We found 51 results tagged with "health advice"

12 Articles

12 Articles found

Natural Dentistry

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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

5 comments 6 reviews
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

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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

7 comments 2 reviews
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

11 comments 9 reviews
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

12 comments 1 review
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

4 comments 1 review
Find out what’s keeping you awake, and follow these tips to get the zzz’s you need.

Antioxidants: The Natural Defenders

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Improve your immune system and help prevent disease to live a longer, healthier life.

Vegetarian Diet vs. Drugs

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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

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Ask yourself these questions to decide whether you’re hungry.

Protein Basics

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Proteins are involved in just about everything that happens to your body.

Trans Fat 101

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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...
3 comments 1 review 9 participants
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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...
5 comments 2 reviews 98 participants
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...
9 comments Be the first to rate this 94 participants
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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...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 9 participants
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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...
4 comments Be the first to rate this 15 participants
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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...
11 comments Be the first to rate this 37 participants
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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...
15 comments Be the first to rate this 79 participants
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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...
332 comments 4 reviews 6154 participants
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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...
58 comments 1 review 350 participants
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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...
10 comments Be the first to rate this 55 participants
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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...
11 comments Be the first to rate this 43 participants
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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...
4 comments 1 review 15 participants
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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...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 23 participants
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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...
1 comment Be the first to rate this 6 participants
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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...
10 comments 1 review 57 participants
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...
4 comments Be the first to rate this 17 participants
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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...
39 comments 1 review 246 participants
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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...
15 comments 1 review 150 participants
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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”...
13 comments 1 review 28 participants
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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...
5 comments 1 review 67 participants
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...
10 comments Be the first to rate this 26 participants
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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: •...
1 comment Be the first to rate this 29 participants
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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...
18 comments Be the first to rate this 83 participants
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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...
7 comments Be the first to rate this 41 participants
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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...
6 comments Be the first to rate this 26 participants
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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...
4 comments Be the first to rate this 25 participants
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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...
8 comments Be the first to rate this 26 participants
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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.
9 comments Be the first to rate this 15 participants
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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...
28 comments 1 review 69 participants
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...
11 comments Be the first to rate this 37 participants
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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...
7 comments Be the first to rate this 22 participants
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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...
1 comment 1 review 32 participants
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...
10 comments Be the first to rate this 59 participants
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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...
4 comments Be the first to rate this 23 participants
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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...
7 comments Be the first to rate this 15 participants
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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...
10 comments Be the first to rate this 70 participants
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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...
13 comments 1 review 39 participants
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...
4 comments Be the first to rate this 33 participants
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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...
4 comments Be the first to rate this 16 participants