Health news you can use
Digital Eyestrain Becoming More Common
Digital eyestrain, caused by prolonged hours looking at digital devices such as cell phones, iPads, tablets, gaming systems and computers, is becoming more common, even among children. Symptoms of the problem include dry, irritated eyes, blurry vision, fatigue and headaches. A study conducted by the Vision Council found that about 70 percent of adults say they have experienced some of the symptoms of digital eyestrain. The syndrome makes sufferers uncomfortable, but doesn’t cause permanent damage or vision loss. Digital eyestrain can be treated by limiting screen time, using artificial tear solutions to treat dryness and blinking more.
The Vision Council also suggests these tips:
Keep hand-held devices a safe distance from your eyes and just below eye level.
Increase text size.
Adjust the brightness of your device. Change the background color from bright white to cool gray.
Take a break from your screen every 20 minutes.
Sodas Under Fire Again
The Food and Drug Administration says while there’s no reason to believe caramel coloring added to sodas and other foods to turn them brown is unsafe, it is taking another look just to be sure. This announcement is in response to a study by Consumer Reports that shows 12 brands of soda have varying levels of 4-methylimidazole—a substance formed in some caramel coloring during the manufacturing process. The substance, which can also occur in trace amounts when some meats are grilled or when coffee beans are roasted, can contain a potential carcinogen. Potential because studies are inconclusive about 4-methylimidazole’s cancer-causing abilities.
The Consumer Reports study looked at Sprite, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Dr Pepper, Dr. Snap, Brisk Iced Tea, A and W Root Beer, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi One and Goya Malta. It found no significant level of 4-methylimidazole in Sprite and only low levels in Coke products.
Do You Have Sitting Disease?
Men who don’t exercise much—and who spend at least five hours a day (outside of work hours) sitting—have twice the heart failure risk of men who sit less and exercise more says a new study pointing out the hazards of “sitting disease.” Previous research linked too much sitting to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and death from cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Dennis Rodman Checks Into Rehab
Colorful former NBA star Dennis Rodman has checked into a rehab center to address his alcohol addiction. Following a trip to North Korea, where Rodman played a basketball game with former NBA stars against a national team from the secretive state and said some politically unwise things, the Hall of Famer entered an undisclosed facility. “His drinking escalated to a level none of us had seen before,” said his agent Darren Prince in a statement. “He is embarrassed, saddened and remorseful for the anger and hurt his words have caused.”
No More Spanx?
Ladies, you might have to give up your Spanx. Shapewear could damage your organs. Experts in a Huffington Post interview say while shapewear does its job to minimize your problem areas, it compresses your stomach, intestines and colon. It can also lead to bloating and gas, worsen acid reflux and heartburn, and cause urinary incontinence.
