Sunscreens

Sunscreens prevent sunburns, but beyond that simple fact surprisingly little is known about the safety and efficacy of these ubiquitous creams and sprays. There have not been any changes to regulations by the FDA since 1978. A review of the latest research unearthed troubling facts that might tempt you to give up on sunscreens altogether. That's not a good choice, despite the unknowns about their efficacy, public health agencies still recommend using sunscreens, just not as your first line of defense against the sun. Use sunscreens, but look for shade, wear protective clothing and avoid the noontime sun before you smear on the cream.

Best Beach & Sport Sunscreens

The best sunscreen is a hat and a shirt. No chemicals to absorb through the skin, no questions about whether they work. But when you can't get away from exposing your skin to the sun, use EWG's top-rated sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB-sunburn) protection with fewer hazardous chemicals that penetrate the skin. Sunscreen and sunblock makers are awaiting FDA approval for a wider selection of UVA-blocking chemicals.

In the meantime, all top-rated products contain either zinc or titanium minerals to help cut UVA exposures for sunscreen users. They are the right choice for people who are looking for the best UVA protection without any sunscreen chemical considered to be a potential hormone disruptor. None of the products contain oxybenzone or vitamin A and none are sprayed or powdered.

Choose from among the top-rated sunscreens for broad spectrum protection with fewer hazardous ingredients. And follow sun safety tips to protect your skin for a lifetime.

 Best Sunscreens by Environmental Working Group (EWG)

ROOTBEER
 

Rootbeer to some may bring them back to chilhood, sitting in the car while an A&W server brings a tray to hang on the window with a teeny little frosted mug for you to sip the sweet nector. Oh the memories! 
 

Root beer is not a cure all. Even though many of the herbs and roots used to make it have medicinal qualities, they are present in very small amounts. However, if you find a brand that has less added sugar, low in carbonation, and no artificial ingredients, you may have found a treasure. It pre-dates cola and usually doesn't have caffiene. Here is a little history:
 

HIRES COMPANY
 

Charles Hires, a pharmacist, was on his honeymoon and he discovered an herbal tea he simply could not part with. After taking the recipe of herbs, berries and roots home to Philadelphia with him, he began selling a packaged dry mixture to the public made from many of the same ingredients as the original herbal tea. Well received, Hires soon developed a liquid concentrate blended together from more than 25 herbs, berries and roots.

The public loved the new drink and as a result, Hires introduced commercial root beer to the public in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. In no time, it became a popular drink of its day. By 1893, the Hires family sold bottled versions of their well-known brew, sealing their place in rootbeer history.

No matter the history, one thing is for certain: Rootbeer is an original brew, predating colas and other popular sodas.