The Healthy and Fit Blog. By Eduardo Dias.

Don't Let Muscle Cramps Get You Down

2010-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Muscle cramps can bring you down at any moment and without warning. Well, you don't have to writhe with pain from those sudden attacks - not if you inform yourself properly. These easy-to-follow tips will stand you in good stead regardless of whether you pursue an active lifestyle or not. They tell you why you get these muscle cramps and how you can minimize their occurrence. For example, what you eat and drink and how well you exercise do count. However, in case of acute distress, never fall shy seeking immediate medical help.

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Advice For Men: Marry Smart - That's How You Live Longer!

2010-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

There's news for men. It's not their education but how bright their wives are that determines if they will have a long and healthy life here on planet Earth. This might come as a dampener to the male ego which thinks it's "clever enough for two." But then, Swedish scientists have found otherwise. Turns out, smart women are equipped with an uncanny instinct to wean their husbands away from unhealthy habits that could pose a threat to their well-being - thus prolonging the span and quality of their lives. So it's time to pause and think again before you cozy up to that flaming bimbo - if you aren't already married, that is... Well, then again, who knows? She might be cute in the head, too. Anyway, just kidding.

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Being Overweight Affects Your Brain!

2010-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

New research has come up with an astounding finding! Elderly people who are obese or overweight have less brain matter as compared to those who aren't. The brain tissues lost affect decision-making and memory. Aside from that, there's a much higher risk for diabetes, cancer and heart conditions - not to speak of impotence and infertility - for obese and overweight people. So, definitely, more is not always better – especially, as you get on in years.

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Let Your Kid Play - This Will Help Him Later On

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Kids active at age 5 continue to stay slim later in childhood even though they may not remain as active, according to an University of Iowa study. The study says this may be because active 5-year-olds developed lesser fat cells, enhanced their insulin response, or their metabolic system improved in some way which helped them stay leaner at the age of 8 or 11 - even though they had slowed down during the intervening years. Parents and school authorities should take note of this and encourage kids, whether boys or girls, to be more active outdoors during the early years. Turns out, this will stand them in good stead in the years to come.

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Runners Can Speed Up - By Training Less

2009-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

A study conducted recently indicates runners can improve on their speed simply by cutting down on the volume of training and introducing the so-called speed endurance training. So if you wish to run faster, ease up. You don't need to put yourself through all those hours of training. You want to run faster, not train harder. Scientists speculate that the improved performance may be related to reduction in the rate of buildup of potassium during exercise for runners following the changed training pattern.

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A Natural Way To Better Breast Health

2009-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

There's new hope yet for women fighting breast cancer. A recent study carried out at the university of Michigan has found compounds such as curcumin and piperine found in spices help fight breast cancer. They do this by decreasing the number of stem cells responsible for breast cancer. While the findings aren't conclusive, all this means scientists may come up with an alternative and natural way to counter breast cancer.

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U.S. is Not the Only Country Struggling With Obesity

2009-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you've been putting on weight lately, it's not only you, but the whole world! Blame it on globalization. As the world has contracted, waistlines have expanded. Body Mass Index (BMI), which is commonly used to measure obesity, data from across the world show one out of three adults in the world are overweight and one out of 10 obese. Higher intake of processed foods and less active lifestyle are mainly to blame. Well, does your country figure amongst the top 10 - in terms of expanding waistlines? If so, find out why.

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These Survival Tips Can Safely See You Through The Holiday Eating Season

2009-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

No need to panic because the holidays are approaching. Those endless parties and events, hosted by friends, colleagues and relatives that punctuate the holiday season can mean extra flab for you when things cool down. But not any more. You can follow these simple steps to handle them with grace and confidence. Basically, it's a matter of effective planning, enough willpower and proper awareness to skip those extra calories. After all, who on earth would care to deal with maladies like diabetes, arthritis and heart disease? Simple, isn't it? However, it’s for you to decide.

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Your Baby Needs You - Even When You Sleep!

2009-12-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

In spite of the views put forward by so-called "experts", babies still need to sleep with their parents for better survivability and health. It's the best environment they can be in rather than stay isolated in a crib. "SIDS" (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a real danger, although the CSPC and the crib manufacturers' lobbyists would have us think otherwise. Moreover, babies sleeping with their parents breastfeed more often and have fewer infections. Stay informed... for the sake of your baby.

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New Study Reveals Health Threat Posed By Outdoor Second-Hand Smoke

2009-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

New research has shown that nonsmokers are at risk from exposure to outdoor second-hand smoke. Cotinine, which is a byproduct of nicotine, levels were alarmingly high in nonsmokers who were exposed to environments outside bars and restaurants. This brings into focus the relatively unknown health hazards that second-hand smoke can pose for workers such as waiters, waitresses and bouncers. Needless to say, greater awareness of these health threats is no longer an option. You want to know more before it's too late...

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Drink Smart This Holiday Season

2009-12-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

Don't drink your way to extra calories this holiday. Control your intake of sugary and alcoholic drinks for staying healthy. That's not to say you shouldn't enjoy traditional beverages. Also, don't neglect to drink adequate quantities of water between cocktails. Here are some tips on low-calorie holiday drinks that you can enjoy while still keeping off those extra pounds. So drink smart... keep healthy.

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Keep Off Those Extra Pounds This Holiday Season

2009-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

A big holiday meal need not upset your weight loss plan. Indulging yourself now and then doesn't mean there's no hope. According to health experts, people throw in the towel after freely helping themselves to snacks and sweets during Thanksgiving or Christmas and continue their eating spree. It's Important that you make sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle rather than dieting. All’s not lost if you follow these guidelines.

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Don't Let Stress Spoil Your Holiday Fun - Follow These Simple Tips

2009-12-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Although children look forward holidays eagerly, adults often have to cope with a lot of stress to prepare for the holiday season. Not any longer - not if you follow some simple tips. Things like planning ahead for the holidays and sticking to a budget can make a lot of difference to your physical and mental well being so you can enjoy the holidays better. And these tips help you to do just that. Nothing is perfect in this world and, similarly, your holidays needn't be perfect - they just need to be enjoyable.

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New Research Shows Exercising Can Actually Prove Beneficial For Expectant Mothers

2009-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Contrary to popular belief, recent studies carried out by researchers indicate that mild physical activity can actually prove beneficial for pregnant mothers. In fact, mothers who exercise till end of pregnancy are likely to give birth to more healthy babies as compared to sedentary mothers. These newborns are less likely to develop diabetes and certain types of cancer later on in life as they aren't overweight at birth, say experts.

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Prescriptions Can Lead To Fatal Drug Dependence

2009-12-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Prescription drugs, especially painkillers, are responsible for thousands of deaths in America each year, reports indicate. What starts off as routine medication snowballs into life-threatening drug dependence, say experts. Patients get dependent on painkillers because of the relief they provide and ultimately get addicted to them because of the 'high' these drugs provide. So think twice before popping in those pills. It's your life, after all.

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What Color You Eat Does Matter

2009-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

This might sound amazing... But the color of fruits and veggies you eat is as crucial as how much you eat. Phytonutrients, or antioxidants found in colorful produce can protect you from health problems, according to health expert Amy Hendel. Therefore, you need to know the different 'color categories' to be included in your diet for keeping fit and healthy.

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Steer Clear Of Flu With These Simple Steps

2009-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you can stay clear of viral infections like flu with some simple measures? One of them is washing your hand more than 10 times a day. Other effective practices are wearing gloves, gowns and masks. Detailed investigations by researchers have thrown up some interesting conclusions about some of the most effective ways to stay safe from respiratory infections like flu and SARS.

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The Refreshment That Gives Pause

2009-11-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Chronic overconsumption of cola daily can cause symptoms including muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, constipation and even paralysis, doctors warn. So let’s toast to moderation in all things (but please, make mine water).

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Is Your Sex Drive in Park?

2009-11-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Are you or your partner losing interest in sex? A variety of physiological and psychological factors can impact your libido. Check out this list of common sex-drive killers.

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5 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy

2009-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

You can't control two of the strongest risk factors for the disease: age and family history. But experts are finding that in fact, lifestyle may play a very important role in who gets Alzheimer's and who doesn't.

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Olive Oil and Alzheimer's

2009-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

The olive oil you put on your salad seems to possess the ability to help prevent or combat Alzheimer’s disease.

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Prepare for Fall Flu Season

2009-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

As you get a flu shot, stock up on hand sanitizer and decrease your doorknob exposure, consider boosting your immune system's ability to fight viruses -- including H1N1 swine flu -- by adding certain foods to your diet.

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Bad Breath? Breathe Easy

2009-11-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can occur for a host of reasons, but we can help prevent unpleasant odors on our breath. It's matter of finding the cause and taking action against it.

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Power of Diet

2009-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Omega-3 deficiency is the sixth biggest killer of Americans and more deadly than excess intake of trans fat.

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Maximize Odds of Thwarting Breast Cancer

2009-11-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

A new study provides good news for women, things they can do to protect themselves against risk of breast cancer.

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