Health Magazine

Tips on Maintaining Dental Health – Ages 1 to 6

March 12, 2022 Comments Off

Ensuring your child’s dental health is important from the very first appearance of their teeth. Not only is it imperative to keep their teeth clean to prevent cavities, it is also essential that you set a good example for your child, creating a regular dental care routine that provides a healthy foundation for your child’s future dental health. Here are some tips on maintaining good dental health for children ages 1 to 6 years.
• From the very beginning, make sure to schedule regular visits to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association both recommend that children should be taken to the dentist once they reach their first birthday. Your dentist will check your one year old’s teeth and identify fluoride needs plus address any other potentially dangerous habits that may be preventing good oral hygiene–including thumb sucking or sleeping with a bottle. Children’s teeth are the most susceptible to cavities during the first two years after eruption.
• Brushing is important as soon as teeth become visible. Parents should not use toothpaste for children under 2, just a little water. When they reach the age of two, children can then use pea-sized amounts of toothpaste.
• Remember to change your child’s toothbrush every two months and after children have been sick.
• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you assist your child in brushing and flossing until the age of 6. Make sure children’s teeth are brushed at least twice a day. Teach your children the proper brushing techniques. Select a toothbrush that has soft, rounded bristles. Demonstrate circular brush strokes to reach all surfaces of the teeth.
• Initiate flossing children’s gums as soon as the gaps between the teeth close. There are a variety of animal shaped flossers to help make flossing more fun for children.
• Rinsing should become a part of your child’s dental hygiene regimen. For children, many dentists recommend a product like Listerine’s Agent Cool Blue which tints plaque to assist in more efficient brushing.
• Try to restrict the number of sticky snacks your children eat. Sticky foods are called retentive foods as they become stuck in the grooves of the teeth and increase the chance of cavities. Healthy snacks are important to good oral hygiene as well as good health. The odds of experiencing cavities in primary teeth are significantly greater in children who did not have breakfast daily or ate less than five servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
Make trips to the dentist fun for your child. The right attitude makes all the difference to your child’s perception of the dentist. By being positive and setting a good example to your child, your child will grow up with a healthy smile and a friendly relationship with the dentist.…

Lychee Diet: A Diamond in the Rough or a Dud in Plain Sight?

January 22, 2022 Comments Off

I woke up this morning thinking to myself, “If I put the terms ‘clinically tested,’ ‘enhanced thermogenisis,’ ‘natural,’ or ‘contains polypolyphenols,’ would I be able to sell tree bark from the tree outside my house as a dietary supplement? I mean, why not? It’s natural, high in fiber. I can get any lab to test it and I can say it may enhance thermogenisis (increase your metabolism). Then I chop it up, bottle it, and sell it for $39.99 plus shipping and handling. Well, the “new super-fruit” is touted to do just that. No, it’s not acai-that is so last season. It’s Lychee (or Lichi), the new, “new super-fruit.” It’s sweeping the nation for its alleged weight loss potential. Maybe they’re right, just maybe.
Is it the antioxidants that make your waistline disappear like butter melting on hot pancakes? Is it the 120% of vitamin C that dissolves the fat-right before your very eyes? Come on guys, it’s vitamin C, it’s got to work magic! Right? The answer to this my friends and fellow yo-yo dieters, is that it really does nothing more then make you feel better (probably the carbs working on your dopamine system, aka the “feel-good” hormone). It may help you lose some weight because it has some fiber in it. Most of all you have to replace a meal with these “super-fruits.” What a novel idea-eat less along with regular exercise and the weight comes off? Doing some online research, GNC sells the “Lichi Superfruit Diet” for a mere $29.99 for a 10-day supply.
I also looked into any studies that have been conducted – I’ve been known to be wrong before (as my wife will gladly tell you). I knew I would find an article with someone named “John Doe, MD.” Well, I found one such person, Dr. V. H. Potty, a food technologist from India. He had a cool website and everything but still no scientific evidence. Dr. Athira from another website (although not as fancy as the previous one) said that it’s “capable in preventing breast cancer.” This is according to a test-tube study. I can trump that-arsenic will cure breast cancer! On I trudge through the infinite internet to find some semblance of evidence, when eureka! I hit pay dirt. In the “Journal of Functional Food,” I found a very in depth study conducted out of Japan that showed a whopping 16 people lost an unidentified amount of belly-fat. Well that settled it for me. I mean you have an official name, a “study,” and polyphenols! You can’t beat that! Other fruits that are less ‘exotic” also contain polyphenols (which are touted to do all sorts of miraculous things, including weight loss) berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and boysenberries), cherries, apples, and plums. Not to mention a variety of vegetables.
Lychee costs about $8-$10 per pound and you must use the fresh variety. I personally love Lychee fruit. You can use them in almost any dish and the Lychee sorbet is to die for! But I digress. The polyphenols that are talked about is a very specific one found in green tea. That specific polyphenol is called “catechin-polyphenols” catechin-polyphenols have been said to help decrease body weight (I did not say fat) anywhere from 4% to 26%. This is thought to be done by a variety of ways including biochemical, caffeine and increasing athletic endurance. Try to drink enough of the green tea to make a difference.
There it is-irrefutable evidence that eating a diet richer in fiber and less fat with exercise thrown in will decrease your waist line!…

Post Pregnancy Fitness – Get Your Body Back

November 7, 2021 Comments Off

The first question you will ask yourself as a new mom is, “Will I be a good mother?”

The second biggest question you will ask yourself as a new mom is, ?Will I be able to get back into shape after I give birth?? The truth is, yes, you can get back into pre-pregnancy shape and, if you desire, you can get yourself into even better shape than you were in before your pregnancy.

One of the biggest myths you must get past is the classic, ?The doctor said I have to wait six weeks before I do any kind of exercise.? Under certain circumstances this is a valid rule. For instance, your pregnancy may have occurred later in life or you experienced complications during your pregnancy and/or the actual birth of your baby.

If you fall into this category you should communicate with you doctor regarding your desire to exercise and abide by her recommendations.

But, if you had an uncomplicated, normal pregnancy there should be no reason why you can?t start working out twenty four hours after you give birth. So as not to mislead you, let?s define working out as it applies to you at this stage of the game.

You are clearly not ready to jump into a full scale fitness program one day after giving birth. But you can and should begin doing gentle isometrics (contract a muscle, hold it for a few seconds & then release it) and Kegels. Of course, you should consult with your doctor before starting just so she is aware of what you are doing. She may also have some valuable input.

Before you leave the hospital ask the doctor about the condition of your rectus abdominus. These are the two muscles that run parallel to each other from the pubic area up to the diaphragm. During some pregnancies the connective tissue between these two muscles tears and separates. If this is your case ask your doctor how you can help them reconnect and heal faster. This will be necessary in order for you to add the next few exercises to your routine.

If your ab muscles did not separate, which should be confirmed by your OBGYN, then you can add the pelvic tilt to your new exercise routine. This is one of the most basic exercises for the ?core?. It should also be safe to add a modified abdominal exercise. Starting with a pelvic tilt and then lifting the head and top of the shoulder blades by curling forward slightly as you breathe out. Then return to neutral as you breathe in – repeat with same form.

It is generally safe to add several lower body exercises at this point. I always advise clients to run these by their OBGYN before trying them out.

Lying on your back, on a soft, comfortable surface, keep one leg bent with your foot on the floor while the other leg is flat on the ground. Bring the knee of the leg that is flat toward you by bending it and then lift that same foot off the ground and toward the sky. Then bring it back down by retracing the moves in reverse so you end up at the start position.

The second exercise is known as ?the square?. Starting in the same position as the first exercise, lift the straight leg off the ground by about twelve inches or so. Then slowly trace the shape a square in the air with your toes. Keep the square small at first and as you get stronger, you can increase the size of the square. Move slowly and focus on form.

You should be able to start a power-walking program several weeks, if not sooner, after you give birth. There is usually no good reason (unless you had a complicated pregnancy) to wait six weeks post delivery to start a walking program. Of course, you should discuss this with your OGYN before getting started.

At six weeks after delivery you can start to push your fitness program to a higher level by incorporating aerobic work, such as light jogging, and some resistance training with a combination of body-weight and light dumbbell exercises. Also, remember to include stretching exercises for optimal flexibility and range of motion.

The aim of this article is to help you understand that most OBGYNs are conservative when it comes to answering a new mother’s questions about workoing out. It is easy for the doctor to ?play it safe?, and advise you to wait six weeks before starting your fitness routine. However, if you show your OBGYN the exact exercise program that you wish to follow, he will most likely realize that you have done your homework and should give you the clearance to the start of your post pregnancy exercise …

Acupuncture And Fertility Can You Actually Increase Your Fertility With Acupuncture Techniques

September 21, 2021 Comments Off

When a woman finds out that getting pregnant will not be as easy as they initially thought, there is always this feeling of sadness and disappointment. But then after a while they start trying to see how to solve the problem. There is so much women can do to boost their fertility, and in this article I will be talking about using acupuncture as a means of enhancing fertility.

Acupuncture And Fertility – What Is The Relationship?

Meridians are called energy-forces that ran through the body. It is believed by the ancient Chinese that it could lead to ailments, diseases, and sickness which includes infertility. The blockages can be treated by Chinese acupuncture practitioners. It can be done by targeting the different affected points within the meridians through painlessly inserting thin needles.

In this modern world, health professionals believe that acupuncture can help the body discharge chemicals that will help cure itself. The question now – should acupuncture and fertility correlated?

Acupuncture and fertility can be correlated. Acupuncture can help improve your overall health wellness thus enhancing your chances of conceiving a baby. Acupuncture treatments for women can help generate the follicles by the ovaries. It can also help facilitate the implantation of the embryo and can help enhance the thickness of the uterine lining. On the other hand, for men, it can help the sperm’s quality, motility and count.

According to some studies, women who chose to be treated by acupuncture coupled with other fertility strategies, they have higher percentage of conceiving a baby. Acupuncture can help the brain to encourage to release and produce endorphins which helps you to become more relaxed. Once you become more relaxed and at ease, it can help you conceive easily. It is also believed that acupuncture can stimulate the nervous system and it will help do its job well. When the nervous system receives the signals, it will create more endorphins that will in turn give a signal to your reproductive organs to function.

Acupuncture and fertility natural treatments should go hand in hand in order for you to successfully conceive a baby. Such natural treatments include having a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking and giving up those contraceptive pills.…

Dental Problems Call For Affordable Dental Plans

April 15, 2021 Comments Off

People who do not have existing insurance plans for their dental needs often result to visiting the dentist during times that they already have a problem. This should not always be the case. We all want to save money but it is important that we also ensure that we are not sacrificing our health. Small problems in your teeth may lead to a more complicated one in the future. When this happens, we would be spending money more than what we are able to spend. So it is important that we start early in having those teeth checked. If you worry that you will be leaving the dentist clinic with no money on your pocket, it is time for you to seek for affordable dental plans and leave your worry behind.
Plans for dental services will save you a lot of cost. You would only have to pay certain premium on a regular basis and you will be able to visit a dentist as often as possibly. This of course should be according to the coverage of the plan you signed. In finding an inexpensive dental insurance, it is essential to look for one that can preventive aside from basic treatments.
In search for a plan you can afford, check various providers and compare which one among them would give you the greatest benefits. Do not sign in a plan without seeing what others are offering.
After subscribing to a dental insurance, you will be surprised to see the advantages it can give you. Not just with your dental health but as well as managing your money.…

Finally, The Answer to Permanent Weight Loss (Part II)

March 8, 2021 Comments Off

The answer is really simple: if you are not losing weight it is because you are eating as many calories as you are burning. In order to lose, you have to find a way to eat less, or burn more energy. If you’re serious about weight loss you have to take a hard look at exactly what you are eating every day. So by now (if you have read part I) you are keeping a food diary so you know when you eat, what you eat, where you eat, and why you eat. Now let’s address some of the specifics….
* Can I have a better breakfast? What are you having in the morning? Just a cup of coffee? A muffin or donut? (too high in fat calories). Bacon and eggs and toast to get a good jumpstart? Whoa! None of these are the best idea if your goal is to lose weight. For the start of your day, it’s wise to consume some healthy complex carbs, a small amount of protein, and some fat to help tide you over until near lunch time. If you don’t have time, there are some great breakfast bars or even canned drinks that will give you what you need without having to cook before you run out the door. One of my favorite breakfasts is toasting an English muffin, then slapping a piece of cheese between slices as I run out the door. During my drive to work I enjoy a crispy breakfast sandwich with melted cheese–which took less than a minute to make! It gives me complex carbs, protein, and a bit of fat from the cheese, and leaves me satiated well into the morning.
* Do I have time to exercise? Exercising is a vital part of a healthy routine when you are trying to lose weight. If your excuse is that you can’t fit it into your day, consider what you can trade out for 30 minutes. Can you get up 30 minutes earlier to take a walk? Give up a 1/2 hour sitcom that you watch at night (or put the tv in front of a treadmill or exercise bike and do both!)? Delegate a 30 minute task to someone else in the house and go for a walk while Suzie (or Sam) washes the dinner dishes? If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s essential you find the time in your day to make a habit of MOVING. If there is literally nowhere that your schedule can budge, make a special effort to incorporate activity into your day: taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you have the chance, parking farther away when you drive somewhere, walking instead of driving when something is less than 3 miles away. Look for opportunities to move and take them! The goal is to burn more calories to lead to weight loss.
* Are my snack choices smart? You probably know that having five or six small meals a day is a great regimen for maintaining a healthy weight. Snacks can provide valuable nutrients that we may not get in just three meals. But what are you choosing for a snack? Newsflash: Vending machines and gas stations don’t usually have great choices! Look for a complex carbohydrate source such as a granola-type bar (Nutrigrain, Nature Valley, and Quaker make some great ones). Check the label on ‘energy’ bars which are meant for body builders and can contain over 250 calories! (In my professional opinion, it’s the same as eating a candy bar) You want to find a snack with less than 200 calories if you are trying to lose weight. Another great option is a package of cheese-and-peanut butter crackers, which you actually can find in some vending machines: A source of complex carbs, protein, and a bit of fat, these will fill you up until the next meal and come in at (usually) 180 calories. Even better options: string cheese, a carton of yogurt, or a piece of fruit, which are all great source of nutrients. Not really hungry but just have a craving for something? Try a cup of tea. No calories, but hundreds of flavors to choose from to keep your taste buds satisfied.
* Do I socialize with smart eaters? Here’s a tip: hang out with other people who are trying to eat smart! Mingle with co-workers you can join for lunch who will look for a place they can order soup and a salad–not friends who say, “Let’s check out that new buffet” or “lets go out for pizza”. Gravitate towards colleagues who bring in fresh fruits and vegetables from their back yard gardens; not office mates who bring you cookies and brownies they just baked! Make healthy eaters your company of choice and you’ll adapt habits these people have–people who seem to effortlessly maintain their weight.
* …

Are Your Allergies Keeping You From Enjoying Life? These Tips Can Help!

June 30, 2019 Comments Off

It’s that time of the year that most people dread. That’s right, it’s allergy season again. If you are one of the unlucky ones that live with allergies, then you know what is coming your way. Don’t worry, because this article contains advice that can help you face allergy season with a brave face.

For safety’s sake, always test a new over-the-counter antihistamine at home. Many antihistamines have ingredients that cause drowsiness or slowed reflexes. Anytime you are trying a new allergy medication, you should give yourself plenty of time to determine what the results will be. Even allergy medications that do not carry dire warnings may cause problems when driving or performing other potentially dangerous feats.

While cleaning your home, avoid using feather dusters, which are notorious for stirring up all kinds of dust and allergens. Instead, gently wipe household surfaces with disposable dirt-grabbing cleaner or microfiber cloths. This ensures that you do not release clouds of dust, pet dander and other allergens into the air.

At least once per week, wash all sheets and pillowcases with hot water to eliminate dust mites, dead skin and other common allergens. If at all possible, wash your comforter or quilt, as well. If you have sensitive skin, opt for detergents or dryer sheets that are free of dye, as well as, fragrance.

Make an appointment with an allergist, he can tell you exactly what you are allergic to, and then you will be able to stay away from the things that are bothering you. Normally, they do these tests with a series of skin tests to see if you have a reaction.

Are you aware that your body is potentially causing your allergy symptoms? It’s definitely true! During your day as you are out and about, allergens like molds and dust can attach to your hair and clothing. When you are winding down your day, these substances can be very problematic for your lungs. That’s just one of the many good reasons to go to bed clean and wearing fresh pajamas.

A great way to treat any type of bronchial allergies is to always make sure your body is getting enough fluids. If you’re not consuming enough fluids, the mucosal membranes can get overly dry or even inflamed. When you do not hydrate yourself enough you affect your bronchial tubes by having them produce mucus that can annoy you.

Get an allergy test. Knowing exactly what you are allergic to, can be the single greatest advantage you can have in dealing with allergies. Not all pollen is the same. Some people are triggered by tree pollen, others by grass or weeds. What you thought was an allergy to pet dander, may actually be an allergy caused by undiagnosed dust mite or mold problems in your home. Only an allergy test can provide you with definitive evidence of your triggers so you can create an appropriate plan to deal with them.

Allergy season may be upon us, but we don’t have to live in fear of it ever again. This article contains enough advice that should help even the worst allergy sufferer make it through allergy season for years to come. Just remember it, and use it before things get out of control.…

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