Caring for the Self

People come to Tai Chi and Qigong for a variety of reasons and in the process of performing these wonderful arts, we are nourishing our bodies and our minds. However, one thing Tai Chi and Qigong can’t do is help with what we put into and onto our bodies.

My sister made me aware of a free app to download on my phone called YUKA. The app assists in understanding more about what we eat and what we apply to our skin. It allows us to examine what we use to literally nourish our body and our mind.

Yuka was developed in France in 2017 with the idea of giving people detailed information about manufactured products. All you need is the barcode. Simply scan the barcode and YUKA will give you a score out of 100. That's the easy way to check the product. However, the real benefit is the list of the ingredients, both good and bad.

What can be a surprise on the cosmetic front is that a name and/or expensive brand doesn't necessarily equate to a safer product. Also, a luxury brand can have both good and poor products in the same range. One thing that really helps is the alternative product suggestions, so you are not stuck at the supermarket with analysis paralysis.

Can it be trusted? It is independent of all government or private support. It earns revenue from a paid version that provides additional features.

On a personal level, I have used a brand name shaving gel for decades and upon checking it, I found it had a score of 5... partly because of BHT, a potential endocrine disruptor. So, I checked the alternatives and am now using a cheaper, healthier product.

What YUKA gives you is concise information that enables you to make your own choice.

As a great man, once said "Do yourself a favour" and try it. Your health is up to you.

Hears to good health,

Glenn Bermingham