Health Notes
One new method of breathing called the 7/11 method of respiration, is easy to do and helpful for panic attacks, hyperventilation, and stress management. Basically, breathe in for a count of seven and breathe out for a count of 11. That’s it! Do it until the stress has diminished.
For those struggling to snooze well, it’s important not to nap too frequently. Keeping a light on in the evening can help keep someone awake, until bedtime. The more light there is in a room, the less likely someone is to doze off too early.
According to the Canadian Kissing Report, “88% of Canadians say they wish their partner would take the initiative and kiss them more.” As it turns out, kissing releases oxytocin, a chemical in the brain known as the “trust hormone”. It helps us feel connected with each other and develops emotional bonds.
According to a recent study, the quality of one’s sleep as well as the number of hours slept are linked to an increase in pain over time. In other words, if we don’t sleep well and long enough, we have more pain. In fact, poor sleep triples your chance of developing chronic pain.
Nursing homes are underfunded and the staff is undertrained. One way to help is to volunteer in nursing homes. Often the elderly suffer needlessly because of inattention. We can all do our part to ensure the elderly are getting the care they need.
Something as simple as eating strawberries may prevent Alzheimer’s. Researchers found that a compound in strawberries (and other fruits and vegetables) reduced cognitive decline in lab mice and helped reduce brain inflammation that leads to decline in brain function.
The health of your gums and teeth is directly connected to cardiovascular health. Caring for chronic conditions of the mouth can help your heart. The same bacteria found in your mouth (which causes cavities and gingivitis) also travels throughout the body and may find its way to your heart. Researchers believe the bacteria then attach themselves to the heart. While there, they can cause inflammatory conditions leading to a number of heart conditions.
Probably no product has been more vilified than the incredible edible egg. Haters say eating eggs adds cholesterol which builds plaque in the heart’s arteries leading to heart disease. But new research suggests eggs do no such thing. In 2015, a research study concluded that daily consumption of eggs has no adverse effects and poses no cardiac risks.
Tree nuts are excellent for one’s overall health. Eating nuts helps regulate blood sugar, which in turn promotes mental well-being. Walnuts are the best nut for brain health. They possess a high concentration of DHA (a type of Omega-3 fat). DHA has been shown to protect the brain, improve cognitive performance in adults, and prevent the effects of aging on the mind.
People who have been clinically diagnosed with high levels of the so called “bad cholesterol” should reach for almonds. The nut has been found to decrease cholesterol levels in the human body. Even if you don’t like the taste of almonds, don’t worry, it only takes 7 almonds a day to make a difference in the body’s cholesterol levels.
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