Health Briefs TV Reviews Sleep Deficiency in Children and Teens

A good night’s rest is needed by everyone and more so for children and teens. But getting enough sleep is usually not the case for America’s kids. Health Briefs TV reviews the causes and solutions in sleep deficiency.

Many parents let their children go to bed later than normal and sleep later than they should. Kids should be getting 10 to 11 hours of rest per night, but are falling short at sleeping for less than 9 hours. Lack of sleep can cause behavior problems, learning problems, eating problems and overall poor health. When children are tired in school they are not learning as well as they could be. Children from ages six to 12 who go to bed after 9 PM take longer to fall asleep, wake up more often during the night, and therefore, get less rest.  Teens also need to get enough rest.

Recommendations by health professionals suggest:

Insisting children and teenagers go to bed at the same time every night and rise at the same time every morning.

Leave digital devices in another room so to not distract from a restful sleep.

Reduce any caffeinated beverages two hours before bedtime.

Be sure homework and after school activities are completed and over early in the evening so kids are forced to study into regular bedtimes.

Health Briefs TV recommends adults set a good example for children of all ages by following the same guidelines.

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs TV videos on You Tube

View Heath Briefs Blogs

Health Briefs TV Reviews the Benefits of Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years to treat disease and help ease symptoms of health-related maladies. Eastern-based medicine is practiced nearly everywhere and is preferred by some as better than Western, or chemical-based medicine. Health Briefs TV reviews the benefits of herbal remedies for readers.

Nutritional supplements are common and highly used around the world. Most are good for us. Many of them work well. Some produce bad side effects and can clash with prescribed medication for a variety of illnesses and psychological problems. St. John’s Wort is a common herb that some people take to alleviate the symptoms of depression. It is sold in almost every grocery, drug and health food store in the United States. While it’s not known how it exactly works, it is thought to boost serotonin, a chemical in the brain. This is also how anti-depression medication works also. The herb can also lessen the effectiveness of birth control pills, blood thinners, and heart disease and cancer drugs. Yet, millions of people take St. John’s Wort every day, along with other herbal remedies.

Tumeric, which is derived from curry, can help ease arthritis pain. It contains cucumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces pain and swelling.

Cinnamon, a common spice, is widely-known to lower blood sugar and cholesterol.

Ginger root, when ground or minced and added to hot water, tea or soup, eases nausea and sooths upset stomachs. It’s available by the root or dried in capsules.

Andrographis can shorten summer colds, which are all too common in many parts of the country. Studies show that it eased symptoms of fatigue, sleeplessness, sore throat and runny nose up to 90 percent.

Health Briefs TV suggests reading the labels of herbal remedies before taking them. Ask your personal physician if it’s okay to take any herbal supplement if you are pregnant, or currently taking any other medication.

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs TV videos on You Tube

View Heath Briefs Blogs 

Health Briefs TV Reviews Misconceptions about Sugar

It is true that eating too much sugar can increase weight but raise the risk of developing diabetes. It’s just plain bad for us. From ice cream to berries, Health Briefs TV reviews misconceptions about sugar.

Remember the summer punch drink made with a gallon of water, a packet of dried juice mix and a whole cup of sugar? It didn’t seem like that drink was all that bad for us. In retrospect, it was. Consuming too much sugar can rot teeth, increase the risk of diabetes, add weight and advance the chance of heart disease. But it might also be good to know that there are natural sweeteners and added sugars.

Both natural and added sugars are not for us in small amounts. The added sweetener in ketchup is not unhealthful and won’t hurt anyone.  Natural sugar is found in fruits, vegetables and some dairy products. Again, consumed in small amounts and it’s not all that bad.

We get most of our added sugar from packaged foods and sugary drinks. Instead of those, Health Briefs TV suggests eating more whole foods, reducing the amount of sodas and packaged foods we eat and drinking plenty of water. Just keep in mind that most things consumed in moderation are better for us than when we feast on too many of them. Sugar – natural and processed – is okay.

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs videos on You Tube

View Heath Briefs Blogs 

The Health Briefs TV Show Reviews Water Safety Guidelines

There is no place more refreshing during the dog days of summer than in a pool, lake or ocean. But there is also danger in all of them.

The Health Briefs TV show reviews water safety guidelines for everyone. While many adults may consider themselves great swimmers, there are hazards to be aware of.

Public swimming pools can become very crowded. Small children can be accidently pushed under water or their bathing suits stuck in pool drains. Pool water can be over treated or under treated. Protect children by using flotation devices like vests or inflatable arm “wings”.  Invest in a pair of well-fitting goggles for every family member.  Lifeguards are at almost every public pool for the safety of everyone. Please pay attention and respect them.

Lakes have their own dangers. There can be a lot of rocks or stones to walk over and into when entering and leaving the water. For swimmers who are on a boat which is anchored in deep water, be aware of where the anchor located. The rope may lead farther away from the boat, but the anchor can be right under the swimmer. Use boat ladders to get in an out of the water and keep an eye on the back propellers. Be mindful of the lake’s natural inhabitants.

Oceans are great to enjoy during hot days. But it has its own dangers also. Waves can seem innocuous but knock a swimmer over hard. Rip currents are common and happen frequently. Swim parallel to the shore and until out of the current. Then swim diagonally to the shore. Always swim far from piers and jetties but close to the lifeguard stations.

The Health Briefs TV show also reminds readers to get out of the water when thunder is heard. Lightning is dangerous in the water and on the beach. Head for vehicles and stay away from trees and other high objects. Be safe and cool off in the water this summer.

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs videos on You Tube

View Heath Briefs Blogs 

The Health Briefs TV Show Advices about Beach Bacteria

While health experts warn of the bacteria dangers in the oceans, there are also bacteria concerns about the sand on the beach, as the Health Briefs TV show learns and relays.

Researchers in Hawaii found that over the past 10 years, there is more fecal bacteria in the sand on the beach than in the ocean. In fact, there is 10 to 100 times more bacteria than seawater. The scientific study also learned that bacteria decays slower on the beach than in the water. This is more than likely why there is more fecal bacteria in the beach sand than the water. Wastewater bacteria can become embedded with biofilms in the sand which can shelter bacteria. The sun and seawater are deterrents to the bacteria, which is why there is less bacteria in the water than the sand.

Health Briefs TV advises readers to always sit on a beach towel or chair when on sandy beaches. Take a shower at a nearby shower stand before leaving the beach. Wear goggles in the water to protect eyes from any bacteria and other irritants. Use a hand sanitizer before handling any food on the beach.  America’s beaches are beautiful, relaxing places to spend time with friends and family this summer. Always stay close to life guard stands and towers both in and out of the water. Never swim too close to piers.  Be safe. Stay healthy.

********************

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs videos on You Tube

View Heath Briefs Blogs 

Health Briefs TV Highlights Summer Wellness Tips for Kids

Feed them fruit instead of chips

Children tend to eat more junk food and get less physical activity in the summer. When it is too hot to go outdoors or if the weather is bad, staying inside, watching TV and consuming more sugar-laden and fatty foods is the first choice. Health Briefs TV highlights summer wellness tips for kids.

We get that the torrential rain or stifling humidity can keep even the most active kids inside. After all, Health Briefs is located in South Florida where both weather factors are prominent during the dog days of summer. But that doesn’t mean that pantries and fridges and freezers should be stocked with unhealthy food.

• Make your own freezer pops with fresh juices and diced fruit.
• Stock the counters with bowls of fresh peaches, plums, apricots, grapes and cherries.
• Fill pantry shelves with whole nuts, if no one is allergic. Get boxes of healthy crackers and cookies too.
• Start up a game to play on consoles that involves movement such as dancing or horse riding.
• Limit TV and computer/tablet time to a certain number of hours per day.
• Encourage kids to read more.
• Take them to museums, parks, beaches, pools, libraries, and outdoor concerts.

Health Briefs TV believes kids and parents should put their heads together and come up with some fun, physical activities to do over the summer vacation. Remember that the family that rides bikes together stays healthy and fit together.

********************

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs videos on You Tube

View Heath Briefs Blogs 

Health Briefs TV Relays Info on Food that Maintain Memory

Food plays an important part in keeping us healthy, alive and strong. The vitamins and nutrients in it boosts the functions of every part of our body.  Health Briefs TV relays how food also can help maintain our memory.

Meals should be colorful with foods rich in protein and low in fat. These can include tomatoes and peppers in every color. Grab some salmon, lean meat and lean poultry at the store to make a nutritious memory-maintaining meal.

Snack on whole, natural seeds and nuts like almonds, sunflower seeds and walnuts. Toss a handful in a salad or on a sandwich to give it crunch. These are packed with Vitamin E which help boost cognitive function.

Health Briefs TV suggests drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Flavor it with lime, lemon or fresh orange slices. Also, drink a glass of water first thing in the morning since we tend to get dehydrated when we sleep. This is beneficial if alcohol is consumed the night before. Many people start their day with a warm cup of lemon water to rehydrate and cleanse the body of toxins.

To make all of these tips work really well, get plenty of rest and exercise. A good, brisk walk after dinner is not only relaxing but helps digestion. Rest restores and refreshes brain cells so we may remember the events in our lives which matter the most to us.

*************************

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs videos on You Tube

View Heath Briefs Blogs 

Health Briefs TV on Why Lunch Hour Can be a Healthy, Fun Hour

Let’s face it. Going to a fast food restaurant several times a week can take a toll on anyone’s budget. And making the same lunch every day to eat at the desk can be a bore. Health Briefs TV offers some healthy lunch ideas to make that break time something to look forward to.

One of the first things to change up is the way a home-brought lunch is stored and carried into the office. If this is something you do every day, why not invest in reusable containers in different sizes and colors? There is something available for almost any kind of food or condiment. Bring your own silverware, wash it when done and store in a desk drawer so it is always there. It’s also a good idea to bring your own water bottles filled with water to work. This reduces the amount of plastic being tossed in the trash. And in most cases, one can add ice cubes, lemon or other citrus wedges into the bottle for flavor.

Healthy lunches can be shopped for and premade on the Sunday. Think whole wheat pasta salads packed with sautéed veggies, fresh parm, feta or goat cheese. Chicken tenders are also a great lunch idea and pack extra protein for the remainder of the day. Lean or low-fat deli meat and cheese on flavorful thin breads are also a nutritious option. Health Briefs TV also suggests cleaning, slicing and storing fresh fruit in different container so all you have to do is put on in an insulated lunch carrier. Make healthy, fun and flavorful lunches every day for work. Save money and improve your health. Take a walk after eating to get the body a chance to loosen up.

*************************

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs videos on You Tube

View Heath Briefs Blogs