Research Reveals Snake Bite Kits May Not Help You
Many hikers and campers may be living with a false sense of security by relying upon the snake-bite kits they purchased at the camping store. The snake-bite kits generally have a scalpel and a suction device to draw out the venom but doctors believe they may cause more damage than good. An article in the online Wall Street Journal site indicates that the best thing to do in the event of a snake bite is to call 911 and get to a hospital right away. The best advise is to get to a hospital as soon as possible.
The scalpel in the snake bite kits may cause more damage to the skin than the bite so the doctors they interviews say never use them. There are mixed reviews on the use of the suction device as these can cause skin death if used improperly and may not extract the venom even if used correctly.
If you ever find yourself or your friend the victim of a snake bite it is recommended that you keep the bitten limb below the level of the heart, immobilize it and seek treatment as quickly as possible.
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Research Reveals Antioxidants Can’t Wait to be Eaten
New research indicates that foods lose their antioxidant qualities if stored for extended periods. In just six months, researchers found that green tea and olive oil can lose more than 40% of their healthy antioxidants. Many times, consumers are unaware of the amount of time that the products they buy have been stored. While olive oil has a shelf life, green tea doesn’t spoil so you may not even be aware that the tea bags you purchased yesterday may have been in a warehouse for a year.
What can you do? When picking healthy foods only buy as much as you can eat in a short period of time. Avoid shopping at stores where the products don’t move quickly and store products in a cool, dry, dark place until you consume them. Antioxidants are very important for good health so choose and store your foods wisely.
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Research Reveals Trees Make Us Feel Good
Did you know that trees and help our mood be more positive? Studies show that our backyards and our forests are doing more for our health than we thought. Just by looking at a cheerful landscape reduces stress and lowers our heart rate. Viewing the plantings help us feel and function better.
Planting trees is good for the environment but only if they are planted correctly. Studies show that up to 90% of the trees planted in the last ten years are planted incorrectly. When purchasing a tree check with your local nursery as to the proper tree for your area. Be sure to let them know if you have any existing features on your property. Underground services such as a septic tanks and wells have to be taken into consideration when choosing a tree since many species’ roots may cause damage to these items.
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Research Reveals Seniors Happier than Baby Boomers
Studies show that older adults are happier than the Baby Boom generation which is considered those born between 1946 and 1964. Researchers theorize that seniors are from a smaller population group than the Baby Boomers and therefore didn’t have the competition for opportunities. Baby Boomers want to have it all and if they don’t get it they aren’t as happy. It is also generally accepted that we grow happier with age and knowledge. Being more mature and having higher self esteem leads to more happiness.
Other studies show that happy people live longer. Don’t wait until retirement to be happy, be happy now!
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Research Reveals Most Roundabouts are Safer than Standard Intersections
Who would believe that we drive safer in a circle than we do when going through a signaled intersection. Studies show that most roundabouts are safer than the standard stop and go crossroads. They may take some getting used to but after drivers learn the nuances of traffic courtesy, accidents are reduced.
While roundabouts may be safer for drivers, they pose major headaches for pedestrians. When a roundabout is installed, the stop light is eliminated and traffic never has to stop. Now think about what this means to someone with impaired vision. If traffic never stops, they or their guide dog, will be unable to safely cross the street.
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Research Reveals Sophisticated Hackers Can See What You Type
As if we didn’t have enough to worry about now hackers can hack our keystrokes through an antenna. Keyboard cables emit electromagnetic charges every time a key is pressed. Researchers found that with an oscilloscope, a wireless antenna and some ingenuity they could pick up exactly what was being typed with 95 percent accuracy over a distance of over 60 feet. They even devised a way to get the information being typed by a laptop.
Another study that researchers performed found that they could even identify the keystrokes off of the power cable that was plugged into the wall. This is just one more way that our privacy is being violated. What will they think of next?
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Research Reveals Driving May Be Good For Your Health
It is thought that driving may improve the quality and length of a persons life. Researchers studying older adults found that those who stopped driving were up to six times more likely to die over a three year period. By staying behind the wheel in our later years we are keeping our brains working and our cognitive skills sharp.
The downside to this research are the statistics that show crash fatality rates for teenagers 17 years and above are lower than those for drivers over 70. The only group of people who have a higher fatality rates than our seniors are new 16 years old drivers.
If you are worried about a loved ones driving ability enroll them in a safety training course that is offered by many local and national organizations. Staying safe is as important as staying active.
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Research Reveals Your Brain May Be Slowing Down
New research reveals we may reach our peak mental ability at the tender young age of 22 years old. What’s worse is that by the time we reach the age of 27 we are on a downward spiral as our mental abilities start to fade.
What can you do? Keep both mentally and physically active. By choosing activities that increase and test your knowledge you will help your brain remain as functional as possible.
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Research Reveals Coral Species in Excess of 4,000 Years Old
Researchers studying deep sea corals have located and confirmed a deep sea coral species in the ocean off the coast of Hawaii is 4,265 years old. Radiocarbon studies show that the coral is the oldest skeletal-accreting marine organism known.
It is well documented that deep-sea corals are extremely sensitive to climate changes and to pollution. There are many species of marine life who depend on the coral and coral reefs for their existence. It is also important that we exercise caution when diving around the coral reefs as they grow very slow and it takes years to replace what is lost due to damage or harvesting.
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Research Reveals Some Frogs Live More Than 34 Years
Scientists in New Zealand have been conducting a study of the Maud Island frog (not the one pictured) for more than 25 years and they have confirmed that there are three frogs that are at least 34 years old. The field study of frogs is one of the longest running studies done and the frogs from Maud Island are some of the oldest frogs in the wild. Other frogs such as the Archey’s frog is known to have lived over 23 years and the Hochstetter’s frog over 12 years.
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