How to Stay Hydrated

Okay, we know drinking water is important, second only to breathing. But, we don’t want to submerge ourselves in the dire consequences of inadequate hydration. So, let’s kick the fear and drink up the positivity.

The “Me” you want to see at its best is as unique as your adequate level of hydration, which varies every day. But don’t worry, you have a built-in analytic to help you calibrate your daily needs: thirstiness. If you aren’t a thirsty person, it is not hard to become one. Getting in touch with your body and learning a new skill will only take a few days of practice, or less.

But how much is hydrated? According to the folks at The Pharmacy. Divide your weight by two and use that number as the number of fluid ounces you should swim toward. For example, a 150-pound woman would choose to drink 75 ounces of water a day.

The easiest way to stay hydrated is to keep your drink with you. Treat it like your smartphone. There are many options out there to personalize your path to healthy water intake levels. From the classic water bottle to the humble gallon jug, there are even day-sized tankers with written encouragement to track your progress.

At first, getting your sip-game on might feel a little out of the ordinary. To overcome this, pair your gulps with something else you do regularly. Remember that smartphone? Hydrate a little every time you take a look. You can even set alarms or download apps to keep yourself going strong.

Positive reinforcement is an excellent way to re-invigorate and center yourself. Did something provoke your anxiety? Take a break and celebrate your choice to take care of yourself with some cool, delicious, drink. Bored? Take a moment to enliven your thoughts on the inspiring waves of a few good ounces. Hungry? Have a healthy snack. We gather almost twenty percent of our daily fluid needs through food, and water goes great with munchies. If you ever feel like you’re not keeping up, there is nothing wrong with an extra sip.

The most important thing is to feel good while you are treating your body well. You will find your own pace and that simple love will carry you far beyond any strict regimen or self-deprecating discipline.

So, what’s the best way to hydrate? While plain old water will never be wrong, there are plenty of options if you need some flavor. Try zero-calorie sweeteners packed with absorption enhancing vitamins and minerals, or uncaffeinated stand-bys like herbal infusions. Do your best to avoid high-calorie, heavily caffeinated, and sodium-rich choices, which can delay or prevent your absorption of fluids.

Now, you’re ready to hydrate. You’ve got your goal and your favorite flavors. What will happen in the first couple of days?

Expect to be in a better and more balanced mood, with clarity in your thoughts and energy in your body. You’ll even sleep more soundly knowing what good you’ve done for yourself. Congratulations, you’re going to do great!

How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

There are numerous ill blood pressure categories that would mean that you are in an elevated subgroup if the measurement is anything above 120/80 mm Hg that is considered the normal range. Worse even is the hypertension stages 1 and 2 that can mean that it is something to be concerned about to the degree that a wise doctor will probably give a prescription of medicine and help the patient to make ideal lifestyle changes such as those to be discussed here. Anything that suddenly exceeds 180/120 mm Hg can require immediate medical attention at a hospital in order to prevent medical trauma or even fatality.

So what are some of the more well-known ways to lower blood pressure without having to take the medicine that could have ill side effects or expenses? The first suggestion if a person is overweight would be to plan a diet so that some of the excess pounds can be shed. That is because blood pressure usually corresponds to the weight such that it increases along with the body weight. Along with this, it is important to keep the waist measurement at a reasonable proportion with anything more than 40 inches considered faulty in men and over 35 inches unreasonable for women.

Another great way to lower the systolic and diastolic measurements is to get a nice amount of exercise each day. It is considered that around 30 minutes per day will be enough to bring the blood pressure down by 5 to 8 mm Hg when a person is experiencing elevated readings. There are all sorts of aerobic exercises that you might consider in order to keep a variety in the routine so that it does not become too boring. This might include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or even dancing which has recently had some exciting developments in Zumba, Jazzercise, ballet dancing, and even belly dancing to top it all off.

Of course, an overall healthy diet will contribute to general good health in many areas including this blood pressure. It is best to avoid too much-saturated fat and cholesterol while still getting a diverse range of items such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy. All of these meals should be low in sodium because it has been shown that for high-pressure patients even a small decrease can get the bp down about 5 to 6 mm Hg.

Finally, the vices of a partying lifestyle such as alcohol and smoking can also be one of the things leading to a high blood pressure reading. It is best to quit these habits completely or at least to try and limit the intake as much as possible over the years. Follow some of these ideal steps and things should get low enough to manage without all of the dreaded medication that many do not want to have to deal with. These aforementioned lifestyle changes can also be what leads to better overall health in many other areas as well.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Depression

Depression is a psychological disorder that affects many people. It is a fact that many individuals struggle to bring up the subject or even acknowledge that they have a problem with it. Therefore, make sure you know how to talk to a doctor about depression so that you and the doctor can communicate successfully and get the care you need. Although you may be ashamed to ask for assistance, it is normal to feel this way. Depression is a frequent ailment, and your doctor is already well-versed on the subject matter, so there is nothing to be afraid of.

To bring up the subject of depression with your doctor, tell them that you have not been acting like yourself and that you think you may be distressed. This will make it easier for your doctor to provide you with the support you require. A consultation with your doctor will be necessary. However, it would be best if you first chose whether or not you want to enlist the assistance of a third party. Before visiting a doctor for depression, some patients require a support structure to help them through the process.

To make the best decision, you may want to ask yourself whether someone else will accompany or urge you when it comes time to visit a doctor. People who practice religion may benefit from speaking with their pastor or priest about their situation. If you have a personal family member or friend who has suffered from depression, ask him to accompany you to your appointment.

Comfort might come from the presence of a person who has been in a comparable situation.
In the meanwhile, do not even downplay the problem when discussing it with your doctor. It is imperative, to be honest about how severe your symptoms are. Be open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms and emotions to best assist you in managing your depression. Being upfront and honest with your doctor is the most distinctive approach to getting the finest care possible. You will also need to be very clear about the situation at hand.

In addition to being honest, you must also be honest about your symptoms. Avoid contradiction while discussing these issues. Rather than assuming you have a mental disease, your doctor is likely to think you have a physiological ailment. Confusion may be avoided by being as specific as possible.

Like this, you will need to talk to your doctor about any adjustments to your prescription regimen. As part of a discussion about depression with your doctor, including any changes in your pharmaceutical regimen. Certain drugs used to alleviate medical disorders include side effects like melancholy or despair, which might be exacerbating your depression symptoms if you are changing your routine.

That is why it is important to tell your doctor about everything you take, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. You will also need to discuss your alternative approaches. When it comes to treating depression, prescription drugs are a superior treatment choice, but they are not the only ones. Depression may be alleviated by self-help methods such as positive affirmations or alternative therapies like massage or yoga. Consult your physician about all of your alternatives so that you can make an informed decision that is in line with your values and priorities.

In the end, you have the option of requesting a referral. Primary care doctors may prescribe medication, but they are not skilled in treating mental health issues. To begin with, you must be very particular that what you are feeling is depression. Your mental health expert will next help you choose the best course of therapy for you.

What are Superfoods and How You Can Use Them

A superfood is a food considered incredibly nutritious or otherwise beneficial to health and well-being. It is typically associated with providing enhanced nutrition beyond the basics without taking supplements.

Superfoods are either nutrient-rich or low in calories. They’re packed full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that benefit our health – but because they’re not calorie-dense (high in fat or sugar), it’s easy to eat them without tucking into too many extra calories. This makes it easier for us to meet the daily recommended intake of five fruits and veg and other healthy foods like oily fish.

What makes one food “super” will depend on your personal preference – so you could say kale is a superfood but so is pomegranate! We all have different ideas about what counts as delicious and nutritious, so there isn’t a list of superfoods everyone would agree on.

Superfoods are also often in season; when there’s plenty of them about at their best, you’re less likely to be able to eat copious amounts without putting on weight because they won’t cost you that many calories.

Superfoods can bring us an array of benefits, too. They offer a way to make healthy food taste great; the nutrients in fruit and veg help our bodies function better both inside and out.

Some superfoods even contain antioxidants that protect cells from damage by “free radicals.” free radicals have been linked to aging and illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and dementia, not something you want hanging around your body!

Here are a few examples of superfoods to add to your shopping list:

Blueberries – they’re a rich source of vitamin C, not to mention antioxidants and fiber. They can help us maintain a healthy heart and immune system, reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer, improve eyesight and boost lung function.

Kale
known for being high in calcium (great for strong bones), potassium (for lowering blood pressure), and vitamin K (to help protect cells from damage). It also contains lutein, which helps prevent age-related sight loss.

Oats

Low GI carbohydrates have been shown to lower cholesterol levels when included as part of a healthy diet. They’re an easy cook with and can be used in baking, too.

Pomegranate

It is bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C. It has been shown to help lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease and cancer.

Salmon

Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is good for your brain, joints, and eyes. Eating oily fish like salmon twice a week can reduce the risk of depression by up to 30%

Watercress

Great for supporting immunity as it contains high levels of vitamin C plus calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. It’s also full of antioxidants that may help slow down aging.

How can you use them?

If you’re not sure where to start, try s popular dish made from a superfood or two – for example, our salmon and watercress salad recipe.

Combining ingredients can make healthy dishes even tastier. If you want to be super-efficient at the supermarket, look out for Tesco’s Healthy Living banner – it means we’ve approved a product as being exceptionally nutritious!

When it comes to superfoods, there isn’t one ‘right’ choice – but you’ll find a whole host Tesco on our online shopping so you can enjoy all your favorites from acai berries to za’atar.

Taking Folic Acid While Pregnant – The Benefits

Many people are concerned about taking folic acid for their children because of its negative effects on their unborn babies. Folic acids are part of a pregnant woman’s natural birth control, which has negative consequences when used during the last trimester. However, folic acid can actually be beneficial to you and your baby if you were to take it during your pregnancy. You should also consider all of the possible benefits of folic acid since its main purpose is to reduce the risk of neural defects in newborns. Here are just a few of the many benefits of folic acid that you can enjoy once you give birth to your child:

 

The first benefit of taking folic acid is that it helps to increase the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, including the organs that use them. Folic acid helps to make sure that your baby receives the right amount of oxygen and nutrients, which can help him/her survive and grow healthy.

 

The second benefit of taking folic acid is that it can reduce the risk of kidney disease. It has been proven that women who took folic acid during their first pregnancy were less likely to have their babies develop kidney disease as they got older. If you think you might have kidney disease, your doctor will most likely recommend that you take folic acid, which can either be taken by mouth or in a supplement form.

 

The third benefit of taking folic acid is that it can prevent problems with the blood pressure and heart rate of a developing child. If you’re trying to conceive, you should be aware of your family’s medical history, so you can be sure to ask your doctor about the possible benefits of taking folic acid. The recommended daily dose is usually either one or two grams are taken either intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or orally once a day. There are no dosage recommendations for infants, pregnant women or those taking medications.

 

The fourth benefit of taking folic acid while pregnant is that it can protect you against sudden infant death syndrome. Sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is a condition where the infant suddenly dies within a short period of time. This can be both tragic and terrifying, particularly if it happened while you were pregnant. Many doctors believe that SIDS is linked to problems with the placenta and birth canal, but the exact cause is not known. If you are interested in learning more about this condition, you may want to speak with your doctor or obstetrician.

 

The last benefit of taking folic acid during pregnancy is that it can help to prevent a birth defect such as a cleft palate. In addition, it can also reduce the risk of having a serious condition such as preeclampsia or diabetes. Many of these conditions are associated with high blood pressure, which is another reason to be concerned about the first three months of pregnancy. Although many women who are pregnant do experience some side effects, such as morning sickness, they rarely suffer from serious defects and generally feel better after a few days.

Get Your Z’s: Sleeping More Can Improve Your Health

Most people on average are not getting the rest they need. Whether it’s long hours on the job or simply staying up to have fun, you can deprive your body of much-needed sleep, and that’s not good for your overall health. On average you need about seven to eight hours of rest, but it doesn’t hurt to get an hour and a half nap in there if possible. Here are several ways in which sleeping more can make you a lot healthier in the long run.

Improves Your Mood and Mind Function

When you get more rest, you will find that you will wake up in a more positive mood to conquer the world. Any task that requires concentration will get done the right way because your mind can function after having some downtime. You will find yourself smiling more and being able to concentrate with the ability to make better decisions because you have allowed your mind to rest.

Your Body is Not Under Stress

By going to bed at a decent time or simply taking a nap, you are lowering the stress level of your body. Your blood pressure goes down as well as your heart rate as your body finds itself in a relaxed state. That means that it can start to heal itself of all the worries and other harmful effects that it was put through so that you can be in a healthier frame of mind. Having your heart rate return to normal function can reduce strokes and heart attack risks as well as high blood pressure.

Helps To Control Your Weight

Getting the rest you need will cause you to do not to want to eat so heavy or eat right away. You find yourself wanting to take in the positivity of your body being in a relaxed state, which causes you to not be hungry. You can wake up eating a light healthy breakfast, or a light salad after a nap during the day. Also, as you get older you will notice that going to bed with a heavy stomach will keep you up at night. To avoid that, it’s best to eat at least a few hours before going to sleep but only having a light to medium meal. That way, your body can relax.

It Increases Your Energy

If you are into sports or simply enjoy being active during the day, getting more sleep will give you the energy you need to be the best at what you are doing. Plus, you have the energy you need to run or swim that extra mile. You find yourself beating your competitors because you are not exhausted.

Getting enough rest is important to handle the things you need to get done during the day. You don’t want to find yourself in a foul mood because your body is dragging from the lack of rest. The only way you will get anything accomplished is if you get more sleep.

Sun Safety Risks That Might Surprise You

You know that you need to slather on sunscreen if you love soaking up the sun. But it’s not always easy in this modern world, and even people with a lot of sun safety sense might unintentionally expose themselves to more risk than they think.

Even though many Americans are aware that we should be using sunscreen regularly for greater protection against skin cancer risks like melanoma (which kills over 2-3% of its victims), recent studies show us just how difficult it is – when outside during peak hours or working around dangerous equipment without shade at work, most people don’t use enough SPF 30+; while indoors under an air conditioner all day long puts them right back into danger again!

With summer in full swing, you’ve probably noticed the number on your sunscreen bottle. SPF stands for sun protection factor and this is a guide to how long it would take before UVB burns without being protected with an appropriate level of SPF coverage.

It means that if you have used 30-SPF then your skin should be able to withstand exposure from sunlight up to thirty times longer than when unprotected! The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests wearing at least 15+ during any kind of outdoor activity or alternatively use SPFs between 20-30 while enjoying some time outdoors like going swimming or biking through parks and green space.

While you may have known that there are two types of harmful rays from the sun, UVB and UVA, it is important to know what these both do. While they won’t cause visible burns like those caused by UVBs in their own right, exposure to long-wave (UVA) can still lead to indirect damages; this includes wrinkles as well as potentially skin cancer if made frequent enough! So when looking for sunscreen make sure not only look out for broad-spectrum but also one with ingredients that protect against both.

You can avoid sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer by wearing sunscreen from head to toe. One way you know if your clothing is protecting you enough is if it’s too hot outside but not when the material covers just one part of your body, like an arm or leg.

How to Get More Folic Acid Naturally

Today, the United States has one of the highest rates of women experiencing deficiencies in folic acid. For a growing population of pregnant women, there is a definite link between low levels of folic acid and the development of birth defects such as brain defects, cleft palate, and amniotic fluid. The recommended daily allowance of folic acid for pregnant women is 100 mcg or more. However, the recommended daily intake for most adults is far lower. Here’s how to get more folic acid naturally through your diet.

Folic acid is found naturally in many common foods and beverages, including spinach, green leafy vegetables, cranberries, blackberries, and dark green leafy vegetables. It’s even found in some dried fruits, such as Lima beans, dates, and raisins. But as a powder form, it is not available in most supermarkets. Instead, you can get it by taking a supplement. There are many forms of supplements on the market, so make sure you read the label carefully.

The simplest way to get the amount you need is to eat more greens and fresh veggies. In particular, kale, spinach, turnips, and mustard greens are rich in this important nutrient. You may also want to consider taking a supplement if you are allergic to folic acid or have kidney problems. A high level of this substance may cause these conditions.

Other foods that naturally contain folic acid include blackberries, plums, prunes, cherries, and grapefruits. As with other nutrients, try to eat them raw, rather than cooked. Some manufacturers add a little extra of this substance in order to give you a boost when cooking, but it should still be avoided in most cases. If you must cook with it, make sure you choose only what’s naturally labeled as containing folic acid.

In addition to eating plenty of green and leafy vegetables, you should also add vitamin C supplements to your diet. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants out there, and it can help boost your immune system and fight off free radicals. If you don’t already have it, stock up on fresh fruits and veggies at the grocery store fruits in small portions. You can also get vitamin C from citrus fruit and fortified orange juice. If you’re not a big fan of fruit, just drink a glass of skim milk each day for a good source of vitamin C.

It’s really that simple to learn how to get more folic acid in your diet. The easiest way is by eating more foods containing this valuable nutrient, which will help boost your immune system. Another option is to take supplemental vitamins, which you can get at your local pharmacy. It might even be helpful to talk to your doctor before you decide on a supplement, as many of them can interact with certain medications.

Does Aspirin Really Help Your Heart?

Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory that can reduce your heart attack and stroke risks. This is why
aspirin and other arthritis pain relievers are commonly prescribed by doctors. However, does
aspirin really help your heart health? The answer depends on how it works and why.

Aspirin works by reducing the thickness of blood vessels. It reduces the dilation of blood vessels,
which leads to less blood flow to the heart. The more blood flow to the heart, the less heart attack
and stroke will take place. So aspirin actually has some beneficial effects in the treatment of
cardiovascular problems.

But aspirin does have some undesirable side effects. Most notably, people taking aspirin to treat
heart disease experience gastrointestinal problems like nausea and upset stomach. This is a
relatively benign side effect as most gastrointestinal problems will heal themselves. But the
short-term effects of aspirin on your stomach can be worrisome.

Besides this, aspirin also helps reduce the formation of clots. Clots are dangerous for people with
coronary diseases because they can break off from the heart and into the rest of the body. When
this happens, the person can die. So, aspirin definitely has its benefits but it is best that you use it
with caution or in moderation.

If you think aspirin is helpful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, what about side
effects? Some people experience liver problems when taking aspirin. Also, aspirin can help
increase cholesterol levels in the blood which is known to be a factor in heart attacks. In
addition, taking too much aspirin can lead to conditions such as ulcers. Ulcers are painful lesions
in the mouth that is caused by the breaking of the inner mucous membrane. So aspirin can
actually harm your heart and liver.

So, the answer to the question, “Does aspirin really help your heart health?” depends on the
severity of your condition. If you have just a little plaque on your arteries and not yet a
cardiovascular disease, then aspirin may actually be helpful. If your heart is hurting badly or if
your arteries are already clogged, then aspirin should be avoided. Always talk to your doctor
before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medication for your heart health. You can get
your medications from The Pharmacy.

One thing is for sure; if you have an aspirin allergy, then aspirin will do you no good. You may
find that it even causes your asthma to get worse. If you have a problem with allergies, then
aspirin should definitely be avoided. And remember, aspirin is only one of the many different
types of anti-inflammatory medications that can help your heart health.

Taking vitamins E and C are also beneficial to your heart health. Vitamins E improves the
production of nitric oxide, which relaxes your arteries and reduces the blood flow to your heart.
C strengthens the walls of blood vessels and helps to keep them from leaking. It also reduces the
risk of a stroke or a heart attack. There are many vitamins and herbs that are beneficial to your
health, but aspirin is definitely not one of them!

Managing Diabetes Properly

Managing diabetes is a challenge for many people, but if you are determined and willing to learn new ways to live with it, you can improve your quality of life. Managing diabetes is a lifelong commitment that you must make, but that you can certainly accomplish. Here, we will outline some tips that can help you manage diabetes and help keep your diabetes in check. It may take time and effort to implement these suggestions, but they will bring you one step closer to managing diabetes.

First, make sure you monitor your glucose levels closely. Your physician will be able to tell you the level that is appropriate for you, and once you have this number, you should strive to maintain it. If you feel yourself slipping into a diabetic symptoms-such as dizziness, blurry vision, or sweating-you need to make sure that your doctor knows about it. By monitoring your own health, you will be able to prevent the onset of complications and manage diabetes at its source.

Second, it is a good idea to learn how to cope with sudden fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. This can be especially problematic if you have had diabetes before, as it can be difficult to recognize when you are experiencing a breakout. For these reasons, it may be a good idea to enroll in a diabetes support group. You can talk to others who are dealing with the same challenges you face, as well as get tips from them on how to best manage your diabetes. These groups can also help you develop a better understanding of the foods that trigger your symptoms and teach you how to eat healthy to keep your blood sugar levels low.

Third, it is also important to manage diabetes if you want to avoid serious health problems and complications. Because the most serious complications associated with diabetes are related to heart disease, it is very important to regulate your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you smoke or drink, these can all increase your risk for developing diabetes, so it is also a good idea to stop. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, it is crucial to be in control of your blood glucose immediately in order to prevent long-term complications.

Fourth, it is important to manage diabetes because it has serious psychological and emotional consequences. If you experience excessive weight gain or fatigue, you can end up feeling depressed or hopeless. If you are continually trying to manage your blood sugar through injections or pills, you will likely withdraw from friends and family. In addition, if you are prescribed diabetes medication for treatment, you may feel that you are on your own and not able to rely on the services of others, which can lead to feelings of abandonment and stress.

Finally, it is important to manage diabetes, because it will help you to lead a normal life. The problems that you face with diabetes can often seem overwhelming, but if you learn how to manage them, you can gain a sense of control over your disease and improve your quality of life. There are many resources available for those who suffer from diabetes.

You should speak with your doctor to determine what type of help you need. Once you receive proper medical assistance, it will be easy for you to manage your diabetes and live a normal, happy life. It is a good idea to seek out information about how to manage diabetes before you have diabetes to make sure that you do not miss any signs of diabetic symptoms.

See Hubbard Young Pharmacy for all your diabetic supplies.