The Health Briefs TVS Show Reviews Good Eye Health

Our eyes can see all the good there is in the world. We use them for a multitude of reasons from the first time we open them. The Health Briefs TV show reviews good eye health for everyone.

The first moment we open our eyes to the last moment of our lives when they are shut are filled with sights both good and bad. Our eyes are subjected to a variety of circumstances which can stress them, harm them or make them feel healthier and better. We learn to eat food that is beneficial to lasting good health for the eyes. We also take steps to prevent eye disease or the progression of worsening eye strength or damage.

Here are several things we can do to maintain good eye health:

Make meals with green leafy vegetables and foods that are rich in vitamin C. Fatty fish is also recommended as it provides vital minerals and nutrients that keep eyes strong and free from cataracts. Genetics only play a 35 percent risk, while diet and the environment account for 65 percent.

Get an eye exam every year and upgrade prescriptions if needed. Be sure to include prescription sunglasses. Choose lens options that block UV rays.

Wear safety glasses when working with tools and materials which can harm the eyes.

If using a computer all day, take breaks every hour and look away from it. Close eyes and give them a stress break.

Good eye health is essential for everyone from newborns onward. The Health Briefs TV show encourages readers to take great care of your eyes every day so you do not miss seeing what you want to see.

(image:flickr)

Health Briefs TV Reviews the Risks and Prevention Steps for Heart Attacks

A recent study found that younger people are experiencing heart attacks and other heart-related problems. Health Briefs TV wants to remind readers of the risks and how to prevent heart attacks and strokes. It’s easier than you think.

Heart attack victims are becoming younger. They carry serious health risks such as being obese, not getting exercise, smoking, and may be diabetic. Some have high blood pressure also.  Unhealthy diets are a big risk factor for younger adults, those in their fifties and sixties.  Add all the risk factors together:

• Unhealthy diets
• Lack of regular exercise
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Obesity

All of these amount to a heart attack waiting to happen. Heart attacks and strokes don’t strike at convenient times. There is no convenient time.  But there is a convenient time to take charge of your health every day. That time is right now. 

Here are few easy preventative steps everyone can take to a healthier lifestyle:

Eat small, healthier meals. The average adult only needs three ounces of meat (the size of the palm of the hand). A good way to start measuring the amount of food consumed daily is to use a smaller plate. Fill up the plate with fresh, cooked or steamed vegetables. Add the three ounces of meat.

Avoid eating fast food. Even the meals which are marketed as “healthy” are generally not healthy. Many of them are salt-laden.

At work, take walk breaks three times a day. If the weather is not cooperative, walk around the office or stand up and march. Do some shallow knee squats. Stretch every limb.

At home, take a brisk walk after dinner. Walk around the block. Weekends are a good time to ante up the exercise. Ride a bike (with a helmet). Walk the dog or a neighbor’s dog. Swim in a pool.  Power walk through a local park. Just get up and move.

Talk to the doctor about how to lower blood pressure naturally. Ask if there is a healthful way to stop smoking. Many cities offer smoking cessation meetings and host hotlines. There are also several good products in the stores to help curb the habit.

Health Briefs TV encourages readers to take active steps to improve their health. A heart attack is waiting to happen. Why let it?

(image:pixabay)

Health Briefs TV Updates on the Flu Shot

Even though we have come into the first days of the spring season, there is no reason to not get a flu shot if you haven’t yet. In fact, there is good news about this year’s flu vaccine, which Health Briefs TV relays.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a statement last week stating this year’s flu vaccine is the most effective one in years. The Center states that people who received the vaccine were 59 percent less likely to get sick with influenza than people who didn’t. Basically, getting the flu vaccine this year reduced the risk of a doctor visit because of the fly by nearly 60 percent.

Deaths from the flu number between 4,000 and 50,000 a year in the US. Even though the CDC (and most family physicians) strongly recommends getting a flu shot, about half of the US population does. The flu affects older people and the very young the most. This year’s formula is effective for the H1N1 viruses (51%), and the influenza B viruses are reduced by 76 percent with this year’s vaccine. Health Briefs TV recommends getting the flu shot, and more so if you work in a crowded office where space is shared. Take preventative steps on your own to reduce the chance of getting the flu:

• Wipe desk and equipment on desk with a sanitizing wipe before use every day, especially if items are shared.
• Use a paper towel with isopropyl alcohol dabbed on it to clean the phone. The smell from the alcohol evaporates quickly.
• Stay home if sick.

There are 170 million doses of the fly vaccine with options ranging from the traditional shot, nasal spray and the high-dose version for older folks. 

Health Briefs TV Reflects on How Older Women Fare to Older Men

Ask anyone over the age of 55 and they will say that growing older is no so golden. From the general aches and pains of advancing age to dementia-related diseases, the so-called “Golden Years” are not so shiny. Health Briefs TV reflects on how older women fare to older men.

A study which ran for 30 years with data from both sexes aged 65 and over found that men live longer and with less disability than women. Men in the study lived longer than women in the study and experienced less disability than women. Disability can be from arthritis, falls which harm the bones, dementia and other related medical issues.

Older women might want to focus more on quality of life than quantity. Health Briefs TV encourages both older men and women to remain active physically and socially, as these ways have been proven to extend and improve growing older. There are many programs which are free or offered at a low cost which provide exercises to keep muscles and bones limber and flexible. The same classes give seniors the opportunity to meet new people, connect with friends and enjoy an activity together.  Most of the exercise classes can be tailored to a specific participant’s physicality. 

Older women may experience some pitfalls as they age. Men also experience them. The aforementioned study notes that women tend to focus how much can be done now as opposed to doing less with more. More time for family, friends and loved ones. More time to slow down and enjoy a leisurely activity. Life can be good and good when we are older. Preventative moves can help us live longer, healthier and more active years.

Health Briefs TV and How to Get a Jump on Spring Allergies

We welcome spring and its warmer weather. We don’t welcome the allergies that come with it. Health Briefs TV covers how to get a jump on spring allergies.

People who live in the south will vouch for how much pollen is in the air by the amount of pollen on their cars. Spring is tree pollen time and it is also grass and flower pollen time. Other factors of spring allergies changes in the atmosphere are shifting pollen patterns and warmer temperatures for longer periods of time. The higher the temperature, the more favorable pollen is to aerosolization. Pollen causes sneezing, watery eyes and for some migraines.

Mold is another spring allergy. As with pollen, warm air helps mold grow everywhere. Mold, a miniscule fungi, can live almost anywhere from soil, plants, bathrooms and even older cars. Mold spores are in the air. They are more prevalent in warm weather climates.

Hay fever is another spring allergy. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 19 million adults and six million children live with and manage this type of allergy. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffiness, runny noses, itchiness in the nose and roof of the mouth, throat and, having itchy eyes.

Health Briefs TV relays some tips for get ahead of spring allergies:

• Use a smart phone app to see what the pollen count is in your area for the day and week.
• Use a nasal steroid spray. Start it one to two weeks before the onslaught of pollen season.
• Over-the-counter antihistamines are also very good at curbing allergy symptoms.
• Allergy shots may also work to ease symptoms.
• Ask your doctor if a sublingual tablet (melts under the tongue) is advisable for you.

Keep mind that taking a shower before bed is best because it washes allergens off of the body and away from beds. It is also a good idea to stay inside when the pollen count is the highest. Get ahead of spring allergies this year.

Health Briefs TV Lays Down Tips for Beating Insomnia

Most people will have some restless nights of sleep. Some people will have full nights of not being able to sleep at all. Insomnia can affect anyone at any time.  It can be frustrating, and even more so when rest is needed. Health Briefs TV lays down tips for beating insomnia.

We want to note that this article is intended for people who have occasional nights of sleeplessness, not those who cannot get to sleep all the time.

There are nights when our bodies are exhausted and our eyes are tired, but we just can’t seem to fall asleep. It sure can be aggravating to not be able to relax, shut our eyes and drift into a restful night of sleep. The night becomes long as we watch the hours slowly tick by on the bedside clock. Here are some ideas which may help (and we are going to try them).

Get out of bed and walk around. A change of scenery might do some good. Go into another room, read something light.  The bed is a piece of furniture that is meant for sleep. If it’s not providing it, walk away for a little while.

Add some exercise into the daily routine. A good, brisk walk after dinner not only aids digestion, but it stretches muscles and eases bone stiffness. Try to add some form of moderate exercise into everyday living.

If there is another bed in the home not being used, Health Briefs TV suggests getting in it to sleep. Maybe it’s just the first bed that is causing sleepless nights. If this fails too, ask the doctor about what do to get a good night’s rest. Pleasant dreams.

(image:flickr)

Health Briefs TV Offers Tips to Maintain a Healthy Colon

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of death in men and women in the United States. Health Briefs TV offers some tips to help maintain a healthy colon.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 95,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed this year. To lower the opportunity for developing it, below is a list of suggestions to keep in mind:

People over age 50 or those who have/had a relative diagnosed with colon cancer should talk to a physician about getting a colonoscopy. This test, while not very comfortable, is considered the gold standard to determine is colon cancer is present.

Look in the toilet after defecation to see the color of the feces in the bowl. Black feces is considered dangerous and should be reported to the doctor soonest. It may indicate intestinal bleeding or cancer. Narrow stools are also an indication that tests for colon cancer night be considered.

Eat the rainbow. A colorful bouquet of produce should be consumed as regularly as possible. It helps rid the body of billions of bacteria that plays a role in good colon health. Health Briefs TV encourages readers to challenge their daily and weekly eating habits by adding a rainbow of produce colors (red tomatoes, yellow and orange peppers, purple beets (for example).

Eat the rainbow

Health Briefs TV Shares Ideas for Competitive Runners

Competitive running can take a toll on any physically fit runner. Health Briefs TV shares some ideas to make it less stressful on the body, mind and soul.

Running is an activity that more people engage in these days. Be smart when starting out. Set realistic goals for yourself. Make a point of running one race per month, if possible. This can lessen the stress and nervousness of running in one major event per year. Small 5K races are a good way to start. Runners go through the registration process, getting their running bib, getting dressed and experiencing a race before a big event date arrives. It also gives the runner’s body the opportunity to “feel” what it is like to push it. 

Give muscles and joints a break and commit one day per week for a good stretch workout. Take a yoga class or use a favorite stretch workout DVD. Stretching helps lengthen the muscles and eases joint stiffness. Set aside one day a week to pamper body muscles and joints.

Mix things up. Doing the same routine over and over is not only boring, but it does not challenge the body enough. Choose one day per week to try a new workout, run on a new path or course, push one new part of the body. Don’t forget that the mind also needs to be stimulated too. Change up the music used. 

Health Briefs TV also suggests buying a calendar specifically for running goals. Write down challenges and cross them off the list. Write down a mission goal for each race or each month and be on the way to mastering it and competing well in the next big race or marathon.

image:pixabay