http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/lifestyle/bone-and-joint-health-the-key-to-senior-independence.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/lifestyle/bone-and-joint-health-the-key-to-senior-independence.html Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:48:46 -0500
What is osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bone has deteriorated, causing them to become fragile and break easily. It is most common among women but can affect men as well. It is usually seen in people over age 50 and accounts for over 1.5 million fractures per year.

The body is constantly removing old bone and replacing it with new bone. After age 30, we loose bone more quickly than it is replaced and as we age, this process speeds up. There are no symptoms of osteoporosis and a person may not even realize that they have it until they suffer a break.

Risk factors for osteoporosis

People who are at a higher risk for getting osteoporosis include those who have not consumed a great deal of foods containing calcium during their life, those who have small bones or have a family history of the disease or smoke or drink heavily.

How to prevent the disease

It is important to take action during your younger years to prevent the development of osteoporosis as you age. One of the most important things you can do is make sure that you get enough calcium. The body needs calcium the most during childhood when bones are rapidly growing. Women need more calcium during pregnancy and when breast-feeding and also after menopause.

Be sure to eat dairy products, dark green vegetables, canned salmon with bones, and foods with added calcium to ensure that you're getting an adequate amount of calcium in your diet. You also need a sufficient amount of vitamin D to help your body absorb the calcium. Vitamin D comes from sunlight. If you live in an area where are you do not get much sunlight, you may need to take a vitamin D supplement. Exercise is also important. Weight-bearing exercise is the best because it helps to strengthen the bones.

What is osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the result of many years of wear on joints. The cartilage that is between the joint begins to break down. It usually affects the spine, knees or hips. It can affect people of all ages but usually shows up in those over age 45 and in individuals who are overweight or perform a lot of activities that put a great deal of strain on the joints.

Risk factors for osteoarthritis

One major risk factor in developing osteoarthritis is being overweight. The additional weight puts more stress on the joints. For every 2 pounds overweight you are, your risk of developing osteoarthritis increases by 9%. Studies have shown that there is also a strong genetic component to the disease. If you have a family history of osteoarthritis, your joints will be able to withstand less stress than if you had no family history.

How to prevent the disease

Staying at a healthy weight is one way you can prevent osteoarthritis. Keep your muscles strong, especially your leg muscles. If you keep your leg muscles strong you can significantly reduce your chances of getting osteoarthritis in your knees. Be careful about putting too much strain on your joints from repetitive activities such as lifting or kneeling.

By taking action when we are younger, we can head off the effects of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Then we will be able to look forward to a healthy and independent old age.



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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit Blue Cross Blue Shield NC (BCBSNC), also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/diabetes/avoid-type-2-diabetes-and-stay-healthy.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/diabetes/avoid-type-2-diabetes-and-stay-healthy.html Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:17:40 -0500
If untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. It can also lead to kidney failure and eventual blindness. The effects of this disease can be so devastating, it is important to know your risks and take action right away to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes, also known as insulin resistant diabetes, is the most common form of the disease. It accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases diagnosed each year. With type 1 diabetes the body does not produce insulin. With type 2 it does produce insulin but either it does not produce enough or the cells in the muscle are less sensitive to its effects.

When you eat something, the body breaks the food down into a simple sugar called glucose. Glucose then moves through the bloodstream and then into the muscle and fat cells. Insulin sends a signal to the cells which tell them to open up and accept the glucose. Glucose is either used right away or stored as fat. In individuals who have type 2 diabetes, the cells do not correctly receive the signal to allow the glucose in. This causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream and keeps the cells from functioning properly. Eventually the elevated glucose levels in the system can cause damage to heart eyes and kidneys.

Risk factors

Your risk for type 2 diabetes can be inherited. If you have a parent or sibling who has the disease you have a great chance for developing it yourself. Individuals of Hispanic, African-American, or Native American ancestry are also at greater risk as well as those over age 45. Other risk factors include having a sedentary lifestyle, excessive stress, smoking and obesity.

One of the most important things we can do to cut our chances of developing type 2 diabetes is to get more active and lose weight. Fat stored around the abdominal area make it especially hard for cells to respond to insulin. Other risk factors include a Body Mass Index of 25 or more or a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for a woman or 40 inches or more for man.

Take action

Knowing what the risk factors are for developing type 2 diabetes is an important step to avoiding the disease. If you have a close family member who has developed type 2 diabetes, discuss it with your doctor. Find out what your BMI is and to measure your waist. If you have any other risk factors, take action today to eat better, exercise and lose weight. By taking action today you can avoid the damaging health effects of type 2 diabetes tomorrow.




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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit Blue Cross Blue Shield NC (BCBSNC), also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/good-sleep-for-good-health.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/good-sleep-for-good-health.html Wed, 27 May 2009 10:13:02 -0500
The stages of sleep

There are 5 different stages of sleep and we need to move through all of them each night if we want to feel our best. We start our sleep in stage 1 and progress to stage 5 and then go back and forth between 2 and 5 repeatedly during the night. Stages 4 and 5 are the deepest levels of sleep called REM or Rapid Eye Movement sleep. It is during this stage that we dream the most and important processes in the body take place.

Chronic lack of sleep can have adverse effects on our mental and physical health in several ways. It can cause us to gain weight, make us prone to insulin resistance and it can speed up the aging process.

Weight gain

Important activities take place in the body during sleep which contribute to health and healing. During REM sleep injured tissues are repaired by the production of growth hormones. These hormones stimulate the production of protein in the muscle as well as the breakdown of fat. This helps to control the allocation of fat to muscle in the body. Constantly missing out on the deepest levels of sleep can lower the amount of growth hormones thereby causing the accumulation of more fat. Lack of sleep can also lead to a lower level of leptin which is a blood protein that helps to regulate appetite.

Insulin resistance

Chronic lack of sleep can also affect how the body uses carbohydrates and glucose. In individuals who are chronically low on sleep, blood sugar levels rise to a higher level and return to the normal state more slowly. Their bodies also secrete a smaller amount of insulin. Studies have shown that individuals who experience a chronic sleep deficit will usually develop insulin resistance.

Sleep and aging

Not getting enough sleep can also contribute to premature aging. Lack of sleep causes the brain to produce less than the normal amount of hormones, which is a condition found the in the elderly. Getting enough sleep can help to turn back the clock.

Quantity vs. quality

When it comes to sleep quality is as important as quantity. You need to have sufficient time in each of the stages of sleep, to feel your best the next day. Not getting enough sleep can lead to irritability, lack of clear thinking and lethargy the next day. It can also lead to a weakening of the immune system and make you more susceptible to sickness.

Different people require different amounts of sleep. Usually adults need around eight hours per night while children require approximately 10 hours and infants around 16 hours per night.

If you skimp on sleep you seriously risk both your physical and mental health. If something must be cut back in your schedule, make sure it's not sleep. You will look and feel better for it!



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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit Blue Cross Blue Shield NC (BCBSNC), also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/medicine/health-tourism-is-a-growing-trend-in-healthcare.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/medicine/health-tourism-is-a-growing-trend-in-healthcare.html Sat, 23 May 2009 10:10:24 -0500
In the past, people usually traveled outside the US for non life-threatening procedures such as cosmetic surgery or dental surgery. However, the growing trend is for people to seek foreign treatment for more life-threatening conditions such as heart bypass surgery, heart valve replacements and spinal surgeries. In some cases the cost can be as much as 90% less than it would be in the United States. Popular destinations are Thailand, Costa Rica and India.

As many as 85,000 Americans travel to foreign countries for medical procedures every year. Companies are springing up to meet the needs of this new foreign traveler. In South Carolina, Blue Cross and Blue Shield has started the "Companion Global Healthcare" department to assist clients seeking foreign healthcare. They help with travel arrangements, transportation between airport in hospital and coordination of care.

A worldwide trend

People from many parts of the world, not just America are traveling to other countries to receive healthcare for various reasons. People from Europe travel due to long waiting lists at home, some come from the middle east because they believe the medical personnel are more highly trained and some people travel from Africa because they do not have access to these services in their own country.

What to consider

While traveling abroad for healthcare procedures can be beneficial, there are a few things to consider first. For example, traveling a great distance to and from the other country can be hazardous, depending upon your condition. Anyone considering a foreign medical care should consult with their physician first. Some conditions such as cancer are best treated by a doctor in your own country with whom you have an ongoing relationship.

Investigate ahead of time

Thoroughly investigate the hospital or facility you are considering travel to. Check to make sure that they are accredited with the Joint Commission International, to ensure that they meet US standards. Also talk with the physician to find out how many procedures they have done and where they received their training.

Meet with your physician before you go and make sure they will provide your medical records to the overseas doctors and to make sure both sides have the other's contact information. Also arrange aftercare before you leave. Make sure you have everything in place for your care when you get home.

If you require a costly surgery and do not have adequate health insurance, traveling to a foreign country for your treatment may be an option. Contact a reputable company to assist you and meet with your own physician to discuss the possibility of a foreign procedure. Thoroughly investigate the foreign facility and doctors your self. Make sure that they are an accredited facility and meet basic guidelines before you go.




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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit Blue Cross Blue Shield NC (BCBSNC), also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/cancer/cancer-risks-and-health.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/cancer/cancer-risks-and-health.html Fri, 15 May 2009 12:26:01 -0500
Cancer is the result of changes in the genes that control cell growth. In a healthy cell, the genes will tell it when to stop reproducing, to mend any damage or to destroy itself if the damage cannot be repaired. However, a damaged cell will override these messages and continue to reproduce more damaged cells.

While we cannot control all of our risks for cancer, there are some things we can do that will help to lower our chances of getting some of the more common types of cancer.

Skin cancer

The most common type of cancer is skin cancer and the two most common types of skin cancer are squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancer. Squamous cell cancer can spread throughout the body while basal cell cancer usually does not. Both types of skin cancer typically start on the parts of the body that are mostly exposed to the sun such as the face, hands or arms.

Risk factors for developing skin cancer include being fair skinned, a history of spending great amounts of time in the sun, getting many sunburns as a child, and having light-colored hair and green or blue eyes.

Sun protection is the primary way to avoid skin cancer. Always use plenty of sunscreen and reapply it every two hours and after sweating or swimming. Also avoid tanning beds and sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer death in the United States. Every year or it kills more people than any other type of cancer. When lung cancer begins, there may be no symptoms at all. It can take years for the cancer to progress before any problems are noticed.

Risk factors for developing lung cancer include smoking and being exposed to secondhand smoke, family history and exposure to radon gas.

The best way to prevent lung cancer is to either stop smoking, avoid secondhand smoke and check the radon levels in your house.

Colon cancer

Colon cancer is the second major cause of cancer death in the United States. A major risk factor in developing colon cancer is family history. If there are many people in your family who have developed colon cancer you will probably require regular colonoscopies. The risk of developing colon cancer increases with age. Most people who are diagnosed are over age 50. Other risk factors include a diet that is high in fat and low in fiber, folic acid and calcium.

The primary way to prevent colon cancer is a colonoscopy. If you do not have a family history of colon cancer your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy when you turn 50. If there is a strong family history of colon cancer, your doctor may recommend one sooner.

Family history and environmental factors effects whether or not a person will develop cancer. Although we cannot control the genes that we inherit, it is important to know what environmental factors affect our cancer risks and take steps to change those things so that we can live healthy and cancer-free lives.



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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit Blue Cross Blue Shield NC (BCBSNC), also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/lifestyle/starting-an-exercise-program-for-better-health.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/lifestyle/starting-an-exercise-program-for-better-health.html Fri, 08 May 2009 14:06:52 -0500
Be sure to see your doctor before you begin your new exercise program, especially if you have not been active in a long time.

Start small

Begin your exercise regime slowly. Jumping in too fast can lead to injury which will definitely decrease your desire to stick with it. Do not expect too much too fast. Start out with small goals that you can measure.

Choose a small amount of time each day such as 10 minutes and schedule it into your daily routine. Do not let exercise to be the thing that gets cut out of your schedule when you get busier. Think of it as a regular part of your daily duties such as brushing your hair or flossing your teeth.

Before you begin, remember to do some warm-up exercises. Warming up prepares your muscles for the exercise and helps to prevent injury. Do about 5 to 10 minutes of jumping jacks or a slow jog. If at any time during your exercise you begin to feel pain, just stop. If you keep going it could lead to injury. Drink plenty of water before you start and have an extra glass if it's a hot day. Don't exercise on an empty stomach especially if you do your routine first thing in the morning.

Make it enjoyable

The most important thing you can do when starting an exercise regime is to choose something that you enjoy. If you have always wanted to learn to dance, sign up for dance lessons. Take a beginner aerobics course at a gym or join a tennis league. Aim for about 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

One of the best exercises for the beginner is walking. You can easily adjust the intensity and length of your workout, and increase both as you become more fit. It can be done at any time that best fits into your day. Studies have shown that walking can combat health problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Exercising can be especially valuable for women in combating bone loss which comes with age. As women get older they begin to lose about 1% of their bone mass per year. Following menopause it increases to 3% per year. Weight bearing exercise stimulates the bone to make new bone cells.

To enjoy the health benefits of exercise you have to make it part of your daily routine. Start by doing something you enjoy or even began with walking. Schedule exercise into your daily routine and do a little each day. Before you know it you will be healthier than ever before!


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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit Blue Cross Blue Shield NC (BCBSNC), also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/cutting-calories-for-a-healthy-diet.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/cutting-calories-for-a-healthy-diet.html Fri, 08 May 2009 14:02:32 -0500
One reason for the increased calorie intake is that more of us are eating out now than we used to. Fast food restaurants are everywhere, so it's cheap and easy to maintain a diet of high fat, high calorie foods. We are also eating out at traditional restaurants more often as two income families juggle busy schedules. Restaurant portions are typically large and contain high levels of unhealthy fats with little fiber or nutrients. These factors along with fewer opportunities for exercise, have all contributed to our expanding waistlines.

Below are a few tips for cutting calories on a daily basis.

The right combinations

One way you can deal with high calorie foods is to combine them with foods that are lower in calories. That way you will reduce total calorie intake. For example, combine a half of a sandwich with a large bowl of soup. Foods that are high in water content are a great way to lower total calories.

Smaller portions

Replace standard sized plates with smaller ones. Even though you fill up your plate, you will still be getting fewer calories. Eat more slowly because it can take several minutes for the brain to get the message that the stomach is full also, push away from the table before you feel completely full.

Start the day right

Just as your mother told you, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It can even be helpful to have a large breakfast. Some studies have shown that people who took in a greater number of calories early in the day, consumed fewer calories throughout the rest of the day. Conversely, those who had their biggest meal later in the day, consumed a greater number of calories throughout the day.

Snacking

There are a large number of unhealthy snacks available everywhere. Almost all workplaces have a vending machine in the break room. Most of this these foods are high in calories and low in nutrition. Take healthy snacks such as fresh or dried fruit to work so that you're not tempted by the unhealthy choices.

Eating out

When you do eat out, make better choices. Skip the soft drink and choose water instead. Order the cut fruit instead of french fries. Many restaurants now offer a "lighter" section that includes lower fat and carbohydrate entrées.

The healthiest diets are those that are rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber and are lower in calories. Select deeply colored fruits and vegetables such as spinach, kale, strawberries and blueberries. They have more vitamins and antioxidants. Check labels and be aware of how many calories you're taking in on a daily basis. Keeping a daily food log can help you see how many calories you're actually consuming each day.

By diluting high calorie foods with lower calorie ones, consuming smaller portions, eating breakfast and making healthier choices when snacking and eating out, we can all take steps to cut our daily calorie intake.



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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit Blue Cross Blue Shield NC (BCBSNC), also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/lifestyle/helping-children-to-be-healthy.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/lifestyle/helping-children-to-be-healthy.html Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:34:18 -0500
By participating with your children in a regime of exercise, healthy eating and modeling good choices, you can help to keep them healthy for a lifetime.

Physical activity

One of the most important things you can do to help your child lose weight or prevent them from gaining weight, is to start an exercise regime. Get them started in a sport they like or take lessons after school. Consult your local parks and recreation department or do a search for children's sports in your area.

Take everyone out for a neighborhood walk after dinner, or for a hike on the weekend. Before starting any exercise, began with a warm up session of approximately 5 minutes of stretches or jumping jacks. Then head out for a walk or bike ride. Afterwards, have a cool down period of about five minutes to get the heart rate back to normal.

Have children help you with household chores and yard work. Take the stairs rather than the escalator or elevator whenever possible, and choose parking spots further out from the store to sneak in extras steps throughout the day.

A healthy diet

Slowly introduce healthier choices in to the family diet. Switch from white bread to 100% whole wheat bread, and exchange white rice up for brown rice for example. Let children help you with the cooking. They will be excited about eating something they helped to prepare. Limit their snacks to healthy choices. For example offer, baby carrots, sliced apples or grapes and do not have chips or candy around the house.

If kids do not take well to eating in the healthier foods, don't give up. It can take four or five times of trying a new food before kids will begin to eat them. Serve the foods that are naturally more sweet such as sweet corn or mandarin oranges.

Sit down together as a family for meals. Turn off the TV and do not allow other distractions. Switch to smaller plates to encourage eating smaller portions. Have mealtime be family time where everyone shares events from their day.

Model and a healthy lifestyle

Exercise and eat right to serve as a role model for a healthy lifestyle for your children. Have them exercise with you and play games that involve physical activity. When you sit down to eat a meal, don't just tell them to eat their fruits and vegetables but eat those healthy foods yourself.

Do not use food as a reward for your children or yourself. Keep lots of healthy foods on hand such as fresh fruit and cut vegetables. Have a picture of water in the refrigerator and do not purchase a sugary soft drinks. Limit the amount of time children are allowed to watch television and use the computer.

By taking an active part in getting your children involved exercise and healthy eating, as well as serving as a role model, you can help your children avoid obesity and help them live long and healthy lives.



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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit BCBSNC, also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/how-to-buy-healthy-foods.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/how-to-buy-healthy-foods.html Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:31:42 -0500
A good place to begin is by learning about what is in the foods we currently purchase. Next time you head to the grocery store, take a look at the label before you toss that package in your grocery cart. Don't be fooled by claims such as "healthy" or "low-fat" on the front of the package. Check the nutrition label to make sure that these claims are true.

What the nutrition label tells you

The first thing to be aware of when reading a nutrition label is the serving size. In an effort to make the food appear more healthy by being lower in fat or calories, food companies will sometimes list an extremely small portion size. So be aware of what they are calling a portion size.

The next thing listed on the nutrition label after the serving size is the calorie amount and the "% Daily Value" column. The "% Daily Value" is based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. You may need to make adjustments if your calorie intake is more or less than 2000 calories per day. An ingredient is considered low if it is 5% or less, and high if it is 20% or more.

Underneath the calorie section is the fat content section. Choose foods that are low in saturated fats and trans fats. Try to keep your cholesterol intake to under 300 mg per day. Below the fat content section is the information on carbohydrates, fiber and sugars. Try to reduce your consumption of additional sugars. These can be listed as glucose, sucrose or fructose. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthy sweets such as grapes, apples, and strawberries.

On juice containers check to see how much real juice they actually contain. Some juices only contain 10% juice, the rest is sugar and water. Select products that contain 100% juice. When choosing breads, look for those that contain 100% whole wheat. If the first ingredients listed are "unbleached wheat flour," or "unbleached enriched wheat flour" then it is not whole wheat.

What to look for

Try to choose foods that have 5 g or more of fiber per serving. Fiber can help with digestion, and regularity. It can also help to lower the risk of certain diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. A high fiber diet can also help with weight control, because the fiber helps one to feel fuller, more quickly. Choose foods that have high levels of healthy vitamins and minerals. Look for high levels of iron, calcium and vitamins A and C.

Ingredients on the package will be listed in order. The ingredient in the greatest amount will be listed first and the smallest ingredient will be listed last. Avoid those foods that list enriched ingredients or sugars first.

By paying attention to what we buy at the grocery store and learning to read labels, we can all take an important step towards a healthier life.



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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit BCBSNC, also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/how-to-have-healthy-skin-as-you-age.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/how-to-have-healthy-skin-as-you-age.html Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:29:18 -0500
Sun protection

The number one environmental cause of aging skin is exposure to sunlight. The sun's ultraviolet rays are harmful to the skin. Frequent sunbathing and long-term exposure to sunlight actually causes skin damage. The results are dry skin, wrinkles, and in some cases, skin cancer.

Avoid long periods of sun exposure if possible but if you know you are going to have to be outside for a long time, wear clothing that protects your skin from potential sun damage. Wear shirts with long sleeves, slacks, and sun hats with a brim wide enough to protect your face. Limit your time outside during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. because this is the time when the suns rays are the most damaging.

Choose a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor or SPF of 15 or higher, and apply it 20 minutes before being exposed to the sun. Remember to reapply it after getting out of the pool or after doing any exercise that caused you to perspire.

Skin care

A daily cleansing and moisturizing regime is important for skin care. Avoid long hot baths or showers as they can dry out your skin. Use a mild soap that does not excessively dry your skin. Perfumes or dies, can irritate sensitive skin, so avoid these when choosing your cleanser. Always remove makeup completely and do not go to bed with makeup on. Do not pull the skin when drying your face, just gently pat your skin dry.

Moisturize after cleaning your skin. Select a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 to provide extra sun protection. Apply a moisturizer before your skin is completely dry to help lock in extra moisture. Choose a lotion that is free of perfumes or dies to avoid irritating your skin.

Nutrition

Choose foods that will contribute to healthy skin. Vitamins A and B can contribute to healthy looking hair, skin and nails. Vitamins C and E can help protect the body from the damage of free radicals and help to protect skin from the damaging effects of the sun. The best way to ensure that you are getting all of the necessary nutrients for healthy skin is to eat a variety of foods from the USDA food pyramid.

While we cannot change the genetic aspects of normal aging, there are many measures we can take to help keep our skin looking healthy. By protecting ourselves from the sun, practicing daily skincare and eating a balanced diet, we can look forward to healthier looking skin into old age.


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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit BCBSNC, also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>