1. You’ll live longer: Although eating less meat may not necessarily add years to your life, it can prevent a premature death. Cutting back on red meat and processed meats may reduce your risk of developing heart disease and cancer, the two biggest killers of Americans. Red meat contains a high amount of saturated fat, which raises bad cholesterol levels and can increase your blood pressure making you more prone to having atherosclerosis, stroke and heart attack.
2. You’ll reduce the risk for heart disease and diabetes: Eating fewer processed meats can have a significant impact on your health. Cutting back on bacon, sausage, hot dogs and cold cuts can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and help prevent diabetes. These meats contain a large amount of sodium and saturated fats, which can contribute to colorectal cancer, kidney problems and congestive heart failure.
3. You’ll reduce the chances of getting a bacterial infection: Eating less or no meat at all may be your best defense against the drug-resistant superbugs that are appearing in supermarket meats these days. Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been popping up in raw beef, chicken, turkey and cow’s milk, therefore, increasing the risk for hard-to-treat bacterial infections in humans. Staphylococcus aureus thrives in open wounds rather than in the gut, so handling meats contaminated with this strain of bacteria increases your chance for infection if you don’t take proper measures to protect your hands and cook your food thoroughly.
4. You’ll increase Vvegetable and fruit consumption: For years, Americans have been falling short of the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of obesity and certain chronic diseases, as well as reduce your chances of having heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. If you choose to eat less meat, you’ll have more opportunities to increase your fruit and vegetable consumption and reap the health benefits.
5. You’ll reduce the risk of osteoporosis: Eating less meat may reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis by maintaining a healthy bone density. Meats have been shown to leach calcium from bones, which can become a serious problem for the elderly. Low bone density can make people more susceptible to bone breaks and fractures with age. Therefore, cutting back on meat consumption and maintaining a healthy calcium intake can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
6. You’ll lose weight: Eating less meat may be the ticket to losing those extra pounds and maintaining a healthy weight. High-protein diets may be the culprit of weight gain and the reason why people can’t shed the unwanted pounds. Of course, exercise and lifestyle play a major role in the weight loss process, but cutting down on your daily meat consumption may help you lose the weight faster.
7. You’ll get enough protein: Increasing your meat consumption to get enough protein in your diet is not necessary. In fact, most people get enough protein from their diets without needing to add more meat to the mix. Cutting back on your meat consumption will not make a big difference in your protein intake or your health. Try replacing the meat you would have been eating with another high-protein source like eggs, milk, tofu or cottage cheese.
8. You’ll lower your cholesterol: Eating less meat can have a significant effect on your cholesterol. The saturated fats in meat raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack or angina. Reducing your meat consumption and replacing it with more fruits and vegetables can help lower your bad cholesterol levels and raise your good cholesterol levels.
9. You’ll reduce the risk of bowel cancer: Bowel cancer, also called colon cancer, is a deadly killer that takes thousands of lives every year. One important way to reduce your chances of developing bowel cancer is to eat less meat. Cutting back on meat, specifically red meat and processed meat, can significantly lower your chances of getting colon cancer because you’ll be lowering your fat intake.

1. Cancer: For decades, there has been a great deal of concern and debate surrounding pesticides and their carcinogenicity. There is a large body of evidence that claim pesticides cause cancer in multiple organ systems, but other factors like age, family history of cancer, diet and lifestyle should also be considered. In an effort to monitor the health effects and better understand the dangers of pesticides, the Environmental Protection Agency reviews pesticides for potential carcinogenicity based on its potency and the potential for human exposure.
2. Endocrine Complications: Another potential side effect of pesticides are endocrine complications, specifically blocked male hormones that may affect human reproduction. Agriculture pesticides have been linked to blocking testosterone and other androgens, which are essential for healthy male reproductive systems. Most of these endocrine disruptors are fungicides that are applied to fruit and vegetable crops and can remain on foods.
3. Infertility and Sterility: Pesticides have been linked to male and female infertility and sterility. Exposure to pesticides and solvents may be the cause of low sperm levels and increased levels of infertility in men working on farms and those who are exposed to pesticides on a regular basis. Sperm counts have been declining worldwide and may be the result of eating foods laced with pesticide residue and the increased use of household pesticide sprays.
4. Brain Damage: Pesticides have also been linked to brain damage in those who use these chemicals on a regular basis. Gardeners and farmers are the most at risk for developing long-term brain damage and suffering from brain problems such as mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD), which affects your ability to speak smoothly and identify words, colors or numbers. Pesticides may also be to blame for brain damage and developmental problems in children.
5. Birth Defects: Birth defects from pesticide exposure is another growing concern for expecting mothers, adults and children. The link between pesticides and birth defects has been tied to use of household sprays that kill garden insects, ants, mosquitoes and fleas. These potent chemicals are used to attack the nervous system of insects and kill them, but may pose an even greater risk to your unborn baby’s health and increase the risk for oral clefts, neural tube defects, heart defects and limb defects. Exposure to pesticides and insecticides should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy.
6. Respiratory Disorders: Another concerning side effect of exposure to or ingestion of pesticides are respiratory disorders, including wheezing, chronic bronchitis, asthma and farmer’s lung. Regular exposure to pesticides increases your risk for developing respiratory problems, but can be lessened with proper respiratory protection and daily preventative measures.
7. Organ Failure: Pesticides may be to blame for an increase in organ failures around the world. For example, there have been an alarming number of deaths related to either chronic kidney disease or intestinal nephritis in India over the last seven years. Most of the victims worked in agriculture and were constantly exposed to high levels of pesticides and ate foods with pesticide residue. It’s not certain whether kidney disease is worsened by eating foods laced with pesticide residue or caused by exposure to pesticides, but the kidney has to excrete these toxins from the body and could be just one of many organs on the verge of failure.
8. Skin Irritation: Skin irritation is another possible side effect of pesticides because the skin is the most likely to come into contact with these harmful chemicals. Since pesticides can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, it can easily cause cutaneous toxicity, rashes and skin infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot. If enough pesticide is absorbed through the skin, it could cause severe toxic reactions and internal health problems.

1. Smallpox: Smallpox was an extremely infectious disease that wiped out entire empires. It began in northern Africa, and popped up time and time again in repeat epidemics. It killed royalty and the poor alike, not controlled until the development of the world’s first vaccine in the 1700s.
2. Tuberculosis: While we have smallpox to thank for vaccines, we have tuberculosis for the promotion of pasteurization and the quest for antibiotics. Pasteurization was key to controlling TB, as it heats and kills TB pathogens and other contaminants in milk.
3. Autism: Autism is a terrible disease, leaving sufferers with the inability to fully relate to others and become obsessively locked into tasks. In its own strange way, autism has benefited the world by allowing scientists such as Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein to produce the work of multiple people in their own lifetimes.
4. Influenza (all): Whether it’s H1N1, Avian, or the seemingly innocuous flu many suffer from each year, influenza is a serious illness. Influenza in all forms has had a major impact on the number of deaths in the modern world. It also influenced the course of WWI, killing soldiers and putting a strain on military health care.
5. Malaria: Malaria is a disease that is still prevalent in underdeveloped countries today. There is a cure for malaria now, but for more than a thousand years, there was none. Its cure, quinine, has a story that changed the world.
6. Cholera: Cholera is a disease that’s spread through a lack of clean water and poor or nonexistent sewage systems. The existence of this disease required a change, in the form of improved sanitation, which reduced cholera’s impact.
7. Bubonic plague: Also known as The Black Death, the bubonic plague was an incredibly devastating pandemic, which is estimated to have wiped out 75-200 million people in the 14th century, including 30%-60% of Europe’s population. It took Europe’s population 150 years to recover.
8. Epilepsy: The neurological disease epilepsy causes seizures, which include body clenching, shouting, and occasionally, strange visions. Some experts believe that prophets including Ezekiel, Joseph Smith, and Joan of Arc may have suffered from epilepsy, which would explain their religious visions.
9. Polio: Polio was a worldwide epidemic between 1840 and the 1950s, causing infections and even paralysis. Jonas Salk changed the world when he developed the inactivated polio virus vaccine in 1952, which causes nearly all who receive the vaccine to develop protective antibodies that prevent the disease.
10. Yellow Fever: Like malaria, yellow fever is a mosquito-borne disease that has not been eradicated. This disease, which causes aching, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and other symptoms, can lead to multi-organ dysfunction and even death. It is believed to have influenced the Louisiana Purchase, pre WWII development in the US, and the Panama Canal. Its impact is limited primarily to the southern US, where mosquitoes can survive the winter.

1. Debbie Harry: Blondie front woman and 90s It girl Debbie Harry is also a successful actress. She was adopted in Miami at just three months old, but raised in Hawthorne, NJ, before graduating with an associate’s degree and taking food service and dancing jobs until performing with various bands in the 60s and 70s.
2. Faith Hill: Country music star Faith Hill is known for her powerful voice as much as she is for her dedication to keeping her family together. She often gives her parents credit for fostering her strong sense of family — but the man and woman who raised her aren’t her birth parents. Hill was adopted as an infant after her real parents — who did end up marrying and having another child later — gave her up, and she was raised in a tiny town in Mississippi before moving to Nashville at age 19.
3. Marilyn Monroe: To say Marilyn Monroe was a pop culture icon is a major understatement, and many of her fans today are still obsessed with her movies and style, nearly 50 years after her death. Monroe, who was baptized Norma Jeane Baker, grew up in foster homes, claiming to never really know her real father. Her mother was mentally unstable and refused to let her be officially adopted, and Marilyn was even nearly sexually abused on several occasions while staying with her mother’s best friend’s family. Passed around among aunts and back to the best friend’s house, Marilyn was married off at 16 to avoid further foster homes.
4. Dan O’Brien: Decathlete Dan O’Brien won the 1996 Olympic Gold medal in Atlanta, and has won four other world championship gold medals for his sport. Of mixed race decent, O’Brien was adopted but white parents as a young child and raised in Oregon before moving to the University of Idaho, where joined track and field.
5. Senator Robert Byrd: Legendary U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd held the honor of being the longest serving senator in history — serving a total of 55 years. Born in 1917, Byrd was adopted by his aunt and uncle when he was just one year old, after his mother died of influenza. It was his mother’s wish for he and his siblings to be passed on to other family members instead of being raised by their father.
6. Steve Jobs: Apple executive and technology pioneer Steve Jobs discussed his adoption in his 2002 commencement address at Stanford University. His biological mother wished for him to be adopted by college graduates — he wasn’t, but his new parents did promise his mother that he would attend college. Jobs dropped out of his first university but audited a class at another school that ultimately helped build the first Mac computer.
7. Dave Thomas: Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas was adopted at just 6 weeks old and started an adoption foundation to help other babies, children and teens escape foster care and find "forever families." The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption was established in 1992 and helped found National Adoption Day in 2008.
8. Eric Clapton: Guitarist and singer Eric Clapton is one of the most successful and recognized artists of the last several decades, but his childhood was a little less straightforward. His mother gave birth to him when she was 16, after having an affair with an older soldier who returned home to Canada. Clapton was raised by his grandparents and believed that his mother was his older sister.
9. Edgar Allan Poe: Known for his dark but insightful stories, Edgar Allan Poe was adopted by the Allan family after his father (Poe) left the family and his mother died. Poe was two years old, and was split up from his brother and sister. Sent to England for school at just six years old, his wealthy father ended up sending him to the University of Virginia for college, but refused to give him enough money, and Poe had to drop out.
10. George Washington Carver: Agriculture inventor and commandeer George Washington Carver was born into slavery in Missouri. After his mother was kidnapped and slavery was abolished, Carver was taken in by his former owners who taught him to read and write. Over the next few years, Carver moved around the country in pursuit of schools who would take him in, staying with foster families until he settled in Kansas to homestead some land, plowing farms to raise crops.
11. Edward Albee: Playwright Edward Albee was born Edward Harvey, but was adopted by the Albee family when he was just two weeks old. His new family were well-known in the theater world, although they wished Edward to have a more conventional career. Albee eventually ran away at 20 years old, moving to Greenwich Village and soaking in the art scene as he worked odd jobs.
12. Scott Hamilton: Figure skater and commentator Scott Hamilton is still a crowd favorite for his passion for the sport and cheerleading spirit of up and coming skaters. He was adopted at just six weeks old by a Bowling Green State University father and second grade teacher mother, who also found a job at BGSU to help fund Scott’s skating training.
13. Melissa Gilbert: Most famous for playing Laura Ingalls on the Little House on the Prairie TV series than ran in the 1970s and 80s, Melissa Gilbert has continued to act in adulthood and has served as President of the Screen Actors Guild. She was adopted by actor Paul Gilbert and his dancer/actress wife. Soon after they adopted Melissa, her family adopted a boy who would go on to co-star with Melissa on Little House as Willie Oleson.
14. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi: Whether Jersey-area Italian Americans like it or not, they’re best known to the rest of the world by the likes of Jersey Shore party people like Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi. But Snooki’s actually not Italian — she was born either in Chile or to Chilean immigrants — it’s still a little unclear — and was adopted by Italian American parents living in New York.

There will always be situations when even the most cautious of individuals will find themselves victimized. Just because viable precautions exist does not mean anyone traumatized by rape or sexual assault "had it coming," as extenuating circumstances or mistaken trust can override awareness and preparedness. The only guilty parties here are the men and women who think it perfect acceptable to violate another’s body, either through violent or emotionally manipulative means.

1. Enroll in self-defense classes: Nearly every major city — and plenty of suburbs — hosts at least a few different self-defense and martial arts schools, as do many colleges and universities. Try to find one within a viable price range and workable schedule and put forth the effort to take regular classes. Make sure to also thoroughly research both the businesses and the different strategies they teach before making any commitment. Even if participants never have to put their newfound skills to use (and here’s hoping they don’t!), self-defense is one of the most valuable investments individuals make for their own safety and peace of mind.

2. Carry a weapon: Consider supplementing those self-defense classes by keeping a weapon concealed somewhere, like a purse or underneath a jacket. For those uncomfortable with the thought of owning a gun, options such as pepper spray, mace, stun guns or batons and plenty more provide a satisfactory level of protection as well. No matter which one proves best, however, anyone owning such devices must absolutely familiarize themselves with proper care, use, maintenance and (of course) legalities. Particularly when looking into gun ownership.

3. Travel in packs: It’s not always possible to step out with a few friends in tow, but take advantage of any situations where it is. Predators feed on vulnerability, as assault and rape have everything to do with power and almost nothing to do with sex. A small group, particularly one with a little self-defense training and/or weapons in the ranks, will certainly make each member feel far safer than if they were to travel alone. This strategy works well for parties, too, as a throng of trusted pals can look out for one another and intervene when it looks like something ugly might happen.

4. Never leave a drink alone: When navigating a party or bar, always keep drinks close at hand. Never set them down before going to the bathroom or (when applicable) heading outside for a smoke. Assailants may take advantage of the situation by slipping in drugs meant to disorient and disengage. Either drain a drink before heading off or leave it in the hands of a trusted friend who will reliably babysit it.

5. Never accept drinks from strangers: As tempting as free drinks inevitably sound, taking them from unfamiliar individuals puts one at risk for drugging and sexual assault, rape or something even worse. When out with new friends, make sure to watch them, the bartender or the waitron pour the beverage in question to make sure it doesn’t end up spiked. There’s no need to be vocal or otherwise obvious about it, as doing so might offend genuinely good people, but one should always pay close attention to the situation at hand. A sharp eye could mean the difference between safety and violence.

6. Don’t give in to pressure: Sometimes, individuals one finds attractive and romantically appealing enough to try and date commit sexual assault. They take advantage of interest to try to pressure potential partners into scenarios they may not necessarily find comfortable or safe. Stay strong and speak up whenever he or she starts attempting to initiate unwanted sexual or romantic acts; most importantly, remember that engaging anything that falls within the personal comfort zone should never be considered permission to ramp up the activity. It is not the victim’s fault if the criminal takes things too far, regardless of their physical connectivity up to that point.

7. Be confident: As mentioned earlier, sexual assailants and rapists tend to pick their victims based on perceived (though not necessarily true) weakness and inferiority over any other factor. Whether out alone or amongst friends, projecting an air of confidence and purpose will dissuade them from perpetuating violence and a complete disrespect of body autonomy. Even without a definitive destination or goal in mind, make sure to step outside with escape and contingency plans just in case. Doing so will only contribute further to displaying a self-assured carriage.

8. Always remain aware of surroundings: It doesn’t matter if a location is as familiar as a home apartment complex or as foreign as a brand new city — anyone hoping to lessen his or her chances of victimization by sexual assault or rape must always stay alert. Only leaving in one ear bud when listening to music makes one particularly effective strategy. Pay close attention to all stimuli and peace out or call the authorities when things start looking suspicious. There’s no reason to stick around when anyone’s safety gets called into question.

9. Try to avoid remote locations whenever possible: There may be times when hanging around an isolated location is unavoidable, and when these do arise it’s best to keep most of the other tips here in mind. But sticking to busier areas, even when alone, puts help and emergency assistance at a much closer range. Likewise, try not to spend time with strangers or unfamiliar individuals in such areas as well, even if wanting to make friends. It’s much safer to grow acquainted with people in more crowded businesses first, before moving on to homes and obscure spots.

10. Don’t accept rides from strangers: Conversely, don’t give rides to strangers, either. The risk of sexual assault, rape, murder or theft increases exponentially in such situations. When embarking on jaunts that could potentially end in stranding, such as hikes, make sure to bring along a small emergency preparedness kit. Also alert family and friends of the intended path or itinerary before embarking, taking the time to map out the details of what to do and whom to send in the event of a crisis. Always keep cash on hand in case a taxi or public transportation proves necessary.

11. Don’t get weighed down: When traveling alone, make sure to not get bogged down with packages or equipment that might hinder movement. Assailants, acquaintances or strangers, may try to take advantage of this precarious situation. Such things prevent victims from not only bolting as quickly as they need to, but accessing any weapons on their person as well. Try to coordinate heavy shopping or moving with trusted friends and family whenever possible, saving the lighter, easier-to-ditch stuff for solo jaunts.

12. Keep the phone charged: Invest in an emergency charger if necessary, as a full battery provides peace of mind for the weary traveler. Enough juice to call for help could make all the difference in the world when suspicious situations arise. Keep phones plugged in at work or home whenever possible, or at least top them off a little bit before heading out. Some people may even like the idea of keeping extra batteries on hand just in case.

13. Never feel obligated or guilty: Going on a date does not oblige either party to kiss. Kissing does not oblige either party to grope. Groping does not oblige either party to more foreplay. And so forth. Nobody should ever make anyone feel as if they must push everything to the next level, and potential victims should never think they have to go through if something doesn’t seem comfortable or right. If the perpetrators retaliate somehow, at no point should their victims ever, for any reason, blame themselves for what happened. It isn’t their fault the one they’re with doesn’t respect their boundaries and personal decisions.

14. Go with a buddy system at parties: Groups of friends hitting up crowded or unfamiliar parties might want to streamline their check-ins by using the buddy system. Rather than keeping an eye out for everyone, individuals partner up and focus on keeping each other safe. Some may like the idea of setting up regular times to meet and make sure everything’s going alright. But no matter what arrangement proves most comfortable, the paired up at least have someone trustworthy to monitor their drinks during bathroom runs.

15. Moderate alcohol consumption: There’s no shame in drinking, nor is there any shame in occasional tipsiness. But too much alcohol or other intoxicants may cloud judgment and make it easier for sexual predators to take advantage of the situation. Before going out drinking, set a personal limit and do not budge from exceeding it, no matter the amount of pressure friends may place. Taking such precautions will help maintain alertness, awareness and keep judgment as sharp as possible without compromising a good time.

16. Go on group dates: Dating is one of the most stressful and potentially dehumanizing experiences any human will ever encounter, and the potential for sexual assault only makes it all the more anxiety-inducing. One way to gauge a prospective partner is to arrange a group date with some friends as opposed to going out alone. Not only will it alleviate some of the tension, such an arrangement also serves as a great way to get some outside opinions. Trusted friends see things the besotted won’t and will hopefully catch some red flags before they become a problem.

17. Report suspicious figures: Some, but not all, rapists or sexual assailants size up their potential victims through verbal taunts. Others prefer following, leering or other means of intimidation. If possible, call or try to find a nearby security guard or law enforcement official and report the threatening individual. Problems in the workplace should be reported to the HR department. Their intervention and cooperation will help prevent a crime before it occurs.

18. Don’t go home if followed: The staggering majority of sexual assaults and rapes are committed by someone the victim knows, but that doesn’t mean precautions should not be taken when dealing with strangers. When being followed by a stranger either on foot or in a car, don’t let her or him know where home is. Instead, head for the nearest safe area and phone for help. Even if it seems as if the individual has been shaken off, make sure to find a more secure route home — or stay with a trusted friend, partner or family member instead.

19. Bystander intervention: Most people in the world aren’t horrible, and there’s times when even the most cautious, aware individuals find themselves threatened by violence, sexual or otherwise. Don’t allow problematic situations to escalate by refusing to ask, scream or call for assistance. Good Samaritans may very well intervene and help bring the assailant to justice. Or at least call in some people who will.

20. Educate the world: Sexual assault and rape are unfortunately present in every nation of the world, no matter how "civilized" they think themselves. Education remains the most effective method to preventing both atrocities from occurring. Volunteer with an organization such as Take Back the Night or a local shelter, or donate money to their efforts. Organize programs and events meant to spread awareness of prevention strategies. There’s plenty of things one can do to address the root causes of these serious issues, and even the smallest of contributions still helps improve society.

Informational Resources

While not all of these bloggers are doctors or certified experts, they do have legitimate, valuable information to share if you’re just learning about arthritis.

1. RheumaBlog: Wren’s blog is a fantastic resource and center for encouragement for those wanting to discuss or learn about RA.
2. RA Warrior: Kelly heads up this blogging community that’s filled with inspiration and information about Rheumatoid Arthritis.
3. Arthritis: Carol Eustice’s blog on arthritis shares best tools for arthritis patients, medical research, and inspirational stories.
4. All Joints Considered: Dr. Bruno Oliveira is a rheumatologist who shares on this Medscape Connect blog his findings and commentary on the disease. Great recaps in accessible language.
5. Jen’s RA Journey: Read Jen’s blog if you’re also looking for alternative treatments for RA.
6. Pollyanna Penguin’s RA Blog: While this blog does follow the personal journal of this optimistic blogger, it also offers good information about RA and an RA glossary.
7. Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy: Similarly, this "superhero"’s blog shares valuable information about RA and profiles of people with RA.
8. The Doctors’ Rheum: Find out what a rheumatologist has to say about healthy eating and RA.
9. Osteoarthritis Information: Get information about knee osteoarthritis from this blog.
10. Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment: If you have psoriatic arthritis, learn about its symptoms, causes, medications, special diet and more.
11. Arthritis Connect: Join this blog community to learn about pain management, diagnosis, treatments and what your fellow patients are talking about.
12. Diagnosis and Joint Pain: This blogger has attempted to find out kind of inflammatory and joint pain disease he has.
13. JRA-Journal of a Radical Arthritis-Chick: Twenty-five year-old Mallory has had RA since she was three, and uses this blog to share information about the disease and raise awareness.
14. Katie Stewart Vents about RA: After reading Katie’s blog posts about diet, exercise and feeling motivated, turn to her resource pages on yoga, what to expect as an RA patient and more.
15. Osteoarthritis Info Blog: Here’s another blog that’s a good resource for learning about osteoarthritis and its medication and treatment.

Living with Arthritis

Read personal stories to find encouragement and daily living tips here.

16. All Flared Up: Amanda was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was just 26. Read her blog to find out how she’s refused to compromise her love of life because of her condition.
17. Facing Arthritis: Judith doesn’t have money for surgery, so she’s on the hunt for other cures and treatments that will help her deal with arthritis.
18. Carla’s Corner: This author and tech exec has had two replacement surgeries and here writes about having arthritis and related health issues.
19. Feelin’ Swell: My Life with RA: This blogger proves you can still travel, exercise and feel good even with RA.
20. An Attitude of Gratitude: This blog is about a woman who’s learned to live a quieter but loving life with arthritis.
21. Frozen Woman: Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Book and magazine editor Laurie details her RA progress and check-ups on this blog, helping to encourage others going through similar situations.
22. Project Jennifer: Jennifer was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was just a baby, and here she blogs about arthritis advocacy and all the trips and activities that keep her going.
23. The Seated View: This is a touching and honest blog about living virtually her entire life with RA.
24. The Single Gal’s Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis: Through yoga and a sassy attitude, this single gal is dealing with RA the best she can.
25. Muscles and RA: This young mother has realized she doesn’t have to give up being an athlete because she has RA.
26. There’s Always Rheum for Improvement: "Rheuma Girl" was diagnosed with RA at 22 and had to give up her dream job soon after. But her blog is full of optimism and support, showing the promise for a beautiful life even with RA.
27. RA Journeys: From the emotional to the spiritual to the practical, share the RA journey with this sensitive blogger.
28. lipstick, perfume and too many pills: Journalist Nessie has psoriatic arthritis proves through her blog that she’s more than her disease.
29. Mommy with Rheumatoid Arthritis: This blogger is juggling new motherhood with RA.
30. Southern Gal with RA: Three years ago, this young woman was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis and despite her many meds, found that a change in diet helped the most.
31. MAID in Alaska: Megan has several auto-immune diseases including psoriatic arthritis, and here she shares news and recipes about gluten-free and other foods that have helped her.
32. Pens and Needles: This blogger (and law student) has RA, scoliosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but proves there’s way more to life than doctor’s appointments — like gardening, cooking and meditation.
33. Remicade Dream: A musician blogs about life with RA.
34. The Truth About JRA: Young blogger Robin has been chronically ill for 11 years and uses this blog as an information portal for others wanting to learn more about JRA and how a new diet can change your life.
35. Small Town Girl in a Big City: This Midwestern girl has moved to LA and writes about life in the big city, while dealing with RA and anxiety disorder.
36. Arthritis blog: NHS hosts community blogs on their site for arthritis sufferers to find support and share information.
37. The Tin Mom Blog: This blog is hosted by Arthritis Toady Magazine and fuels discussion about living with RA.
38. Experiencing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Find inspirational, thoughtful posts about dealing with RA.
39. A Chronic Dose: Laurie Edwards has written a book about living with a chronic illness (or multiple ones) in your twenties and thirties, and extends the discussion to her blog.
40. Brass and Ivory: This blogger is living with MS and RA, and blogs to share tidbits of information, helpful advice, and more.

Global health

1. Together, malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS killed 5.7 million people last year: This figure accounts for about 10% of the world’s deaths. These diseases are preventable.
2. Around 10 million children die each year: 10 million children under the age of 5 die every year, and almost all of them would survive if they had access to simple, affordable interventions.
3. Cases of extensively drug resistant tuberculosis have been confirmed in at least 37 countries: Tuberculosis is a leading killer among infectious diseases. Drug resistant strains have emerged, and affected patients are unresponsive to antibiotic treatments.
4. Only 61% of people worldwide have access to improved sanitation: African countries have the least access to improved sanitation facilities.
5. At least 200 million women want to use safe family planning methods but cannot: These women are restricted from family planning by lack of information, services, or support.
6. An estimated 25 million people have died from HIV/AIDS: About 5,000 people die from AIDS every day, and it caused 1.8 million deaths in 2009.
7. Sixty-one percent of women aged 15-49 use contraception: In 1990, only 56% of women practiced contraception.
8. Three billion people are at risk of death from Malaria: Of these 3 billion, there are 250 million cases annually, and 1 million die from malaria each year.
9. Life expectancy is increasing in the poorest countries: The UN Population Division estimates that if recent progress against infectious diseases continues, life expectancy in the world’s poorest countries will increase by 2050 from 56 years to 69 years.
10. 16.6 million children were orphaned by AIDS in 2009: Nigeria alone accounts for 2.5 million AIDS orphans.
11. HIV/AIDS has a .8% prevalence rate worldwide: In Swaziland, 25.9% of adults have HIV/AIDS. African countries far outnumber others in HIV/AIDS prevalence.
12. 24 million low birthweight babies are born every year: Low birthweight babies are more likely to die early, suffer illness, or experience stunted growth.
13. Malnutrition prevalence in children has dropped worldwide: Malnutrition measured in weight for children 5 and under has dropped from 25% to 22.4%.
14. In 2000, 4.9 million people died from tobacco use: Deaths from tobacco use are considered premature, and are preventable.
15. 2.5 million children are living with AIDS: In 2009, 2.5 million children were living with HIV/AIDS. 360,000 of those cases were in Nigeria.
16. Better water can prevent 6.3% of deaths worldwide: Improving water supply, sanitation, water resource management, and hygiene could prevent nearly 10% of global diseases and 6.3% of all deaths.
17. Sierra Leone has the highest infant mortality rate: Out of 1,000 births, 160 will die in Sierra Leone. 16% of children in Sierra Leone die before their 1st birthday.
18. In 2008, the maternal mortality radio was 260 per 100,000 live births: This estimate is based on fertility, birth attendants, and HIV prevalence.
19. 40% of deaths are from preventable risks: The top 10 risks globally are childhood and maternal underweight, unsafe sex, high blood pressure, tobacco, alcohol, unsafe water, high cholesterol, indoor smoke, iron deficiency, and overweight/obesity.
20. Life expectancy has risen worldwide: World life expectancy in 2008 was 68.9, compared with 52.5 in 1980.
21. The highest life expectancy in the world is 83 years in Japan: Swaziland has the lowest life expectancy of 40 years. There is a 43 year gap between these two countries.
22. Thirteen percent of the world is undernourished: Globally, 13% of the people in the world are undernourished. 69% of the population in the Democratic Republic of Congo is undernourished.
23. The adolescent fertility rate has dropped: Births in women ages 15-19 have dropped from 63 per 1,000 births in 1998 to 51.4 per 1,000 births in 2008.
24. The death rate is dropping slowly: In 1960, there were 18.5 deaths per 1,000 people, compared to 8.2 in 2008. The fertility rate is dropping as well, with a 1960 average of 4.9 births per woman, compared to 2.5 in 2008.
25. Worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980: Obesity is preventable, but 1.5 billion adults are overweight.

First and foremost, simply drinking the recommended 6 to 8 glasses of water a day will help strengthen your immune system and help fight off illnesses and certain diseases such as the common cold and arthritis. This is because the more water you drink, the more you will need to urinate. And harmful toxins that cause you to get sick are flushed out of your system when you urinate. Drinking the recommended glasses of water will also help regulate you body’s Ph balance. If your Ph balance gets out of whack and starts to become more acidic then your body will not be able to easily absorb all of the nutrients and vitamins that one needs to stay healthy. Thus you will become more venerable to contracting diseases and getting sick.

Water will also help improve the elasticity in your skin and can help prevent acne—which is typically prone in younger college-aged students. How? While water helps flush out toxins that can make one ill, it can also remove toxins from our bodies that cause bad skin, like acne breakouts. While yes it is true that acne is mostly due to diet and genetics, another reason why acne develops is because of the many toxins that are absorbed in the skin from outside elements like pollutants in the air and the sun’s rays. If these toxins are not flushed out through your system via urination, they will definitely be released in another way—through your face, causing acne.

Water can also help one maintain a healthy weight in more ways than one. First off, water is a natural metabolism boosting beverage. Meaning, it will give you the strength you need to work out harder so you can burn more calories and stay fit. Ice cold water can even provide better results, experts say. Water can also help you lose or maintain your weight if you opt to drink a glass of water before you grab something to eat when you feel "hungry." This because often the body gives out the same signals of hunger (i.e. growling stomach) when in actuality it is dehydrated (thirsty). Thus drinking water before you eat may curve that hunger feeling preventing you from eating when it’s unnecessary.

News

These blogs will let you stay on the cutting edge of new developments in the stem cell research community.

1. The Stem Cell Blog: Through this blog, you’ll be able to get updates on the latest and greatest in stem cell research.
2. Stem Cell News Blog: This blog collects a wide range of articles related to stem cell treatments, research and policy.
3. Ben’s Stem Cell News: Ben Kaplan is a stem cell activist, blogger and a biotech professional who shares his thoughts and the latest information on stem cells here.
4. Stem Cell Directory: No matter what kind of stem cell information you’re looking for, you’ll find it here through articles, news and videos.
5. All Things Stem Cell: From treating baldness to cancer, learn about the myriad of ways stem cells may be able to help patients on this blog.
6. Cell News: This blog will make it simple to be in-the-know when it comes to everything related to stem cells.
7. The Stem Cell Trekker: Use this blog to learn more about stem cell innovations around the globe.
8. StemSave: You might not think dental care when you think of stem cells, but this blog will show you that stem cells may be able to be taken from the teeth, giving you a whole new appreciation for those chompers.
9. Joescamp’s Stem Cell Blog: This blog offers up news, information and insights into adult stem cell research.

Businesses and Organizations

Check out these blogs to see what research corporations and organizations invested in stem cells are doing.

10. International Stem Cell Corporation: Visit this blog to learn more about stem cell research that’s being done overseas, as many countries don’t have the same restrictions on research as the U.S.
11. ViaCord Blog: This company, invested in cord blood baking and research, shares advances in the field of stem cells and cord blood treatments through this blog.
12. Stem Cell Network Blog: Based out of Canada, this organization’s blog will help readers stay on top of new studies being done in the field, as well as some political issues that will affect researchers in Canada and around the world.
13. Stem Cell Aware: Here you’ll find articles and information that can help you learn more about individuals who are receiving treatment with adult stem cells around the world.
14. Umbilical Cord Blood Blog: Learn more about donating umbilical blood and the stem cell research being done with it through this organization’s blog.

Commentary

Here, you’ll get not only news, but commentary on stem cell issues as well.

15. David Granovsky’s Stem Cell Blog: Ranked as one of the top health bloggers by Wellsphere, David Granovsky’s blog on stem cells is sure to provide you more information on the subject than you’ll have time to read.
16. California Stem Cell Report: See how stem cell politics are affecting research and development in California through this blog written by journalist David Jensen.
17. Advance Stem Cell Research: Follow the latest news and commentary on stem cells with this blog.

Research

These blogs, many from labs and experts in the field, focus on providing news and information on the best research being done with stem cells in the world.

18. Knoepfler Lab Stem Cell Blog: The UC Davis School of Medicine maintains this blog, providing readers with information on everything stem cell as well as other science-related issues.
19. CIRM Research Results: The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine shares their latest discoveries and political battles here.
20. Robert Lanza, MD: Dr. Robert Lanza is a scientist and professor working on issues related to cell technology and engineering; his blog will provide readers with some insights into the field and his research.
21. Stem Cell Gateway: Whether you live in the U.S. or abroad, this blog is the place to visit for information geared towards the stem cell research community.
22. Tissue and Cellular Innovation Center Blog: Focused on tissue engineering and stem cell biology, this center is at the forefront of much of the research they share via this blog.
23. Stem Cell Breaking Research: Need to know the absolute latest on stem cell research? This blog may be one of your best bets, with updates posted every day.
24. Stem Cell Digest.net: On this blog, you’ll find information about stem cell research, progress, new applications and companies who are doing the work.
25. Stem Cell Methods: Researchers, scientists and medical professionals can learn more about the protocols and methods being used in stem cell research and treatment through this blog.

Why infant obesity is bad

Chunky babies are often a good thing. Babies need fat for certain developmental stages. But infant obesity represents a condition that goes beyond healthy baby fat and into a serious condition that can lay the foundation for an unhealthy childhood and even adulthood.

Babies who gain weight rapidly are on pace to be at risk for obesity by age 3. This means that weight gained in infancy can lead to later obesity, not just as a child, but in adulthood as well. Some research reports indicate that eating patterns established as early as three months of age can predict the likelihood of a child’s obesity later in life.

Childhood obesity is associated with a greater risk of developing high blood pressure, sleep disorders, early puberty, and diabetes. A lifetime of obesity can include not just these problems, but also issues such as joint problems, heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

Signs and symptoms of infant obesity

You may not be able to identify obesity just by looking at your child, as babies have different body frames and need varying amounts of fat for their stages of development. It’s important to visit your pediatrician regularly so that you’re able to check your baby’s BMI against growth charts for his or her age. Your pediatrician can also assess your baby’s weight based on developmental factors.

How infant obesity happens

The Mayo Clinic indicates that there are genetic and hormonal causes of infant obesity that may affect some children; however, infant obesity is most often brought on by eating too much without enough activity. That’s why it’s so important for you as a parent to be sensitive to infant obesity-because you can take steps in your lifestyle to reduce your child’s risk of gaining excessive weight.

What you can do to prevent infant obesity

Although some children may become obese on their own due to factors outside of your control, there are some things you can do to help prevent your child from becoming obese:

• Gain a healthy amount of weight while pregnant: Studies have shown that excessive maternal weight gain is a factor for infant obesity. This includes lifestyle factors as well as untreated gestational diabetes. Be sure to get regular prenatal care that includes weight monitoring and counseling on healthy pregnancy weight gain.
• Breastfeed: The list of benefits associated with breastfeeding is long, and healthy infant weight is one of them. Babies who are breastfed on demand without scheduled feeding times will regulate the timing and amount of breast milk that they eat to match their needs without overfeeding. On top of preventing overfeeding, this style of feeding teaches babies to trust their body’s cues, rather than counting ounces and relying on the clock. Even in cases where solid foods are introduced to breastfed babies before 4 months (a risk factor for formula-fed babies), there is little risk of obesity. If you’re unable to breastfeed, adopt a feeding pattern that is similar to breastfeeding, offering formula on demand and only feeding as much as your baby will take without coercion.
• Learn your baby’s signals for fullness: Watch your baby carefully during mealtimes to identify the signals that he or she has had enough. Respect your baby’s tiny tummy and stop when he or she indicates fullness. Avoid the temptation to see if he or she will "just take a little more," as this can override your baby’s natural fullness instincts and make them associate feeling overstuffed with being satiated.
• Avoid introducing solid foods too early: Harvard research indicates that formula fed infants who were fed solid food before four months of age were significantly more likely to be obese at the age of three. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods between four and six months of age, and only when your baby shows signs of readiness.
• Encourage activity: Babies are often happy to get moving on their own, but some mellow babies are content with visual stimulation alone. Practice tummy time, get on the floor with your baby, or put on music and dance together.

What you can do to treat infant obesity

What if you’re past the point of prevention and have found your baby to be obese? Talk to your doctor about what he or she recommends for your child.

Typically, pediatricians will recommend that parents encourage weight maintenance rather than weight loss, as infants can continue to grow in height and thin out without adding weight, eventually dropping their BMI to a healthier range.

Weight maintenance for infants includes eating a healthy diet without overfeeding and increasing physical activity. The changes you can make to prevent infant obesity are the same as the treatment. If you’re breastfeeding, continue to do so. Listen to your child’s cues for hunger and fullness, and encourage activity, both independently and as a family.