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Learning Center
Does flossing really make a difference?
Yes. You can't reach the bacteria in tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line with a toothbrush. Aim to floss daily. If you find it hard to handle floss, use an interdental cleaner — such as a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes that reach between teeth, a water flosser, or wooden or silicone wedge plaque remover. As long as you do a thorough job, it doesn't matter if you brush or floss first.
Don't have an exercise budget? Go cheap!
Is a gym membership or home exercise equipment too pricey? Consider cheaper options for getting in shape. You can base a fitness program around brisk daily walks for aerobic exercise and pushups or squats for strength training. Or consider picking up some inexpensive hand-held weights or resistance bands. Check the local recreation department to see if they offer discounted fitness classes.
Stop your next migraine before it starts
Medication is a proven way to treat and prevent migraines, but medication is only part of the story. Healthy habits can sometimes stop migraine pain before it starts: 1. Establish regular sleep hours. Take time to unwind at the end of the day. If you can't fall asleep, read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy. 2. Eat at about the same time every day. Avoid foods that seem to trigger migraines. 3. Exercise regularly. 4. Keep stress under control.
Take headache relief into your own hands
Nearly everyone experiences occasional tension headaches. But frequent tension headaches can interfere with your daily life. Aside from medication, do you wonder what you can do to stop the pain? The answer may be as simple as taking good care of yourself: 1. Eat healthy foods. 2. Exercise regularly. 3. Get enough sleep. 4. Cut back on caffeine. 5. Reduce stress. 6. Massage tense muscles. 7. Take a break when you feel overwhelmed.
What's your high blood pressure risk?
High blood pressure has many risk factors. Some you can't control, such as age, race and family history. But don't throw up your hands quite yet. Some risk factors are within your control, such as excess weight, inactivity, alcohol misuse and stress. Make healthy lifestyle changes a priority: 1. Lose excess weight. 2. Include physical activity in your daily routine. 3. If you drink, do so in moderation. That means no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. 4. Learn healthy ways to handle stress, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. 5. Avoid excess salt in your diet.
Herbal supplements: Safety first
If you take herbal supplements, include a dose of safety in your routine: 1. Don't exceed the recommended dosages. 2. Tell your doctor what you're taking. Some herbs may interfere with other drugs or have other harmful effects. 3. Avoid herbal supplements if you're pregnant or breast-feeding, unless your doctor approves.
Considering complementary therapy
Considering a complementary treatment? Follow these tips: 1. Gather information about the treatment. Look for websites that use qualified health professionals to create and review the information. 2. Find and evaluate treatment practitioners. Ask your doctor for a referral. 3. Discuss your choices with your doctor.
Need a reason to exercise? Here are 7!
Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Exercise is the answer. Here are seven ways exercise improves your life: 1. Exercise improves your mood. 2. Exercise combats chronic diseases. 3. Exercise helps you manage your weight. 4. Exercise boosts your energy level. 5. Exercise helps keep your brain sharp. 6. Exercise can help you live longer. 7. Exercise can be fun. Find an activity you enjoy, and go for it.
Fitness tip: Include your friends
Exercise doesn't have to be drudgery. And you don't need to go it alone. Sign up for a group exercise class or join a softball, soccer or volleyball team. Work out with a friend at a health club or gym. Start a walking group with friends and neighbors.
Fitness barriers: Bust 'em
Sticking to a regular exercise schedule isn't easy. But you can do it. No time? Break exercise into short chunks, or count daily activities, such as walking the stairs, as part of your fitness program. Worried about getting injured? Take it slowly. Start by walking. Too expensive? Work out at home rather than at a health club. Discouraged? Recall your past successes. Bored? Work out with friends or family.
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