Staying healthy
Learning Center
The power of positive thinking
Negative thoughts can feed pessimism and create unnecessary stress. You can learn to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. The process is simple, but it takes time and practice. Start by following one simple rule: Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyone else. Throughout the day, stop and evaluate what you're thinking. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about you.
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.
Time to cut back on caffeine?
That morning cup of coffee or early afternoon soda is probably OK. But more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, or more than about four cups of coffee, can cause insomnia, restlessness, headaches and other problems. Start paying attention to how much caffeine you're getting from foods and beverages. Check labels. If you decide to cut back, do it gradually. For example, drink a smaller cup of coffee each day. This will help your body get used to the lower levels of caffeine and lessen potential withdrawal effects.
Time your lotions right
Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream to help trap water in the surface cells.
Too sick to exercise?
The common cold doesn't have to keep you on the sidelines. Mild to moderate exercise is usually OK if your symptoms are all above the neck, such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing or minor sore throat. However, if your symptoms are below the neck, such as chest congestion, a hacking cough or upset stomach, delay your workout. And don't exercise if you have a fever, fatigue, widespread muscle aches or a contagious illness.
Toothpicks: For hors d'oeuvres, not teeth
Have something stuck in your teeth? Use a toothbrush, dental floss, or an interdental cleaner — such as a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes that reach between teeth, a water flosser, or wooden or silicone wedge plaque remover. Save toothpicks for olives. If you use a toothpick to clean your teeth, you could injure your gums and let in bacteria.
Top 5 threats to men's health
Do you know the greatest threats to men's health? The top causes of death among adult men in the U.S. are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that making a few lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk of these common killers.
Top threats to women's health
Do you know the greatest threats to women's health? The top causes of death among adult women in the U.S. include heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and unintentional injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Take control by talking with your doctor about how to lower your risk.
Trans fat substitutes: Not a slam dunk
Avoiding trans fat? Good for you. But just because a food is free of trans fat doesn't mean it's automatically good for you. Some trans fat substitutes, such as coconut and palm oil, contain a lot of saturated fat. A little saturated fat is OK, but too much raises your bad cholesterol. Monounsaturated fat, found in olive, peanut and canola oils, is a healthier option.
Treat mosquito bites
Bitten by one of those pesky little bloodsuckers? Although mosquito bites are itchy, try to avoid scratching. They'll go away on their own. If you need relief in the meantime, apply calamine lotion or a nonprescription corticosteroid cream to the bite. Rubbing the bite with an ice cube for 30 seconds may help too.
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