Search Health in Google

Custom Search

24 February, 2009

How To-126: "How to Avoid Feeling Drowsy After Lunch"


How to Avoid Feeling Drowsy After Lunch


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Let's face it: food can make you sleepy.
How are we supposed to eat a meal in the middle of the day and still finish that second half of the day without dozing off (or at least zoning out)?

Steps

  1. Change your diet. Different people will give you different opinions on just how to change your diet to increase energy, but if food makes you tired it's a good bet that food is where the answer is.
  2. Eat low-carb food for lunch. You will feel more awake. Post-lunch drowsiness is caused by your body being flooded with insulin to process that carb-rich lunch you just ate.
  3. Alternatively, don't eat meat, at least not for lunch. Some people are very certain about the connection between meat and being tired.)
  4. Avoid caffeine and processed sugars. (Caffeine gives you an energy boost, followed by a crash that is hard to recover from. Processed sugars are too easily absorbed by the body and tend to pass right through you, burning up quickly and leaving your body starved for energy.)
  5. Eat a nutritional lunch, high in vitamins. Vitamins help make your body healthy, and can help you feel healthy and energised.
  6. Don't overeat. A small meal should not make you drowsy.
  7. Eat many, smaller portions. Snack on healthy food throughout the day instead of eating a lot at once.
  8. Do some light exercise after lunch. Use the stairs instead of the elevator, do a few jumping jacks in the restroom, whatever you can think of. This will help get your blood flowing and will reduce fatigue.
  9. Get plenty of sleep at night. Even if you have a low spot in the afternoon, it won't be as low if you are well rested.
  10. Notice what habits make you sleepy. Write down whether you feel drowsy. Then, write down what you ate, whether you exercised, how well you slept, and any other factors that might have been involved. Then, look for patterns and avoid any habits that cause problems.

Tips

  • Turkey contains tryptophan, which can make you sleepy. However, you would have to eat a huge amount of it to make you very sleepy (which is why so many people are tired after the Thanksgiving meal -- the volume of food.) A turkey sandwich should be ok.
  • A good alternative to processed sugar is honey. Avoid giving honey to anyone under the age of 2 years.
  • Though this may not be feasible with your work schedule, you can plan to have a short 15 minute nap after lunch and it will help prevent you from feeling drowsy for the rest of the day.

Warnings

  • Consult a doctor before making any major decisions.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Avoid Feeling Drowsy After Lunch. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 1:56 PM 0 comments
Labels: ,

How To-125: "How to Lower Your Cholesterol"



How to Lower Your Cholesterol


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Cholesterol is a type of fat that your body needs, among other things, to produce cell membranes and hormones. Your body is capable of producing all the cholesterol it needs. Additional cholesterol in our bodies comes from eating foods high in saturated fats, such as meat, high-fat dairy, and eggs. Also, some people have a genetic disposition to high cholesterol meaning food is not the issue but how their body manufacturers cholesterol.

Excess cholesterol builds up as fatty deposits or "plaque" in your arteries. Plaque buildup reduces blood flow through your veins, making your heart work harder and increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Steps

  1. There are a few approaches you can take to lowering your cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends ways to lower your cholesterol by changes to your diet, by taking medication, being more physically active, and by making lifestyle changes. [1]
    • Eating to lower your cholesterol. Most of the cholesterol you need is made by your body. However, food products from animals contain additional cholesterol as well. The foods include meats, poultry, shellfish, eggs, butter, cheese, and milk. Any type of food that contains saturated or trans fat causes your body to make more cholesterol.
      • The American Heart Association recommends that you keep your intake of fat between 25 and 35% of your daily calories. Also, limit your intake of cholesterol from food to less than 300 mg a day. If your cholesterol is high, the recommended amount is less than 200 mg per day. Lastly, be sure to get at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are good sources of fiber.
      • The Mayo Clinic came up with a list of the top 5 foods to lower your cholesterol. [2]
        • Oatmeal and oat bran contain soluble fiber, which reduces your LDL cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in kidney beans, apples, pears, barley, and prunes. Soluble fiber also appears to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines.
        • Walnuts and almonds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and have noted for keeping blood vessels healthy and elastic. Be careful not to eat too many nuts though. They are high in calories, so just one handful will be enough. As with any food, eating too much of it can make you overweight, and being overweight puts you at higher risk for heart disease. The key, just like with anything else, is to find a balance.
        • Fish and omega-3 fatty acid reduce blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. Doctors recommend having at least 2 servings of fish each week. The fish with the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acid are in mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon. To maintain the health benefits of fish, you’ll need to grill or bake the fish. If you don’t like fish, you can also get omega-3 fatty acids from foods like ground flaxseed or canola oil.
        • Olive oil contains antioxidants that can lower your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol without changing your HDL (“good”) cholesterol. The FDA recommends about 2 tablespoons, or 23 grams, of olive oil a day to benefit from its heart-healthy benefits. Some research suggests that the cholesterol-lowering effects of olive oil are even better if you choose extra-virgin olive oil.
      • Foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols, which are found in plants and help block the absorption of cholesterol, can help reduce LDL cholesterol by more than 10%.
    • Taking medication. Your doctor will judge if you should take medication. He or she may want you to try to make diet and lifestyle changes before going on medication. Depending on the level of your LDL (bad) cholesterol and your other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, your doctor may decide that you need to start taking medication at the same time you start making lifestyle changes.
    • Be more physically active. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity more days that not. You can also break up the half hour into 10 or 15 minute sessions. For some people, regular exercise affects blood cholesterol level by increasing levels of HDL, which is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Physical activity can also help control some of the other risks of heart disease, suck as being over weight, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
    • Remember to eat a heart-healthy diet. This means a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods, leans meats and poultry, fish, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Moderation is key with foods that are high in saturated fat, such as meat and some dairy products.
    • Start exercising. When you exercise, your blood pumps faster and the HDL cholesterol in your blood carries away the LDL cholesterol from your arteries. Get moving for at least 30 minutes more days of the week than not. Do whatever kind of physical activity you enjoy – walking, biking, swimming, jogging, or dancing.
    • Stop smoking.Smoking reduces the amount of HDL cholesterol in your blood. Smoking also increases the tendencies for your blood to clot. If you smoke, your cholesterol level is more of a good reason to quit.

Tips

  • Remember that there is “good” and “bad” cholesterol. HDL (high-density lipoproteins) is the “good” cholesterol. HDL carries harmful plaque buildup out of the arteries. A high HDL level means healthy arteries; too low an HDL level is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. LDL (low-density lipoproteins) is the “bad” cholesterol that causes heart attacks and strokes. A high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood signifies clogged arteries, the condition also known as arteriosclerosis. Clogged vessels can cause heart attacks if they block the flow of blood to the heart, and stroke if they block blood flow to the brain. [3]
  • It can be difficult to get and maintain the motivation to make these healthy changes. The Healthy Monday Campaign encourages people to use Monday as the day to commit to a healthier life. They encourage people to pick up a healthy habit or to drop an unhealthy one. That way, instead of waiting until New Years or your birthday, you have 52 chances each year, thereby increasing your chance of success!
  • Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are the healthy fats that you should have. They actually can help lower the bad cholesterol.[4]

Warnings

Take care of high cholesterol as soon as possible. Not doing so could put you at greater risk of suffering from a heart attack, blood clots, or other heart problems.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

. http://www.ehow.com/how_4833_lower-cholesterol.html

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Lower Your Cholesterol. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 1:48 PM 0 comments
Labels: ,

How To-124: "How to Drink More Water Every Day"



How to Drink More Water Every Day

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit


There are a variety of reasons to drink plenty of water each day. Adequate water intake prevents dehydration, cleans out the body, and promotes healing processes. Substituting water for beverages high in calories can also help control weight. Follow the steps below to make sure you're getting enough of this most basic necessity.

Steps

  1. Determine how much water you need. You've probably heard the "8 by 8" rule - drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (2 quarts, 1.8 liters) - but the amount of water a person needs varies depending on his or her weight and activity level. Another way to determine your specific recommended water intake is to divide your weight (in pounds) by two. The resulting number is the number of ounces of water you need each day. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs., strive to drink 75 ounces of water daily. For those who use the Metric system, divide your weight (in kilograms) by 30 (ex. somebody weighing 70 kg is going to need 2.3 liters per day). Keep in mind that these recommended intake numbers are controversial and some experts believe they are a gross exaggeration. See "warnings" below for more information.
  2. Measure your daily intake of water. Do this for a few days. If you find that you're drinking less than the recommended quantity, try some of the following tips:
  3. Carry water with you everywhere you go in a bottle or other container. Note here that recent research continuously shows plastic bottles leach toxic chemicals into water. It is highly recommended that one use glass containers such as an old Pierre bottle. Begin keeping all your glass bottles, and soon you'll find the ideal glass bottle for you. Remember, water will never become toxic in glass containers! Before long, you'll find yourself reaching for it without a second thought.
  4. Keep a glass or cup of water next to you whenever you'll be sitting down for a long time, such as when you're at your desk at work. Drink from it regularly as you're working.
  5. Try wearing a digital watch that beeps at the beginning of each hour. Use that as a reminder to pour yourself a glass of water. Vow to drink that water before the next beep. If you drink only one small (6 ounce or 180 ml) cup per hour, you'll have consumed 48 ounces (1.4 liters) by the end of an 8-hour workday.
  6. Get a water purification system. Purified water tastes very good and may help make drinking water more appealing to you. Be aware, though, that as you grow accustomed to purified water, you may find that tap water leaves a bad taste in your mouth, even though it may be better for your teeth.[1] Keep in mind that fluoride, found in small quantities in tap water, is necessary for strong, healthy teeth. [2]
  7. Add lemons or limes to your water. This makes it taste better and makes you want to drink more of it. Be careful not to make it too sour, just a splash of sourness should do the trick. Cucumber slices can also be added to a glass of water. Some mint leaves can be added to a pitcher of water which should be allowed to sit overnight. These are cheap alternatives to the bottled flavored water.
  8. Eat water rich foods, such as fruits like watermelon, which is 92% water by weight. Blend up some seedless fresh watermelon flesh with some ice and place a few sprigs of mint (optional) - one of the most refreshing drinks, especially for the summertime. Cranberry juice is also another option, and has a bitter taste. Patients suffering from urinary infection caused by insufficient intake of water should drink cranberry juice and eat watermelon if not plain water everyday. A tomato is 95% water. An egg is about 74% water. An uncooked piece of lean meat is about 70% water.
  9. Keep water cold if it tastes better for you. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator at home. Add ice or freeze water in a sports bottle before taking it with you, it will eventually melt and stay cold. However, too cold water will cost your body energy to heat it to body temperature. But drinking cold water can also help burn more calories than drinking room temperature or warm water because your body would need to heat to heat it to body temperature.
  10. Climate can drastically change how much water you need. On hot days that require you to be outside, you should drink more water to counteract the fluids you lose when you sweat. This not only keeps your body hydrated, it can prevent heat-related illness.

Warnings

  • Increasing your water intake may cause you to have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. To avoid this, you may want to stop drinking water a few hours before bedtime--or make sure you visit the toilet before bed!
  • While adequate water is essential to health, it is possible to drink too much water or any other beverage, and there has been considerable scientific debate surrounding how much water a person really needs per day. According to Snopes - http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp - the Los Angeles Times has reported that "Kidney specialists do agree on one thing, however: that the 8-by-8 (2 L) rule is a gross overestimate of any required minimum. To replace daily losses of water, an average-sized adult with healthy kidneys sitting in a temperate climate needs no more than one liter of fluid...the equivalent of about four 8-ounce (250 ml) glasses.
  • People with some heart conditions, high blood pressure or swelling of the lower legs (edema) need to avoid excess water. If you have a history of kidney problems, especially if you have had a transplant, consult your doctor before increasing your fluid intakes.
  • You shouldn't drink too much water while eating as it dilutes your stomach acid and can cause digestion problems.
  • If you live in a place with a lot of heat (e.g., The Caribbean), you will have to drink extra water.
  • It is possible to "overdose" on water. Water intoxication occurs when the electrolytes in the body are so diluted that they have trouble keeping the balance of water even inside and outside of individual cells. What that means is that drinking too much water (while not getting enough electrolytes) can cause your cells to burst. If you plan on doing heavy prolonged exercise, be sure to alternate sports drinks with regular water to keep your electrolytes in balance.
  • Crystal Lite, Gatorade and other electrolyte drinks contain acetic acid which can increase rates of tooth decay. There is no real reason to drink electrolyte drinks unless you are heavily exercising (see above).
  • Be aware that some elderly individuals with difficulty walking may avoid drinking adequate amounts of water, as they have difficulty transferring/walking to the bathroom. In such cases, a bedside commode may be useful. If you are caring for such an individual, encourage them to drink the necessary amount of water and reassure him/her that you can help them with the transfer to the commode.
  • It is not recommended that you reuse plastic water bottles that are intended for one time use, specifically number one plastics. These bottles leach chemicals into your water after multiple uses. If you wish to always have water around, use a water bottle. Bottles like Sigg or other canteens are now more favorable due to the risk of chemical leeching when using plastic products.

Things You'll Need

  • Bottle (Optional)
  • Money (If you buy bottled water)
  • Determination (Don't give up)
  • Water
  • Counter (Keep up with how much you drink)
  • Conveniently-located commode

Sources and Citations


  1. ↑ http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/aprilholladay/2004-05-07-wonderquest_x.htm

  2. ↑ http://www.h2only.ca/about_water/fluoride/index.html

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Drink More Water Every Day. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 1:31 PM 0 comments
Labels:

How To-123: "How to Cool Yourself Without Air Conditioning"



How to Cool Yourself Without Air Conditioning

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Are you stuck on a sweltering summer day without air conditioning? Here's how to cool yourself down before the heat overwhelms your body.

Steps

  1. Just add water! The relief is almost immediate, and will last for up to one hour!
    • Ball up and soak a t-shirt in the sink, wring it out, put it on and sit in a lawn chair (or other chair that lets air through to you) in front of a fan. Re-wet as it dries. Make sure not to soak it with cold water. It can be colder than you think. Instead use lukewarm water so you get cool without freezing. Using a synthetic shirt will ensure no "wet T-shirt" look.
    • Wet your wrists and other pulse points with cold water. Use a piece of ice wrapped in a face cloth to continue after the coolness wears off. Constantly cooling off the wrists will also cool off the body. Never use just ice; make sure it is wrapped in a towel or something similar.
    • Wear a short sleeved shirt and put water on the sleeves. If there is a breeze or fan blowing on you, you can actually get cold. Use a squirt bottle, the sink or hose if outside to keep your sleeves wet. If you are outside and wearing long pants and you put water on your legs, the water will cool your legs.
    • Hold a cold beverage on your neck to cool yourself. A cold object, such as a soda can, held against the neck cools the blood to the brain very quickly.
    • A bandana, soaked in water and tied about the neck cools quickly and protects against sunburn.
    • Fill your bathtub with cool water and get in. Once you are used to the temperature, let some water out and refill with cold water. Keep doing this until you are sufficiently cold. Your body will stay cool for a long time after you get out.
  2. Sweat it out! Water vapor produced by sweating actually takes heat away from your body if it is exposed to air and allowed to evaporate. The best thing to do is to put your sweaty self in the path of a cool breeze or fan.
  3. Drink water, even if you are not thirsty! You must replace fluids lost in perspiration to prevent dehydration. Oral re-hydration may be accomplished by drinking an electrolyte-balanced beverage. The electrolytes help to make sure you don't lose vital minerals through sweating. Adding ice will also help cool you off. Avoid lemonade, iced tea, and other sugary drinks (see the Tips below).
  4. Dress (or undress) for the heat. There are several strategies to dress, depending on your situation:
    • Nothing: If you're in a situation where you can go without clothes, this can be the most comfortable, natural way to stay cool.
    • Next-to-Nothing: Put on a swimsuit, or wear your underwear at home.
    • Summer Clothing: Wear natural fabrics (cotton, silk, linen) rather than polyester, rayon, or other artificial fibers (with the possible exception of performance fabrics).
    • Take off your hat, stay a while. Take off your shoes or hat while indoors! Much of the body's heat is released through the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands, and the scalp. Keeping these areas cool makes a surprising difference.
    • Wear Light Colors: Darker colors will absorb the sun's rays and be warmer.
    • Cover Up: Covering up may actually keep your cooler, especially if the heat is low in humidity. In the scorching temperatures of the Middle Eastern deserts, traditional cultures wear clothing covering from head to toe. By protecting your skin from the sun beating down, you'll also shade your skin. Be sure your clothing is natural fabrics, and loose.
  5. Avoid direct sunlight. Stay in a shaded area if possible. Exposure to direct sunlight increases the heat index, so that your body may experience temperatures even higher than the air temperature! If you must go outdoors, go in the morning or evening. A wide-brimmed hat is good. Light-weight, loose-fitting cotton clothing should be worn.
  6. Go downstairs. Warm air is less dense than cooler air so it ends up layered on top of the downward moving cooler air. If you're in a house, for example, get lower than the roof. Make your way to the basement or lower level. It will be cooler there. Position a fan in an upstairs window to draw off heat collected in upper rooms--set it up so that it sucks air from indoors and pushes it outdoors.
  7. Keep the air flowing. Turn on the ceiling fan or box fan in the room. In the evening, open windows and use fans to create a cross-breeze, circulating cooler evening/night air through the rooms. As soon as the sun hits the building the next morning, close all windows, blinds, and curtains, and keep doors and windows closed throughout the day until it is cooler outside than it is inside. Then you can open everything up again and cool off to be prepared for the next day. Leaving kitchen cabinets open all night helps too; if you leave them closed, they store the heat and your house won't cool off as much.
  8. Turn off electrical heat sources.Turn off the stove or other sources of heat. Don't use the stove or oven to eat--eat out, eat cold food, or use the microwave. Incandescent light bulbs also create heat. Turn off your lamps, as well as your computer when you're not on Wikihow.
  9. Use a hint of mint.Try a few minty or menthol products to cool your skin: slather on lotion with peppermint (avoid your face and eyes), shower with peppermint soap, use a minty foot soak, and powders with mint. Mint refreshes the skin and leaves a nice cooling sensation.
  10. Try a heat snorkeling system. Take a glass and fill it almost to the brim with ice cubes. Then hold it up to your mouth and blow gently into the cup. The ice causes the air you are blowing into the cup to cool down drastically, and since the air only has one way out of the cup (the hole which should now be aiming right at your face) the cold air is forced out over your skin. This is a great alternative to air conditioning and is very simple.
  11. Breathe like a yogi. Try the yoga practice of shitali pranayama. Sit down cross legged and take a few deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Roll your tongue into a tube with the tip outside the mouth. Continuing slow deep breath, breath in through the tube and then move your chin to your chest as you breath out through your nose. Do that 5-10 times and you should start to feel cooler. Dogs often use their tongues to cool themselves; perhaps this yoga practice comes from noticing that.
  12. Eat spicy food. It's not a coincidence that many people in hotter regions of the world eat spicy food. Spicy (hot to the taste) food increases perspiration which cools the body as it evaporates. It also can cause an endorphin rush that is quite pleasant and might make you forget about the heat.
  13. Use alcohol--rubbing, that is... Take ordinary rubbing alcohol and a wash-cloth and pour some alcohol onto the cloth and rub it onto your face, being careful not to get any in your mouth or eyes, and stand in front of or under moving air and the evaporating alcohol makes it feel around 30 degrees.
  14. Put a freeze on things. Get a 1 or more 3 liter bottles, fill them mostly full of water, freeze them, then place them in a large bowl (to catch dripping water). Position a fan to blow on them. As the ice in the bottles melts, the air cools around them. The fan will blow that air at you. The water in the bottles can be frozen overnight and used again, repeatedly. This will supplement your AC if you have it, and will serve as a ad hoc AC until you can get a decent AC system.
  15. Think cool. Read books about climbing Mount Everest, visiting Norway, or watch "March of the Penguins", "Ice Age", or "The Day After Tomorrow". You might not be physically cooler, but if your mind envisions a cold environment, you might feel a bit cooler.

    Long-Term Solutions
  16. Use light-colored roofing. If you have the choice, choose a lighter roof or roof coating. It will reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it.
  17. Plant Trees. Trees can shade your home or yard and keep things considerably cooler. Deciduous trees, those that lose their leaves in winter, will let sunlight through in winter when it's desired and create shade in summer. Awnings and planning the exposure of windows and doors in a home you are building can also provide shade. The south and west sides of your home will generally be the hottest and most in need of shade.
  18. Send up the cool air. If your home has a basement and central air system, have an HVAC professional add a cold air return in the basement to pull the naturally cool air that falls down and recycle it into the rest of your home by simply setting your furnace to "fan" mode.

Tips

  • Don't forget that the human race lived for many, many years without air conditioning. Within the limits of your particular health situation, your body can adapt to the summer increase in temperature. Just become accustomed to the fact that you may have to alter your activities and schedule to 'beat the heat'.
  • Stock your freezer with flavored ice treats. Freeze a bag of chopped fruit such as watermelon, pineapple or grapes. Cooling down can be a tasty experience too!
  • If all else fails, go to the mall, library, church, movie theater or some other air-conditioned public building.
  • You still want to get into the outdoors? Usually the early morning and evening are cooled down enough to enjoy your walk, run, hike, bike, gardening, or yard work.
  • Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which make you urinate more often than usual. This promotes further dehydration through water loss.
  • If your garage is under living areas of your home, leave your hot car outside to cool off before putting it in the garage.
  • Don't put rocks, concrete, or brick patios right against the house where they will reflect heat onto walls or windows, especially on the south or west sides. If you already have such a feature in your landscape, plant a tree so that it and that side of the building will be shaded, especially during the hot parts of the day. Rocks, concrete, and the like also retain heat longer than planted areas after the sun goes down.

Warnings

  • While it is rarely a problem for individuals with good health, over-hydration is a possibility for individuals with heart, liver, or kidney problems[1]. If you have any serious health problems, be mindful of how much water you drink, as your kidneys may not be able to excrete an excessive amount of water properly.
  • Babies, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are all much more prone to overheating than others. Be sure to keep an eye on members of your family, co-workers, and neighbors.
  • If you experience symptoms of heat stroke or dehydration, call emergency personnel and seek professional assistance.
  • A body temperature above 104 °F (40 °C) is life-threatening and if it reaches 113 °F (45 °C) you are approaching sure death. Don't let your temperature rise anywhere near those temperatures.
  • In many areas, high day temperatures can set off afternoon thunderstorms. Be prepared for such weather situations.
  • Heat is often the uncomfortable companion of drought. If there are water restrictions in your area, make sure you consider them before implementing any of the water-intensive suggestions above. Failure to comply may get you a hefty fine, even jail time.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Cool Yourself Without Air Conditioning. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 12:58 PM 0 comments
Labels: ,

How To-122: "How to Make Watermelon Juice"


How to Make Watermelon Juice


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

You know there's lemon juice, lime juice, grape juice, but what about watermelon juice? Here is a great way to make it and to add it to your tropical breakfast.

Steps

  1. Slice the watermelon on a cutting board. Cut them into pieces about 1 inch thick.
  2. Put watermelon slices into a bowl, rubber container, or onto a plate. You can use your hands for this, but to prevent messiness, a fork is recommended.
  3. Put the melon in the blender. Add sugar or sweetener, if desired. Pour a couple of cups of cold water and some ice cubes. Blend well until smooth.
  4. Serve over lots of ice.

Tips

  • Make sure to take the seeds out of the watermelon.
  • If you want to switch it up a little, try other melons, like cantaloupe, honeydew-melon, or anything else you can think of.
  • You can add some (washed) mint leaves in the blender, for an especially cool taste.

Warnings

  • If you are a kid, seek an adult's help with the cutting part.

Things You'll Need

  • Watermelon
  • Bowl, rubber container, or plate
  • Fork
  • Knife
  • Sugar (optional)
  • Cutting Board
  • Plastic or glass pitcher
  • Electric blender

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make Watermelon Juice. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 12:55 PM 0 comments
Labels: ,

How To-121: "How to Make Carrot Juice"


How to Make Carrot Juice


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Carrot juice is a nutritious drink and easy to make without a fancy juice machine. Adding orange juice to the juice makes it especially tasteful and a typically Nicaraguan drink.

Steps

  1. Place 2 pounds (1 kg) of clean carrots in a blender or food processor. Process until finely chopped or mashed. (One may have to add a small amount of water if the carrots are not very moist.)
  2. Pour mixture into a large glass measuring cup and add 2 cups (500 ml) hot water.
  3. Let mixture stand for 15 to 30 minutes.
  4. Strain the juice into a 2 quart (2 L) pitcher.
  5. (optional, but tasty) Add the juice of 2 oranges.
  6. (optional) Fill pitcher with water.
  7. Serve over ice.

Tips

  • Carrot juice tends to settle quickly, so stir the pitcher before serving.
  • Undiluted pure carrot juice (skipping the optional steps) has a consistency and texture similar to whole milk.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make Carrot Juice. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 12:42 PM 0 comments
Labels: ,

How To-120: "How to Raise a Healthy Child"


How to Raise a Healthy Child


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

As we all know, weight and health is important. It is even more important to introduce good eating habits, early on in a youngsters life. Just read these tips, and your little one can grow up to be a fit and active person.

Steps

  1. Instill healthy habits early on. Even when you have a baby, if the child is not introduced to sweets, candy, cookies, soda, and the like, they will not have cravings for these foods. Therefore, they won't need these types of treats as they grow older, and will be all-around healthy.
  2. Do not reward children with sweets. If your child shows good behavior do NOT give them sweets. That just teaches the child that good behavior is only worth it, because of the sweets. Reward them with something educational, intellectual, or just a simple hug. When they grow up, they won't be so bratty, spoiled, and whining for unneeded items.
  3. Introduce fruits and vegetables. Have a different vegetable every night. Make it fun! Maybe one night could be an Asian-themed dinner, and you could have an Asian chicken salad, or maybe an Irish dinner, and you could have potatoes.
  4. Exercise. Play sports with your kids. At early ages sign them up for soccer, dance, volleyball, baseball, softball, football, basketball, gymnastics, tennis, golf, or any other extra-curricular activities. Keeping fit can be fun, and playing sports teaches not only athletic skills, but helps socially, and builds sharing and team work skills.
  5. Live a healthy lifestyle all around. Make sure you and your family are healthy emotionally, physically, mentally, and so on and so forth. Being healthy isn't just skinny or fat. It is much more.
  6. Have fun!

Tips

  • Be active with your child.
  • Play sports with the kids.
  • Make eating healthy fun.
  • Don't let being healthy become overly stressful.

Warnings

  • Do not make being healthy so important, that the child is lacking happiness. An occasional sweet is perfectly fine, just don't let it turn into something excessive.
  • Do not starve yourself or more importantly your children. This can lead to anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders later on in life.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Raise a Healthy Child. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 12:39 PM 0 comments
Labels: ,

How To-119: "How to Go on a Detox Diet"



How to Go on a Detox Diet


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Feeling sluggish? Need to be rejuvenated? Try a foot or diet detox. It's like a spring cleaning. It's a natural way to rid toxins and waste products. Some aspects may be easily incorporated into your daily routine for a healthier lifestyle. Take the time to learn more about this process:

Steps

  1. Search online with the following keywords for further direction:
    • Detox drinks
    • Herb detox soup
    • Detox raw recipes
    • Detox eating plans
    • Detox drink
    • Detox flush fruits
    • Cleansing detox cure
    • Body cleansing detox
    • Detox juice
    • Rapid detox
    • Detox snacks
    • Colon cleansing
  2. Look for natural products.
  3. Choose your detox method according to your schedule. Twice a month on a weekend is a good place to begin.
  4. Start slowly with a foot detox if you have never done this before. Thereafter, try a detox drink. However, do not do a master cleanse until you are more comfortable with the process.
  5. Obtain foot detox pads or a detox foot spa.
  6. Use a juicer for fruit and vegetable detox drinks. Be careful not to overdo. Some fruits are so tasty that you may want to have more than is necessary.
  7. Plan on drinking at least two litres of water each day. This helps to flush the toxins and waste products. It also eases the stress being placed on your liver and kidneys.
  8. Rest quietly. Do not over exert yourself. Find a good book or movie. Do your housework or physical exercise at another time during the week.
  9. Expect side effects. These may include headache, nausea or poor appetite. These may occur for a few days following the detox. You may have bad breath for up to two weeks.
  10. Expect to have more energy and hunger following the detox. Introduce a light, uncomplicated diet.
  11. Invest in a cookbook geared towards a more cleansing diet for future health and longevity.
  12. Refrain from drugs, alcohol and excessive medications, because they burden your organs. They deteriorate your emotional and physical well being.
  13. Good Luck! Some people have lost 7 pounds in 7 days!

Tips

  • Detox is considered to be an alternative method to heal the body.
  • Slow and periodic cleansing is less taxing on your organs.
  • Use sea salt as it is very cleansing. It is equivalent to the salt within our bodies. Refined table salt causes fluid retention.
  • Select formulas with Aloe Vera. It is a natural ingredient that soothes and heals irritated tissue.
  • Wean slowly from processed food. Rapid or acute changes may cause discomfort.



Warnings



  • Consult your physician prior to detoxing.
  • Do not attempt detox if you are ill. This could cause increased fatigue and a slower recovery.
  • Consult your physician for specifics in regard to drug detox.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Go on a Detox Diet. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 12:36 PM 2 comments
Labels: ,

How To-118: "How to Take Action to Phase out Harmful Food Additives"


How to Take Action to Phase out Harmful Food Additives


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Some synthetic food additives, including perservatives and artificial sweetners that harm your health, now commonly found in almost everything, are allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remain in our food. Many of them have only been tested in rats, and are released right after. You are what you eat, and foods should be safe for everyone, everyone should not have to do their own research to find out what ingredients to avoid, and if the FDA is taking a while their job, it is up to you as a citizen to take action.

Steps

  1. Do your research. Look on the packaging of a sugarless gum and google all the ingredients to find side effects of eating it. Some highly controversial additives are BHT, Sucralose, Acesuflame K(Potassium), Aspartame and MSG. As you find out more and more about more ingredients, you will be surprised at your ignorance before to consume it and not even think twice about it.
  2. Make a list of everything bad and what is is said to cause. You will be surprised, some things in your food even are known carcinogens!
  3. Raise awareness in your family and friends about it, and encourage them to take action too.
  4. Write to the FDA, stating that they should ban the use of things that have not been tested in long studies with humans until they are announced safe.
  5. Write a letter to your government stating that foods containing not well tested ingredients that may be harmful to your health should contain warnings on them. Foods with Aspartame in them contain a warning that says "Phenylketonurics: contains phenylalanine", but that is only because certain people have a disorder where they can't metabolize Phenylalanine, but they did not take into account that Aspartame breaks down into Formaldehyde (carcinogen)

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Take Action to Phase out Harmful Food Additives. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 12:34 PM 1 comments
Labels: ,

20 February, 2009

How To-117: "How to Find Healthy Foods"



How to Find Healthy Foods


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

It's common knowledge that healthy foods are good for us. However, finding healthy food among the many products making exaggerated health claims can be difficult. Here are a few suggestions to help with your decisions:

Steps

  1. Buy organic. Look for pesticide-free products.
  2. Buy local. Food that travels less requires less chemical and preservative measures.
    • Check out local farms. Many offer the option to buy in bulk.
    • Visit a farmer's market to buy what's in season.

  3. Select healthy fresh food. Look for sustainable seafoods and fresh fruits and vegetables.
  4. Select whole food. Look for whole grains, legumes and nuts. A whole fish is preferable to processed fish-sticks.
  5. Try a natural food store. Stores like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods often carry healthier or organic versions of products that are less readily available locally, such as organic olive oil.

Tips

  • Buy in bulk. It tends to cost less.
  • Get a small freezer to store produce for the winter. They are inexpensive and energy efficient. Frozen food retains the majority of its nutritional value.
  • Cook from scratch to avoid pre-packaged food. Try cooking whole oats for breakfast instead of cereal.
  • Grow your own produce, if possible.
  • If you do not have a yard, try a window sill garden, a rooftop garden or an indoor herb garden.
  • Participate in a community garden project.

Warnings

  • Be cautious of pre-packaged food labeled as "healthy" or "organic". It has less natural nutrients than whole foods.
  • Many products make tricky health claims. Do your research. Take the time to ask questions.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Find Healthy Foods. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 5:31 PM 1 comments
Labels: ,

How To-116: "How to Choose the Most Important Organic Foods"


How to Choose the Most Important Organic Foods


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

How many times have you thought "organic foods are too expensive; I can't afford to go organic"? Or maybe you feel it is just too difficult to wade through all the statistics and information on choosing organic foods and the reasons for preferring it over conventionally grown foods. Organic foods are good for you because they are free of many added chemicals and hormones that conventionally grown foods receive as part of the growth cycle. However, it can add up at the cash register to try and keep yourself healthier by eating organic foods. To help you make your decisions in an informed way, here are some simple tips to identify the best choices and stay within budget.

Steps

  1. Understand why organic foods should be an important part of your diet. Organic foods are grown with no or fewer chemical or hormonal additives in their growth cycle than conventionally grown produce and meat. This means that laws on organic labelling in many places ban the use of a wide array of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, hormone treatments, antiobiotics etc. on any produce or meat destined to carry an organic certification.
  2. Choose the crucial dozen organic foods. The dozen foods listed next are considered to be the foods most vulnerable to the addition of too many pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics etc. This top dozen lists food items where home washing and cooking practices are unlikely to result in reduction of the chemical or hormonal residues:
    • Beef, chicken and pork
    • Dairy products: Milk, cheese and butter
    • Strawberries, raspberries and cherries
    • Apples and pears
    • Tomatoes
    • Spinach and salad greens
    • Coffee
    • Potatoes
    • Stone fruits: Peaches, nectarines and apricots
    • Grapes
    • Celery
    • Peppers (capsicums), green and red
  3. Shop for seasonal foods. Seasonally available produce is the budget-conscious shopper's prize. Produce in season is always value for money because it is plentiful and this includes organic produce. In addition, seasonal food often travels less distance as it is grown locally and therefore will keep in better condition (more nutrients), for longer. From a comfort perspective, there is something very calming and traditional about eating the way our ancestors have for millennia; you become attuned to the cycle of the seasons. An added bonus: You are less inclined to overfill your fridge with food that ends up going unnoticed, which saves you money.
  4. Eat in moderation. The statistics on obesity continue to rise. We do not need huge quantities of food; too much food makes our bodies sick rather than healthy and happy. While eating in moderation means eating less food overall, it most certainly does not mean going without and feeling hungry. Change to eating more energy-sustaining foods, such as organic grains and pulses to bulk out your diet. You will not need to eat as much of these foods, as unlike processed foods, you will feel full faster and for longer. Your budget will go further simply through choosing prime quality organic foods in smaller amounts. Most importantly, eating in moderation will result in less intake of chemical and hormonal residues and that can only be a good outcome for everyone.
  5. Eat variety. Variety means including all those vegetables and not just living off potatoes. The more that you vary your diet within seasonal constraints, there is a higher likelihood that you will have less exposure to a build-up of one type of chemical residues. Variety also means an interesting and fulfilling diet, as well as a greater likelihood that you will get all the nutrients, anti-oxidants and fibre that you need to keep healthy.
  6. Be realistic. Most nutritionists would still prefer that you eat fruit and vegetables whether they are organic or conventional in origin in preference to highly processed foods. Use the list set out in step 2 to pick the organic foods and then purchase conventional foods for the remainder if you have a tight budget. Taking the simple step of choosing some organics to include in your diet is an important one of taking control over what is potentially affecting your health; whilstyou will still be surrounded by the chemical load of our industrial age, you are taking positive action to help yourself and to encourage organic growers at the same time.

Tips

  • The "harm" discussed in this article that may arise from eating conventionally grown foods arises in particular out of the accumulative effects of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, hormones, antiobiotics and other chemicals or additives. Over time, small doses build up in your body, particularly in body fat. This can lead to triggering diseases such as cancer and can cause problems with your immune system, blood and other bodily functions.
  • Be aware that, depending on the jurisdiction in which your foods have been grown, small amounts of certain types of chemicals may have been used on organic produce. In general, if such chemicals have been certified as allowed for use in the organic sector, they ought to be ones considered to safe for human consumption as a result of scientific testing and observations over a very long period of time and to come with a high level of certainty as to their negligible impacts on human beings. If this bothers you still, do your research to find out just what "organic" labels permit in your part of the world. Some organic producers use natural products that they deem safe, but that have not been tested scientifically. Also organic producers may fertilize their crops with animal manures which have not been properly composted. These foods pose a risk for pathogens that can cause serious illness.
  • Try to reduce the amounts of processed foods in your diet. You get less nutritional benefits from processed foods, organic or not. *If you really enjoy that cake laden with sugar (yes it is very processed), have it once a month rather than everyday. Then it becomes a blissful treat rather than something taken for granted.
  • Always wash vegetables and fruit well; some stores sell special detergents for this. Just because it is labeled organic doesn't mean it is safe to eat without a wash; bacteria thrive under all conditions.

Warnings

  • Some jurisdictions may have more lax laws on what "organic" means. Always do your research first. Read labels carefully; some products try to be organic but contain very little in the way of organic components, such as breakfast cereals. The more processed an item, the more likely it is that you should read the label carefully.
  • Be wary of industry propaganda aimed at belittling organic efforts. There are some seriously bad side effects from many of the chemicals and hormones used in our food and where profits are at stake, there is also plenty to discourage you from making healthy choices for you and your family. Do your own research; don't just take this article as gospel either. You are responsible for learning as much as you can about your health and how to protect it.
  • Do not confuse organic and natural. The two terms are different, although they may be used on the same item. Natural by itself means nothing; in most places it is an entirely unregulated term that means nothing other than what the manufacturer wants it to mean.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

  • These are links to quality sites that will provide more information on organic produce, certification of organic produce, how the organic industry is being run etc.:
  • (www.ava.gov.sg)

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Choose the Most Important Organic Foods. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 5:27 PM 1 comments
Labels: ,

How To-115: "How to Go on a Raw Food Diet"


How to Go on a Raw Food Diet


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

A raw food diet can be incredibly delicious and diverse. With adequate research, it can be well-balanced in nutrients to help maintain optimal health and an ideal weight.

Steps

  1. Get informed.
    • Research different websites, such as livingfoods.com. Useful search terms are: living foods, raw, sprouting, dehydrator, juicing, blender, vita-mix, healing, enzymes, organic or recipe.
    • Research different books, such as Raw Family: A True Story of Awakening by Victoria Boutenko. The China Study by T. Colin Campbell includes alternative sources of protein.
    • Find community. Join a local potluck or start one of your own. It's wonderful to share food with others. Online forums provide a great resource to meet fellow raw foodists, exchange recipes and have questions answered.
  2. Grow your own food. Experiment with sprouting seeds and herbs. A sunny window sill can be a good source of fresh food all year round.
  3. Make your own compost. Your food will contain more nutrients. Try a compost bin or a worm composter.
  4. Buy organic produce when possible. It is almost toxin-free and tends to have more vitamins and minerals.
  5. Acquire appropriate kitchen equipment. Sharp knives are essential. A food processor, juicer and dehydrator can be very useful.
  6. Eat a variety of foods. Make a list of produce, herbs, nuts and seeds from A to Z that you would like to include in your diet.
  7. Introduce raw foods slowly into your current diet.
    • Begin with fresh fruit for breakfast.
    • Transition fresh, raw plant food into your remaining meals on a weekly basis.
    • Be flexible. You may wish to eat a partially raw diet for a length of time before advancing to a completely raw diet.
  8. Experiment with a solar oven. It uses minimal heat to preserve more nutrients. It can be used with a variety of dishes to make satisfying and delicious patties, hot and cold soup, dips, crackers, etc.

Tips

  • Remain aware of changes in your digestive system or overall well-being.
  • Supplement your diet with Vitamin B12 to prevent anemia.
  • Raw foods and ingredients may include nut milk, pudding, smoothies and frozen banana cream.
  • If you dine out, bring a few of your own ingredients, such as an avocado, lemon, herbs or natural salad dressing. (Although most health codes prohibit bringing your own food into a restaurant.)
  • Choose to buy organic if a certain type of produce is being treated with a large amount of pesticide. This type of data can be easily researched online.
  • Be secure when eating raw animal products. Ask questions about their quality and source.

Warnings

  • Not everyone can be healthy on this diet. Listen to your body.
  • Obtain enough protein and healthy fats for proper metabolism.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Go on a Raw Food Diet. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 5:22 PM 1 comments
Labels: ,

How To-114: "How to Stay Away from Synthetic Food Colours"


How to Stay Away from Synthetic Food Colours


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Food coloring is considered safe in small amounts, but if you have concerns, or if you are allergic to food coloring, here is how to avoid it.

Steps

  1. Know what colors foods are naturally. Certain foods are more likely to be artificially colored (including drinks, children's snacks, candy and fruit.)
  2. Check the ingredients on any package of food you buy. If the ingredients list includes a color name followed by a number, such as "Yellow #5" or "Red 40", the food contains synthetic food coloring.

Tips

  • Most brown sodas, such as Pepsi, are darkened with caramel color. This color comes from toasting sugar until it turns brown, so it might be considered non-synthetic.
  • Many "natural" foods are colored with ingredients like beet powder. Beets are a vegetable that is naturally red, so beet powder is an example of a safe food colorant.
  • Certain fruits, such as oranges, are frequently dyed to make them brighter in color. Ask a store manager whether the produce is colored, or buy organic produce.
  • Farm-raised salmon is often dyed pink or orange. If you're not sure whether the salmon is dyed, ask the seller.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Stay Away from Synthetic Food Colours. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 5:21 PM 0 comments
Labels: ,

How To-113: "How to Reduce Your Children's Exposure to Chemicals"



How to Reduce Your Children's Exposure to Chemicals


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Children are more susceptible to the impacts of chemicals on their immature immune systems and general growth. Every parent wants the best for their child and reduction of chemical exposure is a prudent precautionary approach to reducing the opportunities for harmful impacts on your child.

Steps

  1. Prefer organic and home-grown foods over other food. You don't have to break the bank to eat organic. There are some foods that should always be preferred in their organic form owing to the heavy use of pesticides to grow these foods. See Choose the Most Important Organic Foods for more details. Be sure to wash conventionally grown foods well, using a vinegar and water rinse (10% vinegar to 90% water) on fruit and vegetables prior to consumption. Preferring organic and home-grown foods will help reduce your child's exposure to pesticides.
  2. Take care with fish products.[1] Smaller fish are safer for children's consumption; larger fish have lived longer and have had more time and space to accumulate pesticide and heavy metal residues including mercury, PCBs and dioxins.[2] The cleanest fish are the smaller ones, including anchovies, sardines and mackerel. Always prefer wild fish over farmed fish to avoid antibiotic overloads.
  3. Use purified or filtered drinking water. This will remove many of the potential chemical contaminants that might impact your child's health. Cut back on or eliminate the use of bottled water; not only is this a very unsustainable and expensive way to consume water but the use of bisphenol A used to manufacture some bottles is considered to be of some concern.[3][4] Although the jury is still out on these claims,[5] it makes sense to use the municipal supply and reduce your ecological footprint anyway.
  4. Keep your home with green cleaning. Use eco-friendly and human-friendly cleaning products promoted by green cleaning. Avoid purchasing toxic cleaners and laundry products.[6] Many of these products contain allergens, asthma triggers, endocrine-disrupting chemicals and carcinogens.[7]
  5. Have a green garden. As with household products, do not use chemical sprays, dusts and other products on your lawn and garden. Choose organic and eco-friendly solutions to garden maintenance. Be guided by the motto that if you could eat off it safely, your child can play on it safely.
  6. Reduce or eliminate the use of plastics in your home. Plastic wraps, plastic food containers and drink containers contain plasticizers and other chemicals that are known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.[8] Choose glass for storage of food and for reheating and cooking of food. Keep away from plastic food wraps.
  7. Be careful of toys. Not all toys are benign. Plastic toys, especially, can be harmful to your child's health, containing such chemicals as phthalates.[9] Toys from wood, cloth, natural fibers and paper are better choices for children than plastic toys. Be careful of painted wooden toys, however; check that the paint is non-toxic. Hand-me-down wooden toys may use lead-based paint - have them tested before passing them on.
  8. Keep your cooking green and clean. Avoid grilling food, as this form of cooking can create potentially carcinogenic compounds.[10] Avoid charring meats or other foods on a barbecue and always cook foods on a barbecue outdoors and on gas or electricity, not with charcoal products.
  9. Check your cookware. Some cookware is unhealthy when heated, such as Teflon™ products, which contain PFOA (perfluuoro-octanoic acid), considered to be a potential carcinogen.[11]Better choices are stainless steel, cast iron (great source of iron!) or ceramic-coated steel. You can also try parchment/baking paper in the base of a skillet or pan for non-stick "frying".
  10. Ensure that the house is free of allergens and toxins from off-gassing and maintain indoor air quality. Remove mold whenever it grows; it is a known asthma trigger. Be careful of having carpet laid - choose low-allergen carpets with safe glues. Many floor coverings use formaldehyde based chemicals and the gases that are emitted impact children who tend to sit on the floor frequently.[12] Prefer linoleum, natural carpets, bamboo flooring etc. Paints should also be chosen carefully as their contents can outgas harmful chemicals; select eco-friendly and natural paint options. Many companies are very conscious of this need now, so look them up and support them.[13]
  11. Don't expose your children to secondhand smoke. There is no excuse for this one and remember not to smoke in the car; not even with the window down.
  12. Keep medications to a minimum and only under the supervision of a certified health professional. Get a good doctor who has no fear in saying no to antibiotics for the sake of mollifying parental concern. Follow instructions and complete courses of antibiotics when they are needed.[14] And keep the use of cough syrups, cough lozenges and other readily available self-chosen remedies to a minimum. Many of these products contain artificial colorings, flavorings and strong chemicals that children should not be exposed to.[15] If a product says that it should not be administered to babies, infants, and children, follow that advice and don't use it.

Tips

  • All things in moderation is a good motto to live by; but some things are better not even taking a risk with. Use your gut instinct to help guide your choices. If it can be lived without, there will be less clutter in your life and more quality time with the kids.
  • Assessing the impact of human-created and naturally occurring chemicals on the human body, child or adult, remains an ever-evolving science. There will be a lot of arguments against the findings that there may be health problems with certain heavily used chemicals. That's healthy insofar as it provokes good research and debate. Where it is not healthy is where it is sponsored by those who seek to cover up possible harm because profit is at stake. You are entitled to information and you are entitled to make your own decisions based on your assessments of all available information. If you feel that exposure to some chemicals is too much of a risk, then follow your feelings. Precaution is always much better than mopping up afterwards, if that is even an option.

Things You'll Need

. Information to make informed decisions

. Research skills

  • Ability to follow the latest research through news items
  • Healthy cleaning products
  • Healthy cooking equipment

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Summary of Chemicals of Concern Found in Fish: San Francisco Bay Pilot Study, 1994

  2. ↑ EPA (US), What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish

  3. ↑ ScienceDaily, Plastic Bottles Release Potentially Harmful Chemicals (Bisphenol A) After Contact With Hot Liquids

  4. ↑ US News, Study of Chemical in Plastic Bottles Raises Alarm

  5. ↑ Snopes, Bottle Royale

  6. ↑ Ecollo, Household Cleaning Chemicals:The Dirty Dozen

  7. ↑ About.com, Do Home Cleaning Chemicals Cause Asthma?

  8. ↑ Wikipedia, Endocrine Disruptors

  9. ↑ Consumer Affairs.com, California Bans Plastic-Softening Chemical in Toys

  10. ↑ The Cancer Project, The Five Worst Foods to Grill

  11. ↑ Washington Post.com, June 29, 2005, by Juliet Eilperin Compound in Teflon A 'Likely Carcinogen'

  12. ↑ The Sensible House Project, Contaminants

  13. ↑ EarthEasy, Non-Toxic Paints

  14. ↑ BBC, Dos and Don'ts of Taking Antibiotics

  15. ↑ US News, Nancy Shute, On Parenting: Cough Medicine Isn't For Kids

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Reduce Your Children's Exposure to Chemicals. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 5:17 PM 1 comments
Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)