September 2009

Vitamin C: Tried And True Immune System Booster

by Sheila McCormick on September 30th, 2009

Sometimes we become so focused on the “latest and greatest” health trends that we lose sight of some of the basic health practices that can help us stay well during cold and flu season. Vitamin C is a prime example of that. For decades, vitamin C has been considered one of the best defenses against colds, flu and other illnesses. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is loaded with antioxidants that have been scientifically proven to boost the immune system. Maintaining healthy vitamin C levels during cold and flu season can keep you healthier at a time of year

Garlic: A Vampire’s Worst Enemy And Your Best Friend

by Sheila McCormick on September 23rd, 2009

According to legend, garlic is your best defense against vampires. While that is handy information to have with Halloween just around the corner, garlic will do much more than that. Garlic may also be your best defense against a host of physical maladies, including the common cold. Recent studies suggest that people who take daily garlic supplements will catch fewer common colds than people who do not supplement with garlic. So exactly what is the magic behind garlic? Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years. It is a perennial that originally

Furry Friends Are Good Medicine For Dementia Patients

by Sheila McCormick on September 16th, 2009

With the number of Americans over the age of 65 increasing at an unprecedented rate, many senior citizens are entering long-term care facilities suffering from dementia. Most of these facilities have restrictions that prevent residents from bringing their beloved pets with them. This can be very disheartening for people who are already confused by their new surroundings. People with advanced dementia will respond to the comforting presence of an animal even if they respond to little else. For this reason, many progressive nursing homes and other long-term care facilities incorporate pet therapy as part of their treatment programs. Therapy pets

When Wheat Goes Against the Grain

by Sheila McCormick on September 9th, 2009

Americans love their wheat. In fact, foods made with wheat are staples of the American diet. Unfortunately, thousands of people are allergic to the proteins found in wheat. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diarrhea and bloating, sinus and ear congestion, skin rashes, and mood swings. To understand wheat allergy is it first important to know what constitutes a food allergy. An allergy to food, such as wheat, isn’t really an allergy to the food itself, but rather to the protein found in the food. Your body treats this protein as an invading

The ABC’s Of Hand Washing

by Sheila McCormick on September 2nd, 2009

In the 20 seconds that it takes you to sing the alphabet song, you can significantly decrease your chance of developing colds, flu and stomach bugs. This is especially important to remember now that school bells are ringing and young people are returning to classrooms where they will spend their days in close proximity to other students. When kids come into contact with germs, they can unknowingly become infected simply by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Young children, especially those in child care centers, are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases because of exposure to germs in group care, immature