HealthStatus - How is your health? » Volume 52

Alcohol Awareness Month – Educating People On The Ill-Effects Of Alcoholism

HealthStatus — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:34:41 +0000

To attract the attention of local communities to the detrimental effects of alcoholism and alcohol-related issues, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence declared the month of April as Alcohol Awareness Month in 1987. Ever since then, Alcohol Awareness Month has continued to reach out to the American public with a valuable message regarding alcoholism – that it is not a moral fault but a treatable condition that can be successfully cured. The message emphasizes the fact that alcoholics are capable of complete recovery no matter how bad their addiction is.

Why Is Alcoholism A Serious Issue?

Most people consider alcoholism as an adult problem. However, one study conducted by NASD (National Alcohol Screening Day) states that about 20 percent of eighth graders, 35 percent of tenth graders and 48 percent of twelfth graders regularly consume alcohol. Due to the secret nature of alcohol use, it often goes unchecked or even unnoticed by guardians. Being unaware of the health risks and eager to gain peer acceptance, many kids and teens take to alcohol consumption that may eventually lead to issues like drunk driving, drug use and sexual assault.

Other groups of alcohol abusers prevalent in the United States include:

Professionals who regularly drink after a long, tiring day of work.
Pregnant women who consume alcohol, obviously being unaware that their babies face a higher risk of developing fetal alcohol syndrome.
Senior citizens who drink heavily out of loneliness.

Alcohol Use Among Kids And Teens

It has been noted that kids and teens who suffer from anxiety or depression often resort to alcohol consumption as a self-medication method. Kids who are isolated from the protective and understanding atmosphere of a family system may not have any other positive connections to keep them away from alcohol-involved peer groups. In addition, kids with weak coping skills, school-related stress or alcoholic family members are at an increased risk of adopting alcohol use. That makes alcohol abuse among kids and teens a pervasive issue that calls for immediate awareness programs and prevention action.

Sport Drinks And Vitamin Waters

HealthStatus — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:31:28 +0000

Water and electrolytes are essential for keeping the body hydrated and healthy. Most people are aware of the benefits of regular physical activity and exercise. But one should not forget the importance of keeping the body well hydrated during workouts. For many people drinking plain water is really boring. Sport drinks are a special type of beverage which provides the body with water and other necessary fluids containing carbohydrates and electrolytes. Similarly, vitamin water is a specially formulated drink that contains nutrients which are lacking in plain water. Such drinks not only hydrate the body but also provide it with useful vitamins and nutrients necessary for replenishment.

Types Of Sport Drinks

Most people are aware about the long term benefits of exercise. But exercise and intense physical activity can deplete the body of necessary fluids and even contribute to oxidative damage to cells and tissues. Sport drinks are an alternative to replenish these losses. They also help prevent the body from experiencing a great increase in body temperature during the workout session. Sport drinks can be classified into three different types:

Isotonic – These types of drinks are preferred by athletes who play team sports like football and rugby. They replace necessary fluids lost by sweating and increase energy levels by providing carbohydrates. These drinks can be consumed before, during and after physical activity.
Hypotonic – These drinks replace fluids lost due to physical activity but contain a low level of carbohydrates. Hypotonic drinks are suitable for a person who has just finished a game of tennis or an aerobics session as they do not provide a burst of energy but only replace lost fluids.
Hypertonic – These have higher carbohydrate content than Isotonic and Hypotonic drinks. They do not re-hydrate the body immediately as they are absorbed slowly by the body and replace lost energy rather than fluids.

Want To Look Younger And Beautiful? Take A Cold Shower!

HealthStatus — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:22:59 +0000

Warm showers are definitely pleasant to have, especially in the freezing cold months of the year. Why would anyone torture himself/herself by taking a cold shower in winter? And by cold we mean completely cold, not even warm or lukewarm! Now, this is really a torment!

But, there are people who take cold showers daily, irrespective of the time of the year. When you look at them, you’d find something in their looks, particularly those above 30. They look youthful, energetic, and have good skin. So, what’s so good about a cold shower that leaves you feeling fresh like a blooming flower?

Here are 4 amazing things that happen when you take a cold shower.

Your Blood Circulation Gets Better

When hot or warm water hits your body, blood gushes towards your skin and when cold water hits your body, blood flows towards your organs. So, drenching yourself with hot and cold water alternately leads to an active blood circulation throughout the body. This gives your skin a radiant glow. It keeps hypertension at bay. It also prevents the emergence of varicose veins and hardening of arteries. Besides, you feel fresher.

Spring Clean and Get Your Exercise

HealthStatus — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:15:15 +0000

Housecleaning is something that all of us have to do, whether we like it or not. Physical activity is something we should do, whether we like it or not. This spring why not turn your housecleaning into your exercise program? Doing regular household chores, such as washing the dishes or vacuuming does burn some calories and is certainly a lot healthier for you than sitting in front of the television. But in order for you to really get the most your of your house cleaning activity, you need to bump up your efforts and do some heavy duty cleaning and spring is just the time to do that. Clean out those closets. That’s right move everything out, this is will strengthen those muscles just like lifting weights. Move the furniture and vacuum under everything. Clean the windows inside and out. This is great for your shoulders and arms. Dust those base boards. Get down on your hands and knees or better yet duck walk around the perimeter of your room while you dust those base boards and feel the burn in your thighs. When is the last time you wiped down your walls? Dust collects on your walls too. So get a step stool and get to wiping down your walls. You may be surprised that your paint isn’t fading it is just getting covered up in dust.

Clean your window coverings. Vacuum or damp wipe your blinds and take your curtains down for a good washing, press and rehang. (Dry clean when necessary).

Polish that stainless steel sink. Get some polish, rub it on and wipe it off you will be surprised at the renewed shine and your arms will look more toned.

If you are pulling out the lawn furniture it will need a thorough cleaning before you start to use it. I have found that foaming bathroom spray works great on my lawn chairs kills mildew and makes them fresh looking.

And if you are really feeling adventurous clean the garage. Take everything out. Sweep off walls, sweep the floor, organize your stuff and then you can move it all back in. That will burn some serious calories.

Keep in mind that all this cleaning not only is making your home beautiful, your home healthier, but is also getting your body in better shape. So clean like you mean it and reap the health rewards.

Book Review: The Healthy Woman A Complete Guide for All Ages

HealthStatus — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:10:43 +0000

Book Review: The Healthy Woman A Complete Guide for All Ages by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

If you are looking for a one stop resource for women’s health concerns ranging from Heart Disease, Diabetes, Pregnancy, Respiratory Health to Healthy Aging then this is the book you need on your shelf. This book was compiled from information from U.S. Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and the National Institute of Health.

This book was published November of 2008 so it contains the latest information. It covers 23 topics in a text book like format that provides helpful information about symptoms, managing conditions, treatment alternatives and personal stories. There are illustrations, charts, and lists similar to a text book, a great reference tool. At the end of each chapter is a list of web sites for you to continue your research.

If you are a woman interested in managing your health this could be a great reference tool for you.