Health Tips for April 13

Health Tip: Potassium-Rich Foods

Potassium is a mineral that plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that most people get 4,044 milligrams of potassium each day.

Here are some good food sources of potassium, says the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Potatoes, both sweet and regular.
* Beans; especially lima beans, soybeans, white beans and kidney beans.
* Yogurt and skim milk.
* Bananas, peaches, cantaloupes and honeydew melons.
* Fish, such as halibut, yellowfin tuna, rockfish and cod.
* Tomato products, such as tomato sauce, juice, puree and paste.

Health Tip: Avoiding Cellulite

Cellulite is fat that collects just under the surface of the skin, and causes a dimply appearance. It appears most often on the hips, thighs and buttocks.

Here are suggestions to help prevent cellulite, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber in your diet.
* Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body well-hydrated.
* Maintain good muscle tone and strong bones with regular exercise.
* Try to stay at a healthy body weight, and avoid frequently gaining and losing weight.
* Don't smoke.