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Stress Reducers

Shape Magazine released a list of 20 simple stress reducers that I think everyone should take a look at. I started using multiple suggestions throughout the day, and saw of these very simple things could make my day go better. Here are my top 5 favorites:
1. Prep for tomorrow. Nothing is worse than being unorganized, especially in the morning rushing around trying to make it to work on time. Before I go to bed, I make sure I have prepared my lunch for tomorrow and have everything in the containers ready to grab on my way out. I also always lay my clothes out for the morning. Days that I forget, I find myself wasting precious meetings staring inside my closet trying to figure out what matches with my sleepy brain trying to function.
2. Arm Yourself with Snacks. This is always a must for me. I have snacks with me no matter what I’m doing: working, going to a friends house, even going out. I hate being hungry! Shape.com reports that more women often binge eat on ‘bad’ foods because they have tried to deprive themselves from. Forcing yourself not to eat a little bit of chocolate can actually do worse for you, causing to eat worse and too much later on. Carry a few small snacks with you, one of my favorites is string cheese or baked chips, and munch away when you feel hungry.
3. Wash your hands. When you are feeling stressed, research has shown your immune system is also depressed, making you more susceptible to viruses. Hand washing is the best way to keep away the germs, as well as using hand sanitizers and other germ killers.
4. Exercise. I think this is my number one go to move when I am feeling stressed. I especially love doing yoga because it is a great relaxer but at the same time I can feel myself getting a workout. Shape.com reports that research has shown people that spent 30 or more minutes on a treadmill had lower anxiety levels.
5. Once a Day, Get Away. If your having a hectic day (or even if your not!) it can always be refreshing to slip away and be able to relax. I work five days a week at a hospital, and have moments where I know I need to get away from desk. Just 10 minutes of being by myself, and doing something calming such as reading a book or listening to my iPod can really refresh me.

Head to Shape.com for all the other great stress relieving tricks!
Direct link: http://www.shape.com/health/stress_and_relaxation/20_simple_stress_reducers/p/page/7

Effects of Soft Drinks

Some of you may have heard about the ongoing debate to put a tax on the sale of soft drinks. Soda has become an increasingly harmful drink to one’s health, and it seems that many people know that. I have heard people say that they try to limit themselves to the number of sodas they drink a day, not drinking one before bed or early in the morning, and other tips that try to lessen the consumption of our fizzy friends. I am one of those people. I try not to drink a lot of pop; I have even tried to cut the beverage out completely in the past, but yet I will still order one when I am at a restaurant. So what are the effects that this carbonated liquid can have on our body? Yahoo! Health has come out with a great article talking about the dangers that consuming pop can have, that has definitely made me think twice when ordering that Coke.
Research has shown that many health problems are related to the consumption of soft drinks, especially those in high volumes. Some health risks include tooth decay, type-2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and nutritional depletion. Soft drinks contain alarmingly high amounts of sugar, often more than the USDA recommends on a daily basis. Excess sugar that is stored in the body converts into fat, which can lead to obesity and heart disease.
And don’t think just because you order a diet soft drink that you’re in the clear. Studies have shown that no matter if it is regular of diet, consuming soft drinks lead to a 30% greater chance of weight gain. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners that can also lead to health problems. In one study, done with rats, saccharin led to bladder cancer. Aspartame, also known as nutrasweet, has been linked to obesity, as it can stimulate the brain and cause more cravings for sweets, which can lead to the over consumption of carbohydrates.
Carbonation itself can lead to health problems. This doesn’t just stop with soft drinks, but can also include carbonated water. The bubbles contain phosphoric acid, which deplete the blood calcium levels. Without proper levels of calcium going into the body, bone density can suffer, which can lead to osteoporosis. Then the caffeine that is found in these drinks can be harmful, adding stimulation to the central nervous system, leading to stress and insomnia.
This article was great because it explained what exactly soft drinks can do the body, and what the long term effects can be. Like I said before, I tried cutting soda out cold turkey, which led me to have intense migraines and stomach aches. I believe I was suffering from caffeine withdrawals, something that is common for people who consume large amounts of caffeine such as in soda or coffee, then try eliminating those drinks. I ended up drinking the soda again just to get rid of my symptoms. I decided that instead of getting rid of my soda drinking completely, I found ways to cut back. For one, I no longer bought pop for my house. This way, when I was sitting down for a meal, I didn’t have the choice to open a can of caffeine. Instead, I have water, milk, or juice. I have recently found that I really enjoy V-8, a much healthier choice over juices that contain high amounts of sugar. This has significantly cut down on not only my consumption of the sugary drinks, but is also saving me money. And at restaurants, I try to order other drinks such as lemonade or tea to avoid the soda.
If you are someone who drinks high amounts of soft drinks, be aware of the harmful effects it can have your body. Be informed so you can make good decisions on what you are consuming, and try to find alternatives so you can lead a healthier lifestyle.

Ways to Help Lower Cholesterol

MSN put out a list of 6 foods that can actually help lower one’s cholesterol. Foods to avoid are ones that are high in saturated fat, such as red meat, butter, and cheese. Also steer clear of fried foods and ones that contain high levels of trans fat. Enough of what you shouldn’t eat, here are some foods that you should put on your grocery list:

Breast Cancer Awareness

October has been breast cancer awareness month. Pink has popped up everywhere, from the grocery stores, makeup counters, and even the NFL. But raising awareness doesn’t have to stop just because the calendar has rolled over. Whether you have personally been affected by the disease, known someone who has, or just want to offer your support; there is something for everybody to fight for a cure.

Cold & Flu Season

The flu season is especially scary this year with the introduction of the H1N1 virus. Vaccines are out now, for both the regular flu and the H1N1, and it is a personal decision on if you would want to receive the vaccine. Do the best that you can to keep yourself healthy, try the tips that are listed in this article and I hope you all the best!