Staying Hydrated – Why is it important to drink enough H20?

Leave a comment June 13, 2023 abenko2016

Amanda Benko | Intern UAB School of Education – CHHS

Staying Hydrated – Why is it important to drink enough H20

Did you know that water makes up most of your body weight and involves several vital functions, including removing waste from the body, regulating body temperature, and helping with brain function? It is essential to note that water plays an important part in our body’s functioning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022), getting enough water daily is necessary for your health. Drinking plenty of water every day can help you stay hydrated. It can help regulate body temperature, help keep our joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and ensure that organs function properly. In addition, being well-hydrated can help you improve the quality of your sleep, mood, and cognition. According to experts, one should drink approximately 11 cups of water daily for an average woman and around 16 cups for men. Water plays a vital role in various body functions, such as the digestion of food, absorption, circulation, and excretion. Research has shown that drinking plenty of water helps aid the transportation of nutrients, oxygen, and hormones all across the body, regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and assisting in waste control.

Drinking plenty of water also helps in the hydration of cells and tissues. As earlier noted, our bodies are composed mainly of water, and every cell, tissue, and organ depends on water for proper functioning. Proper hydration can help you maintain the balance of fluids within the body, enabling you to maintain optimal energy levels, enhance concentration, and improve one’s overall productivity. Studies also reiterate that drinking plenty of water is good for skin health. It can help keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, reducing the risk of dryness, wrinkles, and disorders affecting the skin. This helps promote a healthy complexion, possibly contributing to a more youthful experience.

In conclusion, water is essential to almost every part of your body. Drinking the recommended daily amount of water will help you maintain your current state of health and improve your overall health. If you are exercising or living in hotter regions, it is vital to increase your water intake to avoid dehydration. What steps do you find helpful to stay hydrated?

References

Water and healthier drinks. (2022, June 6). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html

Drowning Doesn’t Always Look Like Drowning!

Do People with Dogs Live Longer?

Leave a comment June 8, 2023 Jessica Feagin

By Terrie Johnson, Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

The benefits of owning a dog as a pet are great and shows that having a canine companion makes the owners happier and healthier. Taking a dog for a walk in the evenings or on weekends is refreshing, enabling the owner to unwind and refresh the mind. Furthermore, walking is a form of physical exercise that eliminates the possibility of leading a sedentary lifestyle that increases the risk of obesity and other lifestyle-related illnesses. Dog ownership has health benefits that emanate from walking the pet, the overall happiness that comes with being in charge of the dog, and the possibility of the dog saving the owner in times of crisis, such as a heart attack or an intrusion by a potentially harmful trespasser.

The benefits of owning a dog outweigh the maintenance costs and the time spent with the pet. Research shows that regular interactions with dogs increase the production of happiness-inducing hormones, such as serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine, all of which contribute to longer lives (Gee et al., 2021). Perpetually happy people tend to have reduced risks, such as the risk of self-harm originating from unmanageable stress levels (Powell et al., 2019). Correspondingly, research shows that owning a dog increases the owner’s mental health, effectively reducing depression while boosting life satisfaction levels (Rodriguez, 2019). Thus, dog ownership will likely increase as people become aware of the numerous benefits they stand to gain.

Dog ownership has always been a favorite hobby for millions worldwide. Most domestic dogs are obedient, can run errands, and alert the owner when an intruder approaches. The deep bond and calming effect are vital aspects of living, which makes life worth every moment. In line with this, people should embrace dog ownership to benefit from longer lives, but they should equally take optimal care of the pets to ensure they are healthy so that they can serve them well.

References

Gee, N. R., Rodriguez, K. E., Fine, A. H., & Trammell, J. P. (2021) dogs supporting human health and well-being: A biopsychosocial approach. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8. 630465. Doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.630465

Powell, L. et al. (2019). Companion dog acquisition and mental well-being: a community-based three-arm controlled study. BMC Public Health, 19(1428). 1-10 Doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7770-5

Rodriguez, A. (2019). Owning a dog can help you live longer, study suggests. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2019/10/08/aha-journal-study-owning-dog-may-help-you-live-longer/3907770002/

Say No to Road Rage!

Leave a comment June 8, 2023 Jessica Feagin

By Jessica Feagin, Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Road rage can be defined as uncontrolled or violent anger in response to a driving-related behavior, which is a factor in many fatal motor vehicle accidents (Progressive, 2022). Some examples of road rage could be yelling at each other, honking your horn, making rude gestures, tailgating, or weaving through traffic. More extreme examples of road rage could be a physical confrontation or intentional ramming into other cars. Most people experiencing road rage are usually deal with a stressful situation or some emotional crisis. Most people have probably dealt with road rage, even if they were calm. It is vital to handle the situation appropriately, not to make things worse and put yourself in danger.

According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s 2019 data, nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression, or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous 30 days (AAA, 2019.). In addition, an AAA Foundation study looked at over 10,000 road rage incidents over seven years, which resulted in at least 218 murders and 12,610 injuries.

If you are prone to road rage and think this has become a problem, some steps to take could be to get adequate rest, limit alcohol, leave earlier for your destination, play soothing music, be aware of your driving, and put pictures of your loved ones on the dashboard to remind you that you want to come home to them. If you are a victim or target of road rage, don’t make eye contact, pull off the road or take the next exit if necessary, calm yourself, don’t return gestures, change lanes if being tailgated, stay behind the angry person, and if someone wants to pass you, slow down and let them (Lawrence, 2003). If the road rager is following you, do not hesitate to call the authorities. Do not take a chance. That can be a very dangerous and serious situation. Protect yourself and others, and say no to road rage! Have you ever been a victim of road rage? If so, let us know about your experience and how you handled the situation.

References

Aggressive driving. (n.d.). AAA Exchange – Advocacy. Communication. Education. https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/aggressive-driving/

How to deal with aggressive drivers. (n.d.). An Insurance Company You Can Rely On | Progressive. https://www.progressive.com/answers/how-to-deal-with-aggressive-drivers/

Lawrence, J. (2003, February 3). Road rage root cause. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/women/features/root-cause-of-road-rage

Let’s Support The Lovelady Center!

The Power of the Banana Peel

Leave a comment June 6, 2023 Jessica Feagin

By Jessica Feagin | Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels.com

One evening while sitting in a hospital waiting room while my dad was in surgery, I noticed a man rubbing a banana peel across his face and arms. Naturally, I was wondering what he was doing, so I went to Google to search for the benefits of rubbing a banana peel on the body. Surprisingly, a banana peel has several health benefits in skin care, hair health, teeth whitening, and first aid.

Banana peels can be used for skin care by rubbing it on your face to reduce wrinkles and brighten skin, reduces puffiness by placing the peel on your eyes, hydrates the skin, helps fade acne scars, treat psoriasis, and removes warts by taping a piece of ripe banana peel over the wart and leaving it there overnight. It has been suggested in the cosmetic industry to use a banana peel as an ingredient in a hair mask to make your hair softer and shinier. Natural healing practitioners also claim that rubbing a banana peel on your teeth is good for teeth and gums, and if you do that every day, it may whiten your teeth. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties in banana peels can be used in first aid to relieve itch due to poison ivy, bug bite, or sunburn. It can also reduce the pain from a headache by placing a frozen banana peel on the forehead and back of your neck (Frothingham, n.d.).

The vitamin B6 in banana peels combined with high levels of tryptophan in bananas can relieve symptoms of mood disorders and depression and can help improve sleep. Banana peels rich in fiber can help regulate the digestive system, relieving diarrhea and constipation. The vitamin A in banana peels can help keep your eyes healthy and strong. Eating unripe and green banana peels can help reduce cancer risk by increasing antioxidant levels (WebMD Editorial Contributors, 2020). Some ways to make a banana peel more delicious is by blending it into smoothies, baking it with cinnamon and sugar, or caramelizing it with water and sugar to use as an ice cream topping.

Do you like bananas? So before you throw your banana peel in the trash, think twice about that and think about all the health benefits and the power that is within the banana peel.

References

Frothingham, S. (2019, August 29). 23 banana peel uses: For skin care, hair health, first aid, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/banana-peel-uses

WebMD. (n.d.). Banana peel: Health benefits, nutrients, preparation, and more. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-banana-peel

Good Sleep Matters!

Leave a comment June 3, 2023 Jessica Feagin

By Jessica Feagin, Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Getting proper and sound sleep is essential for everyone. It improves your health, brain performance, and mood. Not getting regularly appropriate and good sleep can increase the risk of many disorders, including stroke and heart disease, dementia, and obesity. We need quality sleep because sleep helps the brain prepare to learn, create, and remember (NIH, 2022).

When you’re sleeping, essential tasks that benefit your physical health by your body and brain are performed. For example, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, which defend against inflammation and illnesses. When you’re sick, these proteins increase in your body; however, when you’re sleep-deprived, the production of cytokines may dip, making you more vulnerable to viruses and colds. Good sleep is also beneficial for your heart. When you sleep, your heart rate and blood pressure decrease, allowing your cardiovascular system to slow down (Juli Fraga, 2022)

As a woman, we have heard about “getting your beauty rest.” Good sleep benefits your skin. When you’re asleep, collagen is produced, a protein that prevents wrinkles and repairs the skin. Conversely, insufficient sleep can produce cortisol, making your eyes red and puffy and causing skin flare-ups (Juli Fraga, 2022).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults ages 18-60 get seven or more hours of sleep per night. Tips provided by the CDC (2022) for better sleep are to:

Be consistent by going to bed at the same time at night and waking up at the same time each morning
Make sure your bedroom is relaxing, dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature
Remove all electronic devices from the bedroom
Avoid alcohol, large meals, and caffeine before bed
Exercise during the day to help you fall asleep more easily at night

Lack of proper sleep can impact your body in many ways. What tips do you have for those struggling to get a good night’s sleep?

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022b, September 13). Tips for better sleep. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html

Juli Fraga, Psy. D. (2022, February 25). Why sleep matters more than ever. Sleep.com. https://www.sleep.com/sleep-health/why-sleep-matters-more-than-ever

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, July 15). Good sleep for good health. National Institutes of Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/04/good-sleep-good-health

Buzz Off! Natural Mosquito Prevention

Tips to Avoid Mosquitoes, Naturally.

Mosquitoes can be a severe problem in the summer due to the warmer temperatures and lush vegetation that create optimal breeding conditions. In addition, mosquitoes can cause itching bites and serious diseases quickly. There are non-chemical mosquito repellents that work best.

Eliminating standing water is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents (Cocke, Geest & Shufran, 2022). Standing water is a vital component in mosquito breeding, and the more people can eliminate it ahead of time, the fewer mosquitos will be there. One of the most straightforward methods to accomplish this is to evaluate a property for any potential sources of standing water. The evaluation could include sewers, gutters, and dishes left outside in the water. In addition, investigate the area around any flower pots, bird baths, or other water sources. People who live in places with standing water for extended periods should consider filling them in with soil or other material to reduce or halt water flow. They should also ensure that any containers in their yard, such as garbage cans or buckets, are free of moisture and adequately covered.

Garlic oil or garlic powder has been used as a natural and effective mosquito repellent for centuries (da Silva & Ricci-Junior, 2020). When mosquitoes detect garlic, they avoid the area, which is advantageous if people live in a mosquito-prone location. In addition, sulfur compounds and a potent scent in garlic render it an effective natural mosquito repellent. One of the advantages of garlic is its enduring impact. When applied correctly, garlic can repel mosquitoes for three weeks. Garlic oil and garlic powder can create a natural mosquito repellent in diverse formulations. Using garlic powder or crushed garlic cloves on lawns and window sills has been successful. People residing in such locations also have the option to purchase commercial commodities that incorporate garlic oil, for instance, liquid sprays and candles.

In the southern United States, introducing beneficial insects into an outdoor area is an efficient yet simple technique to naturally repel mosquitoes (Gouagna et al., 2020). Ladybugs and dragonflies both serve vital roles in mosquito control. Ladybugs are well-known for their ravenous hunger for aphids, usually found on nectar-rich flowers and crops. Mosquitoes are also drawn to these plants; ladybugs can help control the invasion.

Planting insect-repelling plants is a simple technique to minimize mosquitoes. Due to the scent of these plants, which deters mosquitoes, they can be used as natural repellents. The most well-liked plant for preventing mosquitoes is a green plant called citronella, which may be grown in the yard or bought in candles or lanterns (Dhillon, Bains, & Kocher, 2021). Lemongrass possesses potential as a natural repellent, depending upon the geographical location. Consequently, introducing plants near residential areas, either in a garden, potted plants, or strategically placed foliage, can remarkably decrease the mosquito population. It is imperative to uphold one’s health while utilizing repellent plants, as mosquitoes tend to water excessively and decompose flora. Because of this, it is essential to stick to a watering schedule and ensure the plants get enough sunlight and nutrients. What method have you found that works to repel these pesky bugs?

References

Cocke, T. E., Geest, E. A., & Shufran, A. A. (2022). Learning about mosquitoes, diseases, and vectors: a classroom activity. Science Activities, 59(3), 142-150. https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2022.2071816

da Silva, M. R. M., & Ricci-Júnior, E. (2020). An approach to natural insect repellent formulations: from basic research to technological development. Acta tropica, 212, 105419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105419

Dhillon, G., Bains, S., & Kocher, D. K. (2021). Microencapsulated citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil as mosquito repellent finish for cotton. Agris Research Journal, 57(2), 275-279.

Gouagna, L. C., Damiens, D., Oliva, C. F., Boyer, S., Le Goff, G., Brengues, C., … & Fontenille, D. (2020). Strategic approach, advances, and challenges in the development and application of the SIT for area-wide control of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in Reunion Island. Insects, 11(11), 770. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11110770