Decongestants are readily available over the counter, but they lose their effectiveness with repeated use and may not be recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. For relief of sinus symptoms, I like to irrigate with a Neti Pot. Learn more at WebMD or watch this demonstration. Be sure to boil […]
Tag: fitness
Exercise – Good for Body and Mind
Finally a study with good news! The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease reports that older people who did tai chi three times a week for 40 weeks not only showed increases in brain volume, they also scored better on memory and learning tests than those who didn’t exercise. It’s exciting to think that gentle forms of […]
EnLIGHTening Findings
Ever wonder if the bags of greens in the front of the supermarket shelf that are exposed to the light are more nutrient-dense than the ones in the back in the dark? Me neither, but researcher Gene Lester did. He found that just 24 hours of light exposure enhanced the greens’ nutrients. He also discovered […]
Strategic Eating
Want to eat less without struggling? Make small changes such as using a smaller plate; drinking from tall, narrow glasses; choosing plates in a color that contrasts the food; and avoiding distractions (television, electronics) while eating. Pay attention to unconscious cues to overeat, such as buffet foods served in large bowls or dining with people […]
The Panacea of Probiotics
Are you considering using probiotics? The Berkeley Wellness Letter does not recommend widespread use for several reasons including the large variation in product composition, reported discrepancies between labeling and actual content found by Consumer Reports’ testing, and possible safety concerns for some folks. Probiotics may be beneficial for you, but consult your doctor first.
Brain Health
According to the August 2010 Wellness Letter, “there is no convincing evidence that any ‘brain formula,’ plant extract, or vitamin will preserve memory.” However, a deficiency in B12 can cause confusion and memory loss. See your doctor for testing and treatment, if needed. Another supplement to consider is fish oil, which has been linked to […]
Think Thin
The thoughts we hold directly impact our results. One of the key shifts I had when I successfully lost weight was to begin asking myself, “What would a thin person do in this situation?” Shifting my thoughts to those of a thin person led to changing my behaviors to those of a thin person, and […]
Butter vs. Margarine
How to know what to choose? Read the label. Avoid or minimize saturated fat, trans fat, and partially hydrogenated oil (which contains trans fat) – all of which raise blood cholesterol and risk for cardiovascular disease. “Hydrogenated” or “fully hydrogenated” oils are okay as they have no trans fat.
Smart Snacks
We need a consistent source of energy (calories) to function well during the day, so even if you’re too busy to feel hunger, you need to eat! This is true even if you’re trying to lose weight. Have convenient, healthy snacks on hand, such as nuts, fruit, yogurt, low fat granola bars or popcorn, whole […]
Ten Minutes Are Enough
The most common reason people give for not exercising is lack of time. Don’t worry that you don’t have an hour. Studies show that ten minutes of exercise make a difference. Grab the lease and take your canine friend for a walk.