Turn Off The TV

Chilling out in front of the television may feel like a good way to relax, but an emotionally draining or violent program actually provokes turbulent thoughts, which can result in insomnia, indigestion, even headaches.

Unless you’re looking at images of baby animals frolicking in a field, or something just as innocuous, skip the late-night TV, or at least turn-off the tube a half hour before you turn off the lights, so you have time to direct your attention inward.

This will help your brain separate the heart-pumping drama on ‘24’ from the more tranquil reality of your bedroom, and let your mind settle into peaceful state.

Sticking To A Natural Sleep Schedule

If you’re having problems sleeping, try to align your schedule more closely with nature’s. Your body clock, hormones, temperature and blood pressure fluctuations measure out a 24-hour day that’s in tune with the rising and setting of the sun.

When you stay up into the wee hours reading a books, baking a cupcakes, or doing a few extra loads of laundry, the odd hours you’re keeping throw off your body’s production of melatonin, the hormones that controls sleep regulation and wakefulness. Syncing up your daily routines with the rhythms of your environment will help you maintain mental clarity.

First Aid Fallacies

Some common first aid misconceptions: Seizure victims can swallow their tongues: Despite what Hollywood has taught us, it’s physically impossible to swallow one’s own tongue, and forcing your fingers or a spoon or spatula into someone’s mouth is only going to injure you and the victim.

At times, a seizure sufferer may sound like he is gagging on his own tongue, but by rolling him onto his side, you’ll help keep his airways clear.

If someone with head injuries fall asleep, they could go into a coma: Not true. The only reason to keep person with head injury awake is to observe her symptoms, say the experts at the American College of Emergency Phsyicians.

And if you’re too worried about the victim’s symptoms to let her go to sleep, then you should take her to the ER. Otherwise, wish her good night and sweet dreams. 

Tennis Ball Massage

Nothing compared to strong hands of professional massage therapist, but you can ease some muscle tension with this brilliant trick: Stuff a tennis ball into a long sock or a par of stockings, then throw it over your shoulder and lean against a wall (you can also try lying on the floor).

Move around on the ball until you find that annoying knot in your back and hold it there for a minute. Take deep breaths and allow your muscle to relax.

 

Eating Fish Makes You Smart

For kids up to age three or four, this is indeed the case. Fish, especially oily ones, such as salmon, are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is particularly beneficial in the first two years of life for brain development, cognition, and visual acuity.

And a 2008 study in Clinical Pediatrics showed an increase in vocabulary and comprehension for four-year-olds who were given daily DHA supplements. Omega-3 option for fish-phobic? Try avocados, walnuts and canola oil.

More Face Time For A Healthier You!

Between a hectic work schedule, school, email, and phone calls. it is easy to put off actually seeing your friends. And we are not talking about Video Chats here! Maintaining good friendships is key to healthy living.

Researchers have shown that having good social relationships may help you live longer. And on the opposite site of the equation, poor relationship were found to be more harmful than not exercising.

Tomatoes For Healthier Glowing Skin

Eating red helps keep skin from turning red. Volunteers who consume 5 tablespoons of high-in-lycopene tomato paste daily for 3 months had nearly 25% more protection against sunburn in one study. Even better, skin had more collagen, which prevents sagging.

Another reason to toss extra tomatoes in your salad: German scientists report that higher skin levels of this antioxidant correlate to fewer fine lines and furrows. Health Bonus : Research suggest that lycopene may also lower your chances of heart disease: In one study, the women with highest level of it had a 34% reduced risk.

HOW You Brush More Important Than WHAT You Brush With

You can buy the best toothpaste and toothbrush on the market, but if you aren’t brushing correctly, you won’t see results. To do it properly, you need to position the brush at 45 degree angle so that you get some of the bristles in between the tooth and the gums.

Move the brush in small circles in those areas, and then continue on to the rest of teeth. This process should take about one to two minutes to complete.

Energy or Protein Bars Not Really Goods For Diets

These calories-laden bars are usually stacked at the checked out counter because they depend on impulse buyers who grab them, thinking they are more wholesome than a candy bar. Unfortunately, they can have very high fat and sugar contents and are often as caloric as a regular candy bar.

They are also two to three times more expensive than a candy bar at $2 to $3 a bar. If you need a boost, a vitamin-rich piece of fruit, a yoghurt, or a small handful of nuts is more satiating and less expensive.

Testing Egg Freshness

Put two teaspoons of salt in a cup of water and place an egg in it. A fresh egg will sink, an older egg will float. Because the air cell in an egg increases as it ages, an older egg is more buoyant. This doesn’t mean a floating egg is rotten, just more mature.

Crack the egg into a bowl and examine it for any funky odor or appearance. If its is rotten, your nose will tell you. (Bonus fact: if you have hard-boiled eggs that are difficult to peel, that means they are fresh!)