We found 51 results tagged with "health advice"
12 Articles
12 Articles found
Natural Dentistry
See how good nutrition promotes healthy smiles and learn how essential oils and herbal products can augment your dental routine.
A Happy, Healthy Safer Home
Leading pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene outlines the most important steps you can take to give your child a life that’s healthier for your family and for the environment.
Natural Nutrition in Pregnancy
How can the foods you eat have such a profound influence not only on your own well-being but on the development of your growing baby? Learn more about natural nutrition in this vital stage of life.
Rest Easy: Your Guide to Better Sleep
Are you getting enough rest? Find out why sleep is so important to your overall sense of wellbeing and learn what you can do to improve your sleep habits.
5 Ways to Stay Well This Winter
Sick of feeling sick when cold and flu season rolls around? Natural tips to support your health and immune system.
The Pleasure Principle: Sticking with a Healthy Lifestyle
Finding the right exercise and foods for your body makes you feel great, which is the best motivation of all.
Sleep Your Way to Better Health
Find out what’s keeping you awake, and follow these tips to get the zzz’s you need.
Antioxidants: The Natural Defenders
Improve your immune system and help prevent disease to live a longer, healthier life.
Vegetarian Diet vs. Drugs
If you have high cholesterol but don’t want to — or can’t take — drugs to lower it, you may have a promising option.
How to Identify Hunger Cues
Ask yourself these questions to decide whether you’re hungry.
Protein Basics
Proteins are involved in just about everything that happens to your body.
Trans Fat 101
What are trans fats? And how can you avoid them?
39 Challenges
39 Challenges found
Challenge
Take a temperature
When was the last time you used a thermometer? Years ago? Never? The problem with learning on the job, as it were, is that it’s more stressful than getting it down during non-emergencies. Since you never know when you’ll be called upon to take a loved one’s temp — or your own...
Challenge
Water down
When was the last time you looked at your hydration habits? Age, lifestyle, weather, and workout habits all influence just how much water you need, both before and after exercising. Furthermore, recommendations shift periodically as experts learn more about how we replenish ourselves following...
Challenge
Breathe deeply
Simply put, shallow breathing keeps the body from getting enough oxygen, which tires you out unnecessarily. Pausing to focus on deep, slow breathing several times a day can make you more aware of your breathing at other times, too. Today, challenge yourself to engage in some deep breathing wherever...
Challenge
Stop sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the tendency to take shallow breaths or stop breathing entirely one or more times a night, while you sleep. Researchers have long known that OSA causes daytime drowsiness; now, they’re saying it can even damage the brain. In a recent study, South Korean...
Challenge
Monitor your mammogram guidelines
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently changed its mammogram guidelines. This test is crucial for early diagnosis of breast cancer, and remains so. However, the government advisory body is recommending changing the age at which average-risk women should start undergoing mammograms...
Challenge
Test your bones
Although it may sound somewhat scary or painful, having your bone mineral density tested is anything-but. This test is simple, pain-free, and non-invasive. And you can even keep your clothes on! What’s it for? It can determine your actual bone density and predict your risk for developing...
Challenge
Need a new toothbrush?
The American Dental Association recommends that adults replace their toothbrushes every 3-4 months for maximum effectiveness against decay. Children's toothbrushes need replacing even more frequently – every two months on average—because kids often press harder during brushing than do adults and...
Challenge
Check out your BMI
Do you know your current Body Mass Index? Does it matter? BMI is one useful tool in assessing your body’s overall health – but make sure you know the whole picture. Muscular athletes, seniors, and others with nonstandard ratios of muscle to fat may find that they need to adjust their results to...
Challenge
Eat less HFCS
In a year, the average American eats close to their body weight in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and refined sugar. Yikes! The easiest way to avoid this highly processed, nutrition-lacking ingredient? Steer clear of highly processed foods, period. And read labels. Better yet, add your own...
Challenge
When it comes to healthcare, think prevention
There’s no question: US healthcare costs are skyrocketing – and we’re getting less for our dollar. National healthcare systems like those in Canada, France, and, indeed, much of Europe, cost about half what we spend in the US’s privatized system – and their citizens live longer, too. Short of real...
Challenge
Maximize doctor visits
Healthcare and busy lifestyles being what they are, many of us see our physicians for specific annoyances only, and are in and out of their offices without taking full advantage of the visit. The next time you visit the doctor, challenge yourself to create a list of questions. Some tips:
• Write...
Challenge
Polish your act
Did you know that furniture polish could be dangerous to your health? In 2006, US Poison Control Centers reported 214,091 incidents involving exposure to household cleaning products – and more than half involved children under age 5! Thankfully, you have a greener, safer option for keeping your...
Challenge
Take supplements with a grain of salt
Before you start chasing the dietary supplement train, chew on this: Scientists are still studying whether or not supplements really have the power to prevent disease. The takeaway? Anything suggested as a substitute or augmentation of nutrients found in real food should be critically assessed...
Challenge
Dye eggs differently
Color us confused: Although the FDA has weighed in on FD&C Red Dye #40 and declared it safe, anecdotal claims abound that the dye causes health complaints in children and adults alike. Why risk it? When you’re coloring your Easter eggs this year, challenge yourself to experiment with richly hued...
Challenge
Confront condiments
Salad dressing, jam, mayonnaise, even mustard – condiments are something most of us grab off store shelves without thinking. But not all condiments are equal. Making smart choices can translate to better health for you and your family. Today, challenge yourself to think more critically about your...
Challenge
Eradicate radon
Do you have a basement? Then take note: The EPA estimates that one in every 15 American homes has elevated levels of radon, the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the US. This colorless, tasteless gas occurs naturally from uranium decays in soil and water, and tends to move up through cracks in...
Challenge
Think hydrate over hibernate
Winter weather can be as drying as heat, so remember to get the water you need to replace what you’ve lost. As a general rule, experts say adults need about eight 8-oz. glasses a day. Average exercisers need 1.5 to 2.5 glasses more. Today, challenge yourself to rehydrate with nature’s best drink at...
Challenge
Get your iron
Iron is as strong as its connotation: The mineral carries oxygen in both blood and muscle. Not getting enough can put one at risk of iron deficiency anemia. However, getting too much is also unhealthy because your body stores extra iron in muscles and tissue.
To minimize your risk of too...
Challenge
Color your hair safely
People have been fascinated by hair color since the beginning of time. Unfortunately, artificial hair color tends to be loaded with chemical agents. You can reduce your exposure to them by shopping for low-dose formulations rated on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database. “Natural”...
Challenge
Learn about the ‘dirty dozen’
That $4 organic avocado got you stymied? Good news: According to the Environmental Working Group, some produce retains relatively low pesticide loads, including avocados, onions, pineapples, mangos and sweet frozen corn. However, other produce retains pesticides at much higher levels. Here’s a list...
Challenge
Take care of your knees
Focusing on broader fitness goals, exercisers can sometimes ignore commonsense safety practices. And later on, they pay the price with injuries. If you want to prolong your pleasure in exercising, it’s a good idea to keep your knees in mind.
This month, challenge yourself to protect your knees...
Challenge
Figure your body’s ratios
Ever wonder what your body’s ratio of fat to muscle is, and, more important, if it’s healthy? There are several ways to find out.
This month, challenge yourself to make an appointment with your doctor or trainer to get your body composition tested using one of the following methods:
•...
Challenge
Thank your ankles
Ankles work hard for our bodies. They propel us upward, absorb shock and accommodate an awesome array of lateral and vertical motions. In short, it’s important to be mindful of them during your workout. That way, they’ll continue to serve you for years to come.
The next time you workout...
Challenge
Back up
Four out of five Americans will experience back pain during their lifetime. Sounds like a reason to take a few simple steps toward protecting your back, doesn’t it?
The next time you workout, challenge yourself to assess the strength of your back and to pay attention to how you’re holding it...
Challenge
Polish your pearly whites
Some studies link oral health to the body’s overall health. That’s because bacteria in our mouths can get into the bloodstream where they can potentially compromise our health. One way to fend off bacteria is to ensure that teeth are as healthy as possible by visiting your dentist twice a year...
Challenge
Screen your sun protection
Summer’s coming: Time to dig out that sunscreen bottle and give it the once-over. The active ingredients in sunscreens lose efficacy after three years, so it’s important to check their expiration dates. Today, challenge yourself to go through your drawers and make sure you’re well-protected from...
Challenge
Lighten up
How many of us read in bed with less-than-adequate lighting? Experts say this is not good for your eyesight. Today, challenge yourself to be good to your eyes by turning on sufficient light for reading. _(Note: People with cataracts and other eye problems may need extra light. Talk to your doctor...
Challenge
Get your blood pressure checked
If left unchecked, high blood pressure can lead to a host of health problems. In the next 24 hours, schedule an appointment with your doctor to get checked out.
Challenge
Cut back on salt
Diets high in sodium are associated with high blood pressure. One way to reduce your salt intake is to substitute fresh foods for processed ones. Today, challenge yourself to eat less salt. Here are some ideas:
• Swap store-bought sauces and dressings for homemade versions (e.g., fresh tomatoes...
Challenge
Be proactive about your health
Regular medical screenings are great tools for keeping on top of your physical health - and are recommended for everyone at various stages in their lives. Sometime in the next six months, find out what medical screenings are recommended for your age and health history, and make some appointments...
Challenge
Get your eyes checked
Do you think that having 20/20 vision means you don’t need an eye exam? Well, if you do you’re mistaken. Even people with perfect vision still need yearly eye exams. Illnesses that can eventually rob you of your vision (such as glaucoma) can occur without any symptoms at all.
Today, make an...
Challenge
Build up your calcium
It’s important to get enough calcium every day, regardless of your age or gender. And the sooner you start meeting your daily requirements, the better. Why? Well, in addition to using calcium to build strong healthy bones, your body also uses calcium to maintain the functioning of various organs...
Challenge
Correct your posture
One of the first things that we notice about people is their posture. We tend to interpret people who stand up straight as self-confident, while we imagine those who slouch as less comfortable with themselves. But posture is more than just appearance. It’s also important for your health. When you...
Challenge
Be good to your heart
February is American Heart Month. And since Kashi is a big proponent of keeping your heart healthy, we thought we’d highlight it by posting a challenge.
This month, make an effort to pay attention to these aspects of heart health:
• Diet
• Fitness
• Weight management
• Cholesterol
• High...
Challenge
Get a good sports bra
Recent research at the University of Portsmouth in the UK suggests that when women jog without proper support, they may be risking great stress on their breasts’ fragile outer skin and connective tissues known as Coopers ligaments. This stress can cause temporary discomfort and permanent...
Challenge
Floss
Sure, we all tell our dentists we floss everyday. But do we really? Although you might not think it’s important, some studies link oral health to your body’s overall health. You see, flossing keeps your gums healthy. And this means that bacteria in your mouth are less likely to get into your...
Challenge
Laugh out loud
According to a study published in 2001, people with a good sense of humor had less coronary heart disease than those who were more serious. Reducing your stress load and laughing more not only gives you a more lighthearted outlook on life, it also gives you a more heart-healthy approach to life...
Challenge
Know your body
During the next several months, make it a goal to learn some vital statistics about your body. Challenge yourself to get answers to these basic questions: 1) your cholesterol levels, 2) your blood type, 3) your blood pressure (and what do those mysterious numbers really mean?), and 4) your BMI...
Challenge
Save your knees
Believe it or not, running shoes wear out. How? Well, over time they lose their shock absorption capacity and stability. As a result, experts recommend that you replace running shoes every 350-550 miles, depending on your running style.
Challenge yourself during the next week to replace your...