Healthy Tip April 2011

 

HEALTHY TIP - April 18, 2011 

Keep your hair healthy. Just like your teeth, your hair can say a lot about your health. For men, 90% of hair loss is due to genetics, while women on the other hand may notice thinning hair for a number of health reasons.

The following are some tips and red flags for healthy hair.

• Dandruff: This can be an overgrowth of fungus when hair is either too oily or too dry. You may need to shampoo less or more.
• 100 strands: Have no fear; about 100 strands per day may shed, which is normal and healthy. This happens for each strand about every 2 to 3 months.
• Telogen Effluvium: This is where hair comes out in handfuls. This can happen from anything shocking to your body’s system. For example, surgery, childbirth, medications and crash diets. See a doctor immediately.
• Alopecia areata: Persons with alopecia areata will experience 1 or 2 bald patches and, in extreme cases, total hair loss. This can happen from the immune system accidently attacking the hair follicles. More often than not, it’s from traction in specific spots from ponytails, corn rows, etc.
• Sun: Too much sun makes the hair brittle and dry. Use hair products with sunscreen and try to cover hair with a hat or head wrap.
• Eat well for healthy hair: Diet for healthy hair follows the same diet for a healthy heart. This includes protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin A.
• Gray runs in the family: Most graying is genetic, especially in terms of on-set. If graying starts a lot earlier than others in your family this can mean deficiency in B12, anemia and/or thyroid problems.
• Over styling: Over styling has not been linked to permanent hair follicle damage but can easily ruin the quality of hair strands. Less is more when it comes to hair styling.
• Medications: A wide variety of medications may cause hair loss. Make sure you read all possible effects of medications and speak with your doctor about possible risks.
  

Speak with your doctor about medications, diet and other concerns. If you need a doctor, allow us to help you make an appointment. 

Related Articles & Resources   
About hair loss      
Female pattern baldness   
Male pattern baldness

 

HEALTHY TIP - April 11, 2011  

 

Help your children maintain weight and form healthy habits. Everyone has seen it all over the news and media: America is fat! What’s even scarier is obesity is growing fastest in children as young as five years old. Unlike adults, children do not have the power or sometimes the authority to change their unhealthy environments and habits. It is up to parents and other adult mentors to provide healthy lives and future habits for their children.

• Food – Parents must provide a variety of balanced healthy foods and limit low-nutrition foods rich in fat and sugar. Follow these guidelines: 
        - Fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, 
        - Low-fat dairy,
        - Lean meats, poultry and fish in small portions not more than twice a day     
        - Serve real serving sizes (one of the biggest flaws in the United States)   
        - Encourage water drinking all day long. Pack them water bottles     
        - Eliminate soda and monitor the amount of fruit juices     
        - Limit the total amount of fat    
        - Make their favorite dishes healthier  
        - Cook with your children. This gives them knowledge of what is healthy, how to make it tasty, and the power and confidence to be in control of their health and weight.
• Physical activity – A wide variety of activities should be encouraged. Anything from intense sports to simple activities or hobbies that get them out of the house.
  - Sign them up for team sports such as soccer and baseball/softball, etc. These are also fun and give them a chance to socialize and make active friends.
  - Allow for leisurely play. This would include play time at the community parks, playing after school with other neighborhood children, and backyard play with siblings. This essential when they say their bored.
  - Encourage them in hobbies or other activities like arts and music. This provides other types of learning as well as keeping them busy and active.
  All of these activities also stimulate confidence and pride in children. Learning how to cook, how to play sports, and making art are also just fun!
• Reduce screen time.  
  - It involves way too much sitting and inactivity. 
  - It’s also an inactive brain function. Swapping out the tv/computer for a book is still a more active sitting activity. 
  - It also decreases important socializing time. Socializing as children help them learn how to make healthy relationships like they would if they were outside at the playground playing with the neighbors instead.
  

It's important to integrate each of these items throughout the day. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise reduces risk of brain diseases, too. 

Speak with your doctor about your diet and other ways to improve your memory. If you need a doctor, allow us to help you make an appointment. 

Related Articles & Resources   
7 small changes to better nutrition           
Weight problems in children 

 

HEALTHY TIP - April 4, 2011

 

Consume smart foods for a smart brain. Incorporating “smart” foods in your daily diet do increase chances of maintaining a sharp brain as you age. Not only do these foods accrue for later health, they also improve daily cognitive function. Some ingredients may surprise you.

• Caffeine - Alertness. Caffeine energizes and boosts focus. Be careful not to have too much though.
• Sugar - Short-term memory. This doesn’t refer to table sugar, but glucose from carbohydrates and small amounts of sugar.
• Breakfast - Attention. Students and workers who eat breakfast are more attentive, making them more productive.
• Fish - Brain function and development. Omega 3-fatty acids lower the risk for dementia and stroke risks.
• Nuts & Chocolate - Decrease in cognitive decline. Enjoy a product that combines the two for a healthy dose of vitamin E antioxidant.
• Avocados & Whole grains - Lowers cholesterol. Make a sandwich out of these two foods. These ingredients also fire up the brain cells for healthy daily function.
• Blueberries - Learning capacity. This tasty snack also improves healthy motor skills at later ages. Try them in your morning cereal or oatmeal. 
  

It's important to integrate each of these items throughout the day. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise reduces risk of brain diseases, too. 

Speak with your doctor about your diet and other ways to improve your memory. If you need a doctor, allow us to help you make an appointment. 

Related Articles & Resources   
A brain healthy diet