Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Monday, July 12, 2010
How To Wash Your Own Shirts
Perhaps the most economical fashion tip you will ever learn is how to wash your own shirts. Of course, taking your shirts to a dry cleaner is easier; you drop them off and they come back clean and crisp. However, washing them yourself is not only economical but virtually guarantees longevity. The typical cotton men’s shirt is not made to be dry-cleaned with harsh chemicals. Yet, dropping them in a home washing machine or even taking them to the coin machines down the hall takes a little practice. In fact, knowing how to wash a shirt is much more a matter of water temperature, soap and adequate soaking time than anything else.
Your most expensive shirts will last longer if you took the time to do them by hand. While you will have to take the time to care for them yourself, you will soon find that this time will become less and less each week as you progress in knowing how to care for your wardrobe. Thus, here are your best options for doing the job yourself and learning how to wash your own shirts.
WASH YOUR OWN SHIRTS: THE BASICS
Before you put soap and water to your shirts you must first read the care labels stitched inside. Designers and manufacturers actually do care about how you clean their garments and these labels are your guide. In fact, some shirts truly should be dry-cleaned only. If you don’t understand these symbols you should check out the extensive listing included in the AskMen.com Style Bible that categorizes and explains each symbol in detail. Your next step is to remove collar stays and button up the collar and a few chest buttons to prevent the shirt from becoming twisted and entwined in the machine’s agitator or with other garments that put far too much stress on the seams and fabric.
Wash your own shirts at home
A conventional washing machine is designed for convenience of use and not the preservation of your favorite shirt. Therefore, read the operating instructions and then wash your shirts on a delicate or hand-washable setting. This will slow down the revolutions and actions of the center agitator. Some newer machines do not use an agitator, however, you still want to use a lighter-action setting. Warm and cold water are best for maintaining a shirt with colors. White shirts will require hot water and a dash of real bleach from time to time to keep the collar clean and free of stain buildups. When possible, opt for a hypoallergenic, high-efficiency detergent without dyes or scents. All of those extra additives may seem appealing in a store but they break down the fibers in clothing and add an additional scent to your grooming regime. A color-safe bleach is appropriate for a shirt with color stitching or designs, but use these sparingly as well.Wash your own shirts in a hotel
Don’t be afraid to pack a little laundry detergent in your shaving kit when you travel. Many laundry detergent manufacturers now make a one-load size travel packet that meets the new airline rules for soaps and other toiletries. They are often sold in multipacks with an individual packet costing you less than one U.S. dollar. Larger department stores carry a variety of brands and you can often buy these in the sundry shops of larger hotels, but plan ahead and toss a few packets into your case anyway.
While these packets are made to use with a full-size machine, you can easily use them to wash a few shirts in your hotel bathroom tub or sink. First, brush off as much dirt and grime from the shirt as you can. Second, soak the shirt in lukewarm water. Remove the shirt from the water and mix in a few shakes of the detergent, but not the whole packet. Then, soak the shirt in the mix. Be careful with your hands, however, as you are using a chemical-based detergent. Carefully remove the shirt and rinse it under the shower head, or drain the sink or tub and soak it again in cold, clean water. Let the shirt dry on a hanger from the shower rod or over a towel in the closet. If you don’t have a detergent handy then use a little (mild) bar soap mixed into the water. This may not remove any stains, but it will clean the shirt and give you a fresh scent in the morning.
FASHION DIY
The other perk of sending your shirts out is that you never have to touch an iron, which is time-consuming. Yet, this too begins to pay for itself over time. Many cleaners and laundry services use too much heat and effectively burn the fabric of your shirts. Soon the seams, collar and cuffs will look faded giving your shirt an uneven finish.
By doing the ironing yourself you can control the levels of heat and starch. Begin with the collars and cuffs, move to the arms and then the trunk of the shirt. In time, you’ll learn how to do this without thinking. Ironing your shirt in your hotel room will be easy after you’ve washed it in the sink. Some rooms come with an iron and board but no starch, which only means you’ll have to use the spray and steam button on the iron. The creases will not hold as long but it’ll do for traveling.
Other hotels would prefer you to send your shirts and items to their laundry service -- but this is costly and risky. And yes, a travel iron is all you need. They are easy to pack, cheap, simple to use, and could be just the right size for your apartment or office. Once you know how to wash and care for your shirts at home the rest is just a matter of knowing what to pack.
Your most expensive shirts will last longer if you took the time to do them by hand. While you will have to take the time to care for them yourself, you will soon find that this time will become less and less each week as you progress in knowing how to care for your wardrobe. Thus, here are your best options for doing the job yourself and learning how to wash your own shirts.
WASH YOUR OWN SHIRTS: THE BASICS
Before you put soap and water to your shirts you must first read the care labels stitched inside. Designers and manufacturers actually do care about how you clean their garments and these labels are your guide. In fact, some shirts truly should be dry-cleaned only. If you don’t understand these symbols you should check out the extensive listing included in the AskMen.com Style Bible that categorizes and explains each symbol in detail. Your next step is to remove collar stays and button up the collar and a few chest buttons to prevent the shirt from becoming twisted and entwined in the machine’s agitator or with other garments that put far too much stress on the seams and fabric.
Wash your own shirts at home
A conventional washing machine is designed for convenience of use and not the preservation of your favorite shirt. Therefore, read the operating instructions and then wash your shirts on a delicate or hand-washable setting. This will slow down the revolutions and actions of the center agitator. Some newer machines do not use an agitator, however, you still want to use a lighter-action setting. Warm and cold water are best for maintaining a shirt with colors. White shirts will require hot water and a dash of real bleach from time to time to keep the collar clean and free of stain buildups. When possible, opt for a hypoallergenic, high-efficiency detergent without dyes or scents. All of those extra additives may seem appealing in a store but they break down the fibers in clothing and add an additional scent to your grooming regime. A color-safe bleach is appropriate for a shirt with color stitching or designs, but use these sparingly as well.Wash your own shirts in a hotel
Don’t be afraid to pack a little laundry detergent in your shaving kit when you travel. Many laundry detergent manufacturers now make a one-load size travel packet that meets the new airline rules for soaps and other toiletries. They are often sold in multipacks with an individual packet costing you less than one U.S. dollar. Larger department stores carry a variety of brands and you can often buy these in the sundry shops of larger hotels, but plan ahead and toss a few packets into your case anyway.
While these packets are made to use with a full-size machine, you can easily use them to wash a few shirts in your hotel bathroom tub or sink. First, brush off as much dirt and grime from the shirt as you can. Second, soak the shirt in lukewarm water. Remove the shirt from the water and mix in a few shakes of the detergent, but not the whole packet. Then, soak the shirt in the mix. Be careful with your hands, however, as you are using a chemical-based detergent. Carefully remove the shirt and rinse it under the shower head, or drain the sink or tub and soak it again in cold, clean water. Let the shirt dry on a hanger from the shower rod or over a towel in the closet. If you don’t have a detergent handy then use a little (mild) bar soap mixed into the water. This may not remove any stains, but it will clean the shirt and give you a fresh scent in the morning.
FASHION DIY
The other perk of sending your shirts out is that you never have to touch an iron, which is time-consuming. Yet, this too begins to pay for itself over time. Many cleaners and laundry services use too much heat and effectively burn the fabric of your shirts. Soon the seams, collar and cuffs will look faded giving your shirt an uneven finish.
By doing the ironing yourself you can control the levels of heat and starch. Begin with the collars and cuffs, move to the arms and then the trunk of the shirt. In time, you’ll learn how to do this without thinking. Ironing your shirt in your hotel room will be easy after you’ve washed it in the sink. Some rooms come with an iron and board but no starch, which only means you’ll have to use the spray and steam button on the iron. The creases will not hold as long but it’ll do for traveling.
Other hotels would prefer you to send your shirts and items to their laundry service -- but this is costly and risky. And yes, a travel iron is all you need. They are easy to pack, cheap, simple to use, and could be just the right size for your apartment or office. Once you know how to wash and care for your shirts at home the rest is just a matter of knowing what to pack.
Best Powder Proteins
Every man should have at least one jug of powder protein. The nutritionists out there may disagree with us, making the argument that powder proteins aren’t natural or necessary and that we can attain all the protein we need from natural foods. We wouldn’t disagree. The truth is, however, that we don’t. Here’s why: We eat too infrequently, we make poor food quality choices and we generally eat the wrong nutrients in the wrong quantities at the wrong times. Having powder protein can help supplement your diet by providing a quick and easy quality protein source.
Powder protein can generally be broken down into three types: whey, whey/casein blend and whey/simple carbohydrate blend. These protein choices each have their advantages (yes, after we state these advantages we’re going to get into which are the best powder proteins out there):
Whey:
Relatively inexpensive
Increases training-related fat loss if consumed immediately before or after training
Increases protein synthesis (building) if taken immediately before or after training
Rapidly digested and absorbed and, therefore, a quick source of protein
Whey/casein blend:
Provides rapidly digested and absorbed (whey) and more slowly digested and absorbed (casein) protein sources, creating a time-release delivery of quality protein
Superior to whey protein regarding increases in training-related fat loss when consumed immediately before or after training
Better option for “snacks” or additional meals (meal can be made somewhat complete by adding a fruit/vegetable and some nuts)
Whey/simple carb blend:
Whey protein and simple carbohydrates are the most rapidly digested and absorbed form of protein and carbs, respectively
Protein taken in conjunction with carbohydrates leads to substantially greater increases in protein synthesis compared to taking protein alone
The addition of carbohydrates improves delivery of protein to the muscle and helps replenish depleted glycogen (read: carbohydrate) stores within the body
Best option for men that are trying to gain muscle mass and/or doing high intensity conditioning.
With all that said, there are terrible quality powder proteins with great marketing campaigns. In the grand scheme of things, most people choose their protein based on the effectiveness of the marketing, not the product itself. Below are five of the best powder proteins of high quality from reputable, results-driven companies.
Met-Rx 100% Natural Whey
One of the major problems with supplements is that they aren’t regulated. Quite simply, this means that your supplements may not contain what the wrapper says they do. Research investigating the purity of supplements elucidated that as many as 15% to 20% of supplements have traces of some anabolics and/or prohormones (sufficient to make you fail a drug test). That’s a scary statistics. In general, the FDA retrospectively examines supplements after a certain complaint or suspicion level is reached, meaning it’s pretty easy for “tainted” supplements to pass under the radar.
Met-Rx powder proteins, however, are among a limited few that are NCAA compliant, meaning they hold themselves to high standards regarding the purity of the ingredients. One-hundred percent natural whey is a quality whey protein source, offering 23g per serving with 5g of BCAAs to help maximize the effectiveness of this supplement as a post-workout option.
CytoSport Cyto Gainer
CytoSport is another company with a pretty good reputation. Cyto Gainer is a high calorie (570 per serving) powder protein option. With 54 grams of protein and 75 grams of carbohydrates (including 4 grams of fiber), it’s well-suited for lean men who are hardgainers and need to get the extra calories in wherever they can.
Cyto Gainer includes a mix of rapidly digested protein, rapid and slowly digested carbohydrates, and a mix of vitamins and minerals, making it a great post-training supplement or near-breakfast meal replacement/supplement option.
CytoSport Muscle Milk
One of the most important qualities of a powder protein, and one that we haven’t mentioned up to this point, is the taste. When it comes to taste, CytoSport is known for having supplements that taste more like dessert than health food. Muscle Milk is no exception. It includes a whey and casein protein blend, which provides a quality mix of rapidly and more slowly digested/absorbed proteins. Muscle Milk also has 5 grams of fiber, which is a great addition for men that consume insufficient (less than 30 grams per day, which is almost all men) fiber in their diet.
Biotest Surge Recovery
Biotest has a reputation of transformation. The company’s high-quality powder protein supplements are often the “man behind the mirror” for men that train their way from scrawny to brawny. While marketed as a recovery supplement, Surge Recovery is one of the best muscle-building supplement options out there. If your stomach can permit it, one of the best options for taking this supplement is to consume half a serving immediately before you start training and half a serving immediately after. About mid-way through your training you’ll start to notice an energy boost, as the rapidly digested whey protein and simple carbohydrate enter the blood stream and are delivered to your muscles. Surge Recovery’s ingredients are optimal for facilitating recovery from brutal high-intensity training sessions and for maximizing muscle growth.
Biotest Low-Carb Metabolic Drive
If we could only pick one powder protein that we think every man should own, it’s this one. The flavor, especially chocolate, is second-to-none and makes for a great additional protein source in meals like oatmeal, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, and smoothies (all of which could be combined with peanut butter to make your meal taste like Reese’s).
Because Low-Carb Metabolic Drive includes a combination of whey and casein protein, and because it’s low in carbohydrates (by name), it’s the perfect option as part of an additional or supplemental meal for anytime of the day (high-carb meals should be avoided late in your day). It also boasts a quality amino acid profile, conducive to replenishing lost nutrients during training. Low-Carb Metabolic Drive can be taken anytime throughout the day as part of a supplemental meal, and before or after training to help facilitate fat loss, recovery and muscle building. It’s a great place to start for people that don’t want to diversify their protein powder portfolio.
PROTEIN ROTATION AND VEGAN OPTIONS
Regardless of your protein supplement of choice, it’s important to rotate both the type and the brand of protein you consume. Your body will eventually adapt to anything you take in and extended consumption of the same products can lead to a form of food allergy, with symptoms that range from irritation of your digestive system to stuffy noses. If you’re lactose intolerant or morally against milk-based proteins, TrueProtein.com offers a variety of non-milk-based proteins (e.g., soy, bean, rice, etc.) for you to choose from. Rotate your proteins among high-quality options and prime yourself for long-term success.
Resources:
www.metrx.com
www.bodybuilding.com
www.tmuscle.com
www.tmuscle.com
Powder protein can generally be broken down into three types: whey, whey/casein blend and whey/simple carbohydrate blend. These protein choices each have their advantages (yes, after we state these advantages we’re going to get into which are the best powder proteins out there):
Whey:
Relatively inexpensive
Increases training-related fat loss if consumed immediately before or after training
Increases protein synthesis (building) if taken immediately before or after training
Rapidly digested and absorbed and, therefore, a quick source of protein
Whey/casein blend:
Provides rapidly digested and absorbed (whey) and more slowly digested and absorbed (casein) protein sources, creating a time-release delivery of quality protein
Superior to whey protein regarding increases in training-related fat loss when consumed immediately before or after training
Better option for “snacks” or additional meals (meal can be made somewhat complete by adding a fruit/vegetable and some nuts)
Whey/simple carb blend:
Whey protein and simple carbohydrates are the most rapidly digested and absorbed form of protein and carbs, respectively
Protein taken in conjunction with carbohydrates leads to substantially greater increases in protein synthesis compared to taking protein alone
The addition of carbohydrates improves delivery of protein to the muscle and helps replenish depleted glycogen (read: carbohydrate) stores within the body
Best option for men that are trying to gain muscle mass and/or doing high intensity conditioning.
With all that said, there are terrible quality powder proteins with great marketing campaigns. In the grand scheme of things, most people choose their protein based on the effectiveness of the marketing, not the product itself. Below are five of the best powder proteins of high quality from reputable, results-driven companies.
Met-Rx 100% Natural Whey
One of the major problems with supplements is that they aren’t regulated. Quite simply, this means that your supplements may not contain what the wrapper says they do. Research investigating the purity of supplements elucidated that as many as 15% to 20% of supplements have traces of some anabolics and/or prohormones (sufficient to make you fail a drug test). That’s a scary statistics. In general, the FDA retrospectively examines supplements after a certain complaint or suspicion level is reached, meaning it’s pretty easy for “tainted” supplements to pass under the radar.
Met-Rx powder proteins, however, are among a limited few that are NCAA compliant, meaning they hold themselves to high standards regarding the purity of the ingredients. One-hundred percent natural whey is a quality whey protein source, offering 23g per serving with 5g of BCAAs to help maximize the effectiveness of this supplement as a post-workout option.
CytoSport Cyto Gainer
CytoSport is another company with a pretty good reputation. Cyto Gainer is a high calorie (570 per serving) powder protein option. With 54 grams of protein and 75 grams of carbohydrates (including 4 grams of fiber), it’s well-suited for lean men who are hardgainers and need to get the extra calories in wherever they can.
Cyto Gainer includes a mix of rapidly digested protein, rapid and slowly digested carbohydrates, and a mix of vitamins and minerals, making it a great post-training supplement or near-breakfast meal replacement/supplement option.
CytoSport Muscle Milk
One of the most important qualities of a powder protein, and one that we haven’t mentioned up to this point, is the taste. When it comes to taste, CytoSport is known for having supplements that taste more like dessert than health food. Muscle Milk is no exception. It includes a whey and casein protein blend, which provides a quality mix of rapidly and more slowly digested/absorbed proteins. Muscle Milk also has 5 grams of fiber, which is a great addition for men that consume insufficient (less than 30 grams per day, which is almost all men) fiber in their diet.
Biotest Surge Recovery
Biotest has a reputation of transformation. The company’s high-quality powder protein supplements are often the “man behind the mirror” for men that train their way from scrawny to brawny. While marketed as a recovery supplement, Surge Recovery is one of the best muscle-building supplement options out there. If your stomach can permit it, one of the best options for taking this supplement is to consume half a serving immediately before you start training and half a serving immediately after. About mid-way through your training you’ll start to notice an energy boost, as the rapidly digested whey protein and simple carbohydrate enter the blood stream and are delivered to your muscles. Surge Recovery’s ingredients are optimal for facilitating recovery from brutal high-intensity training sessions and for maximizing muscle growth.
Biotest Low-Carb Metabolic Drive
If we could only pick one powder protein that we think every man should own, it’s this one. The flavor, especially chocolate, is second-to-none and makes for a great additional protein source in meals like oatmeal, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, and smoothies (all of which could be combined with peanut butter to make your meal taste like Reese’s).
Because Low-Carb Metabolic Drive includes a combination of whey and casein protein, and because it’s low in carbohydrates (by name), it’s the perfect option as part of an additional or supplemental meal for anytime of the day (high-carb meals should be avoided late in your day). It also boasts a quality amino acid profile, conducive to replenishing lost nutrients during training. Low-Carb Metabolic Drive can be taken anytime throughout the day as part of a supplemental meal, and before or after training to help facilitate fat loss, recovery and muscle building. It’s a great place to start for people that don’t want to diversify their protein powder portfolio.
PROTEIN ROTATION AND VEGAN OPTIONS
Regardless of your protein supplement of choice, it’s important to rotate both the type and the brand of protein you consume. Your body will eventually adapt to anything you take in and extended consumption of the same products can lead to a form of food allergy, with symptoms that range from irritation of your digestive system to stuffy noses. If you’re lactose intolerant or morally against milk-based proteins, TrueProtein.com offers a variety of non-milk-based proteins (e.g., soy, bean, rice, etc.) for you to choose from. Rotate your proteins among high-quality options and prime yourself for long-term success.
Resources:
www.metrx.com
www.bodybuilding.com
www.tmuscle.com
www.tmuscle.com
6 Healthy Habits For Living Longer
Do you eat breakfast everyday? Do you always take the stairs? Whatever your daily habits are, there’s no denying that they impact your health. Even though the things we do as part of our daily routines might seem small, over time the small things can add up. So, by keeping your daily habits healthy, you can literally add years to your life.
Here are six daily habits for living longer.
1- Always opt for exercise
Technology exists to make our lives easier, but it doesn't always make us healthier. Daily exercise, however, is a definite boon to health. In fact, studies suggest that daily exercise can add up to three years to your life. Although finding time for structured exercise can be pretty much impossible for many guys, the good news is that opportunity for exercise is everywhere -- just be creative. Whenever you can, walk to work. You don’t even have to walk the whole way. If you take public transit, just get off a few blocks sooner and enjoy a stroll. If you live or work in a high-rise building, just take the stairs. It’s really that simple.
2- Eat a healthy breakfast
Including breakfast in your daily routine is a great healthy habit for living longer. Over the years, researchers have found that those who eat an early morning meal are less likely to be obese and get diabetes compared with those who don’t. Breakfast-eaters also report feeling better both mentally and physically. All in all, it seems that eating breakfast is a great and healthy way to start your day. To get the full benefits of breakfast, though, the Mayo Clinic recommends a meal with carbs, protein and a small amount of fat. The key is to keep your meals varied to ensure you get a good mix of nutrients, so spice up your breakfast diet every once in a while.
3- Get enough sleep
A lack of quality sleep can shorten your life. At least that’s the conclusion drawn from a number of studies conducted over the past decade. Although it’s not entirely clear how many hours of sleep we really need, failing to get at least seven hours of sleep or only sleeping at odd hours appears to heighten the risk of major illnesses including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. But it’s not just a lack of sleep that can be dangerous; a lack of relaxation can leave a lasting mark as well. We all know that stress and anxiety are killers, and so it follows that finding ways to relax each day can be a lifesaver. Whether it’s classical music, massage therapy or meditation, whatever you use to relax will most certainly add years to your life. It may even help you sleep better.
4- Brush and floss daily
Flossing can add 6.4 years to your life, says Dr. Michael Roizen in his book The RealAge Makeover. Although that estimate might be a little far-fetched, the thinking behind it is probably pretty sound. The reality is that poor oral hygiene can lead to nasty gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. These inflammatory diseases can actually lead to a narrowing of the arteries, a common cause of cardiovascular disease. By simply brushing and flossing daily, we rid our mouths of the bacteria that cause inflammatory gum disease and save our heart a little bit of trouble.
5- Stay in touch with friends
There’s an old saying that says a good friend is cheaper than therapy. Oddly enough, researchers now hold this to be true, though it’s not just about friends; any social network, whether it be through church, a sports club or cooking class, can positively impact your physical and mental well-being. Social networks can provide us with useful information, like encouragement to go see a doctor; they can give physical support, like helping us run errands; and they can provide emotional support, like listening to our problems to help us overcome depression and anxiety. All of these seemingly minor perks can literally add years to our lives.
6- Stay hydrated
Our bodies are nearly 70% water, so it should come as no surprise that water is essential to maintaining health and prolonging life. We use water to regulate body temperature, protect our joints and organs, and to help transport oxygen to cells. But in order for water to keep our bodies in check, we need to make sure that its levels are constantly replenished. The solution is simple: hydrate. Although the common prescription of drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day has been called a myth, the message isn’t necessarily a bad one. As long as you hydrate frequently, from various sources, not just water, you’re probably in the clear. Let your thirst be your guide and drink to life!
MAKING DAILY HABITS COUNT
Many of us are set in our daily routines. We eat the same meal, wear the same clothes, take the same route to work, and work the same old job. But what we sometimes fail to recognize is the huge impact that our daily routines can have on our health. By making just a few small changes here and there -- and sticking to them -- you can add a significant number of years to your life. Although change isn’t always easy, it can be done. Set small goals, ease in changes one at a time and it won’t be long before you notice a positive change to your health and mood.
Resources:
www.msnbc.msn.com
www.webmd.com
www.washingtonpost.com
www.webmd.com
http://longevity.about.com
www.webmd.com
www.scientificamerican.com
Here are six daily habits for living longer.
1- Always opt for exercise
Technology exists to make our lives easier, but it doesn't always make us healthier. Daily exercise, however, is a definite boon to health. In fact, studies suggest that daily exercise can add up to three years to your life. Although finding time for structured exercise can be pretty much impossible for many guys, the good news is that opportunity for exercise is everywhere -- just be creative. Whenever you can, walk to work. You don’t even have to walk the whole way. If you take public transit, just get off a few blocks sooner and enjoy a stroll. If you live or work in a high-rise building, just take the stairs. It’s really that simple.
2- Eat a healthy breakfast
Including breakfast in your daily routine is a great healthy habit for living longer. Over the years, researchers have found that those who eat an early morning meal are less likely to be obese and get diabetes compared with those who don’t. Breakfast-eaters also report feeling better both mentally and physically. All in all, it seems that eating breakfast is a great and healthy way to start your day. To get the full benefits of breakfast, though, the Mayo Clinic recommends a meal with carbs, protein and a small amount of fat. The key is to keep your meals varied to ensure you get a good mix of nutrients, so spice up your breakfast diet every once in a while.
3- Get enough sleep
A lack of quality sleep can shorten your life. At least that’s the conclusion drawn from a number of studies conducted over the past decade. Although it’s not entirely clear how many hours of sleep we really need, failing to get at least seven hours of sleep or only sleeping at odd hours appears to heighten the risk of major illnesses including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. But it’s not just a lack of sleep that can be dangerous; a lack of relaxation can leave a lasting mark as well. We all know that stress and anxiety are killers, and so it follows that finding ways to relax each day can be a lifesaver. Whether it’s classical music, massage therapy or meditation, whatever you use to relax will most certainly add years to your life. It may even help you sleep better.
4- Brush and floss daily
Flossing can add 6.4 years to your life, says Dr. Michael Roizen in his book The RealAge Makeover. Although that estimate might be a little far-fetched, the thinking behind it is probably pretty sound. The reality is that poor oral hygiene can lead to nasty gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. These inflammatory diseases can actually lead to a narrowing of the arteries, a common cause of cardiovascular disease. By simply brushing and flossing daily, we rid our mouths of the bacteria that cause inflammatory gum disease and save our heart a little bit of trouble.
5- Stay in touch with friends
There’s an old saying that says a good friend is cheaper than therapy. Oddly enough, researchers now hold this to be true, though it’s not just about friends; any social network, whether it be through church, a sports club or cooking class, can positively impact your physical and mental well-being. Social networks can provide us with useful information, like encouragement to go see a doctor; they can give physical support, like helping us run errands; and they can provide emotional support, like listening to our problems to help us overcome depression and anxiety. All of these seemingly minor perks can literally add years to our lives.
6- Stay hydrated
Our bodies are nearly 70% water, so it should come as no surprise that water is essential to maintaining health and prolonging life. We use water to regulate body temperature, protect our joints and organs, and to help transport oxygen to cells. But in order for water to keep our bodies in check, we need to make sure that its levels are constantly replenished. The solution is simple: hydrate. Although the common prescription of drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day has been called a myth, the message isn’t necessarily a bad one. As long as you hydrate frequently, from various sources, not just water, you’re probably in the clear. Let your thirst be your guide and drink to life!
MAKING DAILY HABITS COUNT
Many of us are set in our daily routines. We eat the same meal, wear the same clothes, take the same route to work, and work the same old job. But what we sometimes fail to recognize is the huge impact that our daily routines can have on our health. By making just a few small changes here and there -- and sticking to them -- you can add a significant number of years to your life. Although change isn’t always easy, it can be done. Set small goals, ease in changes one at a time and it won’t be long before you notice a positive change to your health and mood.
Resources:
www.msnbc.msn.com
www.webmd.com
www.washingtonpost.com
www.webmd.com
http://longevity.about.com
www.webmd.com
www.scientificamerican.com
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