Drinking Water Myths Tough to Swallow

Forbes suggests ways to keep workplace calm, healthy

(NEWSER) - Stressing out at work can negate the effects of that heart-healthy oatmeal you had for breakfast, Forbes reports. To avoid being that one of every three Americans with cardiovascular disease, adopt these work-day habits:

1. Drink water instead of cola, coffee, or tea.
2. Take the stairs; walk a few blocks at lunch.
3. Stretch your upper back and neck after sitting for a while.
4. Forget the value meal; keep lunch light.

And maybe some salt: Scientists propose simple fix for world crisis

(NEWSER) - One in 6 people in the world faces a clean-water shortage, according to the United Nations—so scientists are proposing a quick fix. Dirty water can be rendered drinkable using a few odd ingredients: Sun, salt, dirt, and lime, NPR reports. The sun's rays can kill the germs in bottled water left out for six hours—but for this to work, the water has to be transparent. "You need to be able to read a newspaper through it. That means it's clear enough for the UV radiation to penetrate and kill the pathogens," says an expert. More»

US intelligence fears 'water-based state conflict' in not-so-distant future

(NEWSER) - Soon, the precious commodity that starts wars may not be oil: It'll be water. Thanks to fresh-water shortages, droughts, and floods, US intelligence thinks it's increasingly likely that water could be "used as a weapon" in war, with one state denying water to another, according to a report released yesterday. And terrorists, always hungry for "high-visibility structures to attack," may begin targeting water infrastructure. The estimate is based on both current water policies and trends, and climate change projections, the Washington Post reports. More»

How can honey, black pepper, and egg shells help you?

(NEWSER) - Need to disinfect a wound? Use honey, not hydrogen peroxide. While hydrogen peroxide can prevent healing, honey is a good alternative because it's quite antibacterial. That's just one of the weird health tips rounded Listverse:

• To stop bleeding: Clean your cut, then sprinkle black pepper on it and apply pressure. Nope, it won't sting, but pepper has antiseptic, analgesic, and antibacterial properties.
• To lower your cholesterol: Take Metamucil—one study found it will work to decrease bad cholesterol, at least in men. Bonus: It also helps to lower blood sugar and blood pressure.

Industrial pollutant hexavalent chromium found in 31 of 35 cities surveyed

(NEWSER) - Those who thought Erin Brockovich was just a decent movie might want to check their drinking water: An environmental group has found the probable carcinogen featured in the film in the tap water of 31 of 35 US cities it analyzed—the first such study of hexavalent chromium to be made public. Topping the list of offenders were Norman, Okla., Honolulu, Riverside, Calif., and Madison, Wis. "Our municipal water supplies are in danger all over the US," says Brockovich. "This is a chemical that should be regulated." More»