Acts of ordinary courage, of brave compassion that put the health of patients first – these are the everyday heroes of the healthcare profession. Join News24 and Adcock Ingram OTC in celebrating and sharing your stories of pharmacists and healthcare professionals who have gone above and beyond the day-to-day call of duty.
We’ve done the legwork for you and here they are: the 45 best health tips. Make that 46 – taking the time to read this tops the list.
1. Copy your kitty: Learn to do stretching exercises when you wake up. It boosts circulation and digestion, and eases back pain.
2. Don’t skip breakfast. Studies show that eating a proper breakfast is one of the most positive things you can do if you are trying to lose weight. Breakfast skippers tend to gain weight. A balanced breakfast includes fresh fruit or fruit juice, a high-fibre breakfast cereal, low-fat milk or yoghurt, wholewheat toast, and a boiled egg.
3. Brush up on hygiene. Many people don’t know how to brush their teethproperly. Improper brushing can cause as much damage to the teeth and gums as not brushing at all. Lots of people don’t brush for long enough, don’t floss and don’t see a dentist regularly. Hold your toothbrush in the same way that would hold a pencil, and brush for at least two minutes.
This includes brushing the teeth, the junction of the teeth and gums, the tongue and the roof of the mouth. And you don’t need a fancy, angled toothbrush – just a sturdy, soft-bristled one that you replace each month.
4. Neurobics for your mind. Get your brain fizzing with energy. American researchers coined the term ‘neurobics’ for tasks which activate the brain’s own biochemical pathways and to bring new pathways online that can help to strengthen or preserve brain circuits.
Brush your teeth with your ‘other’ hand, take a new route to work or choose your clothes based on sense of touch rather than sight. People with mental agility tend to have lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related mental decline.
5. Get what you give! Always giving and never taking? This is the short road to compassion fatigue. Give to yourself and receive from others, otherwise you’ll get to a point where you have nothing left to give. And hey, if you can’t receive from others, how can you expect them to receive from you?
Read: Mind aerobics
6. Get spiritual. A study conducted by the formidably sober and scientific Harvard University found that patients who were prayed for recovered quicker than those who weren’t, even if they weren’t aware of the prayer.
7. Get smelly. Garlic, onions, spring onions and leeks all contain stuff that’s good for you. A study at the Child’s Health Institute in Cape Town found that eating raw garlic helped fight serious childhood infections. Heat destroys these properties, so eat yours raw, wash it down with fruit juice or, if you’re a sissy, have it in tablet form.
8. Knock one back. A glass of red wine a day is good for you. A number of studies have found this, but a recent one found that the polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) in green tea, red wine and olives may also help protect you
Why Be Active
Regular physical activity has many benefits. It is a potent stress buster, it can help keep weight off and it lowers your risk of developing major chronic diseases. Additional benefits include increased energy, stronger bones and muscles, improved sleep, improved body shape, a boost to mental wellbeing and a change in your outlook on life.
For some quick tips, see below.
When daily trips to the gym aren’t possible or gym memberships seem a little too expensive, home exercise equipment might seem like a good alternative. But before you spring for new equipment, make sure you’re not buying the fitness fiction of quick, easy results. When shopping, look for equipment that suits your lifestyle and budget, and shop around to get the best price.
Home exercise equipment can be a great way to shape up — but only if you use it regularly. Ads promising quick, easy results are selling a line, not a reality. Here are some claims to watch for:
Whether they’re promoting shoes, clothing, or equipment, some advertisers say their products offer a quick, easy way to shape up and lose weight — without sound science to back it up. There’s no such thing as a no-work, no-sweat way to a fit, healthy body. To get the benefits of exercise, you have to do the work. For more on pills and products promising easy weight loss, read Weighing the Claims in Diet Ads.
Promises that you can effortlessly burn a spare tire or melt fat from your hips and thighs are tempting, but spot reduction — losing weight in a specific place — takes regular exercise that still works the whole body to burn extra calories.
For information about electronic muscle stimulators, which may be able to temporarily strengthen, tone, or firm a muscle, but typically are intended for use in physical therapy and rehabilitation under the supervision of a health care professional, see FDA’s website.
They may be “satisfied customers,” but their experiences may not reflect the results most users get. And celebrity endorsements? They’re no proof the product will work as claimed, either. As for the chiseled models in the ads, is that six-pack the result of the product they’re promoting, months in the gym and years of healthy habits, or an altered photo?
You’ve done your job and looked at any claims with a skeptical, savvy eye. But you’re not quite finished. Before you buy any equipment, here are a few tips to make sure your new gear won’t wind up collecting dust:
Don’t expect the equipment to change your habits. Are you ready to act on your good intentions? If you’re not active already, start now.
Take a test drive. Before you buy, give different equipment a test drive at a local gym, recreation center, retailer, or even a friend’s place.
Read reviews. Check out consumer and fitness magazines that rate exercise equipment to get an idea of how a product performs, and whether it’s likely to help you achieve your goal, whether it’s building strength, increasing flexibility, improving endurance, or enhancing your health. You also can check out user reviews online. Just don’t put all your trust
A digital version of the 2020 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition is happening — albeit slowly. Health Information Management and Systems Society (HIMSS) officials decided to cancel …Continue Reading
*The HIMSS 2020 conference has been cancelled. The details of the 2020 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition are changing daily. Citing coronavirus concerns, some vendors have decided to …Continue Reading
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Men’s Fitness tips, physical fitness issues for men, health & fitness advice for guys
Our latest fitness content can be found in the Fitness category in our new magazine format.
Our Fitness Editor, Mike Furci, has been providing great fitness tips for men on Bullz-Eye since we launched back in 2000. Read Mike’s columns by digging through his archive for tons of great fitness information and advice, and you’ll be on your way to a healthier lifestyle. You’ll look and feel better as well. Send any questions you have for Mike to [email protected].
You can find more archived fitness content by checking out the Fitness thread on our blog.
You can also follow Bullz-Eye.com on Twitter and Facebook and sign up for our email list for content updates.
Here are come classic columns from Mike Furci, and you can see more on the Furci page and the full Furci archive page.
Exercises you haven’t done but probably should, Part TwoMike recommends three more exercises that you’ve probably never done, but should add to your routine.
Exercises you haven’t done but probably shouldMike recommends five exercises you’ve probably never done to help add a little variation to your workout routine.
Fitness Myth Busters Updated!Misinformation is everywhere, including the gym. Mike busts fitness myths with an update to an earlier column.
Build your back like never beforeMike plots a course to get your back thicker and wider. But beware: no slacking off on this journey or you’ll be wasting your time.
Get in Shape for SummerShape up for the beach by reshaping your diet. Mike says stop counting calories and start cutting simple carbs.
A No-Nonsense Guide to Design Your WorkoutsIn this three-part series, Mike details ways for beginners and veterans alike to keep their workouts fresh while consistently making gains.
Sexual RX: The ResearchTake two and call me in the morning: Sex is a cure for many ills (and not just blue balls). Mike brings the research.
Get shredded (or ripped, cut up, lean…)Getting in good shape is one thing, but getting absolutely shredded? Mike explains the science behind this extreme state of leanness, and how to achieve it.
Evolution of the Unhealthy American, Part 3: A comprehensive solution (07/03/2009)
Fructose and soy are two biggies to stay away from. Fortunately, Mike sorts through the science and breaks it down for us in the final installment of his series on The Evolution of the Unhealthy American, providing lists of things to avoid and those to favor.
Evolution of the Unhealthy American, Part 2: Our deteriorating diet (05/20/2009)
We are what we eat, and Mike shows that Americans eat way too much sugar and processed foods. In the second of this three-part series, Mike explains how Americans are getting bigger and unhealthier all the time, and
You may consider your teeth to be a low priority compared to the rest of your body. Aside from brushing and the occasional flossing, you probably neglect them until you experience dental problems like pain, swelling, or bleeding. Sometimes this can manifest into a dental emergency. But should you go to the hospital or your dentist?
The American Dental Association (ADA) says that emergency room (ER) visits for dental problems have consistently been on the rise since 2000, jumping from 1.1 million to roughly 2.1 million a year. Of those visits, 1.65 million could have been referred to a dental practice instead, saving the healthcare system $1.7 billion, not to mention savings for the consumer, too. “Most ERs do not have dentists available,” says Mary Hayes, DDS, an ADA spokesperson based in Chicago. “Physicians have limited training when it comes to mouth issues, so your dentist is usually the best authority.” Check out the 13 signs you need to see your dentist ASAP.
To successfully navigate common dental problems, we spoke with dentists on how to handle dental emergencies at home with a few key items. Plus, they share when you should wait for a dentist or go to the hospital for urgent care.
It’s important to schedule your dental checkup (which is on average every three to six months) to make sure you’re practicing good oral hygiene. In the meantime, if you haven’t been following the best preventative care—brushing twice a day and flossing often—tooth decay can build up, leading to cavities. And while a cavity can be painful on its own, leaving one untreated for too long can cause more serious issues.
“When cavities progress they can lead to nerve damage, and this results in the patient needing a root canal,” says Bruce Lein, DDS, a dentist based in Jupiter, Florida. Even if your cavity doesn’t warrant a root canal other problems may arise like gum disease, adds Mark Burhenne, DDS, a dentist based in Sunnyvale, California.
You can’t reverse a cavity, but there are a few things you can do on top of good oral hygiene to slow and prevent further decay. “Stay away from carbs, processed foods, and packaged goods,” says Dr. Burhenne. “Bread is one of the most common causes of decay and gum disease.” (There are actually 8 foods that will help prevent tooth decay.) Another factor is if you suffer from dry mouth. “This is where mouth tape can come in handy,” says Dr. Burhenne. “If you tend to sleep with your mouth open, tape will keep it shut and prevent pH changes in your mouth, helping the oral microbiome stay balanced.” Not sure if you have a cavity?
Next to cavities, Dr. Burhenne says molar issues are a common problem he sees in his practice. Molars can break from biting something too hard, or as a result of a fall. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to
Congratulations on taking a forward step to get in shape and feel great. Many people are guilty of wishing they could get a sculpted body from eating junk food and watching TV all day. But that is just not going to happen. Even though getting in shape sounds like a long, time-wasting process, the effort put towards being in shape has many positive effects. If you want to start your journey to having a better body to feel great, here are some tips:
Exercise daily for at least an hour. You do not have to kill yourself from running, jogging, etc., but you should have some sort of moderate physical activity in your everyday life. If you’re looking to shed a few pounds fast, do a higher-level intensity workout. For example, go on a walk at a brisk pace for an hour. Or, you can jog and set certain intervals to sprint during that hour. Make sure you’re not in severe pain during your workout. Just a warning, your muscles will ache after a high intensity workout. It may be irritating, but that means your body is changing for the better. Be sure to stay hydrated, stretch, and eat foods with a decent amount of protein after each workout. The protein will help keep your muscles, not fat, rebuilding.
No matter how bad your stomach is telling you to go for candy over healthy food, try to stay away from sweets. Sugar from candy will not help you get in shape. Even if it’s just a single candy bar, one will eventually lead to another. Fruits and vegetables are the best thing to eat when getting into shape. Apples, for example, do a good job at making the stomach feel full for up to 3 to 4 hours. Green vegetables such as green beans and broccoli keep the digestive system clean and running.
Also, stick to lean meats like turkey and chicken. Seafood, such as, shrimp, and tilapia are also great alternatives. These foods are full of protein and healthy nutrients to help keep muscles fit and ready for workouts. In addition, be sure to portion what you eat. Having a good metabolism comes from portioning meals. Try to plan out eating six times a day and setting smaller portions, rather than having three large meals throughout the day. This will also help you find yourself breathing smoother when working out rather than huffing and puffing for air. This is because you will have less food in your digestive system, which means more energy is used toward your exercise.
Keeping track of how many calories you eat in a day will be helpful in planning out your physical exercising. Ever wonder why body builders’ body masses are so big? That’s because they plan out their meals and take in more (healthy) calories than the average person. On the
Most people are now leaning towards achieving a healthier lifestyle. Among the thing that affects a huge percentage of people is a percentage. When you are obese, you are at more risk of being exposed to certain conditions one being high blood pressure. You may need to consider looking for different ways you can be fit to maintain good health and stay in shape.
Your diet needs to be among the things you look at your exercise should also be top-notch to get rid of excess calories in your body. You may decide to work on your diet and start exercising but for a first-timer, it only gets to be effective when you have a personal trainer. To get amazing results, you may need to consider enrolling in nutrition fitness facility since it has the right kind of fitness equipment that can guide you with your fitness.
With the demand for the fitness facilities now, you find that choice of the right facility may be a challenge since there are several of such facilities that now exist. You, therefore, need to ensure that before you can choose a fitness facility, you check on some online training tips from this website since such tips can guide you in choosing the right facility.
You need to consider checking on the fitness programs the facility has. You will find the kind of programs from a high-quality fitness facility to be to be effective as they will have the right workout routines and the kind of fitness equipment they will have will be those that will give you the right kind of results. The kind of nutrition you have also determine greatly the turnout you have from your workout and this is one of the things such a fitness facility will also have in your routine.
You need to ensure that other than the programs offered at the fitness facility, you also check on the kind of personal trainers the fitness facility has. You need to be sure that availability of the personal trainers is among the things you consider checking on. The reason for this is that such a trainer can help you keep track of your progress and also guide you in the right ways of doing such exercises. You notice that with such a trainer, you are sure that you will get the right kind of results since you will never get your workout schedule wrong at any time. You find that you will also be sure of the kind of services you will get after assessing such a personal trainer. Find interesting facts about fitness, visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/climbing-machine-workout_us_561ea1cce4b0c5a1ce619af8.
There are many reasons why we tend to slow down and become more sedentary with age. It may be due to health problems, weight or pain issues, or worries about falling. Or perhaps you think that exercising simply isn’t for you. But as you grow older, an active lifestyle becomes more important than ever to your health.
A recent Swedish study found that physical activity was the number one contributor to longevity, adding extra years to your life—even if you don’t start exercising until your senior years. But getting active is not just about adding years to your life, it’s about adding life to your years.
Getting moving can help boost your energy, maintain your independence, protect your heart, and manage symptoms of illness or pain as well as your weight. Regular exercise is also good for your mind, mood, and memory.
Helps you maintain or lose weight. As metabolism naturally slows with age, maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge. Exercise helps increase metabolism and builds muscle mass, helping to burn more calories.
Reduces the impact of illness and chronic disease. People who exercise tend to have improved immune and digestive functioning, better blood pressure and bone density, and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
Enhances mobility, flexibility, and balance. Exercise improves your strength, flexibility and posture, which in turn will help with balance, coordination, and reducing the risk of falls. Strength training also helps alleviate the symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Improves sleep. Quality sleep is vital for your overall health. Regular activity can help you fall asleep more quickly, sleep more deeply, and wake feeling more energetic and refreshed.
Boosts mood and self-confidence. Exercise is a huge stress reliever and the endorphins produced can actually help reduce feelings of sadness, depression, or anxiety. Being active and feeling strong naturally helps you feel more self-confident.
Does amazing things for the brain. Activities like Sudoku or crossword puzzles can help keep your brain active, but little comes close to the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain. It can help brain functions as diverse as multitasking and creativity and can help prevent memory loss, cognitive decline, and dementia. Getting active may even help slow the progression of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Starting or maintaining a regular exercise routine can be a challenge at any age—and it doesn’t get any easier as you get older. You may feel discouraged by health problems, aches and pains, or concerns about injuries or falls. If you’ve never exercised before, you may not know where to begin, or perhaps you think you’re too old or frail, and can never live up to the standards you