megram - Index

megram - 55GTA - Index

Health Tips
Reducing gas mileage
Excessive air in your digestive
system results in a bloating feeling
or that sometimes-embarrassing
gas emission! A few eating habits
that can contribute to this are
chewing gum, eating too quickly,
eating with your mouth open or
drinking through a straw.The next
time you feel that uncomfortable
bubble percolating, check your eating
habits and adjust.After all,you’ll
probably be more polite too.
Breathe easier with simple exercises
We are used to breathing without thinking; it comes naturally, usually. Learning
to breathe properly, from your diaphragm, can improve your overall health.You can
change your brain chemistry, engage your parasympathetic nervous system and
induce a more restful state. Become aware of your breathing: deepen and even it
out. Lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor with a book on your
abdomen. Breathe in and out, deeply and evenly, and watch the book rise and fall.
Inhale and exhale for five counts each. Repeat and add a count until you’ve done
five cycles of eight breath counts.Tai chi and yoga also reduce pain and stress and
lower heart rates while focusing on proper breathing techniques.
Drink more milk to reduce asthma
Saturated fats, such as those found in milk products, and the
daily consumption of them may be linked to the emergence of
more asthma cases. Since the consumption of foods containing
polyunsaturated fats, from vegetable oils and products made
with them, is on the rise, there is some evidence that this is the
reason why asthma is also increasing.Another good reason to get
your daily quota of dairy products.
New treatments for
bipolar disorder
New treatments may well
prove beneficial for some
patients suffering from bipolar
disorder or manic depression.
Researchers have noticed
improvements in some
patients who have been given
scopolamine, a seasickness
drug; they started feeling less
depressed. Scopolamine skin
patches are being studied further
as a new therapy for this
cyclical disorder. Electrical
fields produced by brain scans
have also been noted to lift
depression somewhat. And
finally, a drug used to treat Lou
Gehrig’s disease is showing
some promise; Riluzole has
antidepressant benefits for
some victims as well.
May 2008 • 42 • Fifty-Five Plus Magazine
Relief strategies for hot flashes
When trying to find relief from
menopause symptoms, you may want to
consider some coping tips:
• Wear lighter fabrics like cotton and linen.
• Sleep with lighter bedding.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid hot or spicy foods, caffeine
and hot drinks.
• It’s recommended to check with your
health professional before considering any
medicinal or non-medical approaches to
coping with menopause:
• Isoflavone supplements such as soy, red
clover, black cohosh and vitamin E
(although cautionary use is suggested
for women who have hormonedependent
cancer).
• Acupuncture, reflexology, evening
primrose oil and ginseng.
• Low-dose antidepressants, antihypertension
medication, although
there are often adverse effects to using
these drugs.
• Low-dose hormones.
Compiled by Doris Ohlmann with files from News Canada.