Healthy diets
Learning Center
High blood pressure: Can you prevent it?
High blood pressure can wreak havoc on your body for years without a single symptom. That's why early detection is so important. If you're diagnosed with high blood pressure or you simply want to keep high blood pressure at bay, healthy habits can make all the difference: 1. Eat a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods. 2. Eat less saturated fat and total fat, and limit the amount of sodium in your diet. 3. Maintain a healthy weight. 4. Increase your physical activity. 5. Don't smoke. 6. Manage stress.
Have you had a good laugh today?
Humor is a great way to relieve stress. Laughter releases endorphins, natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude. Go ahead. Give it a try. Hang funny photos or comic strips in your work space. Make it a habit to spend time with friends who make you laugh. Who knows? Laugh and the world might laugh with you.
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.
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.
Grocery store secret: Shop the perimeter
Picture your favorite grocery store. Chances are that the outer aisles are where you'll find fresh produce, low-fat dairy products and lean meats. This is where you should concentrate most of your shopping time. Why? Fresh foods are generally healthier than are ready-to-eat foods.
Eat more of these key nutrients
The typical American diet is low in fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. For this reason, they're listed on the Nutrition Facts label to encourage Americans to choose foods rich in these important nutrients.
Don't grocery shop on an empty stomach
Don't shop for groceries when you're hungry. Eat before you go. While you're at it, why not jot down a grocery list. With a full stomach and list in hand, you'll be less likely to be tempted by unhealthy foods.
Don't go cuckoo for coconut water
Coconut water is the clear fluid inside coconuts. Because it has natural electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium and manganese, it's popular for rehydration after exercise. But coconut water isn't calorie-free, which means plain water is still the smart choice for a post-workout drink.
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.
Blood pressure tip: Know alcohol limits
Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily increases blood pressure. Binge drinking can cause large and sudden increases in blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke. If you're a heavy or binge drinker, talk to your health care provider about how to reduce your drinking.