Health Briefs TV Reviews Steps to Relieve Fall Allergies

If the spring and summer allergy seasons left you feeling miserable, why not get a jump on fall allergies with these steps to relieve them from Health Briefs TV?

Fall is prime allergy season for people who suffer from hay fever or are sensitive to high pollen counts and mold. Hay fever can result from the major pollen producer ragweed. This yellow-greenish plant causes itchy eyes and serious sneezing fits. Many people have are allergic to ragweed. Pollen is everywhere in the fall. You can see it on cars, in people’s hair and on their clothes. Reduce the amount of pollen in your life by keeping home and vehicle windows closed.  Change or clean air filters once a month.

Another allergy irritant is mold. Mold grows on decomposing plants, wet leaves and damp outdoor furniture cushions. Clean up the backyards, patios and porches in the morning. Thoroughly clean furniture cushions using a product especially made for them. Rake, bag and toss all fallen leaves, branches and ground material.

Exercise outdoors only in the morning. Pollen is less likely to be in the air at this time of that than others. If pollen collects on hair and clothing, strip clothes off and wash them right away. Take a shower to wash pollen out of hair and off the body. Use the home A/C all the time. The filter will collect any pollen in the air.

The Health Briefs television show suggests an appointment with allergist before fall allergy season begins to be tested for possible irritants. Take over-the-counter antihistamines to control symptoms. An allergist can prescribe medicated inhalers and eye drops if needed. Get a jump on fall allergy season now. 

Health Briefs TV Explains How to Cut Medical Bills

save money on medical bills

Take charge of medical bills and payments with advice from Health Briefs TV. Reduce the amount by being your own health care advocate.

Open the envelope that the medical bill arrives in and pull the invoice out. Scrutinize it. Itemize all charges on the bill and take time to find out if the cost for each item in it is accurate. Be sure you are not charged for something you never got. Also, be sure the bill is accurate for you and your medical procedure, as sometimes patient names and IDs get crossed.

• Call the provider and insist on the itemized bill and a clear understanding for each charge. Request a hold on the bill, which delays the due date until all items have been clearly explained and all charges are accurate.
• Take charge and clear up the common medical billing mistakes:
• Upcoding – charging for a more expensive treatment than what was actually performed.
• Duplicate billing – charging for the same procedure multiple times.
• Unbundling – taking a service which is supposed to be packaged and billing for each item separately that is often higher than the package price.

• Ask for discounts and hardship applications.  Health Briefs TV knows that this is a humbling thing to do. But in order to be able to afford to pay the bill without breaking the checking account, it pays to ask.
• Negotiate – Always first try to negotiate a medical bill. Offer to pay a percentage of the whole bill. If that doesn’t work, set up a payment schedule and then set up automatic payments from checking accounts. Be sure to ask if that interest charges do not go up during the payment plan.
• It pays to be your own healthcare advocate. Take charge of medical and insurance bills and perhaps there will be some money saved.

The Health Briefs Television Show Urges Child Eye Exams

Seeing is everything. This is imperative now that kids are back in school or soon to start again.
The Health Briefs television show urges child eye exams for all school age children.

As the school year begins, parents and teachers might want to be aware of these signs of possible near nearsightedness in children:

• Squinting while looking at the black or white boards in classrooms
• Headaches when reading
• Sitting close to the TV or computer
• A resistance to reading
• Coordination in sports
• Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
• Developmental delays
• Failure to maintain eye contact
• Poor eye tracking skills

The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that roughly 40 percent of Americans are nearsighted, and more than a third of teens and pre-teens have the same eye problem. A proper eye exam can determine if a child has this issue, and can help make ease it. Eighty percent of learning is visual from reading what is on a black or white board, on a computer, presentation, and reading in general. If a child cannot see what they are reading, they will not learn well.

Health Briefs TV also notes that kids may be experiencing one or more of the above signs of eye trouble. Not all of them have to be felt to indicate eye problems. Take children in for a a regular eye exam. Glasses are no longer the stigma they once were. They come in cool colors and styles. Many are not only fashionable but affordable also. Seeing is everything. Seeing school work, o on the playing field, at the movies and at home are all vital to having a happy, healthy school age child.

Health Briefs TV Review Basic Eye Care Guidelines

Our eyes are paramount to seeing all the beautiful things in life. Health Briefs TV reviews the basic eye care guidelines to be sure they are always in good working order.

One of the most important guidelines for taking good care of the eyes is to have a regular vision exam.  Many vision care centers offer low cost check-ups that examine the eyes for viruses, cataracts and other eye-related issues.

If glasses are needed for distance or for reading, be sure to request an anti-glare coating on the lens. Glare from the sun and vehicle headlights can cause serious eye strain.

If taking contact lens instead of glasses, be sure to follow all of the guidelines for them. Don’t wear them to bed or to nap. Don’t wear them in the shower or swimming pool. Always clean them with the cleansing solution and not with tap water.

Health Briefs television show also suggests eating nutritious meals packed with vitamins and minerals to keep the eyes healthy.

Get plenty or rest.  Keep eyes moist with artificial tears, if needed.

Wear sunglasses when outside even on cloudy days to better protect eyes from the sun’s harsh glare. Choose Polaroid lens for better clarity.

Our eyes are needed so we can see everything that’s most important to us. Take good care of them.

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Health Briefs TV Reviews the Benefits of Herbal Remedies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 Highlights Summer Wellness Tips for Kids

Feed them fruit instead of chips

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

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

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

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

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Health Briefs TV Relays Info on Food that Maintain Memory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Health Briefs TV Relays Cautions for July Fourth

Never use sparklers in the house or home

The upcoming July Fourth holiday in the United States is a time of celebration, family picnics, firework shows, and injuries. Health Briefs TV relays cautions for the Independence holiday.

As Americans being to prep and prepare homes, lawns, and food for the holiday weekend, there are important health and safety reminders to consider:

Lawns and the outdoors

• Carefully trim trees, bushes and shrubs. Be aware of power and cable lines hidden in thick tree branches. Wear sturdy, enclosed shoes and long sleeves to prevent slips from ladders and scratches on arms.
• Be sure swimming pools have secure gates and fences to prevent small children from possibly drowning.
• Clean outdoor furniture with water only.
• Wear swim goggles when enjoying public pools and in oceans, lakes and other bodies of water to prevent eye infections.
• Use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat when spending a lot of time in the sun. Reapply often and don’t forget to protect the ears, nose and mouth.
• Use sparklers and snappers cautiously. Avoid letting small children use them. Snappers can pop under someone’s legs and cause burns. Sparklers crackle and pop scaring animals and kids. Stand away from other people when using them. Fireworks sold to consumers cause more burns to hands, arms and faces than anywhere else, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Homes and food

• Refrigerate all food well in advance of picnics and barbeques. Use sealed containers to prevent spills and contamination from air.
• Clean up counters and tables when done using them immediately so pets and toddlers don’t ingest food with bones, chocolate or anything which might cause an allergic reaction.
• Keep alcoholic drinks away from surfaces that kids can reach.
• Pack plenty of beach towels, bug spray and sunscreen for everyone.
• Keep everyone hydrated with a supply of cold water and fruit juices. Flavor it naturally with berries, oranges, lemons, limes and mint.

The Health Briefs TV show wishes readers a safe and healthy Fourth of July.

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Health Briefs TV Reviews Food Labels

True free range chickens

Our search for healthy, delicious and ethically-produced food causes us to question wording found on food labels. Health Briefs reviews what we should know about it.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration places strict guidelines on food labels which certain characteristics. Those guidelines apply to labels using the terms “organic”, “low-fat” and “sugar-free”.  Organic products must meet certain standards for ingredients and how and where they are grown. Low-fat products must contain less than three grams of fat per serving. Sugar-free items must not have any sugars as an ingredient. But good packages and labels stating that the product is “a good source of fiber” can leave us wondering.

Any food item which is truly a “good source of fiber” will list a respectable percentage of fiber per serving on the food label. Check the list of ingredients too for food with natural fibers like beans, fruits and whole grains. Food packages with wording which implies made with whole grains should not have any refined or white flour in the product. The Health Briefs TV show also suggests doing a little research on food labeled “free range”. It could mean chickens are allowed to go outside of the coops, but may chose not to. Look up the name of the farm or chicken breeder to find out if it is truly a free range facility or not. Read all food labels carefully.

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Health Briefs TV Reviews Sun Protection Information

There are many sunburn protection products on store shelves. All of them list a Sun Protection Factor or SPF number.  Health Briefs TV reviews what consumers need to know about the SPF number and which products work best to prevent sun-related skin cancers.

Medical experts and doctors advise consumers to look for and buy a sun care product which states it is a broad spectrum item.  This means that the product protects against the sun’s UVA rays, which cause skin aging and wrinkles, and also covers the UVB rays which can cause sunburn.

Contrary to common belief, a sun care product with a high SPF number does not mean that the product will be better at protecting skin from sunburn.  For example:  a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 means one can stay out in the run 30 times longer without getting burned. Thirty times is 300 minutes or five hours.  A key note to remember is that sunscreen only works if used properly:

Apply one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover every exposed area of the body.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Remember to use on bare skin on the head, on ears, noses, and feet.

Use a sunscreen lip product to protect the sensitive skin on lips from sunburn.

Health Briefs TV recommends taking advantage of the sales on sun care products now. Buy in bulk to keep enough on hand for the next few months.  There are many good products available for children as well.

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Health Briefs TV on the Health Benefits of Nuts

Ah nuts. We knew there was something good for us about them, and a new study found that we were right. Health Briefs TV gets nutty on the health benefits of nuts.

The high-protein snack seems to lower the risk of death from a number of chronic diseases, according to the researchers of the study. As reported in the International Journal of Epidemiology, when we eat at least 10 grams of nut or peanuts per day, our mortality rate from respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diabetes, cancer and heart-related issues is reduced. Ten grams of nuts and peanuts per day is advised for people who are not allergic to them. The consumption of peanut better did not have any affect, nor did eating more than 10 grams of nuts per day. Ten grams of nuts is less than a handful of them.

Health Briefs TV notes that nuts and peanuts contain mono-saturated and poly-saturated fats, or the “good fats”, fiber and vitamins. Peanut butter contains added salt and “bad fats”.  Raw nuts, not the roasted and salted varieties, are best. Think almonds, sunflower seed, peanuts, walnuts, and pecans. Most grocery and organic food stores sell these.  Go nuts and lower the chance of developing life-changing and life-ending illnesses.  

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Health Briefs TV Brushes Up on Food and Drinks Bad for Teeth

Brush teeth after enjoying these BBQ ribs

Everywhere we look, people are sporting clean, white teeth. How do they manage to have such a perfect smile when we know some of them are eating and drinking things that stain teeth? Health Briefs TV brushes up food and drinks bad for teeth.

How we long for the perfect, pearly white smile.  Regular visits to the dentist’s office certainly help keep our mouths healthy. But what can we do at home, work and when out on the town?

Cold-pressed juices can contain more sugar than a can of soda.  Sugar is consumed by the bacteria in the mouth and converted into acid which wears the protective enamel off of teeth. Sip juices through a straw and wait at least 45 minutes before brushing teeth.

Even though this is the time of year when backyard barbeques are common, the barbeque sauce we love is a major stain maker – and not just on clothes.  That delicious sauce is full of sugar.  To prevent possible tooth decay and staining, rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly on teeth before eating anything with that sauce on it. Or brush teeth immediately after eating.

Health Briefs TV also notes that the acid in white wine can eat away at tooth enamel. We know that red wine can stain teeth too. But white wine is often overlooked as a stain maker. Eat cheese with a glass of white wine. It is chock-full of protein, calcium and phosphorus which can buffer the acids.

Something else to consider: follow the direction to the letter on tubes of whitening toothpaste, whitening gels and mouthwashes. Failure to do so can result in a less than sparkling mouth.

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