NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS DAY

Is work or school putting on the pressure? Are the kids on your nerves? Is there enough money to pay all of those bills? There are literally thousands of reasons for you to get stressed out.

RELAX!!! Today is National Stress Awareness Day. This is your opportunity ot recognize that there is plenty of stress in you life...as if you didn't already know. More importantly, today is an opportunity to learn, and to do something about the stress...before it drives you batty or worse.

source: www.holidayinsights.com

CHICKEN SOUP SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN TO HELP CURE COLDS

Remember when you had a bad cold as a kid and your mom made you chicken soup? It always made you feel better, right? Though many have chalked it up to an old wives' tale, it turns out that there may be some science behind the soup remedy. A study published in the journal Chest looked at the effect of chicken soup on the respiratory systems of healthy volunteers. Researchers exposed their white blood cells to chicken soup and measured the response. The finished soup significantly reduced white blood cell activity as did most of the components when tested by themselves, including the boiled chicken itself.

The soup used was a homemade version, dubbed "Grandma's recipes," which included a whole chicken, chicken wings, carrots, celery, onion, parsnips, sweet potato, parsley, salt and pepper. This study however, was performed in a lab and not by assessing actual symptoms in real patients. It's possible the response of white blood cells in the body could be quite different.

Interestingly, store-bought soup seems to have the same effect. In the study, 14 different commercially available soups were tested and some of them were even more potent than the homemade version.

Even putting the study results aside, when breaking down chicken soup into its various ingredients, it's easy to see why it may be a potent weapon against a runny nose:

1. HEAT: The steam from a bowl of soup(or a cup of hot tea for that matter) can assist in opening up clogged nostrils.

2. PROTEIN: Chicken is a great source of protein which we especially need as appetites naturally wane when ill. Low protein intake can decrease immune system function, and a soup is an easy way to get some calories and protein. If you don't like the actual meat, some of the protein is extracted into the broth during the cooking process too, so just sipping the liquid is still helpful.

3. VEGETABLES: Most chicken soup recipes include carrots, celery and onions at the very least. If you're making your own chicken soup, throw in any hearty vegetables that you've got in your kitchen or freezer. Broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, beans and peas are all healthy soup additions. Also, the heartier greens, like Swiss chard, kale or collards also work well in soups. The more vegetables in any soup, the better. Vegetables contain lots of vitamins and minerals that mean more antioxidants to fight off that cold. Frozen varieties are just fine, too. They are frozen at their peak freshness, meaning nutrient content is preserved.

4. WATER: Maintaining adequate hydration is also important when you're not feeling well. Fluids also help to thin out mucus and decrease congestion so drinking your usual 2 liters/day is essential.

Remember that most canned and powdered soups are very high in sodium, so be sure to stick with the low or reduced-sodium varieties.

Fell better soon!

source: www.fyiliving.com

6 SURPRISINGLY DIRTY PLACES IN YOUR HOME

If you dropped a piece of fruit in your kitchen sink while rinsing it, would you think twice about popping it in your mouth? What if you dropped it in the toilet? Germs, like cold viruses and bacteria can live in some unexpected spots. Here are six surprisingly dirty places in your home - like your kitchen sink - and what you can do to protect yourself.

1. THE KITCHEN SINK: Although the mere thought of retrieving anything from your toilet bowl may be enough to make you sick, your toilet may be cleaner than your kitchen sink. Food particles from plates left to soak or rinsed from dishes on their way to the dishwasher can serve as a breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. They can get on your hands or spread to foods. Sanitize your sink with a solution of bleach and water once a day and let the solution run down the drain. Remember to clean the drain plug,too.

2. YOUR TOOTHBRUSH: You put it into your mouth twice a day, but do you ever think of all the germs luring on it? If the germs from your own mouth weren't enough to contaminate your toothbrush, the germs from your toilet certainly are. Flushing the toilet sends a spray of bacteria and virus contaminated water droplets into the air. These germs can float around in the bathroom for at least two hours after each fluch before landing on surfaces - including your toothbrush. Place your toothbrush where it can air out and dry between uses - but not too close to the toilet. Also, replace your toothbrush often, particularly after you have been sick, and close your toilet lid before flushing.

3. YOUR SALT AND PEPPER SHAKER: Could one of the dirtiest places in your home be right on the table where you eat? According to a 2008 study, researchers asked 30 adults who were beginning to show signs of a cold, to name 10 places they had touched in their homes over the previous 18 hours. The researchers tested those areas for cold viruses. The tests found viruses on 41% of the surfaces tested, and every one of the salt and pepper shakers tested were positive for cold viruses. When you wipe the kitchen table after eating, wipe off the salt and pepper shaker too.

4. YOUR TV REMOTE CONTROL: It's dropped on the floor, stuffed between the sofa cushions, coughed on and sneezed at. Everyone in the house handles it. A University of Virginia study of cold viruses on household surfaces showed the remote control's surface is among the germiest. Researchers found that half of the remote controls tested were positive for cold viruses. Wipe your remote with a bleach or alcohol wipe. Aside from that, regular hand-washing is the best way to protect yourself against these germs.

5. YOUR COMPUTER KEYBOARD: If you eat at your computer, sneeze on your keyboard, or sit down to surf the Internet without first washing your hands, your computer keyboard could be a health hazard. In a recent study researchers swabbed keyboards for germs and found a host of potentially harmful bacteria, including E. coli and staph. Four of 33 sampled keyboards had enough germs to be considered health hazards. Wash your hands before and after using your computer. If you must eat at your desk, don't drop crumbs into your keyboard. To clean your keyboard, gently shake out the crumbs or vacuum it. Wipe the keys with alcohol or bleach wipes, but nothing "too wet," and don't forget to wipe the mouse.

6. YOUR BATHTUB: The place where you clean yourself is not so clean itself. A recent study found staph bacteria in 26% of the tubs tested. A separate study had even worse findings for whirlpool tubs. The main reason whirlpool tubs are so dirty has to do with the lining of the pipes. Water tends to get trapped in the pipes, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. When you turn on the jets, the germy water spouts out into the tub where you are soaking. Clean and disinfect your tub with bleach or bathroom cleaner after bathing, then dry with a clean towel. For whirlpool tubs, the best way to prevent bacteria from accumulating is to clean out the pipes.

Lots of germs are harmless, many are even good for your health. You can help protect yourself from those that aren't by keeping your hands clean. Your hands transfer bacteria and viruses to your eyes, nose and mouth. They can also transfer germs to others. The CDC recommends regular hand washing with soap and water, washing your hands for 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer gels can be used to kill germs, but they should not replace hand washing. Hand sanitizers can build up on the hands, so you should wash your hands the regular way after every fourth use.

source: www.webmd.com

DENTAL CARE FOR SENIORS

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as the following:

DARKENED TEETH: Caused, to some extent, by changes in dentin - the bone-like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel - and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages.

DRY MOUTH: Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome, and medications.

DIMINISHED SENSE OF TASTE: While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.

ROOT DECAY: This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth.

GUM DISEASE: Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes.

TOOTH LOSS: Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.

UNEVEN JAWBONE: This is caused by tooth loss.

DENTURE-INDUCED STOMATITIS: Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans cause this condition, which is inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture.

THRUSH: Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.

Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health. However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Medications you may be taking can also affect your oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary.

Daily brushing and flossing of your natural teeth is essential to keeping them in good oral health. Plaque can build up quickly on the teeth of seniors, especially if oral hygiene is neglected, and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. To maintain good oral health, it's important for all individuals - regardless of age - to:

Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste

Floss at least once a day

Visit your dentist on a regular schedule for cleaning and an oral exam

source: www.webmd.com

WORLD HEALTH DAY - APRIL 7

Every year, World Health Day is celebrated on April 7th to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. Each year a theme is selected for World Health Day that highlights a priority are of concern for WHO. World Health Day is a global campaign, inviting everyone - from global leaders to the public in all countries - to focus on a single health challenge with global impact. Focusing on new and emerging health issues, World Health Day provides an opportunity to start collective action to protect people's health and well-being.

The topic of World Health Day in 2012 is Ageing and Health with the theme "Good health adds life to years". The focus is how good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities. Ageing concerns each and every one of us - whether young or old, male or female, rich or poor - no matter where we live.

source: www.who.int

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF FIBER FOR SENIORS

Fiber is an important element of a healthy diet at any age, but eating enough fiber is particularly important for seniors. As you age, your risks of such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia increase. Research has found that good nutrition, including a diet rich in fiber, may help ward off these health conditions. Fiber is particularly important for seniors. What are the health benefits?

1. Keep the bowels regular and relieve constipation

2. Lower risk of heart disease

3. Help manage blood glucose levels

4. May protect against colorectal cancer

5. Helps reduce LDL cholesterol

6. May help manage weight

Women over 50 years old should get as least 21 grams of fiber per day, while men over 50 should eat at least 30 grams. But fiber can be hard to get as we age. If you have problems with your teeth and gums, for example, you may no longer be able to chew some fiber-rich foods like apples.

But just because your diet may be more limited than it was when you were younger, that doesn't mean you have to miss out on fiber. There are many excellent sources of dietary fiber, which allows you to make choices from those foods that you are still able to eat.

If you don't have the appetite that you used to have, make sure that what you do eat is nutrient-dense - including plenty of fiber - and be sure to eat a variety of foods with each meal.

For example, if you have a meal that includes whole wheat spaghetti with tomato sauce(6 grams of fiber), half a cup of cooked spinach(7 grams of fiber), and a large baked apple(softer and easier to chew, 6 grams of fiber), you've already made it to 19 grams of fiber for the day!

Other top sources of dietary fiber include:

1. Beans: white, black, pinto, kidney, and baked beans all have fiber contents ranging from 16 to 20 grams per cup when cooked.

2. Bread: Whole-grain breads have the higher fiber content, anywhere from 5 to 7 grams per slice.

3. Figs: three dried figs have 10 grams of fiber!

4. Yams and russet potatoes: These have about 6 or 7 grams of fiber each

source: www.webmd.com

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

What does blood sugar mean to you? Many associate it with diabetes, but beyond that most people have little knowledge about what high or low blood sugar means, or how to help keep it under control. Here's what you need to know:

WHAT IS BLOOD SUGAR?

"Blood sugar concentration" (also known as the blood glucose level) refers to the amount of glucose(sugar) present in your blood. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body's cells, and is made available for absorption via the hormone insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can lead to diabetes complications.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TYPE 1 DIABETES AND TYPE 2 DIABETES?

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?

Type 1 diabetes

- Frequent urination

- Unusual thirst

- Extreme hunger

- Unusual weight loss

- Extreme fatigue and irritability

Type 2 diabetes (people with type 2 diabetes often show no symptoms)

- Any of the type 1 symptoms

- Frequent infections

- Blurred vision

- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal

- Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet

- Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

PREDIABETES

Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have "prediabetes" - blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. There are 79 million people in the United States who have prediabetes. Recent research has shown that some long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring during prediabetes.

DIAGNOSIS

Health care professionals are asked to use the A1C fasting blood sugar test to determine whether patients have prediabetes or diabetes. The blood glucose levels measured after these tests determine whether you have a normal metabolism, or whether you have prediabetes or diabetes. If you are diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, talk to you healthcare professional about ways to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

PREVENTION

You can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through a healthy lifestyle by changing your diet, increasing your level of physical activity oand maintaining a healthy weight. With these positive steps, you can stay healthier longer and reduce your risk of diabetes.

source: www.ahealthiermichigan.org