Everybody is asking . . . Are the new airport body scanners safe? I guess the answer is yes and no depending on which expert you ask. According to Kimberly Appelgate, MD, Vice Chair for Quality and Safety in the Department of Radiology at Emory University School of Medicine, backscatter body scanner machines use low-level X-rays. Levels so low you would have to take 1000 trips through the backscatter to be exposed to the same amount of radiation found in one chest X-ray. But even though radiation levels are low there are still risks according to John Sedat, PHD a Professor Emeritus of Biophysics at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Sedat believes that since exposure is limited to the body’s surface you may actually be exposed to radiation levels 10 to 20 times higher than we are being told. If you are a frequent flyer, you travel with small children or you are uncomfortable with the detailed images obtained by the backscatter body scanner give the TSA Agent a thrill -- ask for a pat-down. Otherwise, wear your best bra and panties and leave your potentially dangerous items at home.
Tis the season for Good Health! gift ideas . . .- Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way -- According to author and explorer Dan Buettner the average person can control about 55% of his or her individual happiness by optimizing life choices. You won’t find happiness in wealth, youth, beauty or intelligence. Instead, Buettner says the happiest people do things like socialize up to 7 hours a day, have a good friend at work and invest in their future and memories not stuff. http://www.bluezones.com/explore/books/thrive
- Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System -- With the Clarisonic you give the gift of radiant skin. After using the Clarisonic customers report fewer dry patches, softer, smoother skin and even firmer skin with improved texture. And it is a great skin prep before applying self tanner. Clarisonic is almost like having a spa in your own home. http://www.clarisonic.com
- Lululemon Athletica Women’s Relaxed Fit Pant -- I own a pair of these pants and I love them! They are one of Oprah’s Favorite Things this holiday season because “they cut your butt in half.” I am not sure about that claim but, they are really comfy and I love the zippered back pocket feature. http://shop.lululemon.com/Relaxed_Fit_Pant/pd/c/560/np/560/p/1588.html
This holiday season remember to make the time to be good to you. It is okay to drink wine and eat dessert while you celebrate with family and friends – just do it in moderation. And spread the news about Good Health! by sharing this blog with female friends and relatives.
Hope you have a Very Merry Christmas & Good Health! in the New Year.
Terry
“The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have.”
~ Author Unknown
