PopSugar

From Dripping to Drenched, Why Are Wet Cats So Darn Cute?

PetSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:30:09 -0800

Whether dunked under water or dripping of their own accord, there's something about wet kitties that makes me giggle Too much water, too much watery fun. Check out 10 kitties in varying sodden states to brighten your afternoon a little.

View Slideshow ›

Sparkling Water vs. Plain Water

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:50:41 -0700

If you've swapped out your daily soda for sparkling water, or like to drink the bubbly stuff because plain H2O can be boring, I bet you're wondering how healthy it is. Fizzy water is not only refreshing, but it also hydrates your body as well as regular ol' water.

You may have heard that the carbon dioxide added to water to make it bubbly can be acidic, and can cause erosion to your tooth enamel. Don't worry because the damage is minimal, and one would have to drink massive amounts of sparkling water in order to wear away enamel faster than it's renewed. Sodas, on the other hand, contain phosphoric acid, which definitely rots your teeth.

What about sparkling water affecting your bones? To find out the truth, read more.

You may have also heard that carbonated water can leach calcium out of your bones and lead to osteoporosis, but no studies have been found to back this up. Actually, drinking sparkling water may even keep calcium locked in your bones.

One thing you need to watch out for is flavored sparkling waters. Some varieties are enhanced with natural fruit juices, but others contain sugar or artificial sweeteners, so be a label reader to avoid unnecessary calories. Some fizzy mineral water or club soda can also contain high amounts of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure. Another downside to opting for the bubbly is that some people may experience bloating or gas from drinking it.

Which do you drink more often, sparkling or regular water?

Do Tell: Could Your Dog Climb a Ladder?

PetSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:20:41 -0700

Summer's officially over. Sigh. I like to think North and I are best suited for dry-land adventures (or boat trips, of course), but this Boston Terrier gives me hope. Guido not only bravely dives off the dock and swims to fetch a toy, he then climbs a ladder at the end! Impressive. I'll be grabbing a life vest and luring North into the water next year!

Fact or Fiction: Health Myths

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:50:39 -0700

Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? And do you need all that water? With myths and old wives' tales sounding more like bona fide medical advice, knowing how to take care of yourself can be plain confusing. Do you know which of these accepted words of wisdom make real health sense? Take my quiz to find out.

Take the quiz

Wee Are the World: PlayPumps Supply Clean Water

LilSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:00:13 -0700

Drinkable water from the faucet and a shower or bath are things we Americans take for granted. For more than one billion people worldwide, clean drinking water is a luxury that is hard to come by.

By combining a merry-go-round and a water pump, PlayPumps International is bringing free, healthy water and fun activities to rural and peri-urban communities. Installed near school yards, PlayPumps' water pumps are powered by the children who play on them.

More than 1,200 systems have already been donated to communities in South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Zambia improving the drinking water for millions of people. With attention from Steve Case, Jay-Z and Kirstie Alley, the group hopes to install 4,000 PlayPumps by next year, ultimately benefitting 10 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Do You Have a Lake or Pond on Your Property?

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 06:15:38 -0700

At my vacation house growing up, we had two ponds on our property. In the Summer, we'd row our old rowboat around them, play with the frogs and salamanders that lived there, and practice our fishing skills. In the Winter, the ponds were prime spots for ice skating. And of course, they gave the scenery a face lift.

Reasons to Choose Tap Water Over Bottled

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:00:36 -0700

Sipping bottled water has become such a habit for people trying to live healthier - think Jennifer Aniston and her Smartwater ads. Choosing water over sugary sodas is great, but many people think bottled water is healthier than good ol' water from the tap. And cleaner too. But research has found that is not true. In fact, bottled water could contain more impurities than tap water - that's not smart at all. Here are seven reasons to skip the bottled water and opt for tap.

Tap water is highly regulated. It is regularly checked for traces of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria. The FDA doesn't hold the same rules for bottled water.
Tap water must be tested for coliform bacteria 100 or more times a month. Bottled water companies are only required to test once a week.

Learn five more reasons.

How Many Glasses of Water Do You Drink Daily?

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:56 -0700

The health benefits of drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water continue to fall under scrutiny. However, being dehydrated can slow down your metabolism. When it is hot and humid, and you're exercising regularly, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after working out. With all this in mind, I want to know, on average . . .

Does Your Cat Love Baths Like Laifu?

PetSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0700

North doesn't mind a rub-a-dub in the tub every couple weeks, but even I couldn't lure my guy in the bath three times a week like this kitty! Five year-old Laifu from China can't get enough of the bubbly water of bath time, which is completely contrary to what many cat lovers can expect. I know my favorite cat gals use dry shampoo for their felines, and only attempt the water bath when absolutely necessary but maybe they're the exception, not the rule!

View 4 Photos ›

Burning Question: Why Are Ice Cubes Cloudy in the Center?

YumSugar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:00:09 -0700

When I pulled out the ice tray to make a whiskey lemonade over the weekend, I couldn't help but notice that the ice had a cloudy white spot in the middle of it. This prompted me to ask: why is it that some ice I buy at the store is crystal-clear, but the frozen cubes at home in my freezer appear murky and white in the center?

Ice cubes develop cloudiness when water is frozen quickly. As ice begins developing on the surface of water, certain gases can no longer remain dissolved and begin to surface as microscopic bubbles. An already-developed outer layer of ice traps all the bubbles inside the frozen cube. Another reason for the white color may be traces of calcium carbonate or impurities, which are small and flaky in appearance but are completely harmless.

Ice makers are able to achieve a clear, see-through effect by distilling water, then freezing it in stages, and by using a mechanism that allows bubbles to be washed away as ice cubes develop.

Got a burning question? Contact us.