Why I Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses (at Night)

When I first started wearing blue light blocking glasses at night a few years ago (which look like orange sunglasses), they were much less common. Someone once asked me if I wore them because I have some kind of eye disease! Of course the answer was “no”, but since then, they’ve gotten much more popular…

At a restaurant recently, a waiter asked me if my orange glasses were actually blue blocking glasses and said he had some too!

What are Blue Light Blocking Glasses?

In short, they are glasses designed to block most blue light that a person encounters after it is dark outside. Think of them as reverse sunglasses. You wear them inside instead of outside and to block artificial light, but not the sun.

If you look at the research, it turns out that wearing silly glasses can serve a serious purpose!

The Problem with Blue Light (After Dark)

Artificial light is still a relatively new invention to modern man, and exposure to this type of lighting may be drastically affecting our biology. For most of history, people rose and slept with the sun. Their circadian rhythm was effortlessly controlled by the light of the sun and moon.

Now, we experience light at all times of day and night. Electronics and artificial lighting emit blue light, which only occurs in nature during the brightest part of the day. So when we encounter light that would only occur in nature during the bright afternoon hours at 11:00 PM, our bodies get confused!

From Harvard:

While light of any kind can suppress the secretion of melatonin, blue light does so more powerfully. Harvard researchers and their colleagues conducted an experiment comparing the effects of 6.5 hours of exposure to blue light to exposure to green light of comparable brightness. The blue light suppressed melatonin for about twice as long as the green light. It shifted circadian rhythms by twice as much (3 hours vs. 1.5 hours).

Reduced Melatonin

Research suggests that blue light after sunset can disrupt circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin production.

Think about it, until the invention of electric light bulbs, people relied on the sun for the majority of their light. After dark, they only used natural sources of light such as candles, campfires, and lanterns (all orange lights). With the dawn of modern electricity, we suddenly had the ability to stay up with lights on for many hours after sunset.

With computers, TVs, tablets, and phones, this use has extended even more, and these new technologies are especially high in blue light. We’re only starting to understand the affects, but we know that artificial light at night impacts cortisol patterns, melatonin, and circadian rhythm.

This is the reason that recent research found that just one week of camping away from artificial light could fix many sleep problems!

I truly believe that the next wave of medicine will involve addressing light, the gut, and sleep more comprehensively. Until then, we have to find ways to address these things ourselves. Blue light and artificial light at night have been linked to:

Disrupted Sleep

Electricity and artificial lighting have drastically changed the world. Of course, they have many benefits, but they also give us the ability to mess with our circadian rhythm and our sleep cycles.

Sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus makes this statement in his book The Power of When:

The most disruptive event in the history of biotime occurred on December 31, 1879 with the invention of the electric light bulb.

Researchers have known for years that shift workers and those who are regularly up late at night are at a higher risk for various cancers. More recent research shows that even recreational exposure to blue light for a few hours at night can also have a negative effect.

Some researchers even promote the theory that the disruption of natural circadian rhythm from (blue) light after dark is a big contributing factor to the rise in obesity and chronic disease. (1) There is even evidence linking this disruption of the sleep cycle to higher rates of heart disease, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. (2)

From Harvard Medical School:

Study after study has linked working the night shift and exposure to light at night to several types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It’s not exactly clear why nighttime light exposure seems to be so bad for us. But we do know that exposure to light suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that influences circadian rhythms, and there’s some experimental evidence (it’s very preliminary) that lower melatonin levels might explain the association with cancer. (3)

Shift workers and those up after 11:00 PM seem to be especially at risk for the negative effects of blue light. Yet, research is showing that any of us who are up after dark looking at sources of blue light (TV, computer, etc.) are at risk.

When Blue Light is Beneficial

It is important to note that blue light in itself is actually a very good thing. Exposure to blue light (preferably outdoors) is important during the day to maintain proper circadian rhythm. It is only blue light at night that causes the problems. At night, blue light signals the body that it is still daytime (sunlight has a lot of blue light).

In fact, avoiding blue light during the day has been linked to depression and sleep troubles! It is important to get blue light, but only during the day when it benefits the body. I have a 10,000 lux light box (with blue light spectrum) that I use in the morning and on rainy days to help my cortisol rhythm for this reason.

The Benefits of Blocking Blue Light (at Night)

Turns out, there is a simple way to reduce most of the blue light we see at night: blue light blocking glasses.

This simple change could have big benefits, including:

Eye Protection

Dr. Mercola explains that “the benefits of blue-blocking glasses are immense and varied. In my view the primary benefit is to prevent damage to the DHA essential fat in your retinal pigmented epithelium. This is responsible for converting sunlight into vital DC electric current your body needs.”

Melatonin Production

Researchers at the University of Toronto compared the melatonin levels of two groups:

1. People exposed to bright indoor light who were wearing blue-light–blocking goggles
2. People exposed to regular dim light without wearing goggles.

Melatonin levels were about the same in the two groups. This strengthens the hypothesis that blue light is a potent suppressor of melatonin. It also suggests that shift workers and night owls could perhaps protect themselves if they wore eyewear that blocks blue light.

Cortisol Patterns

I notice a big difference in my sleep and my cortisol patters when I regularly wear blue light blocking glasses at night. From testing, I’ve found that my salivary cortisol pattern is drastically improved when I avoid blue light after dark.

Better Sleep

A study of 20 adults who wore either blue-light blocking or ultraviolet-light blocking glasses for 3 hours before sleep found that both sleep quality and mood improved among those in the group who wore blue-light blocking glasses, compared to the ultraviolet-light blocking group.

Help for Shift Workers

Shift workers are at especially high risk for circadian rhythm disruptions, because of their non-traditional schedules. At study from Quebec’s Universite Laval, studied nightshift workers who used blue-light blocking glasses at or near the end of their overnight shifts for 4 weeks. At the end of the study period, their overall sleep amounts increased, as did their sleep efficiency.

Mitochondria Support

There is some evidence that blue light will increase the distance of the proteins in the respiratory electron transport chain in the mitochondria. This makes them much less efficient in producing mitochondria.

How to Find Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Of all the health related changes I’ve made, this is one of the easiest and most effective! I just put on my blue light blocking glasses when the sun goes down and take them off when I go to bed.

Thankfully, there are now some great (and even trendy) blue light blocking glasses. When I first started wearing them, I could only find unattractive, hunting-type glasses (see small photo near the top of post). After trying many glasses, our family now uses these:

• Metal Blue Light Blocking Glasses: These glasses are lab-tested to block 97% of blue light. I find that they actually make it easier to see in low light and are great for computer use as well. Here’s another great metal option.
• Kids Glasses: These glasses fit our kids so they each have a pair that we keep in a basket in our living room for family movie nights and regular use after dark.
• Budget Friendly Option: I also have a pair of these really cute orange glasses that I wear around the house at night.

Other Ways to Limit & Avoid Blue Light at Night

• Reduce or avoid TV, computer, phone, etc. after dark.
• Use an app like f.lux on computers and tablets. This automatically reduces blue light on these devices after dark.
• Dim overhead lights or just use lamps with orange bulbs after dark. Our favorite way to do this is by using salt lamps to light our house at night. Bonus: They also help clean the air.
• Get bright sunlight during the day. This helps keep circadian rhythm in check and get some Vitamin D at the same time!

Sources:

1. Obesity and metabolic syndrome: Association with chronodisruption, sleep deprivation, and melatonin suppression
2. Melatonin and circadian biology in human cardiovascular disease
3. Blue Light Has a Dark Side – Harvard Medical School
4.Exposure to Room Light before Bedtime Suppresses Melatonin Onset and Shortens Melatonin Duration in Humans
5. More studies on blue light and melatonin available here.

Ever tried blue light blocking glasses? Would you wear orange sunglasses at night? Think it’s weird? Share below!

Continue Reading...Why I Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses (at Night)

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SAS conquers Odyssey of the Mind

Led by coaches Kate Brundage and Adam Burden, the SAS Division 1 Odyssey of the Mind Team places eighth in the World Finals held at Michigan State University in May this year.

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SAS is recognized as Apple Distinguished School

SAS has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2017–2019 for its transformative, innovative and effective implementation of technology as part of its curriculum.

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Superhero Playground Challenge for Energetic Kids

Mortgage rates fall for Wednesday

If you're thinking about refinancing, it may be a great time to lock in a rate.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2ror416

Mortgage rates fall for Wednesday

If you're thinking about refinancing, it may be a great time to lock in a rate.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2ror416

Mortgage rates fall for Wednesday

If you're thinking about refinancing, it may be a great time to lock in a rate.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2ror416

SAS conquers Odyssey of the Mind

Led by coaches Kate Brundage and Adam Burden, the SAS Division 1 Odyssey of the Mind Team places eighth in the World Finals held at Michigan State University in May this year.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/2r9s09k

SAS is recognized as Apple Distinguished School

Singapore American School (SAS) has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2017–2019 for its transformative, innovative and effective implementation of technology as part of its curriculum.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/2skkINJ

Benefits of Safe Sun Exposure for Reduced Cancer Risk (& Vitamin D)

There are few topics I could write about that would be as controversial as that of safe sun exposure. Perhaps vaccines and why I don’ reduce a fever, but based on current research, this topic may be one of the most important ones that isn’t getting nearly enough attention.

Here’s why:

Sunbathing and tanning often get a bad rap in our society, but mounting evidence is revealing that moderate sun exposure at healthy levels is not only safe, but necessary. Burning and extreme sun exposure are harmful and can lead to increased cancer risk. But moderate sun exposure doesn’t increase this risk. Vitamin D (obtained from sun exposure) has been linked to a lower risk of many cancers (including skin cancer).

In fact, the most recent in-depth review found that avoiding the sun was a risk factor for all-cause mortality of the same magnitude as smoking.

In other words: avoiding the sun may be as dangerous as smoking cigarettes!

Sun Exposure…Healthy?

First, Let’s All Take a Deep Breath… As I said, this is a controversial topic. I’m sharing what I’ve found from research and blood tests on myself and my family. I’m not a doctor and don’t play one on the internet or anywhere else. I just read a lot of studies for fun and am sharing a couple of really fascinating new ones here.

Let’s just all agree to play nice in the comments. Ok?

Even if we disagree, please comment with respect. Let’s also remember that anecdotal evidence doesn’t prove anything.

Examples of anecdotal evidence:

1. You know someone who died from skin cancer, therefore you think all sun exposure is bad. (Even though science doesn’t back this up and that scenario doesn’t prove causation).
2. You know someone who has been outside every day of his or her entire life and got sunburned all the time and never got cancer, therefore all sun exposure is safe. (Science also doesn’t back this up).

We all know people who have been affected by cancer and many hugs to all of you who have lost someone to this dreaded disease. That does not, however, equal a scientific study. I know someone who has never gotten sun exposure, wears a hat and sunscreen daily, and still got skin cancer on his nose. This is also not scientifically relevant.

That said, the current evidence is showing that some levels of sun exposure are safe. Ironically, some reserach indicates that some sunscreen ingredients may be increasing skin cancer.

But read on:

Sunscreen, Sunburn and Skin Cancer, Oh My

In the last several decades, the push to use sunscreen and limit exposure to the sun has gotten stronger. It is now possible to find SPF 70 or higher! Thanks to massive campaigns, most people are at least mildly aware of the “dangers” of sun exposure.

Except for sun exposure may not be as dangerous as we think! And avoiding the sun may be the dangerous part.

Despite the push for more awareness about sun exposure, and the advice to use sunscreen whenever we go outside, incidence of skin cancer, especially melanoma, is rising dramatically.

In fact, skin cancer rates are rising by 4.2% annually, despite the fact that we  spend less time outdoors and wear more sunscreen. We are doing the things we are “supposed” to do and the problem is getting worse.

But is Sun Exposure the Reason?

Here’s where things get interesting…

Perhaps the problem isn’t lack of sunscreen, or even sun exposure at all, but a deeper cause.

A recent in-depth scientific review found that while sunburn is harmful, moderate non-burning sun exposure (without sunscreen) had many benefits.

To Repeat:

“Recently, however, scientific inquiry has increasingly turned to the benefits of moderate sun exposure and the public health risks of inadequate sun exposure.”

In Other Words:

Not getting ENOUGH sun can be just as harmful (or more so) than too much. Like so many things in life, the dose makes the poison.

And, Sunscreen May NOT Help Avoid Cancer

The general idea is that since sunscreen prevents sunburn, it also logically prevents skin cancer. Seems logical, but science doesn’t back this up! Also, sunscreen may block some of the most beneficial aspects of sun exposure. It may slow burning but it also blocks Vitamin D, and vitamin D deficiency is epidemic.

The scientific review also found that: “We can find no consistent evidence that use of chemical sunscreens reduces the risk of melanoma.”

The review authors even went so far as to suggest that sunscreen carry a warning label!

Concluding that:

Since public health authorities recommend liberal use of sunscreens for good health, the labeling of sunscreens should contain a statement about the possibility of Vitamin D deficiency that may result from excessive use of sunscreens. Labeling should also state that sunscreens have not been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of melanoma.

Another study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics found a similar result:

Sunscreens protect against sunburn, but there is no evidence that they protect against basal cell carcinoma or melanoma. Problems lie in the behavior of individuals who use sunscreens to stay out longer in the sun than they otherwise would. Vitamin D inhibition is, at this stage, unlikely due to insufficient use by individuals. Safety of sunscreens is a concern, and sunscreen companies have emotionally and inaccurately promoted the use of sunscreens.

Sunscreen DOES Block Vitamin D

Avoiding sunburn is certainly a good idea. The idea that sunscreen is the best way to do so is certainly up for debate.

We know that sunscreen inhibits Vitamin D production, especially when used regularly and that Vitamin D deficiency has been strongly linked to a variety of cancers, including two of the most common and most dangerous: breast and colon cancer.

So as a society we avoid the sun, even though we need sun exposure to help our bodies naturally produce Vitamin D. Then we put chemical laden lotions (sunscreen) on in hopes of reducing one type of cancer (skin cancer). In the process, we might make ourselves Vitamin D deficient and increase our chance of a host of other cancers, including some of the most common and dangerous ones.

And the study above showed that sunscreen doesn’t even prevent melanoma anyway!

Vitamin D: Vital for Health

In many cases we are (sometimes literally) cutting off our noses to spite our face when it comes to the sun. One study at the Oslo University Hospital in Norway found that the benefits of sun exposure far surpassed any risk:

It can be estimated that increased sun exposure to the Norwegian population might at worst result in 200-300 more cancer from malignant melanoma deaths per year, but it would elevate the vitamin D status by about 25 nmol/l (nanomoles per liter) and might result in 4,000 fewer internal cancers and about 3,000 fewer cancer deaths overall.

That’s just good math…

Sun exposure might lead to a few hundred more melanoma deaths, but would potentially stop 3,000 other deaths. That means a net of 2,700-2,800 people would get to live if they didn’t avoid the sun. I’d take those odds personally (and I do, daily).

Other studies have found links between low-vitamin D levels and Parkinson’s Disease, bone disease, blood clots, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. A recent study even found that regular sun exposure helped women to live longer. Yet another study found that regular sun exposure could cut breast cancer risk in half!

Vitamin D is Important for Pregnancy, Babies, & Kids

Vitamin D is also essential during pregnancy and nursing as adequate blood levels of Vitamin D have been linked to lower premature labor and overall complication risk. Low Vitamin D levels can put a mom at higher risk for gestational diabetes and can lead to bone or other problems for the baby. Another recent study found that pregnant women should get more sun to increase several health markers for themselves and their babies.

Pregnancy & Vitamin D

This article from the Vitamin D council explains the importance of Vitamin D during pregnancy. Optimal levels are above 30 ng/mL during pregnancy. Some doctors even recommend levels above 60 ng/mL for best health, especially during pregnancy.

But women aren’t even close to those levels:

• Dr. Joyce Lee and her colleagues at the University of Michigan found that 37 of 40 pregnant women had levels below 40 ng/mL, and the majority had levels below 20 ng/mL. More than 25% had levels below 10 ng/mL.
• Dr. Lisa Bodnar, a prolific Vitamin D researcher, found that of 400 pregnant Pennsylvania women; 63% had levels below 30 ng/mL and 44% of the black women in the study had levels below 15 ng/mL. Prenatal vitamins had little effect on the incidence of deficiency.
• Dr. Dijkstra and colleagues studied 70 pregnant women in the Netherlands, none had levels above 40 ng/mL and 50% had levels below 10 ng/mL. Again, prenatal vitamins appeared to have little effect on 25(OH)D levels, as you might expect since prenatal vitamins only contain 400 IU of Vitamin D.

They concluded that:

More than 95% of pregnant women have 25(OH)D levels below 50 ng/mL, the level that may indicate chronic substrate starvation. That is, they are using up any Vitamin D they have very quickly and do not have enough to store for future use. Pretty scary.

These chronic low Vitamin D levels during pregnancy can lead to increased risk of cesarean, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and vaginal infection in the mother, and a higher risk of autism, mental disorders, infection, low birth weight, and heart/lung/brain problems among others.

Vitamin D for Babies & Kids

Babies and kids may also be suffering from vitamin D and sun deficiency. Adequate vitamin D levels are really important for growing children, and not just to avoid rickets. A lot of research links adequate Vitamin D levels in children to better mental and physical health.

“As a rule, in the absence of significant sun exposure, we believe that most healthy children need about 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily per 11 kg (25 lb) of body weight to obtain levels greater than 50 ng/mL. Some will need more, and others less. In our opinion, children with chronic illnesses such as autism, diabetes, and/or frequent infections should be supplemented with higher doses of sunshine or vitamin D3, doses adequate to maintain their 25(OH)D levels in the mid-normal of the reference range (65 ng/mL) — and should be so supplemented year-round (p. 868).”

Many kids aren’t even getting 1/4 of that on a good day, and when they do, it often comes from the less useable Vitamin D2.

Our whole family has tested our Vitamin D levels (including me during pregnancy and after) and even with moderate daily sun exposure, we were all low (in the high 20s or 30s). I work with a doctor to test and supplement (while still getting sun exposure) if it is necessary.

Why Safe Sun Exposure May REDUCE Cancer Risk

The most comprehensive current studies don’t recommend avoiding the sun. To the contrary, the recent review (read the full review here) concluded:

In this paper we review the current state of the science of the risks and benefits of sun exposure and suggest that public health advice be changed to recommend that all men, women and children accumulate sufficient non-burning sun exposure to maintain their serum 25hydroxyvitaminD [25(OH)D] levels at 30 ng/mL or more year-round.

The Review Also Found:

• Sunbathing without burning reduced the risk of melanoma. Non-burning sun exposure is associated with a reduced risk of melanoma. Sunburns are associated with a doubling of the risk of melanoma. This means that while we should avoid sunburn, sun exposure itself is associated with less risk of melanoma!
• Long term exposure may also protect the skin. “With respect to chronic non-burning sun exposure, it is thought that protection against sunburn and development of melanoma derives from photo-adaptation (increased melanisation and epidermal thickening) or from the induction of higher levels of vitamin D, or possibly both.”
• Vitamin D reduces cancer risk. Science already knew this, but the study specifically found that…”Vitamin D produced by UVB exposure is converted to the active form of vitamin D by its sequential metabolism in the liver to form the major circulating form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Evidence suggests that vitamin D that is produced in the skin can also be converted in the skin to its active form 1,25(OH)2D, thereby enhancing DNA repair and lowering cancer risk.”
• Lack of sun exposure may be driving the rising melanoma rates. The review found that sun exposure is not likely the cause of rising melanoma rates. In fact, the opposite may be true. Declining sun exposure may be to blame: “A more plausible explanation for the rise in melanoma incidence since 1935 may be the continually-increasing insufficient non-burning sun exposure and related increasing vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, and the increasing sunburn prevalence experienced by the American public over the same time period.”

Vitamin D Deficient = More Likely to Die?

The scientific review also found a relevant link between Vitamin D and reduced risk of death. Basically, the higher a person’s Vitamin D levels,  the less likely that person was to die. The review noted that those with adequate Vitamin D had less risk of death from heart disease and certain cancers.

Inadequate sun exposure was also linked to higher rates of dental cavities, eye problems, obesity, skin problems and more.

Does Diet Impact Sun Exposure Risk?

In the quest for an easy (and profitable) solution to skin cancer, mainstream medicine and media have recommended sunscreen and limiting sun exposure. At the same time, they’ve ignored any potential role diet can play in skin cancer formation or prevention.

Perhaps, since skin cancer rates are rising despite the highest rates of sunscreen use in history… it is time to look at alternative explanations.

In the same past few decades that skin cancer (and other cancer) rates have risen, some dietary factors have also changed, including: increased use of Omega-6 vegetable oils, higher consumption of processed foods, more chemical additives in foods, reduced consumption of saturated fats, increased grain consumption, etc.

Increased Omega-6 Vegetable Oil Consumption

Omega-6 oils like canola, cottonseed, vegetable, soybean, etc., are a very new addition to our diets. There is no biological need to consume oils in this state. Some evidence also shows that when these oils are consumed, they can be used in place of the saturated and monounsaturated fats the body needs for skin formation and actually lead to skin cancer.

In fact, some studies have shown that the high linoleic acid content in vegetable oils increases the instance of skin cancer and other cancers, and lowers the body’s ability to fight cancer. As the article explains:

Thus, the amount of linoleic acid in the diet as well as the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 determine the susceptibility of the skin to damage from UV rays. This is a very straightforward explanation for the beautiful skin of people eating traditional fats like butter and coconut oil. It’s also a straightforward explanation for the poor skin and sharply rising melanoma incidence of Western nations (source). Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer.

While vegetable oil consumption has risen, saturated fat and Omega-3 fat consumption has dropped.

Reduced Saturated Fat and Omega-3 Fat Consumption

As Omega-6 oil consumption has risen, consumption of saturated fats and Omega-3 fats has declined. We’ve seen how well that’s worked out for us, but it turns out that it could have a pretty big impact on skin health, too.

The body needs healthy fats, including saturated fats and Omega-3 fats, to regenerate skin tissue. The body prefers these types of fats. If the body doesn’t get these fats (and many people don’t these days), it will use whatever it has available. It may even use Omega-6 fats, which are not the preferred fat for building skin and collagen.

Bottom Line: Time to Rethink Sun Exposure

Based on the largest review of evidence we have to date, it is time to re-think sun exposure. The idea that the sun causes skin cancer isn’t the full story. Believing that for the past 70+ years may be doing much more harm than good.

While we’ve avoided the sun to hopefully avoid skin cancer, our rates of other cancers are going up. Our rates of all-cause mortality are going up. And this review found that a lack of sun may be the reason.

Sun Exposure: What I Do

In light of this, and so much other evidence, I don’t personally avoid the sun. In fact, I make it a point to spend some time in the sun daily. I also test my Vitamin D levels, take supplemental Vitamin D too and don’t use harmful sunscreens.

I get out of the sun before I get close to burning. If I get enough sun exposure and want to stay outside, I just cover up and wear a hat. And for the first time in my adult life, my Vitamin D levels are in the healthy range. I also “eat my sunscreen” by eating a real food diet and taking specific supplements that help protect the body from the inside out.

Your turn: What do you do when it comes to sun exposure?

Continue Reading...Benefits of Safe Sun Exposure for Reduced Cancer Risk (& Vitamin D)

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First Look – Cobra KING Oversized Hybrid

The Oversized hybrid that Cobra quietly displayed at the PGA Show has a release date.

Complementing, and if you so desire, pairing beautifully, with last season’s KING OS Irons is the new KING Oversized hybrid.

As the name suggests, the King Oversized is a large hybrid designed for the Super Game-Improvement market. It features a big, wide, dare I say, oversized, footprint. Speaking directly to the demands of the category, the Oversized is a high MOI offering that includes Cobra’s PWRSHELL Face technology for more speed across the face - the first time PWRSHELL has been put in a hybrid. Cobra says the OS Hybrid is the largest, most-forgiving hybrid its ever produced.

For those of you playing along at home, Cobra is suggesting the King Oversized Hybrid hits the trifecta; it’s long, straight, and forgiving.

Of particular note, the KING Oversized features a TeXtreme carbon fiber crown; the same material used in Cobra’s drivers and LTD Fairway wood. Carbon fiber crowns in hybrids were basically unheard of before this season, but that’s changing rapidly. PXG (0317X), Callaway (Epic), and now Cobra, offer carbon fiber in at least one of their hybrids.

In the case of the Oversized, the material saves 8 grams vs. steel. That may not sound like much, but with the larger footprint of the Oversized design, and that savings is what allowed Cobra to push the center of gravity comparatively lower and deeper than it could have with a steel crown.

The KING LTD Hybrid?

While it was only a matter of time before two key Cobra technologies (TeXtreme and PWRSHELL) would find their way into a hybrid, it's a bit of a surprise that they're debut in an SGI offering. More often than not, firsts are reserved for flagship products, and that makes me wonder if the hybrid wasn't originally designed to be part of the LTD lineup. I supsect we'll see both technologies in Cobra's 2018 fall offerings.

Also of note, unlike Cobra’s most recent super game-improvement offerings, and even recent mainstream releases, the King Oversized hybrid lacks baffler rails (like the LTD fairway). That's a bit odd considering that Baffler technology has been a near constant inclusion in Cobra's SGI offerings. In fact, while the profile says SGI, the aesthetics, the TeXtreme crown, and that lack of rails, suggest a club that, if not for its footprint (and arguably its audience) would scream KING LTD.

That's not a bad thing. We're talking about a tech-rich hybrid, with a clean and classic look that just happens to be a little bit on the large size.

Specs, Pricing, and Availability

The Cobra KING Oversized hybrid is available in 3-4, 45, and 5-6 models. With Cobra’s MyFly8 adjustability, that’s a range of 19° to 29° across the line.

The stock shaft is a UST Recoil 460ES graphite, available in lite, regular, stiff, and X-stiff flex.

Retail price for the hybrids is $249. They can also be purchased as part of an 8-piece Cobra Oversized set for $1099 (steel shaft irons) or $1199 (graphite shaft irons).

Availability beings Friday, June 2, 2017.

For more information, visit CobraGolf.com.

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A Crab Walk Transfer Gross Motor Activity

Click here to read A Crab Walk Transfer Gross Motor Activity on Hands On As We Grow

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Getting kids to move doesn’t have to be tricky! This silly gross motor activity from Francis has a fun motivation and is great for building core strength.

This activity could not be any simpler, and it’s a great way for kids to burn off extra energy!

All you need is a few favorite toys, and some kind of “house” for those toys. We made a cardboard cutout of a house and taped it to the wall, but you could use a box, a laundry basket, anything really!

Mom bonus: if you’re already got toys laying around the house (who doesn’t?) you can use this game to get your kids excited about cleaning up on their own!

Check out this video to see our crab walk game in action!

Melissa chose some of her favorite stuffed animals. I told her the animals had wandered from home and had to get back with her help. But there was one important detail: she had to carry them home by crab walking!

With a stuffed animal on her belly, she sat with feet flat on the floor and knees pointing up. With her hands behind her back, she pushed down on the floor to lift her bottom off the floor.

Let your kids experiment with figuring out how they want to carry the toys in their crab walk. Their creativity could lead to some serious giggles!

Melissa learned how to move and carry her stuffed animal at the same time while trying not to drop it!

When the animal arrived home in our cardboard house, she ran back for the other animals. In the end, all three animals were safe at home!

This activity was a lot of fun! Sometimes I even catch Melissa doing some crab walking around the house now!

Here is a great list of 40 Gross Motor Activities to Get Your Kids Moving!

What other ways can you play with crab walking?

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Refinance rates fall for Tuesday

If you're thinking about refinancing, it may be a great time to lock in a rate.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2shmAH2

Mortgage rates move down for Tuesday

If you're thinking about refinancing, it may be a great time to lock in a rate.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2rjrBl3

Refinance rates fall for Tuesday

If you're thinking about refinancing, it may be a great time to lock in a rate.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2shmAH2

Mortgage rates move down for Tuesday

If you're thinking about refinancing, it may be a great time to lock in a rate.

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Closer Look: Toulon Indianapolis Putter

We refuse to believe that putter innovation is dead. -Toulon Design

According to Bloom’s Taxonomy, synthesis (“putting together of elements and parts so as to form a whole.”) represents one of the higher levels of thinking. I view synthesis as the connections between the disconnected. You take knowledge from seemingly unrelated areas, find the connections, and build something novel from the union of the components.

If you take a moment to think about it, there are a number of current pieces of golf gear out there whose designs are exercises in synthesis.

Think about the Callaway XR line of drivers. What was the “big deal” about the XR? Thinking back to the 2016 PGA show, Callaway had a giant airplane in their booth to promote their partnership with Boeing in designing the XR. Callaway and Boeing were combining knowledge to produce a better driver. Boeing engineers’ expertise in aerodynamics helped create a driver shape with less wind resistance, which enabled faster head movement and thus produced longer drives.

I’m sure that you can cite other examples of golf gear synthesis. There are numerous examples of disconnected industries coming together, and producing something new as a result.

Today, that connection is between putters and racecars.

Open-Wheel Putter

Introducing the Indianapolis, our first foray imto the world of super-high MOI mallets. This design has been in development for well over a year, and every single detail has been examined and perfected. When we first started developing Indianapolis, we knew we wanted to create something that was revolutionary in terms of performance and aesthetics.

In other words, Toulon Design (and Odyssey Golf) has tapped into the world of Indy Cars to design the new Indianapolis mallet, connecting the materials and even the shapes of the Indy Car to the putter.

Today, we are going to dive a bit deeper into the Indianapolis, exploring the connections Sean Toulon has made between the car and putter realms. We will take a look at the racecar tech incorporated into the putter, and I’ll give you my impressions from my test drives with the Indianapolis.

Specifications: Toulon Design Indianapolis

• Materials: 6061-Aluminum, 303 Stainless Steel, Carbon Fiber, & Tungsten
• Head Type: Mallet
• Loft: 3°
• Availability: RH/LH
• Standard Length: 33/34/35
• Lie: 70°
• Offset: Full Shaft
• Toe Hang: Face-Balanced
• Head Weight: 360g
• Face: Deep-Diamond Mill
• Options: Counterbalanced versions available

Indianapolis Tech: Multi-Material Design

We channeled the engineering spirit of IndyCar racecar technicians, past and present, and crafted a design that incorporated four different materials. The face is made up of aircraft grade 6061-aluminum, giving you a soft, crisp feel. The sole is made up of 303 stainless steel, giving you maximum stability. The crown is made up of a lightweight carbon fiber composite, giving you a sleek look, while allowing us to distribute weight more effectively throughout the putter. Two 303 stainless steel or tungsten weights located on the back wings boosts the MOI to unbelievable highs, making this the best performing putter we’ve ever created.

Usually, when I am listing materials for the spec sheet, I have one, or maybe two, materials to list. Today, there are four different materials. Toulon has really pushed the envelope here. While this is supposed to be a connection to car design, the materials used and their specific locations around the putter remind me of more of modern driver design. Golf engineers have incorporated different materials into drivers to move weight around, influencing MOI and other play characteristics. The Toulon Indianapolis pushes the boundaries of multi-material construction in a putter beyond what we have previously seen.

Each of the different materials has a purpose. The face is aluminum for feel, the sole is stainless for weight, the body is carbon fiber for “non-weight,” and the tungsten and/or stainless plugs in the fins keep the whole thing nice and stable through the stroke.

I’m not sure that this putter design would even be possible with any other composition. Maybe it could all be milled from a billet of aluminum, but I some of the angles the carbon fiber allows for would prove troublesome to mill, and you would likely still need stainless or tungsten weights to bring it up to a comfortable playing weight. Bringing together the different materials allows for a unique putter design.

Indianapolis Tech: Alignment

The Indianapolis doesn’t just have the components of an IndyCar, it has the looks too. The silver finish of the aluminum face contrasts beautifully with the matte black shade of the carbon composite crown, making it incredibly easy to align properly. The Indianapolis also features nine prominent lines in the design that are either parallel or perpendicular to the target; add all that up, and you have one of the easiest putters to line up ever.

The Indianapolis has nine parallel and perpendicular alignment lines in its design to help you aim. I know that you are saying ‘There is only one line there”, but if you allow your eye to wander along the edges of the putter and the edges of the body cavity, I bet you can see more of the lines/edges.

The silver face does stand out quite dramatically when compared to the black body. This gives the Indianapolis an almost blade-like profile at the front end. I’ll give you my take on this later, but this silver perpendicular rectangle could also help someone line up putts to target.

Indianapolis Tech: Feel

Our unique pattern was designed after rigorous testing of 25 different mill patterns. The deep cross-hatch grooves control the sound and feel by channeling vibration and the small groove inside each diamond pattern is designed to improve the quality of the roll. The result is a putter where the sound and feel are tuned to match the distance that the ball rolls.

I found the feeling at impact with the Indianapolis to be very muted. There is a tone, but it is a deep/dull one as opposed to a bright click or ping sound. No judgment there, just pointing out that it has a lower resonating impact. The tone of impact does change when you wander the face, with the edges sounding harsher.

There is also a bit of vibrational feedback when you hit the heel or toe. That’s a nice way of saying it feels like crap when you hit out there. The lesson there is that if it hurts when you poke your thumb in your eye, then stop poking your thumb in your eye.

Experiences On The Course

So what did I think when I took this out on the course?

Regarding alignment, I found that the Indianapolis took some adjusting to at address. The black carbon body and the aluminum face set up quite the contrast at address, and that was a bit too much contrast for me.

When first rolling the Indianapolis, I was not totally sure where my eyes should go at address. Do I focus more on the silver face, or on the large white alignment line on the body? After the first few rounds and practice sessions, I came to view the Indianapolis as a small silver blade with some black stuff hanging on the back that keeps it stable. Though it’s a large mallet, the Indianapolis feels more blade-like to me.

Even with this perception swing, the more I played with the Indianapolis, the more I wished that it was all black. Though I knew to focus on the front part, I still needed to remind myself to focus on the front part, thus adding another thought to my pre-putt routine. Additionally, the sun’s glare on the aluminum at noon was almost unbearably bright. On that hole, I didn’t care about putting as much as not going blind while looking at the putter. This alternative focus probably isn't helping me to hole putts.

Glare aside, once I became more comfortable with the looks, it was very easy to get the ball rolling along the target line with the Toulon Indianapolis. Rarely did I find the ball wandering to someplace unintended. Obviously, this means that I made every putt. Well...

Truth be told, I had a problem getting the ball to the hole. Though the copy says that the “sound and feel are tuned to match the distance the ball rolls,” for me, that distance was typically short. After a few rounds with the Indianapolis, I had a putting instructor watch me putt, and he said my issue was deceleration. In close, the tempo was fine, but when the putt got longer, I tended to put on the brakes mid swing.

I was a bit surprised with this assessment because I found the Indianapolis to be so easy swinging. It is amazingly balanced and stable through the swing, yet something was causing me to not finish at pace. Aware of this, I proceeded to blow balls past the hole by yards. Given time, I thought this would change, and it has a bit, but even after a few weeks, I’m either a bit short or way past with the Indianapolis. Just can’t quite dial in distance.

This is especially maddening for me because although the feel changes as you wander the face, the roll distance is pretty darn consistent. Misses go the same distance, likely due to the huge MOI keeping the mallet from moving much at all at impact. I know that if I can dial in that distance, that the tech of the Indianapolis design would help correct for my poor strikes. Unfortunately, I can’t quite get that distance dialed in enough to where the putter will fix my follies. Perhaps one of the counterbalanced versions of the Indianapolis might help with the pace issue.

The Indy $400

The multi-material design on the Toulon Indianapolis is going to set you back about $170 more than a traditional Odyssey mallet (O-Works 2-Ball retails for $229.99). Yes, that does mean that the Indianapolis costs $399, with the counterbalanced models running the price up to as high as $499.

While I’m not going to argue that $400 for a putter is not a lot of money, I do see how the Indianapolis needs to cost more than a traditional Odyssey. The materials are different, and the design and build times required for the Indianapolis are likely much longer than a cast Number 7.

Dave’s Take: Test Drive the Indianapolis

All in all, I found the Toulon Indianapolis an enjoyable putter to drop into the bag. The stability of swing and the alignment designs both fall deeply into the plus column for me. Distance control was off for me, but the miss was consistently short. This may be something that improves with continued use or something that might be reduced if I switched to the counterbalanced version of the putter. I’m hitting my line every time, just not the hole. It’s a bit maddening.

The only real lingering criticism I have with the putter is the reflective nature of the glossy aluminum at address. Its brightness is consistently distracting to me when the sun is overhead. Your mileage may vary with this, but I would recommend some outside demo with the Indianapolis before purchase. I am seriously considering sending this putter off to Labworx to have them do the front in their black armor. I’ll lose the blade with a wing look that it has now, but I believe that the loss of reflection and increased continuity through the head will make this putter look amazing.

Regardless, get out there and take the Indianapolis for a spin. I’m interested to see what you think. You should be able to find one in a shop near you after May 17^th.

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2017 American Football and Cheerleading Informational Meeting

On Wednesday, May 31 in H301 from 3:40 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the SAFL Council members and coaches will be covering all aspects of our program.

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8 Father’s Day Activities for Kids to Do For Dad

Click here to read 8 Father’s Day Activities for Kids to Do For Dad on Hands On As We Grow

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Father’s Day is coming up fast and we’re all set. Well almost. I gotta grab a couple things yet myself, but the kids have made their gift for Dad. Have yours?

Maybe you need some quick inspiration for Father’s Day activities?

Here are 8 things the kids can make for dad.

8 Easy Father’s Day Activities for Kids

1. Give dad a candy bar wrapped in the kids’ artwork. Love that! (from Domestic Goddesque)
2. My boys made these colorful bowls with Sharpies! Let them decorate them for Dad any way they like!
3. Make a Father’s Day card using artwork and some cutout letters. So adorable. (from The Fairy and the Frog)
4. Take snapshots of the kids and made some photo bookmarks for Dad. Perfect for a reader! (from Nearly Crafty)
5. Do some cute finger painting with crayon resist “I Love My Dad!” (from 3 Boys and a Dog)
6. Give Dad a report card. Nice Job and Well Done stickers are sure to make Dad happy! (from 3 Boys and a Dog)
7. The Dad in our house is a drummer so we made Dad some tin can drums and decorated them!
8. For a fisherman, catch a handprint fish for dad! “I’m hooked on daddy!” (from Glued to my Crafts)

Plus 10 gifts to buy Dads, with an added creative touch to make it a great Father’s Day gift from the kids!”

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82: Discovering the SIBO Solution with Sylvie McCracken

Too many of us have been there. Something’s off with our health, and it stinks! (Pun intended.) Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, you name it … we strive for a healthier lifestyle but still struggle with these unpleasant symptoms.

Enter Sylvie McCracken, wellness guru, entrepreneur, and gut health expert. She just might have the solution … the SIBO solution … to what’s ailing you.

What Is SIBO?

Don’t let the short name fool you. SIBO represents a pretty big problem.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or “SIBO” is a bacterial infection of the small intestine (it actually becomes infected with bacteria that belongs in the large intestine). It’s a hidden trigger for many major gut problems like IBS, Crohn’s, or autoimmune disease. Many people struggle from this condition without realizing it and it is one of the tougher conditions to get under control.

We know this firsthand. I’ve written before about my husband’s bout with SIBO, and it was not fun.

Our search for a solution led us to Sylvie McCracken’s website and her amazing e-book “The SIBO Solution.” I was blown away by her research and consider it hands-down the best SIBO resource out there.

Sylvie’s Struggle and the SIBO Solution

Like my husband, Sylvie found out about SIBO the hard way.

While working as a successful celebrity assistant in Hollywood, Sylvie started dealing with less than glamorous symptoms. She noticed painful, chronic bloating in her abdomen … so much so that she could hardly sit down or button pants without discomfort.

Sylvie did the reasonable thing and went to see her doctor. Rather than testing her, her doctor wanted to treat her with a standard course of powerful antibiotics. Sylvie didn’t know much of anything about SIBO at the time and went ahead with the treatment.

But since she didn’t know enough about SIBO at the time to get proper testing and follow-up, all she ended up with was another flare-up worse than the first.

As Sylvie blogged about her search for answers and researched SIBO more intensely, her SIBO Solution came together. And it’s one that actually works!

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What SIBO is … and why it really stinks
• Symptoms that might mean you have SIBO
• What to do to get a proper diagnosis (and what Sylvie learned the hard way NOT to do)
• How design the correct SIBO solution for you
• The extreme diet needed to correct SIBO, and how to manage it emotionally
• Pros and cons of traditional vs. herbal antibiotics for treating gut imbalances
• Ways to cut treatment cost … without compromising your health
• Crucial steps to make sure SIBO stays out of your life for good
• Sylvie’s other area of expertise: tips for entrepreneurs who want to build a successful online business

Is the SIBO Solution Right for You?

When should you suspect SIBO might be the source of your health problems? The two big symptoms to look for are:

• chronic bloating (uncomfortable feeling of pressure or even distention of abdomen)
• chronic burping

Other symptoms some individuals might experience are gas, constipation, diarrhea, acne, eczema, or depression.

Of course, these sound like the symptoms for a lot of other health problems (candida or leaky gut, for example). The good news is the right testing can make all the difference. I’m so grateful for Sylvie’s expertise as she tells us how to get the correct SIBO diagnosis in this episode!

Resources We Mention:

The SIBO Solution E-Book

HollywoodHomestead.com

SylvieMcCracken.com

Special Thanks to Today’s Sponsors

This podcast is brought to you by Kids Cook Real Food e-Course. You’ve probably heard me talk about this before because I love it so much. It’s made by one of my good friends, Katie of Kitchen Stewardship, and it’s one of my favorite bonding activities I’ve ever done with my kids. Katie is a teacher by trade and she teaches kids basic to advanced kitchen skills, which is such valuable life-long knowledge to have. Every friend that I’ve either given it to or encouraged to get it has absolutely loved this course and all of my kids love it too.

Check it out at this link. There will be a special offer for Wellness Mama listeners, so keep an eye out for that.

This episode is sponsored by Mama Natural. My good friend Genevieve, also known as Mama Natural, has just come out with a game-changing pregnancy book called “The Mama Natural Week To Week Guide to Pregnancy and Child Birth.” If you or anyone you know is pregnant, I can’t recommend this books enough. It is definitely one of the best resources I’ve seen for new moms.

Genevieve also has a wonderful free week-to-week email series for pregnancy. You’ve seen these on other websites but this one is from a natural point of view. It tells you how your baby’s growing, what milestones he or she’s hitting, and all that cool stuff, and it’s free. Check it out at this link.

Continue Reading...82: Discovering the SIBO Solution with Sylvie McCracken

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APEx Summer Opening Hours

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2017 American Football and Cheerleading Informational Meeting

On Wednesday, May 31 in H301 from 3:40 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the SAFL Council members and coaches will be covering all aspects of our program.

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School Finance 615: 2017 Summer Projects

Over the 2017 summer break, 81 different facilities projects will be completed across the SAS divisions.

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Repairing Locks on a Bell Helicopter | Mr. Locksmith Blog

Repairing Locks on a Helicopter | Mr. Locksmith Blog. For futher information go to Mr. Locksmith Automotive.

Randy had a fun job the other day repariing locks on a Bell Hel

 

icopter. The Helicopter has 5 locked compartments and 3 of the locks needed to be reparied or replaced. It is not everyday we get to make keys to a Helicopter and hopefully next time we will go for a ride.

Mr. Locksmith Automotive Randy Bath Repairing the locks on a Bell Helicopter

Repairing the locks on a Bell Helicopter

Repairing the locks on a Bell Helicopter

Repairing the locks on a Bell Helicopter

Repairing the locks on a Bell Helicopter

Compartment / storage lock on a Bell Helicopter

One of the locks on a Bell Helicopter

Repairing the locks on a Bell Helicopter

 

If you need to make keys for your Helicopter, Plane, Car, Truck, RV, Motorcyle, Quad, and all your Automotive Locksmithings call Randy at Mr. Locksmith Automtive 604-265-4033.

 

The post Repairing Locks on a Bell Helicopter | Mr. Locksmith Blog appeared first on Mr Locksmith Vancouver.

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