Get in Gear: Personal UV Monitor

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:30:00 PDT

There are two ways in which a lot of us don't get the most out of our sunscreen: We don't apply enough and we don't apply often enough. For the first problem, you should apply at least an ounce of sunscreen. For the second issue? Well, you should apply sunscreen at least every two hours of being in the sun.

Problem is that oftentimes I am usually doing so many things (gabbing with my friends, running after my girls, swimming laps, etc.) while I am outside, that I often forget when I need to reapply. The Personal UV Monitor ($29.95) from Oregon Scientific is just what I need. After programming in your skin type and your sunscreen's SPF level, this genius little device will alarm when you've hit your limit in the sun. The coolest part? The exposure time automatically updates with changes in UV intensity. While you may not be paying any attention to the time, it's good to know that something's got your back -- So strap it onto your bag or belt loop (or anywhere really). Cool right? You can buy one from OregonScientific.com.

The Truth About the Health Benefits of Tea

Health — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:13:17 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Health.com here on our site.

Tea - does it really fight cancer? Lower cholesterol? We filter the research to find out which health claims actually hold water.
By Kate Lowenstein

The way scientific studies and health gurus alike have touted the perks of tea over the past few years, you'd think the stuff was some kind of all-powerful magical elixir. Improving heart health, reducing cancer risk, warding off dementia and diabetes - there's barely a health benefit that hasn't been credited to tea. It's true that the brew has disease-fighting antioxidants, and, as far as anyone can tell, should be great for us.

"The science is certainly promising," says David L. Katz, MD, director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center. "But the hype goes beyond it and tends to make promises which the science can't yet deliver." (No, tea probably will not cure depression, eliminate allergies, or boost your fertility!) We talked to the experts and weighed the studies to separate the truth from the hype.

Health.com: Drink This Tea to Lose That Belly

Why tea is so hot
First, a definition: When scientists talk about tea, they mean black, green, white, or oolong teas - all of which are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal brews, like chamomile and peppermint, are not technically considered tea; they're infusions of other plants with different nutritional characteristics. If you're not sure what kind you're drinking, check the ingredients for the word "tea."

Keep reading to learn even more about tea.