|
Does your job require you to work in front of a computer for more than an hour a day? Do you get throbbing headaches, or blurry vision or sometimes even see double before the day ends? You could be one of the many people who are suffering from computer eye strain. Reports show that an increasing number of computer-users (mostly office workers) are complaining of suffering from this computer-related eye problem. Reports further show that this condition generates $1.15 billion in medical costs each year in the US alone. Common signs and symptoms of computer eye strain include sore, tired, burning or itching eyes; watery or dry eyes; blurred or double vision; headache and sore neck; difficulty shifting focus between monitor and paper documents in your work area; color fringes or afterimages when you look away from the monitor; changes in color perception; and increased sensitivity to light. There are several easy steps you can take to reduce the symptoms of computer eye strain. Use proper lighting and reduce light sources as excessive bright lights often cause eye strain. Position documents adjacent to the computer screen to reduce eye movement and avoid repeated refocusing. Take 15-minute breaks for every two hours of work. Look away from the computer screen every 10 or 15 minutes to refocus your eyes. Computer users blink about 5 times less frequently than normal so make a conscious effort to blink more often to avoid eye dryness and irritation. Have your eyes checked, the optometrist can prescribe glasses specially-designed for computer use. |
|
Bad eating habits and poor dental hygiene cause tooth decay and gum disease. As we eat, food particles get in contact with germs that live in our mouth. These microorganisms feed on sugar and starch present in the food and eventually release acids. These acids are corrosive and destroy the hard surface of the teeth (called enamel) and tooth decay begins. Eating a balanced diet and having an excellent oral health care are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. Our daily diet must include bread, cereals and other grain products; fruits and vegetables; meat, chicken and fish; and dairy products such as milk and cheese. It is also advised to brush our teeth after every meal using flouride toothpaste. Flossing is also necessary to eliminate food particles that are trapped in between teeth. And finally, a visit to the dentist at least twice a year will ensure healthy teeth and gums. |
|
Recent studies showed that lung cancer accounted for more deaths than any other types of cancer. Almost all of us know someone, a family member, a friend, an officemate, or a neighbor, who succumb to this illness. Smoking is the greatest risk factor for this disease. Harmful substances in tobacco smoke damage lung cells. So if you are a smoker, beat the habit now and spare yourself and the people around you from lung cancer. Giving up nicotine is probably the hardest thing a smoker will ever do. But with patience, determination and discipline nothing is impossible. Millions of people gave up smoking for good. If they can do it, you can beat the habit too. Experts say that the most effective way of giving up smoking is the cold turkey technique wherein you just stop from smoking and throw cigarettes away, even the ashtrays. This technique works by stopping the entry of nicotine into the body and metabolizing and excreting all the remaining nicotine out of the body. The hard part is dealing with the cravings. Nicotine is very addictive and when the nicotine level in your bloodstream drops, your body will look for it, thus the cravings. These cravings are more psychological than physical in nature. One way of dealing with them is by changing your cigarette-related behavior. If you are used to having a cup of coffee and a cigarette during office breaks, try having tea and donuts instead. Try to change your routines that previously involves smoking. It may be easier said than done but if you put your heart into it, you can make it. |
|
1 Comments
Health and Nourishment: Quitting Cigarettes |
|
Living in the city can sure cause a lot of stress: the traffic, noice, pollution and not to mention the much higher cost of living. Our skin is the first to show signs of stress when exposed to the elements of city living like lack of sleep and exercise, unbalanced diet, smoking and air pollution which encourages the formation of free radicals. Studies show that people living in big cities are more prone to premature skin aging than those from the countryside. Free radicals break down collagen and elastin which are essential for firm and healthy skin. Lack of colagen and elastin results in wrinkles, rough skin texture, prominent blood vessels and pigmentation, thus making the person look older than his/her real age. Don't fret city dwellers. There are ways to renew and protect our skin. Exfoliation is one way of reversing the aging process. Use exfoliants that contain alpha-hydoxy acid and beta-hydroxy acids which gently peel the dry, dead outermost layers of the skin while providing moisture to the new layers. Protect newly exfoliated skin by minimizing sun exposure and by applying sun block on exposed areas. Eating a balanced diet is also important to flush out free radicals and toxins from the body. Eat food that are rich in vitamins and minerals, and contain large quantities of antioxidants if you want that young and supple skin. Aside from good nutrition you also have to stay away from smoking, alcohol, caffeine, too much sugar and find time to exercise. Exercise improves blood circulation and increases the skin's blood supply which helps in skin regeneration. Furthermore, it helps fight stress by releasing the feel-good chemical, endorphin. Don't forget to drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and get enough sleep. With these simple tips we can all live in the city with beautiful and youthful skin. |
|
It's my 8th day without cigarettes. And it's making me cranky, grumpy and totally obnoxious. This is my nth time to quit smoking and I'm hoping that this time it will work. The mood swings and depression are but natural effects of giving up the nicotine. I'm having a hard time but I know I can make it. I'm doing it cold turkey, without pills or patches, just sheer determination and a daily reminder that only I can save myself from the evils of nicotine. I started smoking since I was in college, cigarettes were always there for me when I'm sad, angry, anxious, bored, stressed, excited or felt like I was in despair. Now, I smoke almost two packs a day. I realized, this has got to stop. Cigarettes has controlled my life for so long and now I'm ready to let go. The US Surgeon General has issued a report about the addictive components of nicotine and how this substance leads to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Cigarette manufacturers themselves admit to the dangerous effects of their products by printing warnings on cigarette packs: “Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health,” “Smoking can cause impotence,” “Smoking kills.” I would be extremely suicidal or totally stupid to continue the habit. It helps that my family and friends are supportive of my efforts. They encourage me and try their best to keep cigarettes away when I'm around. They even threw all the ashtrays in my place out to the garbage. A friend suggests that I should take on a new hobby to distract myself when cravings come. Another one volunteered to accompany me to a yoga class. This effort is altering the lifestyle that I've been accustomed to but I'm willing to take it as long as it will set me free from smoking. Wish me luck. |