Health

We all need a sufficient amount of sleep to be our best. During this time of year you may feel like skimping on a few hours of sleep in order to get some extra things done during your day. Not a good idea! If you are getting enough sleep, you should feel energetic and alert all day long. You are going to need that energy during the holiday season! It’s not just about energy but also your immune system, mental alertness, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and your body weight. Most healthy adults need between 7.5 and 9 hours of sleep each night to function at their best. Below are a couple myths/facts from the National Institute of Health. Myths and Facts about Sleep Myth 1: Getting just 1 hour less sleep per night won’t affect your daytime functioning....

I have learned that lemon balm is a naturally calming herb that has been used for years to treat melancholy and depression. It has also helped enhance alertness, sharpen focus, and strengthen memory for many people over many years. If you need a boost in your mood, lemon balm might just do the trick. It is the perfect time of year to try lemon balm. Not only does it help battle depression, keep your mind sharp, and put you in a good mood, it is rich in antioxidants, helps treat and prevent cold sores, and supports immunity. It’s all natural!!

The most fattening time of the year is upon us.  Holiday parties, festivities, treats at work, and lots of food!  How are you going to fit into your jeans in January?  You have to give yourself a pep talk now so you can prepare yourself mentally to be strong enough to resist too many of the sabotaging foods.  Remind yourself of all the wonderful reasons you want to be healthy throughout the season and in years to come.  Imagine yourself in February putting on the belt that still fits perfectly.  Remember the feeling you have when you are at your best.  Come up with a thought or activity that will help you when you are tempted to make a poor choice.  You can enjoy all of the festivities but keep in mind what you are putting into your mouth.  Drink...

There is so much information going around about what food is good for you, what food is bad for you, what foods you should never eat, what foods you can eat to lose weight faster, and so on. It doesn’t hurt to listen or read about these foods but in the end you have to do what is best for your body and mind. Pay attention to how you feel when you eat too much sugar.  Are you so hungry shortly after a sugary meal that is causes you to eat more than you should?  Save the sugary treats for exactly that, a treat. Refrain from treating yourself daily to where it becomes a habit for your body to want that sugar. Save the sugar for very special occassions and try to pair it with something healthy. Be prepared with a healthy meal/snack shortly after to keep...

GMO stands for “genetically modified organism”, which is a plant or animal whose DNA has been changed in a lab. The DNA molecules from different sources are combinded into one molecule to create a new set of genes. Those genes are then transferred into an organism, giving it modified genes. The most well known form of GMO’s are those used to protect crops. The USA is the largest commercial grower of genetically modified crops in the world. Many of the foods we eat contain GMO’s. Can you avoid genetically modified food? Click the link to visit WebMD for interesting information.

Ten life-extending strategies from guys who’ve given the Grim Reaper the slip John Hastings, Men’s Health http://health.msn.com/mens-health/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100280539