Health Coach Corner - Maria Hicks

I thought it would be fun to share some random health tips with my readers. Since I am a health coach and I sign up for a lot of wellness related newsletters, blogs and magazines, I come across a lot of health tips. Some of them are new to me and quite interesting. I am going to share some fun health tips with you today. Please be sure to do your own research, if you are going to attempt to practice these tips or look into them further, if you just don’t believe it. My sources include Prevention magazine, Natural Health and various online blogs by health professionals.

So, here you go… Enjoy!

Find your memory with a walk – Do you put your keys down and forget where you put them? Try taking more walks – 40 minutes, 3 days a week can help prevent and even reverse memory loss with aging. That’s because moderate exercise increase BDNF, a protein associated with improved memory. Did you know 21% of Alzheimer’s cases are linked to too little physical activity?

The number of times a year you should replace your toothbrush: 4 times – to minimize exposure to thousands of cold & flu-causing microbes that set up shop in toothbrush bristles and handles. – Yuck! Looks like I will be replacing the head of my electric toothbrush very soon!

Ordinary B-vitamins can enhance human mental performance - and even increase happiness – make sure to eat plenty of whole grains!

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. – My friend who runs marathons always eats 2 bananas before a race!

Long term use of zinc lozenges for treating colds can temporarily suppress the immune system, just the opposite of what you want when fighting off a cold. It’s best to eat a diet high in fruits & vegetables to build your immune system!

Studies have shown that eating close to bedtime may enhance the storage of fat and promote weight gain. – Try eating your dinner a good 2-3 hours before bedtime, and focus on food (fuel) early in the day, rather than later in the day or evening.

Ice cream headaches are no myth - you really can get them from eating this frozen dessert. This is caused by blood vessel spasms, which are caused by the intense cold from the ice cream. The spasms interrupt the blood flow and cause the vessels to swell.

When buying shoes, it is always a good idea to buy them late in the day, when your feet are tired and may be slightly swollen. In this way you are unlikely to buy shoes that are too small.

Most people have lower back pain. This is because the lower back bears the weight of the upper body. It also twists and bends more than the upper back. – Stretch your back often and work on strengthening your lower abdominal muscles