Cough. In case your cough is getting irritating, it could help to sip a glass of warm water. It can help quiet down your cough and thin out the mucus coating your air passages, making breathing easier. Drinking a lot of water is also a good idea to help you avoid future flares. If you are bothered by a severe nighttime cough, as most children with asthma are, you may help prevent a cough attack by elevating your head while sleeping. You can do this by adding a couple of extra pillows. When cold air may trigger an asthma flare, most people find that breathing humid warm air can quiet down cough. A Popsicle or hard candy may also ease coughs. Most people find drinking hot tea will ease a cough, even so pure mint tea must be avoided. (The menthol may create a numbing and unpleasant sensation in your throat.)

Heartburn. Also called acid reflux, this a common problem in teenagers with asthma, it happens when acid in your stomach flows back up into the esophagus. It is possible prevent it by ensuring that your head is elevated and don’t sleep right after eating. You also should try to avoid heartburn by taking acid-suppressing medications such as nonprescription Prilosec, or Pepcid AC, or your doctor can prescribe drugs such as Nexium.

Tight chest. You may discover that sleeping flat on your back aggravates chest tightness, while sleeping on your side helps ease breathing. Certain patients find that having a steamy shower while inhaling the warm mist will help ease chest tightness.

People who take bone-strengthening drugs for several years may have a slightly higher risk of esophageal cancer, a new study suggests. The findings are in contrast to another recent study that used the same database of 80,000 patients and concluded that there was no link between the drugs and esophageal cancer. That study was published last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Authors of the new study say they tracked patients for nearly twice as long — nearly eight years.

Other studies have been divided over whether the risk is real. In the latest study, British researchers started with nearly 3,000 people with esophageal cancer and matched each one to five similar people who didn’t have the disease. Ninety of the cancer patients and 345 people in the comparison group had been prescribed bone-building pills called bisphosphonates. These drugs, sold as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva and other brands, are widely used after menopause to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Normally, the risk of developing cancer of the esophagus, or throat, in people aged 60 to 79 is 1 in 1,000. The researchers estimated that with about five years use of the drugs, the risk was 2 in 1,000. They also looked at about 10,000 people with bowel cancer and about 2,000 people with stomach cancer, and found no increased risk with use of the drugs. The study was paid for by Britain’s Medical Research Council and Cancer Research UK. It was published Friday in the medical journal, BMJ.

The study was only observational and is not the kind of evidence that can show whether such drugs cause cancer. “Esophageal cancer is an uncommon cancer,” said Jane Green, a clinical epidemiologist at the University of Oxford, one of the paper’s authors. “Even a doubled risk is still a very small risk.” The chances of developing esophageal cancer after taking bisphosphonates are much smaller than from known causes like being obese, smoking or drinking. But the disease is often caught late, as it was in actor Michael Douglas, which lowers the survival rate. Green said the findings shouldn’t affect patients taking osteoporosis drugs, but added the medicines should be watched closely. “People are increasingly being prescribed bisphosphonates and we just don’t know enough about their use over the long term,” she said. The pills have other side effects including throat ulcers, abdominal pain and an irregular heartbeat.

Experts aren’t sure why the drugs might lead to throat cancer, but the pills can cause inflammation in the esophagus, which could make cancer more likely. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration has received reports of a few dozen people getting esophageal cancer after taking osteoporosis pills, but there is no proof the drugs caused the cancers. “The possibility of adverse effects on the esophagus should prompt doctors who prescribe these drugs to consider risks versus benefits,” wrote Diane K. Wysowski, an epidemiologist at the FDA, in an accompanying commentary.

Wysowski said patients should take the medicines carefully, like with a full glass of water before eating and not reclining for at least 30 minutes afterward. “Doctors should tell patients to report difficulty in swallowing and throat, chest or digestive discomfort so that they can be promptly evaluated and possibly advised to discontinue the drug,” she wrote.

1. Avocado

Start each day with a mix of high-quality protein and beneficial fats to build the foundation for an energized day. Avocado with scrambled eggs provides both, and the monounsaturated fat helps blood circulate better, which is essential for optimal brain function. Worst alternative: a trans-fat-filled, sugar-laden cream cheese Danish.

Green it: you don’t need to buy an organic avocado – conventional is fine. But make sure your supplementary protein is free range, cage free, or organic.

2. Blueberries

These delicious berries are one of the best foods for you, period, but they’re very good for your brain as well. Since they’re high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, they are safe for diabetics and they do not spike blood sugar. Blueberries are possibly the best brain food on earth: they have been linked to reduced risk for Alzheimer’s, shown to improve learning ability and motor skills in rats, and they are one of the most powerful anti-stress foods you can eat. Avoid: dried, sweetened blueberries.

Green it: buy local and organic, and be mindful of seasonality. When blueberries are out of season, opt for cranberries, grapes, goji berries, blackberries or cherries to get your brain boost.

3. Wild Salmon

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your brain. These beneficial fats are linked to improved cognition and alertness, reduced risk of degenerative mental disease (such as dementia), improved memory, improved mood, and reduced depression, anxiety and hyperactivity. Wild salmon is a premium source, but we’ll highlight a few other sources on this list for vegetarians and people who just don’t like salmon. Avoid farmed (read: sea lice infested) salmon.

Green it: the California salmon stock is threatened, so choose wild Alaskan salmon only, and eat small portions no more than twice a week.

4. Nuts

Nuts contain protein, high amounts of fiber, and they are rich in beneficial fats. For getting an immediate energy boost that won’t turn into a spike later, you can’t do better than nuts. The complex carbs will perk you up while the fat and protein will sustain you. Nuts also contain plenty of vitamin E, which is essential to cognitive function. You don’t have to eat raw, plain, unsalted nuts, but do avoid the ones with a lot of sweetening or seasoning blends. Filberts, hazelnuts, cashews, and walnuts are great choices, with almonds being the king of nuts.

For those avoiding carbs, macadamia nuts are much higher in fat than most nuts. By the way, peanuts just aren’t ideal. Aside from the fact that many people are allergic, peanuts have less healthy fat than many other types of nuts…maybe that’s because peanuts are not actually a nut! They’re still much better than a candy bar, however.

Green it: try to choose organic, raw nuts, and if you can’t get those, at least avoid the tins of heavily-seasoned, preservative-laden nuts that may have taken many food miles to get to your mouth.

5. Seeds

Try sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed, and tahini (a tangy, nutty sesame butter that tastes great in replacement of mayo and salad dressing). Seeds contain a lot of protein, beneficial fat, and vitamin E, as well as stress-fighting antioxidants and important brain-boosting minerals like magnesium.

Green it: Again, just look for organic and try to avoid the highly-seasoned, processed options. In general, things like fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts are pretty low-impact, environmentally speaking, in comparison to meats and cheeses.

6. Coffee

Thine eyes do not deceive (even if you are in the midst of a sugar crash). Coffee is good for your brain. Did you know coffee actually contains fiber? That’s going to help your cardiovascular system. Coffee also exerts some noted benefit to your brain in addition to providing you with a detectable energy boost.

The trick is not to have more than a few cups. But you can safely enjoy 2-4 cups daily – we are talking about supercharging here. Just please don’t go ruining a good thing by loading it up with sugar! Espresso beans are actually a phenomenally healthy snack, by the way.

Green it: brew yourself some fair-trade organic coffee to benefit both the planet and the workers who grow your beans. Use a thermos instead of a throwaway cup.

7. Oatmeal

Nature’s scrub brush is one of the best foods for cardiovascular health, which translates to brain health. Additionally, oatmeal is packed with fiber, a reasonable amount of protein, and even a small amount of Omega-3?s. It’s a good grain that will sustain you throughout the morning so you aren’t prone to irritability or an energy crash.

Green it: the healthiest oatmeal is the real, steel-cut deal. Steer clear of those little microwavable packets that are loaded with sugar. All that packaging isn’t very green.

8. Beans

One more for carb-lovers. (The brain uses about 20% of your carbohydrate intake and it likes a consistent supply.) Beans are truly an amazing food that is sadly overlooked. They’re humble, but very smart. Not only are they loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein, they’re ridiculously cheap. An entire bag of beans usually costs only a few dollars and will provide many meals. Beans provide a steady, slow release of glucose to your brain – which means energy all day without the sugar crash. Don’t go eating a whole platter of frijoles, though – just 1/4 of a cup is fine.

Green it: look for heirloom beans that are raised sustainably, like those from Rancho Gordo.

9. Pomegranate

Opt for the fruit over the juice so you get more fiber. Pomegranates contain blueberry-like levels of antioxidants, which are essential for a healthy brain. Your brain is the first organ to feel the effects of stress, so anything you can do to offset stress is a smart choice.

Green it: pomegranates are seasonal and not generally local for most of us, so enjoy sparingly and rely on other berries like acai, grapes and cherries when you can’t get this fruit.

10. Brown Rice

Brown rice is a low-glycemic complex carbohydrate that is excellent for people sensitive to gluten who still want to maintain cardiovascular health. The better your circulation, the sharper your brain.

Green it: don’t buy the excessively-packaged “boil in a bag” rice packets. Just make up a big batch of brown rice in a rice cooker on Sunday so you have it on hand for easy lunches all week.

11. Tea

You have to brew tea fresh or you won’t get the benefits of all those catechines (antioxidants) that boost your brain. Because tea has caffeine, don’t have more than 2-3 cups daily.

Green it: buy organic, fair trade loose leaf or packets to support sustainable business practices.

12. Chocolate

Things are looking increasingly better for chocolate. It’s got brain-boosting compounds, it’s loaded with antioxidants, and it has just the right amount of caffeine. Chocolate sends your serotonin through the roof, so you’ll feel happy in short order. Dark chocolate is also rich in fiber. (Remember, fiber = healthy cardiovascular system = healthy brain.)

Green it: go for super dark, fair-trade, pure organic chocolate, not the sugary, processed milk chocolate candy bars.

13. Oysters

Oysters are rich in selenium, magnesium, protein and several other nutrients vital to brain health. In one study researchers found that men who ate oysters reported significantly improved cognition and mood! Not all shellfish are good for you but oysters are a sure bet.

Green it: oysters are actually one of the most eco-friendly seafood options, so eat up!

14. Olive Oil

Though we know the brain does need a small, steady supply of glucose, don’t overlook fat. Studies have consistently shown that a low-fat diet is not the health boon we hoped it would be (remember the 90s low-fat craze?). In fact, avoiding fat can increase foggy thinking, mood swings, and insomnia. A diet rich in healthy fats is essential to clear thinking, good memory, and a balanced mood. Your brain is made of fat, after all.

One study of men found that those who relied on the processed vegetable fats found in salad dressings, snacks and prepared foods had 75% higher rates of mental degradation (dementia, memory loss) than men who ate healthy fats. Most processed foods and fast foods use corn oil, palm oil, soybean oil and other Omega-6 fats. You don’t want Omega 6 fats. Even saturated fat is safer than Omega 6?s.

Choose healthy fats such as those present in olive oil, nut butters, nuts and seeds, flax, oily fish, and avocados. Avoid processed fats found in pastries, chips, candy bars, snacks, junk food, fried foods and prepared foods. Eating the wrong fat can literally alter your brain’s communication pathways.

Green it: look for organic, local, or farmers’ market options when it comes to your food. You should also explore herbal remedies for mood swings and brain health.

15. Tuna

In addition to being another rich source of Omega-3?s, tuna, particularly yellowfin, has the highest level of vitamin B6 of any food. Studies have shown that B6 is directly linked to memory, cognition and long term brain health. Generally, the B vitamins are among the most important for balancing your mood. B6 in particular influences dopamine receptors (dopamine is one of your “feel good” hormones along with serotonin).

My personal cocktail: SAMe (nature’s happiness molecule) and a mega-dose of B-complex keeps me humming even when I’ve got a mountain of work to do. Which, like you, is all the time.

Green it: only eat tuna from sustainable fisheries, and if you’re looking for a B6 source that is vegetarian, opt for a banana, which contains a third of your day’s requirement (tuna offers nearly 60%).

16. Garlic

Garlic – the fresher the better – is one of the most potent nutritional weapons in your arsenal. Eat it as much as your significant other can stand. Not only is it fabulous for reducing bad cholesterol and strengthening your cardiovascular system, it exerts a protective antioxidant effect on the brain.

Avoid: I know it makes life easier, but don’t even think about buying the chopped or peeled garlic. Nutritional benefits = zero.

Green it: just choose organic, and go for local if you can get it.

17. Eggs

Eggs contain protein and fat to provide energy to your brain for hours, and the selenium in organic eggs is proven to help your mood. You really needn’t worry about the overblown cholesterol fears. (I have quite a bit to say on this topic but I’ll restrain myself for once.)

Green it: choose organic, free range, vegetarian fed eggs.

18. Green Leafy Vegetables

Spinach, kale, chard, romaine, arugula, lolla rossa – whatever green you like, eat it daily. Green, leafy vegetables are high in iron (slightly less “green” iron sources include beef, pork and lamb). Americans tend to be deficient in iron, which is too bad, because the deficiency is linked to restless leg syndrome, fatigue, poor mood, foggy thinking, and other cognition issues.

Green it: choose organic, and shop at your farmers’ market or order from a local CSA. Leave out the red meat a few days a week and rely on a big, well-seasoned green stir fry or salad.

19. Tomatoes

Go figure, but tomatoes don’t usually make the brain-boosting food lists. (Thank goodness I found the one that did so I’m not the only one.) Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that is particularly good for your brain – it even helps prevent dementia. You have to cook tomatoes to get the lycopene – take that, raw foodies! Just kidding. But this does mean that ketchup is good for your brain. Although because of the sugar in it, you should look to other sources for most of your lycopene intake, such as fresh tomato sauce.

Green it: try to eat tomatoes that are local and get your lycopene in vitamin form when tomatoes aren’t in season. You’ll know when that is – the tomatoes will be pale, tasteless, and pithy.

20. Cacao nibs

That’s right, I’m putting chocolate on this list twice. My boyfriend knows I need it. I eat chocolate or cacao nibs daily and I think you might want to consider it, too. Cacao nibs are among the top five most powerful brain foods, right next to wild salmon and blueberries. My girlfriends and I like to mix cacao nibs with frozen blueberries and a generous splash of organic heavy cream while we watch really bad television on Sunday nights.

Green it: as long as it’s fair trade and organic, it’s green.

Things that drain your brain:

Alcohol kills your brain cells outright! Alcohol also interferes with dopamine production. Moderate amounts of alcohol, particularly resveratrol-rich red wine, can help improve your health, but anything beyond a glass or two of wine daily is a recipe for reduced brain function and energy loss.

Corn Syrup and Sugar lead to health problems like diabetes and obesity, and they’re terrible for your brain. Don’t eat sugar except on special occasions or as an infrequent treat. If you can’t cut back that much, try to limit yourself to just two bites of whatever tempts you daily.

Nicotine constricts blood flow to the brain, so while it may “soothe” jittery nerves, smoking will actally reduce your brain function severely – and the effects are cumulative.

A high carbohydrate lunch will make you sleepy and sluggish. Opt for a light meal with some quality protein, such as a salad with grilled chicken breast or vegetables and hummus or wild American shrimp and avocado.

Enjoy these foods and reap the benefits of a bigger, better, faster brain. (Be sure to bookmark this post so you can come back to it. I’d also appreciate a Digg and Stumble.)

Use your teeth permanently – while eating, talking and smiling. Therefore it is essential to keep them healthy. We present some fact about them that are little known, but this does can be useful in everyday life for everyone – to protect the health of your teeth and your entire mouth:
1. Yogurt is just as harmful as sweet
Sugar is not the only enemy of our teeth. Acidic, low pH acidic foods such as confectionery, soft drinks and fruit juices soften the teeth, a result is the appearance of erosions of the enamel and reducing the size of the teeth themselves. Studies show that citric acid is extremely harmful. The worst nightmare for children’s teeth are very acidic and sweet foods that adhere to them. They “melt” teeth like a piece of ice left at room temperature. Moreover, children’s teeth are not fully formed since enamel maximum yield strength only ten years after the growth of teeth. In childhood it is softer and therefore more easily susceptible to the harmful effects of acids. Adults also consume no small amount of acidic foods that pose a threat to the health of teeth. However, if you decide to eat something sour, do it best with the main meal – it will reduce the harmful effects. More is better then chew gum containing xylitol because it helps the prevention of caries.
2. Email is the most solid substance in the human body, but it is brittle
Ice, popcorn and piercing mouth could drop off part of the tooth. Dentists recommend not to consume popcorn and ice products, especially if you feel your teeth are not as healthy as they were years ago. The rigidity of popcorn and ice can be compared with that of the stone and why we should be very careful in the consumption of these foods. Metal objects such as piercing mouth is a haven for bacteria that can destroy tooth enamel. Study of a prestigious U.S. journal American Journal of Dentistry shows that between 14 percent and 41 percent of people wearing piercings, suffer from tooth fracture and greater than normal wear, but as more serious complications of this condition is represented major oral deformities and loss of teeth.
3. In any age you can no tooth
Although most people have a full set of 32 teeth, some are born with missing. Most often the teeth, which grow are wise. Another frequent lack lateral incisors are located in the large front teeth. Lack of teeth can inherit. However, the most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease and caries.
4. Large amounts of fluoride are harmful to teeth
The fact is that fluoride is important for maintaining healthy teeth. But children under 8 years of age who are taking too much fluoride can develop a condition called fluorosis. Normally it starts with the appearance of white spots on teeth, but later become brown. Unfortunately fluorosis stains are “internal”, which means that whitening procedures will not have the desired effect. Many fluoride is also cause for brittle teeth. The problem most often occurs when ingestion of toothpaste for children. We recommend that you watch your child while you wash your teeth, to make sure that it absorbs paste. Tell him should use little brush on it, so as not to swallow by mistake. Some dentists even recommend that children only use toothpastes containing fluoride.

Choosing one or another cosmetic product, of course, we first read the writing on the packaging to find out what type of skin cream is designed accordingly, lotion, gel, mask, etc. More than a century ago, human skin is classified as dry, oily and combination. But in this classification into account only one indicator – the level of fat in the skin. According to modern dermatology, attention must be paid on many other factors: pigmentation, skin color, the presence of lines, etc. Sensitivity plays a major role of the skin, ie its tendency to irritation. If after using the new cream on your skin appear red spots, it’s probably a sign of an allergic reaction. It is so difficult to distinguish allergy from the usual signs of skin sensitivity. In the first case of skin cosmetic reacted immediately and the second – after 3-4 hours. To get rid of nasty red spots, take advantage of soothing mask, and then every day use hypoallergenic cream. To be sure to choose your cosmetic piloting a small area of skin and use it only if there appears a negative reaction. If you suffer from constant redness on the cheeks and nose, probably a widespread disease of the sensitive skin – rosacea. Addressing this problem will help the lilies of chamomile, allantoin, panthenol and vitamin K, which have a soothing effect.
Protect your skin from sharp changes in temperature, do not wash with very cold water, limit the use of coffee, alcohol and spicy food.

Definition

Constipation refers to infrequent or hard stools, or difficulty passing stools. Constipation may involve pain during the passage of a bowel movement, inability to pass a bowel movement afterstraining or pushing for more than 10 minutes, or no bowel movements after more than 3 days. Infants who are still exclusively breastfed may go 7 days without a stool.

Alternative Names

Irregularity of bowels; Lack of regular bowel movements

Considerations

Normal patterns of bowel elimination vary widely from person to person and you may not have a bowel movement every day. While some healthy people have consistently soft or near-runny stools, others have consistently firm stools, but no difficulty passing them.

When the stool is hard, infrequent, and requires significant effort to pass, you have constipation. The passage of large, wide stools may tear the mucosal membrane of the anus, especially in children. This can cause bleeding and the possibility of an anal fissure.

Common Causes

Constipation is most often caused by a low-fiber diet, lack of physical activity, not drinking enough water, or delay in going to the bathroom when you have the urge to defecate. Stress and travel can also contribute to constipation or other changes in bowel habits.

Other times, diseases of the bowel (such as irritable bowel syndrome), pregnancy, certain medical conditions (like an underactive thyroid or cystic fibrosis), mental health problems, neurological diseases, or medications may be the reason for your constipation. More serious causes, like colon cancer, are much less common.

Constipation in children often occurs if they hold back bowel movements when they aren’t ready for toilet training or are afraid of it.

Home Care

Children and adults should get enough fiber in their diet. Vegetables, fresh fruits, dried fruits, and whole wheat, bran, or oatmeal cereals are excellent sources of fiber. To reap the benefits of fiber, drink plenty of fluids to help pass the stool.

For infants with constipation:

• Over 2 months old — try 2-4 ounces of fruit juice (grape, pear, apple, cherry, or prune) twice a day.
• Over 4 months old — if the baby has begun solid foods, try baby foods with high-fiber content (peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums, spinach) twice a day.

Regular exercise is also important in establishing regular bowel movements. If you are confined to a wheelchair or bed, change position frequently and perform abdominal contraction exercises and leg raises. A physical therapist can recommend exercises appropriate for your physical abilities.

Stool softeners (such as those containing docusate sodium) may help. Additionally, bulk laxatives such as psyllium may help add fluid and bulk to the stool. Suppositories or gentle laxatives, such as milk of magnesia liquid, may establish regular bowel movements. Enemas or laxatives should be reserved for severe cases only. These methods should be used only if fiber, fluids, and stool softeners do not provide enough relief.

DO NOT give laxatives or enemas to children without first asking your doctor.