Good news! I’ve found a hands-free bug-repellent product that works: Herbal Clear is worth searching out. I’m not sure why the company chose to double this as a deodorant (bugs rarely get me in the pits). But I suppose if you really love that citronella smell, wearing this stuff as a deodorant isn’t a bad option. Leave it for the trail, though. You don’t want to repel your office mates, now do you?

Obesity has been linked to a seemingly endless array of negative health consequences (heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and the like) but you might want to think twice before you judge a person’s health by their weight, says another new study reported on the NYTimes Well blog this week. more

Mosquitos love me. So do horse flies, black flies, centipedes, and no-see-ums. But because I spend a lot of time swimming and fly fishing in lakes and rivers, I don’t like to use any kind of body care chemicals that can damage natural waterways (not to mention me) in any way. To wit, I’ve been DEET free for well over 15 years. But this summer I cast off the mosquito net and relied on some naturally gentle options in the form of wipes, patches, and sprays, and have been quite happy with the repellent results. more

Yes, I said “yummy.” I’m licking my lips as I write — in fact, I’m liking everything about this new line from LA aesthetician, Maki Maodus. Usually, I’m skeptical of products marketed to moms and babies, but Mambino’s offerings are so delectable, even those of us of the non-Mom persuasion will be enticed. (To wit, I’m eager to try out the Mommy Time’s Organic Body Wash — it’s refreshing mandarin scent would smell delicious on anyone of any age of any sex.) more

In the midst of a sunny summer and vacations to the beach, sunscreen sales skyrocket. One thing that many people can forget, however, is how harmful certain sunscreens are to the environment. Several sunscreen ingredients can kill off aquatic life, which may be the very reason for your summer vacation to the ocean in the first place. more

Last Sunday, I biked 65 miles in an organized bike race. It was my first long ride of the summer, and I really wavered on what I should eat to give myself strength and energy over the long haul. Should I down a plate of pasta before bed? Would all those carbs pay off big at mile 55 when I would normally lose steam? In short, does loading up on all kinds of simple carbs actually benefit athletic stamina, or is it just an old wives tale propagated for decades by the spaghetti marketing board?

According to today’s New York Times, what you eat and when you eat it might not have much of an effect on performance at all. In fact, it asserts that the long-held notion that you should eat carbohydrates and protein in a ratio of 4 to 1 before an “event” doesn’t really hold up and that for the average weekend warrior like myself, eating “real food at regular meals” may be the true key to solid athletic performance. In any case, the article is interesting for its in-depth look at how muscles work. (Or you could check out our June Wellness story, “Muscle Up,” for a solid primer.)

I ended up settling on a breakfast of two hard-boiled eggs, electrolyte drink — which probably didn’t help much but to make staying hydrated a little bit more interesting — and a constant flow of salty, sweet snacks throughout the day. I then packed in some serious barbecue after the ride. Interestingly, I was craving salty snacks for days afterward.

Around this time of year, I start to anticipate the dry hands that usually accompany hotter weather. True, Colorado is a super-dry place, but my guess is that no matter where you live, your digits could use some TLC this summer. That’s why I’ve been so ecstatic about these recent hand-cream finds. Here are the hand-creams I can’t do without. more

Bet you didn’t know that April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Us either. Prevent Blindness America designated the month as a way to raise awareness of all things having to do with eye health. The FDA has picked up the message and has posted a refresher page of tips on how to keep your eye makeup safe. Also check out “About Face” for info on natural options.

As a former resident of New Zealand, I am always on the lookout for all things Kiwi. Last night at a party, I randomly met the founder of new, yummy body care company NZP Naturals. I’m slathering on their lanolin-based lip balm now. If you don’t know about lanolin, you should. more

The May issue of the UC Berkely Wellness Letter has some terrific tips for how to transform your summer walks into real workouts. Here are 11 top ways to get more out of daily walks:

1. If you want to go faster, instead of taking longer steps, take faster steps.

2. Swing your arms. This can burn 5 percent to 10 percent more calories.

3. Choose varried terrains. Walking on grass or gravel burns more calories. more