Think Green: Natural Inflammation Reducer
Spinach is loaded with lutein, an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation in the body. If you are one of the people who has spinach on the “don’t like” list – don’t worry! Food scientists have discovered that the maximum benefits of spinach are obtained when consumed raw. This means you can blend a handful or two in your favorite smoothie. We promise you won’t even know it’s in there. The result is a great tasting smoothie with all the benefits of this antioxidant packed food.
Need a place to start? In a blender add 1 cup frozen mango, ½ cup frozen peaches, a handful of spinach, 1-2 cups of almond milk, ½ inch slice of ginger, a dash of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey to taste. Blend until smooth. The flavor and texture are delightful!
Skipping workouts due to your period? Think again.
We know. The last thing you want to do during your period is continue with your exercise routine. Menstrual cramps and mood swings can tempt you to skip but you actually need to work out. Exercise is helpful for many of those annoying period symptoms because it eases lower back pain and cramps, decreases bloating, water-retention, fatigue and weight-gain. It can even help with depression thanks to the release of endorphins and serotonin.
Of course, there are times when you need to listen to your body and take a rest. If you are losing a lot of blood, feeling dehydrated, dizzy or weak, it’s best to play it safe. Try going for a long walk or doing yoga in place of your full-on exercise routine. After your work-out, take ibuprofen and apply a hot water bottle to your lower abdomen to soothe cramps. And as always – drink enough water to stay hydrated!
Shingles
Shingles is actually caused by the chicken pox virus. If you had the chicken pox as a child, it still lives in your body in a state of hibernation only to reemerge in later years as the shingles. The virus begins by affecting one nerve and then multiplying to other nerves. The first symptom you will notice is an itching or tingling sensation until the virus reaches the skin surface to produce a rash that resembles chicken pox. The painful rash usually takes the shape of a stripe on one side of your body and can last up to two weeks. It is especially dangerous if the eye is involved as it can cause partial or total vision loss. Treatment for shingles includes antiviral drugs and medicines to help with pain but is a difficult virus to treat, so prevention is key.
Vaccination is the best thing you can do to prevent shingles. Talk to your doctor about the best vaccine for you.
The Gift of Health for Father’s Day
June is the time we set aside to celebrate Fathers and the best gift you can give this year is to help the man in your life make sure his health is a top priority. Ask your husband or dad if he is up to date on these important screenings: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, colorectal cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, high blood pressure, cholesterol screenings, type 2 diabetes and glaucoma.
