Health and Beauty

Got the Cold and Flu Blues? 3 Ways to Get Better Fast

Posted by menyok on in Health, Health and Beauty, Health and Fitness, Health and Medicines

Feeling more tired than usual? Got a scratchy throat, runny nose and achy muscles? Looks like you’ve caught the flu.

Between work, school, and all around busy schedules, who can afford to be sick for very long? (Answer: No one!) Here are a few easy self-care steps that will help you and your family get on the fast track to recovery.

Be conscientious about hygiene.

This is one of the most important and simplest ways to get better. Make sure you wash your hands regularly and frequently, especially after touching objects like doorknobs, keyboards or shaking hands. Try Dial® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap with Moisturizer—it kills germs plus it prevents your hands from drying out after all that washing. Or let your little ones use Dial Complete® Hand Wash to make hand washing fun and foamy.

If your cold or flu has brought on the sniffles, it’s important to blow your nose to help relieve congestion. Use soft, high quality tissues like Scotties® Tissues. Plant them around your house and carry them in your purse or pocket at all times—there’s nothing worse than having to scramble for something to wipe noses with when caught off guard by sneezes.

Focus on healthy lifestyle habits.

Eat simple foods that are nutrient dense and easy for your body to digest like soups, fruits and vegetables. To give your immune system that extra edge, avoid caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars and processed foods. Also make sure to stay hydrated with plenty of fluids—this decreases inflammation and reduces congestion. The best options are filtered water, herbal teas and coconut water. And definitely make sure to get extra sleep since your body needs all its resources to fight off that virus. This is when the body recharges and refuels.

Take medicine.

There are also several natural and over the counter medicines to consider as well. One of the top reasons for people having to take sick days at work is due to their kids being sick. If you find yourself with a little one who is feeling under the weather, consider one of many Triaminic® products to help alleviate symptoms like coughing, congestion and sore throat so they can feel better while they heal. Kids need rest in order to recover, and it’s tough getting enough sleep if they are constantly coughing or have a stuffy nose. Choose from a variety of Triaminic® products, depending on individual symptoms, so kids can find some quick relief.

Increase immunity.

Herbs like elderberry or goldenseal are also great immune system boosters. These herbs help the body’s natural ability to fight off that virus. If a sore throat is an issue, make some soothing herbal tea with hot water, lemon, raw honey and some ginger and sip slowly. And lastly, a super simple thing you can do is to just add a little extra garlic to your meals. This will instantly transform your lunch or dinner into a mega immune booster.

Here’s to good health for you and your family!

How to Lose Your Belly, Butt & Thighs

Posted by menyok on in Fashion, Health, Health and Beauty, Health and Fitness

It’s common to want to trim a few pounds off a specific area of the body — or two, or three. But finding a method to blast that fat off for good isn’t easy. Your body’s metabolism is stubborn, as it wants to maintain status quo and keep that layer of fat right where it is on your belly, butt or thighs. Combat the body’s tendency for stasis by making lifestyle changes and committing to a lifelong healthy eating and exercise strategy to lose the fat and keep it off.

Instructions

  1. Start and maintain a healthy eating strategy that will help you lose weight and reduce fat. Read nutrition labels and avoid foods that contain saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. Don’t eliminate fat from your diet altogether, as some fat is necessary for the body to function, but consume healthy polyunsaturated fats such as those found in nuts, seeds, olives and fish. Swap white, refined carbohydrates for hearty whole grains that will fill you up in less time. Follow serving sizes to consume sensible portions, and reduce your calorie intake, but you don’t need to do anything drastic. Consuming 100 fewer calories a day is all that’s necessary to reduce belly fat.
  2. Tone the abs. Strength training can’t reduce fat in a specific area, but can tone the muscles underneath the body fat to flatten the stomach. Lie on an exercise mat and do crunches, first with your knees bent and then with your legs straight for an additional challenge. Perform pelvic tilts and leg lifts, which also work the butt and thighs. Do crunches or sit-ups for the abs. Perform pelvic tilts and lifts for the lower abs, butt, and thighs. Firm and tone the thighs and core with squats, using a set of dumbbells.
  3. Tone the butt and thighs to help make it look sculpted and lean. Most exercises will work the butt and thighs together. With a set of dumbbells and an exercise mat, do sets of squats and lunges. Do sets of variations on leg lifts while on all fours on an exercise mat. Work one leg at a time. Do three sets on each leg of lifting it straight out at a 45-degree angle, bending at the knee and lifting out to the side, and kicking up and back with the knee bent.
  4. Incorporate cardio or aerobic exercise into your daily routine to lose weight and body fat. You won’t be able to dictate where the pounds come off, but consistency and dedication will result in losing fat in the belly, butt and thighs as well as other parts of the body. Daily, moderate exercise is the best way to lose body fat. Take brisk walks of at least 30 minutes, or do a dance routine or go for a run or jog. Anything that elevates your heart rate for at least 30 minutes, every day, will help you lose weight and burn fat.
  5. Measure your progress. Use a measuring tape to keep track of the circumference of your waistline, hips and thighs. Gradually, you should see the numbers go down as you lose fat from these areas and tone the muscles underneath.

Gluten Allergy Food List

Posted by menyok on in Health, Health and Beauty, Health and Fitness, Health and Medicines

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Many people choose a gluten-free lifestyle to avoid refined flour, which has almost no nutritional value but is calorie-laden. Some people avoid gluten because they suffer from celiac disease (the medical term for gluten intolerance), which can cause digestive discomfort in the form of gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating.

Effects of Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune disease rather than an allergy. In severe cases of celiac disease, gluten attacks parts of the small intestine where nutrients from food are absorbed. Malnutrition is the most obvious side effect, followed by anemia, osteoporosis, stunted growth (in children) and depression. If you think you may have gluten intolerance or symptoms of celiac disease, seek the advice of a doctor as soon as possible to be tested. Your physician may suggest that you meet with a dietitian.

Gluten-Free Carbohydrates

A gluten-free diet does not mean you can have no carbohydrates. You can enjoy quinoa, rice, corn and flours made from these grains. Many gluten-free breads are available. Beans are a satisfying combination of carbohydrate and protein. Rice and beans are a nutritious and safe food choice.

Meat

Meat is naturally free of gluten. Be aware, though, that breaded meats contain gluten (unless you prepare them yourself, using gluten-free flour). Meatballs almost always have breadcrumbs mixed in, and many meat replacement products (designed for vegetarians) also contain gluten. Packaged and prepared meat products that may contain gluten are hamburger patties, hot dogs, cold cuts and canned chili.

Dairy Foods

Except for malted drinks, gluten does not naturally exist in milk products. However, there may be gluten in prepared dairy foods like cheeses, flavored yogurts, whipped cream and some nondairy creamers.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh and unprocessed frozen fruits and vegetables contain no gluten. Avoid canned fruit, creamed vegetables and prepared sauces for vegetables unless you can make sure that there is no gluten in the syrup or sauce.

Foods to Avoid

Packaged and processed foods often contain gluten. If avoiding them altogether sounds too difficult, read labels to look for the word “flour” on such foods as instant flavored rice, egg substitutes, flavored potato chips and chocolate. Barley contains gluten, as do matzoh and semolina flour. Beer and some other alcoholic beverages contain gluten.

Call restaurants before eating out to ask about gluten-free dishes.