UTI: A Guide For Women

Women have more trouble with UTIs - as urinary tract infections are often called - than men. Women tend to get urinary tract infections more often than men because bacteria can reach the bladder more easily in women. If you want to prevent, stop, or treat any urinary tract infection you may have, here are some suggestions:

1. Watch out for symptoms.

Some of the most common symptoms include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, blood in the urine, cloudy, strong-smelling urine, and a burning sensation. Presence of bacteria in your urine is also an indication of an ongoing infection.

2. Go on antibiotics.

If you are in good health, antibiotics are enough to fight off urinary tract infections. Follow your doctor's orders regarding your prescription. Going overboard with antibiotics can lead you to develop a resistance to it. This can give you trouble if you need antibiotics in the future.

3. Make home remedies work for you.

Drinking plenty of water can help relieve the incontinence the infection causes. Water also helps to dilute your urine and helps flush out bacteria. Coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks can irritate your bladder and tend to aggravate your frequent or urgent need to urinate.

-Tin Gonzaga

Two Programs to Help You Quit Smoking

A lot of smokers find it hard to quit smoking because they subscribe to anti-smoking programs that do not really work. If you are frustrated with your current anti-smoking technique or program, here are some noteworthy stop smoking programs you can try to help you quit puffing on cancer sticks:

Smoke Away Stop Smoking Program

Smoke Away is a smoking cessation support program that includes a unique variety of traditional herbs that can help maintain your sense of health and well-being while breaking your smoking habit. It uses an all natural medicine range which helps ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Along with all of these, it also provides an audio support program that helps in reinforcing your decision to quit and keep you motivated.

Online Stop Smoking Program

Most people smoke due to physical and emotional stress caused by career and personal life demands. Online stop smoking programs are Internet-based smoking cessation programs that aim to guide smokers in quitting by providing information on health benefits, tips, and guidelines. Two primary examples are the Quit for Life Program and the SmokerAID program.

-Tin Gonzaga

Getting Pain Off Your Back

Back Pain is second only to common cold as one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and surgeries in the United States. Check which of these bad back habits you are guilty of:
1. You spend most of your time sitting.

Sitting puts 40% more pressure on your back and spine than standing. Take the edge of back pain by taking regular standing breaks. Walk around during lunch break or pop over to your colleague's cubicle instead of using IM. Taking a break from sitting can help reduce back pain.
2. You do crunches way too often.

A strong core makes for stronger back. But doing crunches way too often may actually cause you back pain. Just include crunches in a broader and varied routine. It also helps if you observe proper technique and do it sparingly.

3. Your purse is enormous.

Carrying everything in your purse is bad for your back. Your body elevates the shoulder carrying the bag, which throws your spine off-kilter. Doing this every day can cause back muscles to ache over time. Divide your stuff into two bags or carry only stuff that you really do need for the day.

-Tin Gonzaga

Stock Your Cart with Health

Your health, and that of your family, depends on what you buy and take home from the grocery. Take a closer look at your grocery cart and see what you need to keep in stock:

Popcorn

Low-fat popcorn is crunchy, delicious, and a source of whole grain fiber. Plus, you can enjoy a large, filling portion without the guilt. Look for popcorn made with fat-free butter or air-popped popcorn.

Whole grain cereal

Whole grain cereal is a nourishing start to your day. Choose a whole-grain bran cereal packed with fiber such as raisin bran or bran flakes. Add fruit and low-fat milk for the most nutritious start to your day.

Real fruit juice

If you find it hard to eat fruits, real fruit juice is the next best thing to whole fruit. Pick those labeled as real fruit juice or 100% juice. Anything less is likely to contain additional sugars that your body does not need.

Vegetarian pre-packaged food items

Look for frozen meals that feature lean protein, plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and a low-fat or simple sauce. Hummus dips, stuffed pita pockets, grilled chicken, and pickled vegetables are just some of your delicious choices.

-Tin Gonzaga

Don't Fall into a Stress Mess

Stress, in certain situations, is good for the body. For example, a brief bout of stress can give the immune system a beneficial boost in mobilizing all major types of immune cells, or leukocytes, to potential infection sites around the body. Some people also claim to work better and more efficiently under stress.

But stress is not without negative side effects. In excess:

1. Stress can make you look old.
Stress damage to DNA is the culprit behind wrinkles, gray hair, and diseases that can shorten your lifespan by speeding up the rate by which you age.

2. Stress can be counter-productive in excess.

Doing important things that require careful thinking, planning, and analysis in a short time can make your work shoddy. In addition, you may miss important details and botch up what should have been a good job.

3. Stress can cause muscle pain.

Stress - due to the presence of adrenaline - can make your muscle taut, rigid, and tense.
-Tin Gonzaga