August 2009

Give Your Body The Ammunition It Needs To Stay Healthy

by Sheila McCormick on August 26th, 2009

With medical researchers already making dire predictions about the potential severity of this fall’s flu outbreaks, it is definitely not too soon to give our immune systems the “jump start” needed to achieve a healthy autumn and winter. Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is an extremely contagious viral disease that sweeps the country every year from November through April, and peaks between December and early March. This flu season could be particularly troublesome because swine flu has been added to the list of viral concerns. A healthy immune system is your body’s best defense against invading bacteria, infectious organisms and

Harmless Pastime Or Risky Addiction?

by Sheila McCormick on August 19th, 2009

On the surface, texting may seem like a harmless pastime for teenagers and a helpful way for youngsters to stay in touch with their families throughout the day. It can be very reassuring for parents to know that if their children have a problem or need something that they can communicate their needs to their parents in a matter of seconds. But like most things, if it is overdone there can be negative impacts on the lives of teens. Excessive time spent texting or talking on cell phones is contributing to insomnia, which can be a factor in obesity, poor

Avoid Travel Tummy Ache

by Sheila McCormick on August 5th, 2009

Our bodies follow natural rhythms and when those rhythms are disrupted by summer travel our digestive systems sometimes rebel. Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea can turn your dream vacation into a gastrointestinal nightmare. Travel can interrupt the internal body clock that regulates hunger and bowel movements. This can be particularly troubling when you cross time zones, especially when your vacation includes international travel. Suddenly you are awake when you should be sleeping, you are hungry in the middle of the night and your whole system is topsy-turvy. Many travelers fall into poor eating habits and drink carbonated drinks, snack