While the future of health care in the US is uncertain, taking responsibility for your own health now could save you money in the long run.

Did you know that chronic diseases account 75% of health care costs in America? Many are treatable, even reversible, when managed properly. But your best chance of avoiding the health care morass is prevention. The Hipsters discuss ways to take control of your own well-being. Bonus: these ideas impact your health without impacting the planet! Also, Val gets ready for her cinematic debut, but Dori can't get a movie date. *sigh*

Beer: Needing hydration on a stinkin' hot day, we opened a big-ass bottle of Floating Rock Hefeweizen from Mammoth Brewing Co. Not our fave, but a pretty good thirst-quencher.

Chocolate: Fonda in Missouri has once again claimed the title of New Favorite Listener by sending a box of Shaman Chocolates. Val loved the Organic Milk Chocolate with Macadamia nuts and Hawaiian Pink Sea Salt. Dori remained nutless, braving the 82% Extra Dark. Fonda, you rock!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Yes, her dryer has had balls for years, but now Nellie's PVC-Free Dryer Balls have taken the experience to a whole new level. Get your own pair, then add a fragrance stick for good measure.
• Blue is the new green. Head for SoCal this Labor Day weekend, so you can attend the Blue Planet Film Fest. Tickets to this very green event in Santa Monica are available through InTicketing, which will plant a tree for each one sold.

   

• Cures what ales you. Need another reason to enjoy a frosty glass of brew? A study finds that drinking beer regularly could stop your bones from going brittle! Nice to know as you're about to fall off your barstool.

Contain yourself! Listener Meghan came up with several clever ideas for those used yogurt containers.

• carry cherry tomatoes at the farmer's market
• sort and hold small household items and hardware
• sort and hold little toys, like Barbie shoes
• use as rinse cups for watercolor painting
• hold crayons,etc. in the car
• donate to a preschool or kids' museum
• cut the bottom out of 2, bind them into binoculars!

Did you know that chronic diseases account 75% of health care costs in America? Many are treatable, even reversible, when managed properly. But your best chance of avoiding the health care morass is prevention. Eat fresh food, wear sunscreen, use natural cleaning products; the Hipsters discuss ways to take control of your own well-being with a few tips from our friends at Yahoo! Green. Bonus: these ideas impact your health without impacting the planet!

• Exercise to prevent chronic disease and control weight. Obesity rates rose in 23 US states last year.
• Sleep at least 7 to 9 hours per night. Missing even an hour every night can raise your blood pressure and make you a grouch.
• Wash your hands, but stay away from anti-bacterial soap. Triclosan is not your friend.
• Tap water is best, but you can change things up with the original energy drink: coconut water. Try flavored Vita Coco or ZICO.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and tips for staying healthy at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Robin in New Jersey has 3 menfolk willing to pee on her compost pile, but wants to know if she should dilute it first. Indoors=yes, outdoors=no. Now let it flow.
• Rebecca in Oregon wonders which is the greener choice, homemade or locally produced ice cream? No need to worry about your footprint in this situation...but you might want to watch your assprint!
• Kyle in Davis, CA works hard to bring sustainable dining practices to the UC Davis campus. Can you make us honorary Aggies?
• Patrick gets a charge out of hybrid batteries from Rayovac and Sanyo. Speaking of batteries...
• Michelle in NY introduced us to the aptly-named website RecycleMySexToy. An idea whose time has, er, come.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Labor Day or anyday!Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace! Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.