Healthy menus and shopping strategies
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Applying sunscreen? Don't be stingy
Most people use sunscreen too sparingly. If you use sunscreen generously and frequently, a bottle of sunscreen shouldn't last long. Generally, a liberal application is 1 ounce (30 milliliters) — the amount in a shot glass — to cover exposed parts of the body. You might need to apply more, depending on your body size. If you have a 4-ounce (118-milliliter) bottle, you'll use about one-fourth of it during one application.
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.
Bad breath? Drink more water
If your morning breath seems to last all day, you may not be drinking enough water. Keeping your mouth moist helps wash away food particles and bacteria, which helps keep bad breath at bay. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (again, sugarless) can help, too. If you have chronic dry mouth, your dentist or doctor may recommend an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.
Banish back pain
Back pain is a common complaint. In most cases, you can take steps to prevent back pain. Try these: 1. Exercise regularly. 2. Practice good posture. 3. Use proper lifting techniques. 4. Sit in chairs that support your lower back. 5. Maintain a healthy weight.
Don't let your tots burn
When you head outside for family fun this summer, be sure to protect small children from burns. Keep sunblock handy and protect against other burn hazards: 1. Keep little ones away from grills, fire pits and campfires. 2. Don't let children play with or near fireworks or sparklers. 3. Check children's car seats for hot straps or buckles. These can heat up quickly in a car parked in direct sunlight.
Fast food tip: Watch what you drink
You can eat healthy away from home, even at fast-food restaurants. Be smart about what you get to drink. Many beverages are high in calories. A large (32-ounce) soda can have close to 400 calories. A large shake can have more than 650 calories. Choose water or unsweetened iced tea instead.
Have brown or Black skin? Use sunscreen
If you have brown or Black skin, you still need sunscreen. It's a myth that people with skin that doesn't burn easily can skip the sunscreen. Regardless of skin color, the sun's energy penetrates deeply into the skin. This causes damage that may ultimately lead to skin cancer. If you spend time outdoors during daylight hours, you need to use sunscreen.
Hay fever: How to avoid triggers
If you have hay fever, the best thing you can do is to take steps to lessen your exposure to allergens, such as pollen and mold spores: 1. Close doors and windows during pollen season. 2. Use air conditioning in your house and car. 3. Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning, when pollen counts are highest, and also on high pollen-count days. 4. Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity. 5. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.
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.
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.
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