Carico - The Finest Quality Health Wellness and Elegant Lifestyle Products

What's lurking in the water you drink?

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:20:00 +0000

Some people recognize the fact that their tap water is overly polluted for everyday use. They purchase cases upon cases of bottled water in the hopes that it is free of bacteria and pollutants such as e.coli, chlorine, lead, aluminum, and pesticides to name a few. However, just because it's bottled doesn't mean it's free and clear of all toxic contaminants. Not to mention, the use of plastic bottles on a regular basis isn't good for our dear old planet earth.

So what to do? Do you resort back to drinking tap water with the hopes your water "isn't that bad"? Do you even know what could be lurking in the water flowing through your pipes and to what levels they are found? Hormones, drugs, even pesticides could be flowing from your faucet. No one can say for sure, because the government doesn't require testing for them.

Did you know even traces of arsenic have been found in regular tap water? Arsenic is especially worrisome: Studies show that it may be linked to an array of health problems, from developmental disorders and heart disease to numerous types of cancer, including bladder, lung, liver, skin, and kidney. Even more concerning, some experts think that arsenic might be harmful below its current EPA standard, a level that was already lowered (from 50 parts per billion to 10) in 2001. "As newer studies come out, they're showing health problems at lower and lower doses [of arsenic], including some conditions, such as immune problems and cognitive effects in children, we've never associated with it before," says Joshua W. Hamilton, Ph.D., a project leader in the Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program at Dartmouth College.

In a recent article published by Better Housekeeping it was quoted that, "some areas don't check their water at all or, if they do, don't report test results. We're not talking about just a few rogue violators: In 2009, 28% of all U.S. systems broke at least one significant EPA rule. If the violation is "innocent" — a town lacks the resources or technical expertise to meet the standards — the state or the EPA may lend assistance or money to help. But EPA grants are scarce, so while communities wait for them, residents continue to drink suspect water. The EPA can take legal action as well, or fine a water authority that won't comply — but in the past 10 years, out of thousands and thousands of violations, there have been only 349 cases of towns, other water suppliers, or industry paying a fine for violating any part of the Safe Drinking Water Act."

So considering the EPA allows for certain levels of toxic chemicals to lurk in your water, do you still want to let them have full control of the water YOU drink? Certain solutions can be at your fingertips. Although bottled waters seems like a good alternative to somewhat protect yourself with the water you drink, what about the water you wash your fruits and vegetables in or bathe your children with?

Carico water filters offer you a solution to not only make sure the water you drink is clean, but to also make sure the water you wash your vegetables, bathe your children in, and wash your car with are free of chemicals and pollutants.

Click here for more information on how you can protect your family with crystal clean water.

And if you're concerned about what's lurking in your water, check out more of the article published in Better Housekeeping by clicking here.

Could the way you prepare your foods be leading to inflammation?

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Tue, 01 May 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Do you ever get that achy feeling out of the clear blue sky with no real reason in sight? It could be from the foods you eat. Well, not necessarily the actual foods but the way these foods are prepared. A recent study at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that frying or grilling certain foods at high temperatures produces compounds that can increase inflammation in the body. Yikes!

The compounds, called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), are known to be scoundrels, showing up in the blood of people with chronic diseases associated with inflammation, including diabetes, heart disease, RA and OA. AGEs detected in blood were thought to come solely from our body’s natural supply of AGEs, but – here’s the bad news – now scientists have found that foods cooked at high temps create AGEs that can be absorbed by the body. Perhaps 10 percent of AGEs we get from eating seared burgers and fried chicken may be absorbed.

Inflammation in the body is what can often cause an arthritis flare up or that achy feeling you get all over. To prevent being exposed to these increased levels of AGEs, you can take the following steps to modifying your lifestyle:

- Limit the amount of grilled, broiled, fried and microwaved meats in your diet.
- Reduce the cooking temperature of meats and proteins. Steam fish and seafood, simmer chicken in a sauce and braise red meat in a cooking liquid.
- Cut down on processed foods. Many prepared foods have been exposed to a high cooking temperature to lengthen shelf life, so they may have high AGE contents.
- Get more fruits and veggies in your diet. Cooked or raw, they’re naturally low in AGEs, and many contain compounds such as antioxidants that can decrease some of the damage done by AGEs.

It's also important to remember by cooking foods at high temperatures, you're basically destroying all of the beneficial nutrients. Particularly with fruits and vegetables, make sure to cook at low to medium temperatures for just a short period of time to ensure nutrient preservation. They should be bright with color after the cooking process not dull and gray.

For more information on cooking at low to medium temperatures, click here

To read the article from Arthritis Today in full, click here

It's time for spring cleaning, indoor air included!

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:26:00 +0000

What is it you first think about when spring arrives?

- Putting away winter clothes: Check
- Change batteries in smoke detectors: Check
- Shampoo rugs: Check
- Organize closets: Check
- Dusting off those cleaning supplies and giving the house a thorough scrubbing: Check

All this is a great way to bring in the new season, but one thing you're missing is checking & cleansing the quality of your indoor air. Did you know that despite the thorough scrubbing you often give your home in honor of spring cleaning, the quality of the air we breathe indoors can be 5 to 10 times more polluted than the outdoors. Not only do we allow outdoor pollutants to come into our homes every time we open a door or window, but many of the household products we use on a day to day basis inside our homes could be affecting the overall quality of the air we breathe.

"The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that of chemicals commonly found in homes, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological abnormalities."

So what can you do to protect the quality of the air you and your children breathe? Here are a few spring cleaning tips on how to minimize the pollutants & toxic chemicals in your home.

1. Avoid conventional household cleaners
Conventional household cleaners contain chemicals that can be more dangerous than the germs themselves. Every time your children roll around on the carpet or your pets lick crumbs off the floor, they are being exposed to noxious chemicals. Don’t make the assumption that if it’s on the grocery shelf it’s been tested and is safe. Most of us, unwittingly, buy products for our home with ingredients that are either poorly studied, not studied at all, or are known to pose potentially serious health risks. Of the roughly 17,000 chemicals found in common household products, only 3 in 10 have been tested for their effects on human health. Why? Because, just like with cosmetics, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require manufacturers to test household cleaning products before they appear on store shelves.

And, if you’re reading labels expecting to get the whole picture, know that they provide only limited information. Labels often omit inert ingredients that can make up as much as 90 percent of a product's volume. Now, the word “inert” doesn’t mean inactive or neutral as you might believe. The EPA categorized “inert” ingredients as causing long-term health damage and harm to the environment. These ingredients include solvents, dispersal agents, dyes and fragrances, some of which can pollute the air and water. Other ingredients that are not mentioned can be carcinogens or worsen health problems like allergies and asthma.

2. Avoid artificially scented air fresheners

Artificially scented air fresheners include aerosols and plug-ins, because they are made with synthetic fragrances that contain phthalates. These are chemicals that can cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects and reproductive problems. The NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) found that 12 out of 14 popular air freshener brands contained phthalates.

Plus, aerosol sprays contain flammable and nerve-damaging ingredients such as hexane and xylene, and produce mist particles that can contain a high proportion of organic solvents that when inhaled enter your bloodstream and have negative health effects.

3. Avoid synthetic fragrances in your personal care products

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), there are potentially hundreds of chemicals in a single product's secret fragrance mixture. Fragrances can contain neurotoxins and are among the top 5 allergens in the world. A recent Mayo Clinic study placed fragrances in the 10 most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, and the Institute of Medicine (a division of the National Academy of Sciences) placed fragrance in the same category as second hand smoke in triggering asthma in adults and school age children.

When you see the word “fragrance” in an ingredient list, you can assume it’s 100 percent synthetic—and not a blend of natural flower extracts. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) reports that “95 percent of the ingredients used to create fragrances today are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, including benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and many other known toxins and sensitizers.” What’s more, “unscented” does not mean a product contains no fragrance. Ingredients used to mask unpleasant odors, usually chemicals, do not have to be identified on the labels.

Children are not immune. Every day they are exposed to an average of 27 personal care product ingredients that have not been found safe for kids, according to a national survey conducted by the EWG. A whopping 77 percent of the ingredients in 1,700 children's products reviewed have not been assessed for safety! Cut down on your use of powders, especially baby powder on infants. The FDA warns that powders may cause lung damage if inhaled regularly.

4. Invest in a multi-stage air filtration unit to keep air clean all year round

Many air filters on the market only address one thing. They either assist with pollen and dust, gasses and odors, or bacteria and mold. Very few actually address all three. If you suffer from allergies or respiratory illnesses, you know many of your symptoms are a result of a combination of all these contaminants. Make sure to invest in an air purification system that can address all three contaminate groups. And most importantly, make sure to change the cartridge every year as part of your spring cleaning routine.

Click here to read full article from Veria Living

For more information on how to have clean indoor air all year round, click here

Carico International Air Filters

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Itchy nose, watery eyes, & constant sneezing? Spring in here!

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 05:46:00 +0000

So spring has finally arrived! Well, maybe not quite....supposedly it's still a week away but the temperatures are definitely rising which in turn is making the flowers bloom...bloom...bloom....

What does this mean? Allergy season has also arrived. For those of us who suffer with allergies, it's a bitter sweet time of year. The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising, and the sneezing is starting. Although one can load up on the allergy medication to relieve symptoms, it's a terrible way to live- wouldn't you agree?

If you can't protect yourself from the allergens outdoors, how can you protect yourself from the allergens making their way into your home and onto your furniture or into your sheets? Protect your home and the air you breathe with a high quality air purification system. Did you know, the air you breathe indoors tends to be 25 to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air? This is not just from the usual air pollution but also includes allergens such as pollen and pet dander.

Your home should be your sacred place filled with clean, pure air. Make sure to protect yourself and the ones you love from this allergy season by investing in pure air.

Click here to read full article from Fox News

For more information click here

Carico International Air Filters

Best Air Filters

Air Filter

Spring Recipe: Red Snapper with Spinach, Pecans, & Tomatoes

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 03:10:00 +0000

Spring has finally arrived....

For those of us who are lucky enough to experience seasons, it's that time of year where we begin to shed those many layers and begin to enjoy the well deserved warmth and sunshine. Flowers begin to bloom and everything just seems brighter.

Spring is also a sign that summer and bathing suit season is just around the corner. EEK! What does this mean? It's time to not only shed the winter layers of clothes but also the winter layer of you know what! That terrible word...FAT!

Many say that 70% of weight loss is done through what you eat and how you prepare it. With our busy schedules, it's always difficult to take the time to prepare fresh healthy meals. Well, at least we'd like to think so. Here's a tasty, healthy meal that you can prepare in under 30 minutes for your entire family.

Bon apetite!

For more information on Carico Ultra Tech II cookware click here

Chlorine, Cancer, & Heart Disease- OH MY!

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:11:00 +0000

We normally associate unfiltered water with bad taste, lead, diseases or illnesses cased by water harboring bacteria but rarely do we look into the affiliation between unfiltered water and cancer or heart disease.

Since 1904, chlorine has been the standard chemical used to treat and disinfect water to make tap water drinkable. So in essence, we're drinking water that has been bleached with chlorine. Yum!

A recent study finally discovered the long term effects of drinking this heavily chlorinated water.

"According to the U.S. Council Of Environmental Quality, “Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine.”

Dr. Joseph Price did an extensive study testing long term chlorine exposure in chickens. He monitored two groups one with high exposure to chlorine and one without any exposure to chlorine. The group exposed to chlorine under winter conditions, showed outward signs of poor circulation, shivering, drooped feathers, and a reduced level of activity. The group without chlorine grew faster, larger, and displayed vigorous health. So answer this, if chlorine isn't good for chickens why would we think it's good for us?

When combined with other compounds in water, chlorine forms byproducts (THMs) which trigger the production of free radicals in the body. These free radicals cause extensive cell damage and are highly carcinogenic. “Although concentrations of these carcinogens (THMs) are low, it is precisely these low levels that cancer scientists believe are responsible for the majority of human cancers in the United States“. The Environmental Defense Fund

The U.S. EPA defines chlorine as a pesticide, whose sole purpose is to kill living organisms. When we consume this, we are destroying cells and tissue in our body and ultimately killing some parts of us. Dr. Robert Carlson, a highly respected University of Minnesota researcher who’s work is sponsored by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, sums it up by claiming , “the chlorine problem is similar to that of air pollution”, and adds that “chlorine is the greatest crippler and killer of modern times!”

The worst part is that this study found that 2/3 of our toxic exposure to chlorine is due to inhalation of steam and skin absorption while showering! Our pores are opened during warm showers resulting in greater absorption going directly into our blood stream. Does it now make sense why your skin is often dull and dry? This can also explain why high levels of chlorine have been found in the breast tissue of breast cancer patients. Breast cancer, which effects 1 of 8 women in North America, has been linked to the accumulation of chlorine compounds in breast tissue.

Unfortunately, many people have become so immune to the taste and smell of the chlorine in their water they don't even realize how much of it they're consuming. Chlorine has its benefits with initial disinfecting and is probably here to stay. However, it is clear that it poses a great threat to our health and should be removed from consumption in our homes, at the point of use, both from the water we drink and the shower we shower in. The best way to do this is through a quality home water filtration system.

For more information on Carico International's quality water filtration systems, click here

Click here to read the full article from Global Healing Center

Lack of water filtration leads to recent deaths

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:43:00 +0000

In today's day and age, many people are taking the more holistic approach when treating various ailments. They've moved away from the antibiotics and moved towards natural herbs and home remedies. One treatment which has become increasingly popular during allergy and flu season is the use of neti pots or squeeze bottles to clear sinus bacteria and pressure. Although it has been proven to be a very effective home remedy, it's not so great if it kills you from incorrect usage. Now that two people have died from infection with brain-eating amoebas after using neti pots, doctors are warning: do not put tap water up your nose.

Two deaths have been linked to this holistic treatment simply because consumers aren't using filtered water. One may think that because they aren't ingesting the water used, there isn't a need to use filtered or boiled water. Unfortunately, unfiltered water can carry various amoeba that can cause numerous infections. In this case, both deaths have been linked to Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba found in many lakes and rivers that was carried in the water used with the neti pot. When the contaminated water was introduced into the nasal passages, so was this amoeba which made its way up the nasal passage into the brain causing life threateneing brain infections.

Making sure our water is filtered shouldn't just stop with our drinking water, it should be a part of our everyday lifestyle. There are many chemicals and bacteria found in water such as chlorine, e coli, asbestos, parasites, and lead, for this reason we should make sure to use filtered water when washing fruits and vegetables, when cooking, making teas and coffee, and even what we offer our pets on a daily basis. Don't cut corners with the health and wellness of those you love!

Carico Internationals unique water filtration system contains a 0.2 Sub Micron Silver Impregnated Ceramic cartridge that is NSF certified. It will STOP particles that are 500 times smaller than a strain of human hair!

http://www.caricowater.com/

Click here to read full NPR article

The Poultry Controversy: Chicken vs Duck

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:13:00 +0000

It wasn't very long ago that the FDA informed us that some chicken meat may contain cancer-causing arsenic. Although the FDA stressed that it is contained in very small levels, it is still something that can be found in chicken meat overall as it is an ingredient found in the actual feed given to many chickens which are harvested for consumption.

The FDA conducted a study and found the following:

"In the study of 100 chickens, the FDA found that chickens that had eaten the Roxarsone had higher levels of inorganic arsenic – as opposed to organic arsenic, which is naturally occurring – in their livers than chickens which had not eaten the Roxarsone. Inorganic arsenic is more toxic than the naturally occurring form."

Click here to read full article

I don't know about you, but any trace of arsenic in the foods I eat are a no-no in my book. Since this study came out, I have steered more towards eating duck. Recently cited in Bon Appétit magazine as one of the "10 Surprising Health Foods" and in Natural Health magazine as one of "10 Foods that Keep You Young." I figured why not give this breed of poultry a try. When compaired to the traditional lean meat choices on the market, it seems that duck does offer some competition in regards to calorie content and unsaturated fats. Not to mention, it offers so much more flavor!

For those of you who haven't yet tried duck, here's a great holiday recipe to start with. Please feel free to share your feedback and thoughts with us.

Ingredients

2 5- to 6-ounce duck breast halves or one 12- to 16-ounce duck breast half
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) chilled butter, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped shallot (about 1 large)
1/2 cup low-salt chicken broth
8 halved pitted sweet red cherries, fresh or frozen, thawed
2 tablespoons tawny Port
1 tablespoon orange blossom honey

Preparation

Place duck breast halves between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Pound lightly to even thickness (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch). Discard plastic wrap. Using sharp knife, score skin in 3/4-inch diamond pattern (do not cut into flesh). DO AHEAD Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Heat your Ultra-Tech II 11 Fry/Saute Pan to high heat just to warm up pan. Season duck breast on skin side with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and add duck, skin side down, to skillet and cook until skin is browned and crisp. Make sure to remove the fat that is released into the pan regularly to make sure the duck breasts stay crispy. Turn breasts over, reduce heat to medium low, and cook until browned and cooked to desired doneness, about 3 minutes longer for small breasts and 5 minutes longer for large breast for medium-rare. Transfer to work surface, tent with foil to keep warm, and let rest 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, pour off all but 2 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Add shallot to skillet and stir over medium low heat 30 seconds. Add broth, cherries, Port, and honey. Increase heat to medium and boil until sauce is reduced to glaze, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Whisk in 1 tablespoon cold butter. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
Thinly slice duck. Fan slices out on plates. Spoon sauce over and serve.

For more information on Carico Ultra Tech II Cookware click here

Bring Carico Home for the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:06:00 +0000

The holidays are the time of year where we look back at the year behind us, reminiscing about the great memories we've shared with our friends and family. It's a time in which we get together with our loved ones over delicious meals to give thanks of all we've been blessed with.

Carico would like to be a part of your holiday celebrations this year and every year. Celebrate the holidays in the best way possible with some of Carico's finest products.

Here's a great turkey recipe with some cooking tips on how to make the perfect turkey in your Carico Ultra Jumbo Roaster. We hope you enjoy!

Porcini Mushroom Turkey with Mushroom Gravy

Mushroom Butter:

* 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
* 1 cup boiling water
* 4 garlic cloves, peeled
* 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
* 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Turkey:

* 1 14- to 16-pound turkey, rinsed, patted dry inside and out; neck, heart, and gizzard reserved for Shortcut Turkey Stock

* 10 fresh Italian parsley sprigs
* 6 fresh rosemary sprigs
* 6 fresh thyme sprigs
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cups turkey stock or water

Gravy:

* 1 pound crimini mushrooms, sliced
* 3 garlic cloves, chopped
* 2 tablespoons chopped shallot
* 1 cup dry white wine
* 2 cups turkey stock
* 1 cup heavy whipping cream
* 2 tablespoons water
* 5 teaspoons cornstarch
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
* 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint

For mushroom butter:
Place porcini in small bowl; add 1 cup boiling water. Let stand until softened, at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. Drain mushrooms, reserving soaking liquid. Chop mushrooms. Transfer half of chopped mushrooms (about 1/3 cup) to small bowl; reserve for gravy.

Chop garlic finely in processor. Add butter and next 6 ingredients, then remaining porcini. Blend to coarse paste.

DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Transfer to bowl. Cover and chill mushroom butter, reserved chopped porcini, and mushroom liquid separately. TRUE GRIT: When using the porcini soaking liquid, pour it off slowly so that any grit or sediment at the bottom remains in the bowl.

*Dried porcini are at supermarkets, specialty foods stores, and Italian markets.

For turkey:
Set rack at lowest position in oven and preheat to 325°F. Sprinkle main turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Spread with 2 tablespoons mushroom butter. Starting at neck end of turkey, carefully slide hand between skin and meat of breast, thighs, and upper drumsticks to loosen skin. Spread mushroom butter over thighs and drumsticks, then over breast meat under skin. Fill main cavity with herb sprigs. Tie legs together loosely to hold shape. Tuck wing tips under.

Place turkey on rack set in your Ultra Large Carico Roasting pan. Rub outside of turkey all over with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour 2 cups stock into pan. Roast turkey until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 165°F to 170°F, about 3 hours. Tilt turkey so juices from main cavity run into pan. Transfer turkey to platter. Tent very loosely with foil; let rest at least 30 minutes (internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees). Reserve pan.

For gravy:
Scrape juices and browned bits from reserved roasting pan into large glass measuring cup. Spoon off fat, reserving 3 tablespoons.

Heat reserved 3 tablespoons fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crimini mushrooms, garlic, and shallot. Sauté until mushrooms are tender, about 6 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to bowl and set aside. Add wine to skillet. Boil until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 3 minutes. Add reserved 1/3 cup chopped porcini mushrooms, reserved mushroom soaking liquid (leaving any sediment behind), 2 cups stock, and degreased pan juices. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer to reduce slightly, about 10 minutes.

Add cream and crimini mushrooms to skillet. Mix 2 tablespoons water and cornstarch in small bowl until smooth. Whisk into gravy. Continue to simmer until reduced to desired consistency, whisking occasionally, about 5 minutes. Mix in parsley and mint. Season gravy to taste with salt and pepper.

Can you trust the EPA with the air you breathe?

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:23:00 +0000

Maybe not as much as before considering they recently proposed modifications on smog regulations throughout the nation. If passed, The Associated Press reports that at least 10 states including Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin and Arkansas will be allowed to emit more smog-causing pollution into the air we breathe. How do you feel about that?

It's clear that we can't control the air we breathe outdoors but we definitely can filter what we breathe on a daily basis in our homes and work environment. Carico's Nutri-Tech™ high efficiency Air Purification systems can help you get cleaner, fresher, healthier air.

For more information click here

Click here to read full article

Your Pillow Could Be Robbing You Of a Good Night's Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:09:00 +0000

The following article from Kathryn Weber published on the Staten Island Advance on Friday, September 30th, 2011 touches on a very important subject, a good night's sleep.

Read full article

"There's no doubt that a good day starts with a good night's sleep. But your choice of pillow may be standing in the way. Worse still, it could be the source of your daytime neck, shoulder, or back stiffness.

Some workers are more prone to such aches and pains. In fact, employees who work at a computer for long hours and then sleep with an unsupportive pillow could worsen their daytime discomfort.

"Probably 90 percent of my patients complain about shoulder and neck pains that could be directly related to pillows," says Dr. Jeannine Brisley, an Atlas Orthogonal chiropractor based in Austin, Texas.

Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic treatment was profiled on the TV show, "The Doctors." This specialty chiropractic practice treats neck pains, and specifically, the atlas, a saucer-like bone at the top of the neck that connects the spine and cradles the head.

PICKING A PILLOW

According to Dr. Brisley, the choice of a pillow can make a difference in the way your neck, back and shoulders feel while sleeping or awake. "The human head weighs between 10 and 17 pounds on average and too often people choose a pillow that supports the weight of their head and not the neck. The pillow should support both head and neck and should touch the shoulder (while you're) sleeping," says Brisley.

Read Full Article

Carico's Ultra Tech™ Levitan system offers adjustable pillows that you can change for your desired height and support.

Click Here for more information

Sooty air pollution is linked to genetic mutations

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:48:00 +0000

In an article by Lauran Neergaard from Associated Press you can read about how air filters protected mice in a study done by Canadian researchers. Here is an excerpt:

"WASHINGTON — Sooty air pollution can cause genetic damage that can be passed along to offspring, Canadian researchers reported Thursday in a study on mice.

Follow-up work is needed to learn if people can inherit pollution-damaged DNA that harms their health. In the meantime, the discovery is sure to increase scientists' worry about particulates, the microscopic soot particles emitted by factories, power plants and diesel-burning vehicles.

The good news: Air filters protected the mice.
Click here to read full article

Carico's Nutri-Tech™ high efficiency Air Purification systems can help you get cleaner, fresher, healthier air.

For more information click here

Can your sleeping patters affect your cardiovascular health?

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 06:16:00 +0000

Recent studies have now linked the lack of proper sleep with hypertension. So what constitutes as "proper sleep"? Studies have shown that in order for our bodies to reach a restorative physical and mental sleep state, we should be reaching the slow-wave stage of sleep regularly. This "slow-wave" phase of sleep is also essential for metabolic and good heart health. The more time one spends in this phase of sleep, the more their body is able to restore itself from daily physical and mental stresses.

"Compared to men who spent at least 17% of their sleep time in the slow-wave phase, those who spent less than 4% in this restful state had 83% higher odds of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) years later, the study found."

This is not the first time sleep disorders have been linked to heart health. Sleep problems have been linked to high blood pressure before. Sleep apnea, a chronic disorder in which a person wakes up struggling for breath several times during the night, is strongly linked to hypertension, although it’s not clear whether the disorder causes high blood pressure or vice versa—or whether the two conditions feed each other.

Untangling the relationship has been tricky in part because obesity increases the risk of both high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Obesity could play a role in the link between slow-wave sleep and hypertension as well; in a previous analysis, the authors of the current research found that insufficient slow-wave sleep was related to obesity.

In the new study, published today in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, researchers at the University of California–San Diego and Harvard University assessed the sleep quality of the participants using polysomnography, a technique in which electrodes are used to track brain activity.

All of the men had normal blood pressure when they underwent the test, which was performed on a single night in their own beds (as opposed to in a sleep lab). When the researchers followed up with the men an average of 3.5 years later, roughly 31% of the study participants had developed hypertension.

"an important aspect of successful aging is the preservation of good sleep quality,” says Eve Van Cauter, PhD, the director of the Sleep, Metabolism, and Health Center at the University of Chicago.

So how do you make sure you're getting the proper amount of sleep? By practicing proper sleep hygiene: going to bed and waking up at the same time each day while avoiding alcohol and tobacco before bedtime.

But what if you're doing all these things but you're still waking up irritable, tired, & moody? Maybe you should look further....further into your bedroom that is...Is what you're sleeping on supporting a restful nights sleep or are you tossing and turning to gain comfort all night? It's not how long you sleep that matters, it's how deep you sleep!

Carico International recently launched their Ultra Tech Levitan Sleeping System with this problem in mind. A product of extensive studies, this sleeping system is manufactured from the finest materials and is designed to solve each consumers needs individually. Take a look at the link below for more information. A good nights sleep & happy heart is just a click away!

WWW.HEALTH.COM

Have you tried Carico's Ultra Cooker yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:38:00 +0000

You may remember last year when Carico International introduced the Ultra Cooker, one of the most amazing products on the market today.

The response to this product has been overwhelming, we want to read your recipes or comments on how you have enjoyed or benefited from this fantastic product. You can post them here or e-mail them to us to pabonc@carico.com.

Chek out the latest video showing Carico's Collection of beautiful products

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:20:00 +0000

This special collection is the result of extensive consumer research and one that we bring you with pride. There are no finer products available in the world! They are designed to last a lifetime, give you great value and save you money. For additional information, contact your Certified Carico Consultant or visit us at http://www.carico.com

Bottled water recalled for mold contamination

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Wed, 18 May 2011 04:49:00 +0000

Many people turn to bottle water as a convenient way to get, what in their minds is, "clean, pure, water" at a reasonable price. They often only take into account the price of a bottle or case of water at a time and don't ever consider the long term costs. In reality, purchasing bottled water can be 2-3 times the price of a gallon of gasoline; inconvenient to carry and store; and may not be fresh because it can be bottled up to 2 years before purchase.

What's even worse is that we don't really know how pure our "pure spring water" in a bottle really is. Do you know how safe your bottled water is? A recent finding in Arkansas resulting in the recall of a batch of Montain Pure bottled drinking water for mold contamination! Read along for the details on this finding...

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) announced Monday that test results on a sample taken from certain lots of Mountain Pure bottled drinking water contained biological contamination. The company voluntarily recalled a batch of its mold-tainted bottled water. of lots marked with a four-digit time code.

The recalled Mountain Pure water bottles are etched with legends bearing a date by which they should be consumed. The Health Department said the batch involved in the recall is labeled "Best By 2-27-2013 MPWA" or "Best By 2-28-2013 MPWA."

The Health Department said the contamination showed up in testing of some bottles shipped to Clinton after that city's water system failed last week.

Dr. William L. Mason, the agency's branch chief for preparedness and emergency response, said it was unlikely that a healthy person would get sick from drinking the water, but people with a weakened immune system might be at higher risk.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42972578/ns/health/

Makes you think twice about grabbing that case of bottled water at the grocery store, doesn't it? Check out Carico International's Nutri Tech Water Filtration system; it's the only choice for guaranteeing cleaner, safer, fresher tasting water!

http://www.caricowater.com/

An apple a day keeps the doctor away...

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Sat, 14 May 2011 04:38:00 +0000

Growing up, our parents constantly nagged us about eating all of our veggies...

In school we were taught the importance of consuming 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables as part of the food pyramid....

As adults, life keeps us so busy that we barely can grab that "apple a day" in an attempt to keep the doctor away...Many of us barely have the time to stop and have three decent meals a day much less factor in that many servings of fruits and vegetables; so in reality how on earth can we begin to think of consuming 5-9 servings of fruits AND vegetables a day!? It's simple...by juicing fresh fruits and vegetables.

Juicing can lower the risk of:

* Heart disease
* Cancer
* High blood preasure
* Diabetes
* Osteoporosis
* Artriris
* Colds and flu

Many of us can't imagine where to begin...what to juice, how much to juice, how many times a day to juice?

The answer is quite simple...start with drinking 2 glasses of fresh juice a day, try to get to 4 glasses a day with a balanced diet and you'll be feeling great! So what do you juice? Start with a simple mix of fruits and vegetables.

The Potassium Broth is my favorite recipe base:

Handful of parsley
Handful of spinach
4-5 carrots, greens removed
2 stalks celery

I like to add a piece of ginger, half a cucumber, a handful of kale, and/or half a green apple to the mix...it lightens it up a bit and the green apple gives it a fresh taste...

In reality, you can play with the mix anyway you'd like...juicing gives you all the minerals and nutrients your body isn't getting and you can mix it up with some of your favorites...try a beet instead of a carrot one day...throw some citrus in the mix, maybe some asparagus instead of spinach! Have some fun with it...

Once your body starts getting its much needed 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies a day, your skin will start to glow, your energy levels will rise, and overall you're going to look and feel fantastic!

Happy Juicing!

Carico customers rave about Carico’s water filtration systems and the new Carico water bottle

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Thu, 05 May 2011 17:41:00 +0000

See what one of our customers recently said about their experience with Carico and its products on one of our blogs http://www.caricolisteningpost.com/.

Can the cookware you use bring on early menaupause!?

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Apparently so! That is, of course, if you're using popular non-stick products made from or coated with Teflon....

For decades, products containing Teflon have been the topic of controversy as it was proven that Teflon could be linked to a variety of illnesses including, but not limited to, thyroid disorders and birth defects. These illnesses have not only been limited to humans but have also been linked to the deaths of many household pets.

"In two to five minutes on a conventional stovetop, cookware coated with Teflon and other non-stick surfaces can exceed temperatures at which the coating breaks apart and emits toxic particles and gases linked to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of pet bird deaths and an unknown number of human illnesses each year, according to tests commissioned by Environmental Working Group (EWG)."

A study from West Virginia School of Medicine, which will be published in the Journal of The Endocrine Society, has sparked new controversy over a key chemical in Teflon. The study found that women who have higher levels of perfluorocarbon in their bodies have a higher chance of an early onset to menopause.

Can you believe it!? Many of us work so hard at choosing the right foods necessary to create a healthy balance in our life and we take the time to prepare healthy meals for our family & friends using only the finest ingredients. Can you imagine, your family's health can be so drastically impacted by the cookware you use? Here's just another reason why it is not only important to chose the right foods, but what is most important is how and in what you prepare them in.

Click here to read full article

For more information on stainless steel cookware click here

Fight Eye Disease Through Healthy Eating

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:21:00 +0000

Harvard women’s study shows that eating fish helps fight of eye disease. Here’s a delicious recipe from our new Ultra Tech Cook book to help you.

Red Snapper with Spinach, Pecans, & Tomatoes

1 1/2 lb of fresh Red Snapper (approximately 4 small filets)
Juice from 2 limes
1/4 tsp cayanne pepper
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp Lysander Organic Fish Rub
2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
10-ounce package fresh spinach, stemmed and washed
1 fresh tomatoes, sliced

1. Rinse Snapper fillets with the lime juice Lightly rub dry seasonings over both sides of the Snapper fillets
2. Place filets of snapper in Ultra Tech II layer chopped pecans, spinach, and sliced tomatoes on the fillets Cook fish on low covered with open valve until lid whistles
3. When lid whistles (approximately 5-6 minutes), close Ultra Tech valve and remove from stove. Let sit for an additional 3 minutes and serve.

Restful Sleep Doesn't Have to Be a Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Oh how we love Monday mornings...especially the one that comes directly after the much anticipated "spring forward" time change known as daylight savings. Although it is a glorious sign that we are gradually coming out of the winter blues and being introduced to longer more sunnier days, most of us can't help but dread the initial loss of that extra hour of sleep.

Why is that? I mean it does happen at the same time every year and in reality the impact on our sleep patterns barely lasts into the end of the first week. So why is it we place so much emphasis on the negative impact of this time change? Have you ever thought that maybe our sleep disorders have begun way before the time change?

Many of us still wake up tired every morning no matter how many hours of sleep we get. We wake up with body aches, stiffness, irritability and congestion all of which have nothing to do with the time change. The amount of sleep you get is important but the quality of your sleep is much more vital to healthy living overall. So how can you tell if you are sleep deprived? It's likely you are not getting enough sleep if any one of several factors are true:

• lack energy during the day
• difficulty concentrating
• lack of motivation
• are irritable and quick to anger
• need an alarm clock to wake up
• doze off while driving a car

The reason most people are sleep deprived is because they are not practicing good sleep hygiene. You should:

• avoid drinking caffeine in the afternoon, which is a potent sleep disruptor
• avoid alcohol a minimum of six hours before you go to bed. (Alcohol has a rebound effect where you feel sleepy initially, but then will have a disrupted sleep through the night.)
• eat a heavy meal at lunch and a light meal at dinner • finish working out at least six hours before you are ready to sleep
• make your bedroom quiet, dark and slightly cool to optimize sleep
• begin a ritual to help you relax before bed each night
• don't go to bed unless you are sleepy. If you are not asleep after 20 minutes, then get out of bed and go back when you are sleepy.
• keep a regular schedule and get up at the same time each morning

Use your bedroom for sleep and avoid watching TV, working on a computer, eating and paying bills there.

Get a good mattress and pillows, and if you have a bed partner, makes sure that person doesn't disrupt your sleep. That includes your pets.

Proper sleep hygiene is as simple as making a few changes to your daily routine. Try the above mentioned tips before you blame the time change on your overall lack of rest and make sure to assess your mattress and pillows to make sure they're providing you with the support needed to promote the deepest stages of sleep.

Sweet dreams...and enjoy the sunshine!

For more information on improving your sleep with the Carico Ultra Tech Levitan Sleeping System click here

Dirty air triggers more heart attacks than cocaine!

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 20:16:00 +0000

When we think of the risks affiliated with breathing in bad air we normally think of increased allergies & respiratory problems. A recent study explained that "air pollution triggers more heart attacks than using cocaine and poses as high a risk of sparking a heart attack as alcohol, coffee and physical exertion". Can you imagine that!? Living an overall healthy lifestyle free of drugs and excessive alcohol can still result in premature death due to not breathing in clean air? The World Health Organization (WHO) describes air pollution as "a major environmental risk to health" and estimates that it causes around 2 million premature deaths worldwide every year. This is just in relation to outdoor air pollution; when you think of this and consider that the quality of our indoor air may be up to 100 times more polluted than our outdoor air it really makes you wonder.

I don't know about you, but I don't like those statistics. Considering we can't control the quality of the outdoor air we breathe, we need to focus on what we can control- the air we breathe in our homes and offices. There are many air filtration systems out on the market that claim to address one of many problems such as dust, pollen, pet dander, odors, gas, bacteria, mold, etc. but there isn't a product like Carico's Nutri-Tech Air Filtration System out on the market that can address all of these problems in one compact unit. How important is your health and that of those you love?

Click here to read full article

For more information click here

Carico's Ceramic Cartridge REALLY WORKS!

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:06:00 +0000

Carico's full spectrum cartridges do a fantastic job blocking bacteria and eliminating lots of contaminants.

Our customers are so satisfied that we constantly receive comments about how great our products are.

Here is a recent comment from one of our customers in New York:

"Ewwwwwww. We cleaned our filer yesterday. I COULD NOT believe how dirty is was. I even took a picture and showed to everyone at work."

And in another e-mail she wrote:

"Yuck, yuck, yuck. I had to take the picture b/c I could not believe it."

Alison M.

To find out more information about Carico's water filtration systems, please click on the picture below

Reduce the risk of cancer through healthy eating

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 06:57:00 +0000

International Health Insurance News: Healthy eating 'reduces cancer risk'

Research has shown that when individuals think of cancer, they hardly correlate it with what they eat and drink and rather focus more on the hazards of smoking and excessive sun exposure. This is according to recent comments from Teresa Nightingale, general manager of the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).

" Not enough people are aware that what they eat and how active they are affect their cancer risk," she explained. The comments come ahead of World Cancer Day, to be held on February 4th. Research conducted in advance of the awareness day has suggested that around a third of the most common cancers can be prevented through healthy eating, keeping physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.

Click here to read full article

Proper nutrition begins with the foods you eat as well as how these foods are prepared. Preparing our foods under low temperatures preserves the essential minerals and nutrients found in food, which aid in warding off various diseases such as cancer.

For more information click here

Research links cholesterol and nonstick coating chemical

noreply@blogger.com (Carico International) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:01:00 +0000

A Reuters article from Sun-Sentinel.com states that chemicals used to make non-stick coatings on cookware and to waterproof fabrics may raise levels of cholesterol in children.
Researcher Stephanie Frisbee of West Virginia University and her colleagues examined cholesterol levels that were 4.6 points higher and LDL levels that were 3.8 points higher than those with the lowest levels of PFOA.
PFOA is ingested in many ways such as through drinking water, dust, food packaging, air and occupational exposure and many more. Additionally the study used more than 12,000 children that had PFOA in their drinking water.
Carico’s Ultra-Tech II cookware is made of the highest quality surgical stainless steel. It conducts heat rapidly and is really easy to use. Your food comes in contact with the most
sanitary cooking surface available.
Carico’s Nutri-Tech Water Purification System removes harmful contaminants 500 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair. With many models to choose from these filtering systems offer you powerful protection for greater piece of mind and delicious water.