1. Your eyes are capable of processing 36,000 pieces of information per hour: They efficiently deliver data for your brain to process so that you can contextualize and evaluate it instantly. This is how we understand not only the activity that surrounds us, but art, writing and other stimulating pieces of visual information.
2. Your eyes will process 24 million images in your lifetime: Overall, they contribute toward 85 percent of your knowledge. Simply put, they're responsible for setting up how we react to the environments in which we live.
3. One eye consists of more than two million working parts: Incredibly complex, your eye, as previously mentioned, is a highly productive and resilient organ that can adjust to different conditions and overcome a number of disturbances.
4. Your eyes can recognize candle light from up to 14 miles away: Of course, this can only be done under perfect conditions, but it's impressive nonetheless. Your eyes are the strongest muscles in your body relative to their duties, and they function at 100 percent capacity. Capabilities such as this one prove they're one of the most powerful tools possessed by humans.
5. Males are much more likely to be colorblind than females: Seven percent of the American male population, 10 million, see green and red abnormally. Meanwhile, just four-tenths of a percent of women experience the same problem. Researchers hypothesize that the genes causing colorblindness reside close to each other on the X chromosome — males, of course, only have one.
6. Instantaneous hearing loss occurs at 120 decibels: Prolonged exposure to any sound reaching 80 decibels can cause hearing loss, but instantaneous hearing loss can occur at 120 decibels, which is the equivalent of sitting in front of speakers at a rock concert. At 140 decibels, the equivalent of a jet engine or a gunshot, hearing loss and actual pain can occur.
7. Tinnitus affects at least 15 percent of the U.S. population: If you constantly hear ringing, clicking, hissing or roaring sounds, you're not alone. Common causes include exposure to loud noises and medication, and it can even occur as a side effect of issues such as high or low blood pressure, heart problems and the presence of tumors. Human ears are sensitive anatomical organs that should be treated with the utmost care.
8. You can smell about 10,000 odors: Although our sense of smell is inferior to the sense of smell possessed by animals, many of which have inferior eyesight anyway, we're still capable of detecting a multitude of odors using the nose's olfactory receptor neurons. Those receptors are each encoded with a unique gene; if you lack a gene, then you lack the ability to detect that smell.
9. Your sense of smell is closely linked to your memory: Part of the brain's limbic system, the olfactory bulb accesses the hippocampus and amygdala, which are responsible for associative learning and emotion respectively. People often link smells to events from the past as a conditioned response, a result of that smell being repeatedly paired with an experience.
10. Females possess a better sense of smell than males: Another sense in which women have men beat. A study conducted in the U.S. a decade ago showed that women of reproductive age were able detect various scents at a higher rate than men, and it's possibly due to the influence of female sex hormones. When males and females are middle aged or older, however, their senses of smell are roughly the same.
11. A woman's sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy: Some women experience such a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy that ordinary, normally pleasant smells become unbearable. Doctors haven't pinpointed a reason why this occurs, but there are several theories, one of which claims it's a side effect of morning sickness.
12. Eighty percent of what we experience as taste is actually smell: It's common knowledge that smell affects taste. Every child has held their nose to avoid tasting nasty food they were forced to eat by their parents. Such a behavior hinders odor molecules from reaching the smell cells in your nose, enabling you to skip the displeasure that comes with eating what you don't like.
13. Females possess a better sense of taste than males: Females and males have approximately the same number of taste buds, so the difference is in how they process taste impressions. A study conducted by the Danish Science Communication and food scientists from The Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE) at University of Copenhagen determined that boys require 10 percent more sourness and about 20 percent more sweetness to recognize such tastes.
14. You can't taste what your saliva can't dissolve: Saliva dissolves the chemicals in food allowing the receptors on your taste buds to detect taste. Without it, obviously, food is tasteless. To see (or taste) for yourself, dry your tongue with a paper towel and attempt to taste dry foods consisting of sugar and salt. It'll be as if you were devoid of the sense altogether.
15. Your back is the least sensitive part of your body: Unlike more sensitive parts of your body, your back contains a very small section of the somatosensory cortex, and thus experiences only minor sensations when touched.

Sources: Livestrong, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), University of Illinois, Medline Plus, Discovery Health, BBC, Pregnancy Today, Live Science, Science Daily, University of Washington, Human Body by Linda Calabresi

1. Camillus de Lellis: Camillus de Lellis entered the field of healthcare after he struggled with excessive gambling and aggression as a soldier. He became the director of a hospital that once treated him and eventually established his own congregation called the Ministers of the Sick (Camellians). The Camellians tended to the sick, specifically alcoholics and those stricken with the plague, as well as wounded soldiers on the battlefield. St. Camillus created the first ambulance service and was the first person to use the sign of the red cross that is still seen today.
2. James Derham: James Derham was the first African-American man to practice medicine in the United States. Derham became interested in medicine because he was owned by several doctors. Although never formally taught, Derham began working as a nurse in order to buy his freedom from slavery in 1783. Once freed, he started his own medical practice and specialized in throat disorders and climate-sensitive diseases.
3. Juan Ciudad: Juan Ciudad, also known as St. John of God, was a saint and important figure in nursing. After serving as a soldier in the Spanish Army, Ciudad became devoted to religion and helping the needy. He became the founder of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God and operated it all by himself for some time. Ciudad was honored for his heroic death, in which he tried to save a boy from drowning.
4. Walt Whitman: Walt Whitman may be best known for his acclaimed poetry, but the humanist was also a volunteer nurse during the American Civil War. Whitman worked in crowded hospital wards in Washington, such as the Armory Square, the Judiciary Square and the Patent Office, where he kindly wrote letters for injured soldiers and read poetry aloud. Whitman's experience as a nurse had a significant impact on his life and certainly on his poetry.
5. St. Alexius: This fifth-century Roman was an influential caretaker for the sick. He was the patron of pilgrims and beggars, devoted to the service of God. St. Alexius later became a patron of the Alexian Brothers ministry's first chapel, which had small groups of men and women who treated the sick, fed the hungry and buried the dead. The Alexian Brothers healthcare organizations can be found all around the world, where they continue to treat patients through healing ministry and patient care.
6. Edward Lyon: Edward Lyon made history as the first man to be commissioned in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in 1955. He was named second lieutenant and broke the mold for all male nurses, who play a very important role in nursing military services.
7. St. Benedict: St. Benedict, also known as Benedict of Nursia, is the patron saint for Europe and students, as well as dying people, fever, gallstones, kidney disease and inflammatory disease. St. Benedict became the founder of western monasticism and was known for his miracle work. His holiness and humility are still admired to this day, and his message lives on through the many hospitals and care units named after him.
8. Friar Juan de Mena: Friar Juan de Mena is considered the first nurse to land on what would later become the United States of America. Friar de Mena was a notable Mexican nurse, who administered care to the sick as a lay brother of the Santo Domingo of Mexico. Nearly seventy years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, de Mena and other Spaniards were killed while shipwrecked off the south Texas Coast.
9. Joe Hogan: Joe Hogan made history when he sued the Mississippi University for Women for denying Hogan admission because of his gender. Hogan was already a registered nurse who was working full time at Golden Triangle Regional Hospital in Columbus, Mississippi, but wanted to earn his bachelor's degree in nursing from the all-women's institution because it was the only local college offering this degree. Joe Hogan won his landmark case, and it forever banned gender discrimination at publicly funded schools for nursing.
10. Brother Gerard: Brother Gerard, also known as Gerard Thom, was the founder of the Knights Hospitaller and the two major Orders of Chivalry that evolved from the group in Jerusalem. The Hospitallers were dedicated to treating sick and wounded patients in hospitals. Over time, the Hospitallers eventually opened their own hospitals and expanded to Europe and Jerusalem. The Hospitaller's Knights of Malta is the only original military nursing order still operating today.

1. Nurture: Nurture offers a collection of stories for new midlife mothers.
2. Antique Mommy: This mom had her first and only child at nearly 44, and prefers to be called "antique."
3. First Time Mom Over 40: This blogger became a first time mom at 42, and highlights other women who have given birth after 35 and 40.
4. My Year of Spending Less and Living More: Follow this blog to learn about a midlife mom on a financial mission.
5. Midlife Mom: Rebecca Haynes discusses navigating the teen years and beyond as a midlife mom.
6. Home on the Range: On this blog, a midlife mom shares her love on the Maine wilderness, her family, and horses.
7. In Sock Monkey Slippers: Read this blog for musings from a midlife mom wearing sock monkey slippers.
8. Mid Life Mommy: Danielle feels as though she was woken up to life as it was meant to be when she had her daughter.
9. MidAge Mom: Midlife meets motherhood on Jennifer Bingham Hull's blog.
10. In the Mind of a Thirtysomething Mom: On this blog, you'll look into the thoughts of a thirtysomething mom.
11. MomAgain@40: Karen is a mom with a two year old and a teenager over the age of 40.
12. Just a Minute Mom: Just a Minute Mom is all about life as ordinary, middle aged moms of tweens, teens, and beyond.
13. Tiramisu Mom: Tiramisu Mom shares her life as a thirtysomething mom, including bathing suit shopping for the formerly hot.
14. Motherhood Later Than Sooner: Motherhood Later Than Sooner is written for moms with more life experience than baby experience.
15. Mothering in the Middle: Mothering in the Middle shares news and resources for new midlife moms.
16. Midlife Mom: Melissa Lee shares her random thoughts as she becomes a mom in her forties.
17. Musings of a Middle Aged Mom: Lisa shares her life as a mom of twins and mother in law.
18. You Can Get Pregnant in Your 40s: This blog discusses how you can get pregnant at age 40 or even beyond.
19. Infertility Blog: Dr. Licciardi's blog offers help for those who have trouble conceiving.
20. Pregnancy Over 44: On this blog, you'll read stories of pregnancy and birth past 44 years old.
21. A Baby Boomer Woman's Life After 50: Find out what this mom's life is like after 50.
22. Fertility Blog: Follow this blog for information about fertility, IVF, and TTC.
23. Midlife Army Wife: Read this blog about a new midlife Army wife and homeschool mom.
24. 999 Reasons to Laugh at Infertility: If you're having trouble conceiving in midlife, laugh at infertility with this blog.
25. New Midlife Mommy: This blogger discusses becoming a midlife mom after fertility.
26. Kat Wilder: Kat Wilder is a divorced single mom in midlife.
27. Confessions of a Mean Mommy: Denise writes about her thoughts on becoming a middle aged mom.
28. Midlife Mama: This 40ish single mom shares her life with her daughters on this blog.
29. The Midlife Woman: The Midlife Woman discusses home, family, food, and blogging.
30. Mom to the Screaming Masses: Carmen is a middle aged mom to 6, and yes, she knows how it happened.
31. Adventures of a Middle Age Mom: Darlene writes about being a middle aged mom to two teens, and almost being done with the daily heavy lifting job of being a mom.
32. Refresh Moments: Mary Pielenz Hampton is a midlife mom turning the daily into devotion on her blog.
33. Diaries of an Older Mom: Deborah Owensby Moore loves to discuss her life as an older mom.
34. Ponderings of a Middle-Aged Mom: Read this mom's thoughts on life, family, and everything in between.
35. The MisAdventures of an (almost) Midlife Mom: This mom is ready to take on midlife-almost.
36. Diary of a Middle Aged Mom: Carrie's blog takes a look at the life of a middle aged mom.
37. My So-Called Midlife: Karina Bland writes about meatloaf cupcakes, the blessings of insomnia, and other joys of midlife motherhood.
38. Flower Power Mom: Flower Power Mom shares the truth about after-40 motherhood.
39. Digital Mom Blog: Written for moms of any age, this blog is great for modern moms with careers.
40. Pregnancy Stories by Age: Read these pregnancy stories of women in their 40s and beyond.

1. High blood pressure affects about 50 million Americans and 1 billion people worldwide. This means that one in three adults or 31% of the population will be affected by the condition. In order to avoid becoming part of this statistic, start learning some ways to better monitor and lower your blood pressure today.
2. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. Ever wondered just what blood pressure is? It's pretty simple and just measures the force of blood pumping through your body. Blood pressure is highest near your heart and in the major arteries and lowest in small arteries and capillaries. Because it can vary throughout your body, blood pressure is taken in a standardized place, usually on the inside of your upper arm along the brachial artery.
3. People who have normal blood pressure at 55 years of age have a 90% risk of developing high blood pressure in their lifetime. Even if your blood pressure is fine now, it doesn't mean that it will always be the case. As you age, your risk of developing high blood pressure goes up exponentially, and older adults need to keep a much closer watch on blood pressure to ensure it stays within healthy ranges.
4. Blood pressure is found by measuring the pressure in the blood vessels during a heartbeat and when the heart is at rest. You might have noticed that blood pressure is recorded with not one, but two numbers. The upper number, systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart pumps blood throughout the body; the lower number, diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxing. Healthy blood pressure should be 120/80 or lower.
5. Sodium can have a big impact on blood pressure. Are you paying attention to how much salt you eat every day? If not, you should be. Increased levels of sodium in the body are directly correlated with increased blood pressure levels. Some individuals have a greater response to salt levels than others, but in most cases, lowering the sodium in a diet can substantially lower blood pressure.
6. High blood pressure can lead to a number of serious conditions, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure. These are some of the leading causes of death in the US, so they're nothing to scoff at if you have HBP. In the short term, elevated blood pressure levels can make you tired, give you headaches, cause vision problems and give you an upset stomach– none of which are pleasant.
7. All blood pressure levels above 120/80 increase your risk for health problems related to high blood pressure. When the systolic pressure is greater than 120 and the diastolic pressure is greater than 80, patients are diagnosed as having high blood pressure. These levels have recently been lowered from 140/90, so if were in the clear in the past, you may want to reevaluate your blood pressure and your lifestyle to stay healthy.
8. The ranges for normal blood pressure in children and teens are different. Because they are smaller and their hearts and vascular systems may be functioning a little differently from adults, different levels are needed for children and adolescents when measuring healthy blood pressure. Check with your doctor if you're concerned your child may have a high blood pressure issue.
9. Simple changes in diet and lifestyle, as well as a number of medications, can help you maintain or reach a healthy blood pressure level. About 70% of those with high blood pressure who took medication had their high blood pressure controlled or lowered. If you do not want to take medication, losing weight, exercising, eating a healthy diet, reducing sodium, caffeine and alcohol intake and quitting smoking can all help lower high blood pressure.
10. High blood pressure is more common in older adults and more prevalent among African-Americans. Four out of 10 African-Americans have high blood pressure, and the chance of developing high blood pressure as you age is fairly high. If you are in either of these groups, it's important to talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower your risk and get your blood pressure under control.
11. Blood pressure that is below normal readings is called hypotension. It is possible for blood pressure to be too low. This condition is called hypotension and can result in a decrease in the amount of blood being pumped to the brain resulting in lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness and fainting. Extremely low blood pressure can be a sign of a severe cardiac disease and should be taken just as seriously as high blood pressure.
12. High blood pressure itself usually has no symptoms. That is why it is often called the silent killer. Since there is often no way to tell that you have HBP, you should visit your doctor's office to get regular checkups.
13. In 2010, high blood pressure will cost the United States $76.6 billion in health care services, medications and missed days of work. The health care impact of so many adults having high blood pressure is monumental. Those who do not have full health care coverage or none at all can be left to bear many of these costs out of pocket, so preventative care is essential.
14. Twenty-five percent of American adults has prehypertension– blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range. Prehypertension raises your risk for high blood pressure and could be a sign that you need to take a hard look at your lifestyle and health choices.
15. In patients who are older than 50 years of age, controlling systolic blood pressure is more important than controlling diastolic blood pressure. Why is this the case? Because systolic blood pressure is directly linked to the risk of heart disease, one of the leading causes of death for adults in the US.

1. Living with Crohn's Disease: This Crohn's disease sufferer discusses the disease and battling Crohn's as a runner, soccer player, father, husband, and professional.
2. Journey Through Crohn's: You can read about one woman's Crohn's journey on this blog.
3. SCD Lifestyle: Read this blog to find out how you can be successful on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.
4. The Bright Side of Crohn's: This woman takes a look at the bright side of kicking Crohn's disease butt.
5. In Sickness and In Health: In Sickness and In Health is a great blog for couples deal with illnesses like Crohn's.
6. Organically Autoimmune: Organically Autoimmune discusses treating autoimmune diseases with an organic and Specific Carbohydrate Diet.
7. A Chronic Dose: Read this blog about chronic illness, healthcare, and writing.
8. Crohn's Help Now: Find a helping hand for Crohn's on this blog.
9. Gluten Free Girl and the Chef: Gluten Free Girl has food, stories, recipes, and tips for eating gluten free.
10. Dr. David Klein's Colitis & Crohn's Health Recovery Center Blog: Dr. David Klein discusses self healing and staying well the natural way.
11. Know Your Gut: Galina blogs to encourage Crohn's patients to better understand digestive wellness.
12. Undercoverostomy: This blogger discusses undergoing an ostomy.
13. My Crohn's Disease: William shares his ongoing battle with fibrostenotic Crohn's disease.
14. Jpouch Life: Learn about the Jpouch surgery, life without a colon, Crohn's, and related diseases on this blog.
15. Stronger Than Crohn's: Angela is determined to show that she in stronger than Crohn's disease by participating in races to raise money for the disease.
16. Crohns TeamChallenger: Find out about the fight against Crohn's on this blog.
17. The Digestion Blog: The Digestion Blog shares news and reviews for Crohn's and related disorders.
18. Heal Crohn's Now: This blog discusses how you can heal Crohn's disease naturally.
19. Crohn's Disease Blog: Kelly R. writes to build a Crohn's community.
20. The Crohn's Baby: Rosie was diagnosed with Crohn's at the tender age of 17, and has now been living with the disease for 10 years.
21. Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness: This blog advocates for chronic patients, including those with Crohn's.
22. Adapt Cookbook: This blog covers Crohn's friendly cooking.
23. My Crohn's Disease Journey: Read this blog to find out how to live with Crohn's.
24. The Dietary Adventures of Jilluck: Jilluck writes about her experience with Crohn's and management with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.
25. But You Don't Look Sick: This blog offers a resource for anyone with an "invisible" disease like Crohn's.
26. Eating SCD: This blogger is treating Crohn's with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.
27. Crohn's Lives With Me: On this blog, you'll read about the personal experiences of a Crohn's sufferer-and their favorite bathrooms.
28. The SCD Girl: The SCD Girl shares diet and cooking ideas with all conditions that can benefit from an SCD diet, including Crohn's.
29. Awesome Life of Crohnsboy: Crohn's boy takes a no BS approach to Crohn's disease.
30. How We Can't Eat Anything: This blogger discusses the battle between Crohn's and her attentions.
31. A Life of Sugar and Spice: This blogger celebrates not what she can't eat, but what she can.
32. No More Crohn's: Erin discusses following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet on this blog.
33. Bits & Pieces: Jenni shares the lingering effects from Crohn's disease on this blog.
34. Chronically Me: Chronically Me covers life with a chronic illness.
35. Crohn's Disease and My Experience: Read this blog about Jason's experience with Crohn's disease.
36. Crohn's Disease Relief: Read this blog to learn about this woman's personal story as a person with Crohn's.
37. ChronicBabe: ChronicBabe offers an online community for young women with chronic health issues.
38. Engaged: A Blog on the Bog: See how this blogger negotiates endlessly flaring Crohn's disease on Engaged.
39. Crohn's/IBD News: Check in on this blog to find the latest news for Crohn's and IBD.
40. Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America: Check out this blog for updates on Crohn's and Colitis, and what you can do about it.

1. Raw or undercooked food. Whether you're cooking at home or going out, eating food that hasn't been cooked thoroughly or brought to the appropriate temperature can put you at high risk of developing food poisoning. While you might enjoy rare steak, runny eggs or certain raw veggies, these foods can all carry bacteria when they are not cooked long enough or hot enough to kill off the offending particles. Common bacteria found in undercooked food include E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter. Be safe instead of sorry and ask that your food be cooked through or use this chart when at home.
2. Food that is not stored at the proper temperature. While simple common sense would tell you that leaving foods like meat and dairy products out of refrigeration makes them unfit to eat, temperature regulation can be a bit more complicated. Refrigerators can malfunction, foods can be forgotten on the counter and instructions on labels can be misread. To keep yourself safe, always check the temperature on your fridge and freezer. They should be at 40 degrees F and 0 degrees F respectively. Always read the label to see what foods will need be refrigerated immediately and which have to be cooled after opening. If you plan to freeze foods, do it within 2 days of purchase. This can help prevent some very serious bacteria from growing and making you sick.
3. Letting food sit out. Most of us are smart enough to not let refrigerated foods sit out, but sometimes we can forget to put away the leftovers or want it on hand at a party. In order to keep these foods safe to eat and avoid some common bacteria taking hold, you should always put leftovers away as soon as you can. If you're serving food at a party, keep hot food at 140 degrees F or warmer, cold foods at 40 degrees F. Never leave perishable food out for more than two hours, especially if the weather is warm. This will help ensure that neither you nor your guests end up sick.
4. Not washing hands before eating or preparing food. Contamination of foods from dirty hands is a big cause of many cases of food poisoning. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling foods at home (for at least 20 seconds) and only eat at restaurants with strong showings in health department assessments. Additionally, always make sure your hands are clean before eating food as well, especially if you will be touching them. Without these precautions, you could put yourself at risk of coming in contact with bacteria like staphylococcus-aureus and clostridium-perfringens.
5. Contamination of other foods by raw meat. Cross-contamination of foods is a major health issue and one that many out there should be highly conscious of avoiding at home. When juices from contaminated meat get onto cutting boards, hands and into the refrigerator, contamination can spread to other foods, some of which you might not plan to cook at all. It is essential to keep raw meat, poultry and fish separate from other foods. Always wash any utensils, countertops and cutting boards that have come in contact with them immediately, sanitizing them with bleach and water, or even having separate tools for handling meat can be a big help.
6. Eating raw shellfish. Raw oysters may be a delicacy, but ingesting them doesn't come without some serious risks. Oysters from the Gulf of Mexico are commonly contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus bacteria which can cause mild to serious food poisoning. Additionally, even oysters that do not come from this region are often left unrefrigerated for several hours while being brought to shore. While you may be fine after eating raw oysters, be aware that ingestion of these shellfish uncooked is a big risk and could lead to serious health issues.
7. Improper canning. Canning foods at home has been a common practice for several decades, but it's one that needs to be carefully monitored in order to ensure that the food being preserved won't carry contaminates along with it. Botulism is perhaps the most common bacteria contaminant in improperly canned food, and is one of the most serious and potentially deadly forms of food poisoning out there. Always boil jars and lids to be used in canning to kill off any lingering bacteria and make sure that all cans are properly sealed. Improper canning can also happen with foods you get off grocery store shelves so look out for bulges, discolored food, or seepage.
8. Ingesting expired food. We've all done it at one point or another, but eating expired food comes with a big risk for food poisoning attached. Always check expiration dates before ingesting any food in your home or purchased at the store. If there is no date on the package, no packaging or only a sell by date, use the government guidelines for cold storage to help you determine if a food is safe to eat or not.
9. Not reheating food thoroughly.You might think that you only have to worry about food poisoning in foods that haven't already been cooked, but that's not entirely the case. You should also be careful with foods that you're reheating, especially if they've been hanging out in your fridge for more than a couple of days. When reheating foods, make sure that meats reach a temp of at least 160-170 degrees F and that other foods come to around 165 degrees F. This will ensure that any bacteria that might have made its way into the food will be killed off and that you'll be able to avoid a common cause of food poisoning.
10. Not washing produce thoroughly before preparation. Even those seemingly innocuous veggies can be the source of food poisoning if not washed and prepared properly. Prior to reaching your table, there's no telling how many things they may have come in contact with, so always clean any fruit or vegetables with a soft kitchen brush and water (or a pre-prepared veggie wash) to ensure that any bacteria it contains will be largely washed away. This is especially important with foods that you do not plan to cook. While foodbourne illness is more commonly caused by meats, recent outbreaks of salmonella and E. coli have originated in spinach and tomatoes.
11. Unclean cooking utensils and surfaces. When it comes to food safety, cleanliness matters. Dirty kitchens attract mice and rats that can spread disease and also create ideal places for bacteria to grow and thrive and access your food. It's essential to keep any space you plan to cook in and any tools you plan to use highly sanitized. The USDA advises putting a tablespoon of bleach into one gallon of water to create a sanitizing liquid. This can help prevent any bacteria hanging out in your kitchen from getting on food and will ensure that none are able to cross contaminate one another.
12. Unpasteurized foods. For the most part, people are fine after eating foods that are unpasteurized, provided they have been stored and served in a safe manner. Yet for those with compromised immune systems, who are pregnant and the very young and very old could be at risk for food poisoning from these. Commonly pasteurized foods include milk, cheeses, yogurt, ice cream, ciders and juices. Unpasteurized versions of these foods can carry Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can make individuals very sick.

1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: Probably the absolutely quintessential film about psychiatric care, this adaptation of Ken Kesey's classic novel brings to light many of the patient abuses he witnessed while working as a mental health hospital orderly. Things may have improved since the 1960s and 1970s, but many of the condescending, dismissive and downright cruel attitudes towards those with mental illnesses (as chillingly represented by Nurse Ratched) unfortunately persist today. Now a thoroughly respected, oft-referenced film completely independent of its literary origins, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest remains a must-see for anyone interested in the history of treating psychiatric disorders through a fictional lens.

2. Antichrist: Following the death of their young son, a grieving mother and father isolate themselves from the world and become embroiled in sex, violence, depression and self-destruction. Not inherently about clinical depression or bipolar disorder, but rather the erratic mental state that settles in alongside trauma, it does shed light into how some individuals experience the conditions. Psychology and psychiatric care both factor significantly into both the plot and character development. The mother, known only as She, represents the more primal emotions associated with the grief process. While not a general symbol of how such situations outwardly manifest in the real world, the overwhelming emotions boiling beneath the surface might seem familiar to anyone intensely struggling inside.

3. Girl, Interrupted: Based on the memoir by Susanna Kaysen's memoir of the same name, Girl, Interrupted chronicles the life of a suicidal woman interred in a mental health facility for her own safety. For over a year, she forms a small coterie with other patients, resists therapy and deals with traumas outside the hospital. But when her issues spiral past the event horizon, the psych ward siren finally displays the drive to take recovery seriously. Both the book and the film candidly discuss the ins and outs of both depression — most especially the form involving suicidal behaviors — and borderline personality disorder. Considering so many in mainstream society don't know about or fully understand the condition, taking the time to grow absorbed in this movie might very well prove a valuable educational experience.

4. The Virgin Suicides: Sofia Coppola's adaptation of Jeffrey Eugenides' debut novel perfectly preserved the tragic pressure central to its characters, plot and overall theme. Religious fanatic parents suspend their five daughters in a perpetual state of childish naivete sheltering them from all the pleasures and the pains the world has to offer. Such a lifestyle initiates increasingly desperate, erratic rebellions, most especially in eldest child Lux. Though ultimately a tragic tale (the title pretty much spoils everything), it does delve considerably into how untreated depression and stifling parenting might end up manifesting themselves externally.

5. The Informant!: The Informant! blends corporate espionage with pitch-black comedy. An adaptation of the infamous Mark Whitacre's very real whistleblowing on lysine price-fixing, the bizarre twist stems directly from his battle with bipolar disorder. The film depicts him as a m–lange of repugnancy and sympathy, touching upon on Whitacre's delusions and how they fed into his bizarre, brilliant, thoroughly unethical scheming. Not everyone with bipolar disorder operates in such a manner, of course, but nevertheless the narrative does reflect some common ways it might present itself. Considering the main character's proclivities, it also appears as if he might sport more than a few traits of sociopathy and narcissism.

6. Wristcutters: A Love Story: Set in a purgatory state where suicide victims drift about a life more somber than the one they voluntarily sloughed off. A teen discovers his ex-girlfriend suffered the same fate, and he embarks on an oneiric, deeply psychological journey to find her. Bizarrely romantic, Wristcutters: A Love Story approaches its delicate subject matter with a lauded blend of humor and insight. Like most psychological phenomena, the narrative presented here cannot be interpreted as universal to all experiencing it. But nevertheless, it does sensitively dissect the myriad reasons why the depressed and desperate oftentimes perceive death as the only escape from pain.

7. The Soloist: Between 20% to 40% of the homeless population is comprised of the mentally ill with few options, and The Soloist peers into the compelling biography of one such individual. Nathaniel Ayers enjoyed a promising start as a brilliant bassist (cellist in the movie for some reason), but succumbed to the ravages of schizophrenia. He ended up homeless and floundering in obscurity until a journalist finally crosses his path. Both men find themselves reaching out and trying to improve the other, and today Ayers continues to perform and works as an activist giving hope, support and opportunities to mentally ill musicians.

8. Psycho: One of Alfred Hitchcock's most iconic, oft-parodied films — based on a book, natch — takes a walk on the darker side of mental health. By no means representative of the entire community, it does showcase the small sliver of the population whose diagnoses directly lead to violence. In this case, dissociative identity disorder takes center stage in the spine-tingling tale of Norman Bates and his "mother." Fans of Freudian psychology will especially find plenty to discuss about the way the two personalities battle for dominance and control within the mind of one truly suffering man.

9. All About Eve: All About Eve may not be explicitly about mental illness, but the eponymous antagonist displays all the searing signs of sociopathic, narcissistic behavior. To Eve, usurping a rival starlet by passive-aggressively pursuing her career and life alike — including a handsome boyfriend — sounds like a perfectly reasonable plan of action. She lacks any sort of conscience and believes that her ends justify such selfish, reaching needs. At no point does she pause to think about how her machinations might negatively impact those around her, most especially the actress who takes her in as an assistant and protege. All of these signs point to a severely mentally ill individual, though the film itself does not really touch upon that element. Despite that, though, it still serves as an interesting lesson in such a diagnosis.

10. Lars and the Real Girl: Sweet-natured but emotionally and mentally damaged Lars Lindstrom grew up with a distant father, avoidant brother and the crushing guilt of his mother dying giving birth to him. Diagnosed with a delusional disorder, he seeks solace in the arms of his dream woman, Bianca…who just so happens to be a Real Doll. Rather than portraying owners of the sexual aids as shameless perverts trapped in a perpetual state of arrested development, Lars exudes sympathy and realistic motives for his unusual behavior. Diagnosed as delusional and depressive, he attaches to Bianca out of fear. He withdraws from people who love him — not to mention a woman who very much hopes to someday — and runs towards something incapable of making the hurt worse. While some of the featured strategies behind his treatment will raise more than a few eyebrows, in the end it still provides an interesting glimpse into some mental illnesses.

Daily Habits

These blogs point out the daily habits that will keep you mentally balanced, happy, productive and stress-free.

1. Zen habits: Try to copy the mantra shared on this blog: "smile, breathe and go slowly." Recommended Posts: How to be Insanely Productive and Still Keep Smiling and 9 Mindfulness Rituals to Make Your Day Better
2. Lifehack: Get daily tips to improve your life here. Recommended Posts: Manage Stress with Daily Goals and 45-Second De-Stress Tips
3. Success: Get out of your own way so that you can achieve success the healthy, sensible way. Recommended Posts: Time: Don't Manage it: Channel It and Flexibility and the Adaptability Factor
4. Unclutterer: A cleaner home, office and mind will help you de-stress. Recommended Posts: Say the thing you need to say, and do the thing you need to do and Scientists find physical clutter negatively affects your ability to focus, process information
5. Steve Pavlina: You've most likely bumped into Steve Pavlina's blog already, but start visiting it regularly "to help you grow as a conscious human being." Recommended Posts: Building a Happier Life and How to Squash Negative Thought Patterns
6. Dumb Little Man: An all-around productivity blog, Dumb Little Man shares tips to "simply keep you sane." Recommended Posts: Are Your Systems Letting You Down?
7. The Happiness Project: Gretchen Rubin has made a career out of testing research studies on how to be happier, and then sharing them with readers of her book and blog. Recommended Posts: Doing Things That Scare Me Can Make Me Both Happy and Unhappy, and the Line is Often Surprising and 11 Happiness Paradoxes to Contemplate As You Think About Your Happiness Project
8. Life Optimizer: Learn how to live to your maximum potential. Recommended Posts: 10 Ways to Reduce Stress and Improve the Quality of Your Life Today! and How to Deal with Anxiety
9. Scott H. Young: Learn how to get more out of life by improving yourself in every way. Recommended Posts: Do You Use "Lack of Motivation" as an Excuse? and Energy Management
10. Pick the Brain: You'll learn more about yourself and become more productive and motivated as you read this blog. Recommended Posts: Improve Your Personal Effectiveness by Finding Balance and What do you REALLY Want?
11. Illuminated Mind: This blog aims to help readers "live and work on your own terms," free from stress, anxiety, guilt, and ineffectiveness. Recommended Posts: Your Dissatisfaction is a Gift and Why People Hate Productivity
12. The Positivity Blog: Improve your "general awesomeness" so that being productive doesn't have to be painful. Recommended Posts: The Extremely Simple Guide to Handling the Overwhelm in 3 Quick Steps and 5 Reasons to Slow Down Your Life Today, and How to Do It
13. Steve-olson.com: Become more effective, balanced and streamlined in all areas of your life, from finances to family to your own relationship with yourself. Recommended Posts: Are You a Past, Present, or Future Oriented Person? and How to Think Yourself Free
14. Your Life. Organized: Get tips to help you step up and take more responsibility for your life. Recommended Posts: 5 Ways Disorganization Wastes Your Money and Screw the Joneses
15. Matthew Cornell: This blogger shares life experiments to help you live a more fulfilling life. Recommended Posts: Just do it? But HOW? 24 productivity experiments I tried, plus a QS time management recap and How to Bottle Up Good Feelings (Group Experiment)
16. Goal Success: Get tips on prioritizing and organizing your life and your future. Recommended Posts: Forget About New Year's Resolutions: What's Your Mission? and Overwhelmed By Your Goals? Discover 3 Questions to Maintain Momentum
17. Effective Time Management: This blog aggregates GTD posts to help you realize that the better you can manage your time, the less stressed you should be getting everything done. Recommended Posts: How to Schedule Your Day According to Your Priorities and Get Things Done and 5 Categories for Effective Time Management
18. Change Your Thoughts Change Your Life: Learn how to simplify but improve your life by changing your mindset. Recommended Posts: 7 Rocks That Are Holding You Back in Life and 6 Reasons Why You Might Be Feeling Bad Now
19. Neat and Simple Living: Written for people with ADHD or similar conditions, this blog can help anyone learn to focus on their tasks so that they can live a better life. Recommended Posts: If you were inspired and had a customized game plan, how much more of your potential be realized? and Making Peace with Your Morning Routines
20. The Lazy Way to Success: Discover how to be smarter and change your attitude so that success becomes a reality. Recommended Posts: How to Light the Inner Fire and Finding Your Calling
21. David Seah: David Seah's blog is all about empowerment, inspiration and personal development. Recommended Posts: The Art of Acting: Like Yourself and "Life Balance" Revisited

Meditation and Exercise

Take time out to release energy and refocus your priorities through meditation and exercise.

22. Stress Relief and Meditation: You'll find out why natural meditation is an effective strategy against stress. Recommended Posts: Stress Relief Tips for All and Meditation and Quieting Your Mind
23. The Wise Open Mind: Ronald Alexander, Ph.D helps readers recover from stress and anxiety by changing their chaotic environments with mental strength and exercises. Recommended Posts: The Wanting Mind of Depression & Unhappiness and Too Busy to Meditate? Think Again!
24. Zen Life Blog: The Zen Life and Meditation Center helps you find clarity and calm in your hectic life. Recommended Posts: Being Peace and Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
25. Tiny Buddha: This blog is full of happiness and de-stress tips, and shares great advice if you're new to meditation or want to refocus your energies on something more positive. Recommended Posts: 5 Easy Ways to Get Into Yoga This Spring and The Gift of Anxiety: 7 Ways to Get the Message and Find Peace
26. YogaDork: Find out how a modern-day yoga lifestyle will relax you and lead to better health and wellness. Recommended Posts: A Word on Tara Stiles, The New York Times and Yoga Snobbery and Your Brain on Yoga: New Studies in Neuroscience Show Meditation Positively Changes Your Brain
27. wildmind buddhist meditation blog: Ask Aunti Suvanna questions about meditation or just read the blog for tips and inspirational quotes. Recommended Posts: How "self-compassion" trumps "self-esteem and A list of ways to practice mindfulness
28. The Zennist: Discover modern paths to enlightenment here. Recommended Posts: The meaning or goal of Zen and How does one become enlightened?
29. YogaHub.org: This community blog should help to inspire you to find time to add yoga and meditation into your life for less anxiety, better relationships and a reason to help others. Recommended Posts: Meditate- oh sure and Lighten Up!
30. Daily Spark Blog: This exercise blog is designed to keep you motivated and to help you understand the holistic benefits of exercise. Recommended Posts: Is Your Diet Making You Cranky? and You Asked: How Do I Breathe In Yoga?

Medical and Informational Blogs

Get tips from doctors and other experts on relieving stress.

31. Stress Blog: Dr. Edward T. Creagan's blog on MayoClinic.com points out common problems and habits that lead to stress. Recommended Posts: Count to 10 before hitting send and Wake up to the dangers of sleep deprivation
32. Stress Free Kids: Stress isn't just an adult condition. Read this blog to help your kids relax and feel less anxious. Recommended Posts: Effects of Stress on Kids and Raising Optimistic Children
33. Recovering from Trauma: Brian Trappler, M.D. helps readers find ways to deal with major trauma and emotional stresses. Recommended Posts: Issues with Power Failure or Submission and What Happens to the Brain in PTSD
34. Stress and Sex: If stress is getting in the way of your sex life, let Laurie Mintz, Ph.D. help you regain your sense of composure and relief. Recommended Posts: Work out to Rev Up and Orgasms: You Can't Fake it Till You Make It

Wellness and Nutrition

Eating right and living a generally healthy life also contribute to stress-free living.

35. Time for Wellness: This blog encourages readers to cut out the negative habits and conditions affecting their health and well being, like obesity, insomnia and drugs and alcohol. Recommended Posts: Anger management might save your life and Naturopathic medicine for anxiety
36. Replenishing Soul: This alternative health blog is great for learning about hidden triggers for stress and anxiety, and then curing yourself through mindfulness and healthier habits. Recommended Posts: Forming new habits — why will power is not enough and Find your purpose
37. Stay Healthier: Through fitness, better nutrition and sleep, and other helpful strategies, you'll learn how to manage stress. Recommended Posts: Sleep More, Tense Less and Lose Weight — Simple and Get energized with food
38. HealthyLife: Carin Lane's TimesUnion.com blog promotes "living well in body, mind and spirit." Recommended Posts: Fit Tip Tuesday! and 75 tips to a healthier you
39. A Woman's Guide to Saner Living: While it's marketed towards women readers, everyone can find tips for "creating a life that feels good." Recommended Posts: What are you waiting for? Get your life on! and Tie Up Loose Ends
40. Thriving Lifestyle: This holistic nutrition and lifestyle coaching blog has the end goal of turning readers into happy, fulfilled, and healthy individuals. Recommended Posts: What have you done for YOU lately? and Relationships: A Form of Nourishment

General

These changes will help you reduce stress throughout your life.

1. Ask for help: Know that you're not alone, and seek help when you need it.
2. Set boundaries: Prioritize tasks and learn how to say no to avoid being over-scheduled.
3. Take care of yourself: Don't forget to put yourself on your to-do list.
4. Give yourself time-outs: Take the time to have fun, rune a few extra miles, or do something you enjoy to clear your head.
5. Get daily pockets of peace: Keep stress levels from becoming toxic by giving yourself a little peace time every day.

Relationships

Take the stress out of your relationships with these tiny changes.

6. Avoid people who stress you out: If you are constantly stressed by someone, limit your time with them or end the relationship.
7. Specifically define problems: Give your relationship problems a real name.
8. Commit to staying calm: Even when your tempers flare, make a commitment to being calm and respectful in conversations.
9. Say thanks: Be thankful for others and what you have in order to recognize your blessings.
10. Just listen: It's frustrating to feel that you're not being heard-give your partner respect and a listening ear.

Problem Solving

Problems create stress in our lives, and although they are not avoidable, there are things you can do to cut down on their impact.

11. Practice preventative maintenance: Think and act before problems happen so they're solved before you even have to fix them.
12. Identify the cause of stress: Even if you can't fix a problem immediately or at all, giving the source of your stress a name can make it better.
13. Be honest about temporary setbacks: Remind yourself when your troubles are only temporary-but be careful not to explain away chronic problems.
14. Plan ahead: Don't let preventable stress like traffic get the better of you-plan ahead to reduce the impact of stressful situations.
15. Accept what you can't change: Follow the Serenity Prayer and learn to accept the things you can't change.
16. Stay in perspective: Consider the true importance of the event or situation you're stressed by.

To-Dos

Tackle your never-ending list with a fresh attitude by making these changes.

17. End procrastination: Allowing tasks to pile up will stress you out-learn how to take care of stuff right away.
18. Schedule dreaded tasks early: Instead of putting off dreaded items on your list and worrying about them, just get them out of the way early.
19. Appreciate your achievements: Each time you achieve a goal, give yourself a pat on the back.

Emotional

Make these changes to take an emotional load off.

20. Laugh: Make time to laugh, and look at the humorous side of any situation to reduce stress and stress hormones.
21. Give yourself a mental spa: Take your mind on a spa treatment with a stress CD or book on tape.
22. Physically let go of stress: Cry or yell into a pillow to release anxiety and stress.
23. Pay attention to negative thinking: Observe when you are thinking negatively, and commit to replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.
24. Write a journal: Organize your thoughts and work through problems by writing them out on paper.
25. Meditate: Spend time meditating on a regular basis to cut out some of your stress.

Financial

With these changes, you can avoid letting financial stress overtake your life.

26. Talk about money: Sometimes just having a conversation about your finances can cut down on stress in a relationship.
27. Listen to suggestions: If you're fighting with your partner about money, make a point to pay attention to their ideas.
28. Prioritize: Think about what's most important in your life, and prioritize how you spend your money accordingly.

Health

Improve your health to reduce stress by making these small changes in your life.

29. Drink black tea: Healthful compounds in black tea can help you recover from stress more effectively.
30. Eliminate caffeine: Although this may sound counterintuitive to some caffeine junkies, cutting out caffeine can help you stop experiencing nervousness, peaks, highs, and lows.
31. Prioritize sleep: Forget staying up late to finish work-make sleeping a priority so you'll be fresh and happy when you need your energy.
32. Stretch: Stretch to reduce muscle tension, with activities like air punches and other simple exercises.

Activities

These small actions can have a big impact on your stress level.

33. Talk to yourself: Try positive affirmations and intentions to keep yourself upbeat.
34. Shrug your shoulders: Release tension and pain in your shoulders with a simple shoulder shrug.
35. Spend time outside: Get out and enjoy nature at some point in your day.
36. Be creative: Spend time nurturing creativity through a hobby like art or knitting.
37. Sing: Even if you're a terrible singer, spend a little time singing to pick up your spirits.

Home

Make these changes to ensure that your home is a stress-free environment.

38. Hire help: If you're having trouble staying on top of cleaning, hire a helper to clean on a regular basis, even if it's just once a month.
39. Get rid of clutter: Clutter is a reminder of things you have to do-get rid of clutter to find more energy and happiness.
40. Keep your home tidy: A clean home is a happy one, and open to visitors.
41. Check the emotional climate of your home: Make sure your home is a place where your family can de-stress.
42. Light a candle: Use aromatherapy candles to burn away negative energy.

Work

Cut out stress at work by making these changes.

43. Leave work at work: When you walk out the door, don't think about work or take it home.
44. Stop multitasking: Focus on one thing at a time to avoid feeling over-committed.
45. Try to drop stressful tasks: Talk to your boss about assignments that are especially stressful.

Quick Pick-Me-Ups

When all else fails, take a moment to use these quick pick-me-ups for a better day.

46. Get clean: Wash your cares away with a quick shower or bath, even if you've already bathed.
47. Use aromatherapy: Sniff essential oils to quickly boost your mood.
48. Call a friend: Talk to a friend and relate with each other about the stress in your lives.
49. Call your mom: Check in with your mom or someone else that you love for a little bit of quick happiness.
50. Primp: Spend an extra 5 minutes making yourself look good and feel better about yourself.

1. Increased risk of outbreak: Infectious diseases such as cholera, yellow fever, the plague and myriad others spread much faster in urban environments. Unsurprisingly, this has pretty much everything to do with a condensed population living in close proximity. Europe's devastating outbreak of bubonic plague in the 14th Century, killing off 30% to 60% of the continent's population, is probably the most infamous example of this phenomenon. In more contemporary times, the World Health Organization notes the swelling risk of yellow fever in West Africa's fast-growing urban centers. Considering they increase in population at a rate of around 4% a year — the highest in the world and double than the international average — this stands as a particularly disconcerting scenario.

2. Stunted mental functions: Urban living comes packaged with a melange of physical, mental and emotional stimuli, and on particularly active days can get more than a smidge overwhelming. Spending enough time in such environments may result in poor impulse control, reduced memory and complete exhaustion — among other lovely things. Scientists attribute this degradation to a distinct lack of nature, as exposure to greenery and other organics holds considerable sway over mental, physical and emotional well-being. Considering more people live in cities than rural areas, such a lack of exposure to the natural world spells out some disconcerting things about humanity's future. Some metropolitan areas now employ developers and scientists with the hopes of redesigning to allow for much healthier spaces.

3. The "double burden" of diseases: City dwellers suffer from a heightened risk of both infectious and noninfectious chronic diseases, oftentimes referred to as the "double burden." This especially holds true in impoverished, squalid neighborhoods whose inhabitants lack adequate health care access as well as regions experiencing exceptionally quick urbanization. Asthma, for example, runs far more rampant in such areas, as many individuals and families end up forced to live in moldy housing. Even beyond diseases, deaths and injuries as a result of work or violence also increase when living in major metropolises. These frequently kill or debilitate victims long before chronic infections or conditions have a chance to take hold.

4. Increased risk of depression: In addition to blunted mental functions, urbanites may also suffer from depression at a much higher rate. Poverty could especially stoke the metaphorical fires, as do poor working conditions — both of which sadly stand as major facets of city life. Many individuals with no prior history of depressive disorders develop them after further immersion low-income housing and careers. Research on the subject oftentimes turns up mixed results, of course, though few would be surprised if a definitive correlation finally emerges.

5. Obstructive lung disease ravages the homeless: Air pollution unsurprisingly negatively affects the respiratory systems of pretty much everyone calling an urban area home. Anyone living in or near heavily industrialized regions face a far higher risk of coming down with chronic lung and/or pulmonary issues. Car exhaust, too, isn't the greatest thing to inhale on a daily basis. But one of the world's most marginalized demographics especially suffers from the damages of respiratory ailments the most. Obstructive lung disease occurs at a 15% rate in the homeless — double the average in the United States. Bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are also far more common in this population as well. Cigarette smoking, inadequate nutrition options and exposure to the elements only worsens their health.

6. Poor water means poor health: No matter the socioeconomic bracket, exposure to a compromised public water supply leads to a health crisis of urban proportions. Of course, poorer areas unable to afford the sanitation technology necessary to lessen the chances of serious or fatal outbreaks suffer the highest risk of a public health nightmare. Whether by natural or man-made means, any sort of contamination to a city's water supply could spell doom for a much broader population segment than the ones found in rural regions. There's a reason why officials (or, at least, the few genuinely concerned about humanity) wring their hands over the possibility of bioterrorists directly infiltrating public wells, reservoirs and other major drinking water sources. Beyond that, callous corporations treating lakes and ponds as personal dumping grounds for pollutants and waste infamously make life that much unhealthier for the populace.

7. Lessened risk of death or injury in a car accident: This probably sounds incredibly bizarre, but city slickers are actually far less likely to die or sustain a serious injury in a car accident than their rural counterparts. In some of the most egregious cases, particularly Wyoming, Montana and Mississippi, the rural death rate sits at double that found in urban areas. While the findings understandably pique their fair share of controversy, this phenomenon is attributed to the generally poorer condition of roads. Passing laws to help prevent such things almost always come packaged with a plethora of public outcry, making it exceptionally difficult to lower the risk across the board.

8. Improper design of multifamily housing is a cause for great concern: Beyond the comparatively rapid spread of communicable diseases, multifamily housing units also cause serious problems for those concerned about respiratory and pulmonary conditions both temporary and chronic. Depending on its design, some homes may actually trap outdoor air pollutants indoors, making life dangerous and miserable no matter where inhabitants roam. Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, radon, benzene, nitrogen dioxide and more can all creep inside – assuming they don't come from within the home itself! Asbestos, lead paint and mold, while not exclusive to urban areas, also pose massive health threats. Once again, poverty-stricken neighborhoods fall victim to squalid, unhealthily-designed housing options far more than those with the money to renovate and restore.

9. Physical inactivity: Not all instances of obesity or being overweight are caused by physical inactivity — genetics, health and medical issues and diet can play a part in it as well. One cannot assume that all fitting the criteria necessarily incorporate little exercise or proper nutrition into their lifestyles, though sadly such stereotypes unfairly persist. However, in spite of this, the physical inactivity that stems from taking public transportation can (though not always) contribute to weight issues. As one can probably imagine, such health risks arise in developed nations far more often, as those in poorer ones must rely on biking or walking. Individuals concerned with the problems associated with an inactive lifestyle should consider supplementing it by exercising regularly or considering healthier options when going to or from work.

10. It may be easier to correctly diagnose elderly women in urban areas: Please keep in mind such a statement only comes from one study conducted by the University of Alberta and Simon Fraser University, so take such statements as nothing yet definitive. Elderly women on the fringes of urban society typically self-analyze as living with fair to poor health, though in rural areas they're more likely to suffer from heart disease — at least in Canada. By contrast, the social determinants used when making diagnoses on elderly women in urban zones are far more accurate.