http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/health_home.jsp?ccid=66 Reader's Digest Asia - Health Thu, 03 Aug 2006 03:22:00 -0000 http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_179 What you can do Eat a diet that includes plenty whole grains, fruit and vegetables, nuts and oily fish, meat, liver and eggs, and pasteurised dairy products http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_180 What you can do Eat plenty of potatoes, spinach, liver and kidneys, soya beans, green leafy vegetables and oily fish http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_181 What you can do Eat plenty of meat, poultry and liver; fortified breakfast cereals; fresh green vegetables and citrus fruits http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_182 What you can do Lose weight Quit smoking Limit your alcohol consumption - though a moderate intake (one glass a day) of red wine may be helpful http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_183 What you can do Eat plenty of wholegrain cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables, for osteoarthritis http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_184 What you can do Eat foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_185 What you can do Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables; wheatgerm, poultry, seafood and greens for vitamin E; oily fish such as herring, mackerel, sardines and salmon http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_186 What you can do Keep moving with gentle stretching exercises Eat plenty of oily fish for niacin and vitamin D; and cabbage, guava, papaya and kiwi fruit for their vitamin C http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_187 There's only one thing to do with a boil: Get rid of it ASAP. And you can, but not by putting on the squeeze. Instead, use heat and moisture to hustle it to a head, then safe and sterile methods to induce draining and provide pain relief. Or try drying treatments to shrink the offender out of existence. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_188 Your goal: thin the phlegm in your chest and get it moving, so you can cough it up and out. The most direct approach to your lungs is the air you breathe, so inhalation treatments are a first resort. Think of them as a steam cleaning for your airways. The right food and drink can also help to keep mucus on the move. At the same time, you'll want to get some germ-fighters into your body's ecosystem so the bugs that cling to that mucus are mightily discouraged. Here's how to proceed: http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_189 What you can do Eat a diet rich in oily fish - the omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish can help to protect against cancer http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_190 More than anything else, how you live your life determines your likelihood of developing heart disease. Even if you have risk factors you can't do a thing about, making changes to your lifestyle can go a long way toward ensuring you don't ever suffer a heart attack or other coronary event. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_191 Warning signs Angina. A feeling of tightness, pressure, or pain with exertion or stress. It disappears with rest. Usually in chest, throat, upper abdomen, or arms. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_192 What you can do Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables Avoid salty foods, pickled foods and added salt http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_193 What you can do Avoid all contact with known allergens as far as possible Pay attention to your diet: milk, tomatoes, chocolate and eggs are often implicated in chronic allergies. Shellfish and Nuts are commonly associated with violent and sudden allergic reactions http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_194 What you can do Drink sweet, milky drinks - they contain a substance called tryptophan, which stimulates the production of seratonin, which calms the mind http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_195 It's not fair that a locker-room problem should follow you home, but once it does, you have to get tough with it. Consistency counts. Think marathon training, and go the extra mile. The more you can treat your feet and dry your toes, the better. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_196 Kids may not be able to help wetting the bed, and that's important for you to remember, especially on those mornings when you're faced with sopping sheets. And the problem certainly can't be "solved" by punishment. It does help to keep a "dry" sense of humour about the situation, which will undoubtedly pass. And try these techniques in the meantime. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_197 The eternal dilemma: Should I drain this thing or leave it alone? In general, don't bother blisters that are small or those that probably won't pop on their own. They are less likely to become infected if you leave the natural covering intact, and under the sheltering cushion of fluid, the area has time to form new skin. Meanwhile, follow these tips to relieve the pain and itching and speed healing. If your blister is large, or in a spot where you can't avoid putting pressure on it, drain it the proper way. Never pop a burn blister, though. There's a serious risk of infection if you do. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_198 Bang! That's going to leave a bruise. Though bruises eventually go away on their own, you can take steps to reduce the pain and encourage faster fading. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_199 In every pharmacy you'll find a section devoted to tender care of corns and calluses. This is a good aisle in which to start your search for relief. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_200 What you can do Drink more fluids - at least 2 litres of water a day Eat a diet that includes plenty of fibre, such as bran cereals, wholemeal bread, brown rice, fresh fruit and vegetables http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_201 What you can do Keep up intellectual and social activities. Take regular physical exercise which will help you to relax, improve your sleep and develop your concentration. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_202 Here are five tried-and-tested weight-loss tricks. 1. Keep a diary. Studies find that people who keep a food diary are more likely to lose weight and keep it off. To make the most of your food diary: http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_203 Think fast: How many servings of vegetables have you had today? One? None? How about fruit? Not only are fruits and veggies loaded with cholesterol-lowering soluble fibre, they also contain other healthy compounds, such as antioxidants. You should try and eat 5 or more a day. Here are some easy ways to do that. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_204 What you can do Eat small, regular meals that are nutritionally balanced and not too spicy or rich. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_205 By now the French Paradox is old news. The phrase refers to the fact that despite eating lots of saturated fats and cholesterol (read: cheese, butter and cream), the French have a relatively low incidence of heart disease. A major reason, researchers suspect, is the generous amount of wine that the French drink. Although the very existence of the paradox itself is currently under question-some researchers believe the French underreport heart disease-the evidence in support of wine and other forms of alcohol is not. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_206 What you can do Begin individual or group psychotherapy Join a society like Alcoholics Anonymous http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_207 Antioxidants in youre diet can help to prevent atherosclerosis and heart disease as well as warding off certain cancers and many other ailments. When LDL cholesterol is oxidized it becomes stickier and therefore more likely to form plaque. If LDL can be prevented from oxidizing, your arteries are less likely to become clogged. Antioxidants prevent harmful LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_208 Perhaps no other diet has generated as much discussion and controversy as the one created by Dr Robert C. Atkins more than 30 years ago. It strictly limits carbohydrates (including fruits and vegetables) and emphasizes protein and fats, including such high-fat, high-calorie foods as bacon, hamburgers, and sausage. (Phase 1 of the diet calls for 64 per cent of calories from fat-and 42 grams of saturated fat.) It's based on the notion that by restricting carbohydrates, you induce the body to enter a state called ketosis, which forces it to burn fat as fuel. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_209 The B vitamins were originally thought to be a single vitamin because the roles which they play in nutrition are very similar, but B complex is really a combination of eight different vitamins. All except B12 and folate are involved in releasing energy from food. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_210 Pantothenic acid(B5) Pantothenic acid is part of a coenzyme that enables the body to take energy from food. It is present in all foods of animal or vegetable origin. In fact, B5 is so widespread in the foods we eat that no specific daily intake is recommended. Among the most convenient sources of the vitamin are wholemeal bread, nuts and dried fruits such as prunes and apricots. Deficiency is rare. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_211 As sure as the moon has phases, breast discomfort waxes and wanes. Here are some approaches to ease the unpleasantness hatched by your hormones. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_212 There are different kinds of cholesterol-some bad, some good. And how much you have of each type-your Cholesterol Ratio-makes a tremendous difference in your likelihood of developing Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_213 Like so many things, cholesterol isn't bad for you unless there's too much of it, at which point it begins to cause trouble. The story isn't quite that simple, however. There are different kinds of cholesterol-some bad, some good. And how much you have of each type-the Cholesterol Ratio-makes a tremendous difference in your likelihood of developing CHD. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_214 What you can do Acupuncture and yoga can help people to get through this difficult period. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_215 Before the dawn of the 20th century, a lean frame indicated a personal history of sickness, meagre meals and little money. That was then, this is now - the era of jumbo burgers, iced doughnuts and giant-sized cups of cola; and deskbound days followed by nights in front of the television or surfing the internet. Today, excess body fat is the norm: 43 per cent of men and 34 per cent of women are overweight. Another 22 per cent of men and 23 per cent of women - that's almost one in four of us! - are clinically obese. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_216 For all of the low-fat rhetoric, know this: Without fat in our food, we might as well be eating cardboard. Not only do our bodies need fat to function, but the simple fact is that fat tastes good. It may also trigger chemical receptors in our body that create a feeling of fullness and well-being. So fat isn't all bad. Actually, some types of fat are downright good for your arteries. Get enough of these good fats, eliminate enough of the bad fats, and watch your cholesterol levels improve and your heart disease risk plummet! This doesn't mean you have free rein when it comes to fat. It's important to limit your overall intake of fat. The point is that both quality and quantity count. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_217 Some fats are good for you. Surprising but true. These include olive oil, canola oil, and specially formulated cholesterol-lowering margarines. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_218 Cutting down on bad fats and reducing your overall consumption of fat involves making the obvious move of switching to low- and nonfat versions of staples such as milk, mayonnaise, sour cream, and ice cream (doing so can save you anywhere from 1 to 22 grams of fat per serving). Other tricks include: http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_487 One of the most striking differences between the caveman's diet and our own is the amount of fibre our ancestors ate: about 100 grams a day, the amount some people in rural areas of the developing world still get. The cavemen didn't know it, but all of that fibre had countless health benefits, from lowering cholesterol to helping control (or maybe prevent) diabetes. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_489 There are different kinds of cholesterol-some bad, some good. And how much you have of each type-your Cholesterol Ratio-makes a tremendous difference in your likelihood of developing Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_221 These teas, tisanes or infusions made from the leaves, blossoms and fruits of many plants, have become increasingly popular. Many are credited with medical benefits, but to have an effect they may have to be drunk frequently. There is now an enormous range of herbal teas available in health food shops and supermarkets, but many herbal remedies can be safely and easily prepared at home. Allow one teaspoon of the dried herb (or two of the fresh) per cup. Pour boiling water over the herb, cover and infuse for about 5 minutes, then strain before drinking. Use honey or sugar to sweeten the tea, if desired. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_222 The following list gives the traditional medicinal uses for popular kitchen herbs. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_223 There are different kinds of cholesterol-some bad, some good. And how much you have of each type-your Cholesterol Ratio-makes a tremendous difference in your likelihood of developing Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_224 aluminium Trace amounts of aluminium are found in all living organisms, though scientists are not sure if it has any biological function in the body. The mineral makes up some 8 per cent of the Earth's crust, yet plants - with the exception of tea - take up remarkably little of it from the soil. Most of the aluminium taken in by the human body is excreted rather than absorbed; the claim that excessive amounts in the diet can cause brain damage - and may exacerbate disorders such as alzheimer's disease - remains contentious. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_225 chromium An adequate supply of chromium is particularly important in the diet of people with diabetes, as a vital link in the chain which makes glucose available to the body. Chromium increases the effectiveness of insulin by stimulating glucose uptake in cells. It also helps to control levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood. A deficiency of the mineral can lead to high cholesterol levels. Good sources of chromium include wholegrain cereals, egg yolks, cheese and molasses. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_226 iron Haemoglobin, the pigment in red blood cells which carries oxygen, via the bloodstream, around the body, cannot be produced without iron. A shortage of the mineral will quickly show itself in breathlessness, as the heart pumps faster and the lungs try to increase the body's oxygen intake. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_227 mercury Mercury is very poisonous, and long-term exposure to it causes brain damage: indeed, the expression 'mad as a hatter' dates from the 19th century when hatters used mercury salts in the making of top hats. Mercury has no essential function in the body. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_228 potassium Cells, nerves and muscles of the body would not function properly without potassium. It works with sodium to maintain the fluid and electrolyte balance in cells and tissues, to regulate blood pressure and to maintain a normal heartbeat. It helps to counteract the effects of excess sodium intake, such as oedema (fluid retention) and high blood pressure. It is also vital to the transmission of nerve impulses. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_229 sodium Salt - or sodium chloride - was the first mineral identified as forming part of our diets - probably because it is easily detected by the taste-buds. Sodium is a major component of all body fluids and is largely responsible for determining the body's total water content. Together with potassium, it is a key substance in regulating the balance of body fluids. It also helps to regulate nerve and muscle function. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_230 What you can do Talk to your doctor. Sometimes nicotine addiction requires medical treatment. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_231 There are healthier alternatives to hamburgers! Choose Your Cuts of Meat Carefully http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_232 No matter how long you've smoked, your risk of heart attack decreases just 24 hours after you give up. After a year, your risk of tobacco-related heart disease is half that of a smoker's, and 15 years after you crush your last stub, your risk drops to the level of someone who has never smoked. Here's what you need to know in order to quit. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_233 Practitioners of alternative medicine have ascribed specific health benefits to certain spices. Although the majority of their claims have not been substantiated by scientific studies, many of the remedies have been used for hundreds of years. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_234 Here are 20 ways to swerve off the path of anxiety, anger, frustration and sadness into a state of happiness once or even several times throughout the day. Choose the ones that work for you. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_235 'Stress' is one of the most frequently used but ill-defined words in the English language. We say we're stressed when we're late for work and when we can't pay our bills. We laugh about the stress of the holidays and cry over the stress of a divorce. Even an ostensibly happy occasion-such as the birth of a child-can be stressful. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_236 Eat too much and you gain weight. It's one of the simplest facts in medicine. But the repercussions of gluttony go beyond weight gain. When you eat more calories than you need, your body converts them into a form of fat called triglycerides and sends them to your fat cells for storage. Although triglycerides aren't technically a form of Cholesterol, they are a blood fat, or lipid, just like cholesterol. They're also sharing space in those same lipoprotein bubbles that carry cholesterol around, so it's nearly impossible to consider one without considering the other. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_237 There are healthier alternatives to hamburgers! You don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy healthy, nutritious meatless meals. Now before visions of rabbit food or bulgur meatloaf swim through your head, rest assured: you can make a hearty and satisfying meal by using meat substitutes like the ones below. Besides adding diversity to your menus, they also bring cholesterol-lowering benefits all their own. Here are some ideas: http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_238 Best known as a popular, though unproven, remedy for the common cold, vitamin C is vital for the production of collagen, a protein needed for healthy skin, bones, cartilage, teeth and gums, and which plays an important role in healing wounds and burns. Vitamin C also helps to produce the neurotransmitters noradrenaline, which regulates blood flow, and serotonin, which helps to promote sleep. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_239 Nicknamed the sunshine vitamin because it can be produced by the exposure of the skin to the sun's (and artificial) ultraviolet rays, vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium and phosphorus, and is thus vital to healthy bone structure and good teeth. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_240 Vitamin E is the collective name given to a group of biologically active antioxidant compounds. It prevents damage caused by oxidation to polyunsaturated fatty acids found in cell membranes. To ensure its protective role, people with a diet which is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids should also take plenty of vitamin E. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_241 This group of compounds - found in plant foods (phylloquinones), manufactured by bacteria in the intestine (menaquinones) and created in the laboratory (menadione) - is vital in forming the glycoproteins needed for normal blood clotting. Vitamin K is also used to make other proteins needed for healthy bones and tissues. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_242 What you can do Keep your skin clean Avoid granular cleansers and abrasive face flannels - instead, use disposable cleansing wipes http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_243 What you can do Reduce your use of alcohol and stop smoking. Prevent dehydration by drinking 1.5-2 litres of water every day and, if possible, do not use diuretics such as dandelion. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_244 What you can do Eat plenty of raw vegetables and apples to help protect the gums http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_245 If antiperspirants (which plug up sweat glands) and deodorants (which mask odours) don't do the trick, there are myriad paths to an agreeable essence. BO battles begin in the shower and continue throughout the day, with a simple goal: Stop the odour at its source. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_246 It's one of the few flaws in our otherwise almost-perfect design: our lips, so exposed to sun, wind, and other irritants, don't have oil glands to keep them soft and moist. Nor do they contain much melanin, the pigment in our skin that turns us tan and offers some protection from the sun. It's no wonder that lips can get as parched and cracked as old shoe leather. If you want to keep them kissable, give them some protection. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_247 What you can do Don't smoke; moderate your alcohol intake. Avoid stress and learn to relax. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_431 Since the blisters come and go, the goal of every cold-sore veteran is to make sure they're absent a lot more than they're present. Once the virus is with you, you have to mount a constant campaign to keep it discouraged. However, you'll learn to recognize the telltale tingling or burning sensation that notifies you of a sore's imminent arrival, and if you're prepped ahead of time, you can pepper it with your defensive home remedies. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_432 Do your shoulders look as if you just walked in from a snowstorm? Are you blinded by a blizzard every time you comb your hair? Dandruff isn't a serious health problem, but it can be embarrassing. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_433 Eczema can itch. Your avenues of attack: keep out of the water (that means no dishwashing, frequent hand washing or long showers) as much as possible. Guard your skin with a thick, heavy-duty cream-not a watery lotion. Stay away from eczema aggravators, such as harsh soaps and anything you discover you're sensitive to. And, hard as it may be, avoid scratching. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_434 Do people turn up their noses when you slip off your shoes? There are plenty of solutions to stop the sweat, eat the odour, and keep your feet from smelling like...smelly feet. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_435 There are people who really care for their nails, while others couldn't care less. Whether or not you're the manicure type, though, you'll want to seek some help when fingernails or toenails turn into eyesores. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_436 Look on the bright side: oily skin tends to age better and develop fewer wrinkles than dry or normal skin. But it does require more attention, since you need to keep cleansing those overproductive pores. The key is a firm but gentle hand. You want to wash away dead skin cells, dirt, and excess oil without scrubbing so hard that you cause irritation. (Ironically, if you overdo the scrubbing, your skin produces even more oil.) http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_437 Perhaps the biggest challenge when you have a stye in your eye is resisting the temptation to rub it. It's a natural reaction, but no amount of rubbing will get rid of that something-in-my-eye feeling, and the bacteria that infected the follicle can spread to others. Instead, use moist heat to bring the stye to a head. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_438 It may be "just a cold," but it's nothing to sneeze at. Fortunately, fast action on your part can mitigate the misery. Herbs, chicken soup, zinc-and even your blow-dryer-are part of the healing arsenal. At the first sign of a sniffle, turn to these remedies, which can unstuff your head, boost your immune engines, and speed your illness on its way-unlike typical cold medicines, which can dry you out, put you to sleep, keep you up at night, do nothing at all to make you better faster, and may even prolong your illness. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_439 Wet Your Whistle-and Everything Else Fighting off flu can rob your body of moisture. Drink as much water as you can-eight or more 8-ounce glasses-to keep your mucous membranes moist and to help relieve dry eyes and other common flu symptoms. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_440 The agony of gout can start very quickly. One minute, you're skipping along with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. The next, you're in excruciating pain. Your first instinct might be to reach for aspirin-a wrong move. Aspirin slows the excretion of uric acid, which only makes things worse. Pay special attention to drinking plenty of water to dissolve the uric acid crystals. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_441 To keep your arteries from getting gummed up-or to clean them out if they're already in trouble-you'll need to lower your LDL cholesterol level, and also try to boost your HDL cholesterol level. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_442 Migraines are characterized by throbbing, excruciating pain, usually on one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or visual disturbances may accompany the pain. Doctors aren't sure what causes migraines, but they suspect an association with abnormal constriction and dilation of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. The problem tends to run in families. There are many possible triggers, including sensitivities to foods or food additives, stress, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, oral contraceptives, caffeine withdrawal, changes in the weather or season, bright lights, and odors. Migraines are more common in women than in men. It's easier to prevent a migraine than it is to treat one. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_443 Here's another example why "aging gracefully" is an oxymoron. After years of doing bathroom business with due dispatch, many a male turns grim-faced when the usual stance turns unproductive. But many of these remedies, used alone or in combination, can make the trouble far more tolerable. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_444 There are good days and there are bad days, and if you're troubled with psoriasis, you know the difference all too well. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_445 You look like you're blushing, even when you're not. Or worse, you look like a teenager with a bad case of acne. Try these approaches to prevent mild flare-ups and flushing. Should your condition get worse, combine forces with a dermatologist to keep your ruddiness under control. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_446 First step: Call your doctor, who will likely put you on a prescription antiviral drug. Meanwhile, you'll want all the relief you can get from the burning and pain. You can try OTC painkilling drugs, plus the remedies in this chapter. But if the pain is more than you can stand, don't hesitate to call your doctor, who can prescribe stronger medication. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_447 Coughing not only annoys you but also makes you persona non grata at the movies, the symphony, and any other place where people congregate. But if you have a "wet" cough, you don't want to suppress it; that's because it's the body's way of clearing out mucus. Rather, you actually want to encourage it so you can get rid of the phlegm faster and get the coughing over with. If you have a "dry" cough, on the other hand, the trick is to coat the throat and tame the tickle. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_448 If you can stop the bleeding and keep the wound clean to prevent infection, you've done your part; nature will take over from there. Required: some bandages and antibiotic ointment (doctors recommend any triple antibiotic variety). Other wound remedies that work in a pinch are within easy reach-from honey to garlic to your own saliva. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_449 When a case of the runs has you running to the bathroom, your aims are two: stave off dehydration, and avoid anything that will make the diarrhoea worse. If you can stay close to home, simply let the problem "run" its course (and don't forget to drink plenty of fluids). If you can't, try astringent teas, eat more soluble fibre (which soaks up excess fluids in the intestine) or try an ancient Chinese "cure". (See also Food poisoning) http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_450 What you can do Just the annoyingly resonant rumble of your own voice is probably enough to tell you that earwax build-up is out of hand. Easy-does-it earwax removal is usually a two-part project-first the insertion of something to soften up the wax, then an ear wash to flood the gunk and carry it out. Easier said than done? Here are some tips to help the wax wane. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_451 What you can do There's nothing like an earache to take you back to the less pleasant aspects of childhood. Put simply, earaches are no fun. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_452 If your forehead is fiery with fever, you could reach for over-the-counter tablets to lower your temperature. (Don't treat fevers with aspirin in anyone under the age of 19; doing so can trigger a potentially fatal disease called Reye's syndrome.) But if your fever is 101and #176F or below, don't be afraid to let it run its course. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_453 Traveller's Diarrhoea, the bane of international travellers, is usually caused by exposure to foreign strains of bacteria in the food or water. Before you board the plane for points remote, learn how to avoid spending the bulk of your trip in the bathroom. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_454 What you can do If you're hurting and you want relief right now, you can walk into any drugstore and buy a tube of gel containing the topical anesthetic benzocaine. Or try a gargle or a soothing gum massage as described below. But your real war is with plaque. Control the plaque with regular visits to the dentist and dedicated brushing (use a soft-bristled brush and pay special attention to your gum line) and flossing and you should be able to give gum problems the brush-off. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_455 Probably the only things more irritating than the burning, itching and bleeding of haemorrhoids are the television commercials promising miraculous relief from them. Pharmacy shelves are lined with products designed to help-creams, pads, ointments and suppositories. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_456 Once lice are in the hair, even a clipper cut won't help. You need to get rid of the louse eggs that are attached to the hair shafts about one-quarter of an inch from the scalp. Start by using a delousing shampoo that contains permethrin, not lindane. Lindane is a chemical cousin of the pesticide DDT and has been linked to nervous system problems. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_457 In a world of traffic jams, tight schedules, and high-speed everything, it's no wonder we find ourselves popping an occasional pain reliever. But painkillers are only part of the solution. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_458 Heartburn is definitely punishment, but it's not always clear why you've been sentenced. Some say, "Don't eat so much" or "Don't eat so fast." Others like to blame spicy foods like fiery Szechuan or acidic foods like grapefruit and oranges. As a first line of defence, visit the pharmacy for over-the-counter antacids or acid suppressors. But the long-term goal is to pinpoint-and avoid-your all-too-personal heartburn triggers. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_459 When your skin has been prickled by the heat, the first order of business is to cool down. For the next few days, spend as much time as you can in the cold comfort of an air-conditioned environment. Take a cool bath or shower. And while you're waiting for your skin to chill, try these other remedies. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_460 Hiccups can come at the most inconvenient times-just before you have to give an after-dinner toast, for instance. When you're in public, you might have to use some very subtle methods to control the hiccing. And, if you have a high threshold of embarrassment-or you can hide somewhere-there are wonderfully strange contortions that hiccup-prone people have devised to cure the contractions. Do whatever works for you. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_461 What you can do As every man knows, numerous mental and physical factors influence the hydraulics. Once you've seen the doctor and crossed out the possibility of more serious health problems, you might want to take an all-points approach to erasing erectile dysfunction. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_462 Whenever you hear about ways to curtail incontinence, the word Kegel pops up. Named after Dr Arnold Kegel, the doctor who first advocated the technique, the exercises are an easy way to strengthen the muscles that retain your urine. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_463 The plaintive cries of a colicky child can stress parents to the max and even put them into a panic. So the first order on the agenda: relax. Take a break. If there are two of you, take turns. If not, get a friend to stand in for you now and then. To calm the crying, first check the most obvious causes of distress-hunger, wet nappy, excessive heat or cold, or simply wanting to be held. Then try the time-tested strategies below. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_464 When nature takes its course, eventually a baby results. Except that sometimes it doesn't. Doctors now know that men and women are equally likely to be infertile. But no matter who is "to blame" for an inability to conceive, couples must work together to find a solution. Making a baby is, after all, a collaborative undertaking. Here are ways to help make it successful. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_465 What you can do When nature takes its course, eventually a baby results. Except that sometimes it doesn't. Making a baby is a collaborative undertaking. Here are ways to help make it successful. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_466 Toenail care is probably not high on your list of skills to master, but when an ingrowing nail is bothering you, it's amazing how quickly you can develop an interest in the subject. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_467 For some bugs, insect repellent is an effective deterrent. Others, however, seem eternally bold, and their bites are as bad as their buzz. Here's how to recover from sneak attacks. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_468 When you need quick relief from cramps or lower-back pain, ibuprofen can help. In addition, there are many other ways to find relief and-with patience and foresight-prevent next month's discomfort. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_469 You may be joyfully embracing the notion that a new life is growing inside you, but your body seems to be doing anything but. Considering how queasy you're feeling, you have a perfect right to mutter a few unprintable words and snap at your significant other now and then. When your stomach feels like it's riding the seven seas, try these strategies to calm, soothe, and settle. But first, check with your doctor before ingesting any home remedy while you're pregnant. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_470 That little crater in your mouth causes more pain than anything so small deserves to. Rest assured that in a week or two, your ulcer will be history. Meanwhile, here are ways to blunt the pain. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_471 Something as simple as heat or massage can strong-hand cramps into submission. Once the agony is over, it's important to mount an anti-cramp campaign. Your body is probably yearning for potassium, magnesium, and calcium-the trio of minerals that helps regulate activity in your nerves and muscles. (You have potassium aplenty if you eat fruits and veggies, but you may be potassium poor if you're on a high-protein diet.) You'll also need to drink plenty of water and stretch your limits regularly. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_472 What you can do The sight of a child's raw, red bottom can fill a parent with guilt, especially if the baby is wailing in discomfort. Obviously, the treatment for nappy rash is to change your baby's nappy frequently. But sometimes even that doesn't seem to help. What to do? Try a new cleansing technique, give baby's bottom some air, and use the right ointment to provide protection. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_473 When nausea tells you that something inside your stomach wants to get out, doctors agree that you shouldn't try to induce vomiting. But if it's going to happen naturally, then go ahead and let it. If you have a milder case of queasiness, try these tummy tamers to get your stomach feeling like it's back on dry land instead of tossing on stormy seas. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_474 Most of us have slept in a funny position or sat for too long in front of a computer or a project such as knitting or woodworking, only to endure painful neck or shoulder stiffness as a result. Or maybe you gabbed on the phone with the handset cradled between your ear and shoulder. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_475 They tend to occur at the most inopportune moments, and the sudden gushing of blood from your face can be both embarrassing and frightening, especially since a small amount can seem like gallons when it's soaking tissue after tissue with crimson. Don't panic. Usually you can halt a nosebleed-and save face-in a matter of minutes. Here are some effective ways to do it. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_476 What you can do Conjunctivitis can itch. It can hurt. It can look awful. It can also injure your eyes, and if caused by bacteria or a virus, can spread like the plague. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_477 If you're the snorer in your household, lucky you. After all, you're the only one who can sleep right through the thunderous racket. Changing your sleeping position may be all it takes, but a larger project-namely, losing weight-is often the real ticket to tranquil nights. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_478 An over-the-counter pain reliever will give you temporary relief. Bolster your immune system with vitamins, herbs and good nutrition. The obvious supplement candidates are vitamins C and E, the minerals zinc and magnesium, and immune-boosting herbs such as goldenseal and astragalus. Also cook or supplement with garlic, ginger, shiitake mushrooms and reishi mushrooms, all of which have immune-boosting properties. And use gargles, teas or a coating of honey. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_479 You may remember as a child having a needle-wielding parent dig a splinter out of your skin while you wiggled and winced. The sharp prick of the needle was probably worse than the splinter itself. Alas, a sterilized needle and a set of tweezers are still standard tools for splinter removal today. But try these tricks to help coax slivers out of skin with less pain and suffering. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_480 If you have the complexion of boiled lobster and you're in significant pain, take aspirin, ibuprofen, or some other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug to reduce the swelling and relieve the pain. And of course, do what you'd do for any other type of burn: cool it with water. You may also want to use one of the sunburn sprays, sold in the pharmacy, that contain numbing ingredients. Finally, make sure to learn your lesson and remember to wear sunscreen next time you venture out into the sun. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_481 When a baby cuts a new tooth, both baby and parents suffer. The baby-care section in your local pharmacy offers over-the-counter baby painkillers that can ease the pain, but be sure to consult with your paediatrician and follow label directions. Of course, that's just one option for relieving your child's teething troubles. For plenty more, see the remedies below. But whatever you try, the main ingredient will be parental patience during those fussy weeks when the first teeth emerge. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_482 Toothaches range from throbbing to excruciating, but with a good dentist as your ally, the pain should be short-lived. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_483 You don't have to see a doctor to get rid of a wart or verruca, although there are several medical approaches to doing so. They can be frozen with a squirt of liquid nitrogen or burned off using lasers or an electric needle. At the pharmacy, you'll find several cures, including liquids and plasters containing salicylic acid, which has a peeling effect. (These can be harsh, so be sure to follow the directions on the label). Here are some of the best alternative cures. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_484 Just bringing up the subject of flatulence starts people giggling, but when it's you who's passing gas, you probably don't regard it as a laughing matter. Try cutting out gas-causing foods, chewing on gas-relieving seeds after a meal and taking steps to help your body digest food more completely. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_485 Most women suffer the itching and discomfort of a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lives. You can treat it with an over-the-counter antifungal cream, or your doctor can prescribe an oral antifungal drug. Other measures are also helpful: the remedies here are for vaginal infections. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_486 Feeling bone-tired, as so many people do, is disheartening, demoralizing, and frustrating. Life is passing by, and you can't keep up with it. Willpower doesn't work, so what does? Sometimes your best bet is a total energy makeover-changes in the way you eat, drink, and exercise. Or maybe your solution is simple: slee. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to have your doctor test your blood for hypothyroidism, anaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and other conditions that can cause fatigue. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_488 "I will never take another drink for as long as I live!" So goes the mantra of anyone who has ever woken up with a hammering headache and a stomach rolling around like an old sneaker in a washing machine. First advice: if you feel as if you have to throw up, don't resist the urge. Vomiting is the body's way of ridding itself of toxins. And don't reach for a painkiller. These can harm your liver if you've been drinking. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_490 Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa tamed their tummies with some of these comforting cures, and you may have luck with them too. You'll also want to cast a critical eye over the foods you eat-as well as how often and how much. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/communities/food_recipe.jsp?mccid_cid=66_491 Insomnia can become a real nightmare as the clock ticks on into the night and you're awake to notice. A relaxing cup of tea, a whiff of lavender oil, smarter scheduling of sleep, and other tactics can summon the sandman and help you awaken less tired and cranky come morning. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=963 From the time your first tooth poked its way through your tender gums, those pearly whites have played an enormous role in your life. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=964 Your toothbrush isn't the only weapon capable of protecting your teeth -- your diet helps too! In addition to brushing and flossing, a healthful diet (with natural or added fluoride) protects teeth from decay and keeps the gums healthy. Read on to discover how to keep your smile safe and strong. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=965 Taking care of your teeth is important. Find out who needs a dental exam, when to do it, and how it's done. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=967 Sometimes, a toothbrush may not perform a thorough job and remove all food particles trapped in inconspicuous places. This is where flossing comes in, as it helps to remove plaque and food particles usually found under the gumline and between your teeth. Flossing should be done daily, possibly after meals. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=975 Doctors have long acknowledged that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is extremely tricky to treat. Caused by abnormal contractions in the colon, symptoms (including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation), can be debilitating over a lifetime. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=936 Grab a friend and sign up for small group training, now available at most health clubs. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=943 Some people vouch for the effect of foods on their sex drive, but extravagant claims for aphrodisiacs are not borne out by scientific studies. While sexual function may be our physical response to a cascade of hormones, sexual drive is basically maintained by an active mind in a healthy body. Here are the essentials: http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=521 People typically get nosebleeds from things like dry weather, blowing or picking. But sometimes a nosebleed can be more serious. Here's when to seek medical attention, says Dr. Michael C. Fabian, an ear, nose and throat specialist in Toronto: http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=524 Today you can get professional exercise assistance with a little help from your iPod, video-game console and PDA. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=525 Analgesic drugs are the most frequently used medication, yet women who habitually pop a few every day may be raising their chances of getting high blood pressure. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=397 Once hair falls out, it won't grow back. strong> p> Often hair loss can be corrected by altering diet, using medications or treating a specific medical cause, such as thyroid disease or anaemia. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=357 As you age, you lose the power to focus your eyes, a problem commonly known as eyestrain. "It's a gradual process that happens to everyone," says Dr Maria Imelda Yap-Veloso, an ophthalmologist at the Asian Eye Institute in Manila. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=358 1. Drink alcohol strong> p>In moderation, that is. A US study of older women found that those who reported drinking (typically 1-2 drinks a day) had a 40 per cent lower risk of cognitive decline that those who claimed to drink nothing. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=359 You and a friend strap on your pedometers and go for a walk. Afterwards, your devices show different totals. That's because some of these gadgets work better than others. When University of Tennessee experts tested 13 pedometers, eight either over- or underestimated the number of steps - one by 45 per cent! Fabio Comana of the American Council on Exercise offers these tips for picking a reliable and accurate pedometer: http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=320 There has been widespread concern recently that chemicals in hair dye - which is used by a third of all women in Europe and North America - could cause bladder cancer, among other things. So how worried should we be? http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=321 Running on a treadmill going nowhere or pushing weights through mindless repetitions can get so boring. Try functional fitness. You can build strength, agility and stabilising skills in a way that carries over into everyday life. You lift weights so you can carry a heavy bag, or sprint so you can catch a bus. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=322 Your digestive system seems to be out of control. Either you can't stay off the toilet, or your stomach is tied in knots. Your bowel movements are loose and runny, or unusually hard. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=323 I went deaf in one ear quite suddenly 12 years ago. I spent hours lying on my side with ear drops, trying to dislodge the blockage that was somehow in my right ear. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=282 "Thou dost snore distinctly," William Shakespeare wrote in The Tempest. "There's meaning in thy snores." Modern science is proving that the Bard was on to something. Studies have shown that the louder you snore, the more likely you have a medical problem. One condition associated with snoring is obstructive sleep apnoea, which has potential complications like hypertension, heart attack, stroke and early dementia. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=283 1. It boosts the immune system strong> p>Our ability to fight infections tends to decline as we get older, but studies show that older people who get six hours of moderate exercise a week have an immune response similar to that of someone in their 20s. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=284 Being thankful can be good for your health. Research has shown that people who write lists of things they're grateful for spend more time exercising and sleep better than those who don't. "Gratitude is like putting on a new pair of glasses," says Charles Shelton, a Jesuit priest and psychologist at Regis University. "We see things in different ways." Like exercise, gratitude has to become a habit to work. And like exercise, it gets easier. Try it: Keep a journal, pray or meditate. Write what you're grateful for on index cards and toss them in a blessings jar to read over when you're blue. Or put the jar on the dinner table to spread your gratitude and good health. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=285 Cigar-smoking has gained in popularity. In the US use rose more than 50 per cent between 1993 and 2000, helped by a fad among celebrities. Cigar smoke, like pipe smoke, is not traditionally inhaled: does this make it less harmful? http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=103 We've all heard about the rise of diabetes, but a related disease called impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) hasn't received much recognition. IGT sufferers have a reduced ability to regulate sugar levels in their blood. "It's the same problem as diabetes but in a milder form," says Dr Gauden Galea, a public health physician at the regional office of the World Health Organisation in Manila. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=104 So you routinely get by on a few hours' sleep? You may be making yourself fatter. Researchers at the University of Chicago studied a group of healthy volunteers who were allowed to sleep for just four hours a night for two nights, and found their bodies showed an 18% decrease in leptin, a hormone that tells the brain you've eaten enough, and a 28% increase in ghrelin, which triggers hunger. A different study of 18,000 people also found those on five hours' sleep a night are 50% more likely to be obese as those getting 7-9 hours. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=105 As a heart surgeon at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/ Columbia University Medical Centre in New York, I have to deliver a lot of bad news. Humour is a wonderful tool. It helps patients cope with what they're facing, and it helps them get better too. There's a lot of data showing that patients who are depressed after heart surgery have a higher mortality rate, and optimistic patients have significantly fewer wound infections. Laughter can cultivate that optimism, and it truly is the best medicine in many ways: http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=106 Listening to music while you toil in the gym is not a sign of a short attention span or a lack of inner resources: quite the reverse, in fact. It can help to sharpen your mind. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=107 Breast milk is the ideal food for infants. Besides providing essential nutrients, it contains living cells, enzymes and antibodies that help protect babies against common childhood diseases. What's more, it might help prevent nearsightedness. A study by the National University of Singapore and National University Hospital of nearly 800 children aged ten to 12 years found that those who were breast-fed had lower rates of myopia than kids who were not breast-fed (62 per cent compared to 69 per cent). http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=62 Want to help a younger smoker quit? Text message them on their mobile phone. p>A New Zealand study has found young smokers receiving encouraging text messages while trying to give up cigarettes had their chance of quitting doubled. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=63 Few of us get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night, and many who have time to nap don't, for fear of spoiling night-time sleep. But sleep researchers say napping doesn't make nodding off at night more difficult a�� and it may even sharpen your mind. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=64 Aloe vera is a plant that has been used to heal skin for more than 2000 years. A review in the journal of the US Academy of General Dentistry reports it can also be used to treat oral health problems such as ulcers, cold sores, herpes simplex viruses, lichen planus (a disease of the skin and mucus membranes) and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=27 Not only wild animals, but those in zoos and farms, carry such diseases as E. coli, a bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhoea or even kidney failure. All your child has to do is touch a contaminated surface, then their mouth, says veterinarian Dr Nina Marano. "Droppings get on fences, fur and straw, and you can carry E. coli on your hands, clothes or shoes," adds Dr William Schaffner, an expert on infectious diseases. Here's how to keep kids visiting zoos or wildlife parks safe: http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=28 Sleep can sometimes become difficult as we get older. But a joint study at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, and the Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital in Hualien, Taiwan, shows that listening to gentle music at bedtime can help. Monitoring 60 people aged 60-83 with sleep difficulties, researchers found that spending 45 minutes listening to slow, soft music lowered heart and respiratory rates, improving sleep quality by 26 per cent in the first week, and more as the study went on and the subjects mastered the relaxation technique. http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=29 Just as you've inherited your father's prominent nose and your mother's green eyes, you may also get his diabetes and her high blood pressure. The United States Surgeon General's Family History Initiative explains why it's important to keep track: http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=30 Invest in a pedometer and you'll walk further. That's the word from a recent study in the American journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. The researchers found that participants who were told to fit in a 30-minute walk on most, or preferably all, days of the week took an average of about 8720 steps a day, while those told to clock up 10,000 steps as part of their regular exercise took an average of 10,519 steps a day. Time to start counting. How do you measure up? http://www.readersdigest.com.sg/rd/rdhtml/en/magazine/mag_content.jsp?cid=31 Distract a sick child with a virtual reality video game and it won't hurt as much. So say researchers from the University of South Australia who have been studying the effects of virtual pain relief on younger patients having post-operative physiotherapy. Project leader, Associate Professor Karen Grimmer, said the project found a 41 per cent reduction in pain for children who tried the game. While having their physio treatment, which can often be exceptionally gruelling, the young patients wear head-mounted goggles and watch a video game that involves shooting monsters. As well as providing a mentally stimulating distraction, the game gets the thumbs up from the kids in the enjoyment stakes.