Friday, October 07, 2011

Health Tips for October 7

Health Tip: Avoid Distractions Behind the Wheel

Texting or talking on a cell phone behind the wheel are prime examples of the dangerous practice of distracted driving. But they're not the only ones.

The U.S. Department of Transportation offers these additional examples:

  • Drinking or eating while driving.
  • Having heavy conversations with passengers.
  • Grooming yourself.
  • Looking at maps or reading.
  • Using a navigation system.
  • Watching a video.
  • Fiddling with a CD player, MP3 player or the car radio.

Health Tip: Insufficient Sleep Can Be Dangerous

A good night's sleep does much more than help you stay awake through a long day. It actually helps protect your health.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists these problems that can arise as a result of insufficient sleep:

  • Increased risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  • Greater likelihood of becoming obese or overweight.
  • Increased risk of developing depression.
  • Added risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident because of "drowsy driving."

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