Healthy menus and shopping strategies
Learning Center
Is antibacterial soap a do or a don't?
It's generally best to wash your hands with soap and water. Over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap.
Is exercise a chore? No more!
You're more likely to stick with an exercise program if you're having fun. If you're not enjoying your workouts, try something different. Join a volleyball or softball league. Take a ballroom dancing class. Trade your running shoes for a swimsuit. Remember, exercise doesn't have to be drudgery.
Is sea salt healthier than table salt?
Despite the fact that sea salt is often promoted as being a healthier type of salt, it has the same basic nutritional value as table salt. In fact, sea salt and table salt contain comparable amounts of sodium by weight. The main differences between sea salt and table salt are in their taste, texture and processing. Whichever type of salt you enjoy, do so in moderation. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams a day.
Is stress to blame for hair loss?
Stress and hair loss can be related. Extreme stress could take a toll on your tresses. But any hair loss may be temporary. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or more than usual hair loss when combing or washing your hair.
Juicing is no substitute for whole foods
Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables produces a liquid that contains most of the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients found in the whole fruit or vegetable. However, healthy fiber is lost during most juicing. So be sure your diet also includes a variety of whole fruits and vegetables.
Keep your breakfast cereal healthy
Dry cereal can be a good option for breakfast, at home or on the go. If you make healthy choices, that is. Three key features to consider are fiber, calories and sugar. Choose cereal that has at least 3 grams of fiber a serving, but aim for 5 or more. Aim for cereal with less than 160 calories a serving if you're dieting. And because many cereals, even those for adults, can be high in added sugar, avoid those that list sugar among the first few ingredients.
Laugh more, stress less
Humor can help reduce stress by providing a positive way of looking at problems. Humor can also help you perceive what's ridiculous or absurd in a situation. To promote humor in your life, follow these steps: 1. Be open to humor. Give yourself permission to laugh, even during tough times. 2. Surround yourself with humor. Try hanging cartoons in your workstation. 3. Seek out humor. Look for humor in everyday situations. Or watch a favorite comedy DVD. 4. Share your humor. Tell a funny true story to a co-worker or friend.
Learn to say no and enjoy the holidays
The holidays can be a stressful time, with many additional events and obligations. Choose your commitments wisely. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and family will understand if you can't participate in every activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
Lower your risk of breast cancer
Research shows that lifestyle changes can lower your risk of breast cancer, even if you're at high risk. To lower your risk: 1. Limit alcohol. Even small amounts increase your risk. 2. Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy. 3. Be physically active. 4. Maintain a healthy weight.
Men, mortality and motor vehicles
Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of death among men. To stay safe on the road, wear your seat belt. Follow the speed limit. Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or any other substances, and don't drive distracted or while sleepy.
Refine Your Search
Type
- All
- HealthTip
Age
- All
- 19 to 44 younger
- 45 to 64 middle
- 65 to 80 older
Focus
- All
- Home Treatment (21)
- Prevention (15)
- Clinical Treatment (3)
- Risk factor (2)
- Causal Risk Factor (1)
- Definition (1)