Health & WellnesS

The sun emits light energy (radiation) which is essential for life on earth, giving us warmth, vitamin D production, and rhythmic sleep cycles. However, it’s higher-energy ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. It is important that we protect ourselves against UV light, especially as outdoor enthusiasts. Sunscreens offer practical and effective sun protection, but the negative environmental impacts could be large when we use so much of it. We should become aware of how these products affect plant and animal life, and consider alternatives such as UV protective clothing and plant-based sun protection.

Epsom salt baths have been used for hundreds of years to soothe and restore sore muscles. The magnesium this salt contains is known to have many important roles in the human body, including maintenance of muscles, nerves and the heart. However, there is no definitive scientific evidence to show that we can absorb significant amounts of magnesium through our skin. Are Epsom salts just giving us a placebo effect then, or is the scientific research simply lacking?