function Tips(){ var tipsJSONObject = [ { "Date": "1-Jan", "Tip":"Your friends may have a greater influence on your weight than you thought, according to a recent study. It found that when a participant's friend became obese, he or she had a 57 percent greater chance of becoming so." }, { "Date": "2-Jan", "Tip":"Mother knows best: When you have a cold you should try eating foods like hot soup. Chicken soup in particular may actually fight symptoms by inhibiting the cells that cause respiratory inflammation." }, { "Date": "3-Jan", "Tip":"Too-hot showers: The high heat could cause your blood pressure to drop, which could lead to fainting. So keep the temperature moderate and your shower time short, especially if you take blood-pressure medication." }, { "Date": "4-Jan", "Tip":"Family medical trees: Compiling a history of conditions that your grandparents, parents, siblings, and other close relatives had can help you and your doctor prepare a plan to keep you healthy" }, { "Date": "5-Jan", "Tip":"Don't be shy: To reduce the chance of inappropriate medical care, speak up if you think you have a problem that needs a doctor's attention. You may need a comprehensive checkup." }, { "Date": "6-Jan", "Tip":"Don't rely on herbs or supplements to guard against the flu. Research on products including echinacea, ginseng, and oscillococcinum, a homeopathic remedy, has found that none of them proved to be effective at preventing the illness." }, { "Date": "7-Jan", "Tip":"Studies have found that people don't improve their health by taking supplemental antioxidants like vitamins C and E because the pills may undermine the ability of exercise to improve blood glucose levels." }, { "Date": "8-Jan", "Tip":"Asleep at the wheel: A German study found that drowsy driving was the largest preventable cause of car accidents. During long trips, stop every hour or 60 miles to stretch and walk around. And nap if you feel sleepy." }, { "Date": "9-Jan", "Tip":"Drinking black tea may help you de-stress. A randomized trial found that men who drank it four times a day had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who drank a caffeinated placebo." }, { "Date": "10-Jan", "Tip":"Keep medications where you'll find them at the right time of day. Place bedtime or morning meds near your alarm clock, for example. For pills you take with food, choose a prominent spot in the kitchen." }, { "Date": "11-Jan", "Tip":"Drug makers now include warnings on labels about such side effects as internal bleeding and liver damage for over-the-counter products like acetaminophen, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs and some cold medicines." }, { "Date": "12-Jan", "Tip":"Don't forget to eat: Waiting too long can cause a drop in blood sugar. Your body also becomes accustomed to eating at certain intervals, and changes can throw off your system and lead to binging." }, { "Date": "13-Jan", "Tip":"Reach for an egg if you're sick. If being ill is has ruined your appetite, eggs are a good food choice because they provide lots of protein and can be prepared in different ways, from bland to very flavorful." }, { "Date": "14-Jan", "Tip":"Don't ignore referrals to specialists: A recent study found that it occurs nearly 20 percent of the time. Nearly half of the no-shows said the problem resolved itself, while 27 percent disagreed with the need for the referral." }, { "Date": "15-Jan", "Tip":"Think positively: In a study of massage and acupuncture for back pain, people who were optimistic about their treatment were more likely to get good results than those who were skeptical." }, { "Date": "16-Jan", "Tip":"Obesity and exercise: A recent study found that people are exercising about as much as in the 1970s, yet obesity levels have increased. It appears to be an increase in calories— not a decrease in activity— that's to blame." }, { "Date": "17-Jan", "Tip":"To prevent overeating, slow down. When you're very hungry you may tend to eat rapidly and therefore overeat. It takes roughly 20 minutes for your brain to receive the signal from the gut that you're satisfied." }, { "Date": "18-Jan", "Tip":"Talking about past good times can give older adults an emotional boost. And feelings of nostalgia— from, say, looking at photos or listening to a song— might help reignite a sense of connectedness." }, { "Date": "19-Jan", "Tip":"Long work hours may take a greater toll on women than men. Women who work long hours tend to eat more fatty and high-sugar snacks, exercise less, and drink more caffeine." }, { "Date": "20-Jan", "Tip":"Wake-up workout: Start with a short warm-up, like jogging in place, and stretch your leg muscles. Joints and muscles are stiffest just after waking up. Then do aerobic exercise, like bicycling, swimming, or jogging." }, { "Date": "21-Jan", "Tip":"New drugs aren't always better drugs. Don't ask for or accept a new drug unless you and your doctor are convinced that it offers significant advantages. If they're only marginal, choose an older, more tested equivalent." }, { "Date": "22-Jan", "Tip":"Cough-drop tips: Try using nonmedicated lozenges containing glycerin or honey, which coat the throat. Don't bother with medicated cough drops, which work no better than other drops. Even sugar-free hard candies can help." }, { "Date": "23-Jan", "Tip":"Burn calories and do chores at the same time. A half-hour of dusting burns about 75 calories; painting and decorating, 90 calories; vacuuming, 105 calories; and lawn mowing, 165 calories." }, { "Date": "24-Jan", "Tip":"Healthy fast food? Certain \"healthy options\" may seem to be a good choice, but beware of the hype. Burger King's low-carb, bun-less Double-Meat Whopper With Cheese, for example, has 630 calories and 47 grams of fat." }, { "Date": "25-Jan", "Tip":"Expired liquid meds: While some pills retain their potency well past their expiration dates, liquid drugs can separate over time, leading to inconsistent dosages. Always check dates, and discard any liquids past their prime." }, { "Date": "26-Jan", "Tip":"Nurses and physician's assistants can evaluate and treat most commonplace medical problems, and certified nurse-midwives can safely handle low-risk pregnancies, from prenatal care through delivery." }, { "Date": "27-Jan", "Tip":"Take the stairs: Spending 10 minutes climbing stairs each day burns about 100 calories, compared with just 15 while riding an elevator. Aesthetically enhanced stairwells encourage stair use." }, { "Date": "28-Jan", "Tip":"Convenience, gas savings, and home delivery are only some of the advantages of buying groceries online. It might also help overweight people buy fewer fattening products and make fewer impulse buys" }, { "Date": "29-Jan", "Tip":"Avoid tartar-control and whitening toothpastes if you have sensitive teeth, since those formulas are more abrasive and exacerbate sensitivity to cold, heat, and sugar." }, { "Date": "30-Jan", "Tip":"Some healthier choices in Chinese restaurants include vegetable dishes with shrimp or chicken— preferably steamed— with brown rice. Pour off excess sauce, and ask for light soy sauce." }, { "Date": "31-Jan", "Tip":"Kick it up a notch: Moderately intense exercise, even in short sessions, has been shown to protect against certain diseases, including coronary heart disease, the most common killer of men and women in the U.S." }, { "Date": "1-Feb", "Tip":"Super Bowl snacking: On game day, use small dishes, limit alcohol, and replace high-calorie favorites with healthier options such as fruit kabobs, fresh veggies and hummus, baked chips with salsa, and angel food cake." }, { "Date": "2-Feb", "Tip":"Heart-healthy vitamins: Folate, B12, and B6 may help prevent heart disease and other serious health conditions, in part by lowering blood levels of the harmful amino acid homocysteine." }, { "Date": "3-Feb", "Tip":"More pleasant procedures: Staying calm before a medical procedure may make it go smoother. Techniques include meditation, deep breathing, visualizing a safe, peaceful place, and practicing progressive muscle relaxation." }, { "Date": "4-Feb", "Tip":"Anger and the heart: A study found that those with implantable cardioverter defibrillators who responded strongly to angry thoughts were 11 times more likely to experience dangerous heart-rhythm issues over the next 2+ years." }, { "Date": "5-Feb", "Tip":"Jump rope for stronger bones: A recent large review found that jumping rope strengthened bones as effectively as other weight-bearing activities such as running and dancing. Aim for 20 minutes three to five days a week." }, { "Date": "6-Feb", "Tip":"Evaluating prescription drug ads: A new Food and Drug Administration Web site helps consumers distinguish between credible ads and misleading ones. www.fda.gov/oc/promotion also analyzes advertising for medical devices." }, { "Date": "7-Feb", "Tip":"Happy golden years: According to researchers, older people are less like to feel unhappy than younger ones. People over 65 have more emotional control, helping them cope better with stressful situations." }, { "Date": "8-Feb", "Tip":"People exercise more when they live or work near a health club, park, or trail, perhaps because the proximity makes it easier to work out without compromising family or work obligations." }, { "Date": "9-Feb", "Tip":"Hold the salt: A recent study found that lowering salt intake to 1,150 milligrams a day (half the daily recommended amount) can help even those people who have been unresponsive to medication." }, { "Date": "10-Feb", "Tip":"Computer germs: Give your keyboard and mouse a periodic cleaning with a swab or cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol to remove bacteria and other bugs that cause illness. (Unplug the components first.)" }, { "Date": "11-Feb", "Tip":"Don't hug dirty laundry: Dirty sheets, towels, and clothes can harbor bacteria and other germs, so use a basket— not your arms— to transport laundry. And wash your hands after loading it into the machine." }, { "Date": "12-Feb", "Tip":"Journal away: Using a food journal is a simple way to track your appetite. Data from weight-loss studies suggest that monitoring food intake plays a critical role not just in shedding weight but also in maintaining the loss." }, { "Date": "13-Feb", "Tip":"Valentine's advice for men: Researchers instructed 118 men with a higher than normal amount of damaged DNA in their sperm to ejaculate daily. After seven days, the participants' sperm quality showed signs of improvement." }, { "Date": "14-Feb", "Tip":"The chocolate/female hormone connection? A recent study of women ages 45-80 found that chocolate cravings were not related to hormones but more a method of coping with stressful situations." }, { "Date": "15-Feb", "Tip":"Clean glasses carefully: Hand washing stemware can lead to a nasty cut if the glass breaks. To prevent injury, use a sponge with a handle to clean , then rinse with a spray attachment." }, { "Date": "16-Feb", "Tip":"Go for ginger: Clinical trials suggest that ginger supplements can relieve the nausea associated with motion sickness, chemotherapy, the aftermath of surgery, and the first trimester of pregnancy." }, { "Date": "17-Feb", "Tip":"Exercise for weak hearts: A new study has found that heart-failure patients who exercised regularly cut their risk of premature death by 11 percent over about three years compared with those who received standard care." }, { "Date": "18-Feb", "Tip":"Productive complaining: Dissatisfied with your hospital stay? Medicare patients can register a complaint with their state's quality improvement organization. Call 1-800-MEDICARE for contact information." }, { "Date": "19-Feb", "Tip":"Describe your symptoms carefully: Doctors often form a diagnosis within 30 seconds of hearing a complaint, and stick with it even if subsequent information doesn't fit. So tell your story quickly and clearly." }, { "Date": "20-Feb", "Tip":"Benefits of low-dose aspirin: If Americans took low- dose aspirin as directed by their doctor, about 3.7 million heart attacks and strokes could be prevented over the next 30 years." }, { "Date": "21-Feb", "Tip":"Good blood sugar helps major health issues: If Americans reached their ideal blood sugar levels as directed by their doctor, about 5.4 million heart attacks and strokes could be prevented over the next 30 years." }, { "Date": "22-Feb", "Tip":"Strong thighs, healthy heart? Possibly. A study conducted by Danish researches found that people with thighs less than 24 inches around faced a higher risk of heart attack." }, { "Date": "23-Feb", "Tip":"Another reason for losing weight. If Americans lost excess weight as directed by their doctor, about 8.2 million heart attacks and strokes could be prevented over the next 30 years." }, { "Date": "24-Feb", "Tip":"Don't hold a grudge: People who can forgive a friend or family member report having better moods, better health, and more overall satisfaction than those who let grievances fester. Remember: You can forgive even if differences remain." }, { "Date": "25-Feb", "Tip":"Keep the cholesterol down. If Americans reached their target cholesterol levels as directed by their doctor, about 12.6 million heart attacks and strokes could be prevented over the next 30 years." }, { "Date": "26-Feb", "Tip":"Be wary of antioxidants: Studies have found that people don't improve their health by taking supplemental antioxidants like vitamins C and E because the pills may undermine the ability of exercise to improve blood glucose levels." }, { "Date": "27-Feb", "Tip":"Shotgun drugs: When it comes to over-the-counter drugs, consumers should avoid \"shotgun\" remedies, which contain multiple ingredients. You may not need those ingredients, and they raise the risk of side effects and overdoses." }, { "Date": "28-Feb", "Tip":"Obesity and exercise: A recent study found that people are exercising about as much as they did in the 1970s, yet obesity levels have increased. It appears that an increase in calories— not a decrease in activity— is to blame." }, { "Date": "1-Mar", "Tip":"Step-class injuries: To stay safe, avoid looking down, which can cause neck and back soreness; step down toe-first to avoid overloading your heel; stay within a foot of the bench; and don't set the bench too high." }, { "Date": "2-Mar", "Tip":"Free med reminders: Keep medications where you'll find them at the right time of day. Place bedtime or morning meds near your alarm clock, for example. For pills you take with food, choose a prominent spot in the kitchen." }, { "Date": "3-Mar", "Tip":"X-ray records: Keeping a history of all your imaging tests can help you avoid unnecessary ones, reducing your radiation exposure and medical bills. Download a history card at www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/record_card.pdf." }, { "Date": "4-Mar", "Tip":"What's the best preparation for sleep? To ensure a good night's sleep, try not to engage in busy or stressful activities late at night. Turn off computers, TVs, and radios, and keep your bedroom cool and dark." }, { "Date": "5-Mar", "Tip":"Fat and protein help you feel full. Aim to include moderate amounts of healthful fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados, in your diet, as well as moderate levels of lean meats and low-fat dairy products." }, { "Date": "6-Mar", "Tip":"Big-breakfast bonus: People who get lots of their calories at breakfast tend to have a lower body mass index than others. That may be because breakfast lends itself to filling, high-fiber foods like whole-grain cereal." }, { "Date": "7-Mar", "Tip":"Active flying: To help prevent deep-vein thrombosis, a potentially deadly blood clot associated with long plane rides, bend and straighten your legs, wiggle your toes, and get up periodically to walk around the cabin." }, { "Date": "8-Mar", "Tip":"To ensure a sound sleep, try to eat, go to bed, and wake up around the same time each day. Exercise regularly, but not within three hours of bedtime. And restrict liquids, especially caffeine and alcohol, as bedtime approaches." }, { "Date": "9-Mar", "Tip":"Research has found that office workers who have plants but no window report greater satisfaction with their jobs and personal lives, and more positive feelings toward co-workers, than employees with windows but no plants." }, { "Date": "10-Mar", "Tip":"Smell the coffee. Just a whiff of java might give you the same jolt as drinking it, according to a small study of college students. After 10 minutes of sniffing coffee, students typed faster and more accurately." }, { "Date": "11-Mar", "Tip":"Conscientious people may be less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. A study found that goal-directed, self-disciplined people had a lower risk of developing the disease than those with the lowest scores for those traits." }, { "Date": "12-Mar", "Tip":"Early-bird colonoscopies: Preliminary research suggests that physicians detect more polyps during the first colonoscopy of the day. So if possible, try to get one of the earliest appointments of the morning." }, { "Date": "13-Mar", "Tip":"Postmenopausal women who experience panic attacks may be at an increased risk for a heart attack. A study found that those who had panic attacks in the previous six months were four times more likely to suffer a heart attack." }, { "Date": "14-Mar", "Tip":"Getting enough sleep but still tired during the day? The culprit could be an underlying health problem such as sleep apnea, a common breathing disorder that sharply raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes." }, { "Date": "15-Mar", "Tip":"Symptoms of a concussion: Some of the telltale signs are delayed verbal and motor responses, excessive drowsiness, slurred speech, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to sound." }, { "Date": "16-Mar", "Tip":"A mouthwash pause: Wait 30 minutes after rinsing with mouthwash before eating, drinking, or smoking. Food or beverages may wash the rinse off teeth prematurely, and smoking can counteract the cleaning agents in the wash." }, { "Date": "17-Mar", "Tip":"Wheelchair scams: Be wary of companies offering free wheelchairs and scooters. They may be committing fraud by charging Medicare for unneeded equipment. And watch out for calls from companies steering you to a particular doctor." }, { "Date": "18-Mar", "Tip":"Cancer fraud: The Food and Drug Administration has warned against \"cancer cures\" marketed on the Web. Red flags include unverified testimonials, unsourced research claims, and buzzwords such as \"natural\" and \"nontoxic.\"" }, { "Date": "19-Mar", "Tip":"Using your face to engage positively with others— by smiling, making friendly eye contact, or showing interest through your eyes— appears to ease stress by slowing the heart rate and reducing blood pressure." }, { "Date": "20-Mar", "Tip":"\"Angel\" vs. \"devil\" foods: Despite the popularity of diets that glorify some foods while demonizing others, our diet experts emphasize that no one food makes or breaks a diet." }, { "Date": "21-Mar", "Tip":"Afternoon siesta: Seems like many European nations have had it right all along. A recent study suggests that a long nap can sharpen the mind as much as a good night's sleep." }, { "Date": "22-Mar", "Tip":"Be happy, read the newspaper: A recent study of more than 45,000 adults linked reading newspapers to higher levels of happiness, while watching lots of TV correlated with lower happiness levels." }, { "Date": "23-Mar", "Tip":"Surgeons over 60 with low surgical volumes have higher patient mortality rates on some procedures, but those who maintain high surgical caseloads have comparable outcomes with surgeons 41 to 50." }, { "Date": "24-Mar", "Tip":"Even light exercise brings health benefits: A recent study found that exercising less frequently or for shorter periods than the recommended 30 minutes a day still resulted in lowered blood pressure and smaller waists." }, { "Date": "25-Mar", "Tip":"One eyedrop, not drops: While many eyedrop prescriptions call for one or two drops, using just one generally does the job best. A single drop on average contains at least as much liquid as a normal eye can hold. " }, { "Date": "26-Mar", "Tip":"Angina alert: This heart-related chest pain can be aggravated by cold weather, which constricts the arteries. To help prevent attacks, dress warmly when outdoors, in several light layers, and wear a scarf over your mouth and nose." }, { "Date": "27-Mar", "Tip":"On-time mammograms: A study found an increase in the percentage of women— from 63 percent to 80 percent— who got mammograms at the recommended times when they received a reminder. Remind yourself by marking the date in your calendar or signing up for alerts by phone or e-mail." }, { "Date": "28-Mar", "Tip":"If your medication gives you dry mouth, choose toothpaste that contains fluoride and consider using a fluoride rinse. Also use a nonalcohol-based mouthwash, drink plenty of water during the day, and suck on sugarless gum or candies." }, { "Date": "29-Mar", "Tip":"If your medication gives you dry mouth, choose toothpaste that contains fluoride and consider using a fluoride rinse. Also use a nonalcohol-based mouthwash, drink plenty of water during the day, and suck on sugarless gum or candies." }, { "Date": "30-Mar", "Tip":"Watch your blood pressure. If Americans reached their target blood pressure as directed by their doctor, about 13.2 million heart attacks and strokes could be prevented over the next 30 years." }, { "Date": "31-Mar", "Tip":"Portion control: Vigilance about portion size is a painless way to stay slim. Studies have found that people can feel just as satisfied if they're served smaller meals. But given a plate heaped with food, they're apt to finish it all." }, { "Date": "1-Apr", "Tip":"Take the stairs: Just 7 minutes a day of walking up stairs may help protect your heart, among other benefits. But research has found that only about 6 percent of people actually take the stairs in public buildings." }, { "Date": "2-Apr", "Tip":"Nondairy calcium sources: Try sardines, calcium-fortified tofu, figs, oranges, collards and other greens, almonds, and navy and great northern beans." }, { "Date": "3-Apr", "Tip":"Research has found that chewing gum for 1 hour, three times a day, significantly hastens the resumption of normal bowel function, reducing the time abdominal-surgery patients have to spend in the hospital." }, { "Date": "4-Apr", "Tip":"Kidney stone prevention: A study found that people who closely followed a diet to lower blood pressure called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension were half as likely to develop kidney stones as those who didn't follow it." }, { "Date": "5-Apr", "Tip":"The wrong gym shoes cause ankle pain, redness, and other discomfort. If you vary your activities, consider a cross-trainer. If you mainly stick to one sport, such as tennis, look for shoes made specifically for that sport." }, { "Date": "6-Apr", "Tip":"Money problems, memory problems: A recent study of people with mild memory problems found that those who showed a decline in money-management skills were more likely to develop dementia later." }, { "Date": "7-Apr", "Tip":"Green gifts: A study found that recovering surgery patients who had plants in their hospital room needed fewer painkillers, reported less post-op anxiety, and had lower heart rates and blood-pressure readings than patients without plants." }, { "Date": "8-Apr", "Tip":"Melanoma of the foot is a difficult type of skin cancer to detect. To help catch it early, check your feet frequently for moles, freckles, or other spots that have grown or changed in appearance." }, { "Date": "9-Apr", "Tip":"Patients with irritable bowel syndrome may need to be concerned about depression, fibromyalgia, and migraines. A recent study found that patients with IBS were 60 percent more likely to have one or more of those three conditions." }, { "Date": "10-Apr", "Tip":"Watch those workouts: To tone your physique and improve your physical performance, vigorous workouts provide the most results. But any pain that exceeds mild muscle soreness means you're overdoing it and risking injury." }, { "Date": "11-Apr", "Tip":"Step it up with a pedometer: The humble counting device makes for a good walking buddy. People took up to 2,000 more steps on days that they wore them, research has found." }, { "Date": "12-Apr", "Tip":"Detecting osteoarthritis: If you experience pain, buckling, locking, stiffness, or swelling in your knee when standing or using stairs, it could be osteoarthritis. Talk with your doctor; early detection and exercise can help." }, { "Date": "13-Apr", "Tip":"Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can lower blood pressure much like a class of commonly prescribed antihypertensive drugs does, but without the potential side effects." }, { "Date": "14-Apr", "Tip":"When you eat broccoli or bok choy, pour on a little healthy oil and get more nutrients. That's because lutein, found in leafy greens, is fat-soluble, meaning that the body absorbs it better when it's consumed with some fat." }, { "Date": "15-Apr", "Tip":"Join your pharmacy's frequent-shopper program. CVS ExtraCare gives 2% rebate on every in-store and online purchase and Walgreens also gives good rebates. Look into your local program to see how much you could save." }, { "Date": "16-Apr", "Tip":"Need a spa break? Search the Web for bargains. Go to Google, type in your city name and \"spa discount\" to find promotions, or sign up for your favorite spa's e-mail alerts on specials." }, { "Date": "17-Apr", "Tip":"The ability to break down medication and eliminate it from the body declines with age, sometimes causing dangerous buildups of some drugs. If you're a senior, check with your doctor to see if you can switch to a lower dose." }, { "Date": "18-Apr", "Tip":"A true whole-grain product should list one of the following as its first ingredient: barley, brown rice, bulgur, graham flour, kamut, oatmeal, whole-grain corn, whole or rolled oats, whole rye, whole wheat, or wild rice." }, { "Date": "19-Apr", "Tip":"Aspirin benefits: Low daily doses of aspirin can prevent heart attacks and strokes primarily by thinning the blood. But remember to take 81 milligrams each day; stopping once you've started can increase your risk." }, { "Date": "20-Apr", "Tip":"Having trouble remembering to take your medication? Create a system to keep yourself on track. Try taking your pills the same time every day, using a pill organizer, or asking a relative or friend to remind you." }, { "Date": "21-Apr", "Tip":"Using harsh soaps and abrasive products may make you more vulnerable to allergens. Research suggests that if the outer layer of skin is stripped away, allergens can penetrate epidermal cells and trigger an allergic response." }, { "Date": "22-Apr", "Tip":"Heart help: Exercise can be effective in combating heart failure and may improve mortality rates. Aerobic exercise can ease heart-failure symptoms by improving the ability of the heart and lungs to supply muscles with oxygen." }, { "Date": "23-Apr", "Tip":"Checkup checklist: You should know which tests, physical exams, and immunizations make sense for you based on your age, gender, and risk factors, and how often you need them. Ask your doctor for help." }, { "Date": "24-Apr", "Tip":"No-so-light cigarettes: A recent study found that smokers who chose cigarettes with low tar had the same lung-cancer risk as those who smoked standard medium-tar brands over a six-year period." }, { "Date": "25-Apr", "Tip":"Weighing in: The National Weight Control Registry reports that 75 percent of \"successful losers\" weigh themselves at least weekly. Frequent weigh-ins help you keep small weight gains from accumulating." }, { "Date": "26-Apr", "Tip":"Help with medical travel. The nonprofit Cancer Research Institute's HelpBook, available on their Web site, maintains a list of organizations that offer free or reduced rates for travel and lodging for medical care." }, { "Date": "27-Apr", "Tip":"A walk in the park: Need another reason to get outside? A small British study found that people felt happier, less tense, and more energized after taking a walk outside compared with walking indoors." }, { "Date": "28-Apr", "Tip":"Lose weight by just eating with men? A recent study found that women consumed food with fewer calories when dining out with men and more calorie-dense foods when eating with other women." }, { "Date": "29-Apr", "Tip":"Healthy condiments: To save calories while dining out, ask for salsa, mustard, ketchup, or low-fat mayo instead of regular mayo or creamy dressings. Use ketchup and barbecue sauce sparingly because they often have extra salt and sugar." }, { "Date": "30-Apr", "Tip":"Health benefits of tai chi: Research from a recent small study suggests that taking part in this martial art may slow bone loss, improve immunity, and ease arthritis pain for some people." }, { "Date": "1-May", "Tip":"Hypnotherapy: It's nontoxic, and side effects are rare, chiefly headaches or lingering relaxation that can affect reflexes and concentration. But they can usually be corrected with a return visit. Costs may not be covered by insurance." }, { "Date": "2-May", "Tip":"Hypnotherapy: It's nontoxic, and side effects are rare, chiefly headaches or lingering relaxation that can affect reflexes and concentration. But they can usually be corrected with a return visit. Costs may not be covered by insurance." }, { "Date": "3-May", "Tip":"Latex allergy? Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, hives, chest tightness, trouble breathing. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these so he or she can avoid wearing latex gloves during an examination." }, { "Date": "4-May", "Tip":"Wearing a bike helmet could be a real lifesaver. It should sit level on your head with the strap fitting snugly under your chin. For added protection, wear bright colors, gloves, and reflectors." }, { "Date": "5-May", "Tip":"To eat healthy in Mexican restaurants, ask for salsa instead of shredded cheese, sour cream, or nacho-cheese sauce. When possible, order grilled vegetables or beans instead of meat." }, { "Date": "6-May", "Tip":"Cleaner air, longer life: Researchers concluded that improved air quality in cities including Boston, Chicago, Houston, and Pittsburg from the 1970s to 2000s probably added 5-10 months of life to the residents of those cities." }, { "Date": "7-May", "Tip":"Traffic and elevated blood pressure: A recent study found that as exposure to traffic noise increased, so did blood-pressure levels for people younger than 60." }, { "Date": "8-May", "Tip":"Lower blood pressure to help the brain: A study of nearly 20,000 people found that every 10-point increase in the diastolic blood pressure boosted the likelihood of problems with memory and thinking by 7 percent." }, { "Date": "9-May", "Tip":"Chronic stress can trigger food cravings by depleting levels of serotonin, which encourages feelings of relaxation and well-being. Foods like chocolate and simple carbs bring temporary relief by increasing serotonin levels." }, { "Date": "10-May", "Tip":"Asthma control: The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology sponsors free asthma screenings in May, including a consultation with an allergist. For dates and locations, go to www.acaai.org/public." }, { "Date": "11-May", "Tip":"For a green clean, try lemon juice for removing tarnish and white vinegar for cleaning and disinfecting counters. If you buy cleaners, focus on ingredient lists (look for natural materials), not general labels like \"natural.\"" }, { "Date": "12-May", "Tip":"Women who drink soda regularly may be at increased risk of osteoporosis. Those who drink cola daily have significantly lower bone mineral density in three hip sites than women who drink it once a month or less." }, { "Date": "13-May", "Tip":"Be vigilant about blood sugar. If Americans reached their ideal blood sugar levels as directed by their doctor, about 5.4 million heart attacks and strokes could be prevented over the next 30 years." }, { "Date": "14-May", "Tip":"Babies who are breast-fed appear to have lower blood pressure as children than bottle-fed babies, which may set the stage for lower blood pressure and reduced coronary risk in adulthood." }, { "Date": "15-May", "Tip":"Spending 10 minutes climbing stairs daily burns about 100 calories, compared to just 15 while riding an elevator. Note to employers: People use stairwells more often when they have carpeting or framed artwork." }, { "Date": "16-May", "Tip":"Watch for damaged cans: A bulging can may indicate inadequate heating during the canning process, and a dent could indicate a small opening, allowing contaminants to enter. Both could potentially cause botulism." }, { "Date": "17-May", "Tip":"Hearing issues in seniors: Hearing loss affects about two of three people over the age of 75 and about two of every five over 65. But the problem is often undetected and untreated." }, { "Date": "18-May", "Tip":"Eat at home, stay thin. A Consumer Reports National Research Center survey found that 95 percent of naturally thin people and 94 percent of successful losers found that eating at home helped them maintain a healthy weight." }, { "Date": "19-May", "Tip":"Don't throw leftover coffee away. Here are some easy ways to use it: Freeze it in ice-cube trays for iced coffee or substitute it for the water in brownie or chocolate cake mix. You can even use it as a meat marinade." }, { "Date": "20-May", "Tip":"The health benefits of music: Researchers who reviewed 23 studies involving over 1,400 heart-disease patients found that listening to tunes helped patients relax and maybe even helped them lower their blood pressure and heart rate." }, { "Date": "21-May", "Tip":"Learn the Heimlich: Go to www.medlineplus.gov and type in \"Heimlich maneuver\" to see illustrated instructions for this technique to save a choking person— as well as how to use it on yourself." }, { "Date": "22-May", "Tip":"Act FAST against strokes: That acronym stands for face, arms, speech, and time, providing an easy way to remember three key signs of a stroke— a drooping face, a weak arm, and slurred speech— and the need to call 911 quickly." }, { "Date": "23-May", "Tip":"Aspirin may help those with colon cancer. A study found that 15 percent of those who started taking aspirin after being diagnosed died within a 12-year period compared to 19 percent who didn't take it." }, { "Date": "24-May", "Tip":"Washing bagged produce: Even \"prewashed\" or \"triple-washed\" bagged fruits or vegetables should be well washed under running water before eating. it's necessary to thoroughly rid the produce of contaminants." }, { "Date": "25-May", "Tip":"Arthritis prevention: To help prevent the onset of arthritis, try to avoid repetitive pincerlike motions, such as holding a pencil for hours with the thumb and forefinger or middle finger." }, { "Date": "26-May", "Tip":"Wash up, Doc: Only 42 percent of the plastic surgeons in a study were aware that they needed to wash their hands before and after they touched a patient. And barely half knew that alcohol-based agents, not soap and water, should be used." }, { "Date": "27-May", "Tip":"Take a break from electronics: People who surf the Web or watch TV before bed are more likely to complain of insufficient sleep than people who don't, even when they sleep the same number of hours, a recent survey found." }, { "Date": "28-May", "Tip":"Avoid smokes, avoid strokes: Quitting smoking lowers your risk of having a stroke by 50 percent in the first year after you quit. Five years after quitting, you have the same risk as someone who never smoked." }, { "Date": "29-May", "Tip":"Pat your head. A recent study showed that people who touched their head when doing a task were more likely to remember doing it later. It may help reduce overdoses by helping the elderly remember when they took their meds." }, { "Date": "30-May", "Tip":"Exercise afterglow. Researchers randomly assigned 48 volunteers to 20 minutes of aerobic exercise or an equal period of rest. They found that the exercisers reported better moods than the nonexercisers for up to 12 hours." }, { "Date": "31-May", "Tip":"Who should go gluten free? Certainly those with celiac disease. Though some believe gluten has an effect on autism, multiple sclerosis, and migraines, there isn't any conclusive evidence that it affects those conditions." }, { "Date": "1-Jun", "Tip":"Omega-3 fats can minimize aging of the brain, possibly by reducing inflammation and promoting the regeneration of nerve cells. Omega-3s are found in fish and fish oil and in unsaturated fats such as those in olive oil." }, { "Date": "2-Jun", "Tip":"Help your sleep by staying awake during the day. To ensure a good night's rest, try to avoid sleeping late in the day. Taking naps after 3 p.m. can disrupt your ability to get to sleep at night." }, { "Date": "3-Jun", "Tip":"Safe gas grilling: Replace propane hoses that are cracked or brittle. And check intact ones for hidden gas leaks by mixing soapy water in a spray bottle and spraying the hose. If bubbles appear, the hose probably has a leak." }, { "Date": "4-Jun", "Tip":"Reduce allergens at home by replacing heavy drapes with abrics that can be washed regularly, using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, and putting covers on mattresses and pillows." }, { "Date": "5-Jun", "Tip":"Mold removal: It can worsen allergies, asthma, and other lung ailments. Signs of infestation include discoloration on walls or tiles accompanied by a musty odor. Clean with a mix of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water." }, { "Date": "6-Jun", "Tip":"In our poll of over 1,000 women, breakfast skippers tended to be the most out of control with their eating. They were more likely to snack in the middle of the night and eat in front of the TV when they weren't hungry." }, { "Date": "7-Jun", "Tip":"Wash fresh fruit thoroughly before eating. Food-borne illness from produce is on the rise as imports from around the globe, with complicated distribution channels, provide more opportunities for contamination." }, { "Date": "8-Jun", "Tip":"Garden workout: Squatting down to plant flowers or pull weeds builds leg muscles, and carrying bags of soil works the upper body. Digging provides a strenuous shoulder workout and pushing a lawn mower strengthens the triceps." }, { "Date": "9-Jun", "Tip":"To reduce noise in your home, install weather-stripping tape around windows and doors. Furnish rooms with carpeting, upholstered furniture, plants, and bookshelves to absorb sound. Also consider installing multipane windows." }, { "Date": "10-Jun", "Tip":"Having surgery early in the day may be safer. Anesthesia-related problems, such as prolonged sedation, are four times more likely in operations that begin between 3 p.m. and 4p.m. than those starting in the morning." }, { "Date": "11-Jun", "Tip":"Arthritis pain: Most patients manage symptoms without surgery. Procedures to repair or replace cartilage should be a last resort, and they may slow but not stop the progression of the disease." }, { "Date": "12-Jun", "Tip":"Who's at risk for heat illness? Young children; people over 65; those who are overweight, out of shape, or dehydrated; those with neurologic or heart disease; and those taking certain medications (ask your doctor)." }, { "Date": "13-Jun", "Tip":"Microwaved food may retain vitamins and minerals better than food cooked on a stove top because the microwave zaps it quickly, without much water. The longer you cook food in water, the more nutrients seep out." }, { "Date": "14-Jun", "Tip":"Double dipping is not just poor party etiquette: Up to 10,000 bacteria can be transferred into communal dip bowls when guests re-dip a chip or vegetable. Instead, spoon a helping of dip onto your plate." }, { "Date": "15-Jun", "Tip":"As you age, strength and flexibility become crucial for preventing falls and maintaining mobility. But older people need more rest between strength- training sessions and lower-impact activities to reduce the risk of injury." }, { "Date": "16-Jun", "Tip":"Breakfast plays a role in maintaining a healthy weight. And where you eat makes a difference, too. People who frequently dine out in the morning are more likely to be obese than those who eat at home." }, { "Date": "17-Jun", "Tip":"Don't put disposable water bottles in a dishwasher. The high heat encourages the release of chemical residue and can damage the plastic. Reusing the bottles is fine as long as you wash them by hand." }, { "Date": "18-Jun", "Tip":"Eyeglass check: An up-to-date prescription is especially important if you drive during the winter months, when it gets darker earlier. Have your vision checked regularly or any time you feel it diminishing." }, { "Date": "19-Jun", "Tip":"Minimize your risk of Lyme disease: Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, socks, and closed-toe shoes to keep ticks away. Spray insect repellent with deet over clothing and any exposed skin, and check pets for ticks regularly." }, { "Date": "20-Jun", "Tip":"Enlarged prostates, snoring, and obesity are among the most common reasons men wake up two or more times a night to go to the bathroom, according to a recent study of more than 3,700 adults." }, { "Date": "21-Jun", "Tip":"Get allergy relief, even in peak season, by using a saline rinse. Occasional use can help soothe minor sinus irritation and the congestion caused by allergies, cold, flu, or sinusitis." }, { "Date": "22-Jun", "Tip":"Stay un-stung: To avoid flying-bug bites, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors between dusk and dawn, which are the peak biting hours for mosquitoes. Spray clothes and skin with a repellent containing deet." }, { "Date": "23-Jun", "Tip":"Organic tomatoes may be better for you. A recent study found that they contain up to 97 percent more of two flavonoids than conventionally grown tomatoes, and higher levels of other healthful antioxidants." }, { "Date": "24-Jun", "Tip":"People with severe allergic reactions to bee stings are now treated with tiny amounts of bee venom to desensitize them to the poison. The treatment provides near-total protection from systemic reactions to stings." }, { "Date": "25-Jun", "Tip":"Falls and the inner ear. A third of people over 40 show signs of inner-ear dysfunction, and those with the ear problem who also experience dizziness or other symptoms are 12 times more likely to fall, researchers have found." }, { "Date": "26-Jun", "Tip":"Researchers have found that alcohol intake, smoking, and sun exposure contribute to facial aging in a study of identical twins, and divorced participants looked almost two years older than a married or widowed sibling." }, { "Date": "27-Jun", "Tip":"Take the keys if an aging family member is no longer able to drive safely. Warning signs include stopping at green lights, getting lost on familiar roads, and failing to notice stop signs and other motorists." }, { "Date": "28-Jun", "Tip":"This calzone-style pizza from Pizza Hut weighs more than a pound. Just half of one with pepperoni, ham, and sausage packs 690 calories, 1,730 milligrams of sodium, and 13 grams of saturated fat." }, { "Date": "29-Jun", "Tip":"Another strike against multivitamins. In a study of 161,000 comparing women who took a multi with those who hadn't, researchers found no cancer, heart disease or premature death-preventing benefit from taking multivitamins." }, { "Date": "30-Jun", "Tip":"Healthy trips abroad: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's biennial Yellow Book provides recommended vaccinations, disease risks, and other health recommendations for destinations worldwide at www.cdc.gov/travel." }, { "Date": "1-Jul", "Tip":"Lightning danger for iPods? A jogger received second-degree burns and hearing loss after lightning struck a tree and jumped to his body. The combination of sweat and metal earphones may have attracted the electric current." }, { "Date": "2-Jul", "Tip":"Expired sunscreen: Sunscreen has a shelf life of up to three years. If the one you buy has no date on the bottle, write the current date on it with a marker and toss it after two years to stay on the safe side." }, { "Date": "3-Jul", "Tip":"Getting enough sleep may help your memory, in addition to other benefits. And inadequate sleep may contribute to problems including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, and increased accident risk." }, { "Date": "4-Jul", "Tip":"Watermelon is healthiest served at room temperature. Melons that are kept at 70°F maintain a higher level of the antioxidant lycopene. They continue to produce lycopene after they're picked, but chilling slows the process." }, { "Date": "5-Jul", "Tip":"Doctor chitchat: A new study suggests that doctors already share too much personal information with patients. And while many do so to put patients at ease, it can actually be counterproductive, disruptive, or useless." }, { "Date": "6-Jul", "Tip":"Sun overexposure: Use your shadow as a guide. Cover up and seek shade any time of day when your shadow is shorter than you are. That indicates that the sun's rays are at their strongest and are more likely to cause sunburn." }, { "Date": "7-Jul", "Tip":"Keep sharp to avoid Alzheimer's: A study found that seniors who engaged in mentally stimulating activities were 2.6 times less likely to develop the disease over five years than those who rarely did such activities." }, { "Date": "8-Jul", "Tip":"Cutting calories: A study of obese diabetics found that those who used special plates for portion control were three times as likely to lose 5 percent of their body weight than those who only got standard nutritional counseling." }, { "Date": "9-Jul", "Tip":"Airplane ear: Taking a decongestant pill or nasal spray an hour before a flight may help relieve the pressure, ringing, or pain that some people experience when flying. Chewing gum, yawning, and swallowing may also help." }, { "Date": "10-Jul", "Tip":"Free eye care is available for older adults who haven't seen an eye doctor in at least three years through the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Seniors EyeCare program. Call 800-222-EYES (3937) for details." }, { "Date": "11-Jul", "Tip":"Clean cantaloupe: To reduce the risk of salmonella in cantaloupes, scrub the outside with a clean brush and rinse with tap water before cutting. Bacteria on the outside can be transferred to the inside via your knife or hands." }, { "Date": "12-Jul", "Tip":"Haphazard pillbox use can lead to errors. In one study, over three-quarters of the older adults who used pillboxes didn't follow recommended practices as simple as using different compartments for different days." }, { "Date": "13-Jul", "Tip":"Ice cream: If your sweet tooth craves ice cream, get a wafer cone, which has fewer calories than a sugar or waffle cone, and resist the urge to have it dipped in chocolate, which can add 10 or more grams of fat." }, { "Date": "14-Jul", "Tip":"Lunge walking can add intensity to your walk and give legs an extra workout. Keep the front knee directly above the ankle, and distribute your weight evenly between the heel and toe. Look straight ahead to maintain balance." }, { "Date": "15-Jul", "Tip":"Foods with heavy-duty sauces, like General Tso's chicken, can pack 1,300 calories, 11 grams of saturated fat, and 3,200 milligrams of sodium per serving. Choose dishes with clear, bean- or wine-based sauces instead." }, { "Date": "16-Jul", "Tip":"Healthy travel snacks: Instead of binging at the fast-food restaurants in airport terminals, pack baked tortilla chips, unsalted nuts and pretzels, dried fruit, or low-fat cheese sticks to hold you over during a flight." }, { "Date": "17-Jul", "Tip":"Keep food frozen during a power outage by packing the freezer tighter. The fuller the freezer, the colder it stays, so group packages close together, or use prefrozen bottles of water to fill empty space. " }, { "Date": "18-Jul", "Tip":"For fresh greens, keep them as dry as possible and store in an airtight container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Supermarket greens should last a couple of days; farm-fresh greens, three to five days." }, { "Date": "19-Jul", "Tip":"Feel no pain: Researchers found that only 29 percent of the emergency-room patients who were asked if they needed more pain medication said they did. But they reported greater pain control overall than a group that was not asked." }, { "Date": "20-Jul", "Tip":"Labels on fresh meat or poultry are required to have the country of origin. The rule also applies to produce and some nuts. Use the labels to help you to avoid food from countries with questionable safety records. " }, { "Date": "21-Jul", "Tip":"Green tea: Though evidence suggests that polyphenols in the tea can help protect against cancer and other illnesses, new analysis has found that very high doses of those compounds may harm the liver, kidneys, and intestines." }, { "Date": "22-Jul", "Tip":"Avoid charring meat on the grill, as it might increase the development of certain cancers. To prevent charring, cook meat below 325 degrees F, and marinate meat, which reduces the cancer-causing compounds." }, { "Date": "23-Jul", "Tip":"Snacking while watching TV could make you eat more. A recent study found that people ate 42 percent to 44 percent more potato chips while watching late-night talk shows than while sitting in front of a blank screen." }, { "Date": "24-Jul", "Tip":"Poison ivy from pets: While most pets don't react to the allergenic oil in poison ivy, they can pass it on via their fur. So bathe your pet right away using rubber gloves if you think it brushed against a poisonous plant." }, { "Date": "25-Jul", "Tip":"Nightly interruptions for women: Obesity, snoring, and diabetes are among the most common reasons women wake up two or more times a night to go to the bathroom, according to a recent study of more than 3,700 adults." }, { "Date": "26-Jul", "Tip":"Asthma can be hard to control: In a recent poll, many patients with moderate-to-severe asthma reported having an attack so bad they thought they would die. Half said their condition was uncontrolled despite seeing a doctor." }, { "Date": "27-Jul", "Tip":"Bike-friendly clothes: Avoid loose-fitting garments, which can get caught in the chain or wheels. Use clips to keep pant cuffs from getting caught. And wear bright colors or reflective clothing so drivers can see you." }, { "Date": "28-Jul", "Tip":"Aggressively treating whiplash may slow recovery. Researchers found that those who visited a general practitioner more than twice, or added chiropractic care, had longer recovery times than those who sought only basic care." }, { "Date": "29-Jul", "Tip":"Benefits of self-care: Surveys have found that patients appreciate the convenience and sense of control that self-care brings. Research suggests that involved, self-directed patients get sick less often and recover faster." }, { "Date": "30-Jul", "Tip":"Glaucoma help: The nonprofit National Glaucoma Research Foundation offers a free booklet, at www.glaucoma.org/learn, with information on symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments, plus coping strategies and other resources." }, { "Date": "31-Jul", "Tip":"Check your CO detector. Nearly 500 people in the U.S. die and more than 15,000 end up in hospitals each year from carbon-monoxide inhalation. So check the batteries of your alarm and install a detector is you haven't already." }, { "Date": "1-Aug", "Tip":"Honey is more than just a sweetener, it can be used for healing too. According to a review of 19 studies, it has shown to speed recovery from moderate burns by about four days compared with traditional dressings." }, { "Date": "2-Aug", "Tip":"Sunscreen strength: It doesn't make much difference in preventing burns, but the length of time between applications does. Skiers who don't reapply get burned five times more often than those who reapply every two hours." }, { "Date": "3-Aug", "Tip":"Speeding through crosswalks: Thirty-five percent of the pedestrians killed by cars in 2005 were older than 70 and struck at intersections. Whether you're driving or on foot, use caution around crosswalks and traffic islands." }, { "Date": "4-Aug", "Tip":"Eat salad: If you struggle to get daily servings of fruits and veggies, head for the salad bar. People who eat just a salad a day are more likely to get key nutrients, including vitamins C and E and folic acid, than those who don't." }, { "Date": "5-Aug", "Tip":"Volunteering: Adults age 55 and older who volunteered for two or more groups were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year study period than those who didn't volunteer." }, { "Date": "6-Aug", "Tip":"Don't rush to expensive clinical-strength antiperspirants. Instead, apply your regular antiperspirant before you go to bed. It pulls the product into your sweat ducts, giving it longer staying power even after you shower." }, { "Date": "7-Aug", "Tip":"Suncreen isn't enough: A recent analysis of 200 studies on skin-cancer prevention found that wearing a hat and sun-protective clothing, or reducing sun exposure altogether, offered more protection than sunscreen did." }, { "Date": "8-Aug", "Tip":"Muscle-building with tai chi: Older exercisers have significantly stronger thigh muscles––which are often worked by the many bent-knee postures of tai chi––than other older, physically active individuals." }, { "Date": "9-Aug", "Tip":"Adding alcohol to berries boosts their health benefits, according to a recent study. However, there are better ways to get antioxidants, and alcohol poses its own risks, so go easy." }, { "Date": "10-Aug", "Tip":"Heat-related illnesses: People who aren't used to the heat are particularly vulnerable to heat illness. Others at risk include young children, senior citizens, and people who are overweight, out of shape, or dehydrated." }, { "Date": "11-Aug", "Tip":"Ladder-related injuries requiring an emergency room visit increased 50 percent from 1990 to 2005, and 10 percent of those injuries required hospitalization, with those over age 56 most likely to be seriously hurt." }, { "Date": "12-Aug", "Tip":"Flip-flop overload: Too much walking in flimsy sandals may lead to heel pain, stress fractures, and possibly knee, hip, or lower-back pain. Choose a pair with an arch and at least a half-inch sole, and wear them sparingly." }, { "Date": "13-Aug", "Tip":"Eating lots of cured meats, like bacon or sausage, may put you at risk for lung disease. A recent study found that those who ate cured meats 14 days a month were more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." }, { "Date": "14-Aug", "Tip":"Salty subs: Even the healthier-sounding chicken or turkey sandwiches at popular chains can pack a lot of sodium— up to 830 mg and 1,000 mg in a 6-inch sub. Reduce sodium by ordering a veggie sandwich or getting a 4-inch sub." }, { "Date": "15-Aug", "Tip":"Health benefits of group singing: Several small studies suggest that participating in choral singing may reduce stress, improve mood, and increase lung function. Singing may also boost the body's immunity." }, { "Date": "16-Aug", "Tip":"Hefty luggage: To avoid injury from monster suitcases, push luggage, don't pull, and lift with your legs, not your back. Or pack two small bags instead of one big bag, and carry one in each hand to keep yourself balanced." }, { "Date": "17-Aug", "Tip":"Don't defrost food on the counter or in hot water. The warm temperatures may prompt the bacteria that cause food-borne illness to grow at a faster rate. Defrost in the refrigerator or microwave instead." }, { "Date": "18-Aug", "Tip":"Don't reuse contact-lens solution. The disinfectant in the solution starts to evaporate after about 24 hours, allowing for contamination and the risk of eye infections. Always use fresh solution when storing your contacts." }, { "Date": "19-Aug", "Tip":"OTC drug caution: Many consumers buy their drugs online without ever communicating with a doctor. Be warned that this can lead a potentially dangerous situation." }, { "Date": "20-Aug", "Tip":"The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers a free booklet with research and advice to help women cut their risk of heart disease. Download the booklet and find out more at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health." }, { "Date": "21-Aug", "Tip":"Jumping rope will help strengthen your bones. A recent large review found that it works just as well as other weight-bearing activities such as running and dancing. Aim for 20 minutes three to five days a week." }, { "Date": "22-Aug", "Tip":"Combining two migraine drugs may help more than taking either medication by itself, a study has found. More people taking a combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium reported relief than those taking just one of them." }, { "Date": "23-Aug", "Tip":"Gender and depression: Female physicians are more likely than male doctors to look for depression in near-menopausal women and teenage girls. They also consider lack of support as a cause of depression in new moms." }, { "Date": "24-Aug", "Tip":"Menopausal women can get a boost by physical activity. A recent study found that after four months, those who walked or did yoga had a better quality of life than those who were inactive." }, { "Date": "25-Aug", "Tip":"Healthy fat: Fat and protein are digested slowly and help you feel full. Include moderate amounts of healthful fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados, in your diet, as well as some lean meat and low-fat dairy products." }, { "Date": "26-Aug", "Tip":"Asthma risk may be related to weight. An analysis of seven studies on asthma in adults found that the incidence of the condition rose by 50 percent in overweight or obese people compared with those of normal weight." }, { "Date": "27-Aug", "Tip":"3,000 steps, 30 minutes: A recent study found that by doing this five days a week, you'll meet the government's recommended fitness goals. You'll likely get the same benefit doing 1,000 steps in 10 minutes three times a day." }, { "Date": "28-Aug", "Tip":"Drinking root beer instead of other soft drinks may be better for your teeth because it doesn't have phosphoric or citric acid, which can be corrosive. Most other soft drinks, including diet sodas, have the acids in them." }, { "Date": "29-Aug", "Tip":"Biofeedback may be an effective treatment for a type of chronic constipation. A study found that 79 percent of a group using a rectal probe to monitor muscle function regained that function and eased symptoms." }, { "Date": "30-Aug", "Tip":"Get a medication checkup with your doctor once or twice a year if you take three or more prescription drugs. Bring all your pill bottles plus any over-the-counter meds, vitamins, or supplements you take." }, { "Date": "31-Aug", "Tip":"Blackberries topped a list of 50 foods in a recent study measuring antioxidant content per serving. To reap the most benefits, eat different colored produce, including purples, reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and whites." }, { "Date": "1-Sep", "Tip":"Recovering stroke patients who listened to music for an hour daily showed improvements in mood and focus, plus better verbal memory than those who listened to audio books or no listening materials, a recent study found." }, { "Date": "2-Sep", "Tip":"The multitasking myth: Doing several things at once can take four times longer than doing one after the other. By doing two or more things at once, our brain constantly switches between tasks, a less-efficient use of neurons." }, { "Date": "3-Sep", "Tip":"A physicians' group has warned about the risks of too much niacin, a popular ingredient in \"detox\" products. Niacin does not erase evidence of illegal drug use, and more than 35 milligrams daily can cause adverse reactions." }, { "Date": "4-Sep", "Tip":"Illness at the office: Don't go to work sick. Research has found that employees who don't feel well are less productive and regularly spread germs if they're contagious." }, { "Date": "5-Sep", "Tip":"Laughter and cholesterol: Researchers divided diabetics into two groups, one got normal treatment and another had treatment, and watched 30 minutes of comedy daily. After a year, the comedy group had higher HDL levels." }, { "Date": "6-Sep", "Tip":"Alzheimer's link: Elderly people who are prone to psychological distress— like anxiety, anger, depression, and feelings of helplessness— are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's as those who are less prone to such feelings." }, { "Date": "7-Sep", "Tip":"Do you know the signs of a heart attack? They include pain and aching in the jaw, neck, or back; sudden weakness or light-headedness; chest pain or pressure; pain or aching in the arms or shoulders; and shortness of breath." }, { "Date": "8-Sep", "Tip":"Work friends: There is strong link between social support on the job and overall emotional health. People who have few close friends at work are more likely to report depression than those with strong social ties." }, { "Date": "9-Sep", "Tip":"Plain old pasta has had the natural fiber refined right out of it. Look for fiber-fortified pastas from Dreamfields and Ronzoni Smart Taste. Or try Fiber Gourmet Light rotini pasta, which is also lower in calories." }, { "Date": "10-Sep", "Tip":"Save some money by taking advantage of free screenings. Many employers offer free flu shots and blood-pressure tests. And keep your eye out for health fairs run by universities, medical centers or insurance companies." }, { "Date": "11-Sep", "Tip":"A decline in dementia: Researchers measured the memory and judgment skills of adults over 70 in 1993, and repeated the test in a similar group nine years later. The number who showed memory loss dropped by nearly 30 percent." }, { "Date": "12-Sep", "Tip":"Disaster preparation: Every home should have an emergency plan and enough supplies on hand in case of a disaster. For instructions on how to prepare for 19 potential situations, go to the government-sponsored www.ready.gov." }, { "Date": "13-Sep", "Tip":"Don't follow the 5-second rule. Five seconds could be enough time for bacteria to latch onto something you drop on the floor, according to Clemson University, which used pieces of bologna in a recent study on the topic. " }, { "Date": "14-Sep", "Tip":"Eggs are OK: Eating the occasional egg appears to be relatively harmless. While eggs have lots of dietary cholesterol, the body usually compensates by cutting back on the cholesterol produced by the liver." }, { "Date": "15-Sep", "Tip":"Spoiled chicken: Most food poisoning stems from contaminated chicken, according to recent report. Many cases can be prevented if chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165° F using a meat thermometer." }, { "Date": "16-Sep", "Tip":"Helmets save lives: A recent survey found that 97 percent of cyclist fatalities occurred when riders weren't wearing a helmet. It should sit level on your head and the strap should fit snugly under your chin." }, { "Date": "17-Sep", "Tip":"Vitamin D for your health. A recent study of more than 3,000 heart patients found that those with the highest blood levels of D were the least likely to die of any cause during the nearly eight years of follow-up." }, { "Date": "18-Sep", "Tip":"Doodling can improve memory. According to a recent study, people who shaded printed shapes on paper while listening to a monotonous recording recalled 29 percent more information than those in a group who just took notes." }, { "Date": "19-Sep", "Tip":"Women who wear skinny jeans can damage pelvic nerves, causing painful burning and tingling sensations in the thighs. Side effects also include bladder infections, vaginal yeast infections, and even blood clots in the legs." }, { "Date": "20-Sep", "Tip":"Avoid computer-screen eye strain, redness, headache and distorted vision. Position your monitor slightly below eye level and work in a well-lighted room. Take breaks, and try to blink regularly to prevent eyes from becoming dry." }, { "Date": "21-Sep", "Tip":"Roasting your own soy nuts is easy and cheap too. Soak yellow dried soybeans in lukewarm water (3-4 hours), drain, spread on a baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes stirring every 5 minutes or so." }, { "Date": "22-Sep", "Tip":"Herbs for larger breasts? Despite ad testimonials, there's no evidence that \"bust-enhancing\" supplements can increase breast size. Some of these products contain kava, the potentially harmful herb banned in several countries." }, { "Date": "23-Sep", "Tip":"Some tinnitus sufferers don't know they have it. A survey found that 25 percent of those suffering from the condition— ringing or other sounds in the ear— thought the noises came from neighbors, traffic, or appliances." }, { "Date": "24-Sep", "Tip":"Exercise may help urinary stress incontinence. A recent study found that participants aged 54 to 79 who regularly engaged in moderate exercise, such as walking, had a 20 to 25 percent reduced risk of stress incontinence." }, { "Date": "25-Sep", "Tip":"Pollen overload: Fall pollen levels peak in the morning, so save outdoor activities such as gardening, raking, or walking for the afternoon or evening. Use an air conditioner at home and in the car, and keep windows closed." }, { "Date": "26-Sep", "Tip":"Introduce vigorous exercise into your routine with interval training— alternating bursts of intense activity with periods at a slower pace. Lactic-acid levels stay low, keeping exercise less exhausting." }, { "Date": "27-Sep", "Tip":"Good candidate for tooth whitening? A home kit can cause sensitivity and/or splotchy results on decayed or irregular surfaces, and it won't work on fillings, crowns, veneers, or bridges. Whitening isn't recommended for pregnant women. " }, { "Date": "28-Sep", "Tip":"Low fat foods still have fat and calories, so don't go crazy or you'll still gain weight. Keep fat to no more than 25 to 35 percent of your total daily calories. That's about 65 grams if you're eating 2,000 calories per day. " }, { "Date": "29-Sep", "Tip":"When you get a prescription filled, check the label to verify it's the right drug. If you spot a difference in the color, size, shape, or smell of your pills, tell the pharmacist immediately." }, { "Date": "30-Sep", "Tip":"Baby boomers approaching retirement reported more pain, chronic health conditions, drinking issues, and psychiatric problems than their elders were at the same age, according to a recent study." }, { "Date": "1-Oct", "Tip":"Napping could be good for your heart. A recent study that tracked some 23,000 people over six years found that those who regularly took a siesta had a 37 percent lower risk of coronary death than those who didn't." }, { "Date": "2-Oct", "Tip":"Aspirin and colorectal cancer: While there is evidence that taking high doses of aspirin can reduce the risk of polyps and colorectal cancer, it also raises the risk of bleeding and hemorrhagic strokes." }, { "Date": "3-Oct", "Tip":"Chewing ice: Biting cubed or crushed ice causes pressure and temperature changes in the teeth that can crack tooth enamel, opening up tiny gaps where plaque can collect and stains can form. So keep those cubes in your drink." }, { "Date": "4-Oct", "Tip":"Buying chicken? Simple precautions can help your chances of a pathogen-free bird: Get it last, after you've gotten all other food; dig down to get a colder bird; avoid wet or leaky packages and put the bird in a produce bag." }, { "Date": "5-Oct", "Tip":"To keep the minerals in tooth enamel strong, avoid acidic beverages when possible. If you drink soda, drink it promptly rather than sipping it. Use a straw to help the acidic liquid bypass your teeth." }, { "Date": "6-Oct", "Tip":"Buy a new toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become splayed. A worn-out brush is more likely to harbor bacteria, which you'll return to your mouth each time you brush." }, { "Date": "7-Oct", "Tip":"Gym etiquette: Treat fellow gym-goers the way you want to be treated. Stay off the cell phone, respect time limits, wipe machines after use, avoid grunting and slamming weights, and cover up after you shower." }, { "Date": "8-Oct", "Tip":"Check your hearing. Take the nonprofit Better Hearing Institute's online questionnaire at www.hearingcheck.org to assess whether hearing loss is affecting your daily life and if you need treatment for a condition." }, { "Date": "9-Oct", "Tip":"Antianxiety drugs, sleeping pills, and other medication can cause side effects that hinder driving. If you notice changes in your driving, ask your doctor about changing your dose or medication." }, { "Date": "10-Oct", "Tip":"With shorter days, ease the symptoms of mild seasonal affective disorder (SAD) by taking a walk to start your day. Experts say that doing 60 minutes of outdoor exercise in the morning can be a big help to people with SAD." }, { "Date": "11-Oct", "Tip":"Whether you're driving or on foot, use caution around crosswalks and traffic islands. Avoid jaywalking, since many accidents occur at spots where drivers don't expect to slow down." }, { "Date": "12-Oct", "Tip":"For the best teeth cleaning, choose a brush with soft or medium bristles, which are gentler on the gums and may clean better because they're more flexible. Brush design does not appear to influence effectiveness." }, { "Date": "13-Oct", "Tip":"Try high-fiber juice to help boost your daily dose. V8 makes a high-fiber variety of its vegetable juice (5 grams per 8-ounces) and Juicy Juice Immunity is a solid source too (3 grams per 8 ounces)." }, { "Date": "14-Oct", "Tip":"Vertigo & thin bones. Researchers have found that people with osteoporosis are three times more likely to have vertigo than those with normal bone density. The causes of osteoporosis may be behind this increased risk." }, { "Date": "15-Oct", "Tip":"Go easy on sleeping pills: Be cautious about taking sleeping pills if you're 55 or older. Studies have found that older people are at higher risk of the side effects of those medicines." }, { "Date": "16-Oct", "Tip":"Wheelchair tai chi: Taking part in two or more sessions a week of this martial art may improve mobility, stamina, and strength for people in wheelchairs, a recent small study has found." }, { "Date": "17-Oct", "Tip":"If you're turning left across traffic, keep your car wheels straight while you wait for an opening. If you've already turned your wheels and get hit from behind, you'll be pushed into oncoming traffic." }, { "Date": "18-Oct", "Tip":"Calcium for milk avoiders: If you're lactose intolerant or don't like dairy foods, try calcium-fortified orange juice. And limit soda intake because the phosphorus in soft drinks might interfere with calcium absorption." }, { "Date": "19-Oct", "Tip":"Safety-belt extenders: More than 30 percent of extremely obese people don't buckle their safety belts. If you're buying a new car and don't fit comfortably into the standard belt, see if the manufacturer offers an extender." }, { "Date": "20-Oct", "Tip":"If nonprescription medication is not alleviating your symptoms, stop taking it and call your doctor. You could be masking or mistreating a serious underlying problem or becoming dependent on the drug." }, { "Date": "21-Oct", "Tip":"Effective flossing: Break off 18 inches of floss, use a careful sawing motion to slide it between your teeth, then move the thread just under the gums. Curve into a \"C\" shape and sweep it up and down both sides of each tooth." }, { "Date": "22-Oct", "Tip":"Stress and exercise: People who get regular aerobic exercise have lower levels of stress hormones and smaller increases in heart rate and blood pressure when they're under under mental duress." }, { "Date": "23-Oct", "Tip":"Beware of \"nutrigenetic\" DNA test kits sold on the Web that claim to analyze certain genes, then provide diet and lifestyle tips. A government report found the advice ranged from generic to misleading." }, { "Date": "24-Oct", "Tip":"When to scan: CT scans should be done only when you and your doctor conclude that your symptoms, signs, or medical history make it likely that the test will yield useful information." }, { "Date": "25-Oct", "Tip":"Ask for whole grains when you dine out, even if you don't see them on the menu. A restaurant may let you substitute whole-grain bread, pasta, or rice for the refined (white) versions if it has them in stock." }, { "Date": "26-Oct", "Tip":"Women shouldn't eat too little. Eating less than 1,200 calories a day can deprive them of nutrients and cause the body to conserve fat. Cutting calories less drastically results in a slow but steady and healthy weight loss." }, { "Date": "27-Oct", "Tip":"Popcorn secrets: Only 12 percent of Americans know that popcorn is a whole grain, according to a recent survey. The snack is also high in fiber and low in calories and fat if you go light on the butter." }, { "Date": "28-Oct", "Tip":"Candy overload: An average American can eat as much as 24 pounds of candy in a year. Try satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging by having a piece or two of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate instead." }, { "Date": "29-Oct", "Tip":"Strength training improves your ability to perform everyday tasks like carrying groceries and opening windows. It's particularly effective at protecting your bones by warding off osteoporosis and preventing falls." }, { "Date": "30-Oct", "Tip":"Cloudy apple juice may benefit your health more than the clear kind. When the two types were compared, researchers found that thick, pulpy juice had more polyphenols, an antioxidant that may help fend off some diseases." }, { "Date": "31-Oct", "Tip":"Exercise may lower the risk of uterine fibroids. A study found that women who were physically active for at least seven hours a week had a 30 to 40 percent lower fibroid risk than those active less than two hours a week." }, { "Date": "1-Nov", "Tip":"Help for a sore throat: To ease the pain of a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water; drink warm fluids and user a vaporizer to keep throat tissues moist. Minimize the use of dry, indoor heat; and keep talking to a minimum." }, { "Date": "2-Nov", "Tip":"Flu shots may help the heart. The flu can not only cause pneumonia but also trigger heart attacks in some people. A recent review of 42 studies found that the seasonal flu vaccine may help prevent those attacks." }, { "Date": "3-Nov", "Tip":"Since energy-efficient, compact fluorescent lightbulbs contain mercury, don't throw them away with your regular garbage. Instead, drop off used, unbroken bulbs for recycling at any major housewares store." }, { "Date": "4-Nov", "Tip":"Quitting smoking helps major health issues. If Americans quit smoking cigarettes, about 5.7 million heart attacks and strokes could be prevented over 30 years." }, { "Date": "5-Nov", "Tip":"Direct-to-consumer ads for prescription drugs can provide helpful information, but they're created mainly to sell drugs. So do some research before asking your doctor for a specific drug." }, { "Date": "6-Nov", "Tip":"Diabetes help: Exercise may be better for preventing and treating diabetes in the middle-aged people than for older folks. It boosts the body's sensitivity to insulin, the sugar-regulating hormone, in younger people longer." }, { "Date": "7-Nov", "Tip":"Baked versions of some snacks are usually lower in fat, and reduced-fat ones have 25 percent less fat than the originals. But \"lighter\" options may be only slightly lower in calories, and some have more sodium." }, { "Date": "8-Nov", "Tip":"Watch out for insurance plan gotchas. Many insurance companies won't give you a full policy to inspect beforehand, but you can ask for a \"specimen policy\" while you're deciding. Be sure to read the fine print!" }, { "Date": "9-Nov", "Tip":"Spice it up. Use a new seasoning to jazz up your standard dishes, giving them a new spin. Try cilantro instead of parsley in stews and sauces, and ginger instead of cinnamon to spice up a pie or cookies." }, { "Date": "10-Nov", "Tip":"Men shouldn't eat too little. Eating less than 1,500 calories a day can deprive them of nutrients and cause the body to conserve fat. Cutting calories less drastically provides for a slow but steady and healthy weight loss." }, { "Date": "11-Nov", "Tip":"Many older patients don't tell their doctors they used complementary and alternative medicines. A survey found 69 percent of the patients over 50 who used at least one type of alternative medicine didn't tell their doctors." }, { "Date": "12-Nov", "Tip":"Microwaves don't always heat evenly, increasing the risk of food-borne illness from undercooked meat. So use a thermometer to make sure that meat reaches temperatures high enough to kill bacteria." }, { "Date": "13-Nov", "Tip":"To kill bacteria in a sponge, clean it in a dishwasher. Don't zap it in a microwave, though, as this can start a fire if the sponge isn't wet enough or has traces of metals in it." }, { "Date": "14-Nov", "Tip":"Be wary of the herbs kava and yohimbe and the hormone DHEA. Consumer Reports' consultants say that kava and yohimbe are potentially too dangerous to be sold, and there's little evidence about the safety and efficacy of DHEA." }, { "Date": "15-Nov", "Tip":"Caregiving and stress. Researchers have found that those who spend 14+ hours a week caring for a spouse live somewhat longer than those who don't care for an ill partner, suggesting that task might be a buffer against stress." }, { "Date": "16-Nov", "Tip":"Generic versions of cholesterol-lowering statins are now available for half of all statin drugs. They're just as effective as brand-name versions and can offer substantial savings." }, { "Date": "17-Nov", "Tip":"Food refrigeration tips: To prevent illness, keep cooked meat refrigerated for no longer than three to four days; luncheon meats and eggs, tuna, or macaroni salads, no longer than three to five days. " }, { "Date": "18-Nov", "Tip":"Don't smoke: By quitting smoking, you'll lower your risk of having a stroke by 50 percent in the first year. Five years later you'll have the same risk as someone who never smoked." }, { "Date": "19-Nov", "Tip":"Cutting or picking at warts can cause an infection and spread the virus to other body parts. Try an over-the-counter product containing salicylic acid, and gently scrub the wart with a pumice stone once a week." }, { "Date": "20-Nov", "Tip":"A recent study of adults over 50 found that those who used heartburn drugs such as lansoprazole (Prevacid) or esomeprazole (Nexium) for more than a year had a 44 percent higher risk of hip fracture." }, { "Date": "21-Nov", "Tip":"Check up on drugs: Be especially wary of new drugs, which have the shortest safety record. For the latest updates, visit the FDA's Web site, at www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety.htm.." }, { "Date": "22-Nov", "Tip":"Quitting statins after a stroke could be dangerous. A recent study found that those who stopped taking the drugs within the first year after a stroke were twice as likely to die compared to those who remained on them." }, { "Date": "23-Nov", "Tip":"Undercooked turkey: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the temperature in the thigh reaches 180° F to avoid food-borne illness. If cook stuffing inside the bird, make sure the stuffing temperature reaches 165° F." }, { "Date": "24-Nov", "Tip":"Do good, feel good: Volunteering for community-service projects is associated with several health benefits, including better physical health in older age, greater life satisfaction, and lower mortality." }, { "Date": "25-Nov", "Tip":"Eat slowly: If you're very hungry, you might eat rapidly and too much. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to get signals from the gut that you're satisfied. To prevent overeating, chew each bite fully and savor its flavor." }, { "Date": "26-Nov", "Tip":"Dementia and retirement: A study found that each year men worked past age 65 delayed dementia or Alzheimer's by about six weeks. The researchers think that work may protect the brain by stimulating growth of new brain cells." }, { "Date": "27-Nov", "Tip":"Keep leftovers refrigerated: To prevent food-borne illness, avoid saving perishable foods and leftovers that have been left out at room temperature longer than two hours. Stick them in the fridge." }, { "Date": "28-Nov", "Tip":"Curbing your kids' junk-food habit might do you some good too. An analysis of a national nutrition survey found that adults who lived with children consumed more fat and saturated fat than adults who didn't have kids at home." }, { "Date": "29-Nov", "Tip":"Steam relief for coughs: Draping a towel over your head and inhaling from a bowl of steaming hot water three or four times a day is an effective nondrug treatment. A humidifier can work, too, if it's kept free of bacteria." }, { "Date": "30-Nov", "Tip":"Black cohosh and menopause symptoms. Some women turn to the herbal remedy for relief from hot flashes and night sweats, but a recent randomized study found that it wasn't any more effective than a placebo." }, { "Date": "1-Dec", "Tip":"Don't forget about your flexible spending account. If you've got money left over from your employer's healthcare FSA, this is the time to spend it. Generally you lose what's left in that account after December 31. " }, { "Date": "2-Dec", "Tip":"Candle safety: Always place candles upright in a stable holder on a heat- resistant surface such as glass or ceramic tile. Never leave them unattended, and make sure they're completely out before going to bed for the night." }, { "Date": "3-Dec", "Tip":"Escalator injuries: Use caution when carrying large packages, walking up a moving escalator, or stepping on or off to avoid injury. If you have difficulty with walking or balance, consider taking an elevator." }, { "Date": "4-Dec", "Tip":"Smoking can worsen knee trouble. In a study of 159 men with osteoarthritis in the knee, smokers had twice as much cartilage loss as nonsmokers and reported more pain, though they tended to be younger and weigh less." }, { "Date": "5-Dec", "Tip":"Generosity counts: People who spend money on others report more happiness than if they'd spent the money on themselves. Employees are also happier when they spend their bonuses on gifts and charity, regardless of the amount." }, { "Date": "6-Dec", "Tip":"There's a free online directory where you can search for a psychologist by name, area of expertise, age group treated, languages spoken, and other criteria. Go to findapsychologist.org." }, { "Date": "7-Dec", "Tip":"The benefits of dried fruit: It has fiber, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. Just go easy on portions as calories and sugar are concentrated. One quarter-cup of dried fruit equals about a half-cup of fresh." }, { "Date": "8-Dec", "Tip":"Go fish for your kidneys too: Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are already lauded for their heart-protecting benefits. Now there's preliminary evidence that they may also help prevent kidney cancer." }, { "Date": "9-Dec", "Tip":"Packaged portion control at a price: While 100-calorie packs are convenient and popular, they often cost more than twice as much as regular-sized versions of the same food." }, { "Date": "10-Dec", "Tip":"Duct tape may not be a quick fix for warts. The adhesive was thought to work by irritating the skin, causing the immune system to attack the blemishes. But a recent study found that it did not work much better than corn pads." }, { "Date": "11-Dec", "Tip":"Surgery isn't your only option for relieving a herniated disk. Researchers found that patients who had surgery and those who had noninvasive treatments both experienced improvement in pain and physical function." }, { "Date": "12-Dec", "Tip":"To avoid snow-shoveling injuries, work while snow is light and powdery. Use an S-shape shovel, which requires less bending. But get your doctor's OK first if you have asthma, diabetes, or heart disease." }, { "Date": "13-Dec", "Tip":"Harvard researchers sent study participants either a bouquet of flowers or a candle as a thank-you gift. Those who received the flowers reported feeling more energetic at work and happier at home than those who got a candle." }, { "Date": "14-Dec", "Tip":"Wheelchair recycling: The nonprofit Wheelchair Project matches donated wheelchairs with people in need. For more information or to donate, call 317-536-5219 or go to www.lifenets.org/wheelchair." }, { "Date": "15-Dec", "Tip":"Men are far more likely to go to work with a cough, cold, fever, or even diarrhea, according to a recent survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. If you must work when you're sick, try telecommuting." }, { "Date": "16-Dec", "Tip":"OTC label checks: Look at the list of inactive ingredients for substances that might trigger your allergies. Those ingredients are added as preservatives or to provide form, flavor, or color, not for therapeutic effect." }, { "Date": "17-Dec", "Tip":"If you have a cold, consuming traditional sick-day foods such as tea and hot soup helps. Chicken soup may actually fight symptoms by inhibiting cells that cause respiratory inflammation." }, { "Date": "18-Dec", "Tip":"Stay full: Depriving yourself of food for long periods tends to panic the appetite beast. Your body becomes accustomed to eating at certain intervals, and changes can throw your system into chaos and spur overindulgence later on." }, { "Date": "19-Dec", "Tip":"The key sign of frostbite is white, waxy, hardened skin that feels numb. If you suspect you have it, go inside and soak the area in warm— not hot— water. Avoid rubbing the skin. Seek medical attention if necessary." }, { "Date": "20-Dec", "Tip":"Boost immunity to avoid the flu. In order to protect yourself against the flu this winter, buttress your immune system by eating well, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and reducing stress." }, { "Date": "21-Dec", "Tip":"Listening to soothing music generally leads to a significant slowing of pulse and breathing. That potent relaxation effect has potential medical benefits, including reduced stress, better sleep, and less chronic pain." }, { "Date": "22-Dec", "Tip":"For your holiday feasts, there are two safety musts. A meat thermometer will ensure your poultry is cooked enough to kill pathogens. Use two chopping boards, one for meats and one for veggies to avoid cross contamination. " }, { "Date": "23-Dec", "Tip":"Safer toys: Recent recalls by toy manufacturers have brought the dangers of some toys into focus. Safe, lead-free alternatives include board and picture books, unpainted wooden toys, balls, and nontoxic paints and crayons." }, { "Date": "24-Dec", "Tip":"If you're whipping up your own batch of eggnog, use pasteurized eggs, which are heat processed to kill harmful bacteria. Check the label on store-bought versions to see if they're pasteurized. " }, { "Date": "25-Dec", "Tip":"Cancer support: The nonprofit Wellness Community provides free support and education to get cancer patients more involved in their treatment. Go to www.thewellnesscommunity.org or call 888-793-9355." }, { "Date": "26-Dec", "Tip":"Curb holiday stress. Maintaining good emotional health— by curbing anger, treating depression, relaxing, and even just laughing— may be nearly as important for preventing heart attack and stroke as proper diet and exercise." }, { "Date": "27-Dec", "Tip":"Listening to music while exercising can help you work harder, longer or both. Match the tempo to what you're doing: fast beats when you're working hard, slow songs to cool down or stretch." }, { "Date": "28-Dec", "Tip":"Don't let the winter weather keep you from being active. Borrow a workout DVD or two from the library and look for on-demand workout routines from your cable operator. They're a free and fun way to shake up your workout. " }, { "Date": "29-Dec", "Tip":"Alcohol affects older adults more. It undermines motor function more than in younger adults, even when they have identical blood-alcohol levels, a recent study found." }, { "Date": "30-Dec", "Tip":"Sexual healing: Before resorting to medication or hormones to treat sexual problems, consider whether the problem stems from an underlying disorder or a medication you take. Relief may be as simple as changing a prescription." }, { "Date": "31-Dec", "Tip":"Protect your eyes from a champagne-cork injury by pointing the bottle away at a 45-degree angle, holding the cork as you remove the wire. Place a towel atop the bottle, then use a slow twisting motion to coax the cork out." }, ] return tipsJSONObject; }