The American Way...

Recently, the movie Wall-e illustrated the fact that we American's are eating ourselves to death...literally. It makes perfect sense that our can-do spirit and independent ways have lead us to over-indulge in pretty much everything we can get our hands on. The ancient Historian Libby once said, " In recent years, our wealth has made us greedy." In Wall-e we see the danger of a culture falling into consumerism. Although we can pinpoint that there is a problem we don't have the power to create a collective effort that will change the culture. Certain groups of people can become healthier but as a whole the nation is so caught up in it's fast-paced, no time for exercise, fast food eating ways.
We are a nation built on addictions and the food industry keeps feeding those addictions with no regard to the publics health.
So, what can we as citizens do for our health? Enough of us are beginning to call for changes from the food industry and slowly we have seen the positive affects. For example, there is more of an awareness of food labels and we are becoming more knowledgable of nutrition facts. We're also having children now and not only want them to grow up in good health but the nature of cancers and other diseases are affecting us at the root of our families. Do we want to see our children grow up? I do. It is time to take back our lives! If not now, then when?

Anti-aging cosmetics that age?

I have always wondered what the miracle of anti-aging creams and cosmetics were. Since the industry thrives on consumers, I decided to check this out. One of the questions I have had about these products are obviously the ingredients. I have heard that anything with the wax paraben in it is actually an aging agent. Is that the case? If not, why are so many products being marketed as "paraben free?" So, if that is the case why is it in so many consumer anti-aging products nationwide and why do we women eat it up like it's factual? Here is a link to a product on the market today: http://www.murad.com/age-reform-night-regimen.jsp

The Nutrition Label

This week I looked at a box of Quaker Oats Oatmeal. What I found was hopeful. The upside is there is 3 grams of dietary soluble fiber in each serving of oatmeal. That's pretty good and if we eat it more often than not, we're taking a step in the right direction. Besides other essential vitamins and minerals listed the only other suspicious ingredient I saw was caramel color and calcium carbonate. I don't fully remember what that is. Sorry. Guar gum I believe is an emulsifyer; we briefly spoke on it in class. Overall, this is a healthier food option then say a brownie topped with icecream. Although, that does sound good! As a believer in Nutrition, I think it is necessary to look at labels. The point is not to feel like we are denying ourselves of yummy things but to set ourselves up healthfully for the future. Otherwise, If we don't care to know what it is we're putting into our bodies, why do we even attempt to maintain them? Fiber is like the shower for our insides...I know that sounds strange but it's true. But if we take the time to wash our bodies and keep them clean, why not do the same for the places we cannot see. It is also true in many different areas of life. Any thoughts would be great!

On living...

I know that I am alive because of how my body reacts to certain stimuli. In my ever changing environment, the simple yet complex responses tell me I am most certaintly alive. From bodily reactions to weather changes to long-term memory function, they both demonstrate just how much each system needs the other for survival. I could perform the necessary functions and be a walking veggie, but without others, I wouldn't get very far.

Hello All

I hope that you all can read this. I tend to be a little blog-illiterate so bare with me. I'm excited to be in the class...so, let's have fun!