# Sleep Makes You Immune #
Want to avoid catching a cold? Sleep more than 5 hours. In a study with over 20,000 people, it was found that sleeping less than 5 hours increases the number of colds you get. Make sleep a priority, or you’ll catch a cold.
# Eating from the Chaste Tree #
The Chaste tree is a medium-sized tree that is full of purple flowers in summer. The Chaste tree is also called Monk’s Pepper, but its scientific name is Vitex. It produces berries called chaste berries that help with a lot of PMS symptoms. You can purchase Vitex capsules at your local health food store. The suggested dose is 400mg a day.
# Keep Bacon Special #
Studies that link meat to heart disease and cancer find that the big problem is processed meat. Processed meats are things like bacon, sausages, smokies, hot dogs, beef jerky, and deli meats like salami and ham. Eating two slices of bacon a day can increase your risk of cancer. Try to slowly phase them out of your daily diet. Save bacon for special occasions.
# Don’t Nuke Plastic #
Some plastics may be unsafe to microwave, although the risk is small. Only use plastic labeled as microwave safe as some plastic may release harmful chemicals when heated. Same with plastic wrap. Don’t let it touch your food in the microwave, it could melt. Ideally, use glass containers in the microwave.
# Sticky Truth About Teflon #
Teflon is a miracle non-stick coating of many frying pans that makes cooking eggs easier. The non-stick surface is generally safe, but at high heat, it can give off harmful gases. After 2 to 5 minutes on a stove on high, an empty pan is too hot. Breathing in the fumes from the hot pan can give you flu-like symptoms, but no long-term effects are known. As a rule, don’t preheat for more than a minute. Don’t go above medium heat. Keep your exhaust fan on. If a pan is old and scratched, it might be time to replace it. Used correctly, Teflon pans are safe.
# Cast Iron Cadillac #
Cast iron cookware actually adds iron to your diet. This is great if you’re a bit low, but it can be bad if your body absorbs too much iron. If you are getting too much iron (something that can happen with age), enameled cast iron with a porcelain coating is perfect. Enamelled cast iron is the Cadillac of cookware. Non-stick cast iron with porcelain coating is durable, versatile, and safe but expensive.
# Nabobs of Negative News #
Reading or watching too much negative news can increase anxiety, worry, and depression. Put yourself on a news diet. Don’t watch every night. Try to find news sources that are not as negative---they’re better for you. Focus on the news around you---your family, your neighbourhood, and your town. Don’t get caught worrying about far away things that don’t matter. Most of the nightly news is ginned up to make it seem like the world is ending when it’s not.