Health Talk Today

Wellness

Brain Fitness – Free Crossword Puzzle

Are you in a rut? Doing the same things day after day? Or not doing much of anything at all? Have you become a couch potato?

We all have a daily routine: Regular times to eat, sleep, shower, watch TV and work. There’s nothing wrong with having a routine. As a full time caregiver for my mom, who’s no longer independent, I thrive on routine. That way, both of us know what needs to be done and the schedule keeps us on track.

But, stimulating your brain with something new is the way to learn and grow. It’s also one way to improve memory and concentration.

Brain exercise is an important part of staying healthy. One way to challenge your brain is to play games – Any game that you find fun and stimulating.

Here’s a free online crossword puzzle. There’s a new one every day, so come back often to play.

 

 

Games at Miniclip.com - Crossword Daily
Crossword Daily

Complete the crossword as quickly as you can.

 

 

 

Play this free game now!!

What other things can you do to improve memory?

Marilyn Kvasnok

Protect Yourself Against Swine Flu

The news is everywhere – On TV, radio, online and the newspaper. The speculation is that the Swine Flu breakout may become a pandemic. The key word is MAY. Right now, it is NOT a pandemic. Now is the time to take all the precautions we can to avoid this illness.

First we need to be able to recognize the Swine Flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.”

It’s time to take preventive measures:

  • Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish and soy.
  • Take your vitamins every day.
  • Keep your immune system strong. I like a natural interferon booster.
  • Drink lots of filtered water.
  • Wash your hands often. Soap and warm water kill most germs.
  • Use a hand sanitizer.
  • Use a saline nasal spray before you leave the house and when you return.
  • Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Avoid public restrooms, crowded waiting rooms and anywhere lots of people gather.
  • Avoid sick people. Unfortunately, people are most contagious just before they get sick.
  • Don’t share personal items, food or drinks.
  • Keep a positive attitude.
If you get sick:

  • Visit your doctor. There are tests to determine if you have a cold, seasonal influenza or the Swine Flu.
  • Prescription medication is available to help you feel better, keep the flu virus from reproducing in your system and possibly prevent complications.
  • Stay home. You need the rest and you don’t want to infect others.
  • Follow the guidelines above for prevention. They work well when you’re sick, too.

Prevention is the best course of action. Living a healthy lifestyle keeps your body in the best shape to ward off illnesses of all kinds. You can’t go back and do things over, but you can start from today and make a better future.

What are you doing to get healthy and stay healthy?

Marilyn Kvasnok

Migraine Headache Tips

If you’re getting a migraine, here are 4 things you can do that may help . . .

  • Take a walk. It relieves stress and stress can contribute to a migraine.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Warm your hands in a bowl of warm water to increase the blood flow to your hands and away from dilated vessels in your head.
  • Put a cold cloth on the back of your neck to take excess blood away from your head.

Changing your diet may help to avoid a migraine in the future. Foods that may trigger a migraine include . . .

  • White sugar
  • Red meat
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Safflower and canola oils

It’s difficult to make big changes to your diet. If you find you can’t quit these foods immediately, try to keep cutting back until you rarely eat them.

In addition to taking daily vitamins, here’s a list of extra supplements that have helped others . . .

Marilyn Kvasnok

Change Your Habits and Change Your Life

We’re all walking down the path of life, but where are we headed? I never used to think about it. I was much too busy taking care of today – And sometimes cleaning up after yesterday. But, if I don’t know where I’m headed, how do I know if and when I get there?

The habits we have are shaping our lives. We start them without even realizing it. And before we know it, the habit has become part of our lives. Whether it’s biting your nails, smoking or obsessive worrying, we have the power to overcome any habit.

A habit takes 30 days to ingrain itself into your life. And it’ll take 30 days to change it. Start today. Take control of just one habit. Change just one at a time. It doesn’t matter how long it takes. It only matters that you start moving in a more positive direction. And it’s never too late to start.

Marilyn Kvasnok

The Fountain of Youth

How would you like to feel 25 years younger and live 25 years longer?

Doesn’t everyone dream of feeling younger and living longer? Don’t we all just want to live healthy and happy? I do.

I’ve been a caregiver for about 40 years. My first challenge was caring for my mentally handicapped daughter. She was happy in her own very limited world. In some ways, she acted like a teenager. She wanted to drive a big, blue van. She wanted a boyfriend. And she wanted to get married. Today would have been her 39th birthday. She passed away 7 years ago from undetected cancer.

I’ve also taken care of my aunt for over 20 years. She had rheumetoid arthritis that affected her whole body. And COPD that made it difficult to breathe. She never complained, but as the years went on, she could do less and less. She passed away a year ago.

And now, I’ve taken care of my mother for the last 7 years. After a series of strokes, she had brain surgery to correct the problem. The surgery left her very much like a stroke surviver. She has a very positive attitude and exercises every day to keep the mobility she has – And continues to improve.

So after all this time, I’ve learned there may be some things beyond our control. On the other hand, we can take steps to help prevent or at least delay the onset of disease. I’ve made a personal decision to take my vitamins every day. I have a protein drink and take some extra supplements. I exercise and walk more, even with my arthritis.

I tried drinking a little red wine several times a week, for the resveratrol. But, I really don’t like wine. Now, I found an anti-aging tonic. One teaspoon has the resveratrol equivalent of 100 glasses of red wine. I’ll be adding this age defying tonic to my daily routine soon. It just may be the single most important thing I do for myself. It may not be the Fountain of Youth, but it’ll be close. I’ll report on my progress here.

Marilyn Kvasnok

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