5 Healthy Things You Can Do in the Shower
Taking a shower mostly entails washing your hair and shaving your legs, but here are a few more quick things you should make time for that will benefit your health. Source: Thinkstock Read more
Prescription Drugs' Expiration Dates, Explained
I've always wondered what exactly an expiration date means on a drug. Does it become less effective? Could it poison me? Obviously, there's a big difference in those two things, so I was glad to see this NPR story that sheds some light on drug expiration dates. Just because a drug is past its expiration date doesn't necessarily mean you should toss it. Many states require drug labels to carry an Read more
Healthy To-Do: Get Your Cholesterol Checked
Do you have high cholesterol? If your answer is "I don't know," perhaps it's time to find out. Even if you eat healthy and exercise regularly, you may have high cholesterol and not even know it. Found in animal cells and animal-based foods, cholesterol is a nutrient both acquired through eating and produced by your liver. Eating too many saturated fats, including those found in dairy products Read more
Healthy To-Do: Call Your Doc For Test Results
If you listen to the news at all, then you know our healthcare system is a mess. Doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants — they're all overworked. If you recently had a medical test, be it a cholesterol screening or pap smear, you should follow up with your doc and to find out the test results. We like to think that no news is good news, but that is not always the case. A recent Read more
Healthy To-Do: Volunteer For a Cause You Love
Doing community service is good for the world, but did you know it can also be good for your health? Giving your time to a worthy cause can increase your overall happiness. Fittingly, I learned this while reading a story in Woman's Day entitled "What Doctors Wish You'd Do" — while waiting for a doctor's appointment. According to the article, volunteers who donated just 40 hours of their time Read more
Healthy To-Do: Get Your Eyes Checked
Suffering from dry eyes and blurry vision, major league baseball player Brain McCann, catcher for the Atlanta Braves, was recently outfitted for glasses after having his eyes checked. While most of us don't depend on our peepers to track incoming curve balls, we all rely on our eyes for just about everything. This is why it is important to have your eyes checked regularly. The American Read more
Healthy To-Do: Make a Summer Safety Kit
I recently attended my first outdoor concert of the Summer and was dismayed, after a trip to the portapotty, to find that I had no hand sanitizer in my bag. I usually make it a point to carry antibacterial wipes or spray for all of my Summer hiking, camping, walking, and concert excursions. Inspired by my newly updated first aid kit, I decided to assemble a Summer safety kit to toss in Read more
Healthy To-Do: Update Your First Aid Kit
I recently cut myself pretty badly while chopping veggies and when I went to my first aid kit to get some Neosporin, I realized I was all out. So learn from my mistake and take some time this weekend to update your first aid kit and medicine cabinet. Throw out expired products and make sure you're stocked up on the necessities. I made a little checklist of some things you may need in case you Read more
Healthy To-Do: Check Your Skin
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Today, take some time out to check your skin for suspicious moles and markings, which could lead to skin cancer. Put yourself in front of a mirror, naked, and scan your entire body, especially body parts you don't see on a regular basis, like your back. If you'd like a trained eye to examine your skin, the Skin Cancer Foundation is offering free screenings at Read more
Healthy To-Do: Toss Expired Food From Your Cupboards
Now that Spring is on its way, I'm sure you'll be enjoying all the fresh fruits and veggies in the produce section, which means you'll be eating less wintry foods. So this weekend, take some time to go through your cupboards and pantry to check the expiration dates on cans of soup, veggies, beans, and other items. It's not healthy to eat food that is past its prime, and you can make room for new Read more
