhealthy germs can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and plaque buildup, as well as increase our risk of gastrointestinal cancer. Alcohol is also known to cause dry mouth and an absence of saliva, which can bring about tongue irritation and gum disease.

Even if you only drink alcohol in moderation, it can still be hiding in everyday oral care products like your mouthwash and toothpaste. For better oral care all around, look for alcohol-free products like this Organic Brushing Rinse that will help keep the good bacteria you need in your mouth for a stable and healthy oral microbiome.

Steer clear of gardening supplies that contain glyphosate.

Glyphosate is a synthetic compound used to effectively kill weeds and other annoyances that can wreak havoc on your garden or lawn. It is found in most herbicides and pesticides that are used in mass agricultural settings and for home use. Despite its ability to kill plant predators, the compound has been listed by both the World Health Organization and the state of California as a probable carcinogen. Exposure to glyphosate has been linked to liver and kidney damage, non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and other forms of cancer.

The brand-name Roundup has been dealing with current litigation because of its inclusion of glyphosate, and its maker Monsanto has since been required to provide sufficient warning labels on the weed killer. Scarily enough, this pesticide use has led to findings of trace amounts of the compound on household foods such as Quaker Oats.

To protect yourself from the health risks of extended exposure to the compound, consider natural gardening alternatives such as weed-whacking or this weed killer recipe.

How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help With Dandruff

May 10, 2018 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post

By: Lorna Frances

If you’ve ever had dandruff, even once in your life, you’ll be all too aware of how annoying, and sometimes embarrassing, it can be.

You wear a black top, and before you know it, it’s snowing on your shoulders!

The thing is, dandruff is totally harmless, and it’s super-common too – almost half of the entire population of the world will suffer from dandruff at some stage in their life. This can be mild, moderate, or it can be severe. The severest form isn’t dangerous either, but it is harder to get rid of.

Dandruff is basically down to the skin on your scalp producing too much oil, called sebum. This results in excess oil which dries off and sticks to the roots of your hair. This can be white, grey, or yellow, and it will appear as really small flakes. The flakes may need to be picked off (which could leave your scalp sore), or it may be very easy to dislodge, even with just a shake of the head. Dandruff can also cause itchy scalp symptoms, as well as the flaking.

There are many remedies out there which promise to help rid you of dandruff, but not all of them are particularly gentle or holistic. Many of these also damage your hair and make it look dull and lifeless. This is not something you want! A good option therefore, and one which will also leave your hair super-shiny and soft, is using apple cider vinegar to get rid of your dandruff.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

You might have heard of apple cider vinegar in many different guises, i.e. as a treatment for acne, helping with weight loss, and even helping in some ways with diabetes. In greater concentrations, apple cider vinegar can also be used as a gentle household cleaner. Multi-functional, we’re sure you’ll agree!

To really bring it down to its most basic form, apple cider vinegar is made of apples which have fermented, but the production process adds in yeast and sugars, amongst a few other things, to add power to proceedings. If you go for an organic version, you get a healthier and more effective potion to use on your hair, and to help rid you of dandruff for good.

Apple cider vinegar is known to be anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. This means that any bacteria or fungus which may be dwelling on your scalp will be kicked out of the way, and the anti-inflammatory side of things will soothe any redness or itching. Because this is a natural deal, apple cider vinegar will also leave your hair smooth and shiny, unlike more potent and powerful treatments which are less natural and more medicated.

You shouldn’t have to swap the health of your hair in general to get rid of dandruff, you are not doing a deal with the devil here. Apple cider vinegar therefore gives you the best of both worlds. Does it smell of vinegar? Yes, a little, but not as much as regular vinegar – just make sure you rinse well!

How Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Dandruff?

There are two main ways you can use apple cider vinegar on your hair, as a treatment for dandruff. Remember that the more severe the case of dandruff, the harder it will be to remove, and it will take a little longer to do so. Mild cases of dandruff should clear up fairly quickly with regular apple cider vinegar usage.

Remember to do a patch test on your scalp before you go the whole hog with applying the apple cider vinegar to your head. Choose a patch just behind your ear or somewhere visible, where you can check for any adverse reactions. Overall however, apple cider vinegar isn’t a liquid which is known to be popular sensitivity.

You can use the vinegar as a hair mask, or you can spray it to the roots and massage it in, thanks to a handy spray bottle. If you were using a hair mask, you would simply shampoo your hair as normal, and then carefully apply the vinegar to your scalp with a cotton wool bud. Leave it on for an hour and then rinse well. You won’t need to re-shampoo and you’ll be left with very clean and shiny hair too!

Goodbye to an Embarrassing Problem

There is no denying the fact that dandruff is annoying, and it can also be distressing and embarrassing. Some people become so fixated on it that it can become very damaging to self-esteem. In this case, something needs to be done, but thankfully, that something is quite simple!

It’s important to remember that dandruff isn’t harmful, and it isn’t going to become so bad that you can never get rid of it. Yes, it’s itchy sometimes, and yes, it can be a little more stubborn occasionally, but it will clear up, and once you know what to do, you can prevent it from coming back again.

Remember to rinse your hair really well after you shampoo and condition, as this will stop the skin pores on your scalp from becoming blocked up. This is a breeding ground for your skin to produce more sebum, because it is confused as to why the pores are blocked! Try using a natural shampoo, in small amounts, and make sure you do that rinsing really, really well. Once you have got rid of your dandruff in the first place, and you do this regularly, it shouldn’t return.

7 Healthy Ways to Lose Weight Sustainably

May 3, 2018 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post

By: Luna Regina

Are you still asking yourself why your body has stopped burning fat and you can’t lose weight no matter how hard you try? Then I guess you might be performing your weight-loss scheme the wrong way. On the other hand, restricting yourself within rules while dieting can stress you out at certain points. I know, it’s tiresome in every way.

Well, now you can just say hello to dolce vita! By adapting these 7 tips below, your excess fat can’t keep you up at night anymore.

Make sure you have a healthy breakfast everyday

It’s understandable as to many of you, morning time is literally the time where your appetite drops to the lowest. For others, they simply have to skip breakfast to rush off to meet the morning conference.

Some people experience morning nausea, but rest easy, you’re not alone. According to some studies, this sick feeling happens mostly because our metabolism need some time to hit the ‘start’ button every morning.

As said, breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it helps rev up your metabolism. Metabolism being slowed down will result in striking your insulin level unexpectedly with any bite you’ll have later. This is known as the culprit of binge-eating, which lets mid-day snacking and junk foods join the game.

There is no use starving yourself right at the beginning of the day. Not only breakfast provides you with enough energy for whatever activities coming up next, but also prevents you from getting more hungry throughout the day.

There’s also the possibility that you’ve lost your interest for breakfast due to being served the same dishes days after days. How about rock your taste buds with some variants?

The good news is, you don’t have to throw a feast for nutrients need. It is actually more than easy to have a well-balanced breakfast, especially for busy ones.

Including protein and fiber in your breakfast is highly recommended. Some lean suggestions can be listed: beans, nuts, Greek yogurt, tofu or salad.

The easiest way is to start any breakfast is starting with eggs. Even a small frittata or omelette is enough. Just simply poach, fry, scramble or boil some eggs, and serve them alongside with whole-grain cereals such as barley, brown rice, buckwheat or oatmeal.

Additionally, you can also toast some slices of rye bread. Consider using healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, some avocado slices with boiled eggs and top it with honey or nut butter.

Smoothies with fruit or veggie bases are good choices too. If you’re in a rush, just grab a mix of dried fruits, honey, milk and yogurt then give them a pulse and there you go, some more flavor to wipe off a lethargic morning. Took just 10 minutes on average for preparation!

Don’t forget to drink water

Keeping the habit of drinking water frequently before, after, and during meals is always essential. It is best to consume a reasonable amount of water everyday – corresponding to your weight and height – and keep it regular throughout weeks.

Benefits of water are definitely innumerable. Drinking water will help promote proper digestion and detoxify your body big-time. It can also simulate fullness which leads to less eating.

According to scientists, you should neither leave yourself dehydrated for too long, nor push your body to devour liters of water by all cost. This will easily cause disorders for you kidney’s function and may result in toxicicity.

Always stock high-fiber veggies and fruits in your fridge

Apparently, greenery is what will come up most in people’s mind regarding the topic of dieting. This is because of the fact that fruit and veggies are popular for being remarkably low in calories and fat.

You can totally grab a variety of non-starchy veggies and your calories intake goal still hasn’t been reached yet. Vegetables are also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients truly give big push for a successful weight loss plan as they’ll help ease your hunger.

It is advised that salad and vegetable dishes should be added prior to you meals. That way, they can fill you up fast and you’ll more likely to eat less on the entrée. Veggies also show beneficial effects in desserts too. Consuming fiber-rich fruits will make you feel full longer post-meal, and you’ll no more crave for sweets.

Veggies can also be a perfectly healthy replacement for high-calorie bags of potato chips. Just have them stocked ready in your house so that you can easily grab them every time you’re having an appetite. Sometimes, try to create some weight-loss effective juice recipes on your own too.

Stay away from junk foods to cut down on sugar and refined carbs

Needless to say, chocolate, pretzels, biscuits, and chips are the forefront enemies to your fitness program. Want to reduce fat drastically? Drop refined carbs from your courses immediately, and no more puff-up awaits.

Whenever your body absorbs a whopping amount of carbohydrates, insulin is released. Since insulin only burns carbs, this leads to current fat cells being stored, whilst more new fat cells are created to store everything left that hasn’t been burned besides of the carbs.

This is pretty much similar to a vicious endless cycle of carbs consuming. You’ll just keep continue to gain weight and crave for more carbs at the same time. Definitely not a cute picture!

The good news is, these fatty snacks can totally be replaced. Why potato chips when you can have avocado slices or roasted carrots instead?

Unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, popcorn, nuts, seeds, and fruit juice are the names worth opting for casually. Remember to only allow yourself to enjoy treats once in a while. Don’t get drowned by your sweet tooth!

Read food labels to restrict your calorie intake

Setting your calorie goal is a must-do. You’ll get used to measuring the size of each course and even each bite that you take.

Additionally, not everything containing the same amount of calories will bring about the same effect. For example, how can 100 calories of cookies be compared to 100 calories of broccoli?

So here’s the deal: Your mission is to find those foods which can easily fill you up with just a small portion. That way, you can’t be loaded with calories and still be hungry anymore.

Keep your daily meals at regular times

First and foremost, having your meals scheduled at exact hours will reduce your temptation to fast food and unhealthy snacks. Once your digestive system gets used to being organized properly, you won’t feel like filling up your boredom by tossing things into your mouth anymore.

Big reminder here: Get up, grab the pans and cook your meals on your own anytime it’s possible. Trust me, that’ll be the last thing you’ll ever regret in your whole dieting itinerary.

That way, you’ll get your chance to dig it deeper to every dish’s content – how nutritious, or unhealthy, or fat, or lean they are. You’ll get full control on assessing portion size and what to have first or last.

Small tips:

Instead of ladling out food directly from pots or pans, try to divide your courses into containers that look larger but are actually smaller in amount. Plates, small bowls or cups will do well here.
Also, don’t forget to chew slower. Yeah, be calm. Whatever the reason is, never scarf down your food. It takes time for your brain to receive the ‘We’re fed full!’ message from the stomach. So basically, you’re actually full before you feel full. It’s unnecessary to push yourself to clean every plate.

You might have heard of an old Russian saying that states, “Eat your breakfast alone, eat your lunch with your friend, give your dinner to your enemy.” Wise words, indeed. Consuming more at breakfast and less at dinner actually aids weight loss effectively. Your body needs time to burn off the calories; that’s why you always have to finish everything a bit earlier.

Put yourself on a regular workout routine

Yeah yeah, this should be the one of the most underlying facts that they always hang on the wall, whenever you’re caught struggling with the hopelessness from fat and cellulite.

I get that you’re already sweating like a pig, trying to force yourself into strict dieting rules. You might find it bothersome this and that, thinking about actually having to sweat yourself daily.

But still, it’s undeniable that being active is the requisite to every fat-shredding scheme, especially if you want to keep it off for good.

It’s true that physical exercises help burn off excess calories, but they actually go beyond just that. Sweating yourself is proved to be the fastest way to boost metabolism and help switch you to the energetic mode all day long. Who doesn’t want to look cheery and gleeful anyway?

Here’s some information you may need for now: Working out is not simply doing some crunches, a dozen of squats or planks and cross finger for a toned-shape body with six packs. No way, dear friends. You have to actually get it on a regular basis to see real changes.

I believe that no one is too busy for at least a 30-minute walk per day. Don’t push yourself too hard, just give it small amounts at first. Find one single thing that you’ll be happy to do the most, and put it on that particular time of the day when you’re most likely in the accurate mood for it.

Try to maintain that exact schedule of several sessions for weeks, and the next thing you know is your health being improved distinctively. Just take your first step and strike a blow against your obesity by jogging, hiking, stretching, cycling. Anything will do.

You know what they say, sweat it like you mean it. You just have to kick it a start, anything is better than nothing.

Bottom line

Mindless eating or poor snacking habits are no longer an issue if you keep track carefully of what to eat and what to do everyday. Hope you’ll be encouraged to keep the healthy lifestyle off. Sweet day to you all!