Improve Your Health – Part 2

Listed below are the remaining six ways to improve your health, you can find the previous six tips in an earlier post last week.

7. Massage – Massage decreases inflammation and modulates the immune system. That means less aches and pain. Massage is also a great way to relieve everyday pains and improve your mood.

8. Alcohol – Whether it’s beer, liquor, or wine, moderate drinking of al­cohol is good for you. Wine lowers blood sugar, decreases your risk of dementia, and protects your prostate. Beer is packed with B vitamins, which help maintain healthy insulin levels. Liquor has similar benefits to wine and beer, although to a lesser extent.

Remember, moderation is key… Too much disrupts your sleep cycles, increases blood pressure, and increases your risk of cancer.

9. Control Your Digital Life – People spend more than eight hours a day in front of a screen… whether that’s a computer, phone, or television. This is a hazardous habit. Pace yourself and turn off those Ipads, tablets and cell phones before going to bed.

10. Sharing – Eating and drinking from other people’s utensils and glasses is one of the quickest ways to get a cold. And not just colds… It can result in cold sores. Known as the “herpes simplex virus type 1,” cold sores are the painful blisters you get around your mouth and nose. They last for about a week and can lead to cold or flu-like symptoms. It’s also the quickest way to spread a sore throat and gut bugs.

11. Fruits – Blueberries are a true superfood. They’re packed with antioxidants (like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, fiber, and manganese), flavonoids, anthocyanins (this gives them the blue color), and other chemi­cals. They lower cholesterol, improve eyesight, and reduce inflammation.

12. Quality of Air – Polluted air is filled with various particles so small that they can get into your lung tissue and blood stream. They cause cancer, reduce the ef­fectiveness of your immune system, and damage your respiratory system. Having excessive dust, dirt, or smoke in your home can lead to chronic inflammation… leading to more colds and heart attacks. Breathing clean air is an essential part of having a healthy year. Keep an air purifier in your bedroom.

Good smells in the air around you are also important. Aromas can improve your mood, trigger positive memories, help you sleep, and improve concentration. Some – like the combination of lavender and pumpkin pie – can even increase the male libido.

Stay Healthy…….