Staying Healthy Archive

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Using food to stay hydrated

Foods are an important source of dietary fluids. For example, eating the recommended two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables each day might provide about two cups of fluid. Dairy products, smoothies, and soups also contribute to fluid intake. The amount of fluid to consume each day from food and drink depends on a person's body size and health needs. The National Academy of Medicine recommends about 11 cups (88 ounces) per day for women and 15 cups (120 ounces) per day for men.

The pleasure dome

A professional head shave done by a barber is an easy, no-fuss way to maintain a shaved head. But do-it-yourselfers can get a clean shave by following these simple steps: cut the hair close to the scalp with an electric trimmer; rinse with warm water; cover the head with shaving oil, gel, or foam; then shave in the direction of hair growth with an electric shaver or a cartridge or safety razor, or both for a close shave.

More than 2,200 steps a day might help you live longer

While the best health outcomes are linked to taking about 10,000 steps per day, people who walk as little as 2,200 steps may lower the odds of developing heart disease or dying early compared to those who walk fewer steps.

Best ways to recover from a muscle strain

Putting excessive stress on muscles can overstretch or tear muscle fibers. The resulting injury is called a muscle strain. The damage could be a small nick or lesion on muscle tissue. In severe cases, the muscle can rip into two separate pieces. If pain isn't severe, it helps to take a break from intense activity, massage the muscle or use topical creams containing menthol, take over-the-counter painkillers, stretch the muscle gently, get enough sleep, eat protein at every meal, and consume lots of fluids. If pain persists, it's best to see a doctor.

Why do I get so many mosquito bites?

A variety of factors seem to account for why mosquitoes bite some people more than others. These include a person's scent, blood type, and breathing patterns. People can minimize bites by using fragrance-free products and wearing long sleeves and pants.

Try this: Play dead

Spending several minutes lying on the ground in a resting supine pose can help people feel grounded by calming their body and mind.

5 great tips for sustainable summer living

Wondering how to save money, stay cooler, and be kinder to our planet during a long, hot summer? These five tips help ensure maximum fun and suggest ways to stay comfortable and safe this summer while making sustainable choices to benefit the environment.

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