Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are one of the leading causes of air pollution. They pose an immediate environmental risk to the average individual. VOCs can be both natural and manufactured. They are dangerous because of their volatility, which means the toxins evaporate into the air at room temperature. VOCs are released into the indoor air that we breathe and can cause exposure.
Beyond the danger of their short- and long-term effects, VOCs are particularly hazardous because most of the time, you cannot see or smell them. Learn the following about long-term exposure to VOCs and how you can reduce your risk.
You Can Be Exposed Through Everyday Activity:
Individuals can be exposed to VOCs in a variety of ways. Smoking cigarettes or being in the presence of secondhand smoke, using common household cleaners, working with commercial building and crafting chemicals, or using products that contain formaldehyde or benzene all increase your exposure to VOCs.
There are two ways to be exposed to VOCs. First, you can become exposed by inhaling air that contains volatile compounds. In addition, you can become exposed when your skin comes into contact with products that contain and release VOCs. Formaldehyde is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution via VOCs because of the significant amount of residential, commercial, and personal products that contain it.
Long-Term Exposure Can Cause Serious Issues:
The danger of VOC exposure varies depending on the amount of VOCs in the air, the length of time you have been exposed, and how often you are exposed to it. Short-range exposure can garner a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, irritation to the eyes, and memory issues.
Being exposed to VOCs for longer periods can induce more serious symptoms. They can include consistent eyes, nose, and throat irritation; nausea; loss of coordination; prolonged periods of fatigue; damage to your liver, kidneys, and central nervous system; and in some cases, even cancer.
It’s Possible to Reduce Your Risk:
To limit your risk of VOC exposure, it is advised to reduce the amount of time you spend breathing in air that contains VOCs. Likewise, limit the time you spend using chemicals that contain and release VOCs, such as household cleaners or commercial crafting supplies. Whenever possible, buy and use naturally sourced cleaning supplies, cosmetics, or other personal items.
Taking measures to improve air quality can also help to reduce symptoms and any long-term damage. The installation of features such as air-cleaning ventilation systems can improve your air quality. These systems help take out the air that contains VOCs inside your home and replace it with preconditioned fresh air.
Volatile organic compounds are an immediate threat and can cause harmful long-term symptoms. However, there are ways you can protect your health. Start by limiting your exposure to air that contains VOCs. In addition, install ventilation systems to replace contaminated air inside your home. It doesn’t take a lot to make a difference, but it can save you from some serious health concerns in the long run.
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Acne affects up to a whopping 50 million Americans every year. That's already bad news, but the list of skin problems doesn't end there. There's also atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and yes, aging skin.
The good news is, you can prevent or at least minimize your risks for such problems. One of these is through using the best skin care products in the market. Another is through seeking the help of skin care experts.
At the end of the day though, having great skin has a lot to do with your own personal skin care regimen. That, and loading up on foods proven helpful for skin health.
The good news is, Mother Nature has given us access to so many of these foods. We've rounded up 11 of the best foods that can give you that younger, healthier skin you've always wanted.
1. Avocado:
Great news, since almost all of us love avocados. We love it so much that the average American eats about seven pounds of it a year! But what's even better aside from its rich and creamy flavor is that it's loaded with great things for the skin.
Vitamin A -- check. Vitamin D -- check. Vitamin E-check. All that and more, avocados can give you and your skin. It's more of a question of what it doesn't, really.
It's particularly rich in Vitamin E that helps with hydration and overall skin nutrition. It's rich in fats and phytonutrients, giving the fruit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Researchers have also found avocado oil to have collagen-increasing properties. Another study even found it to have potent antimicrobial effects! We can go on and on about avocado's benefits for the skin, but you get the gist.
Plenty more reason to gobble up guacamole!
2. Berries:
Who doesn't love strawberry or blueberry cheesecake? Here's another great reason to love these fruits: their skin protecting benefits!
Plus, there are plenty of other choices, all of which are lip-smacking. There are the goji, blackberry, and raspberry variants.
These fruits may be small, but they pack a punch when it comes to dealing with free radicals. They contain loads of antioxidants, helping kill toxic elements that damage cells. They also supply you with a good dose of Vitamin C to boost your skin's collagen levels.
Note though that the darker their color, the better they are for your health (and your skin).
But helping reduce signs of skin aging (like wrinkles) isn't berries' only benefit. Their ellagic acid content may also have sun-damage protecting features. A separate study even found they may even boost heart health and brain power!
Either way, all those are some berry awesome news, don't you think?
3. Broccoli:
For the longest time, Broccoli has been a superpower food. After all, its many health benefits are all scientifically-proven. It can help with detoxification, deal with inflammations, and boost Vitamin D levels.
What makes it particularly amazing for the skin is its glucoraphanin content. This phytochemical helps repair skin damage and improve overall skin health. It also helps prevent UV damage that can wreak havoc to your skin.
When the body converts this into sulforaphane, it can even act as a preventive agent for cancers! That includes skin cancer, as well as breast, colon, and stomach cancers among many others.
So, do what your mom told you. Eat your vegetables, particularly these amazing green florets. Speaking of which, here are a few tips to have your kids eat veggies too.
4. Dark Chocolate:
Need more reason to indulge in dark chocolate? Well, how about scientific evidence that they're great for your skin?
In one study, participants consumed high flavanol cocoa for six to 12 weeks. They reported an increase in their skin's moisturization level. They also said their skin felt thicker, smoother, and all in all, healthier.
A separate study also supports other findings on dark cocoa's skin protective properties. The keyword here is dark, so make sure you know your chocolates. It's best you stick to the dark kind that contains at least 70% cocoa.
5. Fatty Fish:
What if we told you there's a way on how to have better skin while also boosting heart health? You can also add lower blood pressure to that list.
What we're referring to is loading up on fatty fish! There's the rich, buttery, and great-tasting salmon for starters. For meal variation, you can go with herring and mackerel too.
Either way, these fishes contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. They may sound quite unhealthy, but it's exactly the opposite.
For instance, you need these fatty acids for the health of your skin. They're especially helpful for keeping your skin hydrated and supple. If you don't eat enough of these fats, your skin may end up becoming dry and scaly.
Also, omega-3 fats can help with acne management. These fatty acids help minimize inflammation after all. As such, they make a great addition to the list of must-have ingredients for the best diet for acne.
Pro Tip: If you have serious breakouts, consider professional skin care services. Check out MyBotoxLA for services such as facials and skin care treatments.
6. Green Tea:
Knowing about the many skin benefits of green tea is one way to drink less soda. Unlike soda that's linked to so many health conditions, green tea is far healthier.
For starters, this tea boasts high amounts of catechins. It's one of the plant's primary health-beneficial compounds. Studies like this have shown them to have powerful antioxidant functions.
As you know by now, antioxidants protect your skin against damage from UV exposure. The sun's UV rays are notorious for premature skin aging, so drinking green tea may help prevent that.
Here's another reason: It can help moisturize your skin! In a three-month study, women who drank green tea reported skin health improvements. These include better skin hydration, less roughness, and greater elasticity.
A friendly reminder though: You may want to think twice about splashing some milk in your tea. Granted, further studies have yet to answer the question, "Is dairy bad for your skin?". But existing research found that dairy products may further irritate acne.
7. Kale:
Kale is much like broccoli, although it's a relatively new addition to superfoods. It delivers pretty much the same benefits, including helping the body's collagen synthesis. That's many thanks to the high Vitamin C content of the vegetable.
Plus, a cup of this contains the same amount of absorbable calcium you'll get with one cup of cow milk. That makes it a much better source for calcium, especially if you're worried about dairy and acne.
8. Nuts:
We're not saying you should go nuts every time you eat walnuts or almonds. Even only a handful of them can already bring benefits from their high Vitamin E content. They also contain selenium, another powerful antioxidant.
All these, plus their zinc and omega-3 fatty content, make nuts a great skin health booster. These nutrients help keep your skin taut and tight by raising collagen levels. Plus, they're great sources of fiber, helping improve bowel movement.
9. Tofu:
Have you ever wondered how women from Southeast Asia (like the Japanese), have amazing skin? Well, it may have something to do with their love of tofu, or soy, in general.
First off, tofu's rich in calcium, Vitamin E, and protein (for skin cell production and regeneration). It also contains soy isoflavones, which have shown to increase collagen fibers. Another study also reported that isoflavones may reduce skin wrinkling and discoloration.
So, consider adding tofu to your diet. It may give you back that youthful, glowing skin you've had in your younger years.
10. Tomatoes:
Who doesn't want clearer skin? Almost all, if not everyone wants glowing, smooth skin, and eating more tomatoes may help.
One reason is that of these red fruits' lycopene content. You may have heard of this compound's potential cancer-fighting properties. But lycopene has other skin benefits too, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
That includes boosting the skin's protection against the sun's damaging UV rays. Furthermore, it helps minimize damage due to UV exposure. Researchers have also found tomatoes to help with skin cell replacement.
11. Watercress:
Watercress' leaves may be smaller than your usual greens, but it's packed with skin benefits. It's vitamin-rich, starting with a high Vitamin A content. It also contains three types of Vitamin B, as well as Vitamins C, E, and K.
Those vitamins alone make it a great source for antioxidants that help protect the skin. Researchers also say that watercress consumption may even reduce cancer risks.
Combining a Healthy Diet with Proper Skin Care for Great Skin:
These are only 11 of the superfoods you should stock up on to have great skin. But, they're some of the best ones that you should incorporate in your healthy meals ASAP.
Don't forget that personal hygiene and proper skin care also affect skin health! So, be sure you combine all three for that glorious looking skin. Of course, it also doesn't hurt to visit skin care specialists from time to time.
Want more insider info on health, fitness, and food? Then make sure you pay our blog's Lifestyle section a visit!
Read Also:
Foods To Eat On A Low-Carb Ketogenic Diet
10 Foods For Vibrant, Glowing And Younger Skin
Are you building a fitness sanctuary in your garage or basement? You have to check out these 8 home gym systems. It'll be hard to choose just one.
Home gym systems are accessible spots in one's home for exercising, usually situated in the garage or an extra room in the house.
More and more people are opting for home fitness sanctuaries as opposed to going to commercial gyms because it presents certain benefits.
Let's take a look.
Advantages of Having Home Gym Systems :
First, gym systems save time. Going to a commercial gym and back home would normally take up to an hour or so, but having a home gym takes just a minute to get to.
It also removes the excuse of skipping the gym due to traffic if the commercial gym is located far from one's home.
Another advantage of a home gym system is you buy the equipment just once, which is inexpensive compared to using a commercial gym.
Commercial gym membership usually requires a monthly subscription fee and if you are going to be working out for many months or years, it might be more cost-effective to go for the home gym option.
Lastly, one of the greatest benefits is adherence to the training.
Having a home gym largely reduces the self-imposed excuses that you have for yourself on why you should not be working out.
Adherence means not only doing your training but doing it consistently.
At the end of the day, you're only going to be getting the benefits from exercise if you're doing the exercise right.
Building the perfect home gym requires you to have excellent equipment and home gym systems that will help you reach your fitness goals, and train often and consistently.
A home gym needs a product that is compact with the ability to do it all and with no restrictions.
If you are looking to build the perfect home gym, consider the best eight home gym systems listed below.
1. Thane Total Flex Home Gym :
This ultra-compact system can also be thought of like a traveling gym as it can go along with you virtually anywhere and then be set up quickly for gym-quality workouts.
When space isn't an issue, the ultra-compact Thane Total Flex is here to save the day.
It easily folds up to the size of a suitcase and has a handle for portability.
With over 50 exercises targeting muscles from head to toe, it has a reclining seat for lower body workouts and can fold up smaller than a suitcase.
However, the resistance may be too low for the super fit. It is perfect for apartments but it's not optimal for big strength gains.
2. Marci MWM-988 Stack Gym :
Tone your entire body with the versatile Marci MWN-988 stack gym.
It offers a dual function for upper and lower body workouts. It also has an excellent flat station, all of which adds up to effective targeted training.
However, it offers only about 150 pounds of resistance.
It is built with strong steel tube framing and comes with high and low pulley stations.
It assembles in just a few hours and is relatively compact.
3. Total Gym XLS :
Designed for use by the whole family, the Total Gym XLS works with every fitness level and can help target almost every major muscle group.
It has a 400-pound capacity and no assembly is required. It also comes with a short six-month warranty.
It is also useful for workouts ranging from cardio to strength training to stretching.
It offers compact upright storage and also includes 5 workout DVDs.
4. The Powerline BSG10X :
It has a hard-to-find 10-year warranty on its frame.
On top of that, it is built with 11-gauge steel which assures maximum strength-building potential, reliable functionality, and the long-lasting durability of construction.
That means this investment will last, giving you time to learn the many ways you can use the system to develop gains and good habits.
It features an easy to adjust 160-pound iron stack and is mostly assembled out-of-the-box. It utilizes military-grade aircraft cables and has 2200-pound tension strength.
However, the foam handles tear over time. Powerline BSG10X is a professional gym quality unit.
5. Body-Solid EXM 3000 :
Sculpt your body with an intense efficient workout on the Body-Solid EXM 3000. You will be amazed by this home gym's versatility.
It features an easy pin weight adjustment, a small footprint that is ideal for tight spaces, and a workout poster that lists 20 exercises.
It offers a wide array of strength training exercises for up to three simultaneous users, making it ideal for large homes and family workouts.
It features contoured durafirm pads for support. It also has weight stacks that are within easy reach and a multi-function press arm station.
It is one of the best home gym systems if you have the space for it.
6. Bowflex PR1000 :
Anybody can achieve amazing results using the patented technology of the Bowflex PR1000.
This home gym system features a flat pull down bar and a horizontal bench press.
These are perfect for developing the lean toned and V-shaped torso many fitness fans dream of.
It includes up to 210 pounds of resistance, a rail for rowing training, and a 300-pound maximum capacity.
7. Powertec Fitness WB-LS14-P :
Reach your maximum potential with the Powertec Fitness WB-LS14-P. It features directly loaded weights for a natural feel but with the safety of a machine.
This home gym system boasts a press capacity of a staggering 500 pounds.
It combines a standard incline bench with the versatility of a single step press.
Unlike many other home gym systems, no leg press gets in the way when you use the bench.
Optional attachments are available and it's not limited by total stack weight. It offers an easy assembly with good instructions.
It offers handlebars on the bench for stabilization and ipsilateral arms for better performance.
Read more, for more informative content.
8. The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE :
It lives up to it is a brand's good name by offering a total body workout in as little as half an hour.
The unit allows users to move quickly between arm and leg workouts without the need for changing tension cables.
It features an ab pulley and harness to build defined abs, a unique 5-way hand grip that adds flexibility, and an ergonomic adjustable seat for comfort.
It also boasts resistance that is upgradeable to 410 pounds and 70 easy to learn exercises.
Reach Your Ultimate Fitness Goals :
If you are going to build a home gym, these are some of the home gym systems you should not miss out on.
This selection of equipment will help you keep in shape in the comfort of your home. For more information, contact us.
Read Also :
What Are Popular Mind And Body Exercises Available At A Gym?
Top 10 Muscle And Strength Building Exercise At Home
You Can’t Out-Diet Your Training
If you are struggling with using drugs, alcohol, or other vices that are causing you to become addicted and reliant, you may benefit from going to a rehabilitation facility that can help you get your life back on track. Instead of relying on yourself to do the hard work, you can put your trust and faith in professionals who know what they are doing.
By choosing an experienced facility with reputable professionals who are well-versed in this industry, you can increase the likelihood of getting sober, getting happy, and remaining healthy for a long time.
Benefits of choosing an inpatient substance abuse treatment
If you think that you can get clean on your own, you might need some extra help so that you do not end up failing your rehabilitate attempt and relapsing - although many people relapse, and it's nothing to be ashamed of, you can prevent this from happening and reduce the risk of relapsing by choosing a reputable and well-reviewed inpatient substance abuse treatment.
Instead of choosing an outpatient option, which typically puts more pressure on the individual to make decisions for themselves, you can choose an inpatient substance abuse treatment where everything is done for you - this way, the only thing that you have to focus on is getting sober and getting healthy!
1. Constant supervision
Although some patients may not like the constant supervision and monitoring, it can be very helpful for those who have just relapsed or who are in the process of detoxing - for professionals to be able to keep an eye on you at all times of the day, it can help you adhere to a program during your first stint in rehab.
2. Accommodation
The second benefit of attending an inpatient substance abuse treatment is the ability to have free accommodation - even though you will be paying for the rehab prices. The accommodation means that you can stay at the facility, letting you be monitored during the days and nights, ensuring you comply with the program.
Furthermore, you don't have to travel day in and day out to go to treatment and therapy sessions - instead, all you have to do is just walk to the next building and go to your treatments!
3. Licensed professionals
The third benefit of choosing an inpatient substance abuse program over an outpatient or online choice is that you can constantly talk with licensed professionals who are there to help you. Instead of other options where you do not have access 24/7, an inpatient program gives you access to doctors, therapists, counselors, and nurses at all times of day and night so you can talk to them with any questions, concerns, or feelings you have about the recovery process.
Conclusion
If you are not sure what type of rehab is best for you and your lifestyle, consider choosing an inpatient substance abuse program over other choices. Not only will this be most effective for first-time rehab attendees, but it can also be helpful for those who have relapsed in the past due to constant supervision, amenities, accommodation, and 24/7 help.
Read Also:
Going to Rehab: What You Can Expect When You’re Getting Clean
Is Outpatient Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Effective?
