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Posture check: Do you stand up straight?
Good posture minimizes strain on your joints and muscles, which can help prevent aches and pains. So what's good posture? When you're standing, keep your chest held high and your shoulders back and relaxed. Try not to tilt your head forward, backward or sideways. Pull in your abdomen and buttocks. Make sure your knees are relaxed, not locked. Keep your feet parallel and your weight balanced evenly on both feet.
Protein: Heart-healthy sources
Does your diet include unhealthy sources of protein, perhaps burgers, hot dogs and fried chicken in excess? Do your heart a favor and choose your proteins wisely. Legumes are a great source of heart-healthy protein. They include beans, peas and lentils. Legumes are typically low in fat and contain no cholesterol. Legumes also contain soluble and insoluble fiber.
Quit smoking: Try stop-smoking products
Don't be afraid to use stop-smoking products to help you quit. Stop-smoking products are a legitimate way to handle withdrawal symptoms and tobacco cravings. Several types of nicotine-replacement products are available. Nicotine patches, gum and lozenges, are available over-the-counter. Nicotine nasal spray and the nicotine inhaler are available by prescription. In addition, two quit-smoking medications that don't contain nicotine are available by prescription. Talk to your health care provider about which stop-smoking products may be right for you.
Reduce tension through muscle relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation can reduce muscle tension from stress. First, find a quiet place free from interruption. Tense each muscle group for about five seconds and then relax for 30 seconds. Repeat before moving to the next muscle group. Practice this technique any time you feel stress.
Say no, to say yes to less stress
Is your plate piled too high with deadlines and obligations? Are you trying to cram too many activities into too little time? If so, you may find stress relief by learning how to say no to others and yes to yourself. Don't make up reasons to get out of an obligation. The truth is always the best way to turn down a friend, family member or co-worker. But let them down gently. Compliment the person's or group's effort while saying that you're unable to commit at this time. It will soften the blow and keep you in good graces.
Screen time making your eyes buggy?
If you stare into your cellphone or computer screen for long periods, you may experience eyestrain. Eyestrain symptoms include sore, tired, burning or itchy eyes. You also may have watery eyes or dry eyes, along with sensitivity to light. Reduce eyestrain by taking short breaks throughout the day. To do this, close your eyes or focus on something other than your screen for a few minutes every hour or so.
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.
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.
Snack attack? Try these 100-calorie snacks
Healthy snacks can satisfy your hunger and keep you from eating extra helpings at your next meal, which can lower total daily calories. Snacks can also supply afternoon energy and extra nutrients. If you're trying to lose weight, try these snacks that are 100 calories or less: 1 cup sliced bananas and fresh raspberries; 2 cups carrots; 2 cups air-popped popcorn; 5 rye or pumpernickel crackers; 2 tablespoons peanuts; 2 domino-sized slices of low-fat colby or cheddar cheese.
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