General Health Tips

Air Travel

Carry enough of all of your medicines in your carry-on luggage. Ask your doctor whether you should change your dosages if your eating and sleeping times will change at your destination. Bring enough medicine to last your whole trip. Take extra medicine with you in case your return trip is delayed
If you have diabetes or epilepsy, carry a notification and identification card (such as the "Diabetes Alert Card" from the American Diabetes Association). Have the name and phone number of your doctor with you in case of an emergency. Remember to bring along the names and dosages of all of your medicines
The air in airplanes is dry, so drink nonalcoholic, decaffeinated beverages and water to avoid becoming dehydrated

Computer Users

Sit up straight in front of your keyboard and screen, and keep your mouse within easy reach
Don't sit in the same position for long periods, get up and move about periodically
Take a minimum of 5 minutes break every hour from keyboard/screen working to prevent fatigue and aid concentration
Adjust your screen angle to avoid reflections, and use blinds at windows, and use a document holder next to the screen if you have to read text as well
Concentrating on a computer screen for a long time can cause temporary head pain. Take occasional "eye breaks" by looking out a window or focusing on some distant object
If your work involves gazing at a computer monitor for long hours, remember to blink your eyes often to relieve strain

How To Communicate With Your Doctor Best

Try practicing with a friend or family member. If you feel nervous about going back to your health care professional, try practicing what you want to say with a friend or family member.
Come prepared with information. Since your job is to communicate as clearly as possible with the physician, objective information can be critical. Have a list of signs, symptoms, problems and observations, including dates and times. This information can help focus the conversation and give the doctor valuable insights.
Tell about your symptoms. Remember, your doctor can't help you get relief unless you tell him or her about your symptoms. Ask questions at the beginning of your appointment.
Connect after the appointment. It is reasonable to be able to communicate with your doctor, or his/her office, outside of appointments. Before you leave the appointment, determine what method of communication your doctor prefers.

Water's Effect On The Body

We're often told to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, but, according to recent surveys, only about a third of people actually do so, and as much as 10% drink no water whatsoever
Mild dehydration will slow down metabolism as much as 3%
Severe dehydration can affect blood pressure, circulation, digestion and kidney function. Hot weather exacerbates the problem, causing loss of a quart or more of fluids per hour, and possible cramping, nausea and heat exhaustion
A glass of water can shut down midnight hunger pangs
Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue
8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers
A 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing
Not drinking enough water can contribute to symptoms such as dry skin, headaches and constipation
Dehydration affects your energy levels. Increase your intake of water to banish feelings of fatigue and increase vitality. Don't consider tea or cofffee as a pick me up. Caffeine provides short time energy, and places stress on the body by interfering with its absorption of vitamins. Herb tea is an energy boosting alternative

Eating, Overweight, Weight Loss

Have some regular, strenuous exercise at least 1/2 hour each day. Running, cycling, swimming, brisk walking will help reduce your fat by ruining excess calories. Those who are overweight or obese have increased risks for diseases and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. If you are overweight you should reduce your calorie intake. If you should spend more calories in work than what you take from food you will loose weight and vice versa
To cut fat avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions
Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise
Eat only while sitting down. Much extra food is consumed on the run. Making it a point to sit down while eating will help you think about how much you are consuming
Eat off smaller plates
Slow down, chew with purpose. Take at least 20 minutes to consume a meal. Taking longer to eat will make you feel as though you are eating more. Enjoy the conversation and companionship
Drink a 12 ounce glass of water before eating. It will take up room in your stomach and make you feel less hungry
Wait 10 minutes before snacking. Between meal snacks are usually impulsive acts. A wait before eating them will often make you realize you aren't hungry after all
Snack from a plate, not a package. It is easier to overdo it snacking out of a package
Keep the right stuff up front. Make such foods as fruit and vegetables readily available by keeping them in the front of the refrigerator shelves
Eat more protein. The ideal diet contains moderate amounts of fats, moderate amounts of carbohydrates and large amounts of protein. Protein helps to build and repair muscle and to burn fat. It also aids in increasing your metabolism and enhancing your immune system.

Maintaining Healthy Leg Veins

Do not cross your legs when sitting
Keep your weight under control, losng excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off your veins
Avoid high heels, low-heeled shoes work calf muscles more, which is better for veins
Don't wear tight clothes around your calves or groin that can restrict circulation
Take three or four 10-minute breaks daily to elevate your legs above the level of your heart, lie down with your legs resting at a higher level
Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing. Shift from one leg to the other or walk gently back and forth, frequently to encourage blood flow
Exercise and get your legs moving. Walking is a great way to encourage blood circulation in your legs
Take warm, not hot, baths, and end by splashing cold water on the legs
Sheer support stockings or panty hose (or for men, support socks), can reduce leg and foot discomfort in people who stand for extended periods, especially on hard floors. Support hosiery keeps blood from pooling in the feet and ankles, thereby reducing swelling

Hemorrhoids Prevention

Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and grains. Limit your intake of low- or no-fiber foods, such as ice cream, soft drinks, cheese, white bread, and red meat.
Drink plenty of liquids. The exact amount of water and other fluids you should drink each day varies and depends on your age, sex, health, activity level and other factors. Avoid liquids that contain caffeine (such as coffee and tea) or alcohol.
Consider fiber supplements. Over-the-counter products such as Metamucil and Citrucel can help keep stools soft and regular. Check with your doctor about using stool softeners.
Exercise. Stay active to reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting, and to help prevent constipation.
Avoid long periods of standing or sitting. If you must sit for long periods, don't use an inflatable doughnut cushion to pad your chair. Always stand and walk during your breaks at work and try to stand and walk at least 5 minutes every hour.
Avoid straining during bowel movements. Straining and holding your breath when trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the lower rectum.
Avoid reading or spending excess time on the toilet. Reading in the bathroom is considered a bad idea, because it adds to the time one spends on the toilet and may increase the strain placed on the anal and rectal veins.
Go as soon as you feel the urge. Do not delay or try to prevent a bowel movement when the urge is present. If you wait to pass a bowel movement and the urge goes away, your stool could become dry and be harder to pass.
Train your digestive tract to have regular bowel movements. Schedule a 10-minute period to sit on the toilet at approximately the same time each day. The best time to do this is usually right after a meal.
Avoid the overuse of laxatives, type of medication that affects the bowels, because they may cause diarrhea, which can irritate hemorrhoids. Use laxatives only when absolutely necessary.
Keep the area around the anus clean and dry.
Wipe gently. Blot the anus gently with white toilet paper moistened with water or a cleansing agent (such as Balneol) after bowel movements. Baby wipes or other premoistened towels (such as Tucks) are also useful for this purpose.
Avoid rubbing the anal area. You can rinse off in the shower or on a bidet instead of wiping yourself with toilet paper. Cool water washing provides instant relief for nagging pains and discomfort. After cleansing, gently pat the anal area dry with a soft, absorbent towel or cloth.
Soap or toilet paper that is perfumed may irritate the anal area and should be avoided, as should excessive cleaning, rubbing, or wiping of that area. Use a soothing wipe, such as baby wipes or witch hazel pads, to clean after each bowel movement and to ease the pain.

Herpes Virus

Hygiene is important. Avoid touching the sores.
Wash your hands after contact with any genital herpes sores.
Keep genital area dry and clean.
Taking a very warm bath with Epsom salt is helpful. Used to wash the infected area salt baths can clean, soothe and dry the blisters. Use 1 teaspoon of salt in 600ml of water or a handful in a shallow bath.
The area should be kept dry most of the time. If toweling off after bathing is uncomfortable, try using a hair dryer. Then put on cotton underwear. Cotton absorbs moisture better than synthetic fabric does.
Choose cotton underwear, rather than synthetic materials.
Do apply a soothing ice pack to the area during the prodromal warning stage. Ice can stop the movement of the virus from the nerve to the skin.
Pain relievers, cool compresses or a hair dryer on low can sometimes be helpful in drying the blisters.
Wearing sun block helps prevent sun-triggered recurrence of HSV-1.
Avoid sexual contact from the time you first feel any symptoms of a genital herpes flare up until the genital herpes sores are completely healed, that is, the scab has fallen off and new skin has formed where the genital herpes sore was.
Boost your immune system. Take echinacea, goldenseal and vitamin C daily.
Get plenty of rest and reduce stress.
Antiviral therapy is available for initial, recurrent, suppressive and now prevention of transmission of genital herpes.
Caffeine has been shown to have some anti-herpes virus properties although those infected with HSV-1 may not realize any benefits from consuming caffeinated beverages.
The herpes virus resides in the nerve endings located at the base of the spine. Not surprisingly, they are activated by stress and nervous conditions. Reducing stress is therefore crucial to avoiding outbreaks.
Foods recommended avoiding if suffering from genital herpes or oral herpes, which have more arginine than lysine: wheat, oats, chocolate, peanuts, gelatin, coconut, and white flour.

Improving Memory

Drink plenty of water during the day
Increase consumption of high fiber foods
Get some 20-30 minutes of sun each day at minimum with as much skin exposed as is safe. Do not use sun blocks. Start with short periods of time and slowly increase to avoid burning.
Get some mild exercise. Start with 10 minutes of walking and build additional minutes each day until you can walk for one hour.
After 15 days or less you will find improvement in your memory. Continue for as long as you can.

Skin Care

Protect your skin from the sun with a block that screens both UVB and UVA light. Sun block should be applied on face, neck, arms and hands even in the dead of winter. Make sure your sun block contains both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
Clouds will not protect you. Harmful rays still penetrate overcast skies. You can get sunburned, and you can damage your skin
Water will not protect you. Even though your skin feels cool in the water, the sun's rays can penetrate up to three feet of water. You're still in danger
Cooler temperatures will not protect you. Even in the winter, sunny days can cause sunburn
Researchers in Australia recently found that what you eat can directly affect your skin. They found that the type of foods people ate influenced the amount of wrinkling and damage to skin exposed to the sun. Fewer wrinkles were found in those who consumed vegetables, olive oil, fish, legumes, eggs, yogurt, nuts olives, cherries, melons, dried fruits, prunes, apples, pears, multi-grained bread, jam, tea, and water

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Bad Habits - fun and harmless "bad habits" that are hard to overcome.