Sense of Humor

One of the best ways to live a better or stress- free life is to have a sense of humor.

Possessing a sense of humor is to be able to see the silver-lining in every dark cloud. It is also often having the capability to provoke laughter in others.

It is important to be able to laugh at one self and not take life too seriously.  Life can be harsh and there will always be people who are critical and judgemental. Though we cannot often control our external environment, we can, however, control our attitude and mindset towards viewing and living our lives, which can then bring about a change and enhance the way we lead our lives. Possessing a sense of humor can help one in many ways, besides living a more fruitful, happier and fulfilling life.

Laughter is known as the best source of medicine and remedy. Medical research has been done on the effects of humor and laughter on our health. The benefits are tremendous and one of them is having a more resilient body. The other benefits include reducing stress, boosting our immune system, lowering blood pressure, increasing tolerance for pain, and hastening our healing process. Our body and mind are connected so our attitude and mindset determines how long we live. That is why people who have a great sense of humor and are positive, usually always make it through a difficult ordeal or medical condition whereas those who are pessimistic or gives up easily barely survive.

Children with a well-developed sense of humor are also found to be happier and more optimistic, have higher self-esteem, and can cope with problems better than those who do not possess this quality. They tend to share humor and are better liked by their friends and peers, are more adaptive to new environment and can handle the adversities of childhood from being teased at or moving to a new school.

When you are optimistic and have a good sense of humor, life will seem more manageable and fun. You will inevitably inject more joy into the lives of those surrounding you including your own. People who have a sense of humor have been known to be popular and charismatic and are often invited to parties. So, one of the benefits of having a sense of humor, would be attracting people like a magnet. Your influence will undeniably be positive and greatly benefit not only yourself but those who work and live with you.

A sense of humor can be cultivated. It’s never too late to start having a good time by sharing some jokes and have a hearty laugh with your colleagues and family. Start experiencing the change physically, emotionally, and socially today!

Vinegar Benefits

Vinegar is a solution derived from the fermentation of a wide range of bases like apple, other fruit juices, wine, beer, barley and rice. The health benefits of vinegar are wide-ranging and date back to ancient times. The ancient Babylonians embraced the benefits of vinegar and inscribed its virtues on stone tablets over 7000 years ago. Even Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used the medical benefits of vinegar for treating his patients in 400 B.C. In the Middle Ages, bands of thieves doused their skin in vinegar in order to protect themselves from germs before robbing dying or the dead.

Here are some of the benefits of vinegar:

1) Kill Bacteria and Cure Athlete’s Foot and Foot Fungus

Vinegar contains agents to help kill bacteria and fungus, so one of the medical benefits of vinegar is that it can help cure athlete’s foot and foot fungus. Soaking your feet in vinegar will change the PH levels in your skin so that fungus cannot grow.

2) Soothe Muscle and Leg Cramps

Another one of the many medical benefits of vinegar is that it can relieve muscle or leg cramps. Muscle cramps are often caused by low potassium levels in our body. Orally taking one teaspoon of vinegar will cause your potassium level to rise and alleviate pain and cramps.

3) Relieve Sunburn Pain

Vinegar can also relieve sunburn pain. You can cool down a painful sunburn by gently apply the vinegar onto the affected area. It is more effective if you do it as soon as you are back from outdoor, before the burning sensation and pain starts.

4) Restore Shiny Hair and Eliminates dandruff

Apple cider vinegar has also been known to many to make hair shiny and healthy. It improves the health of our scalp. Apple cider vinegar not only eliminates dandruff but also slow hair loss. So, it is beneficial to rinse your hair and scalp with a solution of raw apple cider vinegar and water at least once a week.

Now that you are aware of the various medical benefits of vinegar, you will start to look at a bottle of vinegar differently today.

Ginger Remedy

Ginger has many health benefits and is commonly used as a cold remedy. It also boosts the immune system, soothe sore throats, improve digestion and help relieve nausea.

Chinese has long practiced the use of ginger for post natal food for all new mothers after every child birth to get rid of wind and air from their stomach. It is a must for them to have confinement food cooked with ginger for at least 1 month as they believed in the properties of ginger to expel wind and promoting blood circulation.

These are the known health benefits of ginger:

• Improves circulation of blood flow, cleanse the bowels and kidneys
• Relieves bout of flu
• Eases stomach cramps, improves digestion and relieves nausea
• Reduces menstrual cramping and alleviate menstrual discomfort
• Regulate blood sugar
• Boosts the immune system
• Relieve a bloated stomach and get rid of wind

One easy way to reap the health benefits of ginger is drinking ginger tea. A piping hot ginger tea is a healthy drink that will aid digestion, boost your immune system and refresh your soul. Here’s how you can make a cup of ginger tea.

• 6 thin slices raw ginger or 2 teaspoon of freshly squeezed ginger juice
• 1 cup of water
• 2 teaspoon honey or lemon juice or milk (depending on what you like)

Stir the ginger and honey (or lemon juice or milk) into 1 cup of hot water.

Drink up and enjoy the health benefits of ginger tea today.

Note: It is best not to drink on dates as you will expel a lot of gas from your stomach afterwards.

Tea Bags Therapy

We have often heard about the wonderful benefits of tea.

Like- wise, a tea bag, stores all of its amazing properties in a bag. It is rich in vitamin C, tames inflammation and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It is also well known to reduce cholesterol levels and can help to reduce weight.

Not only that, it is popularly known for its calming properties (especially Chamomile) and being an amazing anti- oxidant. Anti- oxidants are known to slow degenerative diseases by helping to stop free radicals. Free radicals can hurt the body by initiating chain reactions of electron which scavenge and damage the body’s cells. Ranking high in levels of anti-oxidant activity are Polyphenols and flavinoids. Green tea has one of the highest polyphenols in the family of tea.

So, what can a used tea bag too?

There are many usages for a tea bag.

1) It can be used to exfoliate chapped or cracked lips

Gently rub the tea bags over the lips surface. After that, the lips will feel smooth and renewed. You can apply a layer of honey or lip balm over the lips afterwards.

2) Tea bags can also be used to reduce puffy eyes

Place the tea bag on top a thin piece of cotton wool, so it would not stain your skin. Then place the tea bag over your eyes for 5- 10 minutes.  Tannin, which is found in tea, is a natural astringent that constricts blood vessels and pulls the skin taut. It helps to reduce puffiness.

3) Tea bags can also act as a form of cold compress

Just apply it on the cut to stop bleeding.

4) Tea bags can eliminates foot odour

Tannin, which is found in tea bags acts as form of astringent and drying agent. Boil about five tea bags in 1 quart of water for about 10 minutes, then add cold water to make a comfortable soak. Soak your feet for 30 minutes, then dry them and apply food powder. Continue treatment for about a week and you should have no smelly or sweaty feet.

Shallot Remedy for Sore Throat

Shallot belongs to the family of onion. Onion is a major source of both phenols and flavonoids, phytonutrients and shallots was found to have the most phenols. Numerous studies have shown that these protects against cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Shallot is a natural, powerful anti- biotic and anti oxidant and is anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium and folic acid. It also contains calcium, iron and has a high protein quality. Sulfur content in shallots also makes skin look younger. Frequent intake of shallots will reap benefit in the long run.

To get rid of sore throat- Peel a piece of raw shallot. Chew it first thing in the morning when you wake up.

Once you swallow, you may experience a tingling sensation at the throat. After a while, you may feel phlegm starting to produce and your throat feeling so pain. Eat another shallot after a few hours and you may be completely well after a day, depending on the severity of your sore throat. If not completely healed, continue the same routine the following day till completely well. Inflammatory should subside shortly afterwards.  Salt water can be used as a form of gurgle too.

Shallot is a natural remedy for sore throat and can be used for people who are opposed to taking anti- biotic or  in the case of pregnant women.

Music Therapy

The roots of music therapy dates back as far as 25,000 years. Music has the ability to calm, cajole and rejuvenate the soul; hence there were serenades and lullabies.  But it is only these recent years that man starts to view music seriously as a form of therapy as they found music to have a profound effect on our psyche and body. They begun to study and document the effects of music in methodology, which leaves the healing power of music no room for doubt. There are serious music therapy courses in the best universities now and a growing field of health care openings for music therapists.

Research has shown that music has a profound effect on our body and psyche. Studies has shown that music with a fast and strong beat can stimulate brainwaves and breathing to resonate in sync with the beat, with faster beats bringing sharper concentration and more alert thinking, while a slower tempo promotes a more calm and meditative state.

It is an established fact that music helps all living creatures – from plants, animals and infants – to rejuvenate and grow. Music alters mood swings, induces sleep, heals the ailing, and creates the moods. Music therapy is a process in which a trained music therapist uses the magic of music effectively to help clients improve their health be it from the physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetics or the spiritual from.  Those who practice music therapy are using the healing power of music to help cancer patients, migraine patients and children with ADD. Even the hospitals are using music therapy to help reduce depression and for pain management. Holistic spas are also using it widely while providing their massages or spa treatments for their clients, so their clients get more relaxed inevitably.

With all these wonderful benefits that music carries, it’s no surprise that music therapy is gaining popularity. Music therapy is no doubt an important benefit which you can also use for yourself and love ones daily.

Go on a Vacation

Free your mind and go on a much deserved vacation.

Everyone needs a break from their work and daily routine. There are chronic workaholics who do not know how to leave their work and as a result suffered from enormous stress. At the extreme end, some committed suicide and others have their ailments prolonged and suffered as a result of not taking a break to relax.

It is important to recognise that you need a break before your system breaks down, fall sick and feel burn out and worn out mentally and physically. We get to live only once, so do not torture yourself and your love ones by bringing work back, feeling stressed and vexed. It is worst if you vent your frustration at them. Work- life balance is vital so it is best to embrace it well as it will have a lasting impact on you and your love ones.

Plan and go on a vacation, regardless whether it is going to be long or short one, with your love ones or family. Discuss where to go, what to bring and how to spend the days there and bag a totally awesome experience from the vacation. Be spontaneous, have fun and relax. Enjoy the bonding time and discovery of the new place with them. Recharge, revitalise and rejuvenate during the trip. A good vacation develops strong bonding with your love ones and creates pleasant memories for all involved. You also reaped emotional and physical health benefits when you enjoyed a great vacation.

Cranberry Juice Benefits

Cranberry juice was first made in 1683 by American settlers.

There are many benefits of cranberry juice as listed below.

1) Getting rid of Urinary Tract Infection

Cranberry juice has been reputed for its amazing healing properties in getting rid of urinary tract infections caused by a strain of E coli bacteria. The compound called Proanthocyanidins (PACs) in the juice block the bacteria from sticking to the cells in infected area, so that the body can flush the bacteria out easily. The anti-adhesion properties of cranberry also inhibit the bacteria, often associated with gum disease and stomach ulcers.

2) Anti- aging and Emulsify Fats

Cranberry juice is rich in Vitamin C and organic acids. It not only helps in anti- aging but these acids also emulsify the fat deposits in our body and help to reduce weight. For those who want to shed those extra kilos, it is another reason to drink up. However, it is important to drink the unsweetened juice as an overdose of sweetened cranberry juice can cause obesity due to its high sugar content.

3) Fight Nose and Throat Disease

Studies have also shown that one of the many benefits of cranberry juice is that it helps to fight strains of the Haemophilus Influenzae bacteria found in the nose and throat of most of the healthy children and adults. This bacteria can cause painful respiratory and ear infections in children. Cranberry inhibits the bacteria from infecting the cells, by not letting their hair like structure (called pili) to attach themselves to the cell surface.

4) Prevent Kidney Stones

Some medical professionals also believe that the quinic acid abundant in cranberry helps to prevent  kidney stones.

There are many benefits of cranberry juice, so drink up today!

Tips to Stay Sharp and Mentally Active

There are simple ways to stay sharp and mentally active and not compromise your maximum mental capability with age. The aging process weakens all the body’s system including the brain and its networks. Along with this, its functions also deteriorate. However, studies discovered that following tips to stay sharp and mental activities stimulates brain connections and increases the brain’s vitality. It is a way of keeping the brain healthy and acts as a preventive measure for diseases affecting brain function like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Boosting brain functions as early as possible have been suggested by scientists as protective ways against these dementias. Brain connections in mentally active people are a lot stronger than those who don’t do brain exercises regularly. Low educational attainment has been considered as on of the strongest risk factors for dementias. Helpful ways to stay sharp need not drastically done. They can be taken step by step from the simpler ones to the complex ones. Here are some simple ways to stay sharp and mentally active.

• Always find opportunities to learn new things. Reading books and newspapers, watching television, listening to the radio, and other ways of the media to convey information are accessible ways to learn. Like a book, you can be obsolete. You can upgrade yourself into the updated one by learning along with the newest ways to learn.
• Do mind games. Crossword puzzles and other puzzles help you to stay sharp by stimulating the brain. At the back of newspapers, crossword puzzles can be found. It can also be your leisure activity. Card games and board games are also good exercises for your brain to stay sharp and active. Mahjong is also one the very popular game with the Chinese and a lot of them claim that it helps them to stay sharp while having fun with their friends. Hence, they also have social benefits for bonding and interaction.
• Talk with sensible people. People are good sources of information too, especially the sensible ones. They always know something you don’t and you can add them to your collection of information about anything. Doctors, lawyers, nurses, engineers, policemen, and other professionals are good to talk to because they have something unique to share with you and this will expand your knowledge.
• Attend workshops and seminars. Your community covers programs for workshops and seminars along variety of subjects. Usually, these functions have well experienced and professional speakers. These activities will make you stay sharp and will provide you with interactive opportunities with other members of your community.
• Do gardening. Gardening is not just a simple exercise but it has brain stimulating effects too. According to studies, there is a harmless bacteria found in the soil that activates brain cells to release mood boosters. When you have a lifted mood, you feel like you are open for activities, especially the ones that will help you stay sharp.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise does not just have healthy benefits for the body but also for the mind. Endorphins are known to be mood-lifting chemicals and they are released by the brain as the body is regularly stimulated like in exercise.
• Eat brain boosting foods. Healthy foods helps make you stay sharp, mentally active, and physically healthy. Whole grains, avocados, nuts, teas, fish, and blueberries are foods known to have benefits for the brain. A healthy brain will provide you with its maximum function.

You don’t need powers like what you see in superheroes on TV or movies just to stay sharp. You can stay sharp in your own simple ways and through simple ways regardless of how old you are.

Healthy Living Information

Healthy living information is highly accessible in printed publications and online articles. Health pundits, medical associations, government agencies and other non-profit medical organizations frequently post the latest updates on healthy living information on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. Individuals ought to be responsible for themselves and their families by incessantly checking on this healthy living information given that it is greatly beneficial for their overall welfare. Here at healthnewsonline.org, we assure that every health article provides credibility.

Healthy living information is basically required by means of reading a wide assortment of surveys and scholarly journals. Among the topics of healthy living information asserted that stress has been causing a lot of diseases to people. The targeted group is often the employees wherein the major predicament would definitely be work related stress. Many factors including chemical and physical are causing stress.  According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of United Kingdom, statistics showed that more than 440,000 people during the entire year of 2007 have been experiencing anxiety and job-related stress. On the other hand, American Institute of Stress have presented that Workers’ compensation claims in the state of California have raised to more than 600 percent due to psychological stress for about 8 years. Furthermore, stress is the main cause of job turnover resulting to 40 percent.

An immeasurable number of people have accounted that job stress to be their major health concern. Work stress is actually being called “the 20th Century Disease” by the United Nations due to its prevalence in most countries. In line with this, stress management is deemed very significant healthy living information that people should know. One’s body would be vulnerable to certain diseases if one is not knowledgeable of stress management techniques.

The basic healthy living information that people should be aware of, is that stress has an impact to people regardless of ages and social standing. Here are some of the stress management techniques that are easy to follow.

Biofeedback therapy was established by researchers Neal Miller, Kimmel and David Shapiro as early as 1950’s. After 19 years, an organization was built named Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback to further advance the studies concerning its application to people. Biofeedback is used to treat conditions caused by stress particularly headaches, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hot flashes, nausea, incontinence and low back pain. This therapy is considerably safe and otherwise termed as mind-body therapy. This powerful medical therapy allows a person to manage one’s body and thoughts with the aid of a biofeedback expert. It permits an individual to manage specific functions in the body particularly temperature of the skin, heart rate, blood pressure, brain and sweat gland activity. This therapy appears to be impressive and fascinating among many people however is certain to seek medical consultation before taking this kind of stress management technique. There may seem to have possible risk if biofeedback is taken while still under the prescription of insulin. People with serious psychological condition are not recommended to try biofeedback. Thoroughly understanding the benefits and risk of biofeedback is considered good healthy living information.