Your Shoe Mileage

Do you run or walk for daily exercise? If so, then you need to know your shoe mileage.

Shoes wear out and are not helpful or protective to feet and legs during extreme exercise long before they show wear and tear.

Doctors and fitness trainers recommend replacing a pair of athletic shoes after no more than 500 miles. If the shoes are showing wear and the feet, legs or knees are showing any sign of pain, replace them at 400 miles. Replace any shoes immediately when they become uneven or have a hole in the sole.

Walking is the best exercise because it involves the legs, the largest muscles in the body and it also stimulates every muscle in the body.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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Tea Becomes A Food

With the antioxidant benefits of tea becoming more and more well known tea has become a food instead of just a refreshing beverage.

Green tea has been associated with lower cholesterol levels, relieving arthritic pain, reducing the risk of severe arteriosclerosis, can help control diabetes, prevent influenza, inhibiting the activity of the AIDS virus and many more health benefits.

So it no surprise that a food company in France, Danisco, has developed a tea extract that will be used as a flavor enhancer in dressings, soups, sauces, meat, and seafood products.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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Pretend You Have No Brakes

Drive your car gently and easily and get more mileage. Aggressive driving can reduce gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Instead, slow down, keep up the maintenance on the vehicle and inflate the tires properly.

Some experts recommend pretending you have poor, or no brakes, and keep more distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you to prevent slamming on the brakes and rapid acceleration.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

No Place To Hide From Ants

If you are thinking of moving to the North Pole to get away from ants. Think again.

Ants can live almost anywhere in the world. Just ask people who live in Iceland.

Scientists are studying why ants are invading swimming pools in Reykjavík. They theorize that it's the warmth from the water but more studies are needed.

Comparatively, it's a more simple matter to control the simple ants that invade your kitchen or home.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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Garage Sale Valuables

Don't sell your treasured valuables at your garage sale
unless you really intend to.

When getting items ready for a garage sale be sure to check items thoroughly. Especially small things like jewelry, dishes and other small items that you may be tempted to sell in groups.

One woman failed to do this and sold her mother's treasured diamond wedding ring as costume jewelry by mistake.

Garage sales can be fun and profitable. Just take your time and be fully prepared.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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Cockroaches Like Human Ears

Cockroaches like to crawl into human ears. Especially those of sleeping children. Cockroaches will also crawl into nostrils.

Cockroaches can spread disease by carrying bacteria and other disease organisms on their bodies and feces when they crawl on dishes, tables and other kitchen items.

Cockroaches are also a major cause of allergies and asthma.

Cockroaches can be controlled with synthetic pesticides and all natural insecticides for those who prefer organic control without poisons.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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Stinging Ants Plague Outdoor Lovers

While most ants, except for fire ants, don't bite people, there is one species of flying ant that is stinging people in Florida.

Scientists aren't sure yet which species of the Hypoponera genus of ants is the one causing the problem. Four species of the ant live in Florida.

Most common ants present no problem other than irritation when they find their way onto kitchen counters, around dog and cat food dishes and likewise. These are easily controlled.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Stinging Ants Plague Outdoor Lovers

While most ants, except for fire ants, don't bite people, there is one species of flying ant that is stinging people in Florida.

Scientists aren't sure yet which species of the Hypoponera genus of ants is the one causing the problem. Four species of the ant live in Florida.

Most common ants present no problem other than irritation when they find their way onto kitchen counters, around dog and cat food dishes and likewise. These are easily controlled.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Bedbugs On The Increase

For reasons not fully understood, bedbugs are making a return to all parts of the United States but the northwest seems to be experiencing the most problems.

Experts theorize that bedbugs are developing a resistance to insecticides.

When visiting hotels check the mattress under the sheet as that is the most likely place they will be. Bedbugs travel on clothing, linens etc. so thoroughly wash belongings in hot water when returning home.

Bedbugs can be killed with all natural insecticides that they haven't developed a resistance to.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Slower Speed Means Better Mileage


One driver put the suggestion of driving at lower speeds to get better gas mileage and found that it is true.

The driver set his cruise at 60 mph while everyone else passed him at 75 mph and discovered that at the end of the 300 mile journey his car had made 44.5 miles to the gallon. The car used only 6.73 gallons for the trip.

Of course the model of the vehicle is going to make a difference but as a general rule, slower speed means better mileage.

There are many more tips drivers can use to get better gas mileage.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Garlic From China

Garlic is one of the most healthful herbs one can eat. But do you know where the garlic you are eating was grown and produced?

Despite all the garlic eaten in the U.S., American growers only produce 5 percent of the world's total supply of garlic. China is the number one supplier with 66 percent!

In 2006 the U.S. imported 138 million pounds of fresh garlic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service says garlic power and garlic salt imports also increased 384 percent since the late 1990's.

Perhaps it's time to grow your own garlic. It's easy and satisfying.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Slugs Eat Entire Garden

If you have slugs in your garden be glad you don't live in Sweden where Spanish slugs are taking over gardens.

One garden had all it's plants eaten by the slugs in just a few days when the owner was away on vacation. Over 900 slugs were picked from the garden.

The wet summer in Sweden is bringing out the Spanish slugs called killer slugs because they are cannibals and eat the weak and dead of their own kind. This species of slug grows to 6 inches in length. Each slug can produce 400 baby slugs.

The Spanish slugs have no natural predator. Even animals who chomp on the pests spit them out when they get a mouthful of slime.

Here are some tips to reduce the slugs in your home garden.


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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Coffee Relieves Stress

Coffee breaks are actually healthful. Coffee relieves stress and helps the body stay healthy while under stress.

Jobs where employees have a low amount of control over their duties leads to more workplace stress than the employer experiences. Thus the coffee break to reduce the tension. Some studies have also associated coffee with improved alertness and memory.

In some instances coffee actually has more antioxidants than fruits, vegetables and green tea especially those called polyphenols. Antioxidants are necessary to help prevent illness due to stress.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Earthworms Revitalize Dead Soil

The lowly earthworm has the ability to bring dead soil to life. With just a little help from humans, soil that has been void of healthy nutrients can be brought back to productivity by earthworms.

In Havana, Cuba, Specialists at the Center of Environmental Studies and Research have initiated environmental programs to bring life back to the island where drought and desertification have taken a toll.

The scientists are using all natural methods including earthworms. The scientists have concluded that "earthworm humus is one of the most efficient and cheapest fertilizers used in bioorganic agriculture.

"If earthworms can bring lifeless soil back to life just imagine what earthworms can do for your vegetable or flower garden.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

High Temperatures Halt Tomato Production

Tomato plants need average summer temperatures to produce fruit. With high temperatures yield will be slowed until normal temperatures return.

With daytime temperatures over 92 and nighttime lows of 70 or above, tomatoes won't produce as well.

During this time, mulch plants well, water deeply, watch for pests and take care of the plants. Cooler temperatures will once again return and the well-tended, healthy plants will produce delicious tomatoes.

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Strawberries Improve Memory

Many fruits contain antioxidants and bioflavanoids which are necessary for good health. Strawberries contain one such chemical called fisetin.

Studies at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies show that fisetin may just help with memory loss.

Memory loss is a disease that occurs when the brain loses neurons. Fisetin helps protect neural cells from dying and creates new connections between nerve cells. Fisetin works by stimulating signaling pathways that enhance long-term memory by strengthening the connections between healthy neurons.

Bioflavanoids and antioxidants are essential for a good long term memory.


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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Be Careful Advertising Garage Sales

Having a garage or yard sale can be fun and profitable but be aware of local laws that, if broken, could cost you your profit, or more, with fines ranging from $500 to $1000.

Some cities require an official fluorescent sticker issued by the Public Works Department to make all garage sale signs legal.

Most cities do not allow signs on public utility poles, traffic or street signs, or trees. Signs should be taken down within 48 hours of the garage sale ending or even on the same day.

Some cities also require permits to have a garage sale. There may be a limit of how many sales a homeowner may have during the year as well.

Have a successful garage sale this summer with over 200 helpful hints!
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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************

Exercise Helps Prevent Bowel Cancer

Strenuous exercise, or even just cleaning house for a couple of hours a day, can lower the risk of being afflicted with colon cancer.

According to a study according to the study conducted on more than 413,000 people at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Lyon, France , 70 percent of cases could be prevented by changes in diet and exercise.

More than 940,000 cases are diagnosed each year and over 50 percent of patients die from the illness.

Walking is one of the best exercises there is for people of all ages and can be done indoors or out throughout the year.

*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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