Tattoos and Piercings Could be the Answer to Migraine Problems
People have known about the restorative healing powers of acupuncture for thousands of years. In fact, the ancient Eastern practice is so effective that it has been fully integrated into Western medicine and is incorporated into the services of 3,000 clinical physician practices across the United States. But in a strange yet modern twist of fate, thousands of people are now skipping the doctor’s office and heading straight to the tattoo parlor. Yes, you heard correctly. In a new study published by the American Journal of Human Biology, researchers at the University of Alabama found that receiving multiple tattoos can work to strengthen people’s immune systems, making it easier for them to fight off common infections. For tattoo artist and co-owner of Cape Fear Tattoo, Eddie Stewart, this information comes as no surprise. “Your immune system is what takes...
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Ikea Designer’s Passing Leaves Legacy of Functional, Multipurpose Furniture
Having an idea to remove the legs from a table while still finding use for it may not seem like an amazing innovation, but the man who perfected this method will not be forgotten. Gillis Lundgren, the man who designed the BILLY bookcase, passed away on Feb. 25 at the age of 86, according to Quartz. Lundgren was responsible for the design of over 200 pieces of IKEA furniture, and helped transform the customization of furniture. By the “Billy’s” 30th anniversary in 2009, the Swedish furniture maker had sold more than 41 million of the shelving units. Lundgren’s thought process when designing revolved around creating furniture that was “simple, practical and useful for everyone,” he said when he won the Tenzing Prize in 2012. “My design philosophy has always been that I design for the many people, I want...
Read MoreAlabama’s Natural Treasures Are Now Available For Viewing Online
In a partnership between the National Park Service and Google, it’s become easier to visit Alabama’s parks and historical sites right from your computer.More than 3,800 artworks and artifacts from parks across the country are being added to Google’s database of online imagery and Google Street View.Interior Secretary Dally Jewell announced the partnership at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, the training site for the first black U.S. military pilots of WWII. It is featured on the Google Cultural Institute, an online museum.One goal for the project, said Jewell, is to attract and encourage more people to visit national parks — a feat that should not be too difficult, especially as 77% of Americans view outdoor recreation as an important part of their lives.Artifacts from sites such as the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Little River Canyon National Preserve,...
Read MoreTuberculosis Outbreak In Alabama’s Poorest County
Marion, AL, is experiencing a severe tuberculosis outbreak, reported the New York Times. The incidence rate is about 100 times greater than the state’s and worse than that of many developing countries.The popularity of holistic methods such as the use of essential oils, which have been utilized for 6,000 years and experienced a recent revival, may be accountable for some instance of the deliberate refusal of modern medicine and doctors. However, in Marion, no such luxury is at fault for the spread of tuberculosis in the largely black and poor community. Endemic poverty, lack of access to health care and mistrust of health care systems are cited as reasons for the outbreak, according to residents and medical experts.Dr. Allen Perkins, a former president of the Alabama Rural Health Association said, “There’s not a culture of care-seeking behavior unless your really...
Read MoreAlabama Ranks as the 5th Most Obese State
In a recent national survey, 50 states were ranked according to their levels of obesity among their population. The state of Alabama was voted one of the most obese states in the country, coming in at number five. The data was released by the State of Obesity, an organization that advocates for better policies for a healthier America. On their website, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Mississippi came in at the highest, each with an obesity rate over 35%, and Colorado had the lowest instance of obesity with 21.3% of the population falling into the obese category. In total, Alabama’s obesity percentage came in at around 33.5%, making it one of 22 states with an obesity rate over 30%. These statistics are alarming, particularly when are stacked up against obesity rates from the past three decades. In 1990, for example,...
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The Most Important Lessons Parents Can Teach Children
Teaching children to always say please and thank you, respect their elders, use good table manners, always tell the truth, and not talk to strangers are respectively the top five most important lessons parents can give their kids, according to a new poll. Following a detailed poll of the United Kingdom’s mothers and fathers, researchers have released a list of the 59 most important life lessons. Teaching kids to say please and thank you was considered the most important lesson, according to 80% of parents polled, while teaching kids the proper way to open a champagne bottle was considered the least important. “It is interesting that the top three things on the parental teaching list are all to do with ‘behaviour,’ and how the child ‘appears’ to others,” said psychologist Donna Dawson, who was involved in the study. “Parents...
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