By admin
As clean water supplies dwindle many people may be wondering how to purify water. It seems that there are constantly more dangers; water treatment facilities’ inability to remove chemicals from flushed pharmaceuticals, fluoride being added to the water in some countries even as it is outlawed in other countries, heavy metals leaching into tap water from old plumbing, and a recent string of natural disasters displacing people from the ease of receiving clean water from their sink, just to name a few.
Many people have already adopted the use of filters attached to their tap, or pitchers that filter water for drinking, but are these methods sufficient for filtering out all of the contaminants that threaten health? Furthermore, if your home is destroyed and your community is desperately waiting for disaster relief, or if you end up lost or stranded in the wilderness, it is up to you to figure out how to purify your water in these critical situations.
Some common activated charcoal filters, sold to attach to taps and in pitchers or water bottles, claim to filter out most pharmaceutical chemicals, which are added to the water supply by people flushing their unused prescriptions into it. These filters also remove most of the heavy metals, like lead, that leach into the water supply through old plumbing systems.
However, there are limits to the effectiveness of activated charcoal filters. There is also bleach in tap water to kill bacteria and viruses. Bleach is not removed by these filters, so you may want to let the water you take from the filter sit out for a bit so that the bleach evaporates. Also, these filters need to be replaced regularly and many do not filter out fluoride; in fact, their websites boast that they leave fluoride in the water.
Not everyone has an issue with having fluoride in their drinking water; in fact some people like having it. If so, then an activated charcoal filter can work for you under normal circumstances, but if you are alienated from your tap by a disaster or an adventure gone wrong, they might not do you much good.
In that kind of situation, knowing how to purify water could save your life and the lives of those that you care most about. If you find yourself in this kind of situation in an area with snow on the ground or with frequent rain fall, it may be easier for you. You will need containers to collect fresh fallen rain or snow. Do not drink outright, because water from snow or rain fall can easily become contaminated, even if just from a collection container that is not sterile. If you cannot wait for the next rain or snow fall, you can collect snow already fallen or water from a natural source, preferably a moving river or stream rather than a stagnant lake or pond.
The next step will be to boil the fresh fallen water or snow for at least one minute to kill all bacteria and viruses. If it is not fresh fallen, or if you want to take it one step further, distill the water by allowing it to continue boiling and condensing the steam on a large clean plastic sheet. Drape the plastic so that the condensed water drips into a sterile container. If you do not have a container or a way to boil the water, clean plastic sheets can be used over water sources or vegetation heated by sunlight to condense evaporating water in the same way, and then another clean plastic sheet spread over a hole dug in the ground can be used to collect the water. This process will take longer, but can be sped up by using a black plastic sheet under the water source to attract sunlight. All of these distillation processes can be used with salt water as well.
If you are worried about the fluoride added to your drinking water, you are not alone. There are limits to the amount of fluoride that is supposed to be present in drinking water, as fluoride is toxic when ingested in large amounts. It is added to water supplies in order to improve the dental health of citizens, but it can be, and is, argued that the helpfulness of fluoride in any amount is negligible. To eliminate fluoride from your drinking water, use a reverse osmosis or activated alumina filter.
There are many reasons and ways to purify water. If you are desperate and alone high in the mountains without any tools available and find a pure spring bubbling from the ground, this is the only scenario that might allow for skipping the purification process. In that case, it is either sure imminent death from dehydration or a possible risk for poisoning. However, even pure mountain springs can become contaminated by animals defecating or dying nearby, so if you have the tools, it’s best not to take the chance. There is just no scenario that can deny the importance of knowing how to purify water.
Technorati Tags: drinking water, health, purify water
By admin
Razor burn is an affliction that affects men and women although in different areas of the body. Hair removal has become an even more integrated part of life today so this condition is more prevalent. You can get razor burn on the legs, face, underarms, arms, or even in the bikini areas. The small red bumps are only a part of the problem it can cause itching, burning, and other painful skin irritations that can keep you more than uncomfortable during your day. Here are some of the preventatives ways that you can reduce the change of razor burn:
Stay moisturized. A moisturizing shave gel will help prevent any skin irritations that could be caused by shaving. Keeping a layer of moisture between the razor blades and your layers of skin will help prevent any issues. Don’t shave with soap and water unless you are ready to face the consequences through a few days of painful irritation.
Avoid smelly aftershave products. Perfumes can contain alcohol-based ingredients that will not only dry out skin but it will also increase the chances of razor burn. Everyone likes to smell nice but unless you want to break out try finding a nice moisturizing lotion, especially ones that contain soothing qualities such as aloe-vera extracts.
Clean your razors. Razors can contain thousands if not more bacteria’s that could cause all kinds of problems especially razor burn. Before using and after use clean your razor by dipping it in some 100 proof rubbing alcohols. This will keep the bacteria at bay and allow you to get the best shave possible.
Ease up on the pressure when shaving: When applying too much pressure during shaving you damage more layers of skin and cause more problems for yourself. Take it easy on your skin and it will repay you.
Now that we have talked bout how to prevent razor burn lets discuss how you can make it better in case you found this article a few days too late. Some of the best cures and relievers for razor burn are:
• Aloe Vera – Aloe vera is one of the best cures for razor burn. It’s soothing qualities will ease even the toughest of skin irritations. Aloe is included in a lot of moisturizing products because of how effective it is. Fresh aloe is the best but any will help your razor burn.
• Tea tree oil – Mixing tea tree oil with aloe vera extract is a perfect combination for reliving skin irritations but it also works alone. Tea tree oil is nature’s antiseptic so it will help remove irritation-causing bacteria that causes problems.
• Witch Hazel – Another great natural astringent that will help with skin problems is witch hazel. Adding witch haze with tea tree oil and aloe is the perfect combination for your aching skin.
Following these tips will help you get rid of your razor burn and avoid getting it in the future. Your skin will thank you for it and you will love not having to worry about the discomfort that it can bring.
Technorati Tags: health, personal hygene, razor burn, shaving
By admin
There are few things as irritating as having to deal with pain at night when you are trying to sleep. The frustrations of trying to relax combined with not disturbing your partner or others who may hear you go to the medicine cabinet can make for an unpleasant night and morning as well.
In general, having night or “bed” pain is a serious issue. Most of us will generally experience less pain at night because the body shuts down many of the sensory inputs to allow us to sleep. Even those with arthritis generally feel less discomfort and even sudden bursts of pain that awaken them will soon go away, these periods of being awake for a very short time does not have a serious effect on getting enough sleep. It is common for many of us to believe we are sleep deprived and to a certain extent perhaps we are, but the body usually finds a way to make up for lost sleep at some point.
However, for those who suffer from pain strong enough to keep them awake, the complications can become serious. Insomnia can lead to another host of issues which can build upon each other and create a potentially serious situation if not treated quickly.
If your bed pain is cause by leg cramps, you can take calcium supplements, take a warm bath before bedtime and /or emphasize a walking exercise program during the day which can stretch out the muscles and actually relive the cramping, but you need to avoid exercising within two hours of going to bed.
If you do not suffer from leg cramps, but repeated bouts of bed pain from a known cause, there are methods beyond just taking pain medication that can help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling less pain.
Get a Comfortable Bed: Seems pretty simple, doesn’t it? But getting a good night’s sleep is helped by getting a bed that’s firm enough to hold your body evenly while being soft enough to not create any painful pressure points. Using the right kind of pillows to help support your head and neck is also helpful. Although you don’t want to place a pillow under the knees as this can create stiffness in your hips or legs when you awaken in the morning.
Avoid Caffeinated Beverages: Another obvious tip, but you do want to avoid eating or drinking anything that might prevent you from falling asleep when your body is ready.
Go to Bed when you are Tired: Many of us might try to go to bed too early, thinking we’ll get more sleep. But it generally doesn’t work out that way. Our body will tell us when it’s ready for sleep. You just have to be aware of the signs, one of which will be your pain decreasing as your body shuts down the sensory inputs.
Avoid Drugs if you can: Sleeping pills and sedatives deliver the wrong type of sleep, are habit forming, and can cause depression. Taking pain medications at night interfere with the body’s ability to tell you something is seriously wrong. If you suffer from pain due to arthritis or another known cause, your body will adapt.
If you do not know what is causing bed pain at night, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible, as this might be a symptom of a more serious issue.
Guest Ranter: Tom Taome
Technorati Tags: health, pain
As clean water supplies dwindle many people may be wondering how to purify water. It seems that there are constantly more dangers; water treatment facilities’ inability to remove chemicals from flushed pharmaceuticals, fluoride being added to the water in some countries even as it is outlawed in other countries, heavy metals leaching into tap water from old plumbing, and a recent string of natural disasters displacing people from the ease of receiving clean water from their sink, just to name a few.