Health benefits drinking less soda

Published on: 29 August 2018 Last Updated on: 08 August 2019

There is an interesting study in California that compares the intake of calories for schools which has banned soda water vending machines. It was found that on average that students consume 158 fewer calories daily. These studies are of course not conclusive but it is encouraging to see that reducing the amount of soda being consumed can help to cut down on the amount of sugar a child can take.

I personally wish that more such studies can be conducted to show folks that cutting down these sugary drinks can help to reduce the obese problem that is facing America right now. In my previous post on New York City banning soda water, I argued that this is the right policy decision although it is likely to face much resistance from the companies that manufacture of best soda maker.

This is where studies such as what I have highlighted comes into play because they provide strong support for governmental policies. With scientific proof, it is being much harder to gain support from the rest of the community.

That being said, I also foresee the cases where companies will undertake their own research and prove that drinking soda water has no correlation with obesity. This is the kind of games that the Tabaco companies have been playing and I see soda water manufacturers doing the same thing. In fact, I am not so sure that smoking and drinking excessive soda water should not be on the same level of concern in everyone’s mind.

Readers, if you see more such reports, please share them here so that collectively, we can know for sure what are the health benefits of drinking less soda water.

5 Reasons Why You Need a Carbonated Water Maker

The carbonated water machine is about the size of a coffee maker and uses no batteries or electricity. All the work is done by a CO2 canister placed in the back of the machine.

It only takes a few seconds to enjoy nearly unlimited amounts of sparkling water and soda. Here are 10 reasons why you need a carbonated water maker:

1. You Control the fizziness

For seltzer loves, one of the best parts of a carbonated water maker is that you get to control the fizziness of your drinks. Some people prefer a gentle fizz. Others like lots and lots of bubbles. Usually, it only takes 2-3 button presses to fully carbonate a liter of water. I always add an extra push of the button.

2. Drink Healthy

Not only do you control the fizziness, you also control all of the ingredients. This provides an excellent opportunity to teach your family about healthy alternatives to high-fructose corn syrup name brand sodas. Instead of sugary syrups, why not use a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of cranberry juice. You can also make your own flavors with ginger, tea bags, or anything else you find in your kitchen.

In addition to flavors, you also control the water source. You can use ordinary tap water, or you can use chilled water from a water filter.

3. It is good for the environment

Many people would argue that this is the most important benefit of owning a home carbonated water maker. Most of these machines include one or more reusable soda bottles that are good for three years or more. By reusing your bottles instead of throwing them away, you greatly reduce your plastic bottle waste. Reusing is even better than recycling.

Secondly, these machines help you reduce your carbon footprint. There is no point in paying for someone else to manufacture, fill up, and then truck plastic bottles around the country when you have all the materials at home.

4. Cut your grocery store bill

The CO2 canisters included with most carbonated water machines are good for about 60 liters of carbonated water. Large sizes are also available. Name brand sparkling water can cost several dollars per liter at the store. Home seltzer machines can make a liter of carbonated water for about 15-20 cents per liter.

5. Unlimited Carbonated Water, Seltzer Water, and Club Soda

Since you have all the materials at your fingertips, these machines can make virtually unlimited amounts of carbonated water on demand. If you run out of soda at a birthday party or club soda at a cocktail party, it only takes a few seconds to make more. You won’t have to run off to the store to buy more.

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Art Activities for Stress Relief

Many artists use art not only to express their ideas and thoughts but also to relieve stress. Artists claim that creating art can provide a catharsis for difficult emotions, distract you from your worries and much more. Also, getting into the state of “flow” can also be restorative for your mind. As all the mentioned benefits aren’t enough, you will get a beautiful piece of art in the end. It is essential to know that art shouldn’t be created and enjoyed only by those who are talented or artistically inclined. Art should be created and enjoyed by everyone. Studies show that art therapy can help you relieve anxiety, depression, and stress. So, if you are feeling tense and need a natural and fun way to unwind, it’s time to get some brushes, colors and a canvas and delve into an art activity. Here are some great art ideas for stress relief recommended by Mac Fine Art galleries. Create Something Beautiful: Some people are deeply talented and able to create lifelike paintings, funny cartoons, powerful drawings and similar with ease. Other people may even experience difficulties trying to draw stick figures and hearts. If you are like one of the latter, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try art therapy. In fact, when it comes to stress management and enjoying the benefits of art, talent or the end product don’t matter at all. It’s all about the process of creating art and expressing your feelings. However, if you are not comfortable expressing yourself through a drawing, you could create something that’s just for you in your own personal drawing journal. You don’t have to show it to your friends or someone else. Create Your Own Mandala: Art therapists and even many famous psychologists such as Carl Jung have recommended creating mandalas for stress relief. Mandalas are circular designs that often consist of unique patterns and symbols. While making a mandala, you will process your feelings or things you went through in your life. It’s an excellent idea to symbolize some of your feelings, triumphs or losses with unique patterns and colors. There is no need to reveal your story because you may potentially trigger rumination. You just need to root yourself in the moment and allow the entire process to free yourself from negative thoughts or heal yourself from negative emotions. Your mandala can look however you want it. It can be rich with meaning or very basic. All you need to do is have fun. After you are done with drawing, you should also color it. If you really enjoy coloring mandalas but no so much the process of creating them, you can buy mandala coloring books. Join an Art Class: If you have enough time, it would be great to join an art class. One of the benefits of attending an art class is that it cements the activity into your schedule and routine. Also, being supported by a group can be a stress reliever in itself. If you don’t have enough time for this, consider taking a one-time workshop or something similar. Consider all your options and see what works best for you. You Can Always Doodle: If you don’t have much time for art classes or creating a complex painting at home, you can always dedicate 20 minutes of your time for a drawing session. Remember how you doodled at school when you were bored? It really felt good, right? It’s time to embrace your inner doodler again! You can get a sketchbook for 5-minute doodles, and keep it somewhere handy. If you love writing a journal, don’t forget to beautify the margins with hearts, flowers, smiling faces or whatever else you want. Doodling will let your inner artist slowly come out whenever you have time, and just enjoy life. Read Also: 5 Ways College Students Can Minimize Back To School Stress How Stress During Studies Can Affect The Health Of Your Children?

Empowering Lives With Occupational Therapy: How NDIS Makes A Difference

Occupational therapy (OT) can be an empowering practice that helps individuals overcome potential barriers and experience the joys of daily life more fully. A significant contributor in this area has been the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which has transformed numerous lives by providing financial resources needed for personalised therapeutic care - thus mainstreaming occupational therapy services into society. Unveiling The Role Of Occupational Therapy What Is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy (OT) is a health profession dedicated to helping individuals of all ages maintain, improve or regain the skills needed for daily living and working activities. These may range from physical activities like dressing and cooking to cognitive functions like problem-solving or maintaining focus; ultimately, OT encourages individuals to live independent and fulfilling lives. Why Is OT Important? Occupational therapy's significance lies in its broad scope. For individuals living with disabilities, illness, or injury, occupational therapy provides a way to regain lost abilities and regain autonomy. Still, more broadly speaking, it is a preventative practice promoting healthier lifestyle choices for a better tomorrow. OT's Impact On Different Age Groups OT's effects are profound, touching all age demographics. Children rely on occupational therapy for development milestones; adults use it to ease back to work after injury, while seniors depend on it to maintain independence by equipping themselves with skills needed to complete daily activities safely. NDIS And Its Revolutionary Impact An Overview Of NDIS The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an innovative initiative to support Australians with disabilities. It provides individuals with financial resources so they may access personalised support and services - including occupational therapy - in an individualised fashion. NDIS's Role In Promoting OT NDIS has been essential in expanding occupational therapy (OT) access. By funding its services, NDIS ensures that individuals of any financial status may take advantage of its therapeutic offerings. How NDIS Changes Lives With OT NDIS has brought occupational therapy (OT) into many households and improved lives. It has helped individuals recover following injuries more rapidly, enabled children with disabilities to reach their full potential, and helped adults and the elderly maintain independence. Exploring NDIS And OT Success Stories Recovering From Injury With OT And NDIS NDIS has immensely contributed to helping individuals heal from injuries by funding occupational therapy - allowing them to regain their abilities and return to daily living routines. Not only does OT address physical healing, but it also addresses emotional and psychological aspects leading to holistic healing. Assisting Children's Development Children with disabilities often face developmental obstacles that impede their growth. But thanks to the NDIS funding Occupational Therapy services, these children can receive tailored support that helps them overcome them. Through engaging and playful methods, OT helps these kids reach developmental milestones while building confidence and encouraging independence. Promoting Independence In Adults And The Elderly Independence is essential in adult and elderly life. Thanks to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), funding occupational therapy services designed to enhance and preserve freedom has revolutionised adult and elderly life. Occupational therapy services provided under NDIS have significantly contributed to a higher quality of life for its recipients, from refining motor skills and improving mobility to cognitive exercises to maintain mental acuity. The Future Of NDIS And OT Ongoing Research And Development NDIS and occupational therapy (OT) have an unbreakable bond, set to deepen with ongoing research and advancements in both fields. As we gain greater insight into disability impacts and manifestations, OT techniques continue to develop with NDIS' support, ensuring those in need can access these new approaches. Broadening Accessibility And Reach NDIS continues to work toward expanding access to occupational therapy (OT) services for individuals living in remote locations. Teletherapy plays an integral part by providing remote consultations and therapy sessions. Continuing To Empower Lives NDIS and occupational therapy have already transformed countless lives and will do so in the future. Every success story is evidence of occupational therapy's transformative power as an enabler and NDIS' enabling role. Conclusion: Empowering lives requires more than simply providing care; it means changing societal perceptions of disability, promoting inclusivity and accepting diversity. OT and NDIS play critical roles in this transformation by changing individual lives and creating a more compassionate society. NDIS provides much more than funding: its steadfast support of occupational therapy stands as a beacon of hope to individuals with disabilities and their families, evidence of society's progress towards inclusiveness, and recognition of occupational therapy's life-altering power. Read Also : How To Stay Healthy And Fit Despite A Hectic Schedule Important Habits To Protect Your Ear Health And Hearing Must-Have Appliances For A Healthier Life

Early Signs Of Oral Cancer: What You Need To Know?

Early signs of oral cancer are persistent mouth sores, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice. In such cases, you must visit an oncologist, an expert who deals with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It can affect the mouth, tongue, gums, and throat. In fact, there are several factors that contribute to its development. These include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure, and infections like HPV. However, early detection plays a crucial role in increasing the chances of successful treatment. Also, it helps in improving outcomes. In this article, you will get details about the early signs of oral cancer and what you should be mindful of. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. What Is Oral Cancer? Oral cancer is one of the most common forms of neck/head cancer. Generally, it affects people above 60 years of age. In fact, oral cancer first affects your lips, tongue, mouth roof, and mouth floor. Apart from that, it also affects your oropharynx, which is the last part of your tongue. Also, it might affect the roof of your mouth, the sides and the back of your throat, and your tonsils. At first, oral cancer can look like a common problem in your mouth and your lips. For instance, you can see white patches or bleeding sores. Basically, the difference between a common problem and a potential cancer is that the problems do not go away. Here, if you leave the problems without any treatment for a long time, it can spread through your mouth and your throat. Moreover, it will also spread to other areas of your head and neck. 8 Common Warning Signs of Oral Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore Recognizing the early signs of oral cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Here are eight common symptoms you must watch for and discuss with a cancer specialist promptly. 1. Presence of White/Red Patches in the Mouth A classic sign of potential oral cancer is the presence of white or red patches in the mouth without any reason. Patches can occur on the tongue, roof of the mouth, inner cheeks, or gums. Patches can be painful sometimes but are usually asymptomatic. However, you must not ignore them. If you see any of these patches extending more than a few weeks, visit an oncologist for a checkup at Apollo Hospital Belapur. Here, you will get a thorough examination. 2. Persistent Mouth Sores Oral cancer can be indicated by mouth sores that do not heal within two weeks. The sores may be on the tongue, inside the cheeks, or gums, or on the roof of the mouth. However, getting sores in the mouth is quite common. Still, you must let an oncologist evaluate sores that don’t improve. Don’t ignore the sores if they are painless or persistent. It could mean something more serious. 3. Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing Pain or discomfort when swallowing or chewing food may be a sign of oral cancer. When there is a tumor blocking the throat or esophagus, difficulty swallowing or dysphagia often occurs. In some cases, this symptom may be accompanied by a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat or chest. However, if this continues, it is important to see a specialist to help diagnose any underlying health issue early on. 4. Unexplained Bleeding Unexplained bleeding on the inside of the mouth is a cause for concern. It could be blood in your saliva or while you brush your teeth. However, if there is any unexplained bleeding from the gums, tongue, or mouth, you must immediately visit a healthcare professional. Apart from that, bleeding from your gums can be a sign of a minor gum problem. However, if it’s consistent or unusual, it could mean something more serious, such as oral cancer. If you are bleeding, don’t hesitate to visit the best oncologist in Mumbai to get it evaluated. 5. Numbness or Pain in the Mouth or Jaw If you have numbness or persistent pain in the mouth or jaw that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relief, don’t ignore it. This may mean that cancer is affecting the nerves in your mouth or jaw area. This pain can get worse over time and often comes with other symptoms, such as difficulty moving the jaw or feeling fullness in the mouth. Hence, you must consult a medical expert. Basically, the expert can help in figuring out the reason behind it and suggesting reasonable treatment alternatives. 6. Unexplained Weight Loss Sudden weight loss, especially if it is unintentional, can be a sign of a number of health conditions, including oral cancer. Cancer cells can interfere with your body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss. Moreover, if you get sudden weight loss along with other symptoms such as mouth sores, pain, or difficulty swallowing, see a medical expert as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can enhance the prognosis and treatment options for oral cancer. 7. Changes in Voice or Hoarseness If you find that your voice or hoarseness doesn’t go away, it could be because oral cancer is affecting your vocal cords or the area around them. If the hoarseness lasts more than a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to consult an oncologist. Any change in voice should be evaluated to rule out any serious condition, including oral cancer. 8. Lumps or Swelling in the Neck Signs that the cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes include swelling or lumps in the neck. At first, these lumps may be painless, but they can become tender as the disease progresses. If you see any lumps or swelling in your neck, you should see a doctor right away. An oncologist will evaluate these lumps. Also, the expert will ensure an accurate diagnosis to find whether these lumps are cancerous. Activities that Increase Oral Cancer The following are some of the major activities that increase oral cancer: Smoking (cigarettes, pipes, and cigars) Other tobacco products include chewing tobacco, snuff, water pipes, dip, etc. Drinking excessive amounts of Alcohol daily. Spending a lot of time under the sun without protecting the lips. Having the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Having a history of oral cancer in the family. Detecting Oral Cancer: The Way Forward Recognizing the early signs of oral cancer is critical for effective treatment and improving your overall prognosis. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice promptly. For instance, the Apollo Hospital Belapur, located in Navi Mumbai, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. It has expert oncologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating oral cancer. You can consult the best oncologist at Apollo Hospital for a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. Basically, you must stay vigilant and consult an expert as soon as you notice unusual symptoms. This way, you can increase your chances of early detection, ensuring that your oral health remains in the best condition possible. Do you have more suggestions to add on how to detect oral cancer? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: 5 Skin Cancer Warning Symptoms & Early Signs to Know How Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer Is Related?

Health benefits drinking less soda