Refrigerators have become an indispensable part of our lives, and the satisfaction of getting a cold drink on a hot summer day is irreplaceable! However, did you know that while the refrigerator keeps the drinks and food cold inside, it has a massive carbon footprint that heats up the planet? Let us understand how refrigerators contribute to global warming and see if any preventive measures can be taken to lower its effects. How does it work? The refrigerator has refrigerants which are liquid cooling agents that change their state of matter in a continuous cycle that sucks in heat from the environment inside the room and releases this heat outside in the form of gas. Refrigerants Chlorofluorocarbons or CFC were the most common type of refrigerants used in fridges and even ACs, however, after extensive study and research, it was understood that these CFCs are responsible for breaking down the ozone layer. Two other new forms of less potent refrigerants were then used, called HFCs or hydrofluorocarbons or HCFCs hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which are still in use today. While these are not as harmful to the ozone layer, they are strong, intoxicating greenhouse gasses. According to a report by BBC, the cooling industry accounts for about 10% of global CO2 emissions, making refrigerators a climate calamity.

The body is continuously breaking and repairing the living tissues in our bones. As we turn older, the repair rate slows down, which can result in osteoporosis. This is a condition where bone density and quality reduce drastically. One of the ways to prevent or lower the risk of osteoporosis is by exercising and controlling the food choices. Given below is a list of foods that may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Foods that help decrease the risk of osteoporosis Foods containing calcium An important nutrient to build bone strength is calcium. It also benefits heart functions, nerves, and decreases the risk of blood clotting. According to the USDA Food Composition Databases, dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cottage cheese are rich sources of calcium. Other calcium-rich foods include dark green veggies like kale, collards, broccoli, turnip greens, canned salmon, sardines, nuts, and tofu. Protein and magnesium-rich foods While calcium builds strength, proteins help the bones gain the required levels of hardness. One should have a minimum of 15 grams of protein from every meal. Protein-rich foods include poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, peanut or almond butter, and sunflower seeds. Another important mineral that should be added to meals is magnesium.

Sunglasses have long been considered a styling essential or an accessory to dial-up one’s look. However, they are more than a fashionable piece. They have a greater purpose of protecting the eyes. Just like sunblock is essential for the skin, sunglasses are important for the eyes and eyesight. They provide protection from UV rays. But before you head out to buy this essential piece of accessory, it is important to bust some myths. Expensive is effective Contrary to what the price tag is often associated with, it is not the factor fit to determine the effectiveness of sunglasses. If you are looking for a pair of sunglasses that does their job well, you need to ensure that they provide UV protection. Check the label to be sure. The price tag does not necessarily have to be higher for the lenses to their required job. Darker glasses equals better protection The number of UV rays being filtered out or passing through the sunglasses is an important factor when looking for eye protection. However, the darkness of the shade of the glasses is not what protects the eyes from UV rays. Sunglasses that are labeled UV safe are either treated with protectants or made of a certain type of plastic polymer.

Migraines are different from regular headaches, as the former is usually followed by nausea or vomiting. Further, people experience heightened sensitivity to light or sound, which worsen the symptoms. However, there are some smells and strong odors in the environment that can also trigger migraine attacks. Understand that the intensity of these headaches will vary depending on the type of odor. Here are five toxic smells that commonly trigger migraines. Pollutants Before exploring the classifieds section for migraine doctors near me, understand how air pollution can trigger migraines. Even limited exposure to vehicle exhaust or inhaling pollutants in the air released by industries are bad for such headaches. Some people may also experience discomfort upon inhaling the smell of asphalt. Vehicles driving at high speeds create friction and churn up the bitumen, a product used for paving the road. Inhaling the fumes can cause headaches. Strong fragrances Perfumes rank among the most common triggers of migraine headaches. The potent alcohol and chemicals used in manufacturing cologne or perfumes increase smell sensitivity. Inhaling even a small amount of this fragrance can lead to swelling blood vessels that stimulate the nerve centers linked to processing pain. Chemical products Even basic solvents and detergents used for home cleaning can trigger and worsen migraine headaches.

People with diabetes experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels not only because of their health condition but also certain treatments used to manage the same. Snacking is a great way to ensure your blood sugar doesn’t drop too low while keeping sugar intake minimal. However, not all snacks are suitable for diabetics, so patients must choose wisely. Here are some great snacking ideas that are low in sugar and great for health. Hard-boiled eggs This is one of the easiest snacks to make since not a lot of effort is required on your part. Hard-boiled eggs are rich in proteins and can help people with type 2 diabetes maintain their blood sugar and hunger levels. If you can, try and eat just the egg whites. Seasoning with pepper or your favorite herbs can enhance the taste. Veggies and hummus Vegetables are always a great option for snacking. They’re rich in essential vitamins and minerals and can make you full quickly due to their high fiber content. Veggies also help maintain a healthy body weight since most varieties aren’t as high in calories as other snacking options. If you’d like some flavor, try eating your vegetables with a side of hummus, another excellent fiber source.

Diabetes causes blood sugar and glucose levels to either go too low or too high. One of the ways to maintain balanced levels in the body is to have a strict meal plan. While a few food groups are known to not be friendly for those with diabetes, here are some other common yet unsuspecting foods that are a big no-no for those looking to keep their sugar levels in check. Yogurt Yogurt is usually a healthy option but is probably not recommended for those with diabetes. Flavored yogurt sold in the market comes with preservatives and sugar, quickly triggering insulin levels. Dairy is generally not advised for diabetes patients, but having small quantities of homemade yogurt with no flavoring or artificial preservatives is fine.  Cereal Although cereal is something many of us eat in the morning, it’s not the best option for those looking to keep their glucose in check. This food comes with added sugars and artificial preservatives that spike sugar levels. Another factor to consider is that cereal and milk make for quite an unhealthy combination, so those with diabetes need to find alternatives to these foods for breakfast. Granola bars Normally sold as a healthy snack, some granola bars are filled with sugar and carbs.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that interferes with the body’s ability to process blood sugar, or blood glucose, properly. If not managed, it can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, and other serious complications. Fortunately, one can achieve and maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent these complications by simply limiting or avoiding foods that can cause a spike in blood sugar. Accordingly, we’ve listed below the worst foods for people with diabetes. 6 foods to avoid to successfully manage diabetes Cakes When trying to control diabetes, cakes and pastries are a strict no-no. These desserts are loaded with sugar and low-quality carbohydrates. Cakes provide little to no nutritional value while causing a sharp spike in blood sugar levels. Besides, they contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Raisins Dried fruits, like raisins, contain a higher concentration of various nutrients, including sugars, than their fresh counterparts. Since the dehydration process also removes the water, it becomes easier to eat large quantities of raisins at a time. This can cause a severe spike in blood sugar. It’s best to replace dried fruits with fiber-rich whole fruits. White bread White bread is made with low-quality, refined carbohydrates.

Binge eating is a guilty pleasure that most people indulge in on occasion. And sugary foods, baked confectioneries, and sweet beverages are the ultimate options to satisfy such cravings. However, people with diabetes should be aware that excess sugar can instantly spike blood glucose levels, causing significant damage. But fret not. Here are a few simple to-dos to lower the risk of complications from eating too much sugar at once. Stay hydrated After detecting a lot of sugar in the body, the pancreas release more insulin. This can trigger polyuria, a condition that increases the urge to urinate. To counter dehydration caused by excess urination, doctors recommend drinking plenty of water after a sugar binge. Water also helps dilute extra sugar in the bloodstream to manage diabetes symptoms better. Engage in physical activity Physical activity releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. Endorphins counter symptoms like fatigue, bad mood, and general lethargy, all commonly observed with diabetes. In addition, physical movement engages core muscle groups, allowing the body to burn more carbohydrates and break down sugar faster. Track blood sugar levels Excess sugar increases the risk of hyperglycemia among those with diabetes. And hyperglycemia can trigger temporary weight gain, fatigue, irritable mood swings, and frequent urination.