August | 2016 | resveralife

August 30, 2016 by Victoria Santalesa

The Health Benefits of Hot and Dry Heat

You have just finished working out at the gym and you feel like crawling home. It must have been somewhere between the 50th and 51st set of squats when your muscles just gave out. Your legs feel like jello. You decide that some relief is definitely in order if you have any chance of getting to your car and driving home without requiring medical attention. You spot the sauna. “This is just the thing,” you think. I will sit in here, let my muscles relax a little and I will feel like a new person!” Then you spot the steam room. Could this be a better option? You try and think. What have you heard about them? You can’t remember which one is which and think that in your condition it may just be a matter of which one is closer. Well, just so you are prepared for when this happens to you, here’s the breakdown.

The basic difference between saunas and steam baths is that steam baths use moist heat, while saunas offer dry heat. Both are hot baths which stimulate blood flow, easing pain and promoting healthy metabolism.

The Heat Factor
Saunas are a good deal hotter than steam rooms with the set temperature at somewhere between 160 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and a humidity level between 5 and 30% In other words, it’s a dry heat. Steam rooms measure somewhere between 110 and 120 degrees but the 100% humidity will make it feel much higher. Heat rises in both saunas and steam rooms, so the higher you sit, the hotter you will be. Wet and dry heat have a sedative effect which can provide relaxation to those suffering emotional disorder and pain relief to those suffering from a muscular injury.

The Bare Bones
Have you ever gotten on a slide in the hot weather as a child? Perhaps, then you understand why saunas are built of wood and not metal. In addition, wood absorbs moisture, keeping surfaces cooler and pulling humidity from the air. In steam rooms, high humidity would cause wood to deteriorate and are therefore made of tile or plastic. They feature sloped ceilings which allow the water to run down the wall rather than drip on your head.

The Relaxation Factor
Both steam rooms and sauna reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. They improve circulation and cause occupants to perspire, opening the pores and cleansing the skin, The humidity of the steam rooms may be more comfortable for people suffering from allergies and congestion, whereas those with conditions that may be aggravated by humidity, like arthritis, may opt for the sauna.

The Expectoration Factor
One advantage that a steam room may have over a sauna is the expectorant effect. Wet heat opens the sinuses throat and lungs and can loosen and clear the mucus in your nose, chest, and throat. However, it can also aggravate asthma, which would make a sauna a better choice for asthmatics.

The Myth
You may have heard that both of these baths may remove toxins from the body and help you lose weight. There is no evidence to support that either removes any toxic chemicals from your body and any weight loss will be temporary, resulting from water weight lost from sweating, so hanging out in the sauna or steam room will not make you svelte, which is why you still have the gym.

So which way do you stagger? To the dry or to the wet? The choice is yours, just pick one soon!

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Woman eating burger but holding her tummy in pain

August 28, 2016 by Victoria Santalesa

The Connection Between A High Acid Diet and Kidney Stones

Kidney stones may have been plaguing humans since the beginning of time. In 1901, archeologist E. Smith found a bladder stone from a 4500-5000-year-old mummy in El Amrah, Egypt. The Hippocratic Oath, historically taken by newly trained physicians and initiated in the 4th century BC, mentions kidney stones. A painting from 1655 by Carel de Savoyen portrays Jan van Doot, a Dutch blacksmith and amateur kidney stone remover holding a knife and bladder stone after a successful extraction. Luckily, today’s surgeries are a lot less DIY.

Aminerals is a piece of material that forms when substances in the urine, like salt and minerals become highly concentrated. Small ones can pass with little or no pain. Larger ones can get stuck along the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine and cause severe pain and bleeding. There care four types of kidney stones. Each requires different dietary plans to follow in order to lessen their occurrence. Uric acid stones are the product of a high acid content in the urine and require an alkaline diet to balance the high acidity level

Purine
Red meat and shellfish contain a chemical compound called purines. Purines are acidic in the body and lead to a lower urine pH, which means urine is more acidic, enabling the formation of uric acid stones.

To prevent uric acid stones, it is suggested that suffered swap high purine foods for a diet high in fruits and veggies, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Sugar-sweetened foods and drinks contain phosphorous and high fructose corn syrup which can increase acidity in urine. Alcohol and crash diets should be avoided as well as rapid weight loss increases uric acid.

Proteins
You’ll want to limit your protein intake, as proteins are high in purine. You can safely eat 6 oz of poultry, fish, beef, lamb , veal, and eggs, Limit your intake of beans and peas to two servings per week. Avoid organ meats like liver, anchovies, mackerel and lobster. Try incorporating nut and nut butter into your diet as a vegetarian protein alternative.

Dairy
While dairy products tend to be acidic in the body, they provide a great source of calcium and should not be eliminated from your diet. In order to keep the acid level down, choose low-fat or fat-free options when eating milk, yogurt, and cheese. Saturated fat decreases the elimination of acid and can worsen kidney stones.

Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies are always a really good choice for a low acid diet. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, limit your intake of spinach, mushrooms, asparagus and cauliflower to two servings per week. They are a bit higher in purine.

Grains and Starches
Carbs are great for neutralizing acid. Indulge in bread, pasta, cereal, rice potatoes and winter starch. Limit your oats to 2/3 cup per day and wheat bran and wheat germ to 1/4 cups per day and be sure to read the ingredient list on products to check for these. If they are near the top of the list, chances are the food is pretty high in concentration of the ingredient. You’re best off skipping that one.

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Women getting her skin examined at the doctors.

August 27, 2016 by Victoria Santalesa

Understanding the Two Types of Melanin

Hair dye. How we love our hair dye. Because of hair dye, we don’t have to hit the genetics lottery. Little girls born with brown hair can grow up to be blondes and red heads. Blondes can grow up to be goth chics. From the bleach blond of Marilyn Monroe to the honey blonde of Beyonce, from the jet black of Nikki Sixx to the sometimes blue of Katy Perry to the sometimes pink of, well Pink, we have to have our hair dye and are willing to take some extreme measures to make sure we have it. For years, men and women would prefer to damage, torture and strip their hair rather than have it be (gasp!!) their natural color. Even though many of us would rather trade their natural hair color for, well almost anything else, melanin is the pigment that is responsible for it. Melanins are also responsible for our skin and eye color. Most melanins are dark, from black to brown, but other melanins are reddish or yellowish.Animal melanins are divided into two groups, eumelanin (eu = good) and pheomelanin (pheo +cloudy or dusky)

Skin
In her book, “Skin: a natural story, Dr.Barbara Jablonski says, “In Homo sapiens, skin colors make up an exquisite palette varying in almost imperceptible degrees from the palest ivories to the darks browns.” pheomelanin is usually found in large quantities fair skinned redheads and is also, interestingly enough, found in freckles, lips, and nipples. (Julianne Moore must have a bunch.) Eumelanins are more common in humans, predominantly darker skinned people. High concentration can be found in moles. (Think Cindy Crawford) Because people with red hair are less capable of producing eumelanin, their skin is more susceptible to burns and aging.

Hair
Eumelanin is predominant in black and brunette hair. There is brown eumelanin and black eumelanin. Contrary to what you may presume, brown eumelanin without other pigments actually causes blonde hair. pheomelanin is found in red hair. While people with dark hair may produce pheomelanin it is usually hidden by the dominant eumelanin. Blond and red and auburn streaks are usually the results of the pheomelanin showing through. Grey hair contains only a few melanin granules, white hairs contain none. The apparent whiteness is a result of the way they reflect light.

Eyes
Eye color is dependent on the ratio of eumelanin and pheomelanin in the outer layer of the iris. People with darker colored eyes have more melanin in general, and more eumelanin than pheomelanin. People with light colored eyes(blue or green) have less melanin and more pheomelanin than eumelanin. (Bet you’re thinking, “Why don’t we have yellow eyes?”)Hazel eyes are in between. Eyes appear blue and green rather than red and yellow because of light scattering off proteins in the eye.

In conclusion, it seems that melanin has a whole lot to do with our appearance and making us who we are. Of course, new technologies allow us to change our pigmentation at will, be it using hair dye, colored contact lenses or even photoshopped. Here’s hoping you love your blue/black/brown/pink/freckled/mocha/moled/orange/yellow hair/eyes and skin just the way it is!

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August 25, 2016 by Victoria Santalesa

Pool PH Matters To Your Health

Aah, the pool! Owning one has to be one of the ultimate signs of luxury. When we were growing up, weren’t the kids with the pools the most popular kid on the block? A pool meant hours of fun on those slow summer days when time just doesn’t seem to pass.

When we grow older, the pool is equally as alluring. A pool is one of the key ingredients for a party. Just add beverages, food, people and music. This is why pools are such an enticement to advertise property. What is a 40 million dollar mansion without a pool? Hey, even a one bedroom is better if the building has a pool. That is why this is bad news for so many people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a report published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report confirmed that thousands of public pools, hot tubs and similar public services are closed each year in the US because of safety issues. In fact, based on over 84,000 inspections of 48,000 such facilities, 80% were cited with at least one violation in Texas, New York, Florida, Arizona and California. Out of those, one in eight had to be closed immediately due to the intensity of the violation.

Kiddie pools and wading pool top the list. It’s unfortunate that our most prized possessions are also our naughtiest. One in five wading and kiddie pools were closed for violating health policies, the most common of those being improper pH levels, safety equipment issues and problems with disinfectant concentration.

The Chlorine Factor
Normally, chlorine and other disinfectants and chemicals are added to swimming pool to kill the germs. However, a study from the journal, “Environmental Science and Technology” found when these chemical mix with “human inputs,” typically urine, sweat and cosmetics they produce disinfection byproducts that damage cells. This can lead to asthma, bladder cancer, and other health issues.

What Can You do

Check inspection Reports:Make sure to look at the date to make sure they were done recently
Keep clean: Experts say that disinfection byproducts can be lower by cleaning spas and changing water in the pool more often and making sure that people shower before swimming.
Check Children’s Diapers: Diarrhea and swimming never mix well. Take your kids for bathroom breaks and check their diapers.
Use a pH strip: Look for a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and 3ppm in hot tubs and spas.
Look for a free bromine concentration of at least 3 ppm in pools and 4 ppm in hot tubs/ spas. Look for a pH of 7.2-7.8

Make Sure Drain Covers are Secure and There is a Lifeguard On Duty

So, don’t stop swimming. Swimming is good for you! It relieves stress and improves muscle tone and its a whole lot of fun. Just be the smart one at the pool.

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August 23, 2016 by Victoria Santalesa

Healthy pH For Your Body Part

“Hey, did I catch you off balance?” “Were you balancing your books?” “Trying to get your life in balance?” Our government runs on a system of checks and balances and a balance of power. We need to balance work and life, good and bad, reward and punishment. Our universe depends on balance, the positioning of planets and the forces of motion all depend on balance. Our bodies depend on balance. If balance weren’t such big deal, why are we all doing yoga?

In order to maintain equilibrium in our bodies, It is no surprise that balance is also important. Our bodies need to have a healthy pH balance, that is the alkalinity in our body must be in balance with the acidity in our bodies.

Before we continue it should be noted that the kind of balance we talk about when we talk about our bodies is not the kind of balance which requires an equal amount on each side, it is the balance of correct proportion. Just as a beautiful face is not always perfectly symmetrical, a healthy body is not either. The optimal pH balance for our bodies is a little bit on the alkaline side, with a pH of 7.4 on a scale ranging from 1-14 and it is suggested that we eat a diet which puts the emphasis on alkaline foods as opposed to acidic food. But it is not the acid content of the food that makes the difference, it is the way our different body parts respond to the acid.

Blood
When we talk about maintaining a 7.4 pH balance in our body, we really do not need to worry about our blood. Our lungs and kidneys take care of keeping that number constant. Rather, it is the body parts whose pH balance is less stable that we need to worry about.

Cells
The pH levels of our cells tend to vary more than our blood and we need to make sure they stay slightly alkaline, so we need to watch our diet to make sure that they function at their best. Alkaline diets provide magnesium, which is needed by our enzyme systems and preserve muscle mass while aging.

Urine
The pH level of our urine is also worrisome,as it tends to vary as well. To keep it stable, we need to avoid animal protein, grains, soda, beer, and sodium, which are hard for our kidneys to break down. It is important that we get potassium and minerals from fruit to neutralize the acid.

Stomach
The stomach needs to remain slightly acidic in order to break down food.When you eat, your stomach releases acid causing your stomach pH to drop to as low as 1 or 2. After the meal is digested, buffers in your stomach, such as mucous and bicarbonate, work to neutralize the acid, bringing your tummy back to a resting rate of 4-5. When levels of acid in our stomach are high, (which happens when we eat protein, especially red meat) our system seeks out alkaline nourishment in our digestive tract. If it cannot find it, it will draw minerals from our bones. (This is an example of what happens when our bodies are not in balance.) It is why it is so important to eat a diet heavy in nutrients like calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium to make sure our system can find them when it needs to

Skin
The skin needs to be slightly acidic to support the acid mantle. This is the skin’s barrier It blocks out germs, pollution, and toxins. When skin is too alkaline, it becomes dry and inflamed. It may stop fighting off enzymes that destroy collagen and cause wrinkles. The ideal pH level for the skin is 5.5. If it is higher, it signals damage to the acid mantle which exposes your skin to bacteria and UV rays and may be a sign of excessive use of exfoliants and peeling products

If the pH of the skin is lower than 5.5, that probably nears you are overusing products designed to make skin less greasy. If this is you, pay attention to scrubbing and hydrating often.

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August 21, 2016 by Mayank

The Benefits of Deep Breathing

Chances are during times of stress, one or more people around you have told you to take a deep breath in order to help you relax. Maybe you did or maybe you didn’t, but those individuals had a point. Deep breathing can do incredible things for the body. It may take some getting used to, but it’s easy to learn and the efforts can be worth it.

Let’s start with discussing how to actually do deep breathing. Close your eyes, breathe in deeply (and slowly) through your nose, hold it for a second or two, then breathe out through either your mouth or nose – whichever feels more comfortable to you – while counting to five. You can do this while sitting or lying down. Focus on your breathing, maybe repeat a mantra in your mind, or focus on something that makes you especially happy such as a destination you love. Now onto a few of the benefits.

You Can Relax
One of the worst feelings is being tense; you feel like every part of your body is in one giant knot. Deep breathing helps you relax, ease your muscles, and calm your mind.

You Can Ease Unpleasant Moods
Whether you’re scared, upset, or just plain ticked off, deep breathing can help you get past the initial stages of that mood and anything negative that may come with it to get you to a better, calmer place. This can be especially advantageous if you’re having a rough day at work. After deep breathing, you may be able to focus better on the issue at hand and may even come up with a solution if need be.

You Could Lower Your Blood Pressure
Stress can temporarily raise your blood pressure, but deep breathing can help get those numbers back to a normal level. Deep breathing on a daily basis may help you keep your numbers where they’re supposed to be, especially during times of stress.

You Can Clear Your Mind
We go through so much on a daily basis, so it’s understandable how our mind can get cluttered. Deep breathing allows you to clear your mind, refocus on the positive, and move forward in a calm and rational manner. This can be excellent in every aspect of life from home to relationships to work. A mind that isn’t cluttered is one that’s better able to be more aware and in the present moment.

You Help Your Body Overall
You’ve probably heard by now how many diseases and conditions may be made worse by stress. Considering deep breathing helps to ease your stress level and improve your mood, that, in turn, could have a positive effect on your body as a whole.

Deep breathing is all about mindfulness and getting you to a place where you feel better than you did before you started. Try out different methods and don’t overthink the process. Once you start, chances are it will become a habit you will want to keep and make a part of your daily routine.

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August 20, 2016 by Mayank

To Floss Or Not to Floss

A survey by the American Academy of Periodontology found that almost 15% of adults would rather clean a toilet than floss their teeth. That means we either have some people who are really ardent defenders of the porcelain throne or that a lot of people really hate to floss their teeth. Most probably, it’s the latter.

For years, mothers have been telling children to floss their teeth. It might not have seemed the most pleasant activity for a juvenile, but it sort of made sense that it was good for you. Weren’t we always taught that food residue rots teeth enamel? It would then seem logical that if food particles were lurking unknown beneath our teeth, we should surely want to get rid of them, and this seemed to be the main goal of flossing. Could mother have been wrong?

The Skeptics
According to recent reports by the associated Press, officials had never properly researched the effectiveness of regular flossing. (What? Could this have been some capitalistic plot encouraging us to buy ineffective rolls of string?) Well, it seems as if the American Academy of Periodontology concurs. They point to a 2011 Cochrane “oral health” review of 12 studies which, supported the efficacy of flossing. The academy is now claiming that these studies did not “examine gum health over a significant period of time” to determine whether of not there are long term benefits. Tim Iafolla, a dentist with the National institute of dental Craniofacial Research says, “The condition we’re trying to prevent, which is gum disease, is something that takes years to develop and most of the studies only last a few weeks or months.”

The Supporters
Now, keep in mind that the jury is still out on this one. Just because the studies did not support that flossing is beneficial, doesn’t mean it isn’t. Before you go throwing your floss in the dumpster and yelling, “Free at last, free at last,” listen to this: Says Joan Otomo-Corgel, a periodontist with the American Academy of Periodontology,”…My concern is that the public picks up on this and says, ‘Oh, flossing is not a benefit. That means I don’t have to do it.'” She also says, based on her 32 years of observation, flossing gets rid of bacteria that manifest themselves between teeth causing infections and other oral problems. “Biofilms are live,” she says,”I mean…You have different types of bacteria that form and the longer they stay, the more virulent they become.”

Keep in mind also that while studies on prevention of plaque and gum health are inconclusive, floss is still believed to prevent gingivitis, a condition causing fumes to inflame and bleed, although the naysayers are quick to add that the quality of evidence supporting this was “very low.”

It seems that it would be remiss not to include an admonition from Dr. Wayne Aldredge, president of the American Academy of Periodontlogy, who reminds us that gum disease is, “insidious, slow and bone melting.” He says those who quit flossing are, “rolling the dice,” and; “You don’t know if you’ll develop periodontal disease, and your can find out too late.”

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August 18, 2016September 1, 2017 by Mayank

Planning To Do Nothing

Planning an event takes energy. You need to invite the necessary people, find a time that is convenient for everyone, be there at a certain time, figure out what to wear, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, and worry about getting home. Doesn’t sound like much fun. In fact, it sounds like a lot of work. Whatever happened to the concept of real downtime? Not having to think about waking up at a certain time or being anywhere and not having to answer to anyone and not even having to provide stimulating conversation. Although it is important to remain social, it is equally as important to allow for some time to concentrate on the simpler things in life. Let’s talk about some things you can do that qualify as real fun.

Play Music
The sound of music floating on the air from a window must be the essence of decadence. Whether it is the twangy sound of plucking guitar strings or the sound of an opera singer practicing scales, the playing music implies leisure. It is a sensual activity that requires us only to listen and think about what we are hearing, allowing our minds to drift.

Cook
it is strange how cooking can be one of the most stressful activities or one of the most stressful. Sure, cooking can be hard when you have people to keep happy and healthy every night, but let’s talk about the “Julie and Julia” or “Tortilla Soup” kind of cooking where you have endless time to experiment and perfect. Let’s talk about cooking as a kind of healing, and as a way of doing something productive with your time, while escaping from the daily grind.

Woman sleeping

Take A Nap
Nothing brings on the “cat that just caught the mouse” feeling quite like taking a nap. You have managed to steal time to let your mind and body successfully escape to that purgatorial space between on and off. You wake up energized and feeling like you have a leg up on all those less fortunate. The morning is somehow more manageable and there is less of it to survive. FYI: Research shows that naps can also reduce the risk of heart attack.

Pamper Yourself
Have a nice bubble bath. Throw in your favorite oil, light some candles, play some music and pour some (beverage of choice). Do a facial, or mani pedi, or hair treatment. Great for your mind and body.

Shop
“Now you’re talking,” you think. Not to be confused with emotional spending, shopping can be a very relaxing and therapeutic activity. If your retail therapy is moderate in nature, and your credit is good, shopping can decrease stress and anxiety and allow you to gain control over situations and ease anxiety. Besides this, shopping also gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in creativity, improve decision making and provide an outlet for social interaction.

Remember, you’re own company can sometimes be as good or better than other people’s. You’re the coolest person here. It’s not about doing, its about being!

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August 16, 2016 by Mayank

Meal Prep Is Not Just For Dieters

Ask most people what they are planning to do for dinner tonight and they night say, “I’m planning on ordering pizza.”

“What’s wrong with pizza?” you ask, “Tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants, the cheese has source of calcium and the toppings can have a variety of health benefits.’

Well, you have a point. But have you ever looked behind the scenes at a pizza place? Unless it specifies otherwise, your favorite pizza kitchen may be making using ingredients that you ordinarily would not think of consuming, such as fatty oil and whole milk cheeses. Not that we don’t love them, but we don’t always know if Big Mama and Big Papa have your best health options in mind. They are not necessarily thinking about portion control in mind when they’re heaping that cheese on. And pizza is a relatively harmless choice. I don’t even think I have to warn you about what is in a lot of the fast food burgers. The only way you can really guarantee that you know what’s in the food you eat is to make it yourself. “Make it myself?”, you say, “you mean, shop for ingredients and actually cook them? I don’t have the time or energy.” Well. welcome to meal prep 101.

Why Should I Prep my Meals?

You don’t have to think about what you’re going to eat on the spot. Have you ever been here? You’re working late at the office. You’re on a tight deadline. Mike, your boss, is talking about getting some Macdonalds. You would rather die. What do you do? You don’t want to be responsible for the project not being done on time because you were too much of a diva to eat a Big Mac. The solution? You whip out your tupperware container with your healthy premade meal and are halfway through it when Mike gets back with his suspicious smelling bags.
It saves you money. When you buy preprepared food, your’e paying for the preparation. If you’re buying from a food truck, your’e helping them pay for the upkeep of the truck; in a restaurant, you are paying for their waitstaff ,rent, and electricity bills. When you start to do the work yourself, you cut out a lot of expenses.

Basic Tips

1. Plan your meals to contain one protein, one starch and one vegetable. Make a list of acceptable alternatives. For example:

Protein Options: Boneless skinless chicken breast, ground turkey, fish, avocado
Starch Options: Sweet potato, pasta,rice
Veggie Options; Spinach, green beans, peppers, tomato (choices may vary)

2. Set aside a day for shopping

3. Peel, chop and cut all veggies and fruit for the week so they are ready to grab for a snack or to add to your lunch box.

4. Prep your protein and meat: Keep meat preparation down to a minimum. Use seasonings instead of a marinade or make a huge quantity of different types of marinated turkey or chicken at once and freeze them. You can use them in tacos or throw them in a salad. Hard boil eggs. Make homemade burgers and freeze them.

Think you can handle it? It may seem a like a lot of work at first, but you will be the epitome of cool when it comes to meal time, and you won’t have to worry about asking the waitress to put the dressing on the side.

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Happy woman with outstretched arms outside

August 14, 2016 by Mayank

Moving, Eating, Being, Thinking

Happiness finally seems to be getting a fair shake. Didn’t it seem like years ago, we thought that anything that made us happy couldn’t possibly be good for us? Weren’t we brought up on sayings like, “If it doesn’t hurt, it isn’t working”, or “It’s not love if it doesn’t hurt.” Isn’t it time that we bring an end to this self punishing philosophy? Isn’t it time we admitted that some things that we like can be good for us? Aren’t we tired of being miserable? (Cue shouts of, “Go, girl” and “Amen!’)

It seems like its getting more and more obvious that we don’t always have to suffer and deprive ourselves to reach our goals. Happiness may not pay the bills, but it seems like it could take us into a ripe old age. Here’s to being happy and healthy!

Eating
Eat fewer calories, but more food. That sounds like happiness to me!) Load on the greens and the beans. Take a second helping of (fresh fruit. Skip the burgers and cream sauce and pile on the whole grains. You’ll end up with less calories, more antioxidants and longer, happier lives. Dr. Bradley Wilcox of the Pacific Health Institute in Honolulu says, “People in Okimawa eat more food by weight than people who eat a Western style diet.” The result? Their risk for dementia, heart attacks, strokes and cancer are among the lowest in the world.

Woman exercising

Moving
Exercise can help to give you better quality of life and slow down the aging process. In fact, you don’t even have to work that hard! (Happy now?) A University of Florida study showed that healthy people aged 65 to 85 who did low intensity exercises had a drop in free radical damage while high intensity exercisers had a slight increase! For protecting the heart and arteries, just walking at a brisk pace for 30 minutes a day, along with resistance training and aerobic exercise can do the trick.

Being
Find something interesting to do. So, admit it. We all love to relax. We love to sit back and watch the tube and put our feet up. Well, that may sound appetizing, but if you’re better off doing something slightly more meaningful. People who pursue their interests develop better coping mechanisms and tend to be more optimistic and live longer.

Also, connect with friends and family. Science journal prove that having friends changes the biochemistry of the brain and strengthen immunity. Being alone, causes the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol to rise which can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and sleep problems. BTW: Marriage can add seven years to a man’s life and three to a woman’s. Can’t live with ’em? Pets can reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

Woman solving a crossword

Thinking
Just like our bodies, our brain needs exercise to stay healthy. Reading, doing crossword puzzles and writing are all ways of lowering risk of mental decline. Also, it has been proven that using your brain can actually up your “cognitive reserve.” That means that you get a kind of bonus of extra neurons and pathways in your brain that make them function longer. Our brain muscles are just like all the other muscles in our bodies; the more we use them, the healthier and more flexible they’ll be! So be happy, live healthy and be your best, most beautiful self! Cheers!

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August 2016

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