Archives For Toni Noe'

Light Therapy for Weight Loss

Light therapy…

is being used all over the world for a wide array of conditions and disorders. Among other things, the all natural treatment is:

  • curing acne
  • rejuvenating skin
  • diminishing wrinkles
  • curing skin cancer
  • treating chronic pain
  • curing seasonal affective disorder
  • easing depression symptoms
  • treating insomnia

Depending on the condition and the symptoms, the process differs. Some devices are handheld and used once a day. Some are table lamps that you turn on in the morning; some you use before bed. Some are full beds that resemble tanning beds. Some devices are portable light boxes that can sit on your desk at work. Basically, the options are endless! No matter what kind of light therapy device you need, it’s available.

Light Therapy for Weight Loss…

The newest breakthrough in the light therapy world is an LED light machine that is aiding in weight loss. The concept of losing weight without having to diet or exercise sounds pretty incredible, right? Most people diet like crazy, work out to a point where they want to die, spend too much money on supplements and herbs, get injections, take pills, and much more. The sad and silly part is that a lot of these methods don’t work.
A few companies have been exploring this concept, but there’s one invention in particular that is blowing everyone’s minds.

Developed under the Korean government via R&D support, AinA’s Smartron was created to promote weight loss with a few different methods in mind. The Smartron uses low frequency and infrared rays to ease muscular pain. The company says that the device was based on alternative medicine and and IT technology. The device combines the meridian pulse technology and an LED light system  to simulate body parts, specifically the hands and feet. Doing so promotes blood circulation, strengthens muscles, alleviates muscle pain, and deconstructs fat. The Smartron uses an abdominal belt with LED light to penetrate to the epidermis of the user’s skin. This deconstructs cellulites and rejuvenates cells.

Most medical devices are heavy and bulky. The Smartron is portable, light, and easy to use. The instructions on how to use it are simple and very straight forward. By being a positive, safe, and easy to use health managing device, Smartron is gaining tons of public attention. With so many diseases and unhealthy habits in the world, we need a device like this!

Smartron won the gold award at the Seoul International Invention Fair as well as the Taiwan International Invention Fair. It triple crowned in all three major invention fairs. The device is currently being sent to 15 countries in Asia, Europe, and America. The company is attending as many trade shows as possible to get their product out to the world.

The vice president of AinA, Dong-Oh Chung, was quoted saying, “In this age where people are living up to 100 years of age, AinA hopes to aide everyone to fully, healthily live their lives via our company’s technology and service.”

We are loving the Smartron and everything it stands for. What about you?

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Posted on August 3, 2016 In Light Therapy, Products, Weight Loss
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Light Therapy Linked to Dementia and Sleeping Habits

What Is Dementia?

Simply put, dementia is a group of thinking and social symptoms that interferes with normal daily functioning. However, dementia is so much more than a simplified, condensed, one sentence long description. Dementia is chronic and persistent and affects not only the mental process of the victim of the disease, but also anyone else involved. Dementia is a general term and there are many different forms, levels, and stages. For example, Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. This is a condition that most people know about. Dementia is an overall term that can describe a long list of symptoms, all of which are more than difficult to deal with.

The Symptoms…

The symptoms for dementia greatly vary but in order to have the condition, the patient must be significantly impaired by at least two of these specific core mental functions…

  • Memory
  • Communication / Language
  • Ability to focus and pay attention
  • Reasoning / Judgement
  • Visual perception
  • Some of the symptoms for dementia that are not one of the core mental functions are…
  • Difficulty handling complex tasks
  • Difficulty with planning and organizing
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Personality changes
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Inappropriate behavior
  • Paranoia
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations

Due to the fact that dementia is a general term, the symptoms do vary greatly and depending on the exact form, there are different ways patients live and seek treatment.

The Cause…

Dementia is a result of damage to the nerve cells in the brain. This can occur for many different reasons. Depending on the part of the brain that is affected by this nerve damage, people are affected differently. The different forms of dementia are grouped by what they have in common as well as which part of the brain they are located in or affecting. Some forms of dementia are progressive, meaning that they get worse and worse over time, and some are brought about by medications, deficiencies, etc., and can be treated.

Progressive Dementias:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Vascular dementia
  • Lewy body dementia
  • Frontotemporal dementia
  • Mixed dementia

Disorders Linked To Dementia:

  • Huntington’s disease
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
  • Parkinson’s disease

Dementia Conditions That Are Reversible:

  • Infections
  • Immune disorders
  • Metabolic problems
  • Endocrine abnormalities
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Medication reactions
  • Subdural hematomas
  • Poisoning
  • Brain tumors
  • Anoxia
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus

Light Therapy & Dementia!

Dementia can greatly affect it’s patients sleeping habits and increase their agitation levels. This is the last thing that someone suffering with a life changing condition needs to deal with. That’s why we’re going to talk about light therapy!

Ecumen, which is a senior housing and services provider, conducted a pilot study and came to the conclusion that light therapy can help dementia victims. They found that light therapy can improve nighttime sleeping and reduce agitation levels in their patients that have dementia.

In the study, almost 60% of the participants had fewer episodes of sleep disturbance and 32% had fewer behavioral episodes compared to patients that didn’t partake in the experiment. It’s important to note that antipsychotic medication usage decreased by 11%.

For the experiment, bright light tables were placed in dementia patient’s rooms as well as common rooms where they spend time for group activities. The residents were exposed to the bright lights for about 30 minutes each day during Daylight Savings Time and 1 hour after Daylight Savings Time. The experiment was conducted from April 1st to December 15th at three different Minnesota facilities. One in Chicago, One in Detroit, and one in Grand Rapids.

The company is greatly pleased by their results. Sonya DeSmith, an Ecumen Quality Improvement Nurse, supervised the experiment and then spoke about it in a press release. DeSmith said, “We’re very encouraged by the results. Our sample size was small, but based on the data and the anecdotal observations by our nurses, we plan to promote the therapy across all our sites. We view this as another tool in the tool box of evidence-based, non-drug interventions for residents with dementia.”

Why Is It So Important?

While light therapy isn’t at the stage where it could completely treat individuals struggling with dementia, it is making a difference. And if these patients who are greatly struggling can take two less pills or worry about a few less things, their path to recovery is going to be smoother. Every day is a battle for dementia patients. This study can help dementia patients slowly feel like themselves again without highly sedative drugs and that is so important.

Posted on August 2, 2016 In Insomnia, Light Therapy, Mental Health
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Light Therapy Could Cure Cancer!

Cancer is quite possibly the worst thing to happen to this world. It breaks hearts, destroys lives, weakens everyone involved, and there is no cure at the moment. But how would you feel if we told you there’s a light at the end of the tunnel? Literally. A light.

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells divide uncontrollably. These cells destroy body tissue, killing the body of it’s victim. The most common forms of cancer are…

  • Breast cancer: forms in cells of the breasts
  • Prostate cancer: in a man’s prostate which is a small gland shaped like a walnut. This gland produces seminal fluid.
  • Basal cell cancer: skin cancer that begins in basal cells
  • Melanoma: skin cancer. The most dangerous form.
  • Colon cancer: in the color or rectum, in the digestive tract’s lower end.
  • Lung cancer: in the lungs. Most common in smokers.
  • Leukemia: attacks the blood forming tissues. Lowers ability to fight infection.
  • Lymphoma: in the lymphatic system.

The Symptoms…

Because there are so many different forms of cancer, the symptoms vary from case to case. Depending on the part of the body that is affected, the symptoms can greatly vary. However, there are some general signs that are associated with cancer. We have borrowed a list of symptoms/signs from MayoClinic, a credible medical website. They are:

  • Fatigue
  • Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin
  • Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain
  • Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won’t heal, or changes to existing moles
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • Persistent cough or trouble breathing
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness
  • Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
  • Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
  • Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
  • Unexplained bleeding or bruising

(mayoclinic.org)

If you have any of these symptoms or know someone that does, do not jump to conclusions, but it is smart  consult with a doctor if any of these symptoms are persistent.

The Cause…

Cancer is brought about by mutations/changes to the DNA inside of cells. Here’s how it works. The DNA within a cell is packaged into a large number of separate genes. Each of these genes has a set of instructions that lets the cell know which functions it has to perform. It also instructs it on how to grow and divide. When there are errors in these instructions cells can stop their normal functions. This can cause the cells to become cancerous.

MayoClinic explains that there are three things a gene mutation can do. They can grow, stop growing, or make mistakes. To explain these three common mutations, MayoClinic writes that a gene mutation can instruct a healthy cell to…

  • Allow rapid growth. A gene mutation can tell a cell to grow and divide more rapidly. This creates many new cells that all have that same mutation.
  • Fail to stop uncontrolled cell growth. Normal cells know when to stop growing so that you have just the right number of each type of cell. Cancer cells lose the controls (tumor suppressor genes) that tell them when to stop growing. A mutation in a tumor suppressor gene allows cancer cells to continue growing and accumulating.
  • Make mistakes when repairing DNA errors. DNA repair genes look for errors in a cell’s DNA and make corrections. A mutation in a DNA repair gene may mean that other errors aren’t corrected, leading cells to become cancerous.

These mutations are the most common ones found in cancer. But many other gene mutations can contribute to causing cancer. (mayoclinic.org)

There are many reasons why gene mutations/changes can happen. They occur quite often during normal cell growth. While our cells are equipped with a mechanism that can detect when a mistake happens and it can fix it, some mistakes are missed. This is when they can become cancerous.

Gene mutations can occur for a few different reasons. You can be born with them. You can inherit a gene mutation from your parents. This is a small percentage rate. Most mutations are not inherited and occur after birth. Smoking, radiation, viruses, carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals), obesity, hormones, chronic inflammation, and a lack of exercise can all cause cancer.

Light Therapy & Cancer…

Scientists at Tufts University in Boston have recently been breaking ground with their light therapy cancer research study. Michael Levin is a biologist and head of the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Development Biology and he is quoted as saying, “we call this whole research program cracking the biological code.” Levin and his team have successfully used optogenics, a new form of light therapy, to prevent and reverse tumors in frog embryos..

The Experiments…

During optogenics, a substance is injected into the subject of the experiment. The goal is to bring the subject back to the healthy subject it was before it was injected.

In the optogenics experiments at Tufts University, researchers injected frog embryos with two types of genes. One gene was meant to predispose them to cancer and one was meant to produce light-sensitive ion channels in tumor cells. Ion channels are passageways. They go in and out of a cell and open when responding to specific signals. When these passageways are open, the movement of ions in or out of a cell creates an electrical signal, which is what the researchers were aiming to create. Michael Levin, the head of the experiment, explained that “The idea is much like the brain, when neuroscientists try to figure out the semantics of electrical states in the brain. We try to figure out how patterns are encoded in electrical states in the body.”

The researchers exposed the embryos to light in order to activate the ion channels on the tumor cells. When these channels were activated and the electrical signals in the cells were adjusted, the researchers report that they were successful at preventing and reversing tumor formation in 30% of the embryos. One of the researchers explained that when they blinked the blue light at the tumor for 24 hours the tumor went away.

Why Is This So Important?

Being able to locate and understand the electrical patterns in our cells opens up an entirely new world in cancer research and light therapy. It is now possible to control the speed at which cells divide as well as the information they share with the cells surrounding them. Levin explains that “The electrical communication amongst cells is really important for tumor suppression. The bigger picture is to understand how these voltages are passed among cells and how they control the transfer of chemical signals among cells.”

It is still not known whether or not optogenics can be used to treat cancer in people, but experiments will begin soon on mammals. The important thing to note here is how far science has come and how crucial light therapy may be in the treatment of cancer.

Light to treat cancer! We’ll keep you with more news on these incredible experiments.

Posted on June 28, 2016 In Blue Light Therapy, Light Therapy
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Light Therapy, Chronic Pain, & Mice

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is classified as persistent pain that can last for weeks to years. It’s usually self diagnosable and there is no known cure quite yet, although there are forms of treatment that can help. There are more than 3 million U.S. cases each year, making this a common condition.

Chronic pain is more than physical. It’s also mental and it can quickly take over your life. Constant physical pain can decrease energy and mood levels, leaving victims feeling low and even depressed. The most common form of treatment for chronic pain is medication. Acupuncture, surgery, electrical stimulation, and cognitive behavioral therapy are also forms of treatment. But with medication being the most common treatment for chronic pain, it’s obvious that another option needs to be found. Medicine is not a permanent fix and while it can help you mentally because you are feeling less pain, it’s also harmful in the sense that it is addictive. Solving one mental issue by adding another, addiction, is not a proactive form of treatment. This is why we are going to discuss light therapy.

The Symptoms…

The symptoms for chronic pain do not take rocket science to understand. Acute pain is a painful sensation that typically lets us know of an injury, or a bigger problem. Chronic pain, however, lasts for far too long. If the pain in the patient’s body lasts for more than 12 weeks, it is classified as chronic pain. The primary symptom of chronic pain is constant and persistent pain.

According to WebMD, a credible website dedicated to all things medical, chronic pain has other symptoms, aside from just pain. These symptoms are thought to arise due to the link between the mental state and the physical state during chronic pain. WebMD writes:

The symptoms of chronic pain include:

  • Mild to severe pain that does not go away
  • Pain that may be described as shooting, burning, aching, or electrical
  • Feeling of discomfort, soreness, tightness, or stiffness

Pain is not a symptom that exists alone. Other problems associated with pain can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Sleeplessness
  • Withdrawal from activity and increased need to rest
  • Weakened immune system
  • Changes in mood including hopelessness, fear, depression, irritability, anxiety, and stress
  • Disability

(WebMD.com)

Common pain areas are in the back, joints, mouth, face, muscles, bones, and neck. The sensory perception of this pain can be classified as pins and needles as well as sensitivity to pain. There are many different types of pain and these can be caused by psychological factors. Each patient has a unique form of chronic pain.

The Cause…

It is common for chronic pain to arise due to an injury. For example a back sprain or a car accident. It can also come from illness. And for others, there is no clear cut cause. This might be the most difficult “cause” to deal with.

No matter what caused the chronic pain to arise, it remains a part of the patient’s body due to either inflammation or dysfunctional nerves. The goal of treatment for chronic pain is to reduce the pain and improve functions so that the patient can live a normal life again.

Covering up the pain with medications (opiates) or using more holistic forms of treatment and not seeing results can ultimately make the situation worse. This is why we are promoting light therapy. This is why everyone should be pushing for light therapy!

Light Therapy & Chronic Pain

Red light therapy has been used to treat pain for awhile now. It can relieve sore muscles, heal wounds, relieve joint pain, and so much more. Infrared red light therapy is changing people’s lives every day. And while most red light therapy products are being advertised for treating chronic pain, the research needs to continue. While hand held devices from Amazon may work for some people, each chronic pain case is different. Some are far more intense than others. This is why light therapy is constantly being experimented with in regards to pain. If a cure for chronic pain is on the horizon, we cannot stop searching.

This is why researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital of McGill University are taking their experiments so seriously. These researchers have been able to see pain relief in mice using optogenics, a new, extremely specific, non-invasive form of light therapy. During optogenics, a substance is injected into mice that induce them into a certain condition. For this experiment, they were subjected to chronic pain. The goal of optogenics is to treat the mice of this condition.

Tech Times has an April 2016 article about this light therapy experiment. The author, Catherine Cabral-Isabedra, explains:

“Once neurons were subjected to yellow light, the pain response to light and heat was inhibited. The researchers said that pain relief was seen to last for more than 24 hours in mice with 1 hour of inhibition.

Once neurons were subjected to yellow light, the pain response to light and heat was inhibited. The researchers said that pain relief was seen to last for more than 24 hours in mice with 1 hour of inhibition.

Senior author and professor of neurology and neurosurgery at McGill University Philippe Seguela explained that the opsins, which respond to light, can only be expressed if Cre recombinase is present.

“When we transfer these to neurons, we can control their responses simply by illuminating the skin with innocuous yellow light,” said Seguela.

“Opsins can be packaged in viruses and viral expression can be genetically restricted to specific neuronal populations allowing a higher cellular selectivity,” says Seguela. “This will allow chronic pain patients to benefit from a non-invasive and highly precise analgesic method to modulate their pain.”

The study aims to understand the physiology of chronic pain and provide groundwork for alternative pain management.”

(techtimes.com)

Why This Is So Important…

Given that medications, mainly opiates, are the main form of treatment for chronic pain, this recent discovery is groundbreaking. President Barack Obama has recently proposed new rules to manage the growing opioid use in our country. In United States alone, more than 2 million people are dependent upon painkillers. When painkillers are prescribed for chronic pain, the individuals suffering from pain develop a tolerance to the drug. Eventually they take more, and unfortunately for some, they take far too much and end up overdosing. Pain killers kill more than 40 people each day in the U.S. If chronic pain can be one less condition that is prescribed pain killers, we might be able to see an end in sight for this pain killer cemetery.

Optogenics offers great hope as an alternative to traditional painkilling medications. Because of it’s high temporal and spatial control on neuron activity, light therapy might actually win this battle.

Are You Sold?

Tendilite World’s Top Red LED Light Therapy Joint Pain Relief
Amazon for $194.93 (on sale!)

Optogenics light therapy is currently not being used on humans, but that doesn’t mean you can’t join the game. Red light therapy is being proven effective for treating a wide array of conditions, including pain. For some individuals, red light therapy has been successful in treating chronic pain, depending on what has caused the condition.

The Tendilite Joint Pain Home Therapy treatment package is FDA cleared, drug free and harm free. It is also highly reviewed and a fair price for the results it offers. The treatment sessions are fast and pain free. Patients simply hold, or have someone else hold, a small red light therapy device up to where the pain is for up to one minute at a time. The light should be shined directly at the joint or disc that is causing pain.

This Tendilite device can reduce pain, promote muscle relaxation, increase blood circulation, reduce swelling and stiffness and activate necessary collagen that is used to rebuild connective tissue.

This device is a small step towards big results. While it may not be what was used in the experiments in Montreal, it is still highly effective for lower grade pain. Give it a shot! And keep your eyes peeled for new light therapy research!

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Posted on June 27, 2016 In Light Therapy, Mental Health, Pain, Red Light Therapy
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New Light Therapy Mask Is Treating Jet Lag!

What Is Jetlag?

Jet lag, also referred to as desynchronosis or flight fatigue, is a major downside to traveling. When flying to a location with a time zone difference of 3 hours or more, passengers often find themselves feeling all sorts of weird once they land. They’re tired, irritable, confused, and often have trouble sleeping.

Jet lag occurs because our circadian rhythms, or biological clocks, are easily disturbed. Circadian rhythm is our body’s internal clock which controls the amount of melatonin and serotonin our brains release. Our circadian rhythm relies on the amount of light our brain senses each day as well as the timing of that light. When taking a long flight to the other side of the country at 12 o’clock in the afternoon, passengers could awake from their plane nap at 10 o’clock at night. Then they’re left wired and all out of sorts. Our bodies don’t understand what time it is, our brain isnwide awake, and there is usually only a slim chance of falling asleep. This is why jet lag occurs. Once our circadian rhythm is disturbed, it’s hard to get back on track.

Aside from feeling fatigue and suffering from insomnia, there are some other physical and emotional symptoms that passengers often face. These include…

  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Dehydration
  • Confusion
  • Diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty with concentrating
  • Indigestion issues
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Problems with coordination
  • Sleepiness during the day
  • The feeling of malaise
  • Memory loss
  • Heartbeat irregularities
  • Weak immune system

Anyone can suffer from jet lag – adults, children, babies. While it is not common to need to seek medical attention for jet lag symptoms, the symptoms can leave you out of commission. The recovery process from jet lag depends on the number of time zones crossed during traveling. Typically, passengers tend to recover from jet lag at a rate of one or two time zones per day. To put this into perspective – if you travel through 8 time zones, your body will typically need  5 to 7 days to recover.

The Neuroon Mask…

Traveling is supposed to be fun but it’s hard to have fun when suffering from jet lag. This is where the Neuroon Mask saves the day! A Polish start up company designed the groundbreaking sleep mask with travelers in mind. The mask is meant to shift your body’s internal clock in preparation for long trips.

How It Works…

The Neuroon Mask works by exposing the person wearing the mask to short bursts of light while they are asleep. The company claims that the mask helps reduce the effects of jet lag after traveling to a destination with a time difference of 3 hours or more.

The company decided to create the mask after research from Stanford University in California found that levels of melatonin, a sleep hormone, were greatly altered when patients were exposed to short flashes of light during their sleep. The researchers found that this discovery could be used to alter a person’s sleep schedule and keep their circadian rhythm, or biological clock, in check.

There are biometric sensors built into the Neuroon Mask that can measure the wearer’s heart rate and brainwaves. This records their sleep analytics, sleep architecture, phases of deep/light sleep, REM, and waking. All of these recordings can then be viewed on a smartphone application created specifically for the mask.

Jetlag Blocker…

Perhaps the most interesting and innovative part of the Neuron Mask is it’s “Jetlag Blocker” feature. You can actually enter your destination and the mask will adjust it’s settings and light therapy process to prepare your body’s internal clock for it’s new time zone location. The company recommends starting the light therapy process a few days before traveling. This will increase the chances of beating jet lag.

Why It’s So Important…

Most people brush things such as jet lag aside. They just assume it’s bound to happen. In this case, they either take sleeping medicines, get sick from exhaustion, or just get used to their generally low moods while traveling. This is not the way it should be!

Making light spectrum therapy easy to use is the best way to continually introduce the therapy to the world.

Neuroon Sleep Mask
Available for $299.00
Neuroon.com

The Neuron Sleep Mask is currently available on the company’s website for a pretty fair price if you tend to put your health first. The price includes the Lucid Dreaming cellular app which works for both Android and IOS. Do you travel a lot for work or just love to take off? Is your body extremely sensitive to time zone changes? Are you ready to try the world’s new innovative discovery? The Neuroon Mask is for you! Let us know how you like it.

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Posted on June 26, 2016 In Insomnia, Jetlag, Light Therapy, Mental Health, Products
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Light Therapy & The Earth

What Is Light Therapy?

Light Therapy is the process of using different forms of light to help reduce and/or treat a wide array of conditions and disorders. Dermatologists, doctors, and psychiatrists have been using light therapy on their patients for some time. And now, thanks to the convenience of new light therapy products, you can also use the treatment at home. Light therapy has been safely and effectively changing the medical world one patient at a time.

How It Works…

Depending on the condition and the patient’s state of health, light therapy treatments can vary. For skin conditions and disorders, red, blue, and green light therapy devices are used. The treatments can be applied in many different forms including body wraps, handheld wands, tanning style beds, and masks. These methods are used for chronic pain, acne, wrinkles, cellulite, rosacea, psoriasis, and more. For mental conditions, such as seasonal affective disorder or depression, light therapy lamps and boxes are typically recommended. The high powered LED lights mimic outdoor sunlight to boost energy levels, maintain regular sleep cycles, treat depression, and more. There are also more extensive and intense products being used in doctors’ offices. For example, intravenous light therapy can be used post surgery to reduce inflammation and swelling. And light that is shown on the skin after certain ointments are applied to affected areas can treat many forms of skin cancer.

All of these discoveries and new insights into the world of medicine are groundbreaking and even life changing for some patients. The best part of it all, there’s still so much to learn! We have barely begun to crack the surface of what light therapy can do for us.

Saving The Earth…

Just as light therapy is changing the medical field, it’s also saving the earth. Saving lives and saving the earth! Does it get any better than that?

Light Therapy Options (LTO) is a Connecticut-based company that provides light therapy products to treat and heal a wide array of skin conditions and disorders. This company stands out from the rest due to it’s pride in being eco-friendly.

Light Therapy Options’ products are high powered LED lights that are meant to be applied to affected areas of the skin in specific, accurate wavelengths. The devices themselves aren’t necessarily what makes this company stand out from the pack. There are many similar products on the market that can effectively treat and heal light therapy relying conditions. However, most of the products on the market are made of non-recyclable plastics and have a limited lifespan, along with some other features that can harm our environment.

How It Works…

Light Therapy Options stands out from the crowd for many reasons. The company aims to be as environmentally friendly as possible which is why they created these features for their products…

High Power LED: These use less electricity and reduce treatment times. Other treatments are between 10 and 30 minutes. LTO treatments are between 30 seconds and 3 minutes.

No Replacement Parts: The devices are extremely durable and have been designed to hold up through home use, travel, spa use, and more. They have a 50,000 hour lifespan. To simplify, if you use a device for 3 minutes at a time, it will last for many lifetimes.

Non-Disposable: Because of the insanely long lifespan, these products are non-disposable. LTO claims that you will never need to buy a new device.

Recyclable: Even though these products are made to be non-disposable, accidents can happen or you could run out of uses for the products. In this scenario, the products are recyclable.

No Toxic Gases: Many compact fluorescent bulbs and other light products contain toxic gases. LTO products do not.

Not Battery Operated: LTO devices are powered through a wall socket. No need to throw out batteries!

Combined Product Uses: LTO  makes some devices that work for many different conditions so you to only have to purchase one device, instead of many different ones for all of your conditions.

Why Is This So Important?

It seems that many of us get so caught up in what the earth can do for us, that we forget what we can do for the earth. We only get one earth and we need to treat it like that is the case. Every step we take towards ensuring an environmentally friendly world is a step in the right direction. While Light Therapy Options is the only company currently making eco-friendly light therapy products at such a high level, it’s important to see what we can strive for. If one company can do this, why can’t they all? If you are considering buying a light therapy product, make sure you check and see if Light Therapy Options has what you are looking for!

Are You Sold?

Light Therapy Options has more than 10 products on their site. We have chosen to share a couple of those devices with you to explain in further detail just how wonderful we think this company is!

The Peak 415 Blue Light HP LED Powerhead
$259.00 (on sale!)
LightTherapyOptions.com

The Peak 415 is one of the most popular products on the website. It is available in either 120 volt or 220 volt and includes standard safety goggles to protect your eyes. Different goggle options are available to purchase as well for just a few dollars. The Peak 415 is made with a high power LED power head that is used with your own fixture (stand). It contains 48 HP LED chips and has a peak wavelength of 415 nanometers. It can be used for both personal and professional use and has been rated highly effective for treating acne. The website claims that the 415 nanometer wavelength has been identified as the most effective wavelength against acne causing bacteria without entering the UV range. It is the strongest acne light in their product line!


The Genesis DH Red Light / Near Infrared HP LED Powerhead
$299.00 (on sale!)
LightTherapyOptions.com

The Genesis DH is made with a high power LED head with 120 volt power and includes standard safety goggles. It has a standard sized bulb which means that you can use it with any open faced fixture you choose. The Genesis DH is specifically designed for pain relief, wound care, anti-aging, and much more. The device combines red and near infrared light therapy into one small unit which provides you with the benefits of both light therapy forms for every one of your treatment sessions. The website states that it is most commonly used as a handheld device for pain relief but it has also been proven effective while being used hands free for collagen production, anti-aging, and more. Why not give the 90 day trial period and lifetime warranty a try?

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Posted on June 25, 2016 In Acne, Light Therapy, Pain, Products, Psoriasis, Red Light Therapy, Skin Treatments, Uncategorized
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The UVLrx System – Intravenous Light Therapy

What Is Intravenous Light Therapy?

The UVLrx system is a term that is going to become frequently heard in the medical world. This system is a form of intravenous therapy that introduces low light energy into the circulatory system. This injection supports red blood cell oxygenation and a healthy immune system. The Model UVL1500 in used in assisting post-surgical and non-surgical patient recovery. The system helps inflammation, pain, and speeds up the wound healing process. This system is making headlines and quickly making a name for itself with it’s harm-free nature, low risk rates, and impeccable results.

Michael Harter, CEO and president of UVLrx, states that, “According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 20 million cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed in 2014. The success of those procedures depends heavily on quality of recovery and patient response, which is why inflammation abatement is so important for the industry. By immediately reducing inflammation caused by an aesthetic procedure, our technology may minimize pain and accelerate healing, which in turn may lead to better results and a more satisfied post-op patient.”
(businesswire.com)

The system does more than reduce inflammation post cosmetic changes. It can also fight infections, brain disorders, chronic conditions, and more.

How Does It Work?

The Sophia Health Institute in Washington began using the UVLrx back in March of 2015. The health institute specializes in chronic pain and speaks highly of the system. Officials explained how the system works:, “It is a light therapy device that integrates and delivers multiple wavelengths of light intravenously without removing blood from the patient. The wavelengths involved in the UVLrx Station protocol stimulate the body’s natural immune system, weaken, and deactivate blood-borne pathogens. The UVLrx Station wavelengths are related to reductions in inflammation, increases in natural energy levels, and improvements in blood circulation. UVLrx can be used to treat many conditions including but not limited to chronic viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, neurological disorders, inflammatory conditions, and many more chronic, unrelenting conditions.” (sophiahi.com)

The health institute goes on to explain how light therapy works by activating our photoreceptors. Examples of these photoreceptors are flavoproteins, porphyrins, hemoglobin, and flavins. When these receptors are exposed to light they come excited. This excitement affects all of the biochemical pathways directly and indirectly connected with the receptors.

Our photoreceptors can absorb a certain amount of light. This absorption spectrum defines the wavelength of light and color they need. Each wavelength of light is important and targets certain cells in order to drive extremely specific biological pathways. This also helps us line up colors with our wavelength therapy.

  • Red (635 nm): Used to regulate cell bioenergetics. Supports immune response and cell repair.
  • UVA (365 nm): Kills foreign particles like bacteria, fungi, and virus.
  • Green (535 nm): Affects blood components and hemodynamics. Helps repair and stabilize pathways.

All 3 forms of wavelengths are delivered during each intravenous light therapy treatment. This creates a thorough and comprehensive treatment.

Why Is It So Important?

The UVLrx Station Model UVL1500 is the first system to offer intravenous and concurrent delivery of ultraviolet-A or UVA and multiple visible light wavelengths. It is used to treat a wide array of medical conditions and it is the first for many things. This system uses an adapter and a standard IV catheter to treat blood intravenously.  There is no longer a need to remove blood from the body in order to treat it. The UVLrx intravenous light therapy system is a pioneering treatment program.

Posted on May 3, 2016 In Light Therapy, Products
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Light Therapy & Diabetic Ulcers

What Are Diabetic Ulcers?

Diabetic Ulcers, or Diabetic Foot Ulcers occur for a variety of reasons. They occur in about 15% of people who suffer from diabetes These ulcers are open sores or wounds and are commonly located on the bottom of the foot. 6% of people who suffer from diabetic foot ulcers are hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complications.

According to the American Pediatric Medical Association, “Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States, and approximately 14-24 percent of patients with diabetes who develop a foot ulcer will require an amputation. Foot ulceration precedes 85 percent of diabetes-related amputations.” (apma.org)

These are some pretty high numbers and if there is a way to decrease these statistics, life will be easier for those suffering from diabetes.

The Cause…

Persons suffering from diabetes can develop a foot ulcer. There are a few factors that make diabetes patients more prone to foot ulcers. These are…

  • Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, older men
  • People who use insulin
  • People with diabetes related kidney, eye, and heart diseases.
  • People who are overweight
  • People who use tobacco and alcohol

Ulcers can form on the foot due to…

  • Lack of feeling in the foot
  • Poor circulation
  • Foot deformities
  • Irritation (friction or pressure)
  • Trauma
  • Duration of diabetes
  • Neuropathy (reduced or inability to feel pain in feet due to nerve damage from elevated glucose levels)
  • Vascular disease (reduces body’s ability to heal and lowers immune system)

The Symptoms…

With diabetic foot ulcers, t pain is not a symptom. Most people who develop an ulcer have lost the ability to feel pain, making pain an uncommon symptom. Some common symptoms are…

  • Drainage in socks
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Odor

Normal Treatment…

The main goal in ulcer treatment is to help the ulcer heal as quickly as possible. The faster the wound heals, the less time there is for infection to occur. At this time, most people are using traditional forms of treatment for ulcers.

If an ulcer is infected the traditional form for treatment is to:

  • Take pressure off the wound
  • Remove dead skin
  • Apply medications
  • Manage blood glucose and other health problems

If an ulcer has not become infected, the traditional form for treatment is to:

  • Keep blood glucose levels stable
  • Keep ulcer clean
  • Keep ulcer bandaged
  • Clean wound daily
  • Use ulcer bandage or dressing
  • Avoid walking without shoes

Many patients are required to wear special footwear, braces, castings, use wheelchairs, or use crutches. While all of these options discussed above help reduce pressure and irritation on the ulcer and can speed up the healing process, they are far from fun and can make continuing on with your every day life very difficult. Living with diabetes is difficult enough without having to constantly keep an eye on your foot.  This is where light therapy is changing the game for ulcer victims.

Light Therapy & Traditional Ulcer Treatments…

Phototherapy, or light therapy, is being proven to speed up the healing process for diabetic foot ulcers. When light therapy is combined with some of the simple forms of treatment for ulcers, such as keeping it clean, a wound can be healed rather quickly. While light therapy has been proven effective at treating ulcers with no other help from traditional forms of treatment, the process will be sped up and more effective when combined with some traditional medical treatment.

How It Works…

Light therapy is a non-invasive form of treatment and it is harm free, making it an incredible option for ulcer treatment. This form of treatment works by exposing affected body parts to daylight or a specific wavelength of light in a device at home or in a doctor’s office.

Red light therapy is the most commonly used form of treatment for wound healing. Red light can heal a wound 200% faster than a natural healing process. Infrared red light therapy works by using a range of wavelengths to penetrate the outer layer of the skin to a depth between 8 to 10 mm, which provides the cells with usable energy. This energy can bring about many different reactions in cells such as:

  • Healing
  • Inflammation reduction
  • Increased production of collagen
  • Increased circulation
  • Formation of new capillaries
  • Increased lymph system activity
  • Increased release of raw cellular energy (ATP)
  • Increased cellular clean up (phagocytosis)
  • Tissue granulation is stimulated

Red light therapy will not treat ulcers or other wounds immediately. However, if used on a consistent schedule, patients can see results in 24 hours to 2 months depending on the intensity of the ulcer and the treatment regime.

Side Effects…

While the list of benefits for red light therapy is nearly endless, the adverse side effects are nonexistent. There have been no reported cases of light therapy harming anyone attempting to treat diabetic foot ulcers. Interestingly enough, there are no reported negative side affects for red light therapy in general!

Breaking Headlines!

The promise that light therapy shows in treating wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers is remarkable. If light therapy can stop infection, heal wounds, help us keep all of our limbs, and make diabetics’ lives easier, what can’t it do?!

Posted on May 2, 2016 In Light Therapy, Red Light Therapy, Skin Treatments
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Light Therapy & Epilepsy

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder that occurs when nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed. The troubling result of the disturbance is seizures. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and sadly, it can affect people of all ages. The intensity of the disorder varies from person-to-person and is chronic. This means that it can last from several years up to a lifetime.

Epilepsy is a condition of the brain. Everything related to the disorder stems from the brain even though seizures can affect other parts of the body. It’s important to note that a seizure and epilepsy are not the same thing. An epileptic seizure occurs due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. A seizure is an event and epilepsy is a disease that causes seizures.

The Symptoms…

There are more than 200,000 documented US cases of epilepsy each year. The victims of this disorder are faced with unpredictable and reoccurring seizures. These seizures can range in occurrence – from multiple times a day to just once a year. There are a few different forms of seizures and each person responds differently, with different symptoms. The seizures usually last from around a few seconds to a few minutes. Some people are conscious throughout the seizures; some people lose consciousness. Some people awake afterward and have no memory of the seizure.

It is easy to recognize a dramatic seizure – one that makes you fall to the ground and move your muscles aggressively and uncontrollably. However, many seizures are difficult to notice. According to WebMD, a credible website for all things medical, all seizures are different. According to the website: “Some seizures make you stare into space for a few seconds. Others may consist only of a few muscle twitches, a turn of the head, or a strange smell or visual disturbance that only you sense.

Epileptic seizures often happen without warning, although some people may have an aura at the start of a seizure. A seizure ends when the abnormal electrical activity in the brain stops and brain activity begins to return to normal. Seizures may be either partial or generalized.” (WebMD.com)

WebMD continues to explain the differences between partial and generalized seizures:

Partial seizures
Partial seizures begin in a specific area or location of the brain. The most common types of partial seizures are:

  • Simple partial seizures. Simple partial seizures do not affect consciousness or awareness.
  • Complex partial seizures. Complex partial seizures do affect level of consciousness. You may become unresponsive or may lose consciousness completely.
  • Partial seizures with secondary generalization. Partial seizures with secondary generalization begin as simple or complex partial seizures but then spread (generalize) to the rest of the brain and look like generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These two types can easily be confused, but they are treated differently. Most tonic-clonic seizures in adults begin as partial seizures and are caused by partial epilepsy. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are more common in children.

Generalized seizures
Seizures that begin over the entire surface of the brain are called generalized seizures. The main types of generalized seizures are:

  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal seizures), during which the person falls to the ground, the entire body stiffens, and the person’s muscles begin to jerk or spasm (convulse).
  • Absence seizures (petit mal seizures), which make a person stare into space for a few seconds and then “wake up” without knowing that anything has happened.
  • Myoclonic seizures, which make the body jerk like it is being shocked.
  • Atonic seizures, in which a sudden loss of muscle tone makes the person fall down without warning.
  • Tonic seizures, in which the muscles suddenly contract and stiffen, often causing the person to fall down.

(WebMD.com)

Quick Stats…

To put things into perspective, we have gathered  statistics from all around the world. The Epilepsy Foundation lists these “Quick Stats” on its summary page for epilepsy:

  • 65 MILLION: Number of people around the world who have epilepsy.
  • 3 MILLION: Number of people in the United States who have epilepsy.
  • 1 IN 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime.
  • BETWEEN 4 AND 10 OUT OF 1,000: Number of people on earth who live with active seizures at any one time.
  • 150,000: Number of new cases of epilepsy in the United States each year.
  • ONE-THIRD: Number of people with epilepsy who live with uncontrollable seizures because no available treatment works for them.
  • 6 OUT OF 10: Number of people with epilepsy where the cause is unknown.

The Cause…

While there are a few risk factors for epilepsy, a cause for the disorder cannot always be identified. Some people are diagnosed with epilepsy due to a tumor, infection, or brain damage. It is possible for epilepsy to develop due to family history.

The mostly unknown causes combined with the statistics previously discussed are what makes epilepsy so scary. This is why we need a new way to fight it! This is where light therapy comes into play.

Light Therapy & Epilepsy

While there is still no absolute cure for epilepsy, there is groundbreaking research being done. Light therapy is looking like one of the best ways to treat epilepsy and it’s nothing short of mind blowing.

Optogenics is a new scientific field that is providing researchers with new tools that help them further understand how the brain works in times of health and disease. This method uses light to control events in living cells. The method lets scientists examine normal and abnormal brain cell functions. It also helps them discover new ways to treat neurological disorders. These new methods are breaking ground and changing the world for the better.

IFL Science, a website dedicated to publishing articles for true lovers of the sciences, recently did a piece on this new  science. The article explains exactly how the technique works:

“The technique involves inserting genes into specific groups of brain cells, or neurons, within a region of interest, usually by infecting them with a virus that has been engineered to contain specific DNA sequences. These genes, which are usually sourced from bacteria or jellyfish, then produce a light-sensitive protein which either switches the cells on or off in response to light. This allows scientists to scrutinize how cell types contribute to the function of neural circuits.

Additionally, because this technique can be used in living organisms, such as animal models of Parkinson’s, researchers are gaining new insights into various neurological disorders. And now, new research has hinted that one day, it could be used as a novel way to stop seizures in epileptics.” (iflscience.com)

The Proof…

Recently, studies were conducted on mice that effectively stopped the seizures that they were scientifically manipulated to have. At first, the researchers used optogenics to activate the cells within the cerebellum. This structure controls body movement. The researchers found that firing these cells during seizures quickly caused them to stop, thus bringing the abnormal electrical activity back to it’s normal place. This led the researchers to conduct another experiment. They wondered whether inhibiting the same cells as before would make the seizures worse. They used the same technique once more but prevented the cells from firing during the seizure. Instead of making the seizures worse, as they had anticipated, it actually stopped them. This means that it doesn’t matter whether the cells are excited or suppressed. As long as you disrupt the existing pattern of firing, the seizures can be avoided.

Another experiment was conducted after the previous one showed so much promise. IFL Science explains,

“Next, the researchers examined the effects of stimulating a specific type of cell within a structure called the dentate gyrus, which forms part of the hippocampus, a region critical for learning and memory. Some lines of evidence suggested that these cells, called granule cells, may prevent seizure activity in the hippocampus, although no studies had investigated this in live animals before.

“Preventing these cells from firing during seizure was found to effectively stop the seizure, whereas stimulating them made the seizures worse. Activating the same cells in healthy mice also caused them to experience seizures.” (iflscience.com)

In Conclusion…

These experiments suggest that this new method of using granule cells can represent a potential new target for getting seizures under control for victims of epilepsy. The world of medicine is changing every day thanks to light therapy.

Posted on April 29, 2016 In Light Therapy
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50 Most Affordable Sunny Small Towns

Posted May 2016

virginia-city-nevada-affordable-sunny-small-towns
It’s not unusual to need a constant flow of sunlight in your life. It’s common to feel the effects of rain, cloudy weather, and far too much darkness in your area. For some people, it’s easy enough to just wait out the rainy season, or hibernate for a few months until the winter darkness clears. But for a great deal of people, it’s hard to feel and act your best when those heavy dark clouds are weighing above you. Seasonal Affective Disorder and Seasonal Depression are serious issues and more common than most people have been led to believe. Some people don’t even know they’re struggling with depression or disorder. For them, it’s just a case of the “winter blues.” But if you have a chance to stop these lingering feelings, why wouldn’t you try? It may be time to pack your bags.

We’ve made a list of the Top 50 Most Affordable Sunny Small Towns in the U.S. These towns are almost always sunny. They have small populations and your mortgage is not going to break the bank. Most of these towns aren’t going to show up on the “must see places” list when you’re planning a trip. These towns are off the radar, quiet, and honestly, they’re kind of perfect!

Our list took some time. There were a lot of factors to consider. Yes, there are some affordable cities that see lots of sun each year, but a city is not a small town. And yes, there are some adorable and affordable small towns, but sometimes they rarely see the sun! So we needed to dig a little deeper. First we studied a list made by NerdWallet of the top sunniest cities in the country. This list included a whopping 174 towns. But what stood out was the fact that 10 states were on the list more than the rest of the states. Arizona, California, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Montana all rank higher in annual sunshine percentages than any other states.

Using our list of the top 10 sunniest states in the country, and with data from Sterling’s Best Places, we narrowed down our list and found the three most affordable small towns in each of these 10 states. Doing this gave us 30 towns on our list. To calculate the last 20 states, we included some states that don’t rank quite as high in annual sunshine percentage, but surely deserve some respect. The most affordable small towns in those states rounded off our list to an even 50.

So here you have it. Start with number 50 and work your way down to the towns that really make our hearts flutter. Read it a few times, make a couple pros and cons lists, and start packing those bags – and don’t forget your sunscreen!

50. Enfield, New Hampshire

enfield-new-hampshire-affordable-sunny-small-towns

Sunny days: 200
Population: 4,582
Average home price: $200,000
Enfield is a small town near the border of Vermont. The New England style town is located along a river which connects to the beautiful Mascoma Lake. Enfield is the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors, relax in the sun, and take advantage of all that New England has to offer. There are plenty of year round activities, from swimming and water skiing in the summer to ice skating, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

49. Lebanon, New Hampshire

lebanon-new-hampshire-affordable-sunny-small-towns

Sunny days: 200
Population: 13,275
Average home price: $200,000
Lebanon may not have a teeny tiny population but the town still has a quaint New England charm. Nestled in Western New Hampshire, this town sits right on the Connecticut River, making it fun all year round. The town is historic, charming and affordable.

48. Brookfield, Massachusetts

brookfield-massachusetts-affordable-sunny-small-towns

Sunny days: 200
Population: 3,300
Average home price: $175,000
Brookfield is definitely not the most well-known town in Massachusetts but it sure is historic. The town was first settled in 1660 and the buildings and homes will remind you of that. With such a small number of residents, this town is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone and it’s a good thing. Bake sales, church groups, plenty of after school activities, and town meetings, make this a near perfect – and affordable — New England town. The commute to Boston is only an hour and fifteen minutes, making this a great place to enjoy Massachusetts.

47. Adams, Massachusetts

adams-massachusetts-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 200
Population: 5,344
Average home price: $145,00
Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains, this cozy town is the perfect place to enjoy all that Massachusetts has to offer. It’s an outdoor paradise, from swimming in the nearby lakes and hiking the mountains to skiing in the winter, to enjoying the New England fall colors. Adams is just the right size to feel cozy and right at home.

46. Brimfield, Massachusetts

brimfield-massachusetts-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 200
Population: 3,000
Average home price: $82,000
If you mention Brimfield to someone from Massachusetts they’re going to respond with “antiques!” And that’s very much warranted. Brimfield hosts one of the largest annual antique fairs in the country. It occurs for one week in May, July, and September and it will quite literally blow your mind. The fair started in the ‘50s and is the town’s claim to fame, bringing in thousands of vendors and over 250,000 visitors for each week of the event. Brimfield was founded in 1731, making it one of the oldest towns in New England. It’s quaint, adorable, and a great place to spend time outdoors.

45. Woodstock, Vermont

woodstock-vermont-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 160
Population: 3,000
Average home price: $250,000
Woodstock, Vermont could be summed up as “adorable.” Founded in 1761 it has the buildings, houses, churches, and charm to prove it. Everyone is sure to known your name at your favorite breakfast joint. Woodstock is known for its love of art and music so if you decide to live here, be ready for the town center to be filled with an art show every weekend. It’s also a wonderful town for outdoor lovers due to its central Vermont location. There are plenty of lakes, rivers, and parks in the area to get you outside in all seasons.

44. Chester, Vermont

chester-vermont-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 160
Population: 3,000
Average home price: $175,000
If you’re a fan of antiques, coffee, homemade cheese, genuine people, and sunny weather, Chester, Vermont is the perfect New England town to call home. The picturesque town has a small population and they’ve done a wonderful job of creating a warm and cozy downtown by taking advantage of their historical buildings. This is a great place to walk around, window shop, and get some sun on your face.

43. Idaho City, Idaho

idaho-city-idaho-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 210
Population: 485
Average home price: $150,000
Idaho City is a quiet town just 36 miles from Boise. Idaho City was founded in 1862 during the Boise Basin gold rush amidst the Civil War. The town is now home to an adorable downtown, quaint farm land, and lots of happy people. Its scenic location makes it a great place to spend time outdoors.

42. New Albany, Mississippi

new-albany-mississippi-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 218
Population: 8,000
Average home price: $110,000
Located in the rolling hills of Northern Mississippi just an hour south of Memphis, this quaint town is sure to win your heart. New Albany is known for its antique shops, annual festivals, downtown shops and restaurants, and lovely people. The number of residents in New Albany makes for a peaceful and quiet home, but there is still plenty to do out in the sunshine.

41. Holly Springs, Mississippi

holly-springs-mississippi-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 218
Population: 7,558
Average home price: $80,000
Right by the Mississippi Delta, this area was founded in 1836 for cotton plantations. However, the small town is now a center for trade and court sessions. The charming downtown is filled with history and style, making it a great area to stroll on those sunny days. There are also lakes, rivers, and ponds in the area for outdoor activities.

40. Farmville, Virginia

farmville-virginia-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 214
Population: 8,349
Average home price: $164,000
Established in 1798, the town of Farmville is what most people expect when they think of a town in the south with far less than 10,000 residents. Centered in Virginia’s Heartland, Farmville is the hub of economic activity, growth, history and culture in the region. There are outdoor adventures to take part in, a great downtown to explore, and lots of people that you must become friends with. We’re pretty sure you’ll get lots of land for your buck, too. You’re going to need a yard to catch a tan in, aren’t you?

39. Abingdon, Virginia

abingdon-virginia-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 214
Population: 8,000
Average home price: $187,000
Abingdon is the county seat of Washington County and is a designated Virginia Historic Landmark. This charming town is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia. The Appalachian Trail is nearby, which makes this town a prime location for outdoor lovers. The famous Barter Theater is a great place to experience live music and other live performances. It’s also home to many concerts, events, and festivals each weekend, making it a fun and exciting place to live.

38. Colwich, Kansas

coldwich-kansas-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 260
Population: 1,327
Average home price: $160,000
The adorable town of Colwich was founded in 1887. The name was derived from the Colorado and Wichita Railroad, which runs through the state. This historic town is quiet and peaceful, but it is only five miles northwest of Kansas’s largest city, Wichita. Colwich is a great place to enjoy calm Midwestern living while also being able to experience nearby metropolitan life. The weather is ideal here which makes it a wonderful place to hang outdoors and walk about town.

37. Abilene, Kansas

abilene-kansas-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 260
Population: 6,826
Average home price: $114,000
Abilene became home to Dwight D. Eisenhower when his family moved here from Texas in 1892. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidental Museum is located here as well as his burial site. But that’s not all this tiny town has to offer. Abilene is home to a small population of people and you won’t forget that when you’re here. The historic downtown looks like it’s straight out a movie, with horses crossing the streets and kids selling lemonade. Abilene is the kind of town where you spend hours reading a book in the sun in your lawn chair on your front lawn and many neighbors are doing the same.

36. Brunswick, Georgia

brunswick-georgia-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 219
Population: 15,813
Average home price: $154,500
Brunswick isn’t as small as some of the other towns on this list, who wouldn’t want to live in this city? It is the major urban and economic center of the state’s lower southeast, and the second largest urban area on Georgia’s coast after Savannah. It contains the Brunswick Old Town Historic District which creates a charm that’s hard to replicate. Not only is Brunswick located on the coast, making it the hub for all outdoor activities, but it’s also only 30 miles north of Florida and 70 miles south of South Carolina. The location is basically ideal and we could rant and rave about the weather forever!

35. Dahlonega, Georgia

dahlonega-georgia-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 219
Population: 5,242
Average home price: $234,400
Dahlonega was the site of the first major gold rush in the United States in 1828 and the town has only gotten better since then. Dahlonega isn’t necessarily “cheap” but with a population size that will feel like your family, easy access to Atlanta, fun activities, and great weather, the cost of living is definitely affordable and worth it.

34. Grovetown, Georgia

grovetown-georgia-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 219
Population: 11,264
Average home price: $126,800
Filled with city parks, a charming downtown, river access, and more, Grovetown is a perfect place to call home. It is small enough to feel cozy, but definitely not small enough to keep you from adventuring, making friends, and enjoying the sunny days. Grovetown has a southern flare you’ll remember and a great cost of living to go along with it.

33. Tuscumbia, Alabama

tuscumbia-alabama-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 218
Population: 8,000
Average home price: $88,000
Founded in 1820, Tuscumbia is a city known for its history. Tuscumbia began as a center for agriculture, commerce and industry. It was home to the first railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains. Tuscumbia has since bloomed into a vibrant city with lots to do. It’s in a prime location with easy access to major southeast cities, highways, and airports– although we don’t know why you would want to leave!

32. Eufaula, Alabama

eufaula-alabama-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 218
Population: 13,086
Average home price: $129,300
Located along the Chattahoochee River, this cozy southern town is a picturesque Alabama experience. Eufaula is rich in history, has plenty of outdoor activities to keep your sunny days busy and has a pleasant downtown to explore. It’s also home to the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, a major tourist attraction. Eufala is also home to dozens of beautiful brick and vine covered buildings and mansions which will make your daily walks memorable. Has Alabama won you over yet?

31. Paia, Hawaii


Sunny days: 275
Population: 2,438
Average home price: $600,000
Paia is a beautiful town in Hawaii located on the northern coast of the island Maui. If you’re a fan of warm, sunny weather, no crowds, and no excuse to not go outside, this is the place for you. Now, we all know Hawaii is definitely not an “affordable” state, but it’s definitely a state that everyone has dreamed of living in. We found what seems to be the most affordable town and with its quaint and cozy vibe, Paia really won us over. The town has everything outdoor lovers desire – beautiful beaches, endless warm weather, a world of outdoor activities, a lovely downtown, outdoor markets for homegrown food, and much more.

30. Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches-Louisiana-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 219
Population: 18,264
Average home price: $125,900
Natchitoches is the oldest town in Louisiana. It was founded in 1714 as part of French Louisiana and it hasn’t lost any of its culture and diversity. It’s not a teeny town in terms of population size. The people here have done a wonderful job of preserving the city’s history. The beautiful brick lined streets are home to shops, boutiques, delicious food, and more. Natchitoches is the perfect place to call home if you’re in need of some sun.

29. Youngsville, Louisiana

youngsville-louisiana-affordable-sunny-small-towns

Sunny days: 219
Population: 8,172
Average home price: $182,200
Youngsville is a small city in northern Louisiana. What this town lacks in its number of residents it makes up for in its history, culture, traditions, architecture, and nice people. Youngsville takes a great deal of pride in its family focused community. It has a wonderful school systems and takes care of its younger residents. Although the city has expanded and grown quite a lot since it was founded in the early 19th century, it still has a rural atmosphere and unique farm life, including its well-known sugar cane farms. With lots of room to roam and wonderful weather, this is a great town to spend time outdoors in the sunshine.

28. DeRidder, Louisiana

deridder-louisiana-affordable-small-sunny-towns

Sunny days: 219
Population: 10,586
Average home price: $120,400
DeRidderts is located in western Louisiana and slowly gaining lots of popularity. Its colorful downtown shows off its history and culture and serves as a wonderful location to enjoy this sunny state! DeRidder could be the place for you to get outside, experience some culture, and eat some delicious Louisiana food. What are you waiting for?

27. Helena, Montana

helena-montana-affordable-small-sunny-towns

Sunny days: 201
Population: 29,596
Average home price: $181,100
Good old, Montana. Does it get any better? Helena, the Capitol city of Montana is not necessarily “small” but it does have a quaint, hometown vibe to it. The downtown is exciting and busy, the food is diverse, and there is always something to do. And because of the mountains close by, it is also a prime location for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, hunting, skiing, and more. There is also a nearby ghost town of Marysville that tends to attract a lot of people.

26. West Yellowstone, Montana

west-yellowstone-montana-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 201
Population: 1,413
Average home price: $210,000
West Yellowstone is a small town with a lot of heart. The town is adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, making it a tourist destination for anyone visiting the park. Settled in 1907, West Yellowstone has an old west, cowboy vibe and it’s pretty remarkable. The downtown is lined with saloon style buildings, stores selling souvenirs, cowboy filled bars, gun stores, old time photo booth shops, and restaurants featuring “road kill” on the menu. The best part is the town’s proximity to Yellowstone National Park, where anyone in their right mind would want to spend every second of their free time!

25. Shelby, Montana

shelby-montana-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 201
Population: 2,864
Average home price: $150,000
Shelby, which was named in honor of the General Manager of the Montana Central Railway, is a small city in Northern Central Montana. Shelby is only 30 miles south of Canada and 80 miles east of Glacier National Park which gives the residents lots of land to cover for adventures. Montana is a four season state and Shelby is a wonderful place to experience everything that each season has to offer. From swimming in hidden lakes in Glacier National Park to snowboarding down huge mountains in Canada, this is the spot to be.

24. Saluda, North Carolina

saluda-north-carolina-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 217
Population: 713
Average home price: $197,500
Saluda is made for people who enjoy a slightly slower pace in life. The tiny town has a population of just 713 people and each person works to maintain the enviable community. The beautiful landscape and architecture makes for peaceful downtown walks filled with Victorian houses, great food, fun shops, and so much more. The town is also booming with history. Before the town was founded, it was simply a crossroad for traders and herders. But once the railway was built, the people came. According to the town’s website, by 1896, the town had a post office, a drug store, a doctor, three general stores, one private academy, and three boarding houses. Since the 1960s, Saluda has been growing, making it a wonderful place to live for just about anyone.

23. Hillsborough, North Carolina

hillsborough-north-carolina-affordable-sunny-small-towns

Sunny days: 217
Population: 6,114
Average home price: $200,000
Established in 1754, Hillsborough has become a tourist destination for lovers of history, art, food, music, and more. The town is filled with over 100 houses and buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and has been preserved impeccably. It’s also centrally located in North Carolina, making it a great spot to explore the rest of the state…which you’re definitely going to want to do.

22. Boone, North Carolina

boone-north-carolina-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 219
Population: 17,261
Average home price: $200,000
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Boone is something to write home about. This town is known as a mountain college town to anyone in the area, but it is so much more than just that. Boone is a great spot for challenging mountain sports, festivals of all sorts, art galleries, fantastic food, and oh so much more.

21. Wimberley, Texas

wimberley-texas-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 293
Population: 2,639
Average home price: $200,000
Good ol’ sunny Texas! We bet you were waiting for this state to pop up. Wimberley, Texas works for just about everyone. The small town is known for its shopping, theater, delicious food and breweries, site-seeing, and wonderful array outdoor activities. Wimberley is an outdoor lover’s dream. There are plenty of places to go camping and while you’re out you can hike, bike, and swim. Make sure you pack a swimsuit so you can check out all of the local swimming holes!

20. Poteet, Texas

Poteet-Texas-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 293
Population: 3,000
Average home price: $100,000
Poteet is more than just the hometown of George Strait, although that is a pretty awesome fun fact to have about your town! This small town is located just south of San Antonio and is the strawberry Capitol of Texas. It may be illegal to live here if you don’t like strawberries. We would double check that one, though. The annual Strawberry Festival pulls in loads of people which only boosts the town’s love for the small red berry. This adorable town has a small population and deserves a country song in its honor.

19. Fredericksburg, Texas

fredericksburg-texas-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 293
Population: 10,000
Average home price: $188,000
Frederickburg was founded by German settlers in 1846 and the residents have done a great job maintaining this small town’s charm and history. With a quaint downtown filled with historic brick buildings and ice cream shops, this town feels like it’s straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. The air is always warm, the sun is always shining, and there is plenty to explore.

18. Dunedin, Florida

dunedin-florida-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 266
Population: 35,000
Average home price: $152,000
Dunedin isn’t a “small” town, but it’s always sunny, ridiculously beautiful, and strangely affordable! So we had to include it even though it has a population of about 35,000 people. Dunedin is on the western coast of Florida and home to many beautiful and peaceful beaches, including Caladesi Island State Park which is consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world. It’s easy to keep busy in Dunedin – great shopping areas, wonderful foods, lots of outdoor activities, water sports galore, scuba diving, and bird watching!

17. Temple Terrace, Florida

temple-terrace-florida-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 266
Population: 24,000
Average home price: $133,000
This town may not be remarkably historic, but its beauty sure makes up for that. Located in Northeastern Florida, the town’s streets are lined with cypress and palm trees, making walking to every activity a preference. Similar to Dunedin, Temple Terrace isn’t necessarily “tiny”. But the weather in Florida is just so hard to beat so we had to share it! There’s a massive golf community here, great schools, and lots to explore due to its wonderful location right by Tampa.

16. Venice, Florida

venice-florida-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 266
Population: 20,000
Average home price: $170,000
Located on the Western coast of Florida, Venice is the place to be if you love perfect weather, wearing a swimsuit all year round and any water sports. The town includes a nearby island just off the coast called Venice Island. Venice is a palm tree covered dream! When people think of quaint and peaceful parts of Florida, this town has to be what they imagine. Book your flight! Quick!

15. Grover Beach, California

grover-beach-california-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 292
Population: 13,000
Average home price: $374,000
Beginning as just sagebrush and not much else, this beach town has come a long way since it was founded in 1887. Isaac J. Sparks was the first owner of the land that Grover Beach, which had yet to be created, sat on. Before 1887, the sagebrush covered land was a part of El Pizmo Rancho. But Dwight William Grover had his eyes on the land and purchased half of the property from Sparks, and over time, this beautiful land became Grover Beach. The town has since undergone a major transformation, gaining nearly 13,000 residents who have turned it into not only a tourist destination but also a wonderful place to live. The town’s prime California location is an ideal spot for lovers of the beach, warm weather, outdoor activities, and so much more.

14. Ojai, California

ojai-california-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 292
Population: 7,461
Average home price: $500,000
It’s remarkable how much character is in this quaint city. Ojai sits in between the hills and mountains of Southern California. This city is filled with wonderful shops, delicious food, lots of outdoor activities, plenty of art galleries, music venues, and more. Ojai has made it a point to keep just about all of its businesses local, aside from the few gas stations in town. Doing so has helped maintain a close knit, home feeling vibe that will make you never want to leave.

13. Grass Valley, California

green-valley-california-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 265
Population: 12,000
Average home price: $268,700
Grass Valley was said to have been discovered and named because of settlers whose cattle wandered from their campsites across the way over to the “grassy valley” where the grazing was better. About 30 years later, the town was incorporated and hasn’t stopped growing since. Grass Valley is a go-to tourist destination for anyone visiting Northern California as well as a great place to call home. Why would you want to do your antique hunting, delicious dining, extensive hiking, and other activities anywhere else?

12. Burlington, Colorado

Burlington-Colorado-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 245
Population: 5,000
Average home price: $116,000
Burlington refers to itself as “Colorado’s Backyard.” That’s a pretty fair label for this tiny town. Burlington is a combination of an old western movie, your grandma’s kitchen, and your best friend’s barbeque. The base of the economy is agriculture, with wheat and corn the top crops.. The town takes pride in its ability to give people the chance to live “the simple life.” The people here enjoy fresh air, wide open spaces, and a wonderful, safe community perfect for all ages.

11. Buena Vista, Colorado

buena-vista-colorado-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 247
Population: 2,600
Average home price: $241,000
The name Buena Vista translates to “Beautiful View” in Spanish and we can’t think of any better way to describe this Colorado town. Buena Vista is located along the Arkansas River and sits in between some remarkable mountain views. Colorado is one of the sunniest states in the country which makes Buena Vista a wonderful location for getting outside. The town is filled with outdoor activities. The residents here as well as the visitors that are constantly pouring in enjoy skiing, snowboarding, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, camping, and just about any outdoor activity you can think of.

10. Silverton, Colorado

silverton-colorado-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 242
Population: 629
Average home price: $170,000
Silverton looks like it’s straight off a postcard. The downtown is lined with colorful buildings, symbolic of the old West, and when you stand in the street, you’re just waiting for a tumbleweed to roll by. Chances are it won’t but it’s still nice to pretend. Since it was established in 1874, Silverton has gained a population of nearly 629 people. I We know what you’re thinking. If this town is so great, where is everyone?! Well, it’s obviously one of the best kept secrets in Colorado!

9. Chimayo, New Mexico

chimayo-new-mexico-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 278
Population: 2,800
Average home price: $100,000
This New Mexico town is so picturesque that when you see photos of it you can’t help but think, “I have definitely seen photos of this before!” Who wouldn’t want to photograph it endlessly? Chimayo’s claim to fame is the El Sanctuario de Chimayo, a giant Adobe style shrine covered in colorful plants and flowers. The town’s history dates back further than 1816 and it is still an unincorporated town. It includes many neighborhood plazas, or placitas, each with its own unique name. The cluster of these plazas are located just miles north of Santa Fe. Is there a better place to sit in the sun and learn about the history of New Mexico?

8. Taos, New Mexico

taos-new-mexico-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 278
Population: 5,600
Average home price: $203,000
Taos is the town of your New Mexico dreams. It’s located in northern New Mexico’s high desert and surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It’s known for its historic Adobe buildings, such as the Taos Pueblo. The Taos Pueblo is a multistory Adobe complex that was occupied by Native Americans for centuries. It’s sure to blow you away. Taos is also a well- known artist colony. The town is filled with art galleries and museums so it’s definitely a go-to spot for lovers of history and art. The residents here, along with the annual visitors, enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. There’s skiing and snowboarding on the nearby mountains, lots of beautiful hiking, and incredible camping. Taos is also only an hour and a half from Santa Fe, making its location even more ideal.

7. Silver City, New Mexico

silver-city-new-mexico-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 278
Population: 10,000
Average home price: $188,000
What once was the location of an Apache campsite in a valley is now a sunny, beautiful city. Silver City was founded in 1878 and has been booming ever since. This small city is full of history. For example, the streets here originally ran north to south and the town was built on the path of normal water runoff. Lots of businesses were built and the residents became accustomed to the heavy summer rain. But one night, in the summer of 1895, the deforestation and unmonitored cattle grazing on the nearby hills left the town exposed. A heavy wall of water rushed through the downtown business district destroying all of Main Street. Businesses on Main Street began using their back doors on Bullard Street as their main entrances and the temporary fix just stuck. To this day, the incorrect odd/even conventions of normal street addresses are a constant reminder of the town’s history and soul. Along with the beautiful views, colorful downtown, thriving arts and music community, and loads of outdoor activities, this place is sure to make you feel right at home.

6. Elko, Nevada

elko-nevada-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 229
Population: 19,000
Average home price: $230,000
Elko is a city your brain won’t forget. Maybe it’s the views, maybe it’s the people, or maybe it’s the food. Maybe it’s a combination of all of it! Elko is the largest city for over 130 miles in all directions and there are fewer than 19,000 residents. What does this mean? You get the city vibe with the hometown feel. Elko is filled with all of the modern amenities one would need but you’ll still know all of your neighbors, have your favorite coffee shop, and probably have a friend to hike those beautiful mountains in the distance with you, or kayak down the Humboldt River. That’s right. Mountains and a river. Elko straddles the Humboldt River and residents and visitors get to admire the beautiful and majestic Ruby Mountains from just about anywhere in town.

5. Ely, Nevada

ely-nevada-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 240
Population: 5,000
Average home price: $127,000
Ely was originally a stagecoach station along the Pony Express and Central Overland Route. However, since the mining boom of copper in 1906 and the construction of the railroad running through town, it has blossomed into a wonderful place to live and visit. The town now has a decent sized population. The residents enjoy the quaint downtown, accessible outdoor activities, and beautiful wildlife viewing. Ely is also a popular tourist destination due to the Railroad Museum and the Ghost Train of Old Ely. This train is a steam engine passenger train that takes visitors along the historic tracks from Ely to the Robinson mining district. The historic six-story Hotel Nevada is also located in Ely and attracts many visitors. It’s located in downtown Ely and was opened in 1929 as the tallest building in Nevada. It remained the tallest into the 1940s and was also the state’s first fire-proof building. The hotel is a popular spot for lodging, dining, gaming, and shopping. Not only is Ely brimming with history, it also has a great music and arts community, assuring that your weekend nights will never be boring.

4. Virginia City, Nevada

virginia-city-nevada-affordable-sunny-small-towns

Sunny days: 240
Population: 814
Average home price: $230,000
This tiny town may have peaked during the silver and gold rush, but it’s still a great place to live. Virginia City was home to 25,000 citizens when silver and gold was buried deep below the streets. Men, women, and families came from all over to live and work in this booming town. Miners pulled millions of dollars from shafts and tunnels below the ground and we’re pretty sure they got it all. Virginia City is also considered the “birth place” of Mark Twain. Samuel Clemens wrote for the Enterprise in town and began using his pen name here. Mark Twain became one of the most recognizable literary names of all time. Virginia City is not only a historic site, but also a quaint and cozy place to call home. There’s a multitude of museums, restaurants, and shops here, making it fun for just about anyone.

3. Cottonwood, Arizona

cottonwood-arizona-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 264
Population: 11,000
Average home price: $146,000
Not only is Cottonwood the town of your Arizona dreams, it’s also a wonderful location to explore everything else that the sunny state of Arizona has to offer. Along with the other towns in the area, Cottonwood has a rich and lengthy history which you’ll see this as you walk down the streets of old town Cottonwood. The area has been home to Native Americans since the 1870’s and the culture from that time remains. Cottonwood has an exciting and attractive downtown filled with antique shops, art collectors, delicious food, and galleries. It’s also only 30 minutes from breathtaking Sedona, home to some of the best hiking trails in the country!

2. Winslow, Arizona

winslow-arizona-affordable-small-sunny-town

Sunny days: 276
Population: 9,600
Average home price: $89,300
“Standin’ on the corner in Winslow, Arizona…” The Eagles and Jackson Browne may have made this small town famous…but we’re pretty sure it would have happened anyway. Winslow is in central Arizona where the weather is ideal, there are dozens of outdoor activities, and so much to explore you could stay here for a lifetime. The downtown is bustling with fun shops, great restaurants, music spots, and more. The historic La Posada Hotel is a sight for sore eyes and attracts tourists annually. On the property is acres of flowers and vegetable gardens, a museum dedicated to the famous painter Tina Mion, and the Turquoise Room, an exquisite martini bar and restaurant. There’s also a famous impact crater, the Meteor Crater. And Standin’ On The Corner Park is a great spot for coffee drinking and book reading.

1. Bisbee, Arizona

bisbee-arizona-affordable-sunny-small-town

Sunny days: 284
Population: 20,000
Average home price: $140,000
Bisbee is a free-spirited, outdoor loving, history-filled, kind and open community full of music and arts. Just like many other small towns in Arizona, Bisbee began as a mining town. It became one of the richest mineral sites in the world after mining in the Mule Mountains was so successful. By the early 1900s, Bisbee had a population of almost 20,000 and became the largest city in between St. Louis and San Francisco. Thanks to this boom, the town gained the most famous ball park in the nation, Warren Ballpark, the state’s first golf course, Turquoise Valley, as well as Copper Queen, the state’s first community library. All of these are still operating and open to the public. The now small city is still just as special as it was in the 1900’s. The town takes a lot of pride in its unique culture and diversity. Bisbee strives to be different and loves that about itself. Aside from the beauty inside the town, it’s surrounded by the magnificent Tombstone Hills, catching your attention every time you step outside. It’s a wonderful location for outdoor activities, sports, and adventures. The downtown is filled with wonderful shops, museums, galleries, fine dining, and a historic charm that’s hard to beat.

Are your bags packed yet? We’re coming with you!

Sources:

https://www.nerdwallet.com
http://www.bestplaces.net
http://www.currentresults.com

Posted on April 28, 2016 In Mental Health, Sunlight
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