HealthGists

Work-related musculoskeletal injuries now account for a higher percentage of work-related morbidity and absenteeism In today's modern world, it has become increasingly rare to find any office space without a computer workstation, including a computer and a phone at a minimum. Our use of computers and phones continues to increase with advances in computer technology, software and hardware. It is not surprising that the number of subsequent problems that people experience with performance, comfort and health lies in a static position for the long periods they have spent in an office. Work-related musculoskeletal injuries now represent a higher percentage of morbidity and absenteeism in the workplace, and more people develop back neck, shoulder, arm and wrist. In addition to an increase in absenteeism, staff performance and productivity are also considerably reduced, leading to reduced innovation and corporate profits. As you can imagine, this can have a detrimental impact not ...

Individuals who enjoy the caffeinated boost that arises from consuming traditional teas and coffees could very well have a tendency to overlook the benefits of consuming herbal teas. Researchers now confirm the notion that herbal teas can provide a number of health benefits are no longer just folklore. The researchers have investigated the science based evidence of health benefits from drinking 3 of the most common herbal teas in the US. Chamomile tea has always been regarded as a brew which soothes. But when the researchers reviewed scientific literature on the bioactivity of chamomile, they discovered no human clinical studies which evaluated this calming effect. They did, however, find a review article on conclusions far beyond sedation, outlining test-tube evidence that chamomile tea has considerable antiplatelet-clumping activity and moderate antimicrobial activity. The researchers also detail evidence of the bioactivity of peppermint tea. In test tubes, peppermint has been ...

Scientists know that vitamin D deficiency is unhealthy. However, a study now suggests that too much vitamin D isn’t healthy either. The research is based upon blood samples from 247,574 people. Vitamin D is important in helping calcium get to our bones, and so reducing the risk from falls as well as the chance of broken hips. Studies suggest that vitamin D is also beneficial in preventing depression, cardiac disease and some kinds of cancers. The outcomes from research also support the benefits of vitamin D with regards to mortality risk. However, the study results also reveal higher mortality in those with too much vitamin D in their blood. The researchers found higher mortality in individuals with a low level of vitamin D in their blood, but to their surprise, they also found it in those with a high level of vitamin D in their blood. A graph can be drawn showing that it could be harmful with too little as well as too much vitamin D. Mortality is 2.31 times greater when the blo...

1. Meal Cooler Bag One of the greatest challenges facing those of us who are either on a strict diet plan or who are just trying to eat healthy is the accessibility of suitable meals while on the go. Well, with the ISOBAG™ by Isolator Fitness, meals can be prepared and packed for the entire day. Up to 4 containers of food can be packed in the 3 meal size bag, and up to 8 containers in the 6 meal bag. The bags come with 2 sets of reusable, plastic food storage containers, providing the convenience of always having a clean set for the next day. Also included which fit into designated side pouches, are freeze-able ISObricks, much like gel ice bags, but much more durable. There is a zipped and insulated compartment on each side of the bag where beverages can chill out. 2. Snack Containers These novel reusable “Snack Attack” containers are convenient for packing carrots or celery and dips to go with them. Each set has two separate containers which attach together, a container f...

Eating has not been only for fun, there are foods that fight against Cancer, below is the list of foods Best Fighting  Cancer: 1. Tomatoes Tomatoes are an excellent dietary source of lycopene, a phytochemical molecule known as a carotenoid, which is responsible for the vibrant red, orange and yellow colours of a lot of vegetables and fruits. Lycopene is probably the carotenoid which has potentially the most powerful impact on the fight against cancer. Although most studies on the tomatoes’ anticancer effects focused on prostate cancer prevention, it appears likely that tomatoes could play a role in preventing other cancers. Cooked tomato products are especially rich in lycopene. Exposure to heat ruptures the cell walls which allow the molecule to be better extracted, bringing about changes in the structure letting it be more easily assimilated by the body. Consuming tomato-based products is an easy way to help reduce prostate cancer risk. Eating 2 tomato sauce-b...

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the most common form of cardiovascular disease in the United States. At latest estimates, more than 50 million people suffer from this silent killer. Common symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath, facial flushing and chronic nosebleeds. Conventional medicine treats hypertension with medication, which can lead to unwanted side effects and drug dependency. These chemical “cures” can sometimes lead to health issues that are equally as serious as the disorder they were designed to treat. However, patients with high blood pressure can use natural healing techniques to manage their hypertension, avoiding unwanted chemical side effects as make their return to peak health. The Causes of Hypertension Primary Hypertension, the most common form of high blood pressure, has no specific underlying causes. What is known, however, is that there are a number of lifestyle factors that that can contribute to a patient’s high blood pressure...

The human body is a self-contained miracle, possessing the God given ability to heal itself. As good stewards of the temple of His Holy Spirit, we must learn to tend to our bodies naturally, providing them with the fundamental resources needed to achieve, and maintain, total health. This natural approach to health supports the body’s own healing processes, while reinforcing its inherent ability to ward off infections and all disease. This holistic approach to the total health of our bodies can be broken down into seven basic categories. Air Water Food Sleep Exercise Fasting Prayer When we concentrate on reaching a natural balance in all seven stages of health, we empower our bodies to heal themselves, and to protect us from illness, disease and premature aging. Fresh Air Fresh, clean, air is vital to maintaining a strong and healthy body. It is estimated that the average American uses less than 20% of their total lung capacity. This deficiency results in a reduction in...

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in the United States. Nearly 250,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, with more than 40,000 ultimately succumbing to the disease. Unfortunately, these statistics show no signs of abating. While cancer treatments continue to improve, the best medicine remains prevention. There can be no guarantees where anyone’s health is concerned, but there are a number of completely natural proactive steps that women can take to reduce their risk for developing breast cancer. These steps are easy to implement, and provide the best defense women have against this life threatening disease. Common Risk Factors for Breast Cancer There are a number of factors that place women at a greater risk for developing breast cancer. It is clear that genetics plays some role, and women from families with a history of cancer may be more prone to developing the disease. But genetics alone cannot explain the increasing number of brea...

We all know sleep is good for us, but most of us struggle to make it a priority. This may be tolerable for a few days, but here is what happens to your body over the long-term when you don't get enough sleep: 1. Increased risk of type 2 diabetes Sleep deprivation is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.1 For example, women who sleep less than 5 hours per night are more likely to develop diabetes symptoms than women who sleep 7 to 8 hours per night. Additionally, after only 4 days of little sleep your insulin sensitivity dramatically decreases. 2. Elevated blood pressure Sleep deprivation is closely linked with an increase in blood pressure. For people who already have high blood pressure, even one night of no sleep can lead to elevated blood pressure the following day. 3. Weight gain Long-term sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain and obesity. One reason why this happens is that sleep deprivation increases the production of a biochemical called ...

As you probably know by now, sciatica symptoms can flare-up at any time. This can be problematic, especially when you're at the office and have to complete a full day of work. To help shift your focus off the pain and back to your job, here is a guide to finding sciatica relief while at the office: Get up and move You might be surprised to learn that sitting places more stress on your spinal discs than standing. So it's possible that extended periods of sitting may be aggravating your sciatica. To help relieve the stress around your sciatic nerve roots, get up and move around when your symptoms strike. To be proactive, try setting an alarm on your phone or computer to go off every half hour. When you hear the alarm, try to engage in one of the following activities: Take a short walk Stretch your hamstrings Complete 10 jumping jacks In addition to relieving the stress on your lower back, any activity that gets you up and moving can help spur much needed blood...

Whether you’re making breakfast, a post workout snack or a chilly beverage for a day by the pool, smoothies are a great option. That’s because they do more than just taste good; when packed with whole, healthy ingredients, they provide your body with a flood of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s easy to make body-friendly smoothies, but you can always take it up a notch. If you’re looking for your next smoothie addition, look no further than the following five protein-packed options. Protein is important because it helps you feel fuller and more energized for a longer period of time. It also aids in rebuilding muscles, which is why it’s so vital to eat protein after a hard workout. You can even speed up your metabolism and ward off cravings when there’s enough of it in your system. What are you waiting for? Try one of our top picks for protein – all of which are protein powder-free – and see just how tasty and healthy your beverage can be. 1. Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is a...