Health Tips
- Certain blood thinners, steroids such as prednisone, and aluminum-containing antacids may increase your rate of bone loss. Discuss how to combat this with your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you suffer from acne, try avoiding foods that cause a rapid increase in blood sugar and insulin levels. Instead, eat more high-fiber foods and complex carbohydrates like wholegrain breads, oats, muesli and brown rice.
- In the Fall, outdoor molds abound in gutters, soil, vegetation, rotting wood and fallen leaves. If you’re allergic, avoid these settings and try showering before bed to remove pollen.
- Research indicates that women who eat plenty of whole grains such as oatmeal, whole wheat and brown rice, may lower their risk of developing high blood pressure.
- Men - eat your cooked tomatoes for improved prostate health. Lycopene, found in tomatoes, has been linked to the prevention of prostrate cancer.
- It’s possible for young children to have head lice without any symptoms. Look for live lice or eggs close to the scalp. If found, use a non-prescription insecticide shampoo.
- Your hair needs vitamins, just like your body. Biotin and Vitamin B6, found in egg yolk, milk, whole grains and vegetables, may help prevent greying and hair loss.
- High blood pressure causes stroke, heart and kidney disease. A quarter of adults in Canada have hypertension -- and almost half don't know it. Monitor your blood pressure to protect your health.
- Four out of five people with diabetes die of heart disease. Early diagnosis and good diabetes management can lower your risk.
- There is growing evidence that certain nutrients may help reduce the effects of osteoarthritis. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about glucosamine/chondroitin supplements.
- Research shows that vitamin D may decrease the risk of cancer. You can increase your vitamin D intake by taking vitamin supplements, drinking nonfat milk or fortified orange juice, eating certain fish such as salmon, or safe exposure to sunlight.
- A person's risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns. Always use an SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours.
- Mosquito repellents are often a necessity, but use them wisely, preferably over clothing. The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30% for adults and no greater than 10% for children.
- Poison ivy abounds in the woods surrounding Ottawa. If you suspect you have come in contact with poison ivy, rinse well with cold water or alcohol within the first hour. Hot water may open your pores and should be avoided.
- Dehydration can occur after as little as 30 minutes of exercise, particularly in hot weather. Don’t wait until you become thirsty to drink fluids. Drink water before you exercise and roughly 8 ounces of water every fifteen.
For more information on these subjects and other useful health related information, Watson’s recommends the following websites:
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