imp tips for good health

this section provides some importent tips for daily health

Toxic synthetic chemicals in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and our personal care products.

There are many health benefits of coffee when used in moderation.

Many household products, processed foods, and beauty products are leading contributors to the growing rate of cancer.

Laughter is the best medicine according to many doctors. In fact, a single laugh may boost your immune systems defenses for up to 3 days.

Coconut water is an all natural health drink that can add years to your life.

Soy is the only vegetable containing all eight essential amino acids, making soy a complete protein.

As your mental health declines, your physical health can wear down, and if your physical health declines, it can make you feel mentally worn down.

Alcohol consumption may provide you with many health benefits.

Eating raw radishes can help prevent some viral infections like the cold and the flu.

Children who are prescribed an antibiotic for an illness should eat yogurt with active cultures to maintain a positive balance of good bacteria.

A good to know health tip is that beer and wine can actually be good for you and help you to live longer.

There are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people in the world.

Those Living Healthy Lifestyles are many times more likely to live longer lives and lead fuller, more active “golden years”

Two out of three Americans are overweight.

Research shows that Americans are spending nearly $2.7 billion daily on natural substances to avoid having to use drugs.

People from the Baby Boomer generation are spending an average of more than $4,000 a year prescription drugs.

There are over 2 million serious Adverse Drug Reactions every year with 100,000 deaths yearly.

One out of three Americans has either diabetes or pre-diabetes.

During your lifetime, you’ll eat nearly 60,000 pounds of food.

Two-thirds of all office visits to family physicians are due to stress-related symptoms.

Eating a naturally healthy breakfast every morning makes you less likely to suffer a heart attack.

Strawberries have more Vitamin C than oranges.

You are around 1 centimeter taller in the morning than in the evening!

Sour flavors like those found in pickles and lemons can curb your appetite.

Blackberries have the highest concentration of antioxidants of any food.

A 4-5% reduction in your water intake may reduce your concentration and performance by as mush as 30%

The artificial sweetener aspartame interferes with dopamine production and aggravates ADHD syndromes.

nail care tips

Nail Care Tips

Nail Damage and Prevention:

1. The simplest way to avoid nail damage is to wear gloves.

2. If you can't wear gloves, you could at least use a long handled mop-this allows you to keep your hands off water and your nails will definitely benefit.

3. If you do get your hands wet, remember to rinse them well and dry them carefully after the work is done.

4. Then apply ample amounts of a moisturizing cream.

5. You must also take certain other precautions:

A. Use a pencil to operate the dial;

B.Use a tin-opener to open tins;

C.Use gardening gloves;

D.Avoid contact with strong chemicals;

E.Use moisturizers liberally.

6. Wear Polish-It works as a barrier for your nails and use acetone-free nail polish remover.

7. File in one direction only-Filing back and forth is bad because this frays and weakens the nails. File your nails in one direction only for the best results.

8. Keep your nails short.

9. Manicure after a bath. It is best to do your manicure after a bath because your nails are soft.

Pamper Yourself-Manicure & Pedicure:

Cosmetics to Disguise Nail Defects:

If your nails are deformed, the first thing to do is to visit your dermatologist-a number of nail problems are temporary and improve as the new nail appears and only a very few are permanent. The appearance of your nails can also be improved considerably by the use of cosmetics-for instance, ordinary nail enamel can camouflage a number of nail defects. A broken or split nail can be mended using what are called nail-mending fluids. To do this, a piece of thin tissue is placed over the crack or break in the nail. The nail mending fluid is then applied. When the product dries and sets, the nail can be painted with the nail enamel.

Common Nail Problems:

1. Brittle Nails:

Brittle nails and flaking of nails are very common due to excessive dryness of the nail plate. The nail plate is made up of dead keratin cells held together by a natural glue of fats and water. Any loss of fats and water causes the cells to separate and results in flaking and brittleness of the nails.

A.Many of our domestic chores remove the natural fats from the nails resulting in brittle nails, so do wear gloves.

B.Nail polish removers also have a dehydrating effect. If you have brittle nails avoid removing your nail polish too frequently. You can use a colorless polish or a base-coat or a top-coat, because then you can keep touching it up quite happily, without having to use the remover very frequently.

C.Regular massage around the nail-base with cream can have a good effect on brittle nails.

2. Hangnails: Hangnails are tears in the skin of the nailfolds and the cuticle. The cuticle and the nail folds have a tendency to stick to the nail plate as it grows forward; the stretched cuticle may eventually tear. Sometimes the skin of the nail folds also cracks, particularly if it is dry. Nervous nail biting habits, chewing nails, and picking the cuticle all encourage the development of hangnails.

A. To avoid such conditions, keep the cuticles soft by massaging in creams and regularly loosening it from the nail-plate.

B.Clip off existing hangnails.

C.Avoid pulling off slivers as this can be very painful and can even cause infection of the nailfolds.

3. In-Growing Toe-Nails: If the toenail is not cut properly, it penetrates into the nail-fold as it grows, causing redness, swelling and pain.

A. Don’t cut them too short;

B.Don't ever cut down the side of the nail;

C.Always follow the shape of the toe;

D.Once the pain has started, try to push the nail-fold away from the sharp edge of the skin.

4. Fungal Infections of the Nail: When fungus infects the nails, they become thickened, broken and discoloured.Fungal infection can be easily treated- griseofulvin is given for milder infection and ketoconazole for more severe types-but let your doctor treat you.

weight gain tips

Eat More Than You Burn

Pay close attention to how many calories you are ingesting and how many you burn. Use a pedometer to measure your daily activity and keep a food journal to measure your daily categories. Track any changes you make to your activity or your diet so you can measure the effectiveness of your weight gain program.

Snack Away

Cheese, Peanut Butter, fruit, pretzels, oatmeal, a glass of milk - all this can be yours! Plan ahead and bring a snack with you for mid morning and mid afternoon. Chances are you can use the energy boost any of these snacks will provide and you will be getting closer and closer to achieving your weight gain goal! Once you have attained your goal weight, you don't have to eliminate snacks, just introduce celery or popcorn and you get your snack, without so many calories!

Visualize and Aim For Your Goal

Don't obsess over your BMI or your weight number. Focus on a weight at which you are comfortable and is within rough healthy guidelines. You and your doctor can assess the right weight range for your height and frame and once you have, visualize a more healthy you at that goal. Keep it in mind if you are struggling or just sick of your weight gain program. Make sure you surround yourself with supportive people and not those who will be insensitive to your unique health or self worth issues.

Be Consistent

Healthy weight gain is not a quick fix. You need to be patient and consistent. This doesn't mean you have to eat the same thing day in and day out. Be creative, invent new dishes, spice up old favorites and indulge yourself in some high calorie treats. There is nothing wrong with an ice cream prescription for what ails you!

Build Muscles

The most common way that men combat being a "skinny guy" is with weight training. Not only do you gain weight, but you get bigger muscles, more definition and you feel great. Stick to free weights and big muscle groups. Work hard and fast but don't over train. With an extra calorie boost and the energy that comes with it, you will bulk up in no time!

More Meals, More of the Time

Don't try to binge three times a day. Don't try to eat huge meals. Eat several small meals a day, of high calorie, nutrient rich foods. Even though this may increase your metabolism, but it will be an easy and slow weight gain, your ideal goal!

tips for prevention of cough

What is Coughs?

A cough is the body's response to inflammation or irritation in the throat, larynx, bronchial tubes or lungs.

Tips to Control Cough

Breathe the steam from a vaporizer, hot shower, or pan of boiling water. The moist air will soothe the airways and loosen sinus congestion and phlegm in your throat and lungs. A few drops of the oil of eucalyptus will help this process.

Elevate the head of your bed. This will allow your sinuses and nasal passages to drain better and not create that "tickle" in your throat.

Stop smoking. Passive smoke or other irritants, such as chemicals, can be a cause. Household cleaners, new carpeting, paneling and mattresses are some of the many possible sources of chemical irritants.

Drink at least 8 eight ounce glasses of water. This is especially important if your cough is due to an illness. Water is the best expectorant you can take and will help thin the mucus and loosen the cough.

Do not use over-the-counter expectorant cough remedies as they just suppress the symptoms and do not address the underlying problem. If you have the kind of cough with mucus you want to get it out of your respiratory system, not suppress it. Try one of the natural expectorant remedies below.

Try eating hot chili peppers, horseradish or other spicy foods. They will help loosen mucus.

During the winter, if your house is dry, use a humidifier and a cool-mist vaporizer in your bedroom at night. This will help thin the mucus. Be sure to thoroughly clean the vaporizer, as it can harbor bacteria.

Drink hot tea to break up the mucus and open and moisten the airways.

Cough drops or hard candy will help stop the tickle if you have a dry cough and will moisten the throat.

Avoid foods that increase the production of mucus, such as dairy products, meat and fried foods.

Hot packs placed on your throat and chest are very soothing.

tips for astma

Asthma Information

Asthma is characterized by coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. Asthma symptoms can be triggered by several factors, including: allergens or irritants; viral or sinus infections; exercise; reflux disease (stomach acid flowing back up the esophagus); medications or foods; and emotional anxiety.

Caffeine and Asthma

If you feel an asthma attack coming on and don't have your inhaler handy, try a couple cups of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or chocolate bars. The caffeine will help open your airways.

Controlling Your Asthma

If you find yourself using your quick-relief inhaler to stop an asthma attack more than twice a week, it may be time for a different medication. In fact, if you have to refill your inhaler more than two times a year or are awakened by asthma symptoms two nights or more per week, you also probably need a change.

Correct Inhaler Use

If you use an inhaler to treat your asthma, remember that it's not a breath freshener. You must deeply inhale the medication into your lungs and hold it for three to five seconds before exhaling slowly.

NSAIDs, Aspirin and Asthma

Asthma sufferers should use the non-aspirin pain reliever acetaminophen (Tylenol) because the use of aspirin and NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), such as Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen sodium), have the tendency to worsen asthma.

tips for allergy prevention

Air Conditioning and Allergies To help alleviate problems with pollen, molds and dust mites, air condition your house and car and, if possible, add an air cleaner to your central air conditio Anaphylactic Shock Anaphylactic shock, the most severe allergic reaction, is most commonly associated with bee or fire ant stings. If welts (hives) erupt following a sting, this is a warning flag to seek prompt medical attention. Attic Fans Don't use your attic fan during allergy season. The fan sucks pollen into the house. Avoid Dyes Avoid dyes, especially the ones in toilet paper. Use white to wipe. Bedding and Dust Mites If dust mites give you trouble, seal your mattress, box springs and pillows in allergy-resistant plastic covers available at most discount stores. Carpeting Causes Allergy Problems Allergy experts recommend you dump the carpeting and use throw rugs instead. Since most people enjoy a carpeted home, try the new allergy care carpet treatments now available. Cheap Fungicide Clean humid areas, such as the bathroom and basement, with a fungicide (mold-killer). A cheap and effective one is bleach. Use a solution of 3/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water, let stand 5 minutes and rinse. Choose Antiperspirants Carefully Aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate and zirconium chlorohydrate in antiperspirants often cause dermatitis, especially after shaving. Try to choose antiperspirants that contain the anti-irritants allantoinate, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum hydroxide, or triethanolamine. Cold Compresses for Allergy Relief Are your allergy eyes giving you fit? Try a cold compress for 15-20 minutes. Wet a washcloth with cold water and place over your eyes. Common Allergens and Allergy Symptoms A listing of common allergens: pollen, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander, feathers, foods, medications, and insect stings. Common allergy symptoms: watery, itchy eyes, sneezing, and a constant runny nose. Common Pollens The most common pollens causing allergies include: tree pollens (April - May), grasses (June - July) and ragweed (August - October). Dandruff and Shampoo Dyes Dandruff sufferers may be allergic to the dyes in the shampoo they use. Even dandruff remedy shampoos often contain dyes. Decongestants and Blood Pressure If you are hypertensive, over-the-counter decongestants are a big no-no. Decongestants raise blood pressure and can lead to heart attack or stroke. Dehumidifier and Allergies Keep the humidity in your home below 45%. To measure the humidity level, buy an inexpensive hygrometer available at many discount stores. Driving and Antihistamines Antihistamines often cause drowsiness and should not be taken if driving or operating machinery. Drug Treatment for Allergies The over-the-counter antihistamine diphenhydramine (Benadryl) works well for allergy treatment and has few drug interactions. Be sure to read the label for proper dosage, side effects, etc. and check with your doctor if you have any questions.

tips for healthy teeth

Tooth lightening is ideal for patients who have healthy , unrestored teeth (no fillings) and would like a brighter smile. Not recommended for people having sensitive teeth.

What causes tooth discoloration?

There are many causes. The most common factors are age, tobacco, coffee, or tea. Other types of stains can be caused by antibiotics, such as tetracycline; or too much fluoride.

What are most popular tooth whitening treatments available and how they work?

1. At home tooth bleaching kits

In a bleach based tooth whitener kit, you apply a tooth bleaching agent to a mouth tray then insert the tray into your mouth. Most of the trays are worn for an hour.

These products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the tooth enamel. These products typically rely on percent carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent, carbamide peroxide comes in several different concentrations (10%, 16%, 22%).

Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouth guard. Usage regimens vary.

Some products are used for about twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks. We recommend this Arctic White Tooth Whitening Kit which is really effective and one of the best.

2. Tooth whitening strips

These are placed on the teeth and are usually removed after wearing for 30 minutes. These are one of the most effective and affordable treatment for the whitening of teeth.

The best whitening strips available are Crest White strips They are highly recommended! Read the customer’s reviews of Crest White strips here. They also have peroxides as their main ingredient.

3. Toothpastes

All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. "Whitening" toothpastes have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness.

Unlike bleaches, these products do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth. If you wish to use whitening toothpaste, we recommend Colgate simply White Advanced whitening Toothpaste which is probably the best out there.

4. Laser tooth whitening

A rubber dam is placed over your teeth to protect the gums. A bleaching solution is placed on the teeth.

A light or laser that generates a small amount of heat is directed at the teeth. Oxygen from the solution enters the enamel and bleaches the colored substances. The color of the tooth is made lighter.

It is one of the powerful treatment for tooth whitening. The process takes approximately one hour. The teeth have the solution applied throughout the course of the appointment. The results are usually seen at the first appointment.

5. Aura Ear drops for teeth whitening

Auro Ear Drops, which is found in most drug stores, uses 6 ½% carbamide peroxide and can be really effective for whitening of the teeth.

Even though the percentage of carbamide peroxide is slightly lower than the 10% concentration normally used, it is still carbamide peroxide and works great to whiten teeth.

How effective are bleaching systems?

Bleaching is effective in lightning most stains caused by age, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Based on clinical studies, 96 percent of patients with these kinds of stains experience some lightning effect.

Other types of stains, such as those produced by tetracycline use or fluorosis (too much fluoride), respond to bleaching less reliably. And one cosmetic dentist points out that bleaching systems are not fully predictable.

If you have a tooth-color filling when your teeth are bleached, the filling will stay yellow—dental restorations do not change color when tooth whitener is applied.

Are there any side effects?

Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity because of hydrogen peroxide, particularly at higher concentrations, and night guards often cause gum irritation. Patients have also experienced uncomfortable short-term side effects when having teeth bleached.

The general health risks of bleaching systems are minimal as far as your body is concerned.

The Bottom-Line: If you don't have sensitive teeth and looking forward for a brighter smile, then definitely go for a tooth whitening treatment.