Habits-why so hard to break?
Hello!
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot why old habits are so hard to break. Studies have shown that it takes about three weeks to break a habit, and then after the trial period, the desire for the habit decreases or is diminished. I have found this to be true, for the most part.
I’ve cut caffeine out of my life, and after the first grueling two weeks, my desire for it isn’t as strong (at least when I’m well-rested). But I do also know that all it takes is a few days of drinking it to become hooked again. The question is-why do we continue to do those things that could potentially harm our health in the long run KNOWING that we can change these habits, thus preventing possible disease or ailments?
Remember, I am speaking of habits, not true addictions-they are completely different in nature and should be treated as such.
Food dyes
I came across an article in a publication called “Nutrition Action” that I’d like to share with you. The article states that Americans consume five times as much food dye as they did 30 years ago, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Not to my surprise, the article also states that the British food companies General Mills, Kellogg, Kraft, Mars, and McDonald’s use few or no dyes.
Two British studies have shown that food dyes can affect behavior in children, and as a result, they put warning labels on food stating: “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. However, the FDA insists that food dyes are safe and that there is no evidence that dyes impair behavior, but these statements are based on outdated studies. Why is food dye necessary when the food can and does look the same when natural ingredients are used?
For example, in the US, a McDonald’s Strawberry sundae uses Red 40 for its color, while in England the color comes from…strawberries!!! Wow! What a concept. Lime chips (Tostitos) in the US contain the colors Blue 1 and Red 40, meanwhile the European version has no colors listed on its label.
My advice is to stay clear (as often as possible) of foods that contain synthetic ingredients, but if you have to choose foods that contain chemicals and preservatives, choose wisely and sparingly.
Remember-your health is everything!
Until next time,
Jeannette
Leg pain or…blood clots?
A friend sent me this article and I found it to be very important for all to read because I know DVT is very near and dear to her heart. Please take a moment to read this great article and share it with others as well.
Doctors say leg pain can signal deadly blood clot
By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer Mon Sep 15, 7:35 AM ET
WASHINGTON – Far too many Americans are dying of dangerous blood clots that can masquerade as simple leg pain, says a major new government effort to get both patients and their doctors to recognize the emergency in time.
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“It’s a silent killer. It’s hard to diagnose,” said acting Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson, who announced the new campaign Monday. “I don’t think most people understand that this is a serious medical problem or what can be done to prevent it.”
At issue are clots with cumbersome names: A deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, forms in large veins, usually a leg or the groin. It can quickly kill if it moves up to the lungs, where it goes by the name pulmonary embolism, or PE.
Commitment leads to Results! 