Health Briefs TV Relays the Pros and Cons of Regular Exercise

Everyone knows that regular exercise results in healthier bodies and minds. On the other hand, it is a good idea to know what the pros and cons are before starting a new routine.

Health Briefs TV notes the pros:

Most doctors recommend adding physical activity to daily activities. It is one of the most effective ways to stave off heart problems, and prevent an early death. Exercise also boosts endorphin, which send off happy-feel-good signals in the brain. Exercise spurs creativity. It helps people feel more in control of their bodies and minds. It helps us live longer and fuller lives.

The Cons:

There is another side to regular physical activity. It’s the downside to getting regular workouts or exercise. For instance, people who are out of shape and have not exercised in a long time should take their time getting started. Ask trusted medical professionals the best way to get started. This could be to take a short spirited walk in the neighborhood. A faster heart rate or a suddenly racing heart rate should be warning signs to slow down. Shortness of breath that cannot be attributed to anything other health condition is your body telling you to give it a break. Chest pain, without a doubt, signals heart problems.

Physical activity is good for everybody. Start off slowly if new to it and build up to a more intensive level. Always cut your body some slack if it is telling you to. There are pros and cons to everything.

Health Briefs TV Reviews Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors

Homes are filled with a variety of ways older people can slip and fall and be injured. Throw rugs, loose carpeting, frail bones and weak joints, poor eyesight and weakness can send a senior to the floor and into the hospital with fractures and related injuries. Health Briefs TV takes time to review fall prevention tips for seniors.

Thirty percent of older adults report falling down once in the past year, according to a survey taken by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  That figure jumps higher when factoring in poor vision.  Below are a few suggestions to prevent such accidents:

• Remove throw rugs in the home.
• Clear all clutter away from hallways and add night lights so older family members can see their way to the bathroom or other rooms in the home.
• Be sure older folks get regular eye exams. These are often neglected.
• Encourage the older people in your life to engage in low impact balance and strength exercises. These can be recommended by a doctor or physical therapist.  Many communities have senior centers where exercise classes are given for free or at a very low cost.

Falls are a leading cause of injury for senior citizens. More than 700,000 older people fall each year and are sent to the hospital. Head trauma, hip fractures, and other injuries occur when someone falls. Trips, slips and falls are preventable. Health Briefs TV suggests families of older folks with impaired vision or a high risk of falling to find and remove any obstacles than could prevent injury.

We know that the older people in our lives still want to keep their independence. We can help them with this by kindly pointing out what can cause an accident and injury around them. Disability, short or long-term, can result from a bad fall. Prevention is the key.

(image:seniorcarecentral)

Health Briefs TV Spreads Good Health News

We love to share good health news with our readers, and there is much to share today.

Eat more chocolate and drink more red wine. A one minute intense workout is better than a 30 minute one. Walking is easy, free and boosts many health benefits.  Spanking children is not a good idea. 

Foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt and chocolate, and beverages like coffee and red wine increase the diversity of bacteria in the gut.  Gut or intestine diversity can ward off illness, as found by a team of Dutch researchers.  On the other side, simple carbs seems to reduce the bacterial diversity in the intestines. This includes high fat milk and sugar-sweetened soda.  Gut bacteria plays a vital role in the overall good health of the intestines and the rest of the body.

A study from the respected Plos One journal found that high intensity interval training (HIIT) works just as well as, and is better for us, than an hour long interval training class. This form of abbreviated high intensity working out entails a short burst of activity. For example: people who walk for exercise can add a short, intense burst of jogging or walking briskly, into the routine, and then go back to the regular pace. The short burst of intensity in the workout burns more calories, builds stamina, and require no more equipment. Give it a try. Add one minute of high intensity activity to a daily workout.

Most adults remember childhood days when their parents would spank them when they were naughty. This was thought to be the most effective way to curb bad behavior. Today, however, a new report that Health Briefs TV read, notes that spanking children can lead to aggressive behavior and defiance when older.  The study was conducted over five decades and with more than 160,000 people.  Health Briefs TV suggests trying other ways of thwarting naughty behavior.  Why not consider taking privileges away instead? Ban the use of mobile devices for a day. Forbid the child from watching TV or send the child to their room for an hour, and other non-aggressive methods of punishment work well as behavior modifiers.

Enjoy for good health
(image:wikipedia)

Health Briefs TV Clean Cell Phone Tips

Just thinking about what our cell phones touch every day is enough to make us search for the best ways to keep them clean. Health Briefs TV offers some tips to keep smart phones free of germs and bacteria.

Think out the many places where we lay our valued smart phones every day. From the time we prepare to head out in the morning until we go to bed, our phones have been put down on several different surfaces. Each surface is no cleaner than the one before it. Each surface has its own level of germs and bacteria which our phones pick up and spread to our ears, eyes, chin, nose mouth, and hands. Let us be honest: almost everyone takes their phone into the bathroom at work and sets it down on the back of the toilet. Can you think of a more germ-laden, gross place to put it down?

Here’s how to keep smart phones clean and free of the germs and bacteria which can make us break out in a rash or become sick:

• Wash hands after using the toilet anywhere. Use a clean paper towel to open the bathroom door when ready to leave. We know there are people who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom.
• Keep cell phones off kitchen counters when preparing a meal to prevent spreading Salmonella. If it must be kept nearby, lay the phone down on a clean towel.
• Clean the phone once a day by taking it out of the case and wiping it down with a soft, damp cloth and a wee bit of antibacterial soap.
• Antibacterial phone wipes are also good. Ask any wireless carrier store if they have any.

The Health Briefs television show also suggests cleaning the inside of purses, tote bags and another place where cell phones are kept once a week. Antibacterial wipes are perfect for that.

Prevent the spread of germs and bacteria by keeping smart phones clean.

US Media Studios Explains the Health Benefits of Yoga

Once considered something only the hipster crowd practiced, yoga has gained a new, refreshing reputation as a great health benefit.

US Media Studios learns that people who practice yoga are less stressed out than those that do not. It is also a great exercise for connecting the mind and body. It is beneficial to all age groups and all kinds of people. Military combat veterans who go to yoga classes gain inner peace, strength in mind and thoughts, stress relief, and feel stronger mentally and physically.  Baby boomers and other age groups who take yoga classes experience increased flexibility, increases muscle strength, improved respiration and energy, gain better balance, and protection from injury. Yoga also help build stronger bones.

Yoga classes around the country are offered a low-cost at community centers, the Y, health clubs and gyms, and on the beach, in parks and in city centers.  Some yoga teachers, or yogis, allow a new participant to take one class free to see if it is something the person wants to continue. It doesn’t hurt to ask before starting. Not all yoga classes are alike. Go online or ask someone who is into yoga which type would be best for a newcomer. US Media Studios also reminds readers that yoga clothes are cool and are worn almost everywhere now.

Feeling stressed out with sore joints and muscles? Are crazy thoughts running through your mind all day and night long? Sample one yoga class. It might just be ticket to better mental and physical health.

Health Briefs TV Touts the Benefits of Coffee

Coffee, and caffeinated drinks, are not just good to wake us up. The health benefits of drinking a cup or two of coffee every day provides benefits for the entire body, and can reduce the chance of developing colorectal cancer.

Health Briefs TV learns that drinking two cups a day is associated with a 26 percent reduction of the development of colorectal cancer. If we were to drink just another half cup, those chances decrease by 50 percent. Caffeine and polyphenol in coffee act as antioxidants. Also, the melanodins that are created when the beans are roasted can increase colon mobility, and the diterpenes can prevent cancer by strengthening the body against oxidative damage.

Coffee and caffeine can be found in several beverages, in facial moisturizers, baked in treats, and in the office break room. We would also like to note that it doesn’t matter if the coffee is boiled, perked, steamed, or decaffeinated. It didn’t matter if the coffee was instant or freshly ground.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States. Almost five percent of men and four percent of women develop this disease over their lifetime. Health Briefs TV suggests taking every possible active step to reduce the chance of developing colorectal cancer:

• Eat a healthy diet including different types of beans, which contain cancer fighting fiber.
• Drink a few cup of coffee per day.
• If smoking, stop. Seek assistance if needed. There are plenty of affordable options to help.
• Get daily exercise. This is as simple as taking a walk at lunch time and after dinner.

So go ahead and enjoy another cup of java. It does more than wake us up and warms us up. It reduces the chance of getting colorectal cancer. Cheers.

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 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 Spills the Good and Bad Effects of Caffeine

Caffeine can kill you or not. There are some definite positive benefits from caffeine and certainly negative effects too. Health Briefs TV spills them out.

Caffeine can be found in a multitude of products from a cup of coffee to face cream. It is a drug naturally found in the coffee bean, tea leaf, kola but and cacao pod, and is odorless. It has a very bitter taste if eaten. Once consumed, it enters the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine and takes effect in around 15 minutes.

One of the positive benefits of caffeine is it can help awaken a sleepy person by blocking the brain chemical adenosine, which is aligned with sleep. Small doses of caffeine can have positive effects like happiness, increased energy, and alertness also. A regular 6 ounce cup of coffee has about 75-150 milligrams of caffeine. Instant coffee has less. The same amount of brewed tea has about 30 to 90 milligrams of caffeine. Twelve ounces of cola contains 30 to 60 mg, and some energy drinks have 80. The U.S. FDA recommends 400 mgs per day of caffeine per healthy adult, which equates to roughly four to five cups of coffee per day.

In addition, Health Briefs TV has seen some top brand name beauty products with caffeine listed as an ingredient. When added to face and body creams, caffeine can perk dull skin up. Caffeine can also ward off depression and might lower the chance of developing malignant melanoma.

On the downside, it can raise the blood pressure and heart rate of some people. If too much is consumed at one time, it can also cause anxiety, nausea and jittery nerves. It has been shown to increase the opportunity to develop osteoporosis for women.

Caffeine is in many things we use and consume. How much you consume is up to you. There are good and bad benefits in it.

 

Coffee and tea:both contain caffeine

The Health Briefs TV Show Wants You to Get Some Rest

Are you tired? Not getting enough sleep? Does your mind keep you awake running thoughts through it a breakneck speed? The Health Briefs TV show wants you to get some rest.

We know how hard it can be to fall asleep and stay asleep sometimes. It is equally hard to function at your best when you are tired. Here’s what you need to know to get some needed sleep:

• A healthy meal of high protein and high fiber foods helps people get to sleep and stay asleep better than a meal with high saturated fats and less fiber. Avoid fatty foods at dinner time. Enjoy some peas, black beans, lentils, broccoli, raspberries, blueberries, avocado and other food like it. Skip caffeinated drinks several hours before bedtime.
• Avoid getting into an argument or heated discussion with someone – both in the physical sense and online.
• Take a walk after dinner to relieve stress and relax and loosen muscles and joints.
• Lower the blinds and the room temperature for a comfortable sleep.
• Get in bed, turn the TV and lights off and get comfortable.
• Think of something happy or positive. Close your eyes and relax thinking of the happy or positive thing. Replay in your mind what made it happy.
• Take conscious breaths. As you breathe slowly, imagine your breath as it enters your nose and mouth, makes its way through your body and goes back out. Focus on each breath and each step. This helps block and stop negative or repetitive thoughts which can keep you awake.
• Health Briefs TV suggests sticking to a regular schedule of when you go to bed and get up every day, even on weekends and vacations.

We admit we do not get enough sleep ourselves. 

Health Briefs TV Reviews Zika Virus Prevention Steps

The mosquito-borne Zika virus is making news headlines around the world. People most affected by it are from South and Latin America. Brazil has been hit most hard. In the United States, a few cases have been reported. Health Briefs TV reviews steps Americans can take to prevent mosquito bites and possibly Zika infection.

The US Centers for Disease Control reports the Zika virus is transmitted through mosquito bites. Most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms are usually mild and can last a few days to a week. Left untreated, it can be more severe.

One of the easiest way to prevent mosquito bites is to be well-prepared when and where they bite most often. Below are some preventative steps people can take:

Empty all outdoor objects that hold standing water. Mosquitoes breed in them.

Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants with shoes and socks when outdoors when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Buy a bug repellent which contains a good amount of DEET or picardin. For a list of the top brands which carry these ingredients, Consumer Reports, usually a members-only organization, released their list of the best bugrepellents. Some are more organic than others. Whichever one of these people choose, the Health Briefs TV show encourages readers to protect themselves from bites. Mosquito populations are most active at dawn and dusk for several hours.  Avoid swampy areas. Avoid traveling to countries where the virus is widespread.

Prevention is the key to not becoming infected with the Zika virus. 

(image:healthline.com)

Health Briefs TV on Teen Health News

Teens. We all used to be one. Some of us still are. The one thing we all have in common is the need to pay attention to our health.

Health Briefs TV takes note of some of the cool health-related news for teens.

New studies found that the more fruits and vegetables teens consume, the better chance they have of not developing cancer when older. Also, reducing the amount of soda teens drink lessens the chance of developing kidney stones and diabetes.

There are some easy ways to pack more fiber into everyday eating habits: take an apple to school to snack on, choose whole wheat bread instead of white, ask the family cook to replace white pasta and white rice with whole grains varieties. Add broccoli to it to kick up the amount of fiber in the meal. Drink water with every meal, and add a few more glasses or bottles of it during the day and right before bed.

Teens, male and female, might find that even though eating healthful foods may not be cool, it does lower the chance of getting breast cancer and other cancers, reduces the development of obesity and high blood pressure. The Health Briefs TV show producers suggest packing some whole fruit in school backpacks. If getting lunch from the school is part of the plan, choose the fresher options instead of popular ones.

There is nothing cool about being sick, and especially not with a terminal illness. It is not fashionable to test blood sugar once a day at school. It is hard to participate in activities when even a few steps can wind you. Teen health is important. Step up your health game.

Health Briefs Takes a Look at Which States are the Healthiest

The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index report was released recently. In it, the report ranks which states are the healthiest and unhealthiest over all. Health Briefs reviewed the survey and found good news in it, and also bad news. Read one for more info.

The index counts specific criteria in its rankings: having a sense of purpose, supportive relationships and love in your life, feeling economically secure, enjoying the home, pride in community, and maintaining good health. The positive news from the survey includes an increase in citizens feeling financially healthy. Also, there are less people without insurance, fewer people are smoking this year than last year, more people are getting exercise, and finally, there is a decline in the number of people who report being food and healthcare insecure.

On the negative side: obesity seems to be increasing in the U.S., and many people are still finding it challenging to find and secure full-time employment. So where does this leave us, and specifically, your home state?

Below are the top five healthiest states:

1. Hawaii
2. Alaska
3. Montana
4. Colorado
5. Wyoming

Wide open space, a love for the great outdoors, sense of community and financial well-being all played a part in how these states made the top five.

Below are the bottom five states:

1. Indiana
2. Ohio
3. Oklahoma
4. Kentucky
5. West Virginia

These states usually rank at the bottom. Most are located in the East or in the Midwest region.  With so much farmland and rolling hills nearby, the Health Briefs TV show wonders how they stay at the bottom? Click here to see the whole list. (PDF)

 

Healthiest State: Hawaii 

Health Briefs TV Relay the Best Remedies for the Common Cold

There is no cure for the common cold but there are some remedies that make it more tolerable than others, which Health Briefs TV relays.

When we feel like we’re catching a cold, we want whatever we can to shorten it and make it less miserable. Fortunately, there are some good remedies for that.

Honey is not only affordable, but comes in different varieties and tastes. Organic, locally produced honey is best, but a little more expensive than the average store bought variety. There are clover based honeys, orange flower based honeys and several others. Honey soothes sore throats when drizzled in hot tea or warm lemon water. It alleviates a cough too. Try the darker colored honeys for best taste.

Zinc is also been proven to make colds better. Taken in small dozes (such as a lozenge) throughout the first few days of a cold, is can shorten the illness. Zinc taken over the course over five months has shown to prevent some people from catching a cold. We remind readers that zinc taken in high doses is toxic.

Hot drinks such as hot tea, warm salted water and warm lemon water are also good for a cold. The heat provides relief from runny noses, coughs, sore throats, chilliness and tiredness. The Health Briefs TV show also recommends hot chicken soup to warm chilled bodies and nourish bodies depleted of nutrients.

What doesn’t seem to work: researchers found no real benefits from taking elevated Vitamin C products, using the herb echinacea, or eating a chili pepper in any way shape or form.

What do you do when a cold is coming on?

 

Add some honey to tea to soothe sore or scratchy throats

Health Briefs TV Offers Suggestions for Lowering Daily Sodium Intake

Sodium is another name for salt. It finds its way into the food we eat every day and we barely notice it. Health Briefs TV offers some suggestions for lowering our daily sodium intake.

The recommended daily intake is 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon) of sodium per day. Yet, many of the foods we consume pack double and even triple this amount.

Restaurant food, fast food and frozen food are known to be high in sodium.  It is used as a preservative and for flavoring. But before grabbing a bite out or taking that frozen pizza from the freezer, read the nutrition label to see what the sodium content is.

Bread, pickles, olive, nuts, crackers, diet food and even some sodas are a few culprits. Deli meat and cheese and packages of deli meat and cheese are also full of salt. Try whole grain breads instead of white. Rinse pickles and olives first before eating to reduce sodium.

Cook more at home. The only true way to reduce sodium is to make the meal yourself. Add herbs, spices, and a squeeze of lemon to add flavor instead of salt.

Pizza is an all-time favorite for many people, but it too pack in the salt. Healthy alternatives can be found by making your own using no salt added canned tomatoes or tomato slices. Roast vegetables to add flavor and sprinkle herbs on top.

The Health Briefs TV show suggests forgoing sodas at lunch and grabbing a bottle of water instead. Water is better for hydration and usually does not contain added sodium.

herbs and spices are tasty salt  alternatives

Health TV Reviews Healthy Living Tips

Healthy living is more than just eating well and getting daily activity. It is a well-rounded balance of everything that makes us function optimally. Health Briefs TV reviews healthy living tips for the whole family.

From infants to grandparents, there are great ways to live a healthier and longer life. Everyone in the family should be consuming several servings of vegetables, fruits and grains every day. These include dark leafy greens like spinach, and starchy vegetables like small potatoes. The grouping also includes whole fruits and whole grains. A combination of these keeps bodies working smoothly, provides energy and tastes good. Fat-free or low-fat dairy items are also good since they are good sources of calcium and protein, long-known for strengthening bones and providing stamina. More good sources of include fish, chicken and lean red meat and soy. Healthy oils such as safflower, olive, and canola oils (think two teaspoons per day) are not only tasty but boost good health.

Along with these suggestions, the Health Briefs TV show encourages readers to limit sugar from their daily diets. We should consume less than 10 percent every day. Prepare and cook as many meals at home as possible to reduce sugar. Other things to limit daily are: saturated fat, (less than 10%), sodium (2,300 mm per day) and cholesterol. Healthy living is easy start, affordable to maintain, and benefits everyone – young and old. 

Health Briefs TV Reviews Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

There is a great deal of information in the news about the lack of sleep Americans get. A leading consumer magazine’s cover reports on several issues regarding a poor night’s rest, and an American news network reports on the why we are not getting the rest we need. Health Briefs TV reviews tips for a good night’s sleep.

Anyone who has trouble falling asleep and staying asleep can attest to how frustrating it is to be wide awake at 3 AM.  The National Center for Health Statistics found that a third of us do not get the recommended seven hours of shut eye we need to fully function the next day. Lack of rest can add up to some major health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, weakened immune systems and may contribute to dementia.

In order to get a decent amount of rest at night, the Health Briefs TV show offers some tips to getting a sound sleep:

• Close the curtains or blinds to block out any light and lower the room temperature.
• Leave digital devices far from the bedside.
• Avoid taking sleeping aids unless prescribed by a doctor. Most really don’t work as advertised and can cause adverse effects, such as sleep walking.
• Shop for a new pillow and buy one that supports the main position in which you sleep.
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. It is very difficult to set a regular sleep routine when you go to bed and wake at different times on different days.
• Wear something comfortable to sleep in.

When we get a good night’s rest, our brains clear out all the negative from the day before. Our hearts slow down and rest too. Our blood vessels relax and our blood sugar goes down. We also can fully function the next day, which includes no drowsy driving to work. We need seven hours of rest.  Get some. 

Health Briefs TV Reviews the Most Effective Way to Lose

The New Year is typically when most people start a weight loss plan. Armed with an entire year ahead of them, and the desire to drop pounds and be more active, Americans seek the best way to lose weight.

Health Briefs TV believes that a healthy weight loss plan is one which encourages healthful eating, daily exercise and a support network. Fortunately, there are some good programs which we review here that can help shed the weight gained last year.

Always keep in mind that the weight loss plan should fit the lifestyle, culture, health and physical needs of the person. Allergies to foods, chronic conditions and intolerance should also be considered.

A healthful weight loss plan includes eating plenty of legumes, fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins such as fish and chicken and grains. There are several good plans available from the new Weight Watchers program to the fresh meal delivery plans around the country. Each of these offers the participant delicious healthy meals and portions which are comparable to the person’s lifestyle and personal choices.

Any plan which includes a supplement to increase quick weight loss is not altogether healthy. Choose a plan that encourages lowering carb intake and increasing protein in the daily diet. Add an hour of good physical activity, such as walking after dinner. The Health Briefs TV show also suggests walking on breaks during the work day, and drinking enough water to stay hydrated. Add a squeeze of lemon, orange or a slice of cucumber to help boost weight loss and add flavor to an otherwise drab drink.

The New Year is here. What are your plans for staying healthy this year?

Health Briefs TV Reports on Improving Health in the US

Americans are making improvements to their health, as a recent report from a major US health insurance company finds in a recent survey. Health Briefs TV reviews how the United States is becoming a healthier nation.  

As a country, the US rate of smokers decreased five percent in adults, and has gone down 29.5% since 1990.

Immunizations are increasing among children 19 to 25 months, when vaccines are most needed. The current rate of vaccinated children is at 71.6%, despite those who decline to immunize their children against disease.

Preventable hospitalizations have decreased, which means that more people are taking better care of themselves overall. The rate dropped eight percent overall.

Infant mortality rates also dropped. Since 1990, the rate has been reduced 41%. The US is a developed country with decent healthcare, yet, there was no change in this percentage from last year.

Cardiovascular deaths are also down. This indicates people are more aware of what they need to do to prevent them and are taking active steps to better health and a longer life.

Health Briefs TV notes that the US needs to work harder on reducing obesity, helping families get out of poverty, and prevent premature death from a variety of causes.

Overall, US citizens are more aware of living healthier lives and making lifestyle changes to feel better and live longer. Learn more here.