It happens to all of us — that unexpected sneeze that escapes before you have time to grab a tissue and cover your mouth. Well, you just sent 40,000 droplets of saliva, mucus and germs traveling 200 miles per hour as far as 11 feet! Yep. Even a quick sneeze into the crook of your…
Apple cider vinegar makes a tasty salad dressing, but if that’s the only way you use it, you might be missing out. It’s also a popular ingredient in home remedies that promise a host of benefits, from shiny hair to weight loss. Among the most popular claims are these five uses for apple cider vinegar:…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than one-third of adults in the United States get less than seven hours of sleep each night. When you aren’t getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep, you could be putting yourself at risk for more than dark circles under your eyes. The…
You’ve probably heard that the key to quitting a habit is replacing that “behavior” with another. For people trying to stop using tobacco, during those times when you want to smoke, do something else that doesn’t remind you of smoking. Start by making a plan for how to handle smoking “triggers” and cravings — before…
We bet you crossed paths with someone who was coughing, sneezing, sniffling or doing all of the above over the holidays. And, guess what, we’re just getting started with flu season! Work places, schools and public areas are breeding grounds for viruses — colds, flu and respiratory illnesses. We get it — no one wants…
The mercury is dropping and flu season is picking up. It can be a confusing and deadly combination. Carbon monoxide is an colorless, odorless gas that can be emitted by a number of appliances, including improperly ventilated stoves, gas ranges, heating systems, gasoline engines and grills, as well as burning wood. The fumes can build…
You can try to avoid it, but it inevitably happens — holiday indigestion. Why, why, why do we do this to ourselves? “Indigestion caused by overeating can be downright uncomfortable,” said Shelley Wooldridge, APRN, with NortonGastroenterology Consultants of Louisville. “The stomach always createsacid — that’s normal; however, overeating causes the stomach to expand. Thisexpansion creates…
Even the most active individuals can lose motivation in the winter. Short days marked by inclement weather blur into long nights that only feel colder. It’s easy to fall into a frozen funk. However, exercising releases “feel-good” brain chemicals, called endorphins, that lift your mood and reduce anxiety. Exercise also keeps your cardiovascular system strong, strengthens…
Question of the day: Would you eat off a toilet seat? I’m willing to bet the majority of us would reply with a resounding, “No!” and maybe add an expletive or two. Well, I hate to break it to you, but if you’re one of the 47 percent of people who eat lunch at their…
Curious about trying a Neti pot, but a little afraid? Some people swear by these nasal-rinsing devices to manage their clogged-up sinuses. Some people are completely freaked out about them. Nasal rinsing, or irrigation, with a saline solution can moisten irritable, dry nasal passageways and relieve symptoms of sinus infections, colds, infections and flu. Using…
My beard is many things for many people. For my wife, the lingering food crumbs are a cause for embarrassment. For my daughter, it gives her something to practice braiding. For my son, it helps him pick me out in a crowd. So, as thousands of men dedicate the winter months to eschewing razor blades…
Are you ready for this? Tobacco kills. Period. And Kentucky ranks No. 1 in lung cancer deaths nationwide. According to the American Cancer Society, cigarette smoking is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States. Mark your calendar for Thursday, Nov. 17, to commit to breaking the habit and turning those statistics…