Healthy menus and shopping strategies
Learning Center
What are superbugs?
Superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that are resistant to most antibiotics and other medications. These superbugs can cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections and skin infections. To protect yourself from harmful germs, wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You can help slow the spread of drug-resistant bacteria by taking antibiotics properly and only when needed.
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.
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.
Self-tanners: Are they safe?
Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners, can give your skin a tanned look without exposing you to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The active ingredient in most sunless tanners is the color additive dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA reacts with dead cells in the skin's surface layer to temporarily darken your skin. The coloring gradually fades within a few days. Caution: Most self-tanners don't contain sunscreen. If you spend time outdoors, sunscreen is essential.
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.
Shopping for shades?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your eyes, not just your skin. Choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Opt for wraparound sunglasses or closefitting sunglasses with wide lenses that protect your eyes from every angle. Keep in mind that the color of the lenses and the degree of darkness the sunglasses provide have nothing to do with the sunglasses' ability to block UV rays.
Skip booze for better sleep
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and acts as a sedative. It may help you fall asleep, but it prevents deeper stages of sleep and often causes you to wake up in the middle of the night. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, say no thanks to the after-dinner drinks.
Try these quick, fun breakfast options
Don't skip breakfast, even if it's become a bore. Change it up with these healthy breakfast options: 1. A whole-wheat pita stuffed with hard-boiled eggs. 2. Leftover vegetable pizza. 3. A tortilla filled with vegetables, salsa and low-fat shredded cheese. 4. A smoothie blended from fruits, some low-fat yogurt and a spoonful of wheat germ. 5. Whole-wheat crackers with low-fat cheese or peanut butter.
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.
Think outside the cereal box
Bored with breakfast? Ditch the sugary cereal. Go for something savory. Try a whole-wheat sandwich with lean meat and low-fat cheese or a whole-wheat pita stuffed with vegetables. With a little creativity, breakfast can be healthy, convenient and fun, especially if you think outside the box.
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