Healthbolt » Health Tips

Guess What? Antibacterial Soap is NOT All That!

Liberty Kontranowski — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:35:44 +0000

As the kiddies head back to school (and back to scads of germ-acquiring opportunities) resist the urge to splurge on antibacterial soaps. Though the sheer impact of their title may make a weary parent squee with anticipation of heading off the beasties, antibacterial soaps are really no better than just plain soap and water.

True, many brands claim superiority, but the fact of the matter is that most of these drugstore soaps do not contain enough of the active ingredient triclosan to make them effective. In fact, in studies, families who used antibacterial soaps averaged the same number of germs on their mitts as those who lathered up with the old standby soap and water.

Lesson? Stick with plain old soap, but remember to wash often and well.

This has been your Healthbolt Easy Health Tip of the Day.

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Block Ear Infections with Sweets!

Liberty Kontranowski — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:03:24 +0000

You might think ear infections are reserved only for children, but I assure you that’s not the case. A little water left in your ear from the shower or a trip to the beach is all it takes to spawn one nasty infection. But good news awaits: chewing gum sweetened with xylitol can help reduce your risk of developing an inner ear infection by 40%!

I’ve reported on the merits of xylitol before, and now it seems you can add yet another reason to incorporate this sugar substitute made from the fiber of fruits and veggies into your life. Sounds good to me.

This has been your Healthbolt Easy Health Tip of the Day! That is all.

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Hey, Fellas! Floss for the Fight Against Disease.

Liberty Kontranowski — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:19:43 +0000

Guys, this one’s for you (although I’d imagine the findings would hold true – or at least be similar – for womenfolk as well.)

Harvard scientists have found a cheap disease-fighter that you probably (hopefully) already do: Flossing your teeth!

In their research, they found that out of 50,000 guys, those with gum disease had a 30% to 50% greater risk of kidney, blood or pancreatic cancer. Why? Possibly because the inflammation caused by gum disease can egg on the growth of cancer cells.

The key, of course, is to floss daily. And brush, too. Ahem.

This has been your Healthbolt Easy Health Tip of the Day. Go forth with fresh breath and shiny teeth, m’friends.

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The Sunday Sidebar…Green Health.

Liz Lewis — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:38:14 +0000

Everyone’s talking green this week with Earth Day (April 22) on the horizon.

So Healthbolt is going to talk green too. Green health that is.

Here’s our common sense tips to greener health…

Sleep more - not only is sleep good for your health, it’s also good for the environment. When you sleep, your energy consumption is significantly reduced.

Become a locavore – eating lots of fruit and vegetables will keep us healthy. Buying your fruit and vegetables locally will keep the planet healthy.

Cycle or walk to work – get fit and reduce vehicle emissions at the same time. Sounds like a win/win situation.

And here’s what others are saying about green health…

Treehugger suggests that you can Save Money – and Your Health – by Going Green.

Livesmarter offers 30 Environmentally Friendly (and effective) Alternatives to Traditional Medicines and Procedures.

And to add a little spice to your green reading, here’s a MSNBC report that looks at When sex toys turn green – for health, that is.

Got any green health tips to share?

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