Health Tip: Meeting Criteria for Blood Donation

(HealthDay News) - Your height and weight are basic criteria for being able to donate blood. But your health history and other factors also may prevent you from giving a pint.

Here are general guidelines for who can donate blood, courtesy of the University of California San Francisco Medical Center:

• You must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.
• You shouldn't have a blood pressure reading of higher than 180/100 at the time of donation. You can still donate if you take one or more blood pressure medications.
• You shouldn't have a body piercing (excluding ear piercing) or a tattoo applied in the prior 12 months.
• If you are diabetic, your symptoms must be well-controlled.
• You shouldn't donate if you have used intravenous drugs, are taking antibiotics for an active respiratory infection, are sick with a cold or the flu, have recently traveled to certain countries that harbor blood-borne conditions, have had hepatitis, or are at a high risk for HIV/AIDS.

Health Tip: Monitor the Mercury in Your Food

(HealthDay News) -- Mercury is found in many types of fish and shellfish. Because significant amounts of mercury can harm unborn babies and young children, women who are or may become pregnant, those who are nursing, and young children should avoid some kinds of seafood.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers these guidelines:

• Avoid eating fish that contain high levels of mercury, including swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish.
• It's OK to eat up to 12 ounces per week of low-mercury fish and shellfish -- including shrimp, salmon, canned light tuna, pollock and catfish.
• Albacore tuna and tuna steak have more mercury than canned light tuna, so don't eat more than 6 ounces of albacore or tuna steak per week.
• Before you eat any fish caught locally, be aware of any advisories about the safety of local fish.

Health Tip: Douching Isn't Recommended

(HealthDay News) - Douching is a method of cleansing the female genitalia with a fluid mixture, often of water.

According to the U.S. National Women's Health Information Center, douching is generally not recommended by doctors, as it can adversely affect the body's natural balance of bacteria.

The agency offers these additional potential side effects of douching:

• Irritation of the vagina.


• An infection called bacterial vaginosis.


• Increased risk of sexually transnitted disease or pelvic inflammatory disease.


• Vaginal infections that could spread to other parts of the female reproductive system.

101 Painless Ways to Detoxify Your Mind, Body, and Home

By Laura Milligan
Crash diets and certain fads that promise to give your body the detox treatment are not only harmful to your health, but they can leave you feeling cranky, irritable, exhausted and starving. There are some beneficial long term effects of detoxification, however, including a more focused mind, more energy, clearer skin and decreased chances of developing cancer and other chronic diseases. If you’re interested in detoxifying your entire mind, body and living spaces, but aren’t ready to starve yourself or cause yourself more stress on a crazy diet, use this list to incorporate 101 painless ways to get the results you want.

Bad Habits to Break
Hardcore smokers may not consider giving up their vice "painless," but there are alternative treatments that help you break these and other bad habits, freeing your body of harmful chemicals, slower metabolisms and inefficient digestive systems.

Smoking: Every time you smoke a cigarette, your body has to fight off harmful amounts of tar, smoke, nicotine, ammonia and carbon monoxide, as well as other toxins.

Alcohol: While some doctors and scientists argue that a low to moderate consumption of alcohol is beneficial to your health, alcoholic beverages put a lot of stress on your body, and are full of sugar and calories. If you drink even a little too much, you may notice differences in your digestion, headaches, nausea, sluggishness, and other toxic side effects.

Not getting enough sleep: Even though you’re not putting anything harmful in your body, not getting enough sleep can be harmful to you. Follow these tips to fall asleep faster and understand why sleep is so important.

Eating fast food and frozen food: Even if you think you’re getting a good meal from a frozen dinner, the important minerals and vitamins have probably been cooked out of the foods already. Fast food tends to have a lot of extra salt, fat and artificial flavoring, all of which add unnecessary toxins to your body and make you feel weighted down.

Short temper: If you’re constantly getting angry at people or suspecting them of cheating you out of something, your mind is never at peace. Learn to relax by learning to fix a short temper.
Over dieting: Though a good diet that’s free of fast food, junk food and too much alcohol is an important step in detoxifying your body and mind, over dieting can be harmful as well. If you’re depriving your body of nutrients or causing your body stress by binging and purging, you need to change your dieting habits.

Clutter: A cluttered home causes emotional stress. Increase productivity and give yourself a sense of calm by taking out the trash, cleaning the dishes and reducing clutter.
Being negative: Get rid of negative thoughts and feelings, and you’ll find that a life filled with feelings of gratitude, optimism and perspective will make you more successful and happy.

Caffeine addiction: Being addicted to caffeine can be a serious problem for some people: too much coffee affects sleep patterns, energy levels, social skills, concentration and focus, and job performance. Get tips for breaking the caffeine habit here.

Isolation: Taking time out for yourself is a good way to get centered, but spending too much time alone isn’t good for your spirit. Visit a neighbor or family member for a little social interaction, which will keep you from feeling depressed and lonely. Read more>>

Health Tip: Don't Overdo Fast Food

(HealthDay News) -- Fast food is a tempting option for hungry people on the run. But eating it too often or downing too much can wreak havoc on your health and waistline.

Keep these tips in mind when considering fast food, provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Fast foods are often high in calories, fat, sugar and salt.


• Many fast foods are cooked with high-calorie fats and butters.


• Fast food choices tend to lack fresh fruits and vegetables.


• The large portion sizes offered can encourage overeating.


• Many fast food restaurants have begun publishing nutritional information about their foods. In other cases, it is available on request. This information can help you better plan what you order.

The Liver Flush

One of the more simple and popular cleansing techniques is known as the Liver Flush.

It is used for removing excess fatty acids and other toxic substances from the liver. A healthy liver can play a crucial role in contributing to the healing of the immune system as it is an important part of digestion and plays the main role in processing toxic and allergy-causing substances in the bloodstream.

The Liver Flush can be done at any time, but is commonly done in the Spring and Autumn.

i. Simple Liver Cleanse

The following herbal products can be used to assist in cleansing and rebuilding the liver. I use the formulas for three to four weeks.
- Hepato-Pure You can purchase this formula (made by Planetary Herbal Formulas) from your local natural food store or call Planetary Herbal Formulas 800-606-6226 for the nearest distributor. It contains Bupleurum (a chinese herb reknowned for liver cleansing), Wild Yam Root, Oregon Grape Root, Lycii Berry, Cyperus, Dandelion Root Extract, Dong Quai, Peony Alba, Ginger Root, Fennel Seed, Green Citrus Peel, Dandelion Root, Milk Thistle Seed Extract (83% Silymarin), Dong Quai Extract.

- DeLiver 1 and DeLiver 2
These two formulas can be purchased from Arise & Shine (602/293-1098).

DeLiver 1 contains Cholic acid, Deoxycholic acid, Taraxacum (Dandelion), Burdock Root, Rhubarb Root, Cynaris, Catalase.

DeLiver 2 is formulated for severe congestion of the liver.
- Liv Alive Caps
You can purchase this herbal formula from your local natural foods store or contact the manufacturer, Crystal Star Herbal Nutrition (209/532-6474), for the nearest distributor. The formula contains Beet Root, Oregon Grape Root, Dandelion Root, Wild Yam, Milk Thistle Seed, Yellow Dock Root, Ginkgo, Biloba, Wild Cherry, Licorice Root, Gotu Kola, Ginger Root, Barberry Bark, Choline, Inositol.

- Milk Thistle Seeds
Milk Thistle has a reputation of being the most powerful herb for healing and strengthening the liver. You can get a tincture or tablets of the powdered concentrate in most natural foods stores. Take approximately 150mg (3 tablets) / 3 times per day or 20 drops of tincture / 3 times per day. This can be done for a couple of weeks after performing a Liver Flush (see below) or taking a liver cleansing herbal formula for a few weeks. You can find out more about Milk Thistle by reading "Milk Thistle

-- The Liver Herb" by Christopher Hobbs, Botanica Press, c1992,

ii. Castor oil compress

A castor oil compress is usually performed every other day during the Liver Flush regimen. It is helpful in encouraging the liver to dump excess fats. Soak a piece of wool or flannel (or a baby's cotton diaper) in castor oil. Ring out the cloth so that it doesn't drip. Place over the liver area (on the right side, just under the ribcage). place a hot water bottle (purchase from a drug store), not an electric heating pad over the cloth. Then place a towel over the hot water bottle. Leave on for 1.5 hours, replacing the water when necessary so that the area is kept hot (but not too hot to stand). After removing the compress, spend 5 to 10 minutes rubbing small amounts of virgin olive oil into the liver area.

iii. Coffee Enema

A coffee enema is usually used as a *part* of a cleansing program in order to encourage the liver to dump large amounts of toxins. You may wish to try this technique *once or twice* when you are performing the Liver Flush, Gallbladder Flush or GI Tract cleanse. Do not use this technique obsessively, just on occassion when performing a cleanse. You can get a coffee enema instruction sheet for free from Arise & Shine.

iv. Liver Flush

The following Liver Flush instructions are based upon Christopher Hobbs' suggestions in his book, "Foundations of Health: The Liver and Digestive Herbal." For 10 days you do the following:

1. In the morning after a little exercise (e.g., short walk, yoga, breathing exercises, etc.), drink the liver flush mixture (see below).

2. After drinking the liver flush mixture, drink two cups of herbal tea designed to cleanse the liver. Alternatively, take one of the liver cleansing formulas listed above as directed.

3. Follow a healthy, natural foods diet during the rest of the day. Also, remembering to breath deeping, using the diaphram, can be helpful. A light abdominal massage once per day can also be helpful.

4. Take (or continue taking) one of the liver cleansing formulas listed above for two to three more weeks.

5. Take Milk Thistle and Red Beet Crystals (see above) for a few weeks after finishing the liver cleanse. This will help the process of rebuilding the liver. 6. Optional and helpful - Perform the Castor oil compress every other day. - Perform one coffee enema during the cleanse. - Perform abdominal massage every other day. Liver flush mixture

Mix freshly sqeezed citrus juices together (e.g., orange, grapefruit). Mix in as much freshly sqeezed lemon (or lime) as possible. The more sour the taste, the better the cleanse. Add 1-2 cloves of fresh-sqeezed garlic. Add a small amount of ginger root juice (grate the ginger and sqeeze the resultant fibers to obtain ginger juice). Finally, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (use the expensive stuff from a natural foods stores). Shake or blend and drink. Cleansing herbal tea

Example 1 - "Puri-Tea" from Brigitte Mars (herbalist in Colorado) Peppermint, red clover, fennel, licorice, cleavers, dandelion, Oregon grape root, burdock root, butternut bark, chickweed, parsley root, nettles. You should be able to find something similar at your local natural foods store.

Example 2 - Fennel Seed (1 part), Fenugreek (1 part), Flax Seed (1 part), Licorice Root (1/4 part), Burdock (1/4 part), Peppermint (1 part). Simmer all herbs except the peppermint for 20 minutes. Add 1 part peppermint and let the tea steep for 10 minutes. Use approximately 1 ounce (wt.) of total dried tea per pint of water. See the following books for more information on healing the liver:

i. Foundations of Health: The Liver and Digestive Herbal by Christopher Hobbs Botanica Press, c1992

ii. Natural Liver Therapy by Christopher Hobbs Botanica Press, c1993 (3rd revision) This book contains alot of good information on restoring the health of the liver as well as many natural remedies.

Rebuilding & Strengthening

1. Milk Thistle Seeds (see above)

2. Herbal Formula such as Hepato-Pure from Planetary Herbal Formulas (see above).

3. Building a healthy population of beneficial bacteria in the intestines is very helpful for preventing the building of toxins which can overwork the liver. Regularly eating fermented foods (if tolerable) or taking a probiotic suppliment can be very helpful in doing this. See the "Probiotics" section of the "Food & Nutrition" chapter for more information.

4. Abdominal Massage once per day.

5. Deep breathing exercises and yogic breathing exercises (see "Yoga" chapter and "Emotional Healing" chapter for Hendricks Breathing Exercises).

6. Healthy diet without dairy.

7. See "Natural Liver Therapy" by Christopher Hobbs for additional tips.

Health Tip: Prevent Runner's Knee

(HealthDay News) - Symptoms of runner's knee typically include pain in and around the kneecap, particularly when running, squatting, kneeling or walking up or down stairs.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions to help prevent runner's knee:

• Take time to get your body in good condition before performing activities that stress the knees.
• Try to lose weight. Being overweight puts additional stress on the knees.
• Always warm up and stretch your legs before you exercise. Remember to stretch after your workout, as well.
• Increase activity gradually. Trying to do too much before your body is conditioned for it can cause injury.
• Wear supportive running shoes that absorb shock well. Try to run on somewhat softer surfaces.
• Practice good form when running, leaning slightly forward and keeping your knees bent.

Health Tip: Allergy Shots Aren't for Everyone

(HealthDay News) - Allergy shots help sensitize your body to allergens -- things to which you're allergic.
While the shots are safe and effective for most people, not everyone should have them, the American Academy of Family Physicians warns.Here's the academy's list of people who probably shouldn't have allergy shots:

• People with severe asthma.
• People who have heart problems.
• People who take a beta blocker for a heart condition.
• Children under age 5.
• Pregnant women.

Health Tip: Protect Your Child From Flu

(HealthDay News) - Children are in constant contact with germs, and can easily spread them to others. Flu is a particularly nasty nemesis, but it can be prevented.

Here are ways to help reduce your child's risk of getting the flu, courtesy of the Children's Hospital at the University of California, San Francisco:

• Flu vaccine is recommended for children aged 6 months to 23 months, and for children aged 2 and older who are at a high risk of contracting flu.
• Hand washing also is an easy way to help prevent flu. Your child should wash her hands thoroughly and frequently, with soap and warm water.
• Parents and caregivers should also should wash their hands often, and get a flu vaccine.
  Teach your child to cover her mouth when she coughs or sneezes, and to wash her hands afterward.
• Try to keep your child away from others who are sick. Keep her home from school if she has symptoms of a cold or the flu.

Health Tip: Soothing Engorged Breasts

(HealthDay News) - After giving birth, a woman's breasts can become large and swollen -- called engorged. This is caused by congestion of the blood vessels in the breast. When this happens, the nipples may not protrude to allow the baby to nurse.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these suggested remedies:

• Try to feed often throughout the day -- at least eight times in a 24-hour period.
• Feed for at least 15 minutes at each sitting.
• If your breasts feel uncomfortable and you are unable to feed your baby, express your milk with a breast pump.
• Take a warm shower to soothe soreness.
• Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling and ease pain.

Health Tip: Exercise for Teens

(HealthDay News) - A daily trip to the gym isn't a popular pastime for some teens. So the Nemours Foundation offers these ideas for fun and different ways for teens to get exercise:

• Go for a walk with friends, ride a bike, or take the dog for a walk.
• Clean your room, mow the lawn with a push mower, or wash the car.
• Play video games that force you to move around.
• Turn on the music, close the door, and dance in your room to your favorite songs.
• Try a new sport or a new type of exercise -- and get a friend to try it with you.

Health Tip: What's Causing Your Dizziness?

(HealthDay News) - Dizziness is not a disease, but a symptom of another condition. While it's usually not serious and is often temporary, it helps to know what's causing the problem.

The University of Michigan Health System lists these common causes of dizziness:

• An infection or other condition affecting the inner ear.
• Fatigue, stress or fever.
• Low blood sugar.
• Anemia.
• Dehydration.
• An injury to the head.
• A heart or circulatory condition.
• Stroke.
• A side effect of certain medications.

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Health Tip: Eating Fast Food?

(HealthDay News) - Fast food is so popular because it is just that -- fast. And it's easy and tastes good.

But fast food often is laden with fat, calories and sodium, and can take a toll on your health when eaten frequently.

Here are suggestions from the U.S. National Library of Medicine on making healthier fast-food choices:

• Order pizza with less cheese, and add veggie toppings.
• Order child-sized or a half sandwich, with lean meats and lots of vegetables, whole grain bread, and without mayonnaise and other sauces.
• A hamburger with a plain beef patty plus lettuce and tomato is a healthier choice. Skip the cheese and sauces, and don't get a side of fries.
• Try salads with light or fat-free dressings or lemon juice -- skip the bacon and creamy dressings.
• As a general rule, stay away from heavily breaded or fried dishes, as well as creams, dressings and sauces.

Health Tip: Managing Menopause

(HealthDay News) - If hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause are cramping your style, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.


• Get plenty of regular exercise.


• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help certain women, but it carries medical risks. Discuss HRT with your doctor.


• Foods rich in soy may help some side effects, such as hot flashes.


• Get plenty of sleep, and maintain a regular sleep schedule.


• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

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Health Tip: Protect Your Joints

(HealthDay News) - Osteoarthritis, a disease of the joints, can be triggered by injury and overuse, by obesity, and by musculoskeletal problems.

Here are ways to help protect your joints, courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation:

• As excess weight can cause stress and excess wear and tear on joints, keep your body at a healthy weight.
• Get regular exercise to strengthen muscles that surround and protect the joints.
• Practice good posture.
• Be careful when lifting or carrying heavy objects.
• Don't ignore pain. When something starts to hurt, stop activity or exercise to prevent strain or injury.
• Don't stay in one position for too long. Try to move the body's joints and muscles regularly
• Always wear protective equipment, including helmets and wrist pads, when appropriate.

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Health Tip: Getting a Flu Vaccine

(HealthDay News) - An annual flu vaccine can help protect you from the nasty effects of the flu virus.

Here's some background information about the flu vaccine, courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• The injected vaccination contains a killed virus. It is approved for people over the age of 6 months.
• The nasal form of the vaccine is made with a weakened virus, and is approved for people ages 2-49 years. It's not recommended for pregnant women.
• Approximately two weeks after the vaccination, your body develops the antibodies needed to protect itself from specific strains of the flu virus.
• Flu season generally runs from October through May. The best months to be vaccinated are October and November, but you can still be vaccinated later.
• You cannot get the flu from a flu shot, but minor side effects may include swelling, low-grade fever, and aches and pains.
• Similarly, you cannot develop full-blown flu from the nasal spray vaccine, but minor side effects may include runny nose, headache, and sore throat.

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Health Tip: Wash Fruits and Vegetables

(HealthDay News) - While it's important to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables each day, it's also crucial to wash them before eating.

Here are some guidelines, courtesy of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension:

• Wash any raw fruit or vegetable before peeling, cutting, eating or cooking.
• Try a fruit and vegetable wash that is designed to remove bacteria and pesticides.
• Soak and wash produce in distilled water for one to two minutes.
• Use a vegetable brush to scrub any produce with a thick skin.
• Wash any produce that you grew yourself, or that was grown by someone else.
• Thoroughly wash your hands and any cutting or preparation surfaces before preparing fresh produce.

Health Tip: Preventing a Bunion

(HealthDay News) -- A bunion is a sore, swollen bump on the foot at the joint of the big toe. It can be very sore and painful, and may require surgery to remove.
Here are suggestions to prevent a bunion, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Never try to force your foot into a shoe that doesn't fit well, or is too tight.
• Wear soft-soled shoes with wide insteps and ample space for the toes.
• Don't wear any heels higher than 2 1/4 inches.
• Avoid pointy-toed shoes.
• Wear cushioned pads in your shoes to prevent a bunion, and also to ease the pain of a bunion that has already formed.

Health Tip: Reasons for Chronic Cough

(HealthDay News) -- Chronic cough is one that persists for longer than three weeks.

The cough may be caused by an illness, a behavior such as smoking, or as a side effect of a medication.

Here are common reasons for chronic cough, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Smoking.
• Asthma.
• Medications, including ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, or beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure, glaucoma or migraines.
• Acid reflux (heartburn), when the acid in your stomach backs up into your throat.
• Allergies, which can trigger cough-inducing postnasal drip.

Health Tip: Feeding a Child Athlete

(HealthDay News) -- It's especially important that young athletes get enough calories and nutrients to keep up their energy, and maintain a healthy body weight.

The Nemours Foundation recommends feeding your athletic child a diet rich in:
Vitamins and minerals -- in foods such as spinach, carrots, squash and peppers.
Proteins -- in foods such as fish, lean red meat and poultry, dairy products, nuts, soy products and peanut butter.
Carbohydrates -- in foods such as pasta, brown rice, whole-grain bread and cereal.
Meals should include healthy, natural foods, and exclude processed foods. The athletic youngster may need to eat more frequently, and will need to drink plenty of fluids to stay well-hydrated and avoid heat illness.