Skin Warning

Topical cosmetic products that contain an ingredients called alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) may increase the skins sensitivity to ultraviolet rays and up the risk of sunburn, according to research by the Cosmetic. Toiletry and Fragrance Association. These acids are purported to reduce wrinkles and freshen skin appearance by sloughing off old dead skin cells. This weakens the skin top layer, which blocks out UV light, says dermatologist and Family Circle health and Medical Advisory Board member John Romano. M.D.. for protection, use sunscreen with a high SPF (such as SPF 15). Skin sensitivity can last for up to a week after discontinuing use of skin products with AHAs. – Christine Brophy

How to skip stone

If you have a family history of kidney stones, you may want to cut down on drinking regular tea, which is loaded with calcium oxalate, the ingredient in most kidney stones. Or you can switch your Earl Grey in the morning? Then at least don’t dunk the bag so much. Researchers from Canada said you may reduce your risk of kidney stones by refraining from dunking your tea bag or stirring your tea while it’s brewing or steeping it too long, since all these things drive more oxalate out of the leaves and into your cup.

Photo courtesy: techstripe

The beast goes down

If you own a heart-rate monitor, you know how effective it can be for keeping our heart rate in your target zone while running and cycling. But one cardiologist says the monitors can be used to help eat stress during the rest of your day as well. I have a friend whose job is highly stressful, and he wears his to work, says James M. Rippe, M.D., director of the Center for Clinical and Lifestyle Research and a professor of cardiology at Tuffs University School of Medicine. He checks his heart rate now and then and he knows when he needs to take a break to unwind. Dr. Rippe is finishing a year-long study of heart-rate monitors as stress-reduction tools.

Though he won’t reveal details of the study, he says some subjects and significant and measurable reduction in stress simply by monitoring their heart rates a few times a day. (However, checking too often may actually cause stress, doctors wan.) While stress is certainly not the only thing that increases heart rate (caffeine, physical activity and excitement do, too), Dr. Ripe says “it provides a window to what’s happening in the body. You don’t have to go to Tibet to de-stress; simply being in tune with your heart rate gives you a positive effect right away. – Jeffrey Csatari

Get the Stress Out

Sitting in a chair all day can be much more stressful than it seems. Mental stress can lodge itself in your shoulders, back, eyes and head.

Here’s simple plan for adapting your work style to one that’s better for your mind and body:

● Watch for unhealthy habits. When you’re on the phone, do you use your chin to pin the receiver against your shoulder? Do you lunch over the keyboard when you’re typing? Are you accustomed to using your legs to drag yourself, seated in your swivel chair, across your office to retrieve your mail? All of these unnatural movements—when repeated day after day—can lead to muscle strain and soreness.

● Relax your neck. This is often the fris place you feel stress. Try this: Extend your right arm over your head and grasp your neck just below your left ear. Now gently pull your head toward your right shoulder and hold for a moment. Repeat with your left arm, pulling your head toward your left shoulder.

● Take regular breaks. If your job requires you to stay in the same position for long periods, or if you repeat the same motion continuously, take one-minute breaks every 15 minutes. Stand up, stretch against a wall, go for a walk—anything to get the blood flowing again.

Source: men’s health

What about fish?

Definitely eat fish—particularly omega 3—rich fish such as lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon. The fatty acids in fish decrease lesion formation inflammation, platelet aggregation, and triglyceride levels.

Those who don’t consume two fish meals per week may want to ask their health care provider about taking 1 gram of fish oil per day. In one study of more that 11,000 heart attack survivors, daily supplements equivalent to one fatty-fish meal reduced the risk of sudden cardiac death. Researchers believe that consuming fish-oil fats helps stabilize heart muscle cells, making them more resistant to arrhythmia.

Which foods should I avoid from now on?

Sharply reduce intake of saturated and trans fats. These fats raise blood cholesterol and contributre to atherosclerosis. Avoid’ fatty meats, whole-milk products, processed foods such as bakery items, hard margarines, shortenings, and lard.

Do I have to worry about sodium?

That depends. Not everyone who has cardiac problems needs to restrict sodium, but those who have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure or a severely damaged heart should be especially vigilant. Reducing sodium reduces blood pressure, which helps lower heart attack and stroke risk. To go sallt-free season your food with chopped fresh dried herbs, spices, lemon juice and zest or high-quality flavored vinegars.

Moderate alcohol consumption may reduce heart attack risk and read wine contains added antioxidant benefits.