Runners Can Speed Up - By Training Less

A study conducted recently indicates runners can improve on their speed simply by cutting down on the volume of training and introducing the so-called speed endurance training. So if you wish to run faster, ease up. You don't need to put yourself through all those hours of training. You want to run faster, not train harder. Scientists speculate that the improved performance may be related to reduction in the rate of buildup of potassium during exercise for runners following the changed training pattern.

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A Natural Way To Better Breast Health

There's new hope yet for women fighting breast cancer. A recent study carried out at the university of Michigan has found compounds such as curcumin and piperine found in spices help fight breast cancer. They do this by decreasing the number of stem cells responsible for breast cancer. While the findings aren't conclusive, all this means scientists may come up with an alternative and natural way to counter breast cancer.


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U.S. is Not the Only Country Struggling With Obesity

If you've been putting on weight lately, it's not only you, but the whole world! Blame it on globalization. As the world has contracted, waistlines have expanded. Body Mass Index (BMI), which is commonly used to measure obesity, data from across the world show one out of three adults in the world are overweight and one out of 10 obese. Higher intake of processed foods and less active lifestyle are mainly to blame. Well, does your country figure amongst the top 10 - in terms of expanding waistlines? If so, find out why.


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These Survival Tips Can Safely See You Through The Holiday Eating Season

No need to panic because the holidays are approaching. Those endless parties and events, hosted by friends, colleagues and relatives that punctuate the holiday season can mean extra flab for you when things cool down. But not any more. You can follow these simple steps to handle them with grace and confidence. Basically, it's a matter of effective planning, enough willpower and proper awareness to skip those extra calories. After all, who on earth would care to deal with maladies like diabetes, arthritis and heart disease? Simple, isn't it? However, it’s for you to decide.


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Your Baby Needs You - Even When You Sleep!

In spite of the views put forward by so-called "experts", babies still need to sleep with their parents for better survivability and health. It's the best environment they can be in rather than stay isolated in a crib. "SIDS" (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a real danger, although the CSPC and the crib manufacturers' lobbyists would have us think otherwise. Moreover, babies sleeping with their parents breastfeed more often and have fewer infections. Stay informed... for the sake of your baby.

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New Study Reveals Health Threat Posed By Outdoor Second-Hand Smoke

New research has shown that nonsmokers are at risk from exposure to outdoor second-hand smoke. Cotinine, which is a byproduct of nicotine, levels were alarmingly high in nonsmokers who were exposed to environments outside bars and restaurants. This brings into focus the relatively unknown health hazards that second-hand smoke can pose for workers such as waiters, waitresses and bouncers. Needless to say, greater awareness of these health threats is no longer an option. You want to know more before it's too late...

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Drink Smart This Holiday Season

Don't drink your way to extra calories this holiday. Control your intake of sugary and alcoholic drinks for staying healthy. That's not to say you shouldn't enjoy traditional beverages. Also, don't neglect to drink adequate quantities of water between cocktails. Here are some tips on low-calorie holiday drinks that you can enjoy while still keeping off those extra pounds. So drink smart... keep healthy.


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Keep Off Those Extra Pounds This Holiday Season

A big holiday meal need not upset your weight loss plan. Indulging yourself now and then doesn't mean there's no hope. According to health experts, people throw in the towel after freely helping themselves to snacks and sweets during Thanksgiving or Christmas and continue their eating spree. It's Important that you make sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle rather than dieting. All’s not lost if you follow these guidelines.

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Don't Let Stress Spoil Your Holiday Fun - Follow These Simple Tips

Although children look forward holidays eagerly, adults often have to cope with a lot of stress to prepare for the holiday season. Not any longer - not if you follow some simple tips. Things like planning ahead for the holidays and sticking to a budget can make a lot of difference to your physical and mental well being so you can enjoy the holidays better. And these tips help you to do just that. Nothing is perfect in this world and, similarly, your holidays needn't be perfect - they just need to be enjoyable.

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New Research Shows Exercising Can Actually Prove Beneficial For Expectant Mothers

Contrary to popular belief, recent studies carried out by researchers indicate that mild physical activity can actually prove beneficial for pregnant mothers. In fact, mothers who exercise till end of pregnancy are likely to give birth to more healthy babies as compared to sedentary mothers. These newborns are less likely to develop diabetes and certain types of cancer later on in life as they aren't overweight at birth, say experts.

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Prescriptions Can Lead To Fatal Drug Dependence

Prescription drugs, especially painkillers, are responsible for thousands of deaths in America each year, reports indicate. What starts off as routine medication snowballs into life-threatening drug dependence, say experts. Patients get dependent on painkillers because of the relief they provide and ultimately get addicted to them because of the 'high' these drugs provide. So think twice before popping in those pills. It's your life, after all.

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What Color You Eat Does Matter

This might sound amazing... But the color of fruits and veggies you eat is as crucial as how much you eat. Phytonutrients, or antioxidants found in colorful produce can protect you from health problems, according to health expert Amy Hendel. Therefore, you need to know the different 'color categories' to be included in your diet for keeping fit and healthy.

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Steer Clear Of Flu With These Simple Steps

Did you know that you can stay clear of viral infections like flu with some simple measures? One of them is washing your hand more than 10 times a day. Other effective practices are wearing gloves, gowns and masks. Detailed investigations by researchers have thrown up some interesting conclusions about some of the most effective ways to stay safe from respiratory infections like flu and SARS.

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The Refreshment That Gives Pause

Chronic overconsumption of cola daily can cause symptoms including muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, constipation and even paralysis, doctors warn. So let’s toast to moderation in all things (but please, make mine water).

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Is Your Sex Drive in Park?

Are you or your partner losing interest in sex? A variety of physiological and psychological factors can impact your libido. Check out this list of common sex-drive killers.

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5 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy

You can't control two of the strongest risk factors for the disease: age and family history. But experts are finding that in fact, lifestyle may play a very important role in who gets Alzheimer's and who doesn't.

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Olive Oil and Alzheimer's

The olive oil you put on your salad seems to possess the ability to help prevent or combat Alzheimer’s disease.

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Prepare for Fall Flu Season

As you get a flu shot, stock up on hand sanitizer and decrease your doorknob exposure, consider boosting your immune system's ability to fight viruses -- including H1N1 swine flu -- by adding certain foods to your diet.

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Bad Breath? Breathe Easy

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can occur for a host of reasons, but we can help prevent unpleasant odors on our breath. It's matter of finding the cause and taking action against it.

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Power of Diet

Omega-3 deficiency is the sixth biggest killer of Americans and more deadly than excess intake of trans fat.

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Maximize Odds of Thwarting Breast Cancer

A new study provides good news for women, things they can do to protect themselves against risk of breast cancer.

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Sniffing Out Flu Season

Regular nasal cleansing using a neti pot can keep your sinuses clear of disease-causing microorganisms.

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You Don’t Have to Be a Drug Addict to Die From a Drug Overdose

Many people from teens to the elderly mix their own prescriptions with over-the-counter medicines or worse, illicit drugs or alcohol with no heed to the warnings about such risks on their Rx bottles. Dangerous combinations could put you at risk of everything from car accidents to liver failure or sudden death.

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Yes, You Can Drink Too Much -- Water

While we constantly hear about how healthy water is for our systems, too much of a good thing is possible. Drinking lots of water in a short period of time, say several gallons in a few hours, can lead to "water intoxication." Although rare, this can be quite dangerous, and even fatal, if not treated promptly and properly.

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Ditch the Dinnerware or Try These Tips to Avoid Excess Calories

Throughout the decades dishware has gotten bigger and bigger to meet the demands of our growing appetites. Of course, expanding dishes lead to expanding waistlines or at least that’s what some researchers believe.

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Keys to a Longer, Healthier Life

What are your chances of living to age 100? You might be surprised to learn that being outgoing, running, and eating raspberries will help.

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Wonder Vitamin Reverses Premature Aging

Vitamin C can help heal skin problems, overcome the effects of premature aging, and speed up healing of wounds. People who regularly take C supplements could also have healthier DNA, as the vitamin helps repair damaged cells.

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Indian Natural Herb May Fight Swine Flu

Tulsi has been known and worshipped in India for more than five millennia for its healing properties. Considered an 'Elixir of Life,' this herb has now been claimed to keep the deadly swine flu at bay and help speed recovery.

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Who Feels Like Indian Food Tonight?

Tests on animals give hope for an inexpensive treatment—eating curry—to help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

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Turns Out Smiles Really Are Contagious

Laugh, and soon the world may be laughing too. A new study says that your happiness makes your friends and neighbors happier and also uplifts their friends and neighbors.

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Seven Diseases We’d Nearly Forgotten

Some infections including-bubonic plague, leprosy and polio are thought of as history still plague us today.

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Five Myths About Women and Heart Disease

Are you surprised to learn that coronary heart disease--often thought of as a "man's illness"--is the No. 1 killer of American women? In fact, women are more than five times as likely to die from heart disease as from breast cancer, and nearly twice as many American women die from heart disease and stroke than from all types of cancer combined.

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Man’s Biggest Predator Is--Man

Predators always go for the easy victim, but adhering to these seven simple tips will go along way toward keeping you safe.

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What’s the Safest Room? If You’re Bacteria, It’s the Kitchen

All the hand-washing in the world may not be a match for the germs and viruses lurking on household surfaces. The kitchen remains the source of the most germy surfaces, with kitchen cloths and sponges the biggest source of bacteria, followed by sink faucets.

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Do You Know Where Your Teen Goes at Night?

Teens are up late not just focusing on homework. Web surfing, text messaging and gaming are keeping them up for hours, and it’s these multitaskers most likely to doze off during the day.

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Props for Parenting Down the Line

Positive parenting including warmth, monitoring children’s activities, involvement, and consistency of discipline–has positive impacts on adolescents well into their own adulthood.

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Can’t Beat the Stress? Try Working on Your Reaction to It

Fight or flight is a natural reaction to stressors, but for humans it doesn’t have to be the only one. You can learn to experience a restful response - a mind-body state that is as natural as the stress response, but infinitely more peaceful and healing.

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Go Outside and Play

Time in nature can help prevent obesity and encourage physical activity, at no cost. Getting kids outdoors can improve our nation's mental health too. Plus, kids who spend time outdoors reap the benefits of greater school readiness, creativity, self-sufficiency, and confidence.

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Say Goodnight to Midnight Snacking

Eating at irregular times -- the equivalent of the middle of the night for humans, when the body wants to sleep -- influences weight gain, a new study has found.

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It’s a Crime to Be Careless About Safety

Should you spend your money on a home security system? These thirteen tips - from an actual former burglar - could make all the difference in your home.

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Ignore Current Events From Your Nutritionist Too

Forget whatever you read in Time magazine. Studies, experts and people who have lost weight all attest to the fact that working out works.

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Put a Spring Back in Your Step

Walking is great exercise, but it can get boring if you never vary the routine. Here are ten boredom busters for walkers to mix things up so you stay motivated - and fit!

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Won’t Take Much to Live Long(er) and Prosper

Walk an hour every day and you’ll ward off most health problems and you’ll live longer, a new study has confirmed.

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Seafood to See Better

Research suggests that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent age-related macular degeneration, loss of vision in the center of the visual field (macula) due to retinal damage.

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Soup Is Good Food

Homemade soups -- a handful of leftovers quickly combined into a broth -- is both nutritious and delicious. Here are the benefits of the 10 usual vegetable candidates rounded up for a home-cooked stew.

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Say Goodbye to Liquid Calories

You can take control of your liquid calories if you keep in mind a few basics, like a drink won’t make you feel as full as a food will.

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Stretch at Your Desk

Human beings were not designed to sit in the same position for hours on end working at their computers. Try getting up from time to time as well as incorporating these exercises.

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A Wakeup Call on Energy Drinks

While energy drinks may temporarily improve cognitive performance and alertness, high sugar and caffeine content can cause sleep disturbance, dehydration, headache, increase in blood pressure and heart rate, and anxiety.

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More Good Press for Omega-3

Supplemental omega-3 fatty acids may ease psychological distress and mild depression of menopausal and peri-menopausal women.

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Drop and Give Me 20-Zzzs

Athletic teens sleep better than their couch-potato peers and have fewer problems concentrating at school, a new study finds

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Fish Oils Help Give Heart Disease the Slip

Eating oily fish such as salmon, sardine, trout and herring, and supplementing with omega-3 oils, can dramatically reduce your risk of developing a range of heart problems, such as atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, heart attack, and cardiac failure.

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Jock Itch: Equal-Opportunity Irritator

This itchy infection is rarely serious but can be quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are steps to reduce your risk.

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If in Doubt, Sit It Out

If young athletes want to preserve their brains after a head injury, however minor, the typical jock reaction to suck it up and get back in the game is not only bad, it’s potentially life-threatening.

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The Danger That Lurks Within

With the growing number of computers in households, it’s important that neither you nor your children are put at risk. New research reveals that more people than ever are winding up in emergency rooms for computer-related accidents.

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A Splash of Oil, a Little Chop-Chop

Two ways to get more carotenoid nutrients out of your brightly colored veggies might surprise you. One, use the olive oil. Two, chop or grate to break down plant material for better abosroption of beta-carotene.

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Up, Up and Away - With Supergerms

Some germs may be outpacing our ability to kill them, but there are still plenty of things we can do to slow their spread.

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Where There’s Not ‘Smoke,’ There Might Still Be ‘Fire’

Smokeless tobacco increases the risk of fatal heart attack and stroke, say researchers.

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Play Helps Keep Dementia at Bay

Social activities that engage the brain–reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles, playing card and board games, and having group discussions – help to keep us sharp.

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Get steamed. Stew a little. Grill away.

The way you prepare your food matters as much as the ingredients to get the most out of your meals, maximize the nutritional benefits of foods and minimize potential harm from improper cooking methods.

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Don’t Light Up - Drink Up

Juicing large amounts of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables can be a powerful way to flush from your system the chemicals and poisons that make it so physically difficult to quit smoking.

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Maybe It’s Not the Caffeine That’ll Get Ya

Iced versions of normal coffee such as frappuccinos contain so many calories that they increase people's chances of becoming overweight, which is the second biggest cause of cancer after smoking.

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Is Stress Keeping You Fat?

With years of chronic stress the adrenal glands — which govern stress response, help balance a woman’s blood sugar, and regulate many other body processes — can become imbalanced, leading to unwanted weight gain. When this happens, the body clings to every calorie.

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Anti-Aging Diet Tips

Foods rich in anti-oxidants can give you the power to age less and live longer.

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Tea Fortuitous

Long known for its antioxidants, immune boosting and antihypertensive properties, black tea may be used to control diabetes, according to a new study.

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Don’t Forget to Let the Sunshine In

Lack of sunlight doesn’t only make us feel down in the dumps – it also can affect our memory, especially if we’re already depressed.

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Take a Bite Out of Stings

Find out what you can do to minimize the annoying itching, swelling and discomfort that come with pesky bug bites.

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Eating for Prostate Health

Growing evidence suggests certain foods may prevent or slow the spread of
prostate cancer.

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Get a Hand-le on Portion Distortion

Even when you are not a home, you carry with you a handy tool to help make good choices about serving size. Your own hand knows when enough is too much.

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You’ve Got to Read the Fine Print on the Road to Feeling Fine

Americans trying to eat healthier are looking to nutrition labels to help make better choices. But consumers who take those labels at face value may not be getting what they bargained for.

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Lose Weight If You Love Your Mother (Earth)

A drive toward reducing obesity could have key consequences for the environment and the planet. Reversing the global trend toward fatness begins with recognizing it as a key factor in the battle to reduce emissions and slow climate change.

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Making a Case for Thyroid Nutrition

Many foods and nutrients support thyroid health naturally, including iodine-rich foods. Take a closer look at how specific foods and supplements influence thyroid health.

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Rest Your Eyes and the Rest Benefits Too

People who nap generally enjoy better mental health and mental efficiency than people who do not. The quality of their nighttime sleep tends to be better as well.

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Swingers No Longer Out on a Limb

Specialists claim to solve the riddle of why we swing our arms when we walk. And what happens when we don’t.

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Six Steps Forward, Six Steps Back to Health

Even a family history of high blood pressure doesn't necessarily mean that hypertension has to be in your future. Following a healthy lifestyle could lower women's risk of high blood pressure by as much as 80 percent.

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Have the Dressing—and the Little Black Dress

Bleu cheese? Ranch? Keep it healthy with homemade salad dressing recipes. You'll get less fat and fewer calories without sacrificing that creamy, delicious taste.

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A Case for Lips That Let No BPA Pass

It may be worth a little diligence to find BPA-free products, especially baby bottles and sippy cups. Yes, glass and unlined stainless steel often cost more, but it may be time to declare a personal BPA ban.

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Fighting Fat at the Community Level

Recognizing the large health and economic burden of obesity, CDC has issued its first comprehensive set of evidence-based recommendations to help local governments tackle the problem of obesity through programs and policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity.

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Healthier Hearts Love Cell Regeneration

Researchers have laid the groundwork for regenerating heart tissue after a heart attack, in patients with heart failure, or in children with congenital heart defects—and without the use of stem cells.

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Gimme an ?O,? Gimme a ?W?

Cheerleading can give girls confidence, leadership and athletic ability? yet its gymnastic-like stunts, coupled with lacking safety regulations, make the sport the most dangerous?even deadly.

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Bump the Botox, Pick the Produce

Eating antioxidant-rich berries regularly is one of the best?and best-tasting?things you can do for overall health. It might even get rid of wrinkles.

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Obesity and Big Belly Linked to RLS

Research finds men and women with a body mass index greater than 30 are nearly one-and-a-half times more likely to have restless leg syndrome than people who are not obese.

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Seafood, See Results

Seafood rich in nutrients, when included in daily diet, could shrink belly fat and improve overall health. For those with ideal body weight and excellent health, eating seafood regularly may prevent weight gain and poor health.

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Stay Sharp Longer by Using That Noggin

Want to retain mental acuity into your 70s or 80s? Study finds that people who exercise at least weekly were 31% more likely to maintain cognitive function in old age. People with at least a high school education were nearly three times as likely to stay sharp. Nonsmokers were nearly twice as likely to keep their mental edge.

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Before You Hit the Trail, Hit the Sack

Most athletes train by adding miles, workouts or weights, but new research suggests that simply getting more sleep can improve performance.

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If the Shoe Fits (Right), Wear It

To avoid injuries, look for an athletic shoe with durable construction to keep feet safe and comfy. Learn the best time to try them on, what to look for, and when to replace them.

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Why Breastfeed? 15 Reasons, Including Two Newly Discovered Biggies

Breastfeeding has become a health goal in the United States because research has shown breast milk is the superior choice for infant nutrition.

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Wake Up and Smell the Breakfast Mistakes

Sure, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But grabbing any old thing isn’t going to do the trick.

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One, Two, Three, Four, Five…Zero

Check out five simple changes you can make in your life that will dramatically lower your risk of Diabetes II, known as the “lifestyle disease.” Eliminating, or making improvements, in all five areas could bring your risk level to zero.

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Cancer Seems to Have Childhood Origins

A girl’s diet and exercise significantly increase her risk of breast cancer later in life, according to findings published in Pediatrics.

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It’s Not Just Counting Sheep That Counts

Better sleep might lead to higher grades, especially in math.

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Another Hang Up About Cell Phones

Orthopedic specialists report "cell phone elbow," damage of an essential nerve in the arm caused by bending the elbow too tightly for too long.

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Slow Down: You Eat Too Fast

Chew on this: You too can adopt the advantages of the slow-food lifestyle simply by taking smaller bites, chewing each bite slower and longer, and enjoying your meal longer.

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A Daily Dose Anyone Can Swallow

The mind-altering afterglow of a workout might be your ticket to (hours and hours of) paradise, according to a new study. Seems even moderate aerobic exercise can dial down daily stresses for up to twelve hours.

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Let’s See Your Hands

The Centers for Disease Control would like to remind that you have the best equipment for fighting germs right in your own home. But do you know how to use it properly?

Wonder if you’re doing it right? Green goo goes where soap did not, so you can see what you typically miss when you wash your hands.


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Diet and Prostate Cancer

Results of a new review suggest that a diet low in fat and red meat and high in fruits and vegetables is beneficial in preventing and treating prostate cancer.

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Pass the Fish, Please

An omega-3 daily supplement, plus a serving of fatty fish once a week, may reduce your risk of heart failure.

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Go East, Healthy Heart

Green tea adds “emperor’s guard” to its list of job skills, protecting the heart for a strong, healthy body that pulses with chi, the energy of life.

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Good Night, Dear

Score another one for Mom. If she advised you “never go to bed angry,” Mom was dispensing more of that practical wisdom no one ever gave her enough credit for. Now there’s proof she was right: Couples in good relationships sleep better.

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Typical Stroke Symptoms

Knowing the typical signs is crucial to properly identifying a stroke--prompt treatment is key to reduce damage. Of course, Dr. Andrew Weil reminds, it’s better to address risk factors before things go that far.

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Breastfeeding Reduces Risk of Heart Diseases

Breastfeeding has long been known to be good for baby. A report in Obstetrics and Gynecology (May 2009) suggests that breastfeeding also protects women who breastfeed from heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

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Protect Your Heart

You’ve always suspected it, you hopeless romantic. And here’s the proof as well as the proper medical term. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy—a broken heart—mimics symptoms of a heart attack.

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Avoid Fattening Foods

How often have you wished for someone to blame for the overload of junk food in our diets? Could it be that genes are responsible? That’s right--blame your parents.

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Cutting Back on Calories

Cutting on calories in sugar-sweetened drinks may be more critical to losing weight than cutting back on food. I’ll drink to that. No, wait, I won’t…

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Too Much of Cola Can Cause Paralysis

The refreshment that gives pause: Chronic overconsumption of cola daily can cause symptoms including muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, constipation and even paralysis, doctors warn. So let’s toast to moderation in all things (but please, make mine water).


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The Threat of Swine Flu

Although we’re not hearing much about swine flu right now, some experts say the threat remains. What to do? Ask the CDC—or your mother; she had the answer all along.


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Changes in Cigarettes Behind Lung Cancer

What’s this? An article about how cigarettes are bad for the lungs? No duh? No! Newer, shinier research suggests changes in cigarettes themselves may be fueling up to half of all U.S. lung cancer cases.


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Identify Cancer Symptoms

Sure, smart, healthy women get that annual Pap and do the monthly breast self-exam in the shower. Right? (Right?!) But did you know…? There are nearly two dozen cancer symptoms women are likely to ignore just because they think they’re doing all they can.

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Protect Yourself From Sun Poisoning

The brightest idea under the sun is to avoid overexposure to strong summer rays, says Dr. Andrew Weil, but if you do get sun poisoning, stay cool. There are a few ways to alleviate the symptoms.

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How to Prevent A Stroke

Knowing the typical signs is crucial to properly identifying a stroke--prompt treatment is key to reduce damage. Of course, Dr. Andrew Weil reminds, it’s better to address risk factors before things go that far.


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Breastfeeding Protects Hearts of Mothers

Breastfeeding has long been known to be good for baby. A report in Obstetrics and Gynecology (May 2009) suggests that breastfeeding also protects women who breastfeed from heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.


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A Broken Heart

You’ve always suspected it, you hopeless romantic. And here’s the proof as well as the proper medical term. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy—a broken heart—mimics symptoms of a heart attack.

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Craving for Junk Food ??

How often have you wished for someone to blame for the overload of junk food in our diets? Could it be that genes are responsible? That’s right--blame your parents.

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Playing is Important for Your Health

First play this game--

Answer: Dutch historian Johan Huizinga (1872-1945) once described it as the defining characteristic of our species.

Question: What is “play”?

Now go read the article about how play can make you and your brain and your body healthier.

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Teenagers Not Getting Enough Sleep

According to the June issue of Pediatrics magazine, only one in five teens gets enough sleep every night. You might be surprised to find out what they're doing instead--and what parents can do about.

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Just a Couple of the Benefits of Yoga

It’s no stretch to say that “down dog” can be uplifting. If you’re feeling bummed out, it can be hard to get the motor going, but even a few minutes a day of yoga make for a stronger body and mind. Relax, take a deep breath and go.

Yoga and better sex

Yoga for depression

Big Belly and Obesity Linked to Increased Risk of Restless Legs Syndrome

Sleep on this: A new study shows both obesity and a large belly appear to increase the risk of developing restless legs syndrome, a common sleep disorder. Is that really something you can stomach?
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Being Seated for Long Time Can Have Surprisigly Bad Effects

You’re going to want to sit down for this news from sixwise.com—the surprising research about what being seated does to your health…and your waistline.

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Improve Your Health Simply by Walking

Take a few small steps for yourself, and a few giant leaps for your health. Walking is the simplest—and cheapest and safest--way to get in your exercise. No matter how busy, broke or clumsy you think you are. Sure it’s easy, but it’s not “too easy.”

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What Fish to Eat and What Fish to Avoid

Not all fish are equal, reminds Donna Gates, creator of The Body Ecology Diest. Remind yourself of the many good reasons to eat the right kinds of fish as well as which to avoid for health and/or eco reasons.

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Some Great and Tasty Salad Ideas

Same old salads got you down? Turn over a newer, greener leaf with these colorful, fresh ideas for zesty, zippy summer salads. Your croutons will be green with envy.

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What if You Are Trying But Can't Lose Weight

You’ve always suspected there’s a secret to losing weight, and you were almost right. In fact, Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom claims, there are four basic “hidden” reasons that people who are trying hard fail to lose weight. Find out what they are and what you can do about them.

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Seven Steps for Emotional Health

Yourtotalhealth names seven steps to strengthen your emotional health. Feel better and you’ll be healthier.

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Treating Fibromyalgia Naturally

Follow this link to a lengthy but fascinating and comprehensive article on treating fibromyalgia naturally. Nurse practitioner Marcelle Pick says people with fibro can improve significantly, even recover entirely, by learning to nurture their bodies from the inside out. Take a look at these options for feeling better without medications—and without the side effects related to those medications.

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The Negative Effects Of Belly Fat Can Be Reduced By Modest Exercise

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: A little exercise goes a long way. A study from the University of Illinois suggests that the negative effects of belly fat can be reduced by moderate exercise, even if you don’t change your diet. That fatty midsection can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Read more at medicalnewstoday.com.

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Smoking during Pregnancy may Cause Aggression in Children

Newsflash—smoking is bad for pregnant women. And not just them. New evidence from a Canadian study suggests that smoking during pregnancy is a cause of aggression in children, making them quicker to hit, kick, bite or bully than the children of women who do not smoke. This is on top of the established health problems related to the children of smokers, including prematurity, SIDS, low birth weight, respiratory problems and birth defects.

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3 Natural Ways to Curb Bad Breath

Bad breath is bad news for your social life and your oral health. Instead of reaching for the mouthwash or those zesty mints, reach for these three simple tips from Dr. Andrew Weil.

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Emotional eating — healing starts with awareness

On womentowomen.com, Nurse Practitioner Marcelle Pick has an excellent—and hopeful—piece on emotional eating. While emotional issues are unique to the individual, certain universalities do apply. It’s important to understand the root of your eating behaviors, or else when I say, “Three meals, no snacks,” you’re going to think, “Well, I’ve already failed before I’ve started; why bother?” And what is thought of as emotional eating often has its roots in physiology. Please, if you sense that what’s eating you is what’s making you eat, get help. When you want to feel better and be healthier, the resources are there for you.
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Go Ahead, Push Your Weight Around

You know that body weight you’ve been lugging around? It can make itself useful. With your bodyweight as the resistance in certain exercises, you get a perfectly good workout without spending on weights or a gym membership. Some of the best of these exercises are collected in an article on goodhealth.com, a website of the Seton family of hospitals. This idea also goes along with one of my main principles, which is that people will exercise if it’s convenient. And what’s more convenient than needing no equipment and being able to exercise wherever and whenever you have a few spare minutes?

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Music That Soothes The Heart

Did you know that listening to mellow songs help people with heart problems? Sounds interesting, doesn't it?

According to a study conducted by Temple University, patients with heart problems who listen to mellow music reduced their heart rates, breathing rate and blood pressure. It is more effective if the patients choose their own tunes than listen to tunes chosen by the researchers.

Music with sedative qualities such as slow tempo is able to relax people with heart problems due to its soothing effect and relaxing beat.

People with heart diseases should make music their daily medicine and a part of their daily routine. Listening to music can help them slowly overcome their sickness and make them feel that everything will be alright. Music has a truly therapeutic effect. Stress, heartaches and weary minds are miles away if you drown it in the magic of music.

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Depression Increases Possibility of Heart Attack

According to a study conducted with 63, 469 women, researchers found that women who were clinically depressed were more than twice likely to suffer a fatal heart attack. The study started with women who were healthy and followed them as they started showing symptoms of depression or started taking anti depression drugs. Once the woman is depressed, she will more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated cholesterol, factors which can trigger heart disease.

The study also raised the possibility that those symptoms were caused by the drugs, which in my opinion and experience working with people can be very true.

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A 3 Feet Tall Giant

Sean Stephenson was born with a condition that has not only limited his growth, but also makes his bones very weak. By the time he was 18 he had suffered more than 200 bone fractures.

At 30 years old, Sean is a psychotherapist, a motivational speaker, has written a book, and is working on his PHD. How about that for not letting difficulties stop him...

One of my favorite quotes comes from his mom. When he was on 4th grade on Halloween, he tripped over a door frame and broke his leg. His mom asked: "is this going to be a gift, or a burden?"

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Fruits and Veggetables and Long Term Weight Loss

A recent study by Consumer Reports looked at people who don't seem to gain weight as they age. The study, not surprisingly, found that getting a large part of nutrition from fruits and vegetables was a common factor among those people.

Fruits and veggies are low in calories, high in volume and high in critically important nutrients. Eating fruits and vegetables can turn off your cravings for other food and shorten food addiction cycle.

Here are some of the fruits and veggies that you can choose from:
Green team: composed of dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, turnip greens, mustard and collard greens and deep green lettuces. These veggies prevent heart disease and detoxify carcinogens.

Red team: red fruits and veggies like red bell peppers, watermelon and tomatoes. They are full of lycopene, the carotenoid that offers high levels of protection against prostate cancer.

Orange team: carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and oranges are high in beta-carotene which prevents cancers of lungs and stomach and lowers risk of heart disease.
Purple team: composed of grapes, blueberries and eggplant which are cancer fighters.
White team: potatoes, mushrooms, bananas and onions are good sources of potassium and vitamins and fights cancer and heart disease.

Brown team: beans, pintos and lentils are foods with high level of protein and are sources of iron and phosphorus. Their fiber content keeps cholesterol right where they should be.

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Natural Ways to Avoid Varicose Veins

Varicose vein is a common problem which occurs mostly on women, but can also happen to men. If you want to alleviate this condition, here are some steps for you.

Tip 1: Exercise regularly

Exercising promotes healthy blood circulation. It also helps you lose weight and avoid obesity which are factors that trigger varicose veins. Exercise makes your legs healthy and strong.

Tip 2: Avoid Leg placement
Prolonged standing or crossing of legs (when sitting) without moving or changing position can strain your blood vessels. Elevate your legs whenever possible to promote rest and relaxation to your legs.

Tip 3: Grape seed extract
Grape seed extract contains proanthocyanidins, a powerful antioxidant compounds which gives more elasticity to blood vessels and less likely to leak the fluids that cause swelling on the legs. It helps in varicose veins and other vascular problems.

Tip 4: Horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE)
HCSE contains an active ingredient called escin. Escin is a compound that helps support normal vessel wall functioning that is good for chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency is a syndrome that includes leg swelling, varicose veins, leg pain, itching and skin ulcers.

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Worst Lunches In America-And What to Have Instead

If you are like the majority of the population, you eat out at least once a week. Also, many people find themselves having to have lunch out every day because of work.

Here are some of the worst lunches on the menu of some popular restaurants, and some healthier alternatives.

You should’t eat these:

• Quizno's: Don't order the Large Prime Rib Cheesesteake Sub-1,490 calories , 92 g fat and 2, 620 mg sodium. Order the Small Turkey Ranch and Swiss Sub- 410 calories, 17 g fat and 1,230 mg sodium.

• Chili's: Don't order the Crispy Sweet Chile Glazed Chicken Crispers-1,930 calories, 112 g fat and 4,190 mg sodium. Order the Classic Chicken Fajitas- 370 calories, 11 g fat and 2,000 mg sodium.

• Arby's: Don't order the Roast Turkey Ranch and Bacon Sandwich- 817 calories, 37 g fat and 2,146 mg sodium. Order the Sourdough Roast Beef Melt- 351 calories, 14 g fat and 1,048 mg sodium

• Dairy Queen: Don't order the Chicken Strip Basket with Country Gravy (6 piece)- 1,640 calories, 74 g fat and 3,690 mg sodium. Order the Crispy Chicken Sandwich- 560 calories, 28 g fat and 980 mg sodium

A high fat, high carb meal will make you feel sluggish and will hinder your performance at work. A healthy lunch can maximize your afternoon performance. Keep that in mind when you are choosing your lunch.

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Facts About Swine Flu

I'm sure by now we are all aware of the new influenza virus that has affected many in Mexico and it's making its way into the U.S. and the rest of the world. Although the latest news seem to indicate that the virus is not as deadly as initially feared, we still want to protect ourselves. What are the symptoms of this flu and how can we avoid getting affected?

The symptoms of swine flu virus are fever, chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Vomiting and diarrhea can also be present.

If you live in or travel to a swine flu affected area and become ill with the symptoms mentioned above, immediately consult a doctor. This way you will be treated immediately if you unluckily caught the virus. Avoid contact with other people if you have the illness to stop the virus from spreading and affecting them.

Here are some things you can to to minimize the risk of getting and spreading the flu:

• Be sure to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze then wash your hands to get rid of the germs.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. You can also use an alcohol.
• Avoid putting your hands on your face.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick, stay at home to avoid contact with others that can also be infected by the germs.

Keep your immune system healthy, get enough sleep and engage in regular exercise.

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Parents and Teen Obesity

Did you know that you are your children’s role model not just in terms of attitudes but in terms of food attitudes.

Researchers from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research found that if parents eat five servings of fruits and vegetables, their children follows but if parents eat junk foods, children do the same.

Some of the findings were as follows:

•Teens whose parents were drinking soda every day are 40 percent more likely to follow and drink soda every day themselves.
•Teens whose parents were eating fruits and vegetables are 16 percent more likely to do the same.
•Almost half of the adolescents whose parents drink soda every day eat fast food at least once a day, while 39 percent of teens whose parents do not drink soda eat fast food at least once daily.

Good habits indeed start at home. Parents should set a good food example for their children for them to be healthy and disciplined.

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Tips on How to Live to Be 100

Want to live to be 100? Here are some tips from Dr. Andrew Weill:

Tip 1: Stay Physically Fit

Even if you’re 90 or up with shaky knees, you should still stay fit and active. Engage yourself in simple routines such as daily walks or hobbies like gardening and playing tennis. Avoid strenuous exercises when it is not applicable to your age.

Tip 2: Be Positive

Always have a positive outlook in life. Manage your stress to prevent any health issues. Avoid having negative thoughts that can result to having a health disorder.

Tip 3: Interact with People

Have a socially-active life. Always interact with your family and friends who make you happy. Join community groups and participate in community-related activities because it does not only make you socially-active but it also gives you something to spend your time with.

Tip 4: Be Spiritually Active

Whatever your religious beliefs are, it is important to have a connection with what you see as a higher power. That helps you have purpose in life and an optimistic outlook on events.

Longer life means being healthy and living healthy. You can do it. And of course, remember to live your life to the fullest.

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Truth About Eggs & Cholesterol Levels

A new research from the University of Surrey published in the Nutrition Bulletin of the British Heart Foundation has found that eating eggs does not significantly raise the body's cholesterol levels. Although eggs are in fact a high-cholesterol food, the researchers note that only one-third of the body's cholesterol comes from dietary sources; the rest is produced by the body from saturated fats. As a consequence, saturated fat intake plays a far more significant role.

"The ingrained misconception linking egg consumption to high blood cholesterol and heart disease must be corrected," researcher Bruce Griffin said. "The amount of saturated fat in our diet exerts an effect on blood cholesterol that is several times greater than the relatively small amounts of dietary cholesterol."

The researchers note that other factors, such as obesity, a sedentary lifestyle or smoking also have greater effects on cholesterol levels or the risk of cardiovascular disease than egg consumption does.

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Sports Drink May Damage Your Teeth

Though some might see sports drinks as a healthier alternative to soda, a new study shows that the citric acid they contain can damage teeth.

The finding comes from a study involving teeth from cows. New York University College of Dentistry researchers cut the teeth in half and placed them in top-selling sports drinks. After soaking for up to 90 minutes, the enamel coating of the teeth was partially eaten away. This allowed the drinks to leak into the bonelike material underneath the enamel, causing the teeth to soften and weaken.

Study leader Dr. Mark Wolff, chairman of cariology and comprehensive care at the NYU College of Dentistry, said: "Perhaps surprisingly, brushing immediately after having a sports drink might actually cause more damage, as the softened tooth enamel is vulnerable to the abrasiveness of toothpaste."

According also to him in preventing this kind of tooth erosion, consume sports drinks in moderation and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, to allow softened enamel to re-harden. "If you frequently consume sports drinks, ask your dentist if you should use an acid-neutralizing, re-mineralizing toothpaste to help re-harden soft enamel," he added.

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Smoking Mom May Cause SIDS

We all know that smoking is very detrimental to your health. But here is an alarming new fact: Smoking by mothers has replaced infants sleeping on their stomachs as the greatest modifiable risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.

SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant aged one month to one year.

A recent study found that when mothers smoke, the sleep arousal process of infants, which awakens them in response to a life-threatening situation, is altered, increasing the risk for SIDS.

Infants who have been exposed to smoke have reduced sub-cortical activation to cortical arousal. They also have lower rates of full cortical arousal from sleep and higher rates of sub-cortical activations than infants of nonsmoking mothers. Decreased cortical arousals from sleep have been observed in infants who later died of SIDS.

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Most Important Fruits and Veggies to Buy Organic

With the economy in recession, many people are trying to save as much as possible in as many ways as possible. Because often organic products are more expansive than conventional products, buying conventional products as opposed to organic may be one of your choices to save money.

If you do, here is a list of the most important fruits and vegetables to buy organic, and a list of the ones you can most safely buy conventional.

The 15 to buy organic (they are usually the most contaminated by pesticides):

1. Peach
2. Apple
3. Sweet Bell Pepper
4. Celery
5. Nectarine
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes – Imported
11. Carrot
12. Pear
13. Collard Greens
14. Spinach
15. Potato

The 15 with the least amount of pesticide residues, so you can buy conventional:

1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet corn (frozen)
4. Pineapple
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet peas (frozen)
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Papaya
12. Watermelon
13. Broccoli
14. Tomato
15. Sweet potato

Another important step is to wash your produce before you eat. This will not thoroughly eliminate the pesticides from your produce but it will reduce the levels.

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Loose Weight With Chromium Picolinate

According to a study conducted by the researchers from Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of Florida, taking chromium picolinate as a daily supplement that can reduce hunger, fat cravings and food intake,

As part of their study, they assigned 42 healthy, non-smoking, overweight women with carbohydrate cravings to take either a 1,000 microgram chromium picolinate or a placebo. Researchers measured the women’s food intake in every meal at the beginning of the study, after one week and after eight weeks.

The participants, then, reported that their cravings for carbohydrates, sweets, and high-fat food were decreased after taking the chromium picolinate, greater than those taking placebo. Hunger level and food intake of those taking placebo decreased by only 8 percent but those taking chromium picolinate decreased by 25 percent. In addition, women taking chromium supplement lost an average weight of 0.5 kilograms (1.1 pounds) but those taking placebo gained an equivalent amount.

The body needs chromium in metabolizing carbohydrates, protein and fat. Chromium is found in whole grains, brewer’s yeast and animal products like cheese, pork kidney or lean meats. However, the body’s ability to absorb chromium is low, that’s why researchers are looking for more bioavailable forms of nutrient. Studies suggested that chromium picolinate might be one such form.

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Eating Fish Makes Your Kids Smarter

Want to have smarter kids? Then make sure they eat fish.

According to a new study conducted among 15-year-old boys, it was discovered that children who eat fish at least once a week are smarter.

Boys that ate fish once a week have an intelligence improvement of 6 percent while those that ate fish even more regularly have an average of 11 percent.

As measured by verbal and visuo-spatial intelligence tests, a study was conducted to monitor the diets of 3,972 boys for three years, aging from 15 to 18 and they found a direct correlation between fish eating and cognitive skills.

As a result of the study, they found that those who ate fish more than once a week have an average of 12 percent higher than those boys who ate fish less than once a week.

The improvement among the boys were not influenced by the educational levels of the parents, because these boys came from different groups with different social backgrounds.

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Tips on Preventing Hemorrhoids

Although nobody likes to talk about it, hemorrhoids are very common and can be very painful and in cases, hard to treat.

Here are some steps that can prevent hemorrhoids.

• Take foods that have lots of fiber such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains which can relieve constipation and consequent straining at stool.
• Avoid taking strong spices such as red pepper and mustard and drinks such as coffee and alcohol which can inflame the lower Gl tract.
• Drink lots of water every day to help maintain consistency in stools.
• Exercise regularly for healthy digestion and regular bowel function.
• Avoid prolonged sitting that can result to hemorrhoids.
• Avoid stress which can lead to the disturbance of the balance of the nervous system which controls bowel function. Try to practice a relaxation technique to manage your stress.
• Try supplements such as Triphala which is an excellent bowel regulator or take one teaspoon of liquid aloe vera after meals.
  
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Tips to Prevent Glaucoma Naturally

Glaucoma is the world’s second leading cause of blindness. The damage it does to your optic nerve is related to increased pressure in your eye and leads to vision loss. In a healthy eye, the aqueous humor, the watery fluid that is naturally present in your eyeball, is regularly drained. To those with glaucoma the drainage system doesn’t work properly, so the fluid builds up in your eye, causing increased pressure, which causes nerve fibers that are essential to vision to die.

Anyone can be at risk especially those that are over 60 years old, with chronic diseases, with eye injuries, and have a family history of glaucoma.

Here are some tips to help prevent glaucoma:

•Take animal-based omega-3 fat supplement which contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which promotes healthy retinal function.
•Take lutein and zeaxanthin which are both important for your eyesight.
•Avoid trans fats which can interfere with omega-3 in your body.
•Eat dark-colored berries to prevent and reverse macular degeneration.

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The Most Inspiring Version of a Wonderful Song

Once I heard that when we look back at the greatest times in our lives, we find that they were not the times when we had the most, but the times when we had the greatest people with us. Could be our parents, friends, a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife, or maybe even (and actually often) a pet.

Sometimes we forget that. And getting caught up on having more and doing more, we forget to enjoy more, especially one another.

I hope this video uplifts you the way it uplifted me.

Mercury in Softdrinks and Snacks?

Here is one more dangerous thing about soda: It can contain mercury, a very dangerous heavy metal which has been found to be contaminating much of our food supply.

Sodas contain high amounts high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS is used to replace sugar in many processed foods such as soft drinks, breads, cereals, meats, soup, yogurt, and a lot more.

An alarming fact about HFCS is that it was found to contain mercury.
In the first study conducted, mercury was found in nine out of 20 samples of commercial HFCS. In the second study conducted by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), they’ve detected mercury in nearly one-third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage products.

HFCS are made by using caustic soda to separate corn starch from the corn kernel. The caustic soda that is used is mercury-grade and because mercury cells are used, the caustic soda can be contaminated with mercury and then transfers the mercury contamination to the HFCS.

Mercury is dangerous because it is one of the most toxic elements and is cumulative which means that it does not pass out of your body easily but accumulates there. Chronic mercury poisoning can result in anger, memory loss, insomnia, headaches and a lot more. It can also affect pregnant women developing child.

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How To Overcome Your Fear of Flying

Are you afraid of riding on an airplane? Do your knees shake and your heart beats with fear?

Here are some tips to ease your mind and relax your heart.:

•You can bring medications, listen to music or learn breathing techniques to relieve stress and ease your worries about the flight.

•Familiarize yourself with facts about airplanes and air travel so that you make yourself almost close to flying.

•Put in mind that planes are really made to fly and not to stay on the ground.

•Airplanes have skilled personnel to keep your safety.

•Engine failure is less likely to happen because planes are made to fly safely and there are skilled pilots who will ensure your safe travel.

•The bumps and jolts are natural. It’s just like driving your car over potholes and humps on the roads.

•The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires every airline to follow strict maintenance schedules for all planes before allowing them to fly.

•Pilots are highly trained, skilled, experienced and are medically tested regularly.

•Airport security is always imposing strict rules in checking the passengers, their luggage’s and the air crafts before the first flight of the day.

So, are you still afraid of flying? Just think of this. Statistics show that you are more likely to win mega-millions in the lottery than be involved in a plane crash. Feeling better now?

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How To Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s is a dreaded disease. Actually, it is considered by some researchers and doctors as the new diabetes.

Although we don't have a cure or a sure way to prevent it, here are some habits that may help:

Drink Apple Juice
A recent discovery from the researchers of the University of Massachusetts shows that drinking apple juice may help delay the occurrence of the feared Alzheimer’s disease. According to their study, those who drink apple juice each day produce less beta-amyloid, a small protein fragment which is responsible for forming the “senile plaques” which are often found on the brains of the persons affected by the disease.



Avoid Cigarettes and Alcohol
Studies prove that heavy smokers and drinkers are affected by Alzheimer’s disease earlier than those who do not engage in such habits.

Have an Active Mind
Active persons are less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease than those who are inactive. Older people are the most common victims of this disease so to avoid it they should have an active lifestyle. They should exercise to keep their body healthy and their minds Alzheimer’s free.

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Teen Stress and Adult Life

Teenage years are one of most memorable periods in our lives. It is where you experience all your "firsts"-first love, first broken heart, first fight with parents or peers, and the list goes on. Teen years is a period where teenagers experience all the possible feelings and emotions, whether positive or negative, good or bad.

However, according to UCLA researchers, negative emotions such as depression or stress during teenage years can cause a negative effect during adulthood. A normal, healthy teen that experience a stressful situation will likely to develop a higher level of an inflammatory marker called C-reactive protein or CRP. CRP was found out to later develop as cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Stressors such as conflict with family or friends and social rejections are just some of the most frequent and powerful predictors of psychological distress among individuals. This means that the daily interpersonal stress that we have encountered during our high school years are associated with elevated level of inflammation which will possibly develop into CRP, even among healthy teenagers.

The message to parents is that although we don't want to overprotect teenagers and keep them from going through important learning experiences, we also want to be loving, caring and careful, because what happens to teenagers can have an strong effect later in their lives.

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Tips When Ordering In Fast Food Chains

Although it is not the ideal, sometimes we may find ourselves having to eat fast food.

Hera are some tips from Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. in case you have to eat at a fast food restaurant:

1. No matter how hungry you are, you are better off ordering a small amount of food and making up for it with healthier foods later. Don't super-size or add on items.
2. Pile on the lettuce, tomato and other vegetables that come with your order, to add some fiber and antioxidants.
3. If you order a salad, choose the low-fat dressing, and add sparingly. One serving of full-fat dressing can be equal to the amount of fat in a cheeseburger!
4. Finally, ask to see a list of the nutritional content of menu items. Some restaurants have them posted - if they don't, ask for them, and ask yourself if you really want to eat there.

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To Live Longer, Exercise!

We are all aware of the benefits of exercise. We know that regular exercise helps us make our bodies fit and healthy. However, as they approach middle age, many people find it more difficult to find time for exercise.

A new research has been conducted to find how changes in physical activity levels after middle age influence mortality. Researchers found that "Increased physical activity prolongs life among middle aged and older men, though there might be a period of 5-10 years before an effect is seen on total mortality, write the authors. This effect is the same as smoking cessation. They suggest further research should investigate whether and to what extent increased physical activity affects mortality in the period soon after the change, while the effects in other age groups and in women also need to be studied."

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How To Prevent Accidental Poisoning

Here are some tips on how to prevent accidental poisoning inside our homes:

According to Dr. Cyrus Rangan, Assistant Medical Director and Director of the Los Angeles Medical Toxicology Education Program, California Poison Control System, "It is critical that all consumers are aware of all the potential hazards in their home including the proper ways to store food and to dispose of medications."

When disposing medications and prescriptions it is important that we seal it carefully to avoid children and even pets from having access to it. You can also crush or dissolve the tablets in water to avoid contact with the children. Dispose the water in solid grounds.

The following are some additional poison prevention tips from the CPCS:
-- Keep the number 1-800-222-1222 on or near all phones.
-- Keep medicines and cleaning products out of reach of children and in
locked cabinets.
-- Always keep products in the containers they came in.
-- Never keep cleaning products, gasoline, antifreeze, pain and paint
thinners, or lighter fluid in something you would use for food or a
beverage.
-- Do not store food and household cleaners in the same cabinet.
-- Never call medicine candy.
-- Do not take medicine in front of children; they love to do what adults
do.
-- If you are in the middle of taking medicine or using a cleaning
product and you need to answer the door or phone, take it with you.
-- If you are a grandparent, be sure to keep your medicine and vitamins
where your grandchildren can't get to them.
-- Keep things like make-up perfume, cigarettes, alcohol and vitamins
where children can't reach them.

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Think Positive For A Healthier You

As we find ourselves in the middle of an economical crisis, many times it's difficult to stay positive in general. But staying positive and thinking happy thoughts can actually bring other benefits aside from uplifting our spirits.

Researchers from University of Pittsburgh fount out that optimistic people were:
* 14 percent less likely to die from any cause than pessimists
* 30 percent less likely to die from heart disease after eight years of follow-up
* Less likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes or smoke cigarettes
Aside from these, optimistic people live longer life that cynical ones. At a separate study conducted at Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found out that happy people were:
* Do better at work, school and sports
* Are less depressed
* Have fewer physical health problems
* Have better relationships


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