Air conditioning provides welcome relief from hot weather and is an obvious solution to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths. But AC systems themselves can lead to health problems if not maintained properly.
Sugar and flour are two basic pantry staples. In previous generations, before mass-produced convenience foods were the norm, households stocked up on flour and sugar, used to make such basics as breads and other bakery items. For our great-grandparents, the need for long-term flour and sugar storage was often due to the inability to get to the market during some seasons. In modern times, households unable to use an entire package of flour or sugar within a short time frame must safely store flour and sugar for a long period.
No matter how clean you keep your kitchen, pests cans still cause problems in your pantry. They enter your home in a variety of ways and seek out improperly stored foods to lay eggs in. The eggs hatch into larva that look like worms, and they can spoil your food as they grow into full-fledged insects. The key to preventing worms in your food is to be proactive and make sure your flours and grains are stored properly as soon as you get home from the store.
Though summer brings all kinds of wonderful things such as barbecues, picnics, fun outdoor activities, and more, it also attracts stinging insects. While you should be concerned about the species that pack a powerful and painful sting and can cause allergic reactions, there is one that should be protected. Check out this infographic that compares wasps, yellow jackets, hornets and honey bees. By following this guide, you can learn how to tell the difference between these stinging insects and what steps to take to control and prevent or protect them respectively.
The best thing you can do to protect yourself from colds and flu this winter is to strengthen your immune system naturally with immune-boosting foods and nutritional supplements.
Raw garlic in the diet is very beneficial, however cooking garlic can destroy some of its health-promoting compounds. One way to get around this problem is to take Kyolic aged garlic extract. The natural ageing process increases antioxidant levels and enhances garlic’s immune boosting powers. It also has the added benefit of being odourless.
Vitamin C is an extremely important nutrient for boosting immunity. Include plenty of foods high in vitamin C in the diet, including fresh fruits and vegies, especially citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, strawberries, broccoli, cabbage and parsley. A vitamin C supplement is also recommended to ward off colds and flu, take around 2-3 g a day.
Zinc is another important mineral needed for healthy immune function. Zinc is found in foods such as red meat, chicken, fish, dairy foods, eggs, legumes and sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Taking a zinc supplement is also beneficial, around 45mg a day.
Spirulina is a type of sea algae that is considered a superfood due to its extraordinary health-promoting elements. Spirulina can stimulate immune function; it’s anti-cancerous and rich in nutrients such as iron and selenium which act as powerful antioxidants in the body. Spirulina can be taken in capsule or tablet form (around 5g day, or add a teaspoon of powder to smoothies or juice).
More great immune-boosting foods that should be included in the diet include miso, ginger, garlic, onion, yoghurt, green tea and seaweed.
There are some key herbs that naturopaths and herbalists commonly use to strengthen the immune system and offer protection against colds and flu, including astragalus, andrographis, Echinacea and olive leaf.
A good healthy diet is fundamental to good health and a strong immune system. A majority of your diet should be made up of unprocessed, natural foods such as fresh fruits, vegies, legumes, wholegrains, nuts and seeds.
Having a well-balanced diet will supply you with all the essential nutrients your body needs for a healthy immune system such as zinc, vitamin A and C, selenium and iron.
Looking for easy ways to get healthier? We’ve put together some of the best health sense tips to help you feel better, look better and live better.
You can improve your health sense by following these easy tips.
1: Eat Throughout the Day
Eat throughout the day so that you’re constantly satisfied. The less you eat, the more likely you are to sink into starvation mode and make your body want to store fat.
Keep a set of medium-weight dumbbells by your bed. Do a couple of reps when you wake up and at night before bed. Meanwhile, put a stationary bike in front of your TV and only watch while pedaling.
Keep dumbbells handy for easy weight lifting.
3: Take a Nap
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Sleep 45 minutes or less to avoid entering into deep sleep, when you may awaken feeling groggy, or sleep about 2 hours to sleep through an entire sleep cycle. Either way, you’ll awaken refreshed.
Naps aren’t just for kids.
4: Take a Breath
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Deep breathing raises levels of blood oxygen, promoting health in many ways — from stimulating the digestive process to improving fitness and mental performance.
Don’t forget to breathe!
5: Know Your Blood Pressure
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Approximately 1 in 4 Americans has high blood pressure. Nearly 1/3 don’t even know it! Maintaining your blood pressure can reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke so get tested.
High blood pressure can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications.
Make laughter a part of your life. It exercises the lungs and lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. And remember, laughter can be contagious. Pass it on!
Laughter is great for your health.
7: Shop Wisely
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In the grocery store, stick to the outer perimeter. That’s where you’ll find fresh fruit, veggies, dairy products, fish and meats, and usually whole grains and breads. Avoid the aisles, which are full of processed foods.
Stick to the perimeter of the grocery store for healthier food.
8: Boost Your Energy
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Energy and exercising are best friends. One feeds the other and keeps you going in a positive cycle of health and well-being. Avoid large heavy meals, and keep those dinners light and before 8 p.m. when you can. You’ll feel more energized in the morning.
Keep your meals light and you’ll have more energy.
Partnering with another person is a great way to quit smoking. They know what you’re going through and can offer support and even a spirit of competition to help you kick the habit.
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