Archive for August 2011
If you are an allergy sufferer you know it is the time to reach for tissues and sneeze! The pollen levels produced by prolific allergen producers such as trees and grass pollens are hitting you at the same time. We also know that due to global warming and climate changes, the pollen season is lasting longer, and meaning more time for pollens to make their way into your eyes and nose.
We had a heavy period of precipitation in the form of rain in so many areas in the U.S. (as well as flooding) that the trees and plants are primed and ready for a “pollen surge.” The sudden change to warm and hot weather recently has also given the allergy producing trees and plants a boost as well.
So what can a seasonal allergy sufferer do?
Well for one thing, stay tuned for local pollen counts (assuming you have a confirmed diagnosis of seasonal allergies and know what you are actually allergic to) so you can plan your outdoor activities accordingly. Check out the National Allergy Bureau with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at to learn the level of pollens in your town/city, now that the pollen season is going into high gear.
So what causes pollen levels to go higher and higher?
-
-
Keeping up with good hygiene and daily habits for your teeth and gums can aid the long-term overall health of your mouth. Various household cleaning methods help prevent cavities from forming as well as also helping to improve your teeth’s strength. You can help keep your teeth clean by adding in a few simple steps to your daily routine.
Proper Brushing
-
Each time you brush, spend a minimum of two minutes cleaning them thoroughly. For the best brushing results, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gum line. Gently brush your teeth from the bottom of your gums to the top. A common problem when brushing teeth is brushing too hard; be gentle, and use a softer toothbrush if your teeth are sensitive to your brushing. Use short strokes when cleaning the plaque from your teeth to remove it more efficiently. Brushing after each meal — including snacks — will ensure healthier teeth and gums.
Read the rest of this entry »
This is great information being reblogged from www.CookingWithOlivia.com . Enjoy!
I can’t stress enough how much more nutritious your lunch can be if you make it yourself, versus buying a school or work lunch. First of all, you have no control over the ingredients that go into school/work lunches.
I have now personally toured the kitchen and lunch rooms of 4 different schools in my area, and created the school menu for 2 private schools based on “government” guidelines. I assure you, because the schools are on a very limited budget, and are buying in large quantity, the nutrient content of the foods is suffering big time! In these school kitchens I have seen little to no “whole grains”, but only refined “white” options. I have seen very little “fresh” or “frozen” fruits and vegetables, but instead canned in high sugar or high sodium options, and plenty of high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring in everything from the ketchup, tomato sauce, cheese sauce, jelly, and desserts just to name a few.
So, if you think school lunches are just as healthy as something you could get from home, think again. If you just switched to the healthier versions of some of these foods, you would be getting significantly more vitamins, minerals, fiber and nutrients than the school/work lunchroom version.
Here are some tips to consider when packing a lunch:
