Shrouded in Brightness
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is, by definition, unnatural. Our fear of the dark and desire for more (time, money, leisure, etc.) has led to a planet which is growing 2% brighter every year. Researchers studying the problem found reduced levels of melatonin – a hormone that regulates sleep cycles – in every animal species examined.
Hormone levels, breeding cycles, activity patterns and vulnerability to predators are being affected across a broad range of species
Is it coincidence that the work group with the most exposure to ALAN has greater health risks? Unfortunately we need artificial light to do our jobs. But depending on the task at hand, there may be opportunity to lessen our exposure.
Gaston urged governments, companies and individuals to be more discriminating. “At the moment, we have the attitude that lighting is something we chuck out there and don’t think about it very much. But we need to think in terms of using it only when we need it, where we need it and how we need it,” he said. “It is another pollutant.”
Treat artificial light like other forms of pollution, say scientists | The Guardian
Mealatonin
Supplemental melatonin can help you alter your sleep-wake cycle and, in larger doses, has antioxidant properties. These positive effects have given rise to claims that melatonin-rich foods offer similar benefits. As it turns out, however, that’s just wishful thinking.
Melatonin rich foods in our diet: food for thought or wishful thinking? | PubMed
Mask Up, Work Out
The World Health Organization advises people not to wear masks while exercising, as they may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably. But is there any data to backup their recommendation? A new review suggests that, while it may not feel great, your breathing should be just fine.
… current evidence suggests masks worn by healthy people during exercise do not seem to significantly impact lung function and oxygen intake – despite the minimal resistance to airflow that they create – meaning that wearing a mask or respirator during physical activity is unlikely to cause harm.
Though there is one demographic for which masks could cause issues: those with cardiopulmonary disease.
“However, the fact that these individuals are at great risk should they contract COVID-19 must also be considered.”
It May Not Feel Good, But Exercising With a Mask on Shouldn’t Impair Your Oxygen Intake | Science Direct
How are your sleep habits?
People who slept seven to eight hours a night, didn’t snore and weren’t excessively tired during the day were less likely to develop heart failure.
Good Sleep Habits Tied to Lower Risk of Heart Failure | New York Times
Never too Old
There’s a widely held belief that it becomes harder to lose weight the older we get. A new study shows us that this thinking is not only wrong, but harmful. In fact, participants over 60 lost slightly more weight on average than the 18 to 60 group. How was the weight loss achieved? Using only “lifestyle-based changes tailored to each individual patient, focusing on dietary changes, psychological support and encouragement of physical activity.”
Age is no barrier to successful weight loss | Science Daily
Forget Market Timing
Are current stock prices preventing you from investing? With markets hitting record highs, it may seem best to sit on the sidelines. But history has shown again and again that attempting to time the market is a fool’s errand. Though the below quote is in reference to a specific category of stocks, the general principle applies to any investment:
I’ve never been a fan of waiting for a stock to drop in price. That drop may not come and you eventually lose interest in a stock, thinking you missed your chance. If you like the idea of the Canadian rail stocks you might start a position, and then add on any weakness. Or you may decide to start that position and add to it on a regular schedule. Take the market timing guesswork out of the picture.
Canadian Railway Dividends: Putting Your Portfolio On the Right Track | Million Dollar Journey
The Art of Redirection
We procrastinate. We delay pain and discomfort, choosing instead whatever’s easier in the moment. As Steven Pressfield would put it: we let resistance beat us. Instead of stubbornly trying to push through the resistance, try redirecting that negative energy towards something else productive. Then come back to the task at hand.
How to Beat Procrastination | Ryan Holiday
Stay healthy-
Jason Glenn