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 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 Explores Mental Health

Mental health is making the news this week as the UK’s popular Duchess and the US’ First Lady publish online articles to raise awareness of the topic. Health Briefs TV explores some of the issues concerning mental health.

Even talking about mental health in a casual setting can invoke a negative stigma. No one wants to bring the topic up. Yet, millions of people manage every day live with depression, anxiety, nervousness, PTSD, and other afflictions of the brain and mind.  But no one is really talking about it.  Until now.

One in five Americans live with a diagnosable mental health illness today.

Many mental health problems can be treated with medication or therapy. Meditation and yoga are well-known to help calm an anxious mind, and come without the side effects of often prescribed drugs.  People from every background and age group live with depression and anxiety. Young and old, poor or wealthy, Veteran or civilian, executive or staff worker – anyone can battle through the symptoms silently, afraid of others finding out and thinking less of them.  The stigma can be almost as debilitating as the mental illness.

Health Briefs TV asks readers to learn and recognize the five signs of someone struggling through a mental health problem. If any of these signs are familiar, talk to the person privately about them. Learn more about it from changedirection.com.

1. Personality change
2. Agitation
3. Withdrawn from others
4. Change in personal care
5. Feeling hopeless

Every person in our lives matters. It’s easy to see when someone is feeling physically unwell. It is much more difficult to see when someone is feeling mentally not well.  Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone and ask them. It could save their life.

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 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 Reviews Tips to Kick the Habit

One of the hardest habits to kick is to stop smoking. Even though there are many products and programs to help quell the nicotine addiction, quitting smoking is personal challenge to overcome. Health Briefs TV reviews some tips to help kick the habit.

We know. Easier said than done. Commercials on TV remind smokers of the health and medical problems it causes. The ads also remind viewers that it can take several attempts to quit before the habit is kicked for good.  But it can be done. Here’s the good news:

The US Centers for Disease Control reports that number of smokers in the US has declined by 20 percent in the last decade. A significant one percent drop in the last year alone is reason to health officials to remain optimistic that there will be no more smokers in America by 2050. We want to help with that with some tips for quitting:

• Try to not smoke for one hour. Then two hours. Slowly ease off smoking one hour at a time. 
• Replace the cigarette with chewing gum, mints, nicotine replacement products, bottles of water, exercise or whatever is needed.
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• Reward yourself for each cigarette not smoked with something healthy such as an apple, low-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt.
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• Save the money from each pack of cigarettes not bought in a jar. At the end of the month, deposit that money in a savings account.
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• Instead of lighting up after a meal, take a walk instead.

The Health Briefs TV show believes that even the most addicted smokers can eventually quit. It takes steely determination and a strong support network to help the smoker not want to light up. Pick a day and make that your quit forever day. Then throw out every single thing that pertains to smoking like ashtrays and lighters and toss that garbage in a Dumpster.  When is your quit forever day?

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 How to Recognize Postpartum Depression

The joy of bringing a baby into the world can be overshadowed by feelings of inadequacy, exhaustion, frustration and despair. But there is help and there is nothing wrong about asking for it. Health Briefs TV reviews how to recognize postpartum depression and what to do for it.

Four million women have a baby every year, and roughly 300,000 suffer from postpartum depression. Fifty-percent of it goes relatively unnoticed. And many more people think that giving birth is a happy, miraculous, life-changing, beautiful thing – which it is. But for the new mom, the realities of delivering the infant, its complications, and the mood changes, sadness, and irritability,  plus lack of sleep, can all add up to post partum depression. Most of the time, these symptoms fade in two weeks.

The Health Briefs television show relays that new mothers might want to talk to their health care providers about what to do. Even following basic healthy living guidelines can be beneficial: eat healthy meals regularly, get some exercise, try to get rest when possible, and remember that postpartum depression is common and is treatable. It takes an incredible amount of patience, stamina and love to bring a baby into the world and care for it 24/7. Don’t let postpartum depression get the better of you. 

The Health Briefs TV Show Review Tips for Healthy Travel

Planning a nice vacation? Heading to Mexico or overseas? The Health Briefs TV show shares tips for healthy travel. Because no one wants to get sick away from home.

Basic sanitary measures are needed everywhere we go no matter if it is in the next city or across the ocean to another continent.

Carry a packet or two of sanitary wipes or a few tubes of gel to clean hands when in public places such as airplanes, rest rooms or hotel rooms. Drink bottled water only. Avoid tap water when overseas. Wear protective clothing if going outdoors where mosquitoes are prevalent such as in some African countries. Get the recommended vaccines or prescriptions before leaving your country of origin.

There are studies available which note that many Americans who travel abroad don’t get vaccinations as a precaution. The Health Briefs television show reminds readers that every step taken to be and stay healthy on vacation should be on travelers’ agendas. From the food and water consumed to knowing what health concerns are common at destinations, know before you go.

Health Briefs TV Provides a Sepsis Update

Sepsis is the body’s response to overwhelming and life-threatening response to an infection. It can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. It is also a growing medical issue around the country, as Health Briefs TV learns.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been more than one million cases of sepsis each year in the US. Symptoms include:

• Presence of an infection
• Elevated or lowered body temperature
• Fast heart rate
• Fast breathing rate
• Low blood pressure

If caught early enough, sepsis is treatable with fluid and antibiotics. If it progresses quickly and is not treated quickly, patients can experience an abrupt change in mental status, significantly decreased urine output, abdominal pain and trouble breathing. Septic shock happens when someone has all of the above symptoms, plus very low blood pressure, and does not respond to fluid replacement.  

The Health Briefs television show relays that sepsis can happen to anyone with any type of infection. People can get sepsis in the hospital or in the community. Medical professionals with training know that the golden standard for treating sepsis is within one hour of diagnosing it. Antibiotic treatment and fluid replacement is recommended but within that “golden hour”.  Readers should know that for every hour delayed after sepsis is determined, the mortality risk of the patient increases.

Sepsis -- also known as septicemia, blood infection or blood poisoning, takes the lives of 258,000 people annually. This makes it the ninth leading cause of disease-related death in the country. Don’t let someone you love become another statistic. Insist on immediate action. 

Health Briefs TV Examines the Lesser Known Breast Cancer Symptoms

Most men and women know to perform a monthly self-exam of their breasts. This is one of the most commons ways to find lumps in the tissue.  Health Briefs TV examines the other, lesser known breast cancer symptoms to look for.

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In this light, we share information we find with readers on the topic to help raise awareness. Lesser known symptoms of breast cancer are:

• Persistent pain in one particular spot of the breast should be mentioned to doctors, even if no lump or lumps are felt.
• Red spots or a rash that does not go away on the breast should be examined by a doctor.
• Skin changes on the nipple such as flaking or discharge are signs to call the doctor. It may not be breast cancer, but it is always better to find out than not.
• Any distinct asymmetry or dimpling, creasing or puckering of the skin on your breasts with arms raised and leaning forward are signs to call the doctor. Why take any chances?

It is said that the most common sign of breast cancer is no sign at all. The Health Briefs television show encourages readers to get a mammogram or other screening between the ages of 40 and 50.  Most health insurance plans cover this with no co-pay. Schedule a screening today. It’s always better to know than to not know.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Health Briefs TV Reports on Limiting High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup is in many diet sodas

There have been many reports on the effects high fructose corn syrup has on our bodies and health. Some good and some bad. Health Briefs TV reports on how to limit it in your diet.

High fructose corn syrup can be found in many food and beverages. From tomato ketchup, frozen treats and diet soda, it seems it is in most of the things we consume. Despite the recent medical finding that it can increase the risk for heart disease, there are steps we can take to limit the amount of high fructose corn syrup in our daily diets.

Avoid drinking diet soda or sugar-free drinks every day. These drinks have a higher amount of fructose corn syrup than other beverages such as iced tea or water.

Make homemade ice treats by freezing natural fruit juices in molds with popsicle sticks. They are easy and taste better than the store bought kind. If this is not convenient, read the nutritional info on the box and buy ones with a lower amount of high fructose corn syrup.

Avoid eating fast food which can contain a larger amount of high fructose corn syrup.

Skip condiments that have high fructose corn syrup in it.

The Health Briefs TV show suggests reading food labels and sticking to organic condiments which tend to not contain high fructose corn syrup.  To find more food and beverage products with little or no high fructose corn syrup, click here. 

Health Briefs TV Shares Green Ideas for Better Health

Shop at local farmers markets for produce

One of the easiest ways to celebrate Earth Day is make a healthy change or two for yourself and family.

Health Briefs TV believes that making personal health a top priority is one of the best ways to make a positive change in lifestyle. As the country honors and participates in the 45^th celebration of Earth Day on April 22, we want to share a few green ideas for better health with readers.

Choose organic meat, chicken and fish at the store. There are no antibiotics in them. Animals are fed a more natural diet.

Visit local farmers markets for produce of the highest and most Earth-friendly quality. It may cost a tad more than store bought, but it tastes better and is healthier to consume.

Invest in over the faucet water filters. They are inexpensive to purchase as are the replaceable filters. One water filter saves the Earth from thousands of plastic bottles.

Avoid wasting food not used. If a can is opened to gain a small amount for cooking, put the remaining contents in a reusable plastic container and freeze them. Don’t cover the can or bottle and put back in the fridge to get moldy.

The Health Briefs TV show also recommends filling up the freezer with seasonal produce not consumed yet. No vitamins or nutrients are lost when food is frozen. It also makes using those colorful fruits and veggies out of season a whole lot nicer.

Choose Earth-friendly cleaning products and paper goods for the home.

Earth Day 2015 is a great day to make positive healthy choices in your life. Choose one or more and be on the way to a greener and healthier living. 

Health Briefs TV Touts the Benefits of Regular, Moderate Exercise

Some people turn a deaf ear when they hear the word exercise.  They think long, hard, sweaty periods of time in the gym working out.  Health Briefs TV reminds readers that even moderate physical activity is beneficial for everyone.

Regular, moderate exercise, such as a 20 minute walk around the block aids in staying healthy and living longer.  Walking is a relaxing activity which can offer the walker time alone to think while giving the heart a mini workout. Riding a bike is also a pleasant form of exercise. One covers more ground on a bike and gains the health benefits from it. It boosts vim and vigor.  Moderate physical activity also raises the heart rate which pumps more blood and oxygen throughout the body. This in turn, helps us feel more alive. It stimulates the brain which keeps our mental faculties alert.

Our skin becomes more elastic and softer which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  It gives us flexibility which we all need the older we become.  It improves posture so we are not so slumped over in age.  Moderate exercise makes us feel stronger and more capable of handling the harder aspects of live. It boosts mood too. We could all use a little mood boost every now and then.  The Health Briefs TV show also testifies that a little moderate exercise every week helps us sleep more soundly. And a good night’s rest is one of the best health benefits everyone needs. 

Head outside if the weather permits and enjoy a short walk. Take in the sights. Soak in the sunshine. Feel alive and healthier.

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Health Briefs TV on What Your Cough Means

Sometimes, it seems that a cough is just a cough. But there are different types of coughs which Health Briefs TV shares with readers.

Asthma can cause coughing when airways become inflamed. It is a dryer cough which ends with a rattle or wheeze. It can get worse at night. If this sounds familiar, go visit the doctor who can order a lung function test. Over the counter meds and longer-lasting medications are usually prescribed for relief.

Allergies can cause post nasal drip which can produce an either wet or dry cough. Mucus drips down the throat tickling nerve endings which cause coughing. Coughing is worse at night. Itchy eyes and sneezing also are also symptoms of allergies.

Gastroesophagal reflux disease or GERD is the second most common cause of chronic coughing. It is a dry, spasmodic cough and one which occurs when gastric acid backs up in the esophagus. It is most common as soon as you lie down in bed at night or after eating.  

COPD is another kind of chronic cough. It is mostly caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema from smoking. The Health Briefs TV show notes that is produces a wet, mucus cough and occurs mostly in the morning.

If you have one of these types of chronic coughs, visit the doctor to see if there is anything which can help lessen it.

Health Briefs TV Reviews Food to Reduce Stress

Food is often used as a means to make on feel better. Comfort food, like a cheeseburger or macaroni and cheese, comes to mind. However, there are better choices to make which can make one feel calm, relaxed and generally less harried. Health Briefs TV reviews which foods can help reduce stress best.

Green leafy vegetables contain folate which produces dopamine, a pleasure-inducing brain chemical that helps one keep calm. A 2012 study found that middle-aged and elderly people who ate more greens such as spinach had a lower risk of depression than those that did not.

Have a turkey breast sandwich. It’s true that the tryptophan in it can relax people. It is an amino acid which is found in protein-rich foods which helps produce the serotonin. This amino acid releases a chemical which stabilizes hunger and feelings of happiness.

Grab a cup of yogurt. The bacteria in the gut might be adding to stress, and yogurt contains probiotics, which reduces brain activity in the area that handle emotion and stress. Eat one of the flavored ones or doctor a small cup of Greek yogurt with honey and cinnamon.

Get a handful of pistachios. The rhythmic motion of getting one, cracking it open and eating it is calming and can reduce stress. It also takes longer to eat them so the little nuts are diet-friendly. The Health BriefsTV show knows they are also good for the heart.

Last but certainly not least is dark chocolate.  It contains cortisol which reduces stress hormones, and the antioxidants in cocoa can relax blood vessels.

Find a calming space to relax and let stress disappear with some of these goodies.

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