LGBTQ health
Learning Center
Bad breath? Brush your tongue!
Giving your tongue a gentle brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a flexible tongue scraper. Another option is to use a toothbrush with a built-in tongue cleaner on the back. Be sure to brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day.
Blood pressure tip: Get more potassium
Want to lower your blood pressure? Cut back on sodium in your diet and add more potassium. Sodium increases your blood pressure. Potassium can reduce the effects of sodium on blood pressure. Many fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium, including bananas, strawberries, cantaloupe, spinach, peas and tomatoes.
Blood pressure tip: Get off the couch
If you're concerned about your high blood pressure, get moving. Regular moderate- to high- intensity workouts can lower your top blood pressure reading by about 11 mm Hg and the bottom number by about 5. Regular exercise also reduces stress and weight gain, which are known to be bad for your heart health. Need an idea? Try brisk walking for about 30 minutes most days of the week. Talk to your health care provider about starting an exercise program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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