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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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

Health Briefs TV Relays Tips for Preventing a Stroke

Everyone knows by now there are certain behaviors that can stoke the chances for having a stroke. But there are also healthier behaviors which can prevent them, as Health Briefs TV relays.

Stroke prevention is easy enough to work on every day and night. But it takes diligence, patient and a steady daily routine. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind if you want to not have a stroke any time soon:

Get no more than 8 hours a sleep per night and no less than seven hours.

Engage in 30 minutes of vigorous exercise three to six times per week. This might be power walking, biking, or swimming. Adults who exercised and slept well (but not too long) reduced their chance of having a stroke by 25 percent, according to a recent research paper.

It also helps to eat healthy every day being sure to consume plenty of produce, lean meat, chicken and fish, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy. The best advice is always to get exercise, even if it is a 30 minute walk after dinner. Not only does this de-stress the body and mind and prepare it for sleep, it also dilates arteries and keeps their linings healthy. A good walk also decreases cholesterol and blood pressure. Health Briefs TV believes if you pair exercise and a healthy meals and snacks with proper rest, your chances of having a stroke diminish greatly.

Strokes can be debilitating and disfiguring. A stroke can steal an active life. Take active steps today for a longer, healthier, more satisfying way to living.

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 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 Shares Good Hydration Tips for Teens

Children are active. As they become older, they tend to be more active. Too much activity and not enough good hydration can lead to nausea, dizziness and the development of kidney stones. Health Briefs TV shares some good hydration tips for teens.

The nutritional labels on sodas and caffeine drinks list the amount of water contained in each serving. Most of the time, it is not a significant amount to properly keep teens hydrated.  A study conducted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found that poor water intake can increase the chance of developing kidney stones.

Schools, athletic locker rooms and athletic stadiums should be equipped with working water fountains that produce clean, cold, drinkable water. When fountains don’t work or produce warm, unclear water, chances are no one will want to use it. In addition, it can be difficult to find a vending machine that sells bottled water, or one that sells it at a reasonable price. Teens are often left finding other ways to hydrate, or not hydrating enough.

U.S. federal law requires schools to have one water fountain per floor. Some schools also have water fountains near bathrooms which can relay the water is recycled from the bathroom. This is often one reason why the fountains located there are not used.

Health Briefs TV encourages teens, parents, coaches and teachers to be sure all students stay hydrated during the day and when participating in school activities. Avoid sugar-laden sodas and fruit drinks as the water in them is not sufficient for good hydration.  Perhaps invest in a smart wrist device or app that records the amount of hydration taken. A well-hydrated teen is one that will be alert, feel well and be fully functional.

Health Briefs TV Reports on Eye Strain and How to Relieve It

Our eyes were not made to view so many different devices throughout the day. From the work computer, laptop, tablet and smart phone, is it no wonder human eyes are feeling tired and strained? Health Briefs TV reports on eye strain and how to avoid it.

Almost 70 percent of American experience digital eye strain symptoms from looking at screen all day. Symptoms include dry, irritated eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, neck and back pain, and headaches.

There are several causes for eye strain: sitting too close to the screen, how often and how long looking at the screen, and how sensitive eyes are to the blue light that screens emit. A report from The Vision Council found that adults over age 30 report the most eye strain from digital use. Sixty-five percent of children and teens spend more than two hours per day on digital devices, and adults over the age of 60 have digital eye strain from the prolonged use of devices for more than 15 years.

The Health Briefs TV show encourages readers to get a regular eye exam. There are many eye care businesses which offer the exam for free at a very low cost. Explain to the doctor how long you are working with something that has a screen, and what effects it has on your eyes during the day. Tips for relieving the symptoms include taking a break from looking at the screen every 30 minutes to an hour. Also, look away from the screen, and sit a comfortable distance away from the screen to work. Remember to blink often as it moistens dry eyes and relaxes the muscles them.

Take good care of the eyes. We need them see all the beauty around.

Health Briefs TV Reports on U.S. Status to Prevent Infectious Dieases

According to a new report released today, more than half of the states in the US are not prepared for an infectious outbreak. Health Briefs TV reports on the states that passed and failed, and offers suggestions for readers.

The report which was released by the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found 28 states and the District of Columbia did not pass the test for preventing, detecting, diagnosing and responding to the outbreaks. States which scored the best are Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, New York and Virginia. The states which scored the lowest are Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon and Utah, and Oklahoma finished dead last.

The report found that the United States must take better steps to prevent outbreaks of tuberculosis, whooping cough and gonorrhea. The US is also behind in childhood vaccinations, flu vaccinations, hepatitis C, HIV and AIDs, food safety, antibiotic-resistant superbugs, and be better able to deal with infectious disease threats.

Health Briefs TV believes that prevention is the key to staying healthy as a nation. That said, readers who have not had an annual flu shot should get one.  Health care providers offer them for a small fee (less than $30). People without insurance can get one at any local pharmacy for a little bit more. All it takes is one sneeze or cough from an infected person and the germs are in the air to catch. Stay healthy and well and start the New Year in top form.

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. 

Health Briefs TV Observes How Tainted Food Costs Lives

The World Health Organization states approximately 420,000 people die every year from food-borne diseases. Young children account for more than a quarter of those deaths, Health Briefs TV notes.

The agency also estimates that 600 million people become ill every year from consuming tainted food. Children under five are vulnerable to serious illness from contaminated food, resulting in 125,000 deaths per year. A review of the food-related illnesses found 31 types of bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins or chemicals in food consumed in Africa and Asia.

Raw or undercooked meat, eggs, fresh produce and dairy products are the main culprits. Other diseases which can stem from tainted food are typhoid fever, hepatitis A, tapeworm and aflatoxin which is a mold that grows on grain stored incorrectly.

Health Briefs TV observes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control that 48 million people get sick from tainted food each year. Roughly 128,000 need to be hospitalized and an estimated 3,000 die.

In the U.S., prevention is the key to not becoming ill from contaminated food. Wash all produce thoroughly. Cook meat until fully done. Wash all food preparation surfaces and hands after handling raw chicken and fish. Don’t intermingle meat and chicken on cutting boards. If the food smells bad, throw it out. Pay attention to use and sell by dates on all packages of fresh food.  

As the holiday season is now upon us, take extra care when preparing and storing food for celebrations and gatherings.  This is the season for joyous events. No one wants to spend it sick in bed or in the hospital.

store and cook food like this properly

Health Briefs TV Weighs In on Dietary Supplements

There are hundreds of bottles and jars of dietary supplements on store shelves. It is a $40 billion industry in the United States. How effective are they to our everyday health and wellness? Health Briefs TV weighs in.

 Dietary supplements come in several formulations such as pills, powders and other oral types. They are most commonly marketing as weight loss supplements, body building products and formulations that increase sexual performance.  Most of the time, there will be claims about the products that promise fantastic results like rapid weight loss, works in a short amount of time, and other hard to believe tales. There are also numerous businesses around the country that market and sell online dietary supplements for humans and animals. Many of these companies also claim to have their own health magazines.  It can hard to tell which supplements and companies have the real deal.

The Health Briefs TV show suggests consumers look for the USP label on the bottle or jar. The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention is a scientific non-profit organization which sets standards for quality and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements made, distributed and consumed worldwide. It is also a good idea to ask the doctor if a dietary supplement is needed. Most often, we can get enough of what we need in what we eat. Exceptions to this might be with calcium and vitamin D. If wanting to take dietary supplements, read the label on the bottle first and compare it with others. Look for the USP label on the packaging. Don’t be fooled into taking a supplement not needed. Eat healthy every day and go for a walk at least twice a day – weather permitting. This is all we basically need to do in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Health Briefs TV Reviews the Common Health Questions

This is the time of the year when the clocks are rolled back one hour. It is also the time of year when the common cold makes people miserable. So we want to ask and answer some common health questions readers might have.

According to a recent study, Americans spend $8 billion a year on over-the-counter medicines. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that the active ingredient in decongestants we take for a cold works no better than a placebo. The effectiveness of phenylephrine hydrochloride (PE HCl), which is common in OTC meds for nasal congestion, works no better than a sugar pill. Consumers who want to buy cold medicine with this ingredient have to ask a store clerk for it since it is no longer on open shelves. The main ingredient, PE HC1, in bulk, can be used to make meth which is illegal. Any OTC cold medicine with nasal decongestant will not contain this ingredient. Health Briefs TV encourages readers to find ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season. If medication is needed, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Milk – it does a body good. It does and in so many ways. But milk tends to get bad rep from people who are lactose intolerant, and for its fat (or fat-free) versions. While there are alternatives for the people who cannot digest lactose-laden ingredients, milk, in its regular form, is still a healthy choice. The division among people who say that fat-free or skim milk is healthier than whole or 2 percent fat milk rages on. Analysis of the European Journal of Nutrition found that whole milk fills people up more than fat-free milk, therefore leading to feeling satiated sooner and lowering the risk of obesity and diabetes. The Health Briefs television show also reminds readers that we don’t consume enough milk in one day to do any harm to our health. Pour a little whole of 2 percent milk in coffee, tea, and cereals to gain a little more calcium in the daily diet.

Health Briefs TV Reviews Why We Are Living Longer

Americans are living longer and dying less from common medical ailments. What can we credit for the lowering rates of death from cancer, stroke, diabetes and heart disease? Health Briefs TV reviews why we are living longer.

Credit can be given to living healthier, eating better and getting more exercise. We are slimming down and lowering the obesity rate, which in turn lowers the chances of developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Eating smaller, more healthful meals, snacking on fruit and getting exercise are simple, easy ways to lower risk factors.

A recent report published by the Journal of the American Medical Association states that deaths from all of these causes have dropped by an overall 43 percent. Heart disease deaths dropped more than 50 percent, as did the death rate for stokes. Cancer and diabetes deaths dropped to 18 and 17 percent respectively.

The Health Briefs television show believes that prevention is the key to living a longer, healthier life.  We have learned that behavior, the environment, social circumstances and participating in our health care gave us the opportunity to improve our lives and live longer.  Take some active steps today to prevent an early death: eat a healthy snack, take a short, brisk walk after dinner, quit smoking for one day, and see how you feel.