Denmark Moves Toward Circumcision Ban, An Act of Genital Mutilation

Denmark may soon be the first country in the world to issue a ban on non-therapeutic circumcision of boys.

In two different statements, Danish doctors express deep concern over ritual circumcision of boys. The Danish Society of Family Physicians, whose 3,000 members include two thirds of all general practitioners in Denmark, announced in December 2013 that circumcision of underage boys with no proper medical indication is nothing short of mutilation.

In a another statement in January 2014, the overarching Danish Medical Association recommended that non-therapeutic male circumcision should wait until the boy or young man is old enough to provide informed consent.

An editorial in Jyllands-Posten, the second largest national newspaper in Denmark, urged the Danish government yesterday to ban ritual circumcision of underage boys, and a result poll among readers of BT, another large national newspaper, showed that 87 percent of well over 26,000 votes were in favour of such a ban.

Religion Fails Again

To most Europeans circumcision is an ethically problematic ritual that is intrinsically harmful to children: every child has the right to protection of his or her bodily integrity and the right to explore and enjoy his or her undiminished sexual capacity later in life.

Jewish scholars like Philo of Alexandria and Moses Maimonides (1135-1204) knew well that reduced penile sensitivity was not an unfortunate side effect of the brit milah; rather it was part of the point: to diminish the animalistic sexuality of men.

Circumcision ablates the most sensitive part of a boy’s penis and thereby diminishes his sexual sensitivity for the rest of his life. In October 2013, the Nordic Association of Clinical Sexologists stated that the bodily injury associated with circumcision is a violation of the boy’s sexual autonomy.

Damage Without Consent

Today’s and tomorrow’s children should be protected against irreversible and medically unnecessary alterations of their bodies. When they reach the age of maturity (typically 18 years), they can freely choose to undergo any ritual surgery they might want.

Hopefully, 2014 will be the turning year when politicians across Europe will agree with their doctors, sexologists, and human rights advocates that religious arguments must never trump the protection of children’s basic human rights. To cut off functional, healthy parts of other people’s bodies without their explicit and well-informed consent can never be anybody’s right – religious or otherwise.

> Circumcision Divide Between Denmark and Israel | Copenhagen Post

Jan 8, 2014Jun 17, 2016

The Color of Pee – What Your Urine Says About You (Infographic)

The color of your urine is a great indicator for overall bodily health. Primarily, it will tell you if you are dehydrated, but once in a while a truly odd pee color can tip you off to more serious health problems.

It’s a good idea to make it a habit of taking a quick look at your urine.

What Your Urine Says About You

Dec 31, 2013Jun 17, 2016

You’ll Never Look at a Banana the Same Again

After reading this, you’ll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. Thus, bananas give an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

For example, research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

In addition to it’s energetic benefits, bananas can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions as illustrated below.

Depression

According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS

Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood beneficially.

Anemia

High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood, helping relieve the symptoms of anemia.

Blood Pressure

This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat high blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power

200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation

High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers

One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn

Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness

Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito Bites

Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves

Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers

The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature Control

Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

> Never Look at it the Same Way Again | Karen Stan

Dec 12, 2013Jun 17, 2016

The Healing Power of Cuddling (Study)

Is there anyone who doesn’t like cuddling? On the physical affection spectrum, it may not be an all-star, but it’s definitely a winner in terms of improving our health and well-being.

Besides the obvious physical pleasure of cuddling, there is a brain chemistry reaction that has far reaching effects. All those warm fuzzy feelings are nothing compared to the benefits we get from the release of the hormone Oxytocin.

How Does Cuddling Heal Us?

Lowers Our Blood Pressure

The next time you hold someone close, take a deep breath and let it go. Unless it’s someone you’d rather not be hugging, chances are you’ll notice your heart rate and your breathing slow down a bit. As the oxytocin levels rise, they affect the hormones that keep us at the ready for action and allow our blood pressure to drop.

Relieves Pain and Raises Our Pain Threshold

Ever have that feeling that nothing can hurt you because you’re so in love? Well, it was probably the oxytocin. This effect of oxytocin is particularly helpful for women in labor, but has implications for the rest of us too. What’s the first thing we do after jamming a finger? We rub it with our other hand. Even this self-stimulation triggers a release of oxytocin and helps us deal with the pain.

Reduces Social Anxiety

When our brains release oxytocin, we are more likely to have an optimistic outlook about connecting with others, better self-esteem and an easier time trusting those around us. Newer studies are exploring the usefulness of oxytocin (and even supplemental oxytocin) for both post-traumatic stress disorder and autism.

Lowers Levels of Cortisol

Too much cortisol is bad news—for our moods, our weight and our hearts. While stress hormones like cortisol are a good thing when we need to react in a hurry, poor stress management can keep cortisol levels high even when we don’t need it.

Protects Against Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

We hear all the time that inflammation is unhealthy and increases the aging process. Instead of reaching for another bowl of ice cream, consider a little extra cuddle time before falling asleep.

What About Single People?

Hug Your Friends

We associate cuddling and physical affection with romantic relationships, but something as simple as a hug will also increase oxytocin levels.

Play with Your Pet

Studies show that snuggling doesn’t have to be with our fellow humans to increase oxytocin. Any positive touch will elicit a release of oxytocin.

Take a Warm Bath

The physical sensations of warmth can help increase oxytocin flow.

Get a Massage

Massages don’t just help stretch out sore muscles; they’re also a great way to boost oxytocin levels and overall health.

5 Ways Cuddles Make Us Healthier by Kate Bartolotta was originally published on The Good Men Project.

Nov 10, 2013Jun 17, 2016

Exports of Poison, U.S. Foods Banned in Other Countries

U.S. Foods banned in other countries are a result of the FDA’s corrupt actions. Profit and bottom lines are the focus and it is costing us all in the long run. Other countries around the world are correct in banning many American products or forcing them into natural alternatives in order to sell them in their stores. No population anywhere in the world should have to sift through poisonous products in search of safe and natural sustenance.

U.S. Foods Banned in Other Countries

Arsenic-Laced Chicken

The European Union has never approved using arsenic in animal feed; US environmental groups have sued the FDA to remove them.

Banned by The European Union

Dairy Products Containing rBGH

In 1999, the United Nations Safety Agency ruled unanimously not to endorse rBGH milk, resulting in an international ban on US milk.

Banned by Australia, New Zealand, Israel, The European Union and Canada

Preservatives BHA and BHT

The National Toxicology Program’s 2011 Report on Carcinogens says BHA may trigger allergic reactions and hyperactivity and is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

Banned by Japan and in parts of The European Union

Flame Retardant Drinks

BVO bio-accumulates in human tissue and breast milk; animal studies report reproductive and behavioral problems. Bromine alters the central nervous and endocrine systems and promotes iodine deficiency, causing skin rashes, acne, loss of appetite, fatigue and cardiac arrhythmia.

Banned by Europe and Japan

Ractopoamine-Tainted Meat

About 45 percent of US pigs, 30 percent of cattle and an unknown percentage of turkeys are plumped with the asthma drug ractopamine before slaughter. Up to 20 percent of ractopamine is still there when you buy it.

Banned by Mainland China, Republic of China (Taiwan), Russia and 160 countries across Europe

Genetically Engineered Papaya

Most Hawaiian papaya is genetically engineered to be ringspot virus-resistant.

Banned by The European Union

Olestra/Olean

Olestra, or Olean, created by Procter & Gamble, is a calorie- and cholesterol-free fat substitute in fat-free snacks like chips and french fries. Three years ago, Time Magazine named it one of the worst 50 inventions ever.

Banned by The UK and Canada

Bread Containing Potassium Bromate

Bread, hamburger and hotdog buns are “enriched” with potassium bromate, or bromide, linked to kidney and nervous system damage, thyroid problems, gastrointestinal discomfort and cancer.

Banned by Canada, China and The European Union

Processed Foods and Artificial Food Dyes

In countries where these food dyes are banned, companies like Kraft employ natural colorants like paprika extract and beetroot.

Banned by Norway and Austria.

Britain advised companies against using food dyes by the end of 2009. The European Union requires a warning notice on most foods containing dyes.

Farm-Raised Salmon

Wild Salmon (Left) Farm-Raised Salmon (Right)

Avoid “Atlantic Salmon.” Look for “Alaskan” or “sockeye,” which is illegal to farm and has very high astaxanthin concentrations.

Banned by Australia and New Zealand

There are various health risks, observed in labs, that may come about from ingesting the above products. People are aware and make better choices everyday. Stake your claim by choosing the products you prefer.

How and where do you get your fresh and natural products? Share in the comments below and help out fellow humans that are looking to make a change in their own lives.

> 10 Foods Sold in the U.S. That Are Banned Elsewhere | Oracle Talk

Aug 1, 2013Jun 17, 2016

4 Scientific Principles of Posture and Functional Movement (Guide)

Modern work life does a great job at creating bad posture. So what can we do to keep our bodies from falling apart while we work… and in general? Renown physical therapist and mobility guru Kelly Starrett breaks down good posture into what he calls “functional movement” to help you become a “supple leopard.”

1. Spine First

The spine is the chassis for your body’s other two primary engines, the hips and shoulders. Each functional movement begins and ends at the spine, so your spine has to be properly aligned. When it isn’t, it will weaken your body’s force production. Simply looking up – and thus breaking the spine alignment with a bent neck – can reduce strength in your arm.

Braced Neutral Tip: You’re not limited to just sitting perfectly upright: You can still lean forward, or lean back, while maintaining a braced-neutral spine.

Pelvic Gimble Tip: If you find that you round forward and try to correct that by straightening your back, you’ll probably just end up in an overextended position. Instead, stand up, run through the bracing sequence, and then sit back down, keeping your back flat and belly tight.

2. The One Joint Rule

Kelly’s one joint rule is a simple way to organize functional movement and guard against injury. You should look at your spine as a single column, with no local flexion or extension within it. You should only see flexion or extension at the hip or shoulders. Unfortunately, too many of us do things like slump forward in our chair, meaning we have to tilt our head upwards to look at our computer screen, creating an improper flexion point in our neck.

We can certainly flex our spine globally, for example if we are bending back to serve a volleyball – but not locally. We all know that when we pick a box up from the floor we should keep our back straight and flex only at the hips. That not only protects our back; it helps us lift more effectively.
The belly-whack test is another way to help bring consciousness to a braced-neutral position and the 20 percent constant-tension concept. It’s simple: You should always have enough abdominal tone to take a whack to the belly. We do this at our gym and around the house. If you have a spongy middle, you get caught right away.

3. The Laws of Torque

In all motions of flexion and extension, there’s a corresponding rotational force, says Kelly:

Whenever we flex our arm or leg forward, our shoulder or hip should rotate outwards.

When we move our arm or shoulder behind us, the rotation is internal.

Understanding the laws of torque, and thus the basics of external and internal rotation, are key to proper movement. The reason yogis prefer the lotus position is the external rotation in the hips and shoulders maintains the spine strong and organized.

Unfortunately, sitting at a chair with our feet on the floor keeps our hips neutral, not externally rotated, and doesn’t give our spine proper support.

4. The Movement Tunnel

Every movement has a start and end position. Kelly calls what happens in between those positions “the tunnel.” The tunnel is a crucial concept that says once you are underway in a movement, it’s too late to correct your stance. If you’re standing with your feet sticking out like a duck and you start running, it’s hard to correct your stance mid-stride.

Understanding how to enter the tunnel and organize your body correctly at the outset is the only way to guard against injury. You have to enter the tunnel organized and exit the tunnel organized.

These 4 Principles make even more sense once you see them in action.

Kelly Starrett: MobilityWod Principles

If 60 minutes isn’t enough and you want more, visit Kelly’s full workshop on creativeLIVE or read his best-selling book Becoming a Supple Leopard.

Jul 1, 2013Jun 17, 2016

How Exercise Helps us Think Better (Infographic)

Exercise offers a wide range of benefits for our well-being. They are well-known and heavily supported with studies and scientific data. However, new findings are continually being unearthed that help us better understand what exercise is doing to our bodies and our brains.

After being cooped up inside all day, your afternoon stroll may leave you feeling clearheaded. This sensation is not just in your mind. A growing body of evidence suggests we think and learn better when we walk or do another form of exercise. – Justin Roberts, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois

Blood Flow

So, exercise boosts your cognitive functioning and improves your memory, but how exactly does it do that? One of the ways is through improved blood flow. Rhodes writes:

Research shows that when we exercise, blood pressure and blood flow increase everywhere in the body, including the brain. More blood means more energy and oxygen, which makes our brain perform better.

Hippocampus Stimulation

The hippocampus is a brain structure that is important for memory function, but what relation does it have to exercise? Rhodes responds:

Another explanation for why working up a sweat enhances our mental capacity is that the hippocampus, a part of the brain critical for learning and memory, is highly active during exercise. When the neurons in this structure rev up, research shows that our cognitive function improves. For instance, studies in mice have revealed that running enhances spatial learning. Other recent work indicates that aerobic exercise can actually reverse hippocampal shrinkage, which occurs naturally with age, and consequently boost memory in older adults. Yet another study found that students who exercise perform better on tests than their less athletic peers.

Exercise Infographic:

> Why do you think better after a walk? | Scientific American

> Running Enhances Neurogenesis, Learning, and Long-term Potentiation in Mice | Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Jun 12, 2013Jun 17, 2016

Cannabis Use Lowers Risk of Obesity and Diabetes (Study)

Obesity and Diabetes are associated with inactivity and overeating. It just so happens that Stoners are often associated with having “the munchies” and being lazy.

By this logic Stoners should be at an increased risk for obesity and diabetes, right?

Cannabis and Blood Sugar Study Findings

A new study published in the American Journal of Medicine has revealed a potential benefit from the use of cannabis. The article, entitled “The Impact of Marijuana Use on Glucose, Insulin, and Insulin Resistance among U.S. Adults,” investigated the blood sugar-related effects of cannabis use among participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2010.

In several other studies of large populations, lower rates of both obesity and diabetes have been noted among users of cannabis, as compared with non-users.

The researchers noted that although cannabis smokers generally consume more calories than non-users, they paradoxically live with lower body mass indexes (BMIs) and reduced rates of both obesity and diabetes.

The researchers found that subjects who were current cannabis users had lower levels of fasting insulin, lower levels of insulin resistance, smaller waist circumference, and higher levels of HDL cholesterol, which is known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

it is believed that cannabis acts on the cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors in the brain, enhancing the activity of adiponectin. This hormone helps to regulate blood sugar and plays a role in controlling weight and reducing the tendency toward diabetes.

Based on results reported in this study and supported by other epidemiological surveys, it is possible that cannabis use helps to reduce the tendency toward both obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The regulating effects that cannabis induces within the human body continue to reveal benefit after benefit. As we approach the legalization of cannabis, let’s take a moment to observe this current conundrum through these appropriate words from Joe Rogan:

People say “Well you can abuse marijuana”. Well shit you can abuse cheeseburgers too.

Ya know, you don’t go around closing Burger King because you can abuse something. I can take a fuckin’ fork and jam it in my eyeball. Does that mean forks should be illegal? Ya know, I could jump off a bridge, should we outlaw bridges? Lets Nerf the world!

> The Impact of Marijuana Use on Glucose, Insulin, and Insulin Resistance among US Adults | The American Journal of Medicine

May 3, 2013Jun 17, 2016

GMO A GO GO? – Animation on Monsanto’s Food Poisoning (Video)

This sarcastic animation highlights the dangers of having our food controlled by a huge corporation (Monsanto) that prioritizes profit over public health.

Poor Johnny doesn’t like “healthy” food. What could possibly persuade him to eat all his “veggies”? – Produced By Natural News and Infomatic Films

More Information on Genetically Modified Organisms

GMOs are killing the Bees:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/death-of-the-bees-genetically-modified-crops-and-the-decline-of-bee-colonies-in-north-america/25950

Monsanto’s GMO Corn Linked To Organ Failure:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/12/monsantos-gmo-corn-linked_n_420365.html

Gone to Seed: investigation into contamination of traditional seeds by Genetically Engineered crops:
http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/our-failing-food-system/genetic-engineering/gone-to-seed.html

Institute on Responsible Technology- have consumer guides to avoiding GMOs, lists of ingredients that have a high likelihood of genetic modification.
http://responsibletechnology.org

Non GMO Shopping Guide
http://nongmoshoppingguide.com/

Jul 27, 2012Jun 17, 2016

The Fluoride Deception Animation (Video)

The Fluoride Deception is the latest mini documentary from Mike Adams, executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center. Through the use of animation and motion graphics, it exposes the truth about where fluoride really comes from: The toxic byproducts of the phosphate mining industry.

Fluoride is an unapproved drug, being used in a highly illegal mass-medication scheme that provides an excuse for the real agenda of disposing of a highly toxic hazardous waste chemical.

Over the last several decades, an astonishing twenty-four studies have established a statistical link between fluoride exposure and low IQs in children. One study conducted by the Center for Endemic Disease Control in China found that each additional milligram of fluoride detected in every liter of a child’s urine was associated with a 0.59 point decrease in their IQ score. Another study found that fluoride exposure slashed the number of children achieving “high IQs” by more than 70 percent.

Fight Water Fluoridation

First, for your dental needs, always seek out a holistic dentist who understands the toxicity of fluoride and mercury. They will advise you NOT to drink toxic fluoride chemicals from your tap water.

Secondly, don’t drink unfiltered tap water. In addition to the toxic fluoride chemicals, tap water is also usually contaminated with chlorine and even dangerous elements from old water pipes. Buy a good countertop water filter from a company like Aquasana. Or get a whole-house filter to remove chlorine and fluoride from the water entering your home.

Thirdly, help fight water fluoridation in your local city or town. If your city is like most cities, water fluoridation policies have been pushed by dentists and doctors who are technically ignorant of the origins and the composition of fluoride, and yet they seek to assert power over the composition your local water supply.

Learn more at NaturalNews.com. Join the Facebook group “No Fluoride.” Visit FluorideAlert.org and other fluoride truth websites that are working to end the fluoride poisoning.

> Fluoride Deception | Natural News

Tag: Public Health