That's Fit

When I was a kid, my family spent most of our summer at a cabin in the northern part of our state. Inevitably, one of my sisters and I would be covered in mosquito bites, while the rest of the family escaped that itchy fate. My mom used to say that my sister and I had "sweet blood." Turns out, she wasn't too far off base.

Among other factors, tiny little blood-suckers such as mosquitoes are drawn to the carbon dioxide and lactic acid we excrete. While we all release carbon dioxide and lactic acid larger people and pregnant women have higher amounts. You're also likely to have a higher level of lactic acid in your sweat just after exercising. High body temperature is also a beacon to mosquitoes. Floral scents (perfumes, etc.) may also be a draw as well as dark colored fabrics.

Kelly at Green Daily has some earth-friendly tips for fending off mosquitoes.

There's a new injectable beauty treatment out there, which is thought to take years off your skin by reducing wrinkles, scars and stretch marks. No, it's not botox. It's carbon dioxide, and it could be coming to a plastic surgeon near you.

It's called Carboxy therapy, and according to this article from the Daily Mail, it's revolutionary in the world of beauty. It even works on cellulite, loose skin and much more. It's all the rage in Britain, but is it safe? The jury's currently out on that question, as this type of therapy is rather new.

What do you think? Would you get carboxy therapy?

I was in a minor car accident when I was younger, and because I'd hit my head the paramedics insisted on taking me to the hospital to get checked out. It was the only time I've ever been in an ambulance, and one of the things that stands out in my memory is the EMT putting the oxygen on my face and apparently trying to lighten the mood by smiling and saying "breathing this pure oxygen is totally going to give you a natural high."

Well it didn't give me a natural high, and according to this new research it may have actually done some damage instead. Testing shows that inhaling pure oxygen has exactly the opposite effect than intended: it triggers the release of hormones and chemicals that can potentially hurt the brain and heart, and that interfere with normal blood flow and oxygenation of vital organs. It seems a mix of carbon dioxide and oxygen proves to be much better, or even just plain old room air -- which they already use for patients in Europe. Who knew?