The essence of preventing heart disease is to have heart-healthy nutrients that prevent and repair damage to cells. You can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease by eating these foods every day. Fresh produce provide the cornerstone for a heart-healthy diet because they help wipe out free radicals in the bloodstream, protecting blood vessels. Heart-healthy is not only about oatmeal and omega-3 fats. You need to look for ways to get all the different nutrients. Plus, you’ll stick to a heart-healthy lifestyle longer if you have variety.

Make sure you have enough:

Phytoestrogens: are substances in plants (like flaxseed) that have a weak estrogen-like action in the body. Studies suggest that flaxseed lowers the risk of blood clots, stroke, and cardiac arrhythmias. It may also help lower total and LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, and even blood pressure. (Flaxseed (ground)

Phytosterols: are plant sterols that chemically resemble cholesterol — and seem to reduce blood cholesterol. All nuts and seeds, including wheat germ, have phytosterols. (Almonds; Walnuts; Oranges)

Carotenoids: are heart-protective antioxidants in many colorful fruits and veggies. Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene are carotenoids. (Blueberries; Carrots; Spinach; Broccoli; Sweet potato; Red bell peppers; Asparagus; Oranges; Tomatoes; Acorn squash; Cantaloupe; Papaya)

Polyphenols: are another set of antioxidants that protect blood vessels, lower blood pressure, reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol. Flavonoid polyphenols include catechins, flavonones, flavonols, isoflavones, reservatrol, and anthocyanins. Non-flavonoid polyphenols include ellagic acid (found in all types of berries). (Soy milk; Blueberries; Oranges; Dark chocolate; Tea)

Omega-3 fatty acids: (found in fatty fish like salmon) and alpha-linolenic fatty acids (found in plant foods like walnuts) help boost the immune system, reduce blood clots, and protect against heart attacks. They also increase good HDL levels, lower triglyceride levels, protect arteries from plaque buildup, are anti-inflammatories, and lower blood pressure. (Salmon; Flaxseed (ground); Oatmeal; Black or Kidney Beans; Walnuts; Tuna)

B-complex vitamins – like Vitamin B-12 (folate) and vitamin B-6 — protect against blood clots and atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Niacin (vitamin B-3) helps increase HDL “good” cholesterol. (Oatmeal; Black or Kidney Beans; Almonds; Walnuts; Tuna; Tofu; Brown rice; Soy milk; Blueberries; Spinach; Broccoli; Sweet potato; Red bell peppers; Asparagus; Oranges; Tomatoes; Acorn squash; Cantaloupe; Papaya)

Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage. Magnesium, potassium, and calcium help lower blood pressure. Fiber-rich foods help lower cholesterol levels. (Oatmeal; Black or Kidney Beans; Almonds; Walnuts; Tuna; Tofu; Carrots; Brown rice; Soy milk; Blueberries; Spinach; Broccoli; Sweet potato; Red bell peppers; Asparagus; Oranges; Tomatoes; Acorn squash; Cantaloupe; Papaya)

BONUS: Heart-healthy recipes for the Valentine’s day here

Having two children I was always immersed into searches for the matter of raising healthy kids. Tons of books and studying materials, advices, suggestions and other are overwhelming. But most of us are looking for the very simple, “quick and easy” reading tips. I found one at US Department of Health and Services, and I thought they may not cover all the aspects and not so deep, but still it worth to read. You may continue your exploring this topic and you may find your own recipe which you will gratefully share with others.

1. Plan a healthy pregnancy.

Take folic acid and avoid drinking alcohol to help prevent certain birth defects and disabilities. Know your family’s health history to see if you and your baby are at higher risk for certain diseases and conditions. Make sure any health conditions you have are under control and that you are up-to-date on your vaccinations.

2. Know the signs of child development.

As your kids grow, they should reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, and act. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental problem. The earlier you recognize a delay, the more you can do to help your kids reach their full potential.

3. Get check-ups and vaccinations.

Routine check-ups help identify ways to stay healthy and help find health problems early, when
chances for treatment are better. Vaccinations help prevent many diseases and save lives. Keep track of your and your family’s checkups and vaccinations to make sure they stay current.

4. Protect your kids.

Take steps to make sure your home, car, school, and other areas are safe. Use car seats and seat belts for appropriate ages and sizes. Keep harmful substances and objects out of children’s
reach. Be aware of signs of maltreatment, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Ask a
trusted friend or family member to watch your kids if you feel yourself losing control and need a break.

5. Provide healthy meals.

Eating right will help provide the nutrients needed to have energy, build strong bones, and fight diseases and conditions. For babies, breastfeeding is best. As children grow, help them choose healthy meals and snacks. Pay attention to what and how much they eat. You’ll help them stay on track and may uncover problems of which you were unaware.

6. Keep your kids active.

Help kids and teens be active for at least one hour a day. Include activities that raise their
breathing and heart rates and that strengthen their muscles and bones. Find fun, safe, and active
things you can do with your kids to help keep the whole family healthy.

7. Live a smoke-free life.

Being exposed to secondhand smoke is just as harmful as smoking directly. Be smokefree
during pregnancy to prevent premature birth and other health problems. Stay smoke-free to help lower your children’s risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia.

8. Monitor activities.

Kids learn from family, friends, media, school, and more. Know who they spend time with, what
they are doing, and whether their activities are age-appropriate. Know how their schools promote
health and safety.

9. Teach your kids healthy habits.

Help your kids develop skills to make safe and healthy choices every day. These include fastening seat belts, wearing helmets, applying sunscreen, brushing teeth, washing hands, forming healthy relationships, and more. Make safe and healthy choices every day to show kids how to do it.

10. Provide love and support.

Kids need the support and love of family and friends. Talk to your kids to help them understand how they can be healthy, safe, and happy. Find out what’s going on with them and how they are making decisions and handling problems. Respond to their physical and emotional needs. It’s important for kids to develop in a safe, loving, and secure environment.

There are tons of drugs developed by the pharmacy production companies to relief arthritis pain as every fifth American diagnosed with arthritis. Aggressive treatment can help more sufferers go into remission. However prescription drugs don’t help to a lot of patients. Moreover, some drugs suppress the immune system, which make patients more susceptible to infections. Side effects from other arthritis medications can include skin irritation and sensitivity, stomach upset, weight gain, eye problems, and more.

If you hope to sidestep these unpleasant effects or prefer to choose not an aggressive treatment, there are natural alternatives for joint pain.

1. Use the Magnets

Patients who wore a sleeve containing a high-powered magnet over the affected knee report that magnetic therapy is helpful. Magnets are working by stimulating the release of the body’s natural painkillers and increasing blood flow to the tissue.

2. Take the Ginger extracts

Ginger extract, particularly red ginger, is regularly used in Indonesian traditional medicine as a painkiller for arthritis. It is helps inhibit inflammation, and has been found to relieve muscle pain.

3. Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture can also become a good option for arthritis sufferers. Both traditional and electrical acupuncture reduced tenderness, helped patients with to feel less pain and stiffness, and to enjoy improved joint function.

4. Learn Tai Chi

Tai Chi helps the patients improve muscle function and stiffness, as well as reduce pain and stress levels, as the movements in Tai Chi are slow and gentle, combining movement with focus, helping to not only improve joint function, but relax the body as a whole, which helps reduce pain.

5. Produce Sam-e

Sam-e is a chemical, which is naturally occurring in the body, has been found to treat pain, stiffness, and joint swelling, while improving mobility and rebuilding cartilage. You may choose the supplement, but be careful to avoid potentially dangerous interactions with other medications.

6. Increase Omega-3 fatty acids

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce arthritis pain and stiffness. Omega-3 in fish oil could substantially and significantly reduce the signs and symptoms, as well as slow the progression of the disease.

7. Grow hot Peppers

Hot pepper has an active compound – Capsaicin, which could be applied topically to help relieve the pain of arthritis. Capsaicin is a safe and effective treatment for arthritis; reducing pain for most arthritis patients, but for patients with sensitive skin may create burning and stinging at the application site, so should be used in small amounts first.

8. Investigate the Herbal World

Our planet is generous for the herbs to relief any pain or sufferings. Learning the Herbal World and experience of non-traditional or homeopathy medicines helps to find the remedies. For example, borage seed oil, thunder god vine, stinging nettles and turmeric are the potential pain relieves herbal remedies.

Do you remember when you learned to ride a bike? The most important part was getting the balance right. Once you could balance easily, the pedals could turn smoothly, to drive the wheels and get the bike moving. The same thing is true when it comes to choosing our food. Once we have learned to carefully balance the amounts and types of foods eaten, all the organs in the body will function smoothly and the body will work efficiently. Following these ten tips will help you stay fit and healthy. It’s as easy as riding a bike, once you’ve got the balance right!

1. Food is Fun… Enjoy your food

Sharing a meal with family and friends at home or at school is a great way to enjoy food. It is fun to see other people’s choice of food – what do your friends eat? Do you try different foods every day? Check out your lunch box or dinner plate. How many different kinds of fruit and vegetables can you spot?

2. Breakfast is a very important meal

Just like cars, buses and trains cannot run without fuel, our bodies need energy to work. Especially after a night’s sleep, energy levels are low. So, whether you are off to school, or out and about at the weekend, start the day with breakfast. Plenty of carbohydrates is just the ticket: try cereal with milk, fruit or yoghurt, toast or bread, perhaps with lean meats.

3. Eat lots of different foods every day, variety is the recipe for health

You need over 40 different nutrients (such as vitamins and minerals) every day for good health. Since there is no single food that contains them all, it is important to balance your daily choices. In fact there are no good or bad foods, so you do not need to miss out on the foods you enjoy. The best way to make sure you get the right balance is to eat a wide variety of foods each day.

4. Which group would you tip for the top? Base your food on carbohydrates

About half the calories in your diet should come from carbohydrate foods, such as cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes and bread, so it is a good idea to include at least one of these at every meal. Try whole grain bread, pasta and other cereals to give you extra fibre. Have you tried baking your own bread? It’s good fun and smells wonderful!

5. Gimme five! Eat fruits and vegetables with each meal and as tasty snacks!

Fruits and vegetables are among the most important foods for giving us enough vitamins, minerals and fibre. We should all try to eat at least 5 servings a day. For example, a glass of fruit juice at breakfast, perhaps an apple and banana as snacks and two vegetables at meal times. Then you have already reached your total. How many different kinds can you spot in the supermarket? Why not try some new ones?

6. Fat facts. Too much fat is not good for your health

Eating too many of those fatty foods (such as fried potatoes, fried meats and sausages, pies and pastries) might not be so good for your body. Also go easy on fat spreads such as butter and margarines. Although we need some fats to get all the nutrients we need, it is better for our health if we don’t eat too much of these foods and get knocked off balance. So, if you have a high-fat lunch, see if you can have a low-fat dinner at home.

7. Snack attack! Eat regularly and choose a variety of snacks

Even if you eat regular meals during the day, there will still be times in between that you feel hungry, especially if you have been very physically active. Snacks can fill the gap, but should not be eaten in place of meals, only as an extra. There are lots of different snacks available. Your choice may be yoghurt, a handful of fresh or dried fruits, sticks of vegetables like carrots and celery, unsalted nuts or rice crackers, or perhaps a slice of fruit loaf or some bread with cheese. Occasionally, you may prefer crisps and other packet snacks, a chocolate bar, a piece of cake or biscuits. Whichever snack you enjoy, remember it is always good to include a variety of different types to keep things in balance.

8. Quench your thirst. Drink plenty of liquids

Did you know that more than half of your weight is just water? So as well as giving your body all the food it needs each day to keep healthy, you need at least 5 glasses of liquids a day. It is particularly important if the weather is very hot or if you have done lots of exercise, to have plenty to drink. Usually – but not always – your body will tell you this, by making you feel thirsty. Plain water is great of course; you can try tap water or mineral water, plain or flavoured, sparkling or non-sparkling. Fruit juices, tea, soft drinks, milk and other drinks, can all be okay from time to time.

9. Care for those teeth! Brush your teeth at least twice a day

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Eating foods high in sugar or starches too often during the day can play a part in tooth decay. So don’t nibble foods and sip drinks all day long! Sugar-free chewing gum can help you keep your teeth healthy. However, the best way to keep a nice smile is to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Also, after brushing your teeth at bedtime, don’t eat any food, or drink anything but water!

10. Get moving! Be active every day

Just like a bike may become rusty if it is not used for some time, our muscles and bones need to be kept moving too. Activity is needed to keep your heart healthy and your bones strong. It can also be good fun. Try to include some form of activity every day: it may be just walking to school and running up the stairs. However, games like skipping and football at break times are good for giving the body a workout. Swimming is a particularly good sport for keeping you healthy.

Cold winter days, winter blues, and boozy winter nights – these are all part of the winter season.

Here’s a few ways you can improve your vitality in the winter season, enabling you to be fit and well in time for Christmas and New Year’s eve.

1. Use heart-beats music for exercises

Use upbeat music, such as pop Christmas hits, to exercise to. Using music that is a similar beats per minute to your heart when running should naturally encourage yourself to work harder. Christmas songs will not only then get you into the Christmas mood; they will encourage you to work yourself harder on the treadmill without much effort.

2. Enjoy winter sports

Enjoy the festivities of Christmas, including ice skating. Ice skating is very good for core strength and stimulates those sleepy muscles that are not used in other sports and exercises.

3. Take dose of “sunny” and “orange” vitamins

As well as getting all you need nutritionally – plenty of vegetables and fruit – make sure you get your daily dose of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a key factor in weight loss as well as raising your mood, so it’s vital to body and mind in darker seasons with less daylight. So when you can take a run or walk, whether it is in your lunch break or before work, to get your daily dose of vitamin D. In winter months, because of all the viruses around, we need to raise our protection against colds and flues. Of course taking vitamin C will improve our ability to defend ourselves against viruses. Don’t not only take a supplement, add an orange to your lunch box per day and peppers to your nightly meal, which are even higher in vitamin C than oranges!
 
4. Be a temporary sleeping beauty

It’s one of the top tips for a healthy lifestyle – sleep well. The average human needs 7-9 hours sleep to regenerate and to remain concentrated the next day. Those who get a good amount of sleep per night are also more likely to have a faster metabolism and thus, are likely to have less problems with weight gain.

5. Smile and laugh

It may seem silly but laughing on a regular basis can burn calories! It also lifts your mood, improving your vitality levels. Smiling regularly over frowning could be far better for your face, as well as lift your mood. Happy person may mean your health will be far better than someone who is unhappy, so do things to keep yourself occupied and happy in winter as it can be easy to feel the blues in these cold and icy months.

Sometimes preventing common sports injuries is beyond our control, but many times sports injuries are preventable. Some injuries we bring on ourselves because we’re not conditioned for the activity.

Every workout should start with a gentle warm-up to prevent common sports injuries, says Margot Putukian, MD, director of athletic medicine at Princeton University. Getting warmed up increases blood flow to the muscles, gets you more flexible, and could decrease injury. Whether it’s hiking, running, or team sports, do some “pre-participation training” first by lightly working the relevant muscle groups in the weeks before the activity.

Usually, common sports injuries are mild or moderate — there’s some damage, but everything is still in place. But you should expect that some common sports injuries may take months to heal, even with good treatment. If a sprain or strain is severe, however, the entire muscle, tendon, or ligament is torn away, and surgery may be needed.

Here are some tips for treating 7 Most Common Sport Issues:

1. Ankle sprain

Most athletes have experienced a sprained ankle, which typically occurs when the foot turns inward. This turning stretches or tears the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, which are relatively weak. With an ankle sprain, it’s important to exercise to prevent loss of flexibility and strength — and re-injury. You can ask your doctor or physical therapist to help you know what kinds of exercise you should do.

2. Groin pull

Pushing off in a side-to-side motion causes strain of the inner thigh muscles, or groin. Hockey, soccer, football, and baseball are common sports with groin injuries. Compression, ice, and rest will heal most groin injuries. Returning to full activity too quickly can aggravate a groin pull or turn it into a long-term problem.

3. Hamstring strain

Three muscles in the back of the thigh form the hamstring. The hamstring can be over-stretched by movements such as hurdling — kicking the leg out sharply when running. Falling forward while waterskiing is another common cause of hamstring strains. Hamstring injuries are slow to heal because of the constant stress applied to the injured tissue from walking. Complete healing can take six to 12 months. Re-injuries are common because it’s hard for many guys to stay inactive for that long.

4. Shin splints

Pains down the front of the lower legs are commonly called “shin splints.” They are most often brought on by running — especially when starting a more strenuous training program like long runs on paved roads. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medicine are the mainstays of treatment.

5. Knee injury: ACL tear

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) holds the leg bone to the knee. Sudden “cuts” or stops or getting hit from the side can strain or tear the ACL. A complete tear can make the dreaded “pop” sound. You have to see a doctor, if you suspect an ACL injury, as completely torn ACL will usually require surgery in individuals who wish to remain physically active.

6. Knee injury: Patellofemoral syndrome

Patellofemoral syndrome can result from the repetitive movement of your kneecap (patella) against your thigh bone (femur), which can damage the tissue under the kneecap. Running, volleyball, and basketball commonly set it off. One knee or both can be affected. Patellofemoral pain can take up to six weeks to clear up. It’s important to continue low-impact exercise during this time. Working out the quadriceps can also relieve pain.

7. Tennis elbow (epicondylitis)

Repetitive use of the elbow can irritate or make tiny tears in the elbow’s tendons. Epicondylitis is most common in 30- to 60-year-olds and usually involves the outside of the elbow. Epicondylitis can usually be cleared up with help of the tips in the article “6  Tips To Treat Tennis Elbow Without Steroids”.

1. Don’t overdo even if you don’t feel pain

You can ease back into your normal routine when your elbow no longer bothers you. As a general rule, there should be no pain associated with day-to-day tasks before you move on to something more demanding. Give yourself time to see how your elbow reacts. Don’t overdo it just because you don’t feel pain right away.

2. Massage the full length of the forearm

Relaxing the surrounding muscles can take some of the pressure off an aching elbow. Gently massage the full length of your forearm muscle from your elbow to above your wrist, not just where you feel pain.

3. Use ice to relieve your pain

Freeze some water in a paper cup, then peel back the top of the cup and rub the ice on your elbow in a circular motion for 5 to 7 minutes. Repeat this treatment at least two times a day for the first five days that you have pain.

4. Go for natural remedies

The homeopathy remedy Ruta graveolens can help soothe a sore elbow. It is recommended taking a 6X dose every hour while your pain is severe, then three or four times a day as your condition improves. You will find Ruta graveolens in health food stores and wherever homeopathic remedies are sold.

5. Do some gentle strengthening and stretching exercises

Once your elbow is on the mend, gentle strengthening and stretching exercises can help rehabilitate the joint and protect it from reinjury. It is recommended to give this move a try, but only after any pain and inflammation subsides. While holding a 2-pound dumbbell, rest your forearm on a tabletop, with your wrist extending over the edge and your palm facing down. Slowly raise and lower the dumbbell, moving your wrist through its full motion. Repeat 15 to 20 times, then change hands. Do the exercise three times a day. If you experience any pain, try switching to a lighter weight.

6. Use an elbow support

Try an elbow support. It prevents you from contracting the extensor muscle when you move your hand. It also reminds you to give the injured area a rest. You can buy one of these devices in a drugstore or a medical supply store.

You will find a lot of useful information on the Internet, explaining more about tennis elbow, healing, symthoms and other.

There are thousands of different ways to look younger. But this time I would like you to think of your teeth. White, straight teeth reflect younger age, when crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth are associated with an aged look. Even the adage “long in the tooth” used to describe older persons reflects the fact that gum disease causes gums to recede and teeth to appear longer as a result. And one more thing in the list – it is a bad breath. More than 50% of the adult population has had bad breath at one point or another, but everyone has it is the morning, as bad breath mostly caused by bacteria.

Consider four simple, proven and practical steps to make you look younger:

1. Brush and floss daily

“Taking the time to brush and floss is what’s needed,” says Anthony M. Iacopino, DMD, PhD, dean of the dentistry faculty at Canada’s University of Manitoba, professor of restorative dentistry, and an American Dental Association spokesman. “Brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist is so easy to do, it’s not expensive, and everyone should be doing it.”

2. Change the toothbrush/head

Remember to replace your brush head after 3 months of use, or if the brush is damaged, or if parts become loose. Your toothbrush is loaded with germs, as “that plaque – the stuff you’re removing from your teeth – is bacteria,” says dentist Kimberly Harms, DDS, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. “So you’re putting bacteria on your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth.” In addition, extended usage, loose parts or excessive wear could lead to brush head breakage, generation of small parts and possible choking hazard. You may read more about it here.

3. Take tooth whitening procedures

Tooth whitening – over-the-counter and in dentists’ offices – has become increasingly popular in the U.S. and is often marketed as a way to look and feel younger. Nevertheless experts say although artificial whitening can temporarily improve a smile, you still need consistent brushing, flossing, and routine dental care to have a lasting impact on how well you age.

4. See your dentist every six months

Looks aside, there’s another reason to make time for dental care. Bacterial buildup, inflammation, tooth decay, and periodontal disease happen quietly and slowly. That’s why so many people don’t know it’s happening. Inflammation can happen when bacteria and debris, such as bits of food, enter the blood vessels around the teeth. Inflammation is your body’s response to such invaders. And if it happens over and over again, you could wind up with long-term (chronic) inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Only regular visits to the dentists may help you to stop or to treat your invisible decease.

AND – Change your entire lifestyle, not as a step # 5, but as an advice.

Of course, you need to do more than brush, floss, and see your dentist to stay young. Your entire lifestyle matters. “If you want to slow down your aging clock, getting enough sleep, a healthy diet, exercise, and keeping down your levels of inflammation are all key,” Iacopino says.  The fact remains that there are no shortcuts to getting and staying healthy, and oral health is no exception.

A Fever is thought to be present when a person’s body temperature rises above 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.00 degrees Celsius. It may or may not be accompanied by aches, pains, colds, coughs, chills, nausea, vomiting and a sore throat. There are many causes of a fever but regardless of the reason, is the body’s natural response to infection or other illness and will subside when the underlying process gets better. Knowing ways on how to break a fever is essential in reducing the discomforts accompanied by fever such as pain, redness, swelling and many other symptoms, however, it must be noted that the cause of the fever should always be discovered and treated as soon as possible.

Here are the most common ways to break the fever without medication:

1. Cold compresses

Apply cold compress directly over the forehead or the nape of the neck to be very effective in reducing fever. The hypothalamus is located at the base of the neck and placing cold compress on the site may significantly reduce fever.

2. Tepid sponge bath

For very high fever, tap water or tepid water may be used; just soak a small towel with water and apply on the large areas of exposed skin like the arms, legs and abdomen. Do tapping motion, never stroke the skin with the wet towel. Stroking increases heat through friction while gently tapping the towel will let water evaporate faster to cool the body effectively.

3. Lukewarm bath

Another method of lowering a fever is a lukewarm sponge bath, or a lukewarm bath. Make sure the water is not cold. If person shivering, he has to get out of the bath and dry out quickly as shivering increases the body temperature.

4. One layer of thin clothing

Never wrap a person with fever, dress him up in dry, soft and thin fabrics to allow heat to escape the body but never undress him. Do not wrap with blankets except when experiencing chills. Do not place a person with fever near a fan or an air conditioning unit to reduce body temperature; just allow heat to escape normally from the surface of the skin.

5. Fluid intake

Increase fluid intake with water, juice, fruits and fluids that contain electrolytes. Hydrating from the inside the body can totally reduce body temperature faster. Provided the person drink plenty of liquids, it won’t matter too much he eats very little for a couple of days.

6. Rest

A person with a high temperature also needs rest and sleep. He does not have to be in bed all day, but he must have the opportunity to lie down. Fevers are generally the result of an underlying infection; the body needs more sleep and rest in order to fight off the viruses or bacteria causing it.

7. Cooling the place

Make sure the room is ventilated and cool, but not draughty. Turn up the air conditioning or a fan, but do not place a person with fever near a fan or an air conditioning. If person shivers while their temperature is rising, it’s okay to cover him with a duvet or a blanket. But as soon as temperature has stabilized and he starts sweating, he needs to cool down.

8. Attention

Give lots of ‘TLC’ (tender loving care) to the sick person, particularly to the child. Sick children are often tired and bad-tempered. They sleep a lot – and when they are awake, they want their parents around all the time. They might whine and act younger than their age. It’s okay to give in and spoil a child a little when they’re sick. Read to them, play with them and spend time with them. This is not the time to teach a child good manners.

9. Simple food

Do not give the sick person fatty foods, as the stomach activity declines due to fever and fatty foods are difficult to digest. The chicken bouillon is the best light and healthy food for this period.

10. Homeopathy and Herbs

Using herbal and homeopathic remedies is one method of naturally reducing fever gently and effectively without the risks often associated with over-the-counter medications. Herbal ingredients such as Yarrow and Meadowsweet have long histories of use in reducing fevers and relieving a number of symptoms that generally accompany a fever. Another beneficial herb that can be used to help is Passiflora incarnate which helps to ease irritability, anxiety and pain, while promoting slumber. As a fever is generally caused by an underlying illness or infection, it is also useful to explore herbal ingredients that work to support the immune system such as Echinacea purpurea and Astragalus membranaceous.

Helping others get rid of a fever can be a rewarding experience. However, learn how the Loyola University online msn programs can make your career even more rewarding and meaningful.

Many of us love the celebrations, family gatherings and friendly parties. Although all those cookies decorations, presents hunting, trees illuminating, gift wrapping, candles fairing, visitors accommodating, travel planning  makes you overloaded and exhausted, if you do it with an intentional planning, you enjoy your cherished memories and get things done. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Remember, you have to slow down, bring to the balance your thoughts and energy, and focus on the real meaning of Christmas.

Use these tips to plan it in advance so you will enjoy every minute of your holiday season:

1. Smart shopping

Save money by offering foods that fit your budget. Plan in advance and buy foods on sale, or in-season produce when it costs less and tastes better. Shop online as now we’re lucky enough to have the Internet and free shipping, so there is no reason to fight crowds, waste money on gas and come home frazzled and too tired for anything else.

2. Simple plan

There will be too many activities you would like for yourself or your children to participate. But try not to be over scheduled. Choose one or two activities, and stick to it for the holiday season. If you prefer to travel, or participate in a Christmas play – just remember that any of it will involve other tasks as well: to find a hotel, to book the tickets, to choose the places of interest or to participate in daily play rehearsals.

3. Prioritize tasks

Lists all the activities, parties and tasks you would like to perform. Number them according to the importance, time consuming and resource challenging. Tackle the most important things and then don’t sweat the small stuff. This list is a key to staying organized; therefore allowing peace of mind. Be mindful of how much time you’re spending online or in front of the computer. And learn how to say no to the tasks which are not in your list just to please others.

4. Spend time with purpose

Get rid of stuff, clear wardrobes, give away unused items, reduce your supply of Christmas items. Prepare fun crafts, activities and traditions to spend quality time with family and children. You want your family and guests to know the true meaning of Christmas, feel the spirit and have joyful memories. Plan to volunteer even just a few hours, as baking cookies for a retirement home, wrapping a present for a giving tree or playing with reminds you that you’re part of something bigger. Remembering there’s a bigger perspective highlights the purpose of the celebrations.