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Fast Food Restaurant Ice is Often Dirtier Than Toilet Water

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Few things are better on a hot day than a big fountain drink from your favorite fast-food restaurant – with lots of ice. Never mind that the ice in your cup may be contaminated with bacteria like coliform, enterococci, E. coli, and more.

What’s a little bacterium between friends, right? After all, we’re talking about staples in the fast-food industry – giants like Starbucks, McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC. And no, this is not isolated to one city, county, or even state. It is national.

A 12-year-old’s science project gets seriously disturbing

In 2006, Tampa 12-year-old Jasmine Roberts was annoyed with her ice chewing friends so she used her school science project to make them stop. She took samples of fast-food ice and samples of toilet water from fast food restaurants in her area and compared the bacterial loads. The conclusion? 70% of the time, fast-food ice is dirtier than toilet water.

This became fairly high profile and there were several other studies done with similar results.

2008 – Ice samples were taken from 25 Indianapolis area bars. 13 contained coliform bacteria.

2010 – 90 drink samples were taken from 30 soda fountains in the Roanoke, Virginia area. 48% of the drinks contained coliform bacteria and 11% contained antibiotic resistant E. coli. This was due to bacteria in the plastic tubing of the soda machines.

2011 – Ice samples were taken from 88 establishments in the U.K. and 30% had E. coli and enterococci.

“Dirty ice machines” and public reports

There are two stomach turning reasons that experts offer as a possible reason why fast-food ice is so gross: people don’t wash their hands before scooping the ice and the ice machines aren’t cleaned regularly, if at all. Additionally, toilets are cleaned regularly, which is why the ice is dirtier than the toilet water.

A Charlotte, North Carolina reporter whose beat is area restaurants and does a weekly “restaurant report card” has said that one of the most common citations he sees on public health reports is “dirty ice machines.”

These dirty ice machines can harbor such bacterial treats as salmonella and E. coli, not to mention mold and viruses.

How to get healthy, safe ice when eating out

Experts say that you really can’t know if the ice you are getting is clean. In what are more extreme cases, there may be visible signs like pink or black in the ice – or if it has a slimy film. It should be clear, tasteless, and odorless. If it is cloudy or discolored, or has an odor or a taste, you are definitely not getting clean ice.

There isn’t much you can do though, except be vigilant or make your own ice in the controlled environment of your own kitchen.

This begs the question though. If you can’t even get clean ice from these restaurants, what do you suppose the condition is of the food that you eat there?

But that’s another post for another day.

4 Simple Hacks to Cut Sugar From Your Diet

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We know, we know, sugar is really, really yummy. It’s sweet by itself, it’s a huge component of baked goods, it does, in fact, have the ability to make the medicine go down better (thank you, Mary Poppins), and it truly melts in your mouth. 
 
Sugar has the ability to actually activate the little feel-good dopamine chemicals in our brains, and our bodies like the energy it gives. This is all in moderation though. Our ancestors did not have the processed sugared candies, wrapped snacks, or soft drink craziness that we have today. Watching our sugar intake is actually an important step to improving your health. 
 
Eating too much sugar has a whole host of health risks and can cause irreversible effects on a body:
 
 
 
  • High Blood Pressure
 
  • Weight Gain
 
  • Teeth Cavities and Rot
 
  • Fatty Liver Disease
 
  • Diabetes
 
  • Acne
 
  • Chemically-Induced Cravings
 
  • High Cholesterol Levels
 
  • Inconsistent Glucose Levels
 
We’re not saying you need to cut all sugar from your diet, but here are four simple hacks to reduce your sugar intake:
 

1. Reduce the Consumption of Soft Drinks. 

 
Soft drinks have an insane amount of sugar content in them. A 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola, for example, has 39 grams or NINE teaspoons of sugar included. A 20-ounce bottle of Mountain Dew has a whopping 77 grams of sugar. 
 

2. Substitute Fresh Fruit for Processed Goodies 

 
If you have a sweet tooth, fresh fruit will help curb that craving just as much as a piece of pie or a cookie. 
 
Fresh fruit has less sugar overall when compared to a piece of candy or something like a slice of cake, and it’s full of natural sugars that the body needs. In addition, fresh fruit is filled with healthy vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals that are not present in something like a candy bar. 
 

3. Have fun with new recipes, like adding lemon and mint leaves to your iced tea instead of packets of processed sugar. 

 
Google and recipe bloggers are amazing and are great sources to find creative hacks to cut sugar while preserving flavor. One fantastic example we’ve found is for iced tea. A little bit of fresh lemon juice and freshly picked mint leaves (or from the grocery store) when added to iced tea is a great substitution for packets of processed sugar. They will also make your drink look nice if you’re entertaining, at a picnic, or at an outdoor BBQ. 
 

4. Check the labels. 

 
People are always surprised when they look at a food label and see the amount of sugar included. There are a ton of hidden sugar situations in condiments, sauces, and things like breakfast cereals that add up quickly and are just not necessary. 
 
Just to give you an idea, one tablespoon of ketchup has one teaspoon of sugar. That’s more sugar than most ice creams. 

5 Surprising Benefits Of Martial Arts

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Are you looking for a way to improve your health and well-being? Martial arts can offer a lot of benefits, both physical and mental.

You might be surprised at how martial arts can improve your life. From gaining strength and flexibility to improving focus and discipline, there’s something for everyone who wants to get started in martial arts.

Gain Strength and Flexibility

One of the most surprising benefits of martial arts is the way it can help practitioners gain strength and flexibility. Contrary to popular belief, martial arts is not just about physically striking an opponent.

Many martial arts styles place a strong emphasis on using proper form and technique to execute moves. Martial arts students often develop significant muscular endurance and flexibility.

In addition, many martial arts styles also involve a great deal of body weight exercises, such as push-ups and squats. As a result, practitioners often develop significant strength and power.

Improve Your Coordination

Many people turn to martial arts to improve their physical fitness or self-defense skills. However, martial arts can also have a surprising impact on your coordination.

The repetitive motions and strict form of martial arts exercises can help to improve your body awareness and control. As a result, you may find that your coordination improves in your martial arts training and other areas of your life.

If you’re looking to boost your coordination, martial arts may be the perfect activity for you.

Increase Your Focus and Self-Discipline

One of the most surprising advantages of martial arts is the way it can improve your focus and self-discipline. When you have to remember a complex series of movements and techniques, you quickly learn to pay attention and focus your thoughts.

You can then transfer this heightened concentration level to other areas of your life, such as work or studies. Regularly attending classes and training sessions helps to develop self-discipline.

Over time, you will find it easier to stick to goals and resist temptation. If you’re looking for a way to boost your productivity and discipline, martial arts may be the solution.

Boost Your Mental Health

Martial arts can also have a significant impact on mental health, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, martial arts can promote feelings of relaxation and well-being.

When you train regularly, you will release mood-boosting endorphins. Increased focus helps sharpen your mind, while the discipline and structure of martial arts can help to give your life a sense of purpose.

While the physical benefits of martial arts are well-known, the mental benefits are often overlooked. For anyone looking to boost their mental health, martial arts is excellent.

Get in Shape Quickly

Martial arts is an incredibly effective way to get in shape quickly. The high-intensity workouts associated with martial arts can burn hundreds of calories in a single session. The discipline required can help push the limits of what the body is capable of.

Martial arts can help to improve cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and weight loss, making it a fantastic activity for those looking to get in shape quickly.

Conclusion

There are many advantages to practicing martial arts, some of which you may not know. These surprising benefits can help to improve your physical and mental health, making martial arts an excellent activity for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being.

5 Surprising Benefits Of Weight Training

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Did you know that weight training can have some surprising benefits? In addition to helping you look better and feel more confident, weight training can also help improve your mental health, increase your lifespan, and even make you smarter. Here are 5 of the most surprising benefits of weight training.

Help improve your mental health

Most people associate weight training with physical benefits like increased muscle mass and strength. However, weight training can also positively impact mental health, and people who participate in weight training are less likely to experience depression and anxiety.

The benefits of weight training come from releasing endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. In addition, lifting weights can give people a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem.

Increase your lifespan

There are many surprising benefits of weight training, including increased lifespan. Living a longer life is likely because weight training helps to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

In addition, weight training can help to improve bone density and reduce the risk of falls and fractures in older adults. Thus, increasing your lifespan is a surprising benefit of weight training that you may not have considered.

Make you smarter

Did you know that weight training could make you smarter? It’s true! People who engage in regular weight training have better cognitive function than those who don’t. So how does weight training make you smarter? One theory is that it helps increase levels of BDNF, a protein that supports the health of brain cells.

Weight training also increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to keep brain cells healthy and functioning properly. In addition, lifting weights requires focus and concentration, which can help to sharpen cognitive skills.

Improve your confidence

Weight training can be a great way to boost your confidence, regardless of your size or strength. For one thing, weight training can help you build muscle, making you feel stronger and more capable. In addition, weight training can help to improve your posture and alleviate pain, both of which can give you a more confident appearance.

Finally, lifting weights can be empowering, helping you feel like you are in control of your body and your life. So if you are looking for a way to build confidence, don’t discount the benefits of weight training.

Great way to stay healthy and fit

One of the most surprising benefits of weight training is improved cardiovascular health. Of course, cardio workouts are the best way to keep your heart healthy, but weight training can also be beneficial. For example, regular weightlifting can help to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Weight training can also help increase bone density, reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your overall health, you may want to consider adding some weightlifting to your workout routine.

Conclusion

There are many surprising benefits to weightlifting that go beyond the physical. Weightlifting can improve mental health, increase lifespan, make you smarter, and even help you become more confident. So, if you’re looking for a workout that can offer some serious benefits, weightlifting is a great option.

5 Surprising Benefits Of Walking

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Most people know that walking is a good way to exercise, but few realize the many other benefits of walking. Lower rates of heart disease, cancer, and obesity, and improved mental health are just some of the benefits of this simple activity.

Regular walking can improve your mood, increase your energy levels, and help you live longer. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to improve your health, walking is a great place to start.

Walking can improve your cardiovascular health

Walking is a great form of low-impact aerobic exercise, which means that it helps to get your heart rate up without putting too much stress on your joints. Just 30 minutes of walking per day can improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

What’s more, walking is something that almost anyone can do, regardless of age or fitness level. Next time you need a pick-me-up, take a stroll around the block – your heart will thank you for it.

Walking can help you lose weight

Walking can also be an effective way to lose weight. The key is to walk at a vigorous pace, which raises your heart rate and helps to burn calories. Walking can also help to build muscle, which in turn helps to boost your metabolism. And because walking is relatively easy to do, it’s more likely that you will stick with it and reach your weight-loss goals. So if you’re looking for a healthy way to lose weight, consider adding walking to your routine. You may be surprised by how much difference it makes.

Walking can reduce your risk of cancer

Walking is often lauded for improving heart health, but it can also lower your cancer risk. Walking helps improve circulation and detoxify the body, and it also encourages the production of healthy enzymes that protect cells from damage. In addition, walking helps reduce inflammation, leading to a decreased risk of cancer. As a result, regular walking can profoundly impact your overall health and well-being.

Walking can improve your mental health

While many factors contribute to good mental health, exercise can be a powerful tool in maintaining mental wellness. Walking is a particularly effective form of exercise, as it is low-impact and can fit into a busy lifestyle. In addition to its physical benefits, walking can also improve mental health. For example, walking can increase self-esteem, reduce stress levels, and improve mood. Walking can also help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression and can even improve cognitive function.

Walking can help you live longer

One of the most surprising benefits of walking is that it can help you live longer. Walking just 10 minutes a day can increase lifespan by up to three years. Even more impressive, the benefits of walking are cumulative, meaning that the more you walk, the greater the impact on longevity. So if you’re looking for a way to add a few extra years to your life, consider taking up a daily walking habit.

Conclusion

Walking is a great way to improve your overall physical and mental health. It can help you lose weight, reduce your risk of cancer, and even improve your lifespan. So next time you need a pick-me-up, take a nice relaxing walk – your body will thank you for it.

Five Jobs You’ll Love If You’re A People Person

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Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” If you identify as a social butterfly, you might be a people person. Here are five jobs you’ll love as an extroverted people person.

Number One: Human Resources Manager

HR Managers get to do all of the things you love: counsel others during their time of need, recruit the best people to join them in their organization, present in front of a crowd, and cheer on their team members. They listen, coach, encourage, and empower those around them throughout the course of the workday. There’s a lot more to it, but the truth is that HR managers exist to make work more fulfilling for people. And who better to do that somebody who loves everybody?

Number Two: Event Planner

If you’re a people person, event planning is a great opportunity to do all the things you love in the course of your work. Event planners work with individuals and organizations, coordinating the complex details of special events. You might oversee the design of gala invites, develop an attendee list for a fundraiser, or book entertainment for an outdoor family event.

Number Three: Cabin Crew

If you love people and travel, this is the gig for you! Cabin crew members interact with a diverse group of people every day, all while seeing the world. Your job as a flight attendant would include ensuring every guest on each flight you service is safe, comfortable, and satisfied with their experience. Cabin crew members provide safety instruction, offer refreshments, engage with guests, and handle emergencies as they arise. You may reassure an adult with anxiety about flying, offer tips to a mom with a crying baby, or accompany a minor traveling alone.

Number Four: Fundraising

Fundraisers rely heavily on their relationships and interactions with others to raise money for non-profit organizations. As a fundraiser, you can put your people skills to the test for a worthy cause. Raising money for charitable organizations is meaningful work, but it also comes with perks: you often have the opportunity to mingle with donors at high-end events, enjoying great company, conversation, and entertainment.

Number Five: Business Development

If you love people, you might love sales, too! The most successful people in sales know that it’s not about selling a product, it’s about enriching the lives of your customers. That’s what makes this career such a great fit for people who love people. In business development, you spend your time developing relationships with potential customers and adding value in meaningful ways. When the time is right and they have a need and a budget, they choose you. Because they like your product or service – yes. But also because they like you. 

Finding a job that speaks to your love of people will ensure you never dread of a day of work.

5 Men’s Fashion No-Nos That Are Actually OK

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Men, we get it–you want to look good, but the rules of fashion can feel constricting. Good news: you don’t have to follow all the rules to be stylish. Let’s take a look a some of the fashion faux pas that are actually ok to break.

A deep v-neck t-shirt is regarded as a fashion no-no by some, but the look can be great if you have the chest for it–and you wear it with confidence. If you decide to rock a deep v-neck t-shirt or sweater, keep the rest of your look simple, and don’t try to accessorize your chest with bling. Keep your look classic (and don’t skip the moisturizer–you’ll want to look fresh and smooth).

Untucked dress shirts are sometimes regarded as thumbs down in men’s fashion. If you wear the shirt right (and you have the right fit), an untucked dress shirt can be a casual, fun look that’s perfect for a laid-back dinner at the beach. You’ll want to be sure the rest of your outfit matches your casual, untucked vibe, and make sure that your shirt fits your form in a way that looks like it was done on-purpose (you might want to hit up a tailor before you give this look a go). Be sure that the venue you’re attending is appropriate for this look (an untucked shirt doesn’t fly at a black tie wedding the way it does at a beachside BBQ).

Sneakers as dress shoes are sometimes thought of as a bad idea for men, but the look as become popular in recent years. With a little effort, you can rock comfortable athletic shoes with even a nice suit. Be sure that your shoes are sparkling clean, and make sure they match the vibe of your suit (you wouldn’t want to wear basketball shoes with a velour suit, for example). Make it clear that the look is intentional–and you didn’t just forget your dress shoes at home.

Our fourth men’s fashion faux pas that can actually work: mixing patterns. When you’re wearing a patterned jacket, a checkered shirt can actually work, if you feel comfortable enough to wear it with confidence. It can be tough to get the look right on the first try–don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns until you find a look that you feel comfortable rocking. Taking a fashion risk requires an air of confidence, so be sure to step out with a smile.

Our final fashion faux pas that you can actually get away with: a thin necktie. Some fashion experts will tell you that this look is outdated, and can make you look older than your years. We disagree. When paired with a clean, crisp suit, a skinny tie is a classic look that can invoke a feeling of simpler times.

No matter what you wear, remember: confidence is everything. When you love the way you look, you’ll pull off whatever style you choose.

5 Women’s Fashion No-Nos That Are Actually OK

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Ladies, we’re here to say it loud and clear: if you rock your look with confidence, you can make anything look good. Here, we’re taking a look at some common fashion faux pas that you can forget about.

Our first faux pas that’s actually fine: bathing suits or dresses loaded with ruffles. A feminine, flirty touch, ruffles allow your clothes to move with you, and provide anyone around with a gorgeous show (not that that’s what your clothing choices are about–but it can be a nice touch if that’s what you’re into). Wear those ruffles with pride, and don’t worry about whether they look bulky, as long as you like the cut of the dress or swimsuit.

Some fashion experts say that animal print patterns are out, but we disagree. If you love the way you look rocking a cheetah print outfit or zebra stripes, wear your look with confidence. Feel like full-on animal print is too bold? Just a hint of animal print–like a scarf or shoes–can add a fun, wild, bold touch to your outfit without calling too much attention to yourself. Animal print accessories can also be a fun way to amp up the wow factor of any outfit.

Mixing gold and silver jewelry is also a no-no according to some fashion experts, but you can actually pair the two metals in a way that works. If you decide that you want to wear silver and gold together, shoot for an even match. Layering your jewelry can help set the look off (for example, layer silver and gold bracelets instead of going with silver for bracelets and gold for earrings). Mixing different tones within one metal family (for example, yellow gold and rose gold) can also be a fun and unexpected look.

Tunics are a comfy, flowing option for every season of the year, and there’s no need to shy away from a billowy look. If you opt for a loose-fitting top, you may want to go with a tighter-fitting bottom (like a fitted jean or legging) to balance out the look. If you choose a patterned tunic, keep your accessories simple. A plain tunic in a natural color (like white or blue) is a fun canvas for accessories, so feel free to glam it up.

Super-high heels are debated in some fashion circles, but we think you should rock any heel that makes you feel comfortable. If you love the way your legs look in sky-high stilettos, there’s no reason to keep your heels on the low end. The key to wearing any size of heel is to walk comfortably and confidently. If you’re struggling to strut around in your heels, be sure to take some time to wear them around the house as you work to get comfortable with your new height. With a few evenings of rocking your heels at home, you’ll be able to walk out like you’re on the catwalk in no time.

Five Tips To Save Money When Travelling

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Want to see places but not spend a fortune? While travel always includes some expenses, you can keep costs low with these tips on how to save money while traveling. Keep more in your wallet, so you can travel farther and do more.

1. Schedule Trips for the Offseason

The offseason is when people don’t go to an area as much, and the lower demand results in lower prices for everything. Secure lower rates on lodging, find deals at restaurants, and pay less for activities. This one tip could save you more than any other.

Sometimes traveling during the offseason means a lot is closed while you’re at a destination. If you want to ensure things are open, travel during the shoulder season. It’s between the peak season and offseason, when things are still open but tend to cost a bit less. You’ll still save, and you’ll be able to do almost everything.

2. Be Flexible With Your Dates

Changing your travel schedule by just a few days can sometimes lead to vastly reduced costs. Hotel rooms and flights are usually cheaper during weekdays, and you might also find lower prices at attractions.

The specific days that are cheapest can vary. You could save on major expenses if you have a flexible schedule that makes it possible to travel on these days, though.

As an added bonus, most attractions will be less crowded on the low-demand days that are cheaper.

3. Open a Travel-Friendly Bank Account

You’ll need to access money when traveling, but make sure you don’t pay to use your own money. Depending on where you go, your bank may charge ATM withdrawal fees, foreign transaction fees, and above-market exchange rates.

Find a bank account that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees and reimburses ATM withdrawals, and get a credit card that also has minimal or no foreign transaction fees. Cards with these features will likely also have competitive exchange rates.

4. Find Lodging With a Kitchen

Eating at restaurants is part of the travel experience, but having every meal out quickly becomes expensive.

Find lodging that has a kitchen or kitchenette, and you won’t have to eat out every meal. You can cook up a meal each day, before you leave or when you come back to the room. You also could heat up leftovers for a meal or snack.

This savings is especially significant if you have a family to feed, although it still makes a difference even when traveling alone.

5. Avoid Using a Vehicle

If you’re traveling to a city and are able to, leave your vehicle in the driveway at home. You’ll not only save on fuel, but you also won’t have to pay for tolls or parking. Parking in major cities can cost more than a meal.

Instead, take mass transit wherever you need to go. Most cities have a bus system, and some have a subway. You can also rent cost-efficient electric bikes or scooters in many tourist areas. All of these options are apt to be less than the cost of diving a car.

Home Luxuries: 5 Gadgets Under $100 To Help You Pamper Yourself

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Rest and relaxation are just around the corner when you have these nifty gadgets right at home.

#1 – A bathtub pillow

Dreaming of a relaxing soak in the tub but dreading the cold, hard porcelain on your back?

The first self-care gadget you can’t live without is a bathtub pillow. Averaging around $30 on Amazon, bathtub pillows give you a soft, supportive neck and back rest in the bath tub. Now you can light a few candles, lean back, and relax in complete comfort.

Most tub pillows include a hanger so you can hang it over the tub to dry when you’re done.

#2 – An acupressure mat

The second self-care gadget you needed yesterday is an acupuncture mat.

Simply unroll your mat and lie on it for improved circulation, rejuvenation of your skin, and relieve stress and tension. Use your acupressure mat to fight headaches, migraines, back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and stress.

When you’re done, roll it back up and store in a drawer or closet. It’s that easy!

As an added bonus, most mats are under $100 and include a small acupressure pillow, too!

#3 – An aromatherapy diffuser

Most aromatherapy diffusers are under $50 and transform your home, bedroom, or bathroom into a resort-like oasis. Simply add water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil for focus, stress relief, stimulation, and health benefits. You can also use your diffuser to promote relaxation during a yoga session or sleep at the end of the day.

You can choose from a variety of colors, designs, and aesthetics. Find the diffuser that compliments your space and creates the ambience you’re looking for in your room.

#4 – A self-care planner

Using a self-care planner can help you give your wellness the same attention you give your bills and meetings. You can expect a great self-care planner to remind you to:

  • hydrate your body by drinking enough water
  • move your body throughout the day
  • pay attention to how you feel, what caused it, and what helps
  • be more mindful
  • complete small tasks that improve your life, space, or wellness
  • choose foods that nourish your body, and more.

#5 – A derma roller

Derma rollers include hundreds of microneedles that puncture the outermost layers of skin. These tiny, almost painless punctures have a dramatic effect behind the scenes. Your body goes into healing mode,increasing the production of collagen-rich tissue. This new tissue gives you brighter, healthier skin.

A derma roller is one way to get spa-level care right at home for less than $20. For catapulted results, add a well-reviewed serum to your derma rolling routine.

Alright, that’s it! These five affordable gadgets can give you a day at the spa without ever leaving your home, so you can tackle life rested and recharged.