July 9th Show
Proudly Sponsored by
Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, PA
On today's show:
July!
SUNSCREEN
The Good, The Bad, The Dangerous
Recipe Bonus!
July Cleaning: Two Week Master Plan
Moxify Yourself!
LISTEN HERE!
National Day of...
July 10th National Clerihew Day
4 lines, Name in first line, AA/BB and funny
July 11th All American Pet Photo Day
July 15th National Give Something Away Day*
Celebrate by buying lunch for someone in need. Buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop. Go through your closet and donate clothing you no longer wear to a good cause. Post on social media using #GiveSomethingAwayDay to encourage others to join in paying it forward.
Picture off FB from the beach in Naples, Florida. Couldn't find photographer to credit...
Sunscreen
Sunscreens:
The Good, The Bad, The Dangerous
It is fascinating to me that we have managed to master maintaining the cognitive dissonance around wanting our skin to maintain the perfection of a 12 year old girl while also finding it tremendously important to soak up the sun every chance we can for that amazing looking tan. We "know" these two ideas cannot exist simultaneously, so why do we insist on maintaining them? Anti-aging is a 300 billion dollar industry specifically because of this delusion. So if you are a diehard sun worshiper, enjoy, just know you will be paying for it later, results will be moderate at best and your dermatologist thanks you.
Sunscreen brands and claims are reviewed annually by the Environmental Working Group, (EWG) a research organization committed to
six major program areas:
- Toxins
- Food
- Agriculture
- Children'sHealth
- Energy
- Water
They are similar to consumer reports in that they test the effectiveness of claims but then also test and research the actual ingredients. They test sunscreens every year. Here’s the 2016 summary from EWG.
1. There’s no proof that sunscreens prevent most skin cancer.
Rates of melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer – have tripled over the past 35 years. Most scientists and public health agencies – including the FDA itself – have found very little evidence that sunscreen prevents most types of skin cancer.
While the exact cause of melanoma is not known, scientists have established that risk factors for melanoma include family history, indoor tanning, the number of moles on a person’s skin, fair skin, freckles, ultraviolet radiation and severe sunburns (CDC 2014). People can control only three of these risk factors: indoor tanning, exposure to UV radiation and severe sunburns.
Studies suggest that basal and squamous cell cancers are strongly related to UV exposure over years. Several researchers have found that regular sunscreen use lowers the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and diminishes the incidence of actinic keratosis – sun-induced skin changes that may advance to squamous cell carcinoma
Researchers have not found evidence that sunscreen use prevents basal cell carcinoma
2. Don’t be fooled by high SPF.
High-SPF products tempt people to apply too little sunscreen and stay in the sun too long. The FDA has proposed prohibiting the sale of sunscreens with SPF values greater than 50+, calling higher SPF values “inherently misleading,” but it has not issued a regulation that carries the force of law. More than 10 percent of sunscreens we evaluated this year advertise SPF values greater than 50+.
A whopping 80 percent of products EWG reviewed this year contain harmful ingredients or offer inadequate protection against dangerous ultraviolet radiation.
3. The common sunscreen additive vitamin A may speed development of skin cancer.
The sunscreen industry adds a form of vitamin A to 16 percent of beach and sport sunscreens, 14 percent of moisturizers with SPF and 10 percent of lip products in this year’s database.
Retinyl palmitate is an antioxidant that combats skin aging. But studies by federal government scientists indicate that it may trigger development of skin tumors and lesions when used on skin in the presence of sunlight. Other governments warn that cosmetics may contribute to unsafe amounts of vitamin A, and recommend against using vitamin-A-laden cosmetics on the lips and over large portions of the body. EWG recommends that consumers avoid sunscreens, lip products and skin lotions that contain vitamin A, also called retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate and retinol.
4. European sunscreens provide better UVA protection.
In Europe, sunscreen makers can formulate their products with any of seven chemicals that filter UVA rays. American manufacturers can use only three UVA-filtering ingredients. They have been waiting for years for FDA approval to use sunscreen ingredients widely available in Europe. The FDA has asked the makers of European sunscreen chemicals for more safety data, but until the FDA approves these ingredients and lifts restrictions on combining certain active ingredients, American consumers will be hard-pressed to find sunscreens with the strongest UVA protection.
5. Sunscreen doesn’t protect skin from all types of sun damage.
SPF measure protection from sunburn but not other types of skin damage The sun’s ultraviolet rays also generate free radicals that damage DNA and skin cells, accelerate skin aging and may cause skin cancer. American sunscreens can reduce these damages, but not as effectively as they prevent sunburn. People can run into problems if they pick a sunscreen with poor UVA protection, apply too little or reapply it infrequently. Sunscreen companies commonly add SPF boosters that inhibit sunburn but may not protect from other damages. The FDA should strengthen its regulations to ensure that sunscreens offer the best possible skin protection. Read more.
6. Some sunscreen ingredients disrupt hormones and cause skin allergies.
There is no perfect sunscreen. Americans must choose between “chemical” sunscreens, which have inferior stability, penetrate the skin and may disrupt the body’s hormone system, and “mineral” sunscreens, made with zinc and titanium, often “micronized” or made up of nanoparticles. Some sunscreens also contain inactive sunscreen ingredients that may trigger allergies. Oxybenzone is a common UV filter in sunscreen. It is a hormone disruptor and allergen. Sampling by the Centers for Disease Control and Protection has detected it in the urine of 97 percent of Americans. Despite emerging concerns, the sunscreen industry continues to rely heavily on oxybenzone as an active ingredient: it was in 70 percent of the non-mineral sunscreens we evaluated for this year’s guide.
7. Mineral sunscreens contain nano-particles.
Most zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-based sunscreens contain nanoparticles one-twentieth the width of a human hair, to reduce or eliminate the chalky white tint that larger particles leave on the skin. Based on the available information, EWG gives a favorable rating to mineral sunscreens, but the FDA should restrict the use of unstable or UV-reactive forms of minerals that would lessen skin protection.
8. If you avoid sun, check your vitamin D levels.
Sunshine causes the body to produce vitamin D, a critical function that sunscreen appears to inhibit. Vitamin D, technically a hormone, strengthens bones and the immune system and reduces risks of breast, colon, kidney and ovarian cancers and perhaps other disorders.
About 25 percent of Americans have borderline low levels of vitamin D, and 8 percent have a serious deficiency. Breast-fed infants, people with darker skin and people who have limited sun exposure are at greatest risk for vitamin D deficiency. Many people can’t or shouldn’t rely on the sun for vitamin D. Check with your doctor to find out whether you should get a vitamin D test or take seasonal or year-round supplements.
Sunscreen: What To Look For, What To Avoid
Look For: Zinc Oxide Avoid: Oxybenzone
Avobenzone Vitamin A (Retinyl anything)
Broad-Spectrum Insect Repellents
Water-Resistant Sprays, Powders
SPF 15-50 SPF below 15 or above 50
Ultimately, sunscreen should be your last resort, we really need to focus on avoiding the sun.
Wear clothes with coverage
Find shade or make it
Sunglasses are for more than looks
Plan around the sun
Don’t get burned
Check the UV index
Need Sunscreen now? Below are the top scoring most effective and least toxic sunscreens available in the U.S.
Cleaning Idea
July Cleaning Idea: Laundry Room
Two weekend job!
The Washer
Run white vinegar through the washer. This will sanitize the inside and clear away soap scum.
The Dryer
Empty the lint trap. Wipe off fuzz with a damp cloth or a used fabric-softener sheet. Or wet your hands and run your fingers over the mesh screen to scoop up the lint. Fabric softener can cause a waxy buildup on the screen, so wash it out in a sink or vacuum it.
Wipe the interior walls of the dryer. Use a cloth dampened with dishwashing liquid and warm water. Scrub any linty residue around the trap opening with an old toothbrush, if necessary.
Both Appliances
Wipe down the outside of each appliance. Clean the fronts, sides, and tops using a cloth dampened with a few drops of dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner.
The Sink
Wash with cleaner and a cloth. Then shine the faucet with a microfiber cloth.
The Countertops
Clean the surfaces, shelving, and bins. Wipe them down with a cloth and cleaner, and then do the same with the cabinet fronts.
The Floor
Mop or vacuum. Start from the farthest corner of the room and work toward the door, from left to right. Launder rugs, if possible, or vacuum them. Run a dust mop underneath the washer and the dryer, if it fits. Airborne lint can get kicked underneath the appliances and create a fire hazard if it piles up.
The Dryer Hose
Run an extendable duster around the inside of the dryer hose. Or vacuum it with a crevice attachment. Either method will clear away the lint that accumulates on the walls of the hose.
The Backs of the Washer and Dryer
Clean behind the appliances. On a low setting, with a brush attachment, vacuum the backs of the washing machine and the dryer and the flooring underneath. To reach behind the units, move the machines using appliance wheels or casters (available at hardware stores). Be careful not to stretch the dryer hose. If the hose looks too short, disconnect it first.
The Vents
Using a brush attachment, vacuum the vents on a high setting. Dust and lint, particularly in this room, can clog the vents, reducing airflow in the room. Wipe the vents’ grates with a damp cloth.
The Windows
Clean glass and wipe down window frame.
The Iron
Clean mineral deposits and spray-starch buildup. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to a cloth, and wipe down the iron. Circle the holes on the soleplate with cotton swabs.
Recipe Bonus
Okra and Olives
Okra is a wonderful summer food. If you’ve experienced it before, it was most liked cooked, like stewed tomatoes with okra. Unfortunately, when you cook okra, the insides get a really slimy texture, not for everybody. This uses fresh okra, which is very crispy and flavorful, light and fresh. I came across this combo decades ago and it has remained a staple of summer so long as the okra is in season.
Keep in mind this is a finger food mix, exact measure is hardly necessary…
2- 7oz jars pitted kalamata olives
7 c fresh okra(roughly… )
lemon zest of three large organic lemons
1 ¼ c fresh lemon juice (about 7 lemons)
4 T extra virgin olive oil
4 large cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1 t grey salt (kosher or Himalayan fine)
Combine all ingredients in a very large zip-top plastic bag (gallon size), and seal. Refrigerate at least 2 days turning bag several times a day. Serve chilled. Great for picnics, lunch box, pot luck dinners. I keep this on hand all summer.
MOXIFY
Moxify Yourself!
Get your moxie back!
Gaining MOXIE means getting yourself to a place where you BELIEVE that you have the ability to control the course of your life. It's the least you can do for yourself as this is YOUR life!
Its time to stop giving your excuses more power than your dreams!
Last week we covered
Write a mission statement for yourself
We have no hope of getting our Moxie back if we don't even know why we are doing it
Take control of your day
No need for excuses, if you don't want/need to do something then don't.
Take control of the food
If you are not willing to invest in you, why would anyone else? Until we are clear in our understanding of our incredible worth, we cannot harness our power. Be incredibly mindful of what you are providing your body as fuel, because if it's not real food, it's not fuel. If you cannot find time to invest in your health then you will eventually be forced to find time for your illness.
Learn to cook
Because you'll make better choices, it's relaxing and forces you to focus, you'll save a TON of money, you'll meet your family again, everyone’s behavior will improve, their diet will be better and its a very sexy skill.
Head to a “you pick” farm or farmers market or even better, be inspired to head to your local garden center.
Summer Produce:
Basil Blueberries
Broccoli Cherries
Corn Cucumbers
Eggplant Green Beans
Okra Peaches
Plums Radishes
Raspberries Summer Squash
Tomatoes Watermelon
You’ll notice that “seasonal” foods offer what our bodies need most during that season, so summer is hot and we need to stay hydrated so many of the choices are very hydrating like cucumbers, tomatoes and watermelon. Cut watermelon into bite-sized cubes and freeze, Toss cut up tomatoes and peaches with a basil vinaigrette.
Learn to say no
Nothing zaps our time or energy faster than being obligated out of our own dysfunctional politeness. Not knowing how to say no commits you to fulfilling the goals of others instead of your own. If you're not dying to say yes, then it's a no thank you.
Stop smoking
There is no single action an individual can take to more powerfully affect their overall health, effective use of time and financial security than quitting. It's time, No Excuses. It's your life, time to take it back.
Upcoming guests!
Olympic marathon runner Becky Wade who will head to Rio right after our interview, on her book “Run the World” She is the fastest runner under 25 in history. From elite marathoner and Olympic hopeful Becky Wade comes the story of her year-long exploration of diverse global running communities from England to Ethiopia—9 countries, 72 host families, and over 3,500 miles of running—investigating unique cultural approaches to the sport and revealing the secrets to the success of runners all over the world.
We have Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan author of Sarong Party Girls. A book with roots in Singapore’s colonial past where soldiers would bring sarong clad local girls to parties. The modern day edition is little different where gold-digging, provocatively dressed Asian women are on the hunt for a rich white husband. A culture that is exploding with the influx of Ex-Pats into Singapore. A brilliant and utterly engaging novel—Emma set in modern Asia—about a young woman’s rise in the glitzy, moneyed city of Singapore, where old traditions clash with heady modern materialism.
Brian Hastings, game creator and author of Song of the Deep, a story translation of his game creation about a fisherman father and his 12 year old daughter and heroine. Twelve-year-old Merryn lives with her fisherman father in a little cottage by the sea. Each day, her father braves the tumultuous waves and returns home in time for dinner. One stormy evening, he doesn’t come back. Merryn has a vision that he’s been dragged underwater by a terrifying sea creature, and he needs her help. Determined to rescue him, Merryn builds a tiny submarine and embarks on a journey through the undersea worlds she’s only heard about in her father’s lullabies. As she faces the dangers and wonders of the world below the waves, she realizes that her father’s stories were all real.
And Larry Olmsted, author of Real Food, Fake Food. You’ve seen the headlines: Parmesan cheese made from wood pulp. Lobster rolls containing no lobster at all. Extra-virgin olive oil that isn’t. So many fake foods are in our supermarkets, our restaurants, and our kitchen cabinets that it’s hard to know what we’re eating anymore. In Real Food / Fake Food, award-winning journalist Larry Olmsted convinces us why real food matters and empowers consumers to make smarter choices.
