BE KIND TO YOUR THUMB

"What?", you say. Be kind to my thumb? Yes, thank you smartphones for becoming such a big part of our lives. The average American spends 4 hours 37 minutes a day looking at their smartphones. Sorry but all that typing, swiping, and tapping may lead to issues in the hands and wrists. This includes something known as "texting thumb,", a term now used to describe pain caused when the tendons that power the motion of the thumb becomes inflamed from being overused. Many people say they can't do without their smartphone and if that is you, try the following things to be kinder to your thumb:

• TAKE BREAKS. Set a timer to remind you to give your thumb a break. Even a break as small as 15-20 minutes is helpful. A half-hour is even better.
• GO HANDS FREE. When doing a lot of texting or emailing, use a voice dictation method.
• KEEP IT SHORT. Be concise, make your point and sign off.
• SWITCH HANDS. Hold your phone in the opposite hand and type with your forefinger.
• DON'T TEXT, CALL. Try calling more often and messaging less.
• STRETCH IT OUT. Open and close your fingers throughout the day to keep your tendons nimble. Wrist circles may also be helpful.
• MONITOR your device time and think of ways to cut back.

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CHEWING GUM FOR HEARTBURN?

According to Kings College of London researchers, chewing gum can reduce heartburn-related symptoms.  Chewing gum (sugar-free!) boosts the production of saliva which is an alkaline that helps neutralize stomach acid.   More saliva also means more swallowing.  More swallowing stimulates the muscle contractions that help digest food, according to the researchers.  Also, a piece of hard candy or a lozenge may have the same effect.

Note: This is in reference to mild and occasional heartburn. Severe or constant heartburn is a reason to see your doctor.

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FILLING THE COFFEE MACHINE BEFORE BED

Is it a good idea to fill the coffee machine before bed so it is ready to go in the morning? For many people this makes the morning easier and is basically fine. Anything to make the morning rush easier, right? But for serious coffee drinkers, who like to grind their own beans, you might want to wait until morning. Ground coffee starts to lose flavor as soon as oxygen hits it. Depending on your coffee machine and how well the coffee is protected, you may want to wait until right before brewing to grind your beans. To each his own!

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EXPIRATION DATE ON EGG CARTONS

Okay, people, we know groceries are expensive and a large part of a family's budget. One thing I have noticed is people throwing out eggs a few days after the expiration date on the carton. I have occasionally had people call me to ask about using eggs in their refrigerator that are a few days, up to a week even, past the date stamped on the carton. Don't be guilty of throwing good eggs away! Use those eggs. According to the USDA, you can store eggs in your fridge for 3 to 5 weeks longer than the expiration date. You should, however, buy the eggs before the expiration date. You want to know that the eggs you are using after the expiration date have been properly refrigerated. If you have doubts about an egg, try the following trick.

Gently put a questionable egg into a glass of water. It should go to the bottom of the glass. If it floats, throw it away.

DRY MOUTH

Do you suffer from dry mouth? Ever feel like your mouth has turned to cotton?  Certain medications can cause this; aging and post-menopause are other causes and I'm sure there are probably many more. Here are a few suggestions to try if you suffer from dry mouth:

• Forget traditional mouthwash. Alcohol and harsh chemicals can kill off beneficial bacteria in the mouth and make matters worse. Try using mouthwash that is alcohol-free.
• Snack on raw veggies, especially carrots and celery. Such snacking stimulates saliva flow, cleans the teeth and helps the mouth to feel moist.
• Sip on green tea. The antioxidants called catechins that may support oral health. Also, the tea helps keep you hydrated, another key to easing dryness. Aim for 2 to 3 cups daily. Either hot tea or iced tea is fine. And drinking decaf is okay.
• Sugar-free gum is also a way to stimulate saliva and help with dry mouth.

Of course, if dry mouth becomes a problem with swallowing or persistent bad breath, see a doctor and/or a dentist. 

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YO-YO DIETING

Are you or have you ever been a yo-yo dieter? If so, you have probably been told how bad that is for your body. A new BMC Medicine study found those who have lost weight, regained it, lost it, regained it again and again showed surprising improvements. Their abdominal fat profile and metabolic markers were 15% to 25% better, with improved insulin function and cholesterol levels. Of course there is a name for this. Scientists call it "cardiometabolic memory". That appears to be a fancy way of saying the body learns from the good you did it from what you did in the past.

I do not recommend yo-yo dieting. However, if you have fallen into that trap, perhaps you have not harmed your body as much as you may have thought.

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BRAINIACS AND BERRIES

Would you like to sharpen up your thinking skills? I think many of us would. The answer could be as simple as adding berries regularly to your diet. Recently, a major analysis of 59 different clinical trials, found that eating blueberries and blackberries regularly significantly improved memory, attention, and processing speed. The reason is the anthocyanins, pigments that give the berries their pretty color and also ease neuroinflammation and boost blood flow to the brain. The findings showed that eating 1/2 cup of the berries a day is enough to make a difference. Of course, the longer you stick with that regimen, the greater the benefits. There are several ways to make sure you are getting the berries in your diet. Of course you could just eat them. You could also start making it a habit to add them to muffins, breads, pancakes, salads, etc. Why not give it a try and eat or snack like a brainiac.

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CIRCADIAN RHYTHM TRICK

Erin Stokes, N,D. gives us a little advice about getting better sleep. Here is a key to help us unlock better sleep. This tip starts in the morning! Reset your circadian rhythm. In the morning get up, open the curtains or blinds and let the sunlight in. Ms. Stokes says, "Exposure to early natural sunlight syncs your circadian rhythm, making you energized during the day and sleepy at night." 

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MAGNESIUM AND SPINACH

 That little green leafy vegetable known as spinach is one of the higher vegetables for magnesium. One cup of cooked spinach provides around 40% of the recommended daily magnesium intake. Why is magnesium important? According to Registered Dietitian Sonya Angelone, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, magnesium factors into more than 300 reactions in the body. Important things like the body's ability to break down protein, helping muscles to function, and energy production. Magnesium also helps carry calcium and potassium across cell membranes.

You may want to take Popeye's advice and eat your spinach. Don't like spinach? Toss a few leaves in soups and casseroles. Add some fresh baby spinach leaves to your salad. If you aren't getting enough magnesium in your diet, you may need to rely on some supplements. Discuss with your doctor, if you think your magnesium levels might be low.

Spinach is just one of several foods containing magnesium. The photo below shows some of the others.

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HAVE A GOOD LAUGH

Laughter is good medicine, and that is no joke! Studies show that laughter helps boost the body's immunity, eases pain, relives stress and lowers blood pressure. And think of this, laughter is free, it is without side effects and generally makes one feel better. If you have trouble being a happy person who laughs easily, make it a point to spend time with people who make you laugh and smile. It's good for your health!

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