Debunking Summer Health Myths

1. "Wait a half hour after eating before you can safely go swimming." This one seemed almost universally accepted when I was a child and is still believed today. The myth involves the possibility of suffering severe muscle cramping and drowning from swimming on a full stomach. While it's true that the digestive process does divert the circulation of the blood toward the gut and to a certain extent, away from the muscles, the fact is that an episode of drowning caused by swimming on a full stomach has never been documented. Neither the American Academy of Pediatrics nor the American Red Cross makes any specific recommendations about waiting any amount of time after eating before taking a swim. There's a theoretical possibility that one could develop a cramp while swimming with a full stomach, but a person swimming in a pool or controlled swimming area could easily exit the water if this happens. As with any exercise after eating, swimming right after a big meal might be uncomfortable, but it won't cause you to drown.

2. "Sunburn will fade into a tan," or "You need to burn first before you start to tan." Sunburn is a burn and not a prerequisite stage for a tan. Sunburn will result in skin damage, redness, and eventual peeling. Any amount of sun exposure poses an increased risk for the development of skin cancers and premature aging, but sunburn poses an even stronger risk.

3. "Dark-skinned people don't need sunscreen." People with lighter skins have less melanin, the pigment that absorbs UV radiation and protects skin, than darker-skinned people. While light-skinned people will be very sensitive to the effects of UV rays from the sun, those with darker skins can still be affected by damaging UV radiation. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends routine sunscreen use (with an SPF of at least 15) for dark-skinned people.

4. Finally, there's the watermelon-seed myth. No, the seeds won't germinate and grow in your stomach if you swallow them. There is a very small risk of damage to the intestine (inflammation, obstruction, or a wound or tear in the bowel) from swallowing any small, sharp object such as a seed. A watermelon or other type of seed could potentially lodge inside the appendix and lead to appendicitis, but this is very unlikely to happen. The benefits of including fruit in your diet far outweigh any risks associated with swallowing seeds.

source: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=47368

7/2009

Medical Author: Melissa Stoppler, M.D.
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR

How to get more sleep

Many of us are suffering from lack of sleep. Whether we're not sleeping at all or only grabbing a few hours. Lets try and change that. Jump on board the sleep train, and but your body to the test. Plenty of rest keeps you healthy and alert.

Get started with these great tips.

1. Nap
Contrary to all the sleep sources that say to avoid napping during the day in order to sleep better at night, I believe it is actually a good idea to nap every day. But in order to make this work it is vital to stick to three rules:

• Nap regularly
• Keep it short, and
• Make it in the early afternoon

2. Make your room colder
Your body needs to cool down in order to fall asleep and stay asleep, so do what you can to make your room cool. The ideal sleeping temp is between 64 and 74 degrees. Find what works for you.

3. Exercise intensely, daily
Don’t just “exercise”, but do so intensely, to the point of feeling physical exhaustion. At the end of the day, this is probably the single best thing for helping induce deep, restorative sleep. For some "intensely" may mean running 5 miles, for others it may mean a brisk 20 minute walk that elevates the heart rate. Physical tiredness is absolutely essential to getting a good night’s sleep.

4. Get out in the sunlight soon after waking up in the morning

5. Don’t watch TV
Avoid watching TV (or looking at a computer screen) at least 30 minutes before you go to bed.

6.Find a bedtime ritual that works for you
IE. Shower and read a nice book before bed each night

7. Keep your room de-cluttered
Looking at a messy room before you fall asleep can keep you awake- maybe you'll want to get up and clean instead of sleep, or your worrying about all that you have to do the next day.

8. Avoid caffeine late in the day
It won't only keep your body moving, but it tends to be a diuretic (may make you need to get up for the bathroom frequently)


Have any tips that help YOU get to sleep? Share them with me, and I'll feature them here.
email me at: purrfectdsgn@yahoo.com
OR
Click on comments below and tell us your sleep secret

Thanks for reading
By: Cathie
orangehealth.blogspot.com

source: http://www.spine-health.com/blog/sleep-and-insomnia/11-unconventional-sleep-tips-how-get-sleep-and-stay-asleep 7/22/09

Have a Safe and Healthy Summer

Eat right and exercise, sure. But there is more to a healthy lifestyle than that.

1. Eat more berries. Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries- all loaded with antioxidants. These juicy fruits are great for your skin.

2. Floss daily. Flossing and keeping your teeth clean are important parts of keeping your overall health in check.

3. Exercise outdoors. Sure weight machines and treadmills are great- but getting some fresh air while the weather allows is a great thing for your lungs. Some ideas for your outside adventures; going on a hike, taking a nature walk, playing games such as tag with your kids, cycling, roller blading, or swimming.

4. Protect your eyes. When outdoors, wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of ultraviolet A and B rays. Sunglasses can help prevent cataracts, as well as wrinkles around the eyes.

5. Drink Lite. Summer's a great time to skip drinks with hard alcohol and choose a light, chilled alcoholic beverage. Some suggestions; sangria, lite beer, or a wine spritzer.

6. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Getting enough rest is very important in your over all health.
Lack of sleep leads to weight gain, mood swings, and inability to focus. Get your zzzzzzz's. Some get to bed tips; exercise daily, avoid alcohol and caffeine with-in 3 hours of bed-time, have quiet time before bed, read by dim light, or snuggle with your significant other.

7. Sunblock. Protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. As great as you make look with a tan, years from now you'll have wrinkles and as they say "leather skin". Avoid that with minimum 30SPF sunscreen. Try Neutrogena Sunblock SPF 45, or the Aveeno line is great.
Find out more about aveeno.


Enjoy the rest of the summer. Stay safe and be healthy.
By: Cathie

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contact Cathie email: purrfectdsgn@yahoo.com