Health Tips
Below, you will find tips for your good health.
Tips to avoid getting COVID-19
COVID vaccines for ages 5 to 11?
Pfizer claims vaccine 90.7% effective against symptomatic cases. Incidentally, this children's dose contains 10 micrograms of mRNA, while the adult's dose contained 30 micrograms. FDA approves Pfizer's vaccine for children 5 to 11.
Can you mix COVID vaccines?
Yes, the CDC says its OK. However, Dr. Fauci recommends staying with the first vaccine. Meanwhile, studies show that those who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine get a huge benefit if their second shot is either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.
Five places you are most likely to get COVID-19?
You are most likely to become infected with the COVID-19 virus include, places of workship, hotels, bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Most likely way to get COVID-19?
You are most likely to get infected by inhaling the airborne virus. So, don't fret over touching surfaces or objects.
Obese and overweight individuals
COVID virus targets fat cells in obese and overweight individuals triggering a damaging inflammatory response that contributes to severe diseases. So, if you fall into these categories, it is essential you get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Booster Shots?
Furthermore, booster shots from Pfizer and Moderna showed signs they are more effective at protecting vaccinated adults than a second dose of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine. However, antibodies from Pfizer and Moderna decrease over time while J&J's stay relatively steady.
What are the COVID tests?
Two types of tests: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Antigen. PCR tests look for virus's RNA while Antigen tests look for certain viral proteins. Both are collected from nasal samples. PCR tests are done at special laboratories, while Antigen tests can be done at home to produce results in 15 minutes. Now, a positive Antigen test indicates presence of the virus, in which case a PCR tests needs to be done for verification. On a other hand, a negative Antigen test requires you to continue wearing a mask in public settings and around those who are unvaccinated and/or high-risk.
When is COVID testing needed?
If you have a headache and/or dry cough along with one or more symptoms like fever, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, shortness of breath, vomiting or diarrhea, get yourself tested. Incidentally, as the virus has evolved, loss of taste and smell are not necessarily present.
Weight management tips
Why is losing weight hard?
Eating wrong kind of foods, eating too much, smoking, too much stress, not enough work outs, wrong kind of work outs, drinking beer or energy drinks, genetics, not enough sleep, sitting too much.
Diet tips to lose weight
Drink water, eat proteins with all meals, eat more vegetables and fruits, don't skip breakfast, and sleep well.
Weight loss pills for obesity and overweight individuals
Wegovy is the first prescription drug to be FDA-approved for weight loss in seven years. Indeed, Wegovy can help bring an obese or overweight person's weight down to a little bit more normal level. In fact, Wegovy mimics a gut hormone that targets areas of the brain, curbing hunger. As a result, many patients on Wegovy ended up losing 15-20% of their body weight. However, currently, anyone on Wegovy can end up spending thousand dollars a month. But, newer drugs coming out will likely bring down the costs.
Tips for eating healthy foods
What you get from brewed coffee
Hot brewed coffee has more antioxidants than one that is cold brewed. On the other hand, cold brewed coffee gives you a stronger jolt and has lower acid.
Cut back on sugar consumption
Too much sugar makes you gain weight, increases risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, tooth cavities, and poor sleep.
Easy healthy breakfast ideas for weight loss
Oatmeal with fat-free milk and fruits like bananas.
High fiber, low fat, low sugar cereal with fat-free milk.
Whole-grain bread sandwich with two slices of lean bacon or turkey bacon, tomato, lettuce and low-fat mayo.
Whole-grain toast with peanut butter.
Low-fat smoothie with fat-free milk, fresh or frozen fruit and nonfat yogurt.
Poached eggs with spinach and whole-grain toast, or Omelet using two eggs, mushrooms, peppers and herbs.
Low- or nonfat yogurt topped with fresh fruits and a sprinkle of natural muesli.
Red wine benefits
In fact, red wine has anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. And, drinking in moderation, these properties help prevent leukemia, skin, breast, and prostate cancers. Also, they help reduce inflammation. Incidentally, other sources include grapes, raspberries, and peanuts.
Sleep
How to sleep better
Stick to a sleep schedule; Don't sleep hungry or full stomach; Bedroom designed to encourage sleep; Minimize daytime naps; Regular outdoor workouts; Reduce worries.
How to reduce snoring
Sleep on your sides. Besides, some may find sleeping on their backs causes their mouth to open and dry it. Other ways include losing weight and avoiding alcohol in the evening.
Stress
Are you stressed?
Symptoms of stress include having a headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, sleep problems, muscle ache, muscle pain , and feeling tired.
Stress increase urinary retention in some and frequency in others
Stress causes anxiety in some. This anxiety can increase urinary retention in some people or increase urinary frequency in others. So, if you are susceptible to urinary retention try your best to avoid getting into stressful situations.
Signs of Anxiety
Signs of anxiety include a racing heart, shortness of breath, always feeling tired, trouble falling asleep, tight or sore muscles, muscle pain, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, palpitating heart, nervous sweating, loss of appetite, shivering, shaking, trembling, easily startled, not able to swallow, falling sick, and irregular periods.
Why you should take care of stress
Stress, especially chronic stress can cause you to develop addictions. Also, chronic stress can cause you develop unhealthy behaviors like overeating, smoking cigarettes, and excessive use or abuse of alcohol and drugs.
How can you take care of stress
Because exercise stimulates release of natural pain killers like endorphins, it is one of the best ways to treat stress.
How to let go of anger
Try breathing deeply a few times, doing something physical like going for a run or mowing the lawn, watching TV, and others.
Stress Migraine headache
Signs of a stress migraine headache
Signs of a stress migraine include the following:
Throbbing head pain, typically on one side
Sensitivity to light or sound
Having difficulty concentrating
Blurry vision
Experiencing blind spots or vision loss
Nausea and vomiting
Overwhelming fatigue
Things to relieve a stress migraine headache
Jogging, cycling, going for a nature walk, meditation, muscle relaxation techniques, being by yourself, being with people who can uplift your mood
Tips for your personal hygiene
Best advice for your teeth
Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. If you brush after a meal, wait for at least one hour. Especially after eating acidic foods or drinking soda. The acids weaken tooth enamel. So, brushing too soon can remove enamel. Electric toothbrushes remove plaque better than manual toothbrushes. Also, floss daily, use mouthwash after brushing and flossing, replace toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, and visit your dentist every six months. (mayoclinic.org)
Showering
Now, daily washing with soap strips skin of protective oils, leaving it dry and prone to infection. Moreover, antibacterial soap kills off the skin's "good" bacteria which lowers your immunity. So, its best to only shower 3 or 4 times a week.
Using wipes to protect yourself from bacteria and viruses
Wipes using benzalkonium chloride kill bacteria. Meanwhile, disinfectant wipes kill bacterial, viruses and mold.
Antibacterial wipes can be used on your hand. On the other hand, disinfectant wipes may give you an allergic reaction, make your skin red, itchy, or swollen.
Don't use these wipes to clean toys children might put in their mouth. Also, don't use these wipes to clean edible things like fruits or veggies.
Finally, replace wipes that are more than a year old.
Eyes
How to treat tired eyes
Watch TV with a softly lit room; Wear computer glasses; Keep screen 20 to 26" away from your face; Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away; Finally, over-the-counter or prescription eye drops relieve dry, tired eyes.
How to address vision problems, age-related macular degeneration or other eye disorders caused by free radicals from wear and tear
Get on a diet containing one or more of the following.
Red peppers (for Vitamin C)
Nuts and sunflower seeds (for Vitamin E)
Dark leafy greens
Salmon (for Omega-3 fatty acids)
Sweet potatoes (for beta-carotene)
Oysters, meat, poultry, beans, legumes (for Zinc)
Eggs (for carotenoids)
Swordfish, tuna, salmon or the sun (for Vitamin D)
Beef, liver, spinach, black-eyed peas, leafy green vegetables (for folate)
Squash, broccoli, brussels sprouts (for other helpful nutrients)
Diseases
Don't use low-dose aspirin
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against low-dose aspirin to prevent heart problems for anyone 60 and older.
What not to do to avoid heart problems
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against low-dose aspirin use to prevent heart problems for anyone 60 and older.
Look for early signs of pancreatic cancer
Early signs of pancreatic cancer include abdominal and back pain, diabetes with weight loss, dark urine, light colored stool, jaundice, itching, nausea and vomiting, feeling tired, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Early signs of dementia
Look for the following signs
Increasingly difficult to do things, taking much longer, or finishing things like keeping track of monthly bills, following a cooking recipe, or concentrating on tasks.
Asking a question or telling the same story about a recent event over and over.
Trouble joining in conversations or following along with them, stops abruptly in the middle of a thought or struggles to think of words or the name of objects.
Getting lost while driving.
Acting unusually anxious, confused, fearful or suspicious; becomes upset easily; or loses interest in activities and seems depressed.
Forgetting where they are or can’t remember how they got there. Regularly forgetting day of the week.
Lastly, showing poor judgment when handling money, neglecting grooming, and cleanliness.
Look for early signs of parkinson's
First, a tremor in the hand, foot, arm, or other body part while resting, usually on one side of the body. Second, rigidity, or resistance to movement. For example, when someone tries to move a joint or difficulty going from a sitting to a standing position. Third, slowness in movement and small movements. Also, having small handwriting or reduced facial expression (such as a somber or serious expression).
Want to live longer
One of the secrets to live longer is to be engaged in a positive relationship with your partner. This is especially true for men and as you get older. Inflammatory markers go up in men with high number of partnership breakups. Serious breakups and solo living for many years may increase the risk of ill health and death, especially for men.
Use Antibiotics Sparingly
Especially relevant, widespread use of antibiotics is contributing to antibiotic resistance: a major public health challenge. Now, antibiotic resistance occurs when germs, such as bacteria, develop the ability to survive drugs designed to kill them. Moreover, the CDC reports that more than half of the antibiotics being used are not even needed. For example, local grocery and drug stores sell antiseptic soap and liquids to clean your hands where regular liquid soap is all that is necessary to remove the germs.
Maternity
Signs of pregnancy to look for include the following:
Missing your period
Tender, swollen, or painful breasts
Nausea or vomiting in the morning
Feeling tired or fatigued
Abdominal bloating
Frequent urination
Basal body temperature that stays high until the next menstrual period
Mood swings
Headaches
Bleeding/spotting/discharge from the vagina
Constipation