Things Worth Noting
A new study shows nearly 70% of U.S. adults could be obese under a redefined framework that uses waist size, body fat, and BMI, compared to 43% with BMI alone. Traditional BMI misses hidden obesity risks, like belly fat, which increases chances of diabetes, heart disease, and death, even in normal-weight people. The new approach […]
In May 2025, 3M agreed to pay up to $450 million to settle New Jersey’s PFAS contamination claims, one of the state’s largest environmental settlements. The deal targets pollution from “forever chemicals” at 3M’s Pennsville and Sayreville sites, linked to health risks like kidney, liver, and testicular cancer, plus autoimmune and developmental issues. Payments, starting […]
Most home water filters struggle to remove tough contaminants like PFAS (forever chemicals), heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic), and pharmaceuticals from tap water. These pollutants, from industrial runoff, aging pipes, or wastewater, pose health risks like cancer, developmental issues, and hormonal imbalances. Basic pitcher or faucet filters handle chlorine and sediments but fail against PFAS […]
High-protein diets can pose risks for those with MTHFR gene variants like C677T or A1298C, which impair homocysteine metabolism, leading to elevated levels (hyperhomocysteinemia). This buildup increases risks of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, fatigue, cognitive decline, and accelerated aging. The MTHFR gene affects folate metabolism, crucial for converting homocysteine to methionine. High methionine from […]
Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition where a scout elf from the North Pole watches kids, reporting their naughty or nice behavior to Santa Claus. Started by Carol Aebersold in the 1970s with her family elf Fisbee, it became a children’s book in 2005, co-authored with daughter Chanda Bell and illustrated by […]
Your shoes carry more than dirt—they bring toxins, bacteria, and fecal matter into your home. Up to 96% of shoe soles harbor fecal-borne bacteria like E. coli, plus drug-resistant pathogens such as MRSA and C. diff, which cause severe infections. Pesticides, heavy metals like lead, and allergens from sidewalks, lawns, and public restrooms cling to […]
Are you truly free, or living on autopilot? Studies show 90-95% of people operate on subconscious habits, driven by societal conditioning and automatic behaviors, while only 5-10% consciously shape their lives. Autopilot stems from the brain’s energy-saving mode, using mental shortcuts and ingrained beliefs to handle daily tasks like work or scrolling. This leads to […]
Social media reshapes your brain through neuroplasticity, altering emotions and behavior. Algorithms exploit the reward system, releasing dopamine to create addictive patterns, especially in teens with developing brains. Mirror neurons drive emotional contagion, mirroring feelings like anger or joy from online content, shaping your mindset. Negative bias amplifies anxiety and depression, while social comparison lowers […]
A slumlord is a negligent landlord who rents out unsafe, unhabitable units while ignoring repairs to maximize profit. They often target vulnerable tenants, charge high rent for rundown properties, and avoid maintenance like fixing leaks, mold, pests, or broken heat. Spot them by checking for code violations, poor reviews, unresponsive behavior, and visible damage during […]
The ancient Olympic Games, first held in 776 BC at Olympia, were a major cultural and religious festival in Ancient Greece, honoring Zeus. Freeborn Greek men from across city-states competed in events like running, wrestling, boxing, pankration, the pentathlon, and later equestrian races, often training for months in strict seclusion. The games promoted unity through […]