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Have a cold? Fight it with fluids
You can't flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquids can help. Try water, juice, clear broth, chicken soup or warm lemon water with honey. The fluids will loosen congestion and keep you hydrated. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which may make dehydration worse.
Vitamin C: Can it prevent colds?
In most cases, vitamin C supplements won't help prevent colds. However, taking vitamin C before the onset of cold symptoms may shorten the duration of symptoms. Vitamin C may provide benefit for people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure: for example, children who attend group child care during the winter.
Have a cold? Common sense rules
There's no cure for the common cold, but you don't need to feel miserable while you're toughing it out. Drink plenty of fluids. Try chicken soup. Rest as much as you can. Use saline nasal spray to relieve stuffiness. Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat. Turn on a humidifier. To prevent spreading your cold to others, wash your hands often.
3 ways to avoid secondhand smoke
Want to avoid secondhand smoke? Try these tips: 1. Don't allow smoking in your home or vehicle. Opening windows and using fans doesn't eliminate secondhand smoke exposure. 2. Choose smoke-free care facilities for children and aging loved ones. 3. Patronize businesses with no-smoking policies.
Dandruff: Say goodbye to flakes
Is dandruff the only thing standing between you and a closet full of basic black? Follow these tips to keep dandruff under control: 1. Shampoo regularly. Use a medicated shampoo if necessary. 2. Learn to manage stress. It can trigger dandruff. 3. Get a little sun. Sunlight may be good for dandruff. But be sure to wear sunscreen.
Focus on fit when shoe shopping
To find shoes that fit properly, try these tips: 1. Have your feet measured. Shoe size can change as you age. 2. Ask the salesperson to measure both feet. If one foot is larger than the other, try on a pair that fits your larger foot. 3. Shop for shoes later in the day after you've been walking for some time, when your feet are at their largest.
Are you a step ahead of athlete's foot?
The fungus that causes athlete's foot thrives in a warm and wet environment. To stay a step ahead of it, follow these tips: 1. Wear well-ventilated shoes that allow your feet to breathe. 2. If your feet get very sweaty, change your socks twice a day. 3. Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around public pools, showers and locker rooms.
Check your weight-loss readiness
Weight loss requires commitment. Ask yourself the following questions to help you determine your readiness: 1. Am I willing to change my eating and activity habits? 2. Do I have the time to spend on making changes? 3. Or am I too distracted by stress and other pressures? Talk to your doctor if you need help addressing stressors or emotions that seem like obstacles to your readiness.
Solutions for weight-loss setbacks
Everyone who successfully makes changes in his or her life has experienced setbacks. It's better to expect them and plan for dealing with them. Identifying potential roadblocks — a big holiday meal or an office party, for example — and brainstorming strategies to overcome them can help you stay on course with your weight-loss goals.
Stressed out? Skip the late show
Getting enough sleep can help you handle the demands of daily life. For most adults, seven to eight hours a night is the right amount. If you're drowsy during the day, your bedtime routine may need a tuneup. Try these tips: 1. Don't go to bed hungry or stuffed. 2. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as taking a bath. 3. Limit daytime naps. 4. Keep your bedtime consistent, including on weekends. 5. Jot down worries and set them aside for the next day.
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