Saturday, April 13, 2013

Health Tips for April 13

Diabetes Tx
The most important treatment for diabetes is to adhere to a zero sugar, low carb diet.

Eating Disorders Tricks
Throw away the scale! Weight is a number. Being healthy is what really matters.

Healthy Cooking Recipe
Cube potatoes. Par dry. Add chopped garlic and rosemary to olive oil. Coat potatoes and roast at 425 F. until browned.

Heart Failure Myth
Heart failure may be a misleading term. The heart squeezes less effectively, but it can be managed.

Kidney Failure Fact
Limiting fluid due to kidney failure? Try lemon drops to increase saliva production.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Health Tips for April 12

Acne Fact
There are more people over the age of 18 with acne then under the age of 18. Adult acne is common.

Fibromyalgia Fact
Minimizing stress in your life may help your fibromyalgia pain.

COPD Prevention
Make sure your get a pneumovax and influenza shot.

Dental Health Fact
Floss strips are a great way to floss every day.

Depression Fact
If you depend on exercise to manage your mood, always have a backup exercise in mind.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Health Tips for April 11

Diabetes Fact
You need to see an eye doctor for a dilated retinal exam at least once a year.

Eating Disorders Tx
Eating disorders are extremely hard to treat. You need the right professional and the right medicine.

Healthy Cooking Fact
Don't "bread" things. It carries extra calories and fat.

Heart Failure Fact
Ask your doctor about ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and/or ARBS (angiotensin receptor blockers).

Kidney Failure Fact
Hemodialysis puts one at risk for vitamin C deficiency.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Health Tips for April 10

Acne Fact
Adults can get acne even if they never had acne as teenagers.

Fibromyalgia Myth
Fibromyalgia isn't a real medical problem.

COPD Fact
Stay physically active as directed by your doctor to strengthen respiratory muscles and increase endurance.

Dental Health Fact
The plaque found on your teeth is home to more than 300 different species of bacteria.

Depression Fact
Some people need talk therapy or medication and some people might need both.

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Health Tips for April 9

Strange but True Health Tips

Call Dr. Pepper
Next time you nick yourself in the kitchen, reach for the black pepper. Run cold water over the wound to clean it, using soap if you were handling meat. Then sprinkle on the pepper and apply pressure. In no time, the bleeding will stop. Turns out, black pepper has analgesic, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Pepper doesn't sting, either—but don't tell that to your audience.

Shave Your 'stache and Sniff Less
If you're prone to allergies and have a mustache, wash it twice a day with liquid soap. One study found that patients who did this used fewer antihistamines and decongestants. Reason: Cleaning got rid of stuck pollen grains.

Pet Away High Blood Pressure
To lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, get a dog. Numerous studies show that petting a dog keeps blood pressure under control when you're stressed.

Flush Away Trouble
Ever notice how satisfying it is to flush a toilet, especially if it's one of those airport monsters? Think of this next tip as a stress laxative—a bit strange, but guaranteed to be gentle and effective: Before you go to bed, put some small strips of flushable paper and a pencil in the bathroom. The following morning, take a seat and write down the names of all the people or situations in your life that are causing you angst. Then throw them in the bowl and flush. You'll be amazed at how great this feels and works.


Monday, April 08, 2013

Health Tips for April 8

Strange but True Health Tips

Skip the Antibacterial Soap
There's absolutely no reason to buy antibacterial soaps, according to the American Medical Association. While close to 50 percent of soaps sold in the States contain antimicrobial agents, the AMA claims there's no solid scientific proof that these soaps are better at preventing infection than regular soap. In fact, the group argues that antibacterial soaps may be doing more harm than good—by making bacteria stronger and more resistant to existing germ killers.

Straighten Your Drive
Taking a long drive? Pretend someone poured a cold drink down your back—notice how your shoulders pull back and your spine curves? That's the position your back should be in when you're rolling down the highway.

Disinfect a Wound with Honey
Pour a dab of honey on a cut before covering it with a bandage. Believe it or not, honey has powerful antibacterial properties. A recent study found that it was capable of destroying almost all strains of the most common wound-infecting bacteria.

Sunday, April 07, 2013

Health Tips for April 7

Strange but True Health Tips

Accuse Others of Taking Your Keys
Research suggests there's a marked difference between how younger and older people interpret misplacing their car keys. A young guy usually blames it on someone else: "Who took my damn keys?" An old man typically blames it on himself: "I must be getting old. I misplaced my keys again." Never use your age as an excuse for anything like this—and see if you don't remain younger longer. It's an effective mental trick.

Scratch the Other Limb
For itchy skin under a cast, try scratching the same place on the other arm or foot. This may trick your brain into thinking you're scratching the real itch.

Break a High Fever
Anything up to 102°F is mild and can be treated by drinking plenty of fluids. But to quickly bring down a reading above that, put an ice pack under your arm or near your groin. Icing either spot will cool your body's core. It's uncomfortable, but it works fast. Then see a doctor.

Keep the Willies at Bay
If you get claustrophobic in small spaces such as subways, elevators, and that closet of an office they stuck you in, visit your local fruit stand. A sniff of green apple may help relieve claustrophobic sensations. Carry one with you. Also, if you're selling your house, placing a basket of fresh green apples on the table may make potential buyers perceive the house as larger.

Saturday, April 06, 2013

Health Tips for April 6

Strange but True Health Tips

Change Your Name
People with "positive" initials—ones that spell out things like J.O.Y. or W.O.W.—live nearly 4 1/2 years longer than people with neutral initials. D.U.D.'s and A.S.S.'s live nearly 3 years less. Other initials that may shorten life: I.L.L. and D.E.D.

Use the First Stall
After analyzing 51 public restrooms, experts found that the stall closest to the restroom door consistently had the lowest bacteria levels (and the most toilet paper!). The first stall probably sees less traffic because it's near the door and people want privacy. And when you're finished, stand before you flush. When toilets are flushed, a fine mist of water containing contagious bacteria sprays up. You can catch intestinal bugs and hepatitis from it.

Splint a Broken Arm with a Magazine
To make an impromptu cast, place your wrist palm-down on top of a thick magazine. Roll the magazine into a U-shaped cradle and secure it with tape, an ace bandage, or long strips torn from a shirt. Then please remember to renew your subscription.

Friday, April 05, 2013

Health Tips for April 5

Diabetes Fact
Diabetics are at a higher risk for glaucoma, cataract, and retinopathy.

Eating Disorders Fact
See a professional for counseling. Many eating disorders require lifelong therapy.

Healthy Cooking Fact
Walnuts have the highest antioxidant levels of any nut. 1 ounce of walnuts two times per week may drop the risk of diabetes by 15%!

Heart Failure Haiku
Shortness of breath, edema; If the pump won't work; I weigh more and can't lay flat.

Kidney Failure Fact
If recommended by your physician, maintain a lower protein diet if you have kidney failure.

Thursday, April 04, 2013

Health Tips for April 4

Acne Fact
Diet factors do not contribute to acne. Acne is bacterial or hormonally based.

Fibromyalgia Tx
Treatment priorities: 1) Sleep quality, 2) Mood management, 3) Pain medications. Do light exercise.

COPD Fact
Talk with your physician about when you should have the pneumococcal vaccine.

Dental Health
Brush and floss daily.

Depression Prevention
Learn how to lower stress through mindfulness meditation and rhythmic movements.

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Health Tips for April 3

Depression Treatment
Psychotherapy can be very helpful for people with depression and medications may not be needed.

Eating Disorders Do's and Don'ts
DO: Tell your doctor all dietary supplements, vitamins, medications, laxatives and diuretics you take.

Healthy Cooking Fact
Reduce added fats as you can. Flax can substitute for eggs and applesauce for oil.

Heart Failure Fact
The heart pumps blood through 60,000 miles of blood vessels, enough to go around the world twice.

Kidney Failure Fact
Proper diet, proper sleep and proper exercise can improve your health and your kidney function.

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Health Tips for April 2

Acne Fact
Approximately 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 experience at least minor acne.

Fibromyalgia Fact
Ask your doctor if he can test you for undiagnosed food allergies, including wheat allergies.

COPD Treatment Fact
Home aerosol machines are better than hand-held inhalers.

Dental Health Fact
Proper brushing and flossing, along with a healthy diet will save you thousands over your lifetime.

Diabetes Fact
For adults over 65, super strict blood sugar control may be associated with more harm than good.

Monday, April 01, 2013

Health Tips for April 1

Diabetes Care Tip
Put your meters where you need them. For example, put one by your bed for bedtime checks.

Eating Disorders Tip
Journal about life events, stressors, emotional impact and how eating is impacted.

Healthy Cooking Tip
Like French fries? Give sweet potato slices a light olive oil rub and bake. Kids love these, too.

Heart Failure Fact
Heart failure with normal ejection fraction is present in ~50% of heart failure patients.

Kidney Failure Symptoms
Elevated blood pressure, and hand or leg swelling can be signs, but only a physician, urine and blood tests can detect it.