1. Escherichia Coli Bacteria

   E. Coli is something we’ve all probably heard of. Many don’t realize that the E. coli bacteria are found in the lower intestinal track of most warm-blooded organisms. Most strains of E. coli are completely harmless. The harmless strands are part of the normal flora of the gut that can beneficial in producing vitamin K and preventing certain dangerous bacteria from establishing in the intestine. However, some strains of E. coli can cause very serious food poisoning in humans. According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 85 percent of E. coli infections are food borne. E. coli typically gets into meats when meat processing is performed poorly and the animal’s fecal matter containing the E. coli bacterium gets mixed into the meat. The most common food to be contaminated with E. coli is ground beef, venison, sausages, and salami. As if it wasn’t bad enough that we may possibly be eating hamburgers with feces in them, it may also kill us. Yikes.

2. Salmonella Bacteria

   Similar to the E. coli bacterium, salmonella is found in the intestinal tracks of cold- and warm-blooded animals as well as in the environment. The illness that the bacterium causes is called salmonellosis, which typically includes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases where the person is of poor underlying health or has a weakened immune system, the bacteria can invade the bloodstream and cause a life threatening infection. Salmonellosis is usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Salmonella is most closely associated with poultry because (unlike E. coli) the bacterium is also found in birds. Salmonella present in raw meat can survive if the meat is not cooked properly.

3. Trichina Worm

   Trichinosis is a parasitic disease caused by eating raw or undercooked pork infected with the larvae of a species of roundworm called the trichina worm. Yes, this means that there may be living worms in your meat. Gross (to say the least). The prevalence of trichinosis has gone down in the past decade because of heightened regulation on food sanitation. In the past, people would feed raw meat to their hogs. The pigs would pick up the parasite this way and then their infected meat would be sold to the public. When a piece of meat with trichina larvae is ingested, a person’s natural stomach acid eats away at the hard shell, releasing the worm into their system.

4. Campylobacter Bacteria

   Known as C. coli, Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of diarrheal illness in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control. These bacteria live in the intestines of healthy birds, meaning that most raw poultry meat has campylobacter on it. Eating undercooked chicken or other food that has been contaminated with the juices dripping from raw chicken is the most frequent source of this infection. One of the most common ways to become infected with campylobacter is by cutting poultry meat on a cutting board, and then using the unwashed cutting board or utensil to prepare vegetables or other lightly cooked foods.

5. Toxoplasma Gondii Parasite

   Causing the disease Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasm gondii is a parasite that is believed to be infecting more than 60 million people in the United States alone. While cats get most flak for spreading Toxoplasmosis, contact with raw meat is a more significant source of human infection and fecal contamination of hands is a greater risk factor. Toxoplasmosis causes a mild flu-like illness in the first few weeks and after that rarely causes any symptoms. However, for individuals with weakened immune systems the illness can become significantly more serious. People get toxoplasmosis by eating infected meat. So, regardless of whether the illness makes you feel sick or not, the idea of having live parasites inside you is nauseating enough.

6. Taenia Solium Parasite

   Now this one is really creepy. Taenia Solium is a pork tapeworm. The infection caused by these tapeworms is called cysticercosis, which causes cysts to form in brain and muscle tissue. This disease is spread by ingesting pork that is already infested with the parasite. Although it is uncommon, tapeworm eggs contained in contaminated food are occasionally eaten in the United States. One scenario where this might happen is if a tapeworm carrier with poor hygiene were to accidentally contaminate food while preparing it for others.

7. Mad-Cow Disease

   Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, more commonly known as mad-cow disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in cattle. The disease is most easily transmitted to humans by eating food contaminated with the brain, spinal cord, or digestive tract of infected carcasses. Although it is not completely confirmed, there is strong evidence that the human disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is caused by the ingestion of beef infected with mad-cow disease. Mad-Cow disease is completely lethal.

8. Shigella Bacteria

   Another bacterium typically found in meat contaminated with fecal matter. Yes, again we’re talking about ingesting feces. If we sound like we’re repeating ourselves, we are. But repeating ourselves means we can stress that nearly all of these bacteria and parasites can be avoided by thoroughly washing our hands, carefully processing our meat, and completely cooking our meat. Shigella is a bacterium that is only naturally found in primates intestinal tracts. This means that the only way shigella can get our meat is if human fecal matter contaminates our meat through human handling.

9. Bone

   Ground beef can easily contain bits of bone fragments in it. As gross as it sounds, finding bone in ground meat is actually a pretty regular occurrence. Much of the meat processed for ground beef is “deboned” in a machine before it is ground up. This machine uses sharp tools to cut away as much meat from the bone as it possibly can. Some meat processors are willing to sacrifice the quality of their ground meat for quantity, accidentally cutting small pieces of bone away with the meat. These fragments of bone are small enough that they can make it through the meat grinding process and into your hamburger meat. So, be careful not to chip a tooth.

10. Intestine

    This isn’t exactly something that is inside meat, but it is something that we ingest with meat. A sausage casing is the material used to contain the sausage filling. While there are two types of casings, one is a natural casing made from a layer of intestine. These casings are made from the intestinal tract of several different types of farm animals (most typically pigs) and, after processing, bear a close resemblance to the original intestine of the animal. The anatomy of it all is gross enough. We take the meat of an animal and stuff it into that same animal’s intestines and then we cook it and eat it. Yum! The second type of sausage is only a little bit better. An artificial sausage casing is made of cellulose or collagen, usually made from the hides, bones or tendons of cattle and pigs. Gross.

1. PTSD sufferers are mentally weak

   Like other mental illnesses, PTSD is considered by the uninformed to be characteristic of mental weakness. In reality, the effects of the disorder can be traced to specific traumatic events that are incomprehensible to people who haven’t experienced them. The period of recovery isn’t comparable to what people endure after stressful events such as divorce or losing a job, and how they psychologically handle the trauma varies from person to person. PTSD is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA), American Psychiatric Association (APA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

2. Everyone has some sort of PTSD

   Again, PTSD is caused by a specific traumatic event not typically experienced by the average person. PTSD sufferers undergo changes in their brains resulting in symptoms worse than just depression. People who develop PTSD were inherently more susceptible to the disorder than others, often exhibiting prior signs of mental illness. After a traumatic event, the possible onset of PTSD can be exacerbated by receiving little or no help or coping with it inappropriately.

3. PTSD sufferers aren’t victims

   Without question, PTSD sufferers are victims. They’ve encountered events that, in most cases, were beyond their control and very few people experience during their lifetimes. They lack the psychological capabilities to recover from such traumas and thus need help in order to cope. PTSD is not something that should be taken lightly. It’s not something that can be ignored and forgotten. Individuals with the disorder need professional help to endure the symptoms that inhibit them from functioning normally day to day.

4. PTSD symptoms manifest immediately after a traumatic event

   In many cases, it takes a month or two before symptoms are noticeable, and they can be brought forth by stress and old memories. According to the NIH, a psychiatrist or psychologist evaluates a patient and determines whether or not they have the disorder depending on if they’ve shown at least one re-experiencing symptom, at least three avoidance symptoms and at least two hyperarousal symptoms (see link for more comprehensive explanations), all of which need to occur during at least a month in a PTSD diagnosis.

5. PTSD sufferers are always unstable and violent

   Symptoms of PTSD vary depending on the person with the disorder. Angry outbursts and violence don’t always occur, even if the illness was brought forth by events involving violent crime and torture. Ultimately, how a person reacts to a traumatic event is dependent on their individual attributes and sensibilities. For example, additional symptoms may include memory disturbances and the inability to connect and reconnect with others. The severity of each symptom increases and decreases and almost never remains constant.

6. PTSD is limited to a specific age group

   Children are vulnerable to PTSD too despite their apparent resilience to mental stress. In fact, a recent study undertaken by University of Miami psychologist Dr. Annette La Greca showed that children exhibit signs of PTSD two years after a natural disaster. Twenty-one months after the event, 29 percent reported moderate to severe PTSD symptoms. During a family’s recovery from a catastrophic hurricane, for example, a child may struggle with adjusting to a new environment, where they may be without their friends and some of their family, making the recovery even more difficult.

7. Only one treatment is needed

   The simplicity or complexity of treatment is wholly dependent on the person with PTSD. If symptoms are severe, then it’s reasonable to assume several methods may be used to control the illness. Psychotherapy and medication may be combined in order to produce a desired result for a patient. Doctors typically prescribe antidepressants such as sertraline (Zoloft) or paroxetine (Paxil), both of which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat PTSD. Each combats feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anger and worry. Patients may also use benzodiazepines to relax and sleep and antipsychotics to combat other mental disorders.

8. Therapy doesn’t work

   Therapy does work. It educates the PTSD sufferer about the trauma and its psychological effects, and enables a mental health professional to find ways to neutralize the symptoms to the best of their abilities. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is often used, including exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring and stress inoculation training. Exposure therapy enables the patient to face and control their fear. Cognitive restructuring helps the patient realistically evaluate bad memories and deal with them in a healthy manner. Stress inoculation training teaches the patient to reduce anxiety and thus the PTSD symptoms.

9. PTSD sufferers are unable to function in the real world

   By taking the aforementioned measures and remaining committed to treating the problem, PTSD sufferers can fulfill their duties as employees. As previously mentioned, medication and therapy can help them make it through the day. If symptoms persist and noticeably affect their productivity, they should notify their employer of the problem if they aren’t already aware. Remember, people with mental health problems are afforded the same rights as everyone else.

10. Recovery is impossible

    Dealing with PTSD may seem like an unwinnable battle, but with the proper commitment, it can be defeated. Note that recovery is a subjective term depending on the patient. While symptoms of PTSD can be eradicated, some may define recovery as simply functioning effectively with the disorder. There are numerous PTSD support groups in existence with members willing to share their success stories. It’s a great way to build hope when the illness is adamantly against it.

1. Only 2% of kids in the U.S. eat healthy

   Based on diet specifications established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), only 2% of children in the United States have a healthy diet. It can be easy to dismiss statistics when so many numbers are thrown at you at once. Don’t be fooled. This means that 98% of American children eat unhealthy meals every day. This is a staggering number. In a survey of American high school seniors, only 3 out of every 10 report eating vegetables “nearly” every day. Of the vegetables consumed in the United States, one-fourth are in the form of french fries or potato chips. We hate to say it, but vegetables fried in grease hardly count as your daily dose of vegetables (even though they taste oh so good). Vegetables aside, soft-drink consumption has increased 300% in the last 20 years. 300%! To give us all a little perspective, one 16 ounce serving of regular Coke has 194 calories and 54 grams of sugar. That’s bad.

2. Fast food consumption is rising

   One of the primary contributing factors to obesity in both adults and children is fast food consumption. We all know that fast food is bad for us and yet we continue to eat it. Fast food can be easier and even cheaper when time and money are both scarce. However, the more fast food children consume, the further we get from remedying the epidemic of child obesity. In a survey of high school students, the average teenager in the United States eats fast food twice a week. Eating fast food at a young age develops the habit of eating fast food as an adult. Studies show that low income families are more likely to eat fast food than higher income families. Even more alarming, a study done of 200 neighborhoods reported that there were three times as many supermarkets in wealthy neighborhoods as there were in poor neighborhoods, leaving fast food restaurants as the most convenient option for many low income families.

3. About 25% of kids don’t do any physical activity

   When we think of being a kid, we think of running and playing tag or going t-ball practice. In movies and television shows little kids seem to be constantly running around and playing. Our idealized conception of childhood as a time of playful activity is what makes the following statistic so shocking: one in every four children does not participate in any free-time physical activity. What?! This means that one-fourth of all children under the age of 10 are not running and playing tag or hide-and-seek. No chasing each other on the playground? No climbing trees or jumping rope? More and more kids are spending their free time doing stationary activities. Furthermore, the importance of activity for children is going unnoticed as physical education classes are cut because of lowering school budgets. 92% of elementary schools do not have daily P.E. classes year-round and less than a quarter of high school students take a P.E. class once a day.

4. Kids spend up to 5 hours daily watching TV

   To further the problem, in addition to physical education classes being cut, children are spending more time pursuing sedentary activities. According to The Clinton Foundation, a typical American youth spends approximately 4 to 5 hours a day watching TV, using the computer or playing video games. It’s no real surprise that television watching is closely correlated to childhood obesity. After all, there is no way a child can burn the calories he or she consumed that day if nearly all of their leisure time is spent sitting in front of a television. Several studies indicate that television viewing should be regarded as an important contributing factor to childhood obesity. Among kids ages 12 to 17, the prevalence of obesity increased by 2% for each hour of television viewed, even after considering variables such as prior weight, race, and socio-economic status.

5. Obese children make poor students

   There is growing evidence indicating that children who eat well and lead an active lifestyle perform better academically. It’s not hard to believe that a healthy body makes a healthy mind. As discussed by the organization Action for Healthy Kids, a recent study of 5,000 children established a relationship between diet quality and academic performance. The lower the quality of diet, the lower a person performs academically. Research shows that regular physical activity aids in cognitive and academic development in kids between the ages of 7 and 11. Furthermore, overweight children miss 4 times more school than a child of normal weight does. So, on top of the fact that poor diet and low activity levels make it more difficult to perform cognitive functions, obese children are also missing valuable time in the classroom because of their obesity. If kids aren’t in school and performing to the best of their ability, then they can’t learn and flourish.

6. The risk for heart disease jumps

   Cardiovascular Disease technically refers to any disease involving the heart or blood vessels. However, generally the term is used to refer to atherosclerosis, which is a condition that develops when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup inhibits blood flow, potentially causing heart attack or stroke. Now you’re thinking, “wait, weren’t we talking about child obesity here?” Most people consider stroke and heart attack adult concerns. However, in a population-based sample of children ages 5 to 17, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High levels of cholesterol and high blood pressure are two of the main risk factors for the development of heart disease. Most obese children have high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, or both. The primary way to manage cardiovascular disease is with diet and lifestyle intervention.

7. Half of diabetic children are overweight

   Type-2 Diabetes is also termed “adult onset diabetes” because originally, only adults were afflicted with it. This, however, is quickly changing. There is an alarming increase in the number of children and adolescents developing Type-2 Diabetes throughout the world due to being overweight. According to The American Diabetes Association, 45% of children diagnosed with diabetes have Type-2 Diabetes due to being obese or overweight. Moreover, between the years 2005 and 2008, the number of children with Type-2 Diabetes doubled in America (if this rate continues that number will have doubled again this year in 2011). In some countries, type-2 diabetes has become the most common form of disease in children and in North America at least one in every 100 youth has been diagnosed with some form of diabetes.

8. Sleep apnea is a growing threat

   As defined by the Mayo Clinic, sleep apnea is a condition where one’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. A study preformed in 2009 suggests that sleep apnea is the most severe problem faced by obese children. There are two types of sleep apnea: central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain doesn’t send the proper signals, and obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when throat muscles relax too much and the airway collapses. Obese children are at a greater risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea because their tonsils are so large that it can interfere with the ability of the chest and abdomen to fully expand during breathing. Sleep apnea is associated with decreased quality of life. Sufferers may also experience behavioral, neurocognitive, cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and psychiatric complications.

9. Health care costs are triple what they are for healthier children

   The cost of obesity for both the national health care system and the individual has sky rocketed in the past few years as obesity quickly becomes an epidemic. In an examination of the cost of obesity for Americans, researchers report that Americans spend 9% of their total medical costs on obesity-related illnesses and that the national cost of obesity is approximately $45 billion per year. Moreover, children treated for obesity are roughly three times more expensive for the health care system than children of normal weight. To put this statistic into perspective, this means that children who are being treated for obesity and obesity related illnesses spend more on health care than smokers. The indirect cost of obesity, including missed work and future earnings losses, has been estimated at %56 billion dollars per year. As if the cost of your health and happiness weren’t enough, obesity also costs your bank account and the national health system a huge amount of money.

10. Obese children will live shorter lives than their parents

    Perhaps the most frightening facts concerned with childhood obesity are the projections being made about an obese child’s life expectancy. We know that heart disease and type-2 diabetes shorten a person’s lifespan, but what happens when we talk about children under the age of 10 with these “adult” conditions? A study performed in 2005 projected that if obesity among children continues to increase, the current generation of children will live shorter lives than their parents. Let’s hear this just one more time: if childhood obesity trends continue, children born now may die before their parents. This is an utterly terrifying thought. This projection means that obesity is not only more expensive, but also, more dangerous to a person’s health than smoking cigarettes. With obese youth being 80% more likely to become overweight or obese adults and, therefore, more at risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, and osteoarthritis, it’s not too difficult to see that shorter lifespan could become a problem. Childhood obesity is a dire issue. These 10 facts underscore the necessity for a healthy diet and active lifestyle at all ages, but especially for children.

Traditional metal detectors are now seeing competition with full body scanners. The full body scanners are a step above metal detectors. They allow the airport security staff to pore over every inch of skin on a traveler to search for potential weapons, and even reveal weapons that are not made out of metal, such as plastic guns, bombs, or knives, something that traditional metal detectors cannot do. But the full body scanner also uses x ray technology, which can have adverse side effects on travelers.

Overexposure to radiation is a dangerous thing, even if that radiation is coming from an x ray machine. It can increase the chances of cancer due to the amount of radiation involved in creating an x ray image, which is why patients are discouraged from taking too many. The body scanning x ray machines used at airports to tighten up airport security emit a low dose of radiation to scan the surface of the skin for potential weapons – and this radiation can increase travelers’ chances of getting skin cancer. This is because the beam of radiation would be concentrated on the skin, which is one of the most radiation-sensitive organs of the human body, according to an article published in The Daily Mail. The body scanner’s adverse effects can be even more prevalent in young children and those with gene mutations.

Travelers who fly often, such as those who partake in regular business trips, are at even greater risk of developing skin cancer due to their repeated exposure to the body scanners. In the United States alone, at least 11 major airports now use the full body scanners to screen passengers for weapons before they may pass into the secured portion of the airport, according to USA Today. However, for now, traditional metal detectors and a physical hands-on pat-down will still be an option for travelers who do not like the idea of going through a full body scanner. Though chances are the technology of full body scanners is not harmful enough to be of real concern, it is something that should be kept in mind.

Stay healthy. It may be easier said than done, but if you don’t have health insurance, it’s obviously easier to deal if you just don’t get sick in the first place. Follow careful hygiene, wash your hands carefully, and stay away from sick people. Be sure to eat right, exercise, and take vitamins for the best preventive medicine you can give yourself on your own.

Save up. You will probably have to deal with medical costs at one point or another, and paying out of pocket for your health bills can get very expensive. Start a savings account to set aside money that’s specifically for health care costs.

Document everything. When it’s time to do your taxes, don’t forget about the money you’ve spent on your health care, especially if it’s been an expensive year. The IRS will allow you to write off some of all of what you’ve spent on your health care-which is the bright side to having to spend a lot on medical care.

Negotiate. Insurance companies are able to get good health care deals because they ask for them, and you should be able to do that also. Talk to your doctor and find out if you can get a discount for paying early or with cash. Ask for freebies of prescriptions, and try to get generic versions whenever possible.

Keep an eye out for free screenings. Health fairs and local health departments often give free screenings to check your blood pressure and do other routine exams. Check out dental schools and other facilities where you may be able to get free or greatly reduced care.

Don’t neglect your health. It’s easy to neglect your health if you think you can’t afford it, but you can’t afford to not take care of yourself. Try telephone doctors, nurse practitioners, and pharmacy clinics to get the care you need at a lower cost-and avoid letting small problems become big ones.

Living without health insurance isn’t easy, but it can be done. Take advantage of the resources available to you in order to get the best health care experience possible, and be sure to stay on top of your good health.

1. In a Portable Toilet

   After 44years on the planet, Candy Michelle Vignari never managed to fully grasp the concept of proper child care. The Cambridge, Maryland woman birthed a baby girl in a portable toilet…and promptly deposited the bundle of joy down with bundles of an entirely different sort. The flagrant disregard for the infant’s health and well-being was discovered when Vignari casually waltzed out of the portable toilet, marinating in blood and afterbirth, and asked a park patron for a cigarette. Also? She made nonchalant mention of her previous activities, as if giving birth and dumping the results alongside other things that exit the body is absolutely normal protocol in places other than Crazy Town. Because the American authorities only allow child abuse and abandonment amongst celebrities, Vignari spent time in jail and faced charges for her deplorable acts. Her daughter thankfully survived the ordeal.

2. On a Lifeboat

   As if the act of giving birth in and of itself wasn’t already wrought with enough physical trauma to kill a bull elephant (or dent Teddy Roosevelt), try doing so on top of dizzying seasickness. Fortunately, the ocean stayed calm and friendly when Junelle Wilson went into labor with her son Van. Living on the Isle of Mull meant that she needed to take a ferry to the nearest mainland hospital, as the only one available near home was apparently too small to handle her needs. Unfortunately, the ferry only runs during the daylight hours – and Van decided to make a nocturnal debut. Because of this, Wilson needed to charter a lifeboat…only to end up giving birth right there on the ride over! The thankfully sedate sea actually calmed her nerves, and mother and son both ended up safe in the end; though little Van needed the craft’s oxygen mask in order to facilitate breathing.

3. On a Plane

   Judging by the numerous stories that pop up during a quick Google search, babies deciding to pop out thousands of miles in the air seems understandably more common than people realize. One such incident took place on a flight between Chicago and Boise, where a pregnant woman lurched into labor with the nearest airport 90 miles away in Denver. The flight crew decided that an emergency landing was in order, but once again nature overrode human interaction and a baby boy emerged before they even began their descent. A doctor on board assisted with the delivery, applying his creativity to severing the umbilical cord using one of his own shoelaces! Mother and son – neither of whom were given a name in the story – both survived the experience healthy and safe.

4. On the Sidewalk

   Giving birth on a sidewalk certainly carries with it a veritable laundry list of health and safety hazards, but families are often powerless to prevent where and when their newest addition decides to appear on the scene. One such incident occurred in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where Tiffany Kohls and her son Kellen just could not agree on where in the hospital he wanted to get born. At the hospital, Kohls’s mother ran in to alert the staff of an incoming patient. By the time she made it back outside, her daughter had begun the birthing process right there on the pavement. With the assistance of a nurse and a pair of security guards, Kellen entered into the world safely and without incident. Any incident beyond being born on the sidewalk, of course.

5. At the Post Office

   Obvious jokes about “special deliveries” aside, the post office remains not the most ideal place to give birth in the First World. It plays host to numerous physical and sanitation issues that render it unsuitable to take the place of a hospital. Being that she previously spent the past 9 months literally in the dark, Dulce Nascimento did not realize this when she sent her mother Sonia Marina into labor. Visiting the Cambridgeshire post office to purchase cell phone credits, the woman received an unexpected shock when she ended up giving birth to a baby daughter before an emergency vehicle made the scene. Everything thankfully went smoothly, and the staff members even place the infant on the scales to register her weight and how much it would cost to ship her elsewhere.

6. On Fifth Avenue

   En route to the hospital after suffering from labor pains at only 33 weeks, Elizabeth Brew gave birth to twins right in the middle of New York’s famed Fifth Avenue. So painful and dire was the process, the staff of Mount Sinai Medical Center had to rush outside and deliver the two tiny babies right there with Brew’s legs splayed out in front of Central Park. 2 lanes of traffic had to be blocked in order to make room for the doctors, nurses and equipment needed to ensure the safest, healthiest births possible within the confines of an SUV. Though premature, the twins – 1 female, 1 male – survived after a stint in a neonatal intensive care unit.

7. On a Subway Platform

   Being born in the grimy subway platforms of New York is perhaps only a cut or 2 above a sewer pipe, only without the somewhat cool parallels with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Brooklynite Francine Alfontent and her husband Max were taking Train F to the nearest hospital after the former began experiencing the early pangs of labor when daughter Soleil ended up popping out much sooner than anticipated. Accompanied by over a dozen concerned riders, the pair had to slip out onto a Manhattan subway platform for delivery. Strangers worked in tandem to assist the pair in every step of the process, many of them coming in on later trains. Among them, thankfully, lurked a nurse who valiantly kept the scene as calm and professional as a woman giving birth on a subway platform can get! All 3 Alfontents survived the experience entirely unscathed and uncompromised, now in possession of an entertaining and heartwarming story of teamwork to tell later on in life!

8. On the Front Lawn

   An unidentified woman from St Catherines, Ontario, Canada never even made it past the front lawn of a house when it came time to birth her infant son. 2 concerned passerbies happened upon the woman’s exceedingly painful plight, which ended abruptly as she apparently attempted to walk from her apartment to the nearest hospital before her water broke and her son began using the birth canal as a Slip ‘N Slide. Paramedics rushed to the scene and delivered the baby boy quickly and without any further incident, though many neighbors and pedestrians stopped to witness the drama unfolding before them.

9. On a Train

   Giving birth on public transportation is incredibly common, regardless of whether or not the mother in question originally intended to set off for the hospital. After visiting Peru’s breathtaking Machu Picchu, Yessica Huaman Sullo went into labor with son Armando Rail on the train ride home. She panicked with the thought of no doctors aboard, but 2 touring physicians happened to jump to her rescue and bring the healthy young man into the world. According to at least 1 witness, the train had to stop itself about 5 minutes away from its destination to ensure that Sullo’s emergency medical needs had been properly met.

10. On the Toilet

    Though not nearly as uncomfortable as giving birth on a port-a-potty, numerous women have actually given birth on the toilet after mistaking labor pains for a particularly cramping desire to pee. One particularly deplorable incident involved a Kansas City McDonald’s worker who birthed a baby son in a similar incident – and immediately tried to flush him down the drain! She was allegedly unaware of the pregnancy to begin with and panicked when the infant came piddling out instead of urine. A claim not wholly unbelievable, considering how the woman was stupid and heartless enough to try and flush her own child in the first place. Fortunately, the new baby survived the experience and hopefully ended up in a loving home that actually cared for his well-being.

These impatient little tykes could not wait to see everything the world had to offer them, although a few unfortunately ended up with sociopathic mothers that hopefully had no hold on them shortly after snapping. Regardless of how they ended up, though, they all share in starting their lives out in the most unorthodox of locations – sometimes funny, sometimes scary, sometimes heartbreaking. But always an interesting read.

]]> http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/10-of-the-worst-places-where-women-have-given-birth/feed/ 0 http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/stroke-prevention-is-possible/ http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/stroke-prevention-is-possible/#comments Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:42:53 +0000 Site Administrator http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/ Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, each year more than 700,000 people suffer from a stroke and about 160,000 die from complications related to stroke. For adults, it is the most common cause of disability, not only robbing them of their independence, but reducing their quality of life. A stroke occurs when blood fails to circulate properly to the brain. This lack of circulation and decreased blood flow causes brain cells to die. There are two types of strokes, ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by the blockage of blood flow, and hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding. The good news is that stroke prevention is possible.

The biggest risk related to stroke is high blood pressure. To keep blood pressure within a normal range, you need to modify your eating and exercise habits. Blood pressure can be lowered through a diet that avoids foods that are high in sodium, cholesterol, refined sugars, and saturated and trans fats. It is important to eat foods that are high in nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. A healthy diet will include a variety of natural foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Exercising regularly also helps to lower your blood pressure. This is because physical activity strengthens your heart and helps it to pump more blood with less effort, which will decrease pressure on your arteries. Try to exercise at for about 30 minutes at least three days a week.

The most common cause of a stroke is the blockage of the carotid artery, the main artery in the neck that blood uses to travel to the brain. Smoking is associated with the fatty substance build up in this artery. Inhaling cigarette smoke produces many effects that cause damage to your cerebrovascular system and cigarettes contain many substances that increase the risk of stroke. Carbon monoxide decreases the amount of oxygen your blood is able to carry to your brain, while nicotine raises your blood pressure. It is also important that you try to avoid being around cigarettes as smoke will cause your blood to become thicker therefore making it more likely to clot. If you’re a current smoker, it’s important to try to stop as soon as possible because by quitting you will greatly reduce the chances of having a smoking-induced stroke as well as your overall stroke risk.

]]> http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/stroke-prevention-is-possible/feed/ 0 http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/the-ultimate-guide-to-self-massage-50-tips-tricks-guides/ http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/the-ultimate-guide-to-self-massage-50-tips-tricks-guides/#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:06:07 +0000 Site Administrator http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/?page_id=127 A competent massage can make or break an individual’s overall sense of health and well-being, but most people do not have the money to pay for regular sessions with a professional. Fortunately, the art of self-massage costs absolutely nothing while still yielding the same benefits as paying for a round when executed properly. The following guide proffers up some tips, tricks, information, and links to helpful guides for anyone who finds the prospect of self-massage appealing.

Why?

1. It’s easy.

   In spite of what one can assume when he or she hears the term “self-massage,” the techniques involved actually involve far less strain and stress.

2. It can relieve tension headaches.

   Many people already begin massaging their forehead when a headache or migraine descends, and for good reason!

3. It can ease insomnia.

   Because insomnia frequently involves anxiety and tension, self-massage acts as one possible route to finding a safe, healthy, and natural means of sleeping better.

4. Soothe muscles after exercising.

   Improve overall performance by introducing self-massage techniques following a vigorous workout routine, as doing so relaxes muscles, relieves tension, and keeps them strong and flexible.

5. Encourage the production of endorphins.

   Traditional massage and the solo variety both stimulate endorphin flow, making the procedure an option for those wanting to quell stress and depression the natural way.

6. Ensure greater flexibility.

   Relieving aching, strained muscles after working out (and in any spare time!) loosens them up and allows them to move with greater flexibility – which also helps stave off injuries as well.

7. Improve overall health.

   Massage bolsters the immune system as well as the muscles, so anyone desiring a natural, simple boost would do well to consider it an option.

8. Discourage injury.

   The improved flexibility and relaxation that comes with massage serves the greater purpose of reducing one’s chances of sustaining injury during or after a workout session.

9. Encourage better circulation.

   Increased blood flow results from a nice massage, helping the body remain alert, healthy, and firing on all 8 cylinders.

10. Allow for greater range of motion.

    One of the many benefits of massage – either solo or with a partner – involves providing relaxed, flexible muscles the ability to stretch further and move more smoothly within their designated range of motion.

11. Encourages tissue regeneration.

    Attempt self-massage on patches of damaged skin or muscle to coax the tissues to heal themselves harder, better, faster and stronger.

12. Reduce swelling.

    When muscles or joints begin to swell, try to quell some of the discomfort with a bit of competent self-massage and encourage the inflammation to peter out.

13. Bring oxygen and nutrients to muscles.

    Because massage encourages blood flow, the lucky muscles receive an increased flow of oxygen and nutrients that they need to perform to their greatest abilities.

14. Alleviate labor pains.

    The self-masseuse can calm the pains associated with labor by applying the proper techniques to keep the birthing process running smoothly and hopefully more comfortably.

15. Kill cramps and spasms.

    A soothing self-massage session can help an individual plagued with muscle cramps and spasms ease the torment in a safe, natural, and healthy manner.

16. Put simply – it relaxes the recipient.

    Even those who do not engage in athletic activity, suffer from insomnia, headaches or migraines, or plan on getting pregnant can still benefit from a round of self-massage. If nothing else, the relaxant property can end a hard day’s work on a comforting high note.

Tips & Tricks

1. Incorporate aromatherapy.

   Find a favored scent that encourages the desired feeling (relaxation, happiness, meditative, etc.) and incorporate an oil or lotion into a self-massage routine.

2. Incorporate different aids.

   Numerous online and brick-and-mortar retailers offer consumers a lovely variety of different toys and tools to create a more satisfying self-massage experience.

3. Golf balls have other uses!

   Snap up a couple of spare golf balls and use them as a means of massaging the bottom of feet. It takes some getting used to, but is well worth the effort.

4. Go in a circular motion.

   One of the best techniques for any type of massage involves rubbing the affected area in a steady circular motion to reinvigorate the muscles, skin, and nerves.

5. For shoulders, use the opposite hand.

   Grip left shoulders with the right hand for better grip and flexibility when self-massaging that particular area of the body.

6. It’s not just about the stroke.

   Always remember that a self-massage session doesn’t always involve using the proper strokes. Applying pressure while doing so only enhances its effectiveness – the deeper the better.

7. Pain doesn’t have to be the motivator.

   While most people site relaxation and pain relief as their primary motivators for performing a self-massage, the benefits transcend reserving them only for pain relief.

8. Self-massage sessions don’t have to last long.

   If time is of the essence, understand that self-massage doesn’t require a long, involved span of time. 5-15 minutes a day still grants many of the positives associated with the procedure.

9. Use self-massage to emulate digestion.

   Encourage efficient digestion by self-massaging the abdomen in a clockwise direction after meals – the same process the body naturally uses to break down food in the stomach.

10. Concentrate on joints and bones.

    Because the most intensive pain and strain understandably happens near the joints and bones, the self-masseuse should focus her or his attention to these potentially problematic areas.

11. Try for mornings and evenings.

    Both times of day generally involve stiffened, sore limbs and joints, so try and time quiet self-massage sessions to fall within them. Before and after exercising is also a grand idea as well.

12. Pamper the feet.

    For extra comfort during a foot massage, perform the soothing rubbing action with a warm water soak with Epsom salts or scented bubble bath.

13. Pinch!

    One interesting technique to introduce into a self-massage routine is the simple, St. Patrick’s Day-friendly act of pinching to wake up nerves, alleviate stress and tension, and increase blood flow.

14. Score a stress ball.

    For a quick daily de-stressor, invest in a stress ball or other resistant item and perform a vigorous hand massage before getting back to assignments.

15. Pad the forehead.

    Those who suffer from tension headaches or migraines may want to lean their head on a padded surface – or, alternately, place a wet washcloth on their foreheads – for added relief while executing a head massage.

16. Apply some heat.

    Use warmed water or oil, a heating pad, or even everyone’s old friend friction to improve the effectiveness of a self-massage session.

17. Learn about pressure and trigger points.

    Read up on the human body’s special trigger and pressure points and tailor self-massage to specifically target them.

18. Try heeling.

    For a more intensive massage, use the heels of the palms rather than the finger tips to dig deeper into the tissues.

Guides

1. Massage Therapy at U Healthy

   U Healthy’s extensive guide to massage of the partnered and solo varieties provides readers with some great tips and tricks regarding the best techniques for maximum effectiveness.

2. Self-Massage for Athletes

   Even those outside the athletic persuasion can benefit from these excellent videos on performing self-massage on the feet, back, shoulders, hands, arms, torso, legs, and neck.

3. Massage Nerd

   The Massage Nerd website stands as one of the best online resources for information on all different manners and methods of stress relief – from videos to product reviews and even relevant social networks.

4. SaveYourself.ca

   Learn more about pain and pain relief alike with this intensive and largely free guide to taking charge of sore joints and aching muscles.

5. How to do a Therapeutic Self Massage

   Join Expert Village’s fitness guru Angela Joyce for a series of quick videos illustrating the best techniques to use for different self-massage situations.

6. Self Massage at Suite 101

   The aspiring home masseuse would do well to read over these articles and product reviews for information on getting the most out of self-therapy.

7. Dö-In: The Ancient Art of Rejuvenation Through Self-Massage

   Download this free PDF to learn more about how to work Shiatsu and Dö-In strategies into a self-massage session.

8. massagevideo’s Channel

   All of the videos available on this YouTube channel revolve around self-massage, massage, yoga, reflexology, acupressure, meditation, and other means of alleviating pain, stress, and anxiety.

9. debalzar’s Channel

   Erwin Macias’s YouTube channel hosts a few neat videos on self-massage as well as a few other useful exercises.

10. Self Massage

    This 17-video playlist by Massage Nerd serves as a great how-to guide to alleviating pain, relaxing, and appreciating all the art’s solo potential.

11. “Massage Therapy for Stress Relief and Much More” at WebMD

    In spite of the title, Susan Seliger’s article actually focuses on the whats and whys behind self-massage techniques.

12. Self Massage at LIVESTRONG.COM

    Browse all of LIVESTRONG.COM’s writings on the different types of self-massage techniques as well as the myriad health benefits that practitioners enjoy.

13. “Self Massage: Guide to Self Massage Equipment and Techniques” at Associated Content

    Anne Wright provides visitors with an overview of getting the most out of a self-massage session.

14. Massage Luminary

    Scroll through the menu of this Hudson Valley-based studio for some great expert tips on receiving a soothing massage without having to pay a professional – or snag the services of a friend!

15. Shiatsu Self Massage

    Check out this .jpg, which illustrates the different trigger and pressure points and techniques that comprise the basics of Shiatsu self massage.

16. “10 Self Massage Therapy Products Under $20″ at Associated Content

    For the self masseuse on a budget, Jolynne M. Hudnell shares her findings regarding the best products to use on sore, aching bodies.

Self-massage is an excellent way to alleviate pain and stress as well as relax after a rough day. Without ever having to shell out money for an expensive masseuse, men and women looking for a little quick relief need only look over the aforementioned tips, tricks, and guides to make their lives just that much better.

]]> http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/the-ultimate-guide-to-self-massage-50-tips-tricks-guides/feed/ 0 http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/50-best-blogs-for-green-minded-moms/ http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/50-best-blogs-for-green-minded-moms/#comments Sun, 09 May 2010 13:56:02 +0000 Site Administrator http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/?page_id=126 All the new technology in the world has made things convenient, but have they made them better? With more people comes more pollution and more impact. With issues like global warming, climate change, sustainability, and more at the forefront, what’s a parent to think or do about the future of their children?

Sure, disposable diapers are loads more useful than cloth, but what is their impact? You child may want loads of disposable plates, balloons, and favors for their birthday party, but will they think twice when they are grown? These questions and so many more are answered in the below 50 best blogs for green-minded moms. They are by experts, reporters, individuals, and mothers alike.

Best News Blogs for Green-Minded Moms

Be the first mom on your block to know the latest in green headlines with the help of these blogs.

1. Treehugger

   A constant top ranking blog, it is run by a “discovery company.” Moms can read the newest entries or sort by food, beauty, and others. You can also get guides for how to go green.

2. The Daily Green

   Get a virtual newspaper on green matters in a green manner with a visit here. News, tips, advice, living green, and much more are available with a click. You can also view the opinion blogs or check out the popular features.

3. Mother Nature Network

   A standout feature of Mother Nature is the section on family. Green-minded moms can learn how to raise a family the green way and so much more. Top features, briefing, and loads of blogs are available with a click.

4. Grist

   This long running blog has always been a top choice for the green-minded. Moms will enjoy the living and food sections, as well as many others. A recent entry was on fertility awareness.

5. Ecorazzi

   See which green celebrities are practicing what they preach in this blog. It follows the latest in green gossip. You can choose from film, TV, music, fashion, and more.

6. Environmental News Network

   Stop here for an entire network devoted to green-minded issues. Topics include ecosystems, energy, climate, pollution, lifestyle, and more. Be sure not to miss the Top Stories while you are there.

7. Science Daily

   Get the latest in green-minded science headlines here. They are updated on a literally minute to minute basis. Green topics include everything from acid rain to sustainability.

8. Green TV

   Get the latest news as videos or podcasts at this site. Choose from climate change, tech, and more. You can also choose your language.

9. World Changing Seattle

   The main site is full of news for green-minded moms. You don’t have to live in Seattle to get expert stories. There are also blogs for Denver and Canada.

Best Blogs for Green-Minded Moms by an Organization

These expert organizations exclusively focus on green topics and share more in their blogs.

1. Switchboard

   The Natural Resources Defense Council hosts these green blogs. Dozens of experts from scientists to mothers blog on all things environmental. You can also search by issues and features.

2. Earth 911

   This blog is hosted by an organization of the same name. It is an environmental services company that addresses solutions for products’ end-of-life for both businesses and consumers. In addition to posts, you can also get a Recycling 101 guide.

3. Environment 360

   The experts at Yale University blog on all things green here. Opinions, analysis, reporting, and debate are featured. A recent article was on how climate science will prevail.

4. Green Upgrader

   This blog is part of the Live OAK Network. Matt Embrey and others show you how to go green and upgrade at the same time. Moms will enjoy DIY, innovation, living, and others.

5. DeSmog Blog

   This blog is led by Jim Hoggan, founder of James Hoggan & Associates, one of Canada’s leading public relations firms. It is a source for fact based information regarding global warming. Sections include a research database and desmog manifesto.

6. Great Green Goods

   Launched back in 2005, this is a shopping blog. Products are reviewed under the criteria of reducing impact or made out of sustainable or recycled materials. They also feature podcasts and allow you to send in tips.

Best Individual Blogs for Green-Minded Moms

These individuals have made the environment the focus of their blogs.

1. The Green Skeptic

   Scott Edward Anderson is founder of VerdeStrategy and The Green Skeptic. He is a cleantech investor and entrepreneur. His blog is full of entries on how the green economy is shaping the future.

2. Dot Earth

   Andrew C. Revkin examines efforts to balance human affairs with the planet’s limits. Conceived in part with support from a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship, Dot Earth tracks relevant developments from suburbia to Siberia. A recent entry was on climate certainty and credibilit6y.

3. Marc Roberts Cartoons

   Get your green blog fix with a side of humor here. Marc is part of Throbgoglins and Artists Protect Earth. Comic strips present “dark green humor.”

4. Good Guide

   Dr. Dara O’Rourke is a professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at UC Berkeley, and formerly a professor at MIT. He studies the environmental, social, and health impacts of global supply chains. He also helps moms and others find safe, healthy, and green products better for the planet.

5. The Good Human

   David encourages people to be better humans through working to clean up the environment, being active in political issues, and being more aware of one’s life and surroundings. Categories range from automotive to Wal-Mart. A recent entry was on the impact of hand soap.

6. No Impact Man

   This blog is authored by Colin Beavan about what each of us can do to end environmental impact. He also shows how to make a better place to live and come up with a happier way of life. There is also a book and film of the same name.

7. Climate Progress

   Get an insider’s view of climate science and solutions here. Part of the Center for American Progress Action, Dr. Joseph Romm is the editor of Climate Progress and a Senior Fellow at the American Progress. A recent entry was on an oil spill.

8. Eco Geek

   Moms who love tech and green will enjoy this blog. Hank believes technology can be a source for good or evil and tells the difference. Popular articles are on hybrid cars, Google, and saving your laptop battery.

9. Max Gladwell

   Green, political, and other 2.0 topics are discussed on this blog. You can also learn more about EcoMonday, consulting, and speaking. Hot entries are on global warming myths and GM.

Best Blogs for Green-Minded Moms by a Celebrity

See how other famous green-minded moms and those in the public eye live with a peek at their official blogs.



1. The Kind Life

   Alicia Silverstone is probably best known for her starring role in “Clueless.” However, after a switch to what she calls “the kind life,” green is her new color. Visit for style, environment, news, food, daily life, and more.

2. Al Gore

   More of a politician than celebrity, the former Vice President is more or less the unofficial leader of the green-minded. His journal often contains his thoughts on the latest in environmental related news. There is also an Action Center with more.

3. Alec Baldwin

   The oldest of the Baldwin brothers, Alec can be seen regularly on “30 Rock.” Also active in politics, he keeps this blog on The Huffington Post. Thoughts are on the Earth, Hollywood, and much more.

4. Mia Farrow

   Both a mother and activist, Mia was once married to Woody Allen. Darfur initiatives and What You Can Do are standout features of the blog. Pictures taken on her travels are also shared.

5. Pamela Anderson

   She is best known for her role in the international sensation “Baywatch.” Also a mother, she recently enjoyed a stint on “Dancing With the Stars.” Pam is also famous for lending her voice to animal rights and other green-minded issues.

6. Barbara Streisand

   No introduction needed, the famous singer, actress, and director may be shy of the spotlight but is not shy in her blog. Often taking on politics, as well as green issues, you can get it straight from Babs here.

7. John Mayer

   Another musician, John is also known for his Hollywood trysts. Blog posts generally consist of musings on life, music, and the occasional environmental one. He also has news and a community for his fans.

8. Rosie O’Donnell

   Once a host of her own daytime talk show and co-host of “The View,” Rosie’s opinions have landed her in hot water on more than one occasion. However, that same voice lives on in her official blog. She also writes on being a mom and other thoughts.

9. Roseanne

   Sometimes confused with the above, Roseanne was a star of a television show of the same name. She lives on in blog form and is not shy on her opinions. Beware of explicit language.

10. Allison Mack

    Allison is one of the co-stars of the series “Smallville.” A flower child with a free imagination, her blog is an inspiration to do good. Her main site also has more.

Best Blogs for Green-Minded Moms by a Mom (or Mothers)

Read a green-minded blog by someone just like you below.

1. Green and Clean Mom

   Sommer started her blog as a way to reach out to other moms like herself and share ways to be more Eco-savvy while researching a product. The blog has since grown into a popular choice for the green and family-minded alike.

2. The Green Parent

   Jenn Savedge is a full-time mom, environmentalist, and author who researches and writes about the two topics that are closest to her heart: children and the environment. As a former park ranger for the National Park Service, Jenn traveled the U.S., learning about the environment in some this country’s most breath-taking wild places. Her blog offers a detailed guide to kid and Earth friendly living.

3. Best of Mother Earth

   Karen helps other mothers create healthier lives for their families. She passionately believes in prevention, natural approaches to health, and wellbeing. A recent entry was on why companies should have a CSO.

4. EnviroMom

   Whether you are just starting down the road to greener living or have been doing it for years, you’ll find a supportive and respectful community of like-minded souls here. Heather and Renee subscribe to the “baby-step” approach, which is the path they have both taken. Their favorite topics include meatless supper club and outdoor kids.

5. Fake Plastic Fish

   This blog is a record of a journey to live with as little unnecessary plastic as possible. Beth is from Oakland, California and her life was changed after reading an article on the plastic waste in the ocean. Since then she has challenged herself and others to reduce as much of their impact as possible.

6. Ecosalon

   Mothers and green minded women alike can stop here for a blog for them. Choose from fashion, culture, travel, religion, and more. There are also popular posts and hot picks available.

7. The Green Girls

   A number of women stop here to blog on all things green. Categories range from love to parenting to business. They also have a TV channel with even more.

8. The Alternative Consumer

   Maureen, Jasmin, and others strive to keep the world clean and sustainable. The blog provides a unique, upbeat perspective — eco news, green product reviews and useful info for busy folks looking to cultivate a greener, healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Interesting topics include home décor and green gadgets.

9. Guilty Planet

   As a child, Jennifer Jacquet read “50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth.” This inspired her to pursue postdoctoral research with the Sea Around Us Project at the UBC Fisheries Centre. Her blog focuses on what individuals can do in their daily life.

10. How Can I Recycle This?

    Louisa is mother to three cats and manages the blog with the help of John. For years they have covered nearly 800 items and had over 10,000 suggestions of ways to reuse, repurpose, or recycle things that would otherwise go in the bin. They also have a special section on how to recycle and reuse baby stuff.

Best Blogs for Green-Minded Moms by Media

These media outlets have a special section for all things green.

1. Environment News

   Often a top choice among the green minded, this blog is maintained by MSNBC. Up to the minute headlines are constantly being posted. You can also get videos, slideshows, and interactive entries.

2. Green Blog

   How climate change, scarcer resources, population growth, and other challenges reshaping society are discussed here. From science to business to politics to living, reporters for “The New York Times” track the high-stakes pursuit of a greener globe in a dialogue with experts and readers.

3. Earth Watch

   This blog is brought to you by Richard Black of the BBC. He gives his take on what’s happening to the shared environment as the human population grows and nature’s resources decrease.

4. Twilight Earth

   Simple Earth Media is an industry-leading environmental new media and social media company whose brand mission is to create a compelling, organic, educational network of environmental online venues. Their blog is dedicated to saving the environment through shared news, discussion, advocacy, and activism. Earth Day was the topic of a recent post.

5. Huffpost Green

   Arianna Huffington’s internet brainchild has grown into one of the largest media outlets on the internet. There is also a specific column for the green-minded that is updated regularly and commented on often. There are also sub sections for energy, food, climate change, living, and even a green job search.

6. Green Living Blog

   Stop here for a group blog from the reporters at “The Guardian.” The blog features carbon footprints, ethical fashion, organics, and much more. There are also blogs on the environment and ethical living.

Whether expecting your first child or on your tenth grandchild, mothers have always been a leading force in how the world operates. See how others do it by having a read on the above 50 best blogs for green-minded moms. They can help you straighten out your own life, parent a conscious child, or even take action.

]]> http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/50-best-blogs-for-green-minded-moms/feed/ 0 http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/50-germiest-places-in-the-world/ http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/50-germiest-places-in-the-world/#comments Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:16:54 +0000 Site Administrator http://www.x-raytechnicianschools.org/?page_id=125 With cold and flu season in full swing and the newest strain of flu scaring everyone, what can the average person to do avoid getting sick? The short answer as always: wash your hands regularly, especially before you eat. Another good way is to educate yourself on the 50 germiest places in the world, how to avoid them, and what you can do to better your chances.

Germiest Places To Work

The next time you get a bug and have to call in sick to work, it just might be your work that made you sick. Check out the below germiest jobs to see if yours is on the list and how to better your odds.

1. Teacher

   Another reason teachers are underrated: they get exposed to more germs short of a job that requires a hazard suit. Loads of kids, messes, and the lack of time for proper hygiene all make the classroom one of the germiest places in the world. The germiest place in the classroom? A student’s desktop. Daycare workers also fall into this category.

2. Cashier

   If money is the root of all evil, it can also be the root of your flu if you’re a cashier. The amount of germs and bacteria found on cash can range from flu to illegal narcotics to worse. Couple this with the fact that cashiers must man their station from start to finish and rarely have time to wash, it’s no wonder that this is the number two position. Bank tellers are also at similar risk.

3. Accountant

   Generally thought as one of the safest jobs, not so when it comes to germs. The constant passing back and forth of papers, phone calls, and desk time can make this one of the germiest jobs in America. If you’re an accountant, take more breaks, go outside, and definitely wipe down that desk.

4. Computer Technician

   Ever wonder why your tech support guy brings his or her own keyboard and mouse? It’s probably due to the unexplained bout of flu they had. Also, being trapped in different offices several times a day with loads of different people doesn’t help either.

5. Healthcare Professional

   This includes doctors, nurses, and even lab workers and receptionists. The reason these professions aren’t farther up the list is that they take extreme precautions to avoid the spread of germs. The germiest place to practice? Pediatrics.

6. Police Officer

   Because suspects often carry needles along with germs, anyone who interacts with them on a regular basis, such as a police officer, is at a higher risk. In addition, when arresting a suspect, cops can also be required to search them, exposing them to even more germs. Even everyday constant interaction with the law abiding can lead to more germs.

7. Animal Control

   Whether you work for this office, at the pound, or volunteer at a shelter, exposure to animals can be pretty germy. This is especially so if the animals you come across are strays who don’t have their shots or know how to behave around humans. Getting bitten or scratched increases risk exposure to germs. Farmers and other agricultural personnel are exposed to similar but diminished risks.

8. Exotic Dancer

   Given the closed door nature of gentlemen’s clubs, it isn’t exactly known how bad the germs are in this profession. However, if you see any signs of flu or other illness, stay away from the club. This article from “Men’s Health” has more.

Germiest Places in the Gym

You go here to get healthy, so stay that way by avoiding these germ land mines.

1. Dumbells

   Everyone uses them, but few wash them. Ever wonder why you get warts? If you visit the gym and hit the weights, that might be why. The best way to protect yourself? Weight lifting gloves. They also protect against calluses and help you grip the weights properly.

2. Yoga Mats

   Although not an increasingly sweat producing exercise, yoga mats are one of the germiest places at the gym. Public ones are often used multiple times a day, dragged across the floor, and piled on top of one another. If you don’t feel like bringing your own, wipe down the one you are using.

3. Bike Seats

   That exercise bike can give you fantastic legs, but it can also give you something more. Sometimes ridden for hours a day, they can collect loads of sweat. The good news is, your shorts are usually enough to protect you.

4. Treadmill Hand Rails

   Because runners wipe their sweat and then grab the rails, they can be fairly germy. Also, some of the less courteous runners may choose to drench themselves in their own drinking water, leaving even more germs. But truly avid runners don’t need to touch the hand rails anyway to enjoy a run.

5. Locker Room Showers

   Who knew a place that was constantly bombarded with hot water and soap could be so germy? However, shower walls, doors, curtains, etc. that were tested for germs usually came back positive. Yet another reason to wash your hands.

6. Locker Room Floors

   Not to be outdone, floors in a locker room can collect innumerable amounts of germs. Sneakers, sweat, bare feet, and more all add to the collection. Makes the guy or gal wearing flip-flops in the shower look less ridiculous.

7. Air

   Get numerous people in a crowded place to sweat and you get germs. Because energy used working out can deplete the immune system, people who are sick, starting to feel sick, or still getting over the flu should avoid the gym.

Germiest Places in the Office

One of the reasons you are getting sick from work are the items that contain germs. Check the below to see why and when you should wash.

1. The Phone

   If you have your own private phone, there is less to worry about. But if you man a front desk, share an office, or use any kind of community phone, it often tests positive as the germiest place in the office. It gets used at all times of the day, can have saliva deposits on the receiver, and rarely gets washed.

2. The Keyboard

   Because keyboards don’t react well to most cleaners, this can also be one of the germiest places in the office. It is constantly struck by both clean and dirty hands, even if they are your own. Janitors rarely clean keyboards either, and when they do, it’s usually a quick dust.

3. The Mouse

   For the same reason as the above, the mouse can also be a frequent source of germs. They are also unlikely to be cleaned or even thought about unless they become sticky.

4. The Desk

   This surface is exposed to as many germs as the above two. Hands, sneezes, and more can all end up on your desk’s surface. Doubly at risk are those who eat at their desk without wiping it down beforehand. For this reason, women’s desks were found to be dirtier than men’s.

5. The Front Door

   Even if you work in a non-public office, everyone uses the front door at least once during their workday. This is more so if you work in a shared office building where hundreds of employees go in and out on a daily basis. If your building has a revolving door, trying entering and exiting through there using your elbow.

6. The Candy Jar

   Every office has at least one candy lover who openly shares with everyone. A nice gesture, and when it comes to wrapped candy, a fairly sanitary practice. However, if M&M’s, Skittles, or other colorful temptations lie in wait, avoid. The number of people dipping and re-dipping into the jar can leave an unknown and hazardous amount of germs.

7. The Trash Bin

   Ever throw something away you wish you hadn’t? Then get ready to meet a world of germs on your way to get it. This is also true of the recycle bin. The remedy as always, wash after retrieving the item and, if possible, discard the retrieved item once are done with it.

8. The Watercooler

   Even if your co-workers don’t gather around it, they probably visit it at least once or twice a day. That makes the little spigot that gives you water quite the germ catcher. If you have a janitor, request that he or she wipes it down each day with disinfectant.

9. The Light Switch

   This another often-used, rarely cleaned item. The germiest light switch in the office? Of course, it’s the main one that controls the lights in the common or cubicle areas.

10. What You Write With

    Have a jar of pens on your desk that co-workers constantly give and take from? Then you can potentially have a germy place. Try keeping a pen or two out of easy reach and using them instead.

Germiest Travel Places in the World

Because travel is meant for fun or business and not getting sick, learn these germiest places to avoid.

1. The Hotel/Motel Comforter

   The sheets and even blankets get washed every day and in between guests. However, the comforter tells its own story. It may be weeks, months, or years between washes, as they can be expensive to. Try bringing a duvet cover from home or one of these products made for just such an occasion.

2. Hard Surfaces

   The sheets and bathrooms are cleaned before and after each guest, but the hard surfaces may not be. This includes doorknobs, the aforementioned light switch, drawer handles, and remotes. Also, putting that hotel pen in your pocket may not be a good idea either.

3. The Whirlpool

   It may seem like a luxury offered by your hotel, but it is also one of the germiest places in the place. They have tested positive for rashes, urinary-tract infections, and even pneumonia. Your best bet is to stick to the chlorinated pool.

4. The Conveyor Belt

   Because just about every item from all over the world has touched it, the conveyor belt amasses loads of germs. The suitcases that pass through it are also unlikely to be clean. Just another reason to go carry-on when you can.

5. The Backpack

   Your child may love his or her backpack, but it can gather germs much like anything else a kid uses. Dragging it on the floor, grabbing it with dirty hands, and letting who knows what ride in it can make it quite the germiest place. Also, true for the bottom of the ladies’ purse or gentleman’s handbag. Luckily, many children’s backpacks are washer friendly.

6. Blankets and Pillows

   If you’re uncomfortable in your airline seat, think twice about that pillow or blanket. It may not have been washed since the last passenger used it and can contain any number of germs. Dress heavier if you anticipate being cold on a plane and wear a scarf or jacket that can double as a pillow or blanket.

7. The Airplane Air

   Similar to the gym, the airplane contains loads of people packed into a tiny space sharing recycled air. Adding to this is the low humidity in airplane cabins, drying the sinuses, or natural defenses, in travelers leading to the spread of more germs. The best way to avoid this is to avoid the bar and stay hydrated with bottled water.

8. The Floor

   Ladies may be tempted to kick off those designer heels for a long flight or upon entering a hotel room. Although they are both vacuumed regularly, only a steam clean or similar wash can keep them from being one of the germiest places in the world. Better to look silly with a pair of socks than suffer a foot fungus later.

Other Germiest Places in the World

Because you encounter them in everyday life, beware of the below germiest places.

1. The Shopping Cart

   With up to thirty or more people a day using it, it is no wonder shopping carts can collect so many germs. The driver’s hands, sneezes, raw food, and loads of other potential germ carriers come into contact with it. Doubly so if a child has sat in the seat. If the store offers antibacterial wipes, use them.

2. The Menu

   Restaurants in all 50 states are required to adhere to strict health and sanitary standards. However, the menu is not part of that. Because many people use it a day and may not be cleaned until the end of the day, if at all, menus can be one of the germiest places in the restaurant. Another reason to wash before you eat.

3. The ATM

   A quick source of cash, it can also be a quick source of germs. Many are located outdoors, exposing them to the elements and animals, along with all the other patrons who have used it before you. The worst offenders are those in busy places such as airports, hotels, and any other heavy traffic area.

4. Wet Laundry

   But isn’t it clean? While some germs may have been killed during the cycle, others have used the wet environment to multiply. Remember that the wash cycle is mainly for removing stains. Be sure to throw the clothes into the dryer immediately. The hot air cycle will do the rest.

5. Public Water Fountains

   Used by the germiest culprit, children, water fountains can be the germiest place in the school, park, etc. If your thirst outweighs your need to avoid germy places, use your sleeve to push the button and don’t touch the spigot.

6. Playgrounds

   Following suit of the above, playgrounds are also germy for the same reasons. Multiple kids climb, play, and even occasionally put their mouths on the playground equipment. Simply make sure your child doesn’t do the latter and give them some antibacterial gel after done playing.

7. The Tub

   Even if you wash it regularly, water collecting at the bottom can still breed germs. If you do have water collecting, grab a plunger and get unclogging. If water instantly drains, be sure to clean the tub on a regular basis.

8. The Kitchen Sink

   We’ve discussed other germy places, so why leave this one off? With a regular host of raw food, dirty dishes, and more, the sink can accumulate a significant amount of germs with the preparation of just one meal. Clean often using antibacterial spray or bleach.

Mythical Germiest Places in the World

The below are often thought of as the germiest places, yet unrightfully so.

1. The Toilet Seat

   Although the thought of sitting on a public toilet seat can be frightful, it actually isn’t as bad as you think. The only way to catch something from a toilet seat is to have open cuts or sores on the area touching. Germs also have a hard time surviving on bare, dry surfaces. WebMD tells you more about this along with:

2. Bathroom Faucets

   If avoiding the faucets in the public restroom, you are doing more harm than good. Washing your hands in a public restroom prevents more germs than touching a faucet does. This is especially true if you are at a restaurant and about to eat. If still paranoid, use a paper towel to turn the faucet off after washing.

3. The Garbage Can

   Although it can contain hazardous germs if raw food and other dangerous materials are present, your home’s garbage can isn’t as dirty as you think. It actually contains about four times less the germs than a typical bathtub. If you use a liner and wipe down on a regular basis, it isn’t as germy as previously thought.

4. Janitor

   This job requires the cleaning of germs all day. However, with the proper precautions, it doesn’t have to be germy. Sanitary workers who wear gloves while they clean and change clothes after are exposed to a minimal amount of germs. If working at a healthcare facility or nursing home, be sure and take all the advised precautions.

5. Your Toothbrush

   Dentists say to replace your toothbrush regularly, but is it for best results on teeth or the buildup of germs? The guys at Mythbusters ran an experiment on toothbrushes that showed they contained germs but not a dangerous amount. They also explored the myth that a toothbrush shouldn’t be placed near a toilet.

6. Five Second Rule

   If you drop a piece of food, you have five seconds to pick it up before germs cling to it. This is the rule, and Dr. Oz agrees. If the dropped food is in your sight the whole time, go ahead. However, be warned if it is wet food such as dip, as they can collect germs instantly.

7. Antibacterial Soap Is Better

   Most soaps nowadays say “antibacterial,” but is there any advantage to using them? The short answer is “no.” All soaps have germ killing properties and, if used properly, can rid your hands of a significant amount of them.

8. The Hand Dryer

   It may be a greener option, but is it one of the germiest places? In actuality, the hot air from the dryer can actually kill more germs than a paper towel. However, there are negative points if you end up wiping your hands on your clothes.

9. People Are Cleaner Than Dogs

   A good philosophy if you’re a dog. In reality dogs carry germs in their mouths just like people, but most are harmless to us. In this article from ABC, an expert actually states that he would rather be bitten by a dog than a human.

Everywhere you go, whether it’s the office, travel, or most other places, you’re going to encounter these germs. Know that washing before meals is one of the best ways to eliminate most germs. If you are concerned about the 50 germiest places in the world, ask a physician or health professional for an expert opinion.

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