15 Bad Health Habits That Are Undeniably American

Americans are known for their love of baseball, Hollywood, and die-hard patriotism. But that’s not all. Americans are also known for fast food, a fast paced lifestyle, and poor eating habits that are killing many.

Approximately 97.3% of Americans admit to not exercising, having a poor diet, smoking, and gaining weight, according to a study by Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences. Not staying healthy can promote disease such as cancer, diabetes, cancer, and stroke.

What are the unhealthy American habits that could be making you sick? The health habit on page 13 has reached epidemic levels.

1. Love of fast food 

President Donald Trump isn’t the only American who indulges in fast food as just about every American loves it too, Vox reports. Although fast food prevalence isn’t as commonplace as it was years ago, many Americans hit a fast food joint at some point within a three-week period. 

2. Mindless eating 

One reason Americans are gaining weight is due to mindless eating in front of the computer, television, or other electronic device. “Most of us have too much chaos going on in our lives to consciously focus on every bite we eat, and then ask ourselves if we’re full. The secret is to change your environment so it works for you rather than against you,” Brian Wansink, PhD said during his presentation at American Psychological Association’s 119th Annual Convention, The American Psychological Association reports. 

3. Endless work hours 

The average American adult works longer and more hours than ever, according to The Motley Fool. An estimated 40% of Americans work more than 50 hours a week and 20% work 60 plus hours per week. Longer hours may lead to burn out, sleep disruptions, and stress. 

4. Being plugged in 24/7 

Americans are also pretty distracted and stressed thanks to being plugged into a number of devices, according to The New York Times. At least 40% of Americans check work email while on vacation or after hours, although 65% said they could get along without a computer. One retired individual told The New York Times, “Every single electronic device absolutely causes some stress.” 

5. Binge drinking  

Binge drinking in America is an ongoing problem as one in six Americans binge drinks four times a month, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC considers binge drinking to be about seven drinks per binge. Men are more likely to binge drink than women and may result in fatal car crashes, disease, and dependence. 

6. Loose gun laws 

Americans own more guns than any just about any other country and lead the world in gun deaths as well, according to PBS News Hour. Gun control is a hot topic, a debate often resurfacing following mass shootings. 

7. Sedentary lifestyle 

Not only what we do, but what we don’t do can create a health hazard. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to disease and death, The Huffington Post reports. In fact 20% of deaths result from being a couch potato for those age 35 and older. Plus, 80% of American adults don’t meet basic physical activity requirements. 

8. Sugar addiction 

The average American ingests about 20 teaspoons of sugar each day, which directly contributes to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease, Healthline reports. Unfortunately, many Americans don’t realize they are eating such a large amount of sugar. “What happens is that Americans are having dessert several times a day and don’t know it,” Dr. Alan Greene told Healthline. 

9. Love of soda 

Americans love soda. Although overall sugary drink consumption is declining, at least 60% of children and 50% of adults still drink a beverage that contains sugar, according to The New York Times. Drinking too much soda is linked to reduced kidney function, diabetes, obesity, and more. 

10. Supersized portions 

Supersized portions are a trend in the U.S., but so are the sizes of plates, bowls and utensils, Medium reports. American restaurant food portions have nearly tripled in the last 20 years, which is linked to the rising obesity problem, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports.

“Super-sized portions at restaurants have distorted what Americans consider a normal portion size, and that affects how much we eat at home as well,” said Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel, director of NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. 

11. Avoid the doctor 

Up to 50% of Americans between the ages of 45 and 59 admit to not receiving medical care due to cost, MarketWatch reports. Even Americans with health insurance find costs to be too much. “And 80% of the people we surveyed had health insurance, so just having insurance does not make you immune to health care costs,” Dr. Zia Agha, chief medical officer at the West Health Institute said to MarketWatch. 

12. Not using sunscreen 

Many Americans are not protecting their skin and increasing their risk for skin cancer, Science Daily reports. Only 14.3% of men and nearly 30% of women use sunscreen on a daily basis, the CDC found, with more women using sunscreen on their face. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a waterproof sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or more. 

13. Painkiller/opioid abuse 

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the overuse of opioid painkillers reached an epidemic level. In 2016 alone 116 people died every day from overdosing on opioids and 11.5 million people misused the drug in the U.S. 

14. Stress and anxiety 

More Americans report being anxious, according to the American Psychological Association. Approximately 63% report the state of the country as being their main source of stress, 62% say finances stress them out, and 61% say work is their source of anxiety. Part of the issue stems from the 24/7 news cycle and constantly checking social media that keeps Americans anxious. 

15. Not caring about the environment 

While most Americans say they care about the environment, only a small percentage actually take steps to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle, according to Pew Research Center. A healthy environment means clean air, preserving the planet for future generations, and preventing super storms due to increasing temperatures, according to Eco Admirer. Climate change could also negatively impact food resources, wildlife, and forests.

Cancer in Your House: 15 Innocent Looking Household Items That Can Cause Cancer

You might not know it, but there are plenty of every day household items that could be contributing to your cancer risk. Are any of these in your home? Probably.

Area rugs and carpets 

Carpets are made with chemicals that can cause cancer, such as formaldehyde and acetone. Most carpets also contain flame retardants that are carcinogenic. Plus, that “new carpet smell” actually comes from a type of chemical that’s been connected to eye, nose, and respiratory complications. 

The couch 

In 1975, California passed a law that required most furniture to be coated in flame retardants. The idea was to prevent furniture fires caused by cigarettes. Once California passed the law, most furniture companies coated all furniture in chemicals, no matter what state it was being shipped to. But later testing found out that those chemicals could actually cause cancer. The chemicals are still used today. 

Your shower curtain 

In 2008, American scientists requested that all shower curtains containing PVCs, or toxic, cancer-causing chemicals, be banned from store shelves. Although stores no longer sell these curtains, if you had one in your home, it likely leaked chemicals that then entered your body. If you happened to buy shower curtains in bulk to save money in the long run, make sure you don’t still have any in your home. 

Leather furniture 

About half of all leather furniture contains a carcinogen known as chromium. Plus, the process of dying leather has also been found to cause cancer, making it dangerous to factory workers. Make sure you check the labels to figure out whether or not your furniture is chromium free and avoid buying furniture containing the chemical. 

Fluorescent lighting 

Those CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs the government recommends actually could cause cancer. The bulbs contain mercury, which is a known carcinogen. Plus, the bulbs also emit high levels of ultraviolet radiation. If the bulb’s protective layer is cracked, dangerous levels of UVA and UVB radiation can escape. This means you could get skin cancer — just from your lights. 

Cleaning products 

Many household cleaning products are known carcinogens. Although they can sterilize your home, they can also leave you inhaling toxic chemicals and allow those chemicals to build up on your home’s surfaces. But luckily, chemical-free cleaners are available. 

Your closet 

All that dry cleaning you have can potentially lead to cancer. And when you store that dry cleaning all in one place, such as your closet, the risk is even greater. The process for dry-cleaning clothes is toxic, but most Americans aren’t even aware of the risks. The chemical known as “perc” is used to dissolve stains on clothes. And while it’s good at that, it’s also good at causing cancer. 

Vinyl flooring 

Vinyl flooring contains PVC, which is a known carcinogen. Installing it in your home means exposing your family to the potential dangers of PVC. Also, dioxins, which are carcinogenic toxins, are produced during the vinyl-floor-making process. Although vinyl flooring companies have reduced the exposure to their employees, those with vinyl flooring in their home are still at risk. 

The foods in your kitchen 

There are several foods that have been classified as carcinogens by the FDA. Grilled red meat, microwave popcorn, and cold cuts are just three popular items that can cause cancer. Carbonated beverages and farmed fish are also on the cancer-causing list. You may be able to cut your cancer risk in half by eliminating carcinogenic foods from your diet. 

Styrofoam cups 

Styrene is the main ingredient in Styrofoam products. In 2014, it was officially labeled a suspected carcinogen. It’s also found in other every day products like various plastics, your refrigerator, and even carpets in your home. The best way to avoid styrene is to simply stop purchasing Styrofoam products. Paper plates and cups are a safer alternative. 

Your bookshelf books 

Ethylene oxide is a chemical used to sterilize and fumigate old books. When you bring these books into your home, you risk exposing your family to cancerous chemicals. Ethylene oxide is also used to sterilize medical equipment and food manufacturing supplies. It poses the biggest risk to those who actually use it, but it can linger on products like antique books. 

Your bug spray 

For years, pesticides have been shown to have cancer-causing properties. Bug spray is no exception. But the biggest risk is when the spray is used indoors. Outside, people are less likely to directly breathe in those chemicals. But inside, the residue is not only breathed in but can also linger on surfaces in the house. Always apply insect repellent outdoors to lower the risk of developing leukemia or lymphoma. 

Your granite countertops 

Radon, a gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer, can be emitted from granite counters, which has lead researchers to question whether or not they should be allowed in homes. Only a small fraction of countertops tested have radon levels that are higher than what is deemed “safe,” according to WebMD. But if you’re looking to eliminate your risk, go with quartz counters instead. 

Your insulation 

According to the National Toxicology Program, there is sufficient evidence that glass wool fibers found in insulation can cause cancer. Testing has been done on laboratory animals to conclude the findings. But sufficient testing has not been done in humans. Those who are the most at risk for contracting cancer through insulation are the home improvement workers who install it. 

Your weed killer 

The World Health Organization has determined that glysophate, a chemical commonly found in weed killer, is likely carcinogenic to humans. Experiments in rodents showed that too much glysophate exposure caused tumors. However, some studies have shown to be controversial about whether or not the weed killer can actually cause cancer. For now, it is still under investigation.

These Canned Foods Are Destroying Your Health — Avoid Them at All Costs

It’s pretty amazing how many foods we’ve preserved in a can over the years. The usual suspects, such as tuna fish, beans, and soup, probably come to mind first and foremost. But if you peruse your local grocery store aisles, there are hundreds of cans left and right. You might have even popped open a can of food to add to a meal today and didn’t even think twice about it.

Canned foods certainly have their place. But not every canned food is good for you. There are plenty that sound convenient and tasty but are truly horrible for your health. Let’s take a quick look at 11 canned foods that are destroying your health (No. 6 might be too tasty to give up). We’ll also take a brief look at which canned foods are actually good for you.

1. Libby’s Corned Beef Hash 

Corned beef hash has been a breakfast staple for decades. Thanks to companies, such as Libby’s, you don’t even have to make it from scratch — you can dump it right out of a can and have it ready in just minutes. This mixture of beef, spices, and potatoes isn’t exactly the perfect health food, however. In one 15-ounce can of Libby’s, you can expect to eat 840 calories, 22 grams of saturated fat, and 2,460 milligrams of sodium.

Considering the American Heart Association recommends you only take in 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day tops, we highly suggest skipping this horrifying can of death. 

2. Hormel Chili With Beans 

Canned chili is a great go-to when you’re starving and in need of a protein-filled meal. But we can’t exactly recommend you try Hormel’s Chili With Beans after taking a look at the nutrition facts. One can holds over 500 calories, 5 grams of saturated fat, and nearly 2,000 milligrams of sodium.

Even if you can get past these atrocities, there’s another number that’s sort of confusing — and that’s the 10 grams of sugar. Do you throw sugar in your homemade chili recipe? Yeah, we didn’t think so. Why there’s anything sweet in this food is really beyond us. Just say no. 

3. Del Monte Fruit Cocktail 

You probably remember having this canned food as a kid. If you recall it tasting so much better than fresh fruit, it’s because its contents were swimming in a high-fructose corn syrup bath. At first glance, Del Monte’s Fruit Cocktail looks innocent — 100 calories isn’t bad, and 21 grams of sugar isn’t too much of a nightmare. But once you realize there are actually 3.5 servings in one of these little cans, those numbers are much, much worse. No one eats just a third of a can of fruit cocktail, which means you’ll most likely be taking in 63 grams of sugar in one sitting. You might as well just reach for a candy bar. 

4. Bush’s Honey Baked Beans 

Beans are known for their high protein content, and who doesn’t love a good baked bean dish at their picnics and barbecues? Unfortunately, baked beans are one of the least nutritious ways to consume an otherwise healthy food. And Bush’s Honey Baked Beans certainly aren’t doing your health any favors.

In one of these cans, you’re getting nearly 600 calories and over 50 grams of sugar. Even if you’re not eating the whole can yourself, you probably wouldn’t suspect this food to be so gut-busting. Do yourself a favor, and control the sugar content with your own recipe. 

5. Lucky Leaf Lemon Crème Filling & Topping 

There’s really nothing healthy about a lemon pie. But when it comes to pies that are also made from fillings in a can, you know you’re in for a sickeningly sweet caloric nightmare. Lucky Leaf’s Lemon Crème Filling & Toppingreally outdoes itself in the horrible-for-your-health department. One can of the stuff contains almost 800 calories and 140 grams of sugar. And the second ingredient is high-fructose corn syrup.

It’s a good thing pies are meant to be shared. Otherwise you’d feel pretty awful after eating a can of this stuff. 

6. Progresso Loaded Potato With Bacon soup 

In all honesty, we really could put just about any cream-based canned soup on this list and find a reason as to why it’s bad for your health. But we’re calling particular attention to the disaster that is Progresso’s Loaded Potato soup. One can of this soup contains 340 calories, which is reasonable for a meal. But the 20 grams of fat and 5 grams of saturated fat you’ll also be eating is really cause for concern. And like all cans of soup, the sodium content is outrageous at 1,600 milligrams.

We can guarantee making your own potato soup would be 10 times more healthy and delicious. 

7. Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli 

Who needs real Italian food when you can just pop open a can of Chef Boyardee? There’s a reason no one’s ever asked themselves that question (at least, we hope they haven’t). The chef’s recipes are nice to have on hand for when you want something conveniently saucy and cheesy, but we really have nothing good to say about the Beef Ravioli.

One can has 11 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, and 1,140 milligrams of sodium. There’s also a horrifying surprise of 9 grams of sugar in there. Do you add several tablespoons of sugar to your beef ravioli at home? We didn’t think so. 

8. Pillsbury Grands! Refrigerated Biscuits 

There’s nothing quite as tasty as a Pillsbury biscuit. But there’s a reason these buttery, flakey pastries from the can that you’ve eaten since childhood are so delicious — and that’s because they’re full of unhealthy ingredients. In just one Southern Homestyle biscuit, you’re getting 170 calories and 6 grams of fat, with 2.5 grams being saturated. There’s even 4 grams of sugar and 470 grams of sodium in every single serving. Seeing as just one eating one of these addicting pastries is nearly impossible, you can pretty much double these numbers for yourself, too.  

9. Hunt’s Manwich Bold Sloppy Joe Sauce 

It’s the dinner staple that defined many childhoods — the Sloppy Joe. And if you’re someone who loves a little extra tang and flavor, you’re probably a fan of Hunt’s Manwich Bold Sloppy Joe Sauce.

Upon first glance, it’s not the biggest offender on the list. With only 70 calories and 0 grams of fat per serving, you might be tempted to really pile it on your bread of choice. What’s really puzzling, however, is why there’s a whopping 13 grams of sugar in a serving of this sauce. And seeing as a serving is just a mere quarter cup, you’re probably eating a ton of sugar without realizing. 

10. Libby’s Country Sausage Gravy 

We know how tempting the smell of biscuits and gravy can be. But you’ll want to do your body a favor and skip out on the canned varieties of gravy (and biscuits, for that matter). Libby’s Country Sausage Gravy is another offensive canned good that doesn’t seem so bad until you really delve into the facts. A quarter cup contains 70 calories — not too bad — but you’re also getting 6 grams of fat, 1.5 of which is saturated. The 2 grams of protein is an added bonus, but compared to the nearly 300 milligrams of sodium in one serving, it doesn’t really measure up.

And it’s also time to be honest — how many of us can really stop at just a quarter cup of gravy? We say give this one a pass. 

11. Nabisco Easy Cheese 

You may not have questioned the nutritional value of this product 20 years ago, but today, we’re highly suggesting you take several steps back from Nabisco’s Easy Cheese. It’s bright, it stays “fresh” for a number of years, and it’s in a can, which all spell trouble. And just 2 tablespoons of the stuff is almost 100 calories and 6 grams of fat. Nabisco also manages to add 430 milligrams of sodium into those measly spoonfuls. The 4 grams of protein certainly can’t redeem this bad canned food, so it’s time to leave this one in the ’80s where it belongs. 

1. Lentils 

If you’ve forgotten about this legume, it’s time to incorporate it into your diet. Lentils are high in protein and fiber, mindbodygreen says, making them the perfect accompaniment when you’re sick of rice or pasta as a side dish. They also aid in digestion, can help reduce your risk of heart disease, and can help lower your cholesterol levels.

If you’re trying to lose weight, lentils should definitely be on your radar too. An entire cup cooked comes to just 230 calories. 

2. Pumpkin 

Let’s be clear: We’re not talking about the sugary pumpkin pie filling in the baking aisle — we’re talking about straight canned pumpkin with nothing added. And this canned food is full of beta-carotene, which can help prevent heart disease and enhance your eye health, Greatist says. It may also surprise you to know that you’ll feel pretty full after eating a dish with pumpkin due to its incredibly high fiber content and decent amount of protein.

Unsure of how to add canned pumpkin to your meals? Try adding it to oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast, or you can even toss it into mac and cheese or chili for extra creaminess. 

3. Artichokes 

This often forgotten vegetable can seem intimidating to cook, no matter how much you’re craving spinach and artichoke dip. And that’s where the canned version comes in. Livestrong.com reports just one medium artichoke contains over 40% of your recommended daily value of fiber, which also can help lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar. This fiber is also unique because it can stimulate the production of good bacteria in your gut.

If you’re stumped on how to use canned artichokes, try throwing them on pizzas, using them in a salad, or even just sautéing them in a pan with olive oil and garlic.

Next: A cheap option to improve bone and heart health.

4. Black or kidney beans

You can quickly warm up beans for soups, side dishes, or chili. | Piyaset/iStock/Getty Images

Beans are cheaper if you buy them dried, but the prep time is undesirable. In that case, feel free to go for the cans of black and kidney beans. All varieties of this legume are high in protein and fiber, and black beans in particular may help to strengthen your bones and heart, says Medical News Today. And Livestrong.com noteskidney beans could aid in cancer prevention.

Foods That You Should Never Touch If You’re Over 50

We get it — adjusting your eating habits as you get older can be really hard. But when it comes to losing weight and keeping your body as healthy as possible, there’s really no other choice than to starting cutting foods out of your daily diet. Not entirely sure which foods you should start avoiding or limiting in order to keep yourself fit and healthy? That’s where we come in. Some of these foods may even surprise you!  

Pickles 

This may come as a surprise — how can a vegetable like delicious dills be bad for you? As Today’s Joy Bauer explains, one pickle is loaded with over 1,000 milligrams of sodium. With high blood pressure being a health concern as we get older, cutting down on foods that can raise your blood pressure is key. (This isn’t the only salt-filled food on our list, either.) 

Potatoes 

This is one food you surely need to cut down on, especially if it’s cut into fries or sprinkled with bacon bits. (More on bacon a little later.) “Potatoes really are starchy,” TIME explains, “and they land high on the glycemic index—right up there with rice cakes and pretzels.” And when you add all the extras to it, you get a dish that expands your waistline and raises your insulin levels. If you absolutely must have a potato — they do contain vitamins — eat them as bare as possible. 

Breakfast pastries 

We will not tell you to cut out sweets all together. (Who would ever listen to advice like that anyways?) But you should definitely limit your sugar intake if you want to keep your weight down — and definitely avoid pastries at breakfast. Bauer tells Today that the late morning sugar crash caused by breakfast pastries affects your blood sugar levels and causes you to crave unhealthier foods throughout the rest of your day. 

Butter 

Let’s be honest — butter isn’t good for you in large quantities no matter what age you are. But it’s more imperative to cut back on it as you age. In fact, cutting back on saturated fats in general — like whole milk and cheese — can greatly lower your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. While a little butter won’t kill you, swapping it out for healthier fats like olive oil or nuts is a much better option. 

Too much wine 

But red wine is good for you, right? Well, that only counts if you drink it in moderation as prescribed by the Mediterranean diet. As Bauer tells Today, having multiple glasses in one sitting can undo its positive properties because it inundates your organs. Plus, the sugar in wine can interrupt sleep patterns as you get older, leaving you tossing and turning at all hours because you had just one more glass. 

Deli meats 

Time to rethink that weekend sandwich run. Or, at least what you are putting into the sandwich. Your favorite go-to deli meats are pumped with sodium and fat, WebMD explains, plus chemical preservative that raise your risk for certain cancers. Go for a lean meat option in your sandwiches — like skinless chicken — and pack on the veggies. 

Steam bag frozen vegetables 

This may be your go-to, quick-and-easy fix for getting vegetables into your diet. But this option isn’t as healthy as you think. As Livestrong tells us, pre-packaged veggie options contain added ingredients like creams, sauces, and salt, which take away some of the health benefits. Being mindful of what’s in your frozen vegetables can go a long way to keeping you fit, and healthier. 

Deep dish pizza 

Pizza is one of those unhealthy foods that we haven’t been able to get enough of since we were kids. Even though we know all the dough, cheese, and salty toppings are terrible for us. And as we get older, of course, those components ruin our waistlines and can contribute to long-term fight with obesity. To keep your body in check without giving up a slice of pie, steer of deep dish options. (All that bread is doing you no favors.) Opt for thin crust, less cheese, and load up on veggie toppings. 

Bacon 

This is kind of a no-brainer. You shouldn’t be eating bacon on a regular basis no matter what age you are. But of course, all that bad fats and salt packed into those strips are even worse once you reach a certain age because it greatly raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. While a nibble on a rare occasion probably won’t kill you, it’s better to just stay away from bacon all together. 

Cherries 

That’s right — those delectable little fruits should be limited in your diet as you get into your 50s and beyond. Despite their anti-inflammatory properties and loads of antioxidants, cherries are also packed with sugar. (And if your blood sugar is an issue, these are a big no-no.) Plus, eating too many cherries can cause upset stomach, nausea, and bloating. You can enjoy a few cherries here and there, but it’s best not to go overboard. 

Chicken skin 

Remember when we suggested swapping out your deli meats for skinless chicken? Really, you should be trying your best to always eat your chicken without the skin. While it makes the meat juicier, the skin is also loaded with a ton of fat, which can throw your cholesterol out of whack and add to your midsection. 

Dinner rolls 

It may seem like a meal isn’t complete without a side of bread. But having those rolls on the side are only going to add rolls to your waistline, especially as you get older. Plus, like with breakfast pastries, the carbohydrates in dinner rolls will make your blood pressure spike and then abruptly crash — leaving you hungry again, even after a large meal. (Especially if the rolls are made from white bread.) 

Soda 

Breaking a soda habit can be tough. But it’s crucial to your health the older you get, especially if you’re a diabetic. “This sugar rush,” Bauer says,” sends your blood sugar into a tailspin, and then you get an insulin surge and that promotes inflammation.” Unlike some foods on this list that can at least be eaten on a rare occasion, soda should be avoided at all costs. 

Grapes 

Here we have another fruit that you may think is too healthy to ever be bad for you. So what makes grapes a food to eat less of once you’re in your 50s? Like with cherries, the carbohydrate and sugar content is high and can make weight loss difficult. Take a cue from Livestrong and limit this fruit. 

Potato chips 

Once a potato becomes a potato chip, any and all nutritional value basically vanishes. You’re left with an empty, processed starch covered in blood pressure raising salt, which you’re no doubt going to over eat and gain weight from. Even if you’re at a social event and don’t snack very often, you’re better off skipping this snack and heading right for the veggie platter.

8 Ways You Can Benefit From a Cold Shower

It’s never fun when you run out of hot water in the middle of a long, steamy shower. But cold showers are actually great for you. Don’t believe me? Here are 8 reasons to add a cold shower into your wellness routine…

WAKE UP FASTER.

Coffee has nothing on a cold shower. It’s one of the most stimulating things you can do in the morning. Plus, you don’t have the downside of a caffeine crash later on. Take that, coffee!

REDUCE STRESS AND BOOST METABOLISM.

If you have a lot of stubborn belly fat (from stress), cold showers are a great stress-busting, metabolism-boosting practice. Yes, taking a cold shower in the morning may seem stressful, but on a cellular level it does quite the opposite. It actually works to reduce oxidative stress. In fact, once you step out of a cold shower, you enter a parasympathetic state, which is the body’s rest and relaxation mode. 

As for metabolism, rapidly immersing the body in cold temperatures encourages the conversion of unhealthy white fat into metabolism-burning brown fat. That means you’ll burn more calories after a cold shower than a hot one, even after you’ve warmed up.

IMPROVE CIRCULATION.

Cold water stimulates the flow of both blood and lymph in towards the deep vessels of the organs, which helps the body more efficiently remove waste products. This also lends a welcome boost to immunity and heart health. Obviously spending too much time in cold water is not a good thing, because you lose circulation in your extremities, but in moderation it can be extremely healthful.

IMPROVE IMMUNE FUNCTION.

Controlled exposure to cold may boost the immune system by increasing the number of disease-fighting white blood cells in our bodies. In fact, renowned Iceman Wim Hof has shown that he can actually control his immune system through breathing exercises and regular cold exposure. That’s right, cold showers can be powerful.

IMPROVE SKIN AND HAIR HEALTH.

Hot water has the potential to damage delicate hair and skin, especially if you’re fond of scalding showers. In contrast, cold water encourages pores to close up, which means the skin retains more of its healthy natural oil and hair gains a lustrous shine. It’s like a free trip to the spa. You’ll be glowing.

REDUCE INFLAMMATION AND SPEED RECOVERY.

Most people are well aware that professional athletes take ice baths on the regular. That’s because cold water inhibits the production of lactic acid and slows inflammation, the combination of which results in muscle fatigue and soreness. And it’s not just an old wives tale—science is behind the practice, showing that it reduces soreness and inflammation for up to 4 days post-workout. 

RELIEVE DEPRESSION.

There isn’t much like cold water to shock the system. According to research, cold showers may stimulate the center of the brain’s primary source of noradrenaline (also called norepinephrine), which can help mitigate depression. Additionally, cold water causes the sensitive nerve endings in the skin to send “an overwhelming amount of electrical impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain, which could result in an anti-depressive effect.” In fact, some researchers claim that regular cold showers can even be more effective than antidepressants, though more research is necessary.

REDUCE YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.

It’s not that complicated. Fewer hot showers means your hot water boiler works less, which means less oil, gas or electricity use. It may seem minute, but decreasing your use of fossil fuels by any amount is a good thing.

Want the benefits of a cold shower without going hardcore with exclusively cold water? Try a Scottish shower. That means starting with a hot shower, then, before your final rinse, turning it to cold for 20-30 seconds before hopping out. You’ll gain all the benefits of a cold shower with half the discomfort. Plus, it was James Bond’s shower style of choice. That’s right, you too can shower like 007. And you’ll be healthier because of it.

US news channel pronounces former first lady Barbara Bush dead. She isn't

Former US first lady Barabara Bush has been gravely ill for a while now but American news channel CBS may have reportedly jumped the gun by inadvertently publishing a news report about her death.

Former US first lady Barabara Bush has been gravely ill for a while now but American news channel CBS may have reportedly jumped the gun by inadvertently publishing a news report about her death.

The journalistic hara-kiri occurred on Sunday when CBS published an obituary article which had a headline proclaiming the 92-year-old to be dead. The headline of the copy clearly had the words 'DO NOT PUBLISH' written at the beginning and at the end but this very headline was taken as is. “Barbara Bush, the witty, gregarious matriarch of a political dynasty that propelled two of its members to the White House and dominated Republican politics for decades, has died after a series of recent hospitalizations. She was 92. A Bush family spokesperson said Bush passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones,” the article read before being taken down.



Barbara - who served as US First Lady between 1989 and 1993 - has reportedly been ailing for some time now. With age-related woes, she has also reportedly refused any further medical assistance.

The 37th First Lady of the US though is still alive and CBS' report informing readers of her death caused some degree of backlash. Many users on Twitter slammed the news channel for trying too hard to be the first. Those who have worked directly or even in some indirect way with media outlets though have been defending CBS by saying that human errors cannot always be avoided and that while care should have been taken with a copy as sensitive as this, it is not an unforgivable mistake