Gear Up for Gardening

 

 

When it comes to staying safe when gardening, having the right clothing is just as important as having the right tools. With the right clothes you’ll not only stay comfortable but will be protected from minor injuries and mishaps too.

So before you start any garden project, whether large or small, take a moment to think about what you are wearing. Here are some clothing items you might want to invest in:

 

Hat
A good hat is a gardener’s friend. It will keep you warm in winter and protect you from sunburn during warmer months. Choose a hat that provides good protection without obstructing your view. You might want to avoid very large brims or tassels which could get caught on twigs and branches. When undertaking larger structural jobs in the garden, it’s wise to invest in a hardhat to protect you from falling debris.

 

Gloves
Whether you are weeding, digging or pruning, a pair of gardening gloves will protect your hands not only from the elements but from scratches and scrapes as well. And when handling plants, gloves will protect you from insect bites as well as the irritation and rashes that some plants can cause. It’s a good idea to have two pairs of gardening gloves – a thicker pair for heavy duty work and a thinner pair for when you need to be more nimble fingered – such as when handling seedlings.

 

Trousers
Trousers take a lot of wear and tear when gardening so you won’t want to wear your best pair when gardening. Good gardening trousers are made from material that is easy to move around in but that also dries quickly if it gets wet. You might want to add knee protectors if you spend a lot of time kneeling in the garden. And if the weather is particularly wet, you could also wear waterproofs over the top of your trousers to keep the moisture away from your skin.

 

Layers
It’s easy to get overheated when gardening. Even on a cool day you can soon build up a sweat once you get to work. It’s therefore a good idea to wear layers when gardening so that you can add or remove a layer as you get hotter or colder. You’ll find lightweight base layers in walking and outdoor shops which are specifically designed to move sweat away from your skin, keeping you comfortable.

 

Footwear
Think carefully about footwear, even if you are only planning to do some light gardening. Every year people sustain foot injuries caused by garden tools because they weren’t wearing the correct footwear. The ideal gardening shoes are robust, waterproof and breathable and will keep sweaty, soggy feet at bay.

Keep your gardening clothes clean and dry in between gardening sessions and your gear will serve you well for many years to come.

 

For more garden advice, visit: www.bbc.co.uk/gardening

 

Categories: garden, gardening, gardening gloves, gardening nbsp, nbsp, pair, Protect

Losing Touch: How to Better Protect Sensitive Teeth

 

Sensitive teeth are caused by a number of different things. No matter which one it is, the sensitivity is merely a result of the dentin in your teeth being exposed. This middle layer of the tooth contains many little tubules that all lead to different nerves, resulting in pain when you eat or drink something your teeth don’t agree with. Try these practices to help make your sensitive teeth stronger.

 

Brush and Floss Daily

Experts say you should brush at least twice per day, and floss at least once. With brushing, make sure your toothbrush is soft and you brush no harder than you would the skin of a tomato. Brushing too hard can further damage your teeth. With flossing, make sure to get each side of every tooth and change the strip of floss for each one, otherwise the bacteria spreads from tooth to tooth.

 

Limit Foods and Drinks

Acidic foods like those in the citrus family, and acidic drinks like tea and coffee are not dangerous when ingested in limited quantities. This drastically changes when you drink coffee four times per day, or eat five oranges. By limiting the acid that wears down the enamel on your teeth, you give them time to heal.

 

Use Fluoride

Fluoride has been long known to strengthen enamel. From toothpastes to mouthwashes, always choose brands with added fluoride. The reason it is so effective, is that it makes your teeth much more resistant to something known as demineralization. This process happens when the bacteria in plaque begin to leech the minerals from the enamel, resulting in tooth sensitivity and even cavities.

 

Teeth Grinding

If you grind your teeth out of habit or when you sleep, you need to stop. The continual action wears the teeth down very quickly. For night grinders, invest in a mouth guard. While it may feel a little weird at first, it will protect your teeth from themselves. Day grinders should be more aware of when they do it, and must do what they can to stop themselves as soon as it starts.

 

Regular Teeth Cleaning

Head down to your local Eastgate Dental Centre about once every six months. Dentists in Grimsby will give your teeth a proper clean, making sure to hit the spots you miss. This ensures that even if you don’t catch everything, you have someone who will.

 

Tooth sensitivity is not something you simply have to accept and live with. By starting a proper tooth cleaning regime, you can restore their natural defenses, and make your life more comfortable.

 

Categories: brush, Protect, sensitive teeth

Protect Your Health: Six Things You Should Do Now To Avoid Dangerous Health Issues In The Future

The actions that you take today can have a significant impact on your health over the next few decades. Taking the time to start living a healthier and smarter lifestyle can allow you to avoid diseases and other problems as you grow older. You should do six things now to avoid dangerous health issues in the future.

Stay Active Each Day

You should perform at least 15 minutes of exercise or 30 minutes of light activity each day. This can include walking, jogging, swimming, biking or doing basic exercises like sit-ups in the morning. Staying active promotes a good metabolism, burns fat and keeps your cardiovascular system healthy. It’s also important to keep moving throughout the day, even if you work at an office all day. Consider taking a short walk or getting up to get a drink every hour.

Begin Eating Healthy

You should start eating healthy now to receive the benefits that will last much longer than today. A balanced diet will include all the vitamins and nutrients necessary for the body to fight diseases and eliminate harmful substances. You should also eat a diet that includes the right portions to prevent obesity and diseases like diabetes.

Get an Annual Dental Checkup

You should visit a dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and examination. The dentist can prevent tooth loss and apply fillings when necessary. Dental checkups are important to keep teeth healthy so that you can continue eating a normal diet. According to the professionals at Kucey Dental Group, good oral hygiene can actually make a positive impact on your overall health, so it’s important to have a healthy smile.

Quit Bad Habits

Bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking can cause cumulative health problems that turn into major issues later. Excessive drinking can lead to liver failure and smoking can reduce lung function and cause cancer. You should quit these two bad habits immediately. Other bad habits to abandon for your health might include eating too much sugar, drinking soda instead of water and not exercising.

Reduce Stress

Constant or intense stress changes the way the body operates. It can lead to a number of problems like high blood pressure, depression and anxiety that could result in chronic diseases later. You should take steps to start reducing stress in your everyday life. This can include learning how to better cope with stress so that it does not harm your body.

Visit a Doctor Regularly

The most important step is to visit a doctor regularly. Doctors can perform diagnostics and assess minor symptoms to determine whether you need preventative treatments now. Doctors can often detect a disease before it grows into a systemic and life-threatening problem. You should visit a doctor at least once every year and report any symptoms honestly.

You need to be aware of your health at all times. Some of the smallest decisions you make every day can cause changes in your body as time goes on. You want to try to live as healthy a lifestyle as possible with regular dental checkups and visits to the doctor.

Categories: avoid, dangerous health issues, health, Protect

Anti-Ageing Foods To Add To Your Diet Now

We all know by now that antioxidants are fantastic in helping create an inner anti-ageing regime, to prime us for a healthier, longer and better looking life – both inside and outside. But do you know where to get these antioxidants from? There are certain foods which are better than others in packing our diets with these age fighters – here is a list of the best ingredients to add to your diet and why you should be eating more of them.

Cruciferous Vegetables and Leafy Greens

You have probably been told to eat your greens by your parents since you were a child, but there’s a good reason for this. These vegetables are loaded with nutrients, from calcium and folate to vitamin C, to support bone health, protect against cognitive decline and help to prevent eye problems which are associated with age. More significantly, studies show that they can also provide anti-cancer properties. Vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale and Swiss chard all count towards.

Apricots

A peach-like fruit, the apricot may seem humble but you may be surprised to learn that it’s packed with anti-ageing ingredients. The orange colour they possess comes from carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants which prevent heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and protect against cancer. The carotenoid beta-carotene can be converted by the body into vitamin A to contribute towards healthy eyes, skin and hair.

Berries

Berries have some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruits, with kale and spinach being the only vegetables to match berries in terms of antioxidant levels. Fresh berries have phytochemicals and colour pigments, known as anthocyanins, which have been shown to lower the risk of certain cancers, improve memory function and contribute towards healthy ageing. They also contain quercetin, a flavonol which is both an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen, to protect against heart disease and certain cancers.

Olive Oil

Mediterranean diets use a lot of olive oil, which contains health-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. These not only keep your heart healthy and reduce inflammation, but they also improve your skin circulation and digestion, and lower your cholesterol. All of these factors contribute towards a longer and healthier life.

Wild Alaskan Salmon

Staying on the side of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is rich in these healthy oils which offers a health boost. Selenium levels are high in salmon which protects healthy skin cells by fighting free radicals, which age the skin. Salmon also helps to protect the function of the thyroid, which keeps your weight in check and boosts your overall wellbeing.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are something found in foods so regularly we almost forget the properties they possess. But did you know that they can help to protect against sunburn? Studies show that people who ate tomatoes mixed with olive oil each day had 40 per cent less sunburn than those who consumed just olive oil. This is because tomatoes have lycopene in them, which protects the skin against oxidation that can lead to wrinkles and sun damages.

Raw Almonds

Almonds are loaded with vitamin E, which can be difficult to get from your diet. One small handful is enough to give you half of your daily dose, and this nutrient is great for protecting against ageing. It helps to protect the skin, as well as improving agility and speed as we age.

Avocado

Put them on salads, in sandwiches or as a topping to Mexican cuisine, but be sure to get them into your diet – avocados are packed with healthy fats and are also very high in vitamin E. The result? Shiny hair, glowing skin and a wrinkle-free complexion.

Categories: ageing, anti, anti ageing, anti-ageing, fatty acids, Food, Healthy, heart disease, nutrients, olive oil, Protect, skin

Men: Are You Doing Enough to Protect Your Sexual Health?

Sexually transmitted infections cause a vast number of health concerns, and can be passed on through either vaginal, oral or anal sex. The symptoms of STIs can include rashes, pain, unusual discharge or itching, but sometimes they have no symptoms whatsoever and cause silent damage to the wellness and wellbeing of your genitals and reproductive system. It is very important to avoid STIs, and the only way to ensure that you don’t catch one (or pass one on) is to practice safe sex.

 

Men who have male sexual partners should be especially careful as there are some infections that are most easily transmitted via anal sex, and are more commonly found in the gay community. That does not mean that straight men can afford to relax, though, as infections are common amongst straight and gay men. Unless you are in a long-term relationship (where you are both monogamous), it is extremely advisable to get tested for STIs on a regular basis. You can either choose to do this once a year or before having sex with a new partner.

 

When it comes to prevention, condoms are the best way to protect you against STIs, and they should be worn for vaginal, oral or anal sex. Don’t use condoms which are described as ‘natural’ as they do not protect against STIs – stick to the latex kind (or polyurethane if you are sensitive to latex) and make sure that you use the condoms correctly, following the instructions on the box. Remember that other methods that protect against pregnancy (such as spermicides, the coil, the pill etc.) do not guard against STIs.

 

Men should look out for symptoms such as pain during urination or the need to urinate more frequently. They may also discover blood in their urine. Discharge from the penis is also a danger sign, as are any bumps, sores or blisters on the penis.

Categories: anal sex, Condoms, health, nbsp, nbsp men, Protect, sexual, STIs, Symptoms, vaginal oral

Top Supplements for Men"s Health

For most men, there’s plenty of room for improvement where nutrition is concerned. It can be easy to develop nutritional blind spots when we prefer certain foods, so our body begins to lack vital vitamins and minerals as a result. Your body needs a balanced array of nutrients, however, to function effectively – this is especially the case if you’re exercising more and requiring more from your diet than simply day to day functions. Supplements can be useful in helping you achieve a smorgasbord of vitamins to keep you as healthy as possible. But you should also be boosting your diet with lesser thought of foods for nutrients that may be being forgotten. For example, lycopene is found in tomatoes and is a powerful antioxidants, and red yeast rice is a heart-healthy statin. Relying on supplements is bad for your health, but they have their plus sides in helping you stay on top of those oft-ignored areas of your diet. The correct supplements can provide you with the nutrients to stay ahead of your game and improve your wellbeing, staving off heart disease, bolstering your immune system and even improving your sex life. They shouldn’t be added to your diet with little thought though – you really need to consider what you’re missing and improve that area, rather than choosing a multivitamin for convenience.

 

If you’re suffering from brain drain, then the solution may be Acetyl L-Carnitine – this amino acid converts fats into energy and helps to boost the antioxidant activity in the body. It can also protect your brain from stress caused by ageing and alcohol when taken in supplement form. Some studies also suggest that it could help relieve some of the symptoms of mild depression. You can either take this from supplements or opt for dairy or meat products for a natural boost through your diet. If you’re having problems with erectile dysfunction, you may benefit from Korean red panax ginseng. 60 percent of men who suffered with this problem noticed an improvement when they used this supplement. It could also help protect your heart, according to researchers. High blood pressure can be reduced with coenzyme Q-10, or CoQ-10 for short, as well as boosting your ecSOD levels. This enzyme can protect your blood vessels, as well as boosting sperm quality and increase the speed that your body burns fat when you’re exercising. Meat, fish and broccoli are all great sources, but this can be found easily in supplement form.

 

Supplements are great for boosting your vitamin D levels, as this is notoriously difficult to obtain from your diet. Sunshine and fortified bread and cereals are your best source where your diet is concerned, but supplements are easier to ensure you get the right dosage. Vitamin D is vital for keeping your bones healthy, helping your body to absorb calcium and utilise it properly. Studies also suggest that it could help lower the risk of depression, colorectal cancer and heart disease. Fish oils are also a vital aspect of your diet, but often overlooked. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils from oily fish such as salmon or tuna can protect your heart, boost your good cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies also suggest that they can lower your risk of colon and prostate cancer, as well as improving inflammation. Your GP will be your best source of advice for any specific health concerns that you have, offering suggestions on supplements or nutrients that can resolve any gaps in your diet for improved wellbeing and overall health.

Categories: blood pressure, body, diet, fish oils, heart, heart disease, men's health, nutrients, Protect, supplement form, Supplements

Top Supplements for Men"s Health

For most men, there’s plenty of room for improvement where nutrition is concerned. It can be easy to develop nutritional blind spots when we prefer certain foods, so our body begins to lack vital vitamins and minerals as a result. Your body needs a balanced array of nutrients, however, to function effectively – this is especially the case if you’re exercising more and requiring more from your diet than simply day to day functions. Supplements can be useful in helping you achieve a smorgasbord of vitamins to keep you as healthy as possible. But you should also be boosting your diet with lesser thought of foods for nutrients that may be being forgotten. For example, lycopene is found in tomatoes and is a powerful antioxidants, and red yeast rice is a heart-healthy statin. Relying on supplements is bad for your health, but they have their plus sides in helping you stay on top of those oft-ignored areas of your diet. The correct supplements can provide you with the nutrients to stay ahead of your game and improve your wellbeing, staving off heart disease, bolstering your immune system and even improving your sex life. They shouldn’t be added to your diet with little thought though – you really need to consider what you’re missing and improve that area, rather than choosing a multivitamin for convenience.

 

If you’re suffering from brain drain, then the solution may be Acetyl L-Carnitine – this amino acid converts fats into energy and helps to boost the antioxidant activity in the body. It can also protect your brain from stress caused by ageing and alcohol when taken in supplement form. Some studies also suggest that it could help relieve some of the symptoms of mild depression. You can either take this from supplements or opt for dairy or meat products for a natural boost through your diet. If you’re having problems with erectile dysfunction, you may benefit from Korean red panax ginseng. 60 percent of men who suffered with this problem noticed an improvement when they used this supplement. It could also help protect your heart, according to researchers. High blood pressure can be reduced with coenzyme Q-10, or CoQ-10 for short, as well as boosting your ecSOD levels. This enzyme can protect your blood vessels, as well as boosting sperm quality and increase the speed that your body burns fat when you’re exercising. Meat, fish and broccoli are all great sources, but this can be found easily in supplement form.

 

Supplements are great for boosting your vitamin D levels, as this is notoriously difficult to obtain from your diet. Sunshine and fortified bread and cereals are your best source where your diet is concerned, but supplements are easier to ensure you get the right dosage. Vitamin D is vital for keeping your bones healthy, helping your body to absorb calcium and utilise it properly. Studies also suggest that it could help lower the risk of depression, colorectal cancer and heart disease. Fish oils are also a vital aspect of your diet, but often overlooked. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils from oily fish such as salmon or tuna can protect your heart, boost your good cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies also suggest that they can lower your risk of colon and prostate cancer, as well as improving inflammation. Your GP will be your best source of advice for any specific health concerns that you have, offering suggestions on supplements or nutrients that can resolve any gaps in your diet for improved wellbeing and overall health.

Categories: blood pressure, body, diet, fish oils, heart, heart disease, men's health, nutrients, Protect, supplement form, Supplements

How Are You Protecting Yourself From Cancer?

Cancer is often portrayed as an unstoppable, unavoidable disease. People feel scared and helpless at the idea that this devastating illness may strike at any time, and they are powerless to fight against it. The truth is, there are actually 10 things that you can do which will not only protect your immediate wellness and wellbeing, but will also reduce your chances of getting cancer.

1. Don’t smoke. It may seem like an obvious one, but smoking (and being exposed to cigarette smoke) significantly increases your chances of getting cancer, and not just lung cancer but other forms of cancer, too. Quitting smoking can be the best possible thing you can do for your health. Avoid others who smoke, too, as this second-hand smoke also contains up to 60 cancer causing agents.


2. Stay safe in the sun. Skin cancer can be prevented by reducing your exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. This can be done either through using a high SPF sun cream or avoiding being in the sun altogether. Stay out of the mid-day sun in particular, as this is when it is hottest.


3. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables. These types of food are packed full of antioxidants, which help to repair damaged cells in the body. Look out for green, yellow or orange fruits and vegetables as these are highest in antioxidants. Some fruits such as grapes and blueberries may also help to protect you against cancer.


4. Limit red meat. Some studies have shown that red meat increases your risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer. Due to the fat content of these meats, they can also lead to obesity which increases your chance of contracting various cancers.


5. Limit your alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that people who drink regularly are at greater risk of getting some types of cancer. Limit your intake of alcohol to protect your health and reduce your risk of cancer.


6. Exercise. Keeping fit increases your general health and reduces your chance of getting cancer. In order to benefit, you must exercise for 30 minutes, five times per week.


7. Know your family history. Some types of cancer have a hereditary element. If you are aware of cancers within your family, such as ovarian, colon and breast, you can then be vigilant about screenings for these types of cancer.


8. Know your workplace risks: If you work with chemicals, dust, fumes or similar, make sure you read up on the risks of exposure, as some types can lead to an increased risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor and manager about how you can stay safe at work.


9. Have safe sex. Some types of cervical cancer are caused by sexual contact. Safe sex should always be practised for your health, but can also reduce your risk of cancer.


10. See your doctor regularly. Report any worries to your GP and go for any regular screenings that you are due such as prostate exams and mammograms. Cancer is always most easily treated when caught early.

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How Are You Protecting Yourself From Cancer?

Categories: avoid, cancer, Protect

Keeping your Kids Safe

If we’re one thing as a species we’re protective of our offspring. We’ll go through hell to make sure they’re brought up right and in a safe environment and there’s no worse fear for a parent than having that control, that ability to protect their children taken away from them. There’s only so much a parent can do without wrapping their kids in bubble wrap and at the end of the day, it’s about how well you prepare your kids for the outside world. If they’re ready for it and they know how to handle poor situations the chances are that they’ll be able to look after themselves and you’ll be able to breathe a whole lot easier! So how’re you going to teach your kids to be safe?

 

Predators

This is good old fashioned stranger danger. Your kids should be taught from a young age that anyone they don’t know is potentially dangerous and shouldn’t be spoken too or approached. Encourage playing in large groups and make sure they know that they can say no if they’re asked to do something by a stranger. Make sure they know to find an adult they know if they get scared or need help.

 

Bullying

Confidence is key here, bullying isn’t a new thing but it’s universally difficult to tackle as the bullied party often feels unable to speak up. Make sure you kids know they can report a bully and that they shouldn’t be afraid to speak up against someone being physically or emotionally abusive to them or to anyone else. Along these lines try and get your children to understand that it’s okay for them to stand up for themselves or others.

 

Online

With the march of technology comes various issues and the above problems can occur just as readily and much more frequently online where there’s much more anonymity than offline. Teach your kids about common sense online and not taking everything they see for granted, put up filters where you think they’re important and make sure your kids understand that people they meet online are not to be trusted as they could literally be pretty much anyone.

Keeping your Kids Safe

Categories: Advice, Children, Protect