How frustrating is it when you realize that you have to get up and do something, you walk into the next room and completely forget what it is you were doing? For most people this has probably happened at least once or twice a day. So how can people remember things easier without having to fry their brains? Here is a suggestive list summarizing some tricks that may help you improve a forgetful memory:

1.) Personalize it! Life has so many numbers to remember that often times they all run together. The only way to make boring data such as numbers a part of your long-term memory is to store them properly. So for more important information such as your social or your bank pin, use a personal connection that applies some sort of special meaning to the number (like a birthday). The memory is only designed to remember up to 7 numbers at a time so for less important information,  grab a pen, paper and write it down.

2.) Visual the Win: It happens to everyone. You get up to go get an item, walk into another room and completely forget what it is you needed. A solution to help correct this is to visualize what it is you want or need before you begin walking into another room. It also helps to make it personal. If your plan was to unpack the summer clothes from the basement, visualizing yourself sitting at the beach by the ocean will make the act more memorable, thus making it easier to remember.

3.) Repeat, Repeat, Repeat: Possibly the most common memory ailment is forgetting someone’s name. Most people are visual learners, which explains why a large number of people rarely forget faces, but can’t remember a name to save their lives. A good way to get past this is when you see a person for the first time, give them a good hard look over, and then repeat their name to yourself at least three times. Once you’ve got the name down, try using it during conversation. Another tip is to associate the name with a physical feature on that person’s body. For instance, if you’re introduced to Mr. Samson who has big shoulders, think “shoulders-Samson” the next time you see them.

There is no guarantee that these tips will work, but hey, if you have a memory like myself and can’t remember most of your thoughts, it can’t hurt to try them. Forgetting something can cause so much stress, and using these tips is not only good for you sanity, but may also be good for your overall health.

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Everyone knows that a dog is man’s best friend. For many years dogs have been used to help service those with certain health issues such as blindness and those suffering from health issues that result because of aging. Well when Karen Shirk was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease and was confined to a wheel chair, she decided to get a service dog of her own. Realizing how much help these dogs can be, she decided to set up the non-profit organization 4 Paws for Ability, which provides service dogs to people with a range of different disabilities in order to help improve their healthy living habits.

Recently, Shirk has developed a program that is meant to bring happiness to children suffering from the disease of autism. Autism is a widespread disease that affects those who have it throughout the entire length of their lives. As a matter of fact, 1 in 166 children are diagnosed with autism every year. Autism brings with it a number of possible health problems including seizures, tuberous sclerosis, and attention deficit disorder.

According to Shirk, families who have a child suffering from autism often times can’t take them out into the public simply because their safety may be at risk. Because of this, 4 Paws for Ability has trained of number of autism assistance dogs to help children with autism connect with these animals and in a way improve their health. Along with providing the children with healthier social connection, the inclusion of the animals also help the children to connect emotionally, providing them a great deal of support that they may not have originally had. For example, if an autistic child begins to suffer from what is known as a meltdown in which they lose control of their emotions, the dogs are actually taught to calm them down.

To many of these children suffering from autism, having man’s best friend by their side is a life-changing experience that helps to improve their overall health and daily activities. For these children, service dogs aren’t just helpful animals; they are the heroes that give them strength to continue on each and every day.

And that is an amazing thing.

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I will hesitantly admit that while watching dancing shows on TV, I have been caught trying to bust out a move or two in my own living room. Although my efforts traditionally result in me injuring some part of my body, there are a number of people who have gotten involved in dance programs around the world. But why? What is so great about dance? Well believe it or not, a report by the New England Journal of Medicine has found that dancing can be very beneficial to a person’s health and overall well-being.

According to the report, people over 75 years of age who engaged in a regular dance activity of some sort showed a much lower risk for dementia. Now this in and of itself may not seem surprising but the report also concluded that other forms of physical activity had no affect on the dementia risk in the elderly — meaning that dance was the only activity to have actually made a difference in improving the health of these people.

Other studies have gone on to show that music therapy, which consists of both listening and creating music with a specifically trained therapist, actually has an affect on depression and may possibly become a useful treatment tool. Dance has also had an impact on a number of other health related issues including breast cancer, Parkinson’s and anxiety attacks. Dance therapy brings joy to the people who engage in it, thus improving their quality of life. Whether the person is engaging in the Argentine tango or the waltz, dance is proving to be an effective tool towards developing a healthier lifestyle.

So whether you’re like me who just dances for fun in her living room, or you are part of a dance therapy class to improve your health, the most important advice that can be given is this: dance like there is no one watching because life is worth living to the fullest, even if you look goofy doing it.

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Summer is upon us and that means more time spent outdoors soaking up the glorious rays of the sun. Although many find laying out at the pool or the beach to be an enjoyable activity, a new study has found that achieving that perfect tan may come at a dangerous price.

Researchers have found that cases of melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer, have been increasing among younger women in recent years. According to a report published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the numbers of young women who have gotten melanoma have increased from 9.4 per 100,000 in 1980 to 13.9 per 100,000 in 2004. The study used newly registered data of melanoma instances from a collection of white men and women between the ages of 15 and 39 years old. Although people are warned to avoid long periods of time in the sun, most don’t heed to this wise advice and many also don’t take the necessary precautions to avoid getting sun burnt, which can often lead to the appearance of melanoma and other health related problems.

One of the most popular reasons that people get sunburn is because they don’t apply a sunscreen protector, which is meant to block the UV rays of the sun from damaging the body. Most people don’t feel that a little sunburn can be damaging to their health, but the truth is, whenever there is a change of your body’s skin color that is an indication that your body has been exposed to heavy amounts of harmful UV rays. Another misconception is that if the sun is not directly shining down on a person’s body, say if it’s hidden behind a cluster of clouds, then the rays won’t be as damaging. The truth is that even if the sun is hidden the UV rays can still be just as harmful to a person’s skin thus increasing their risk for skin cancer. Statistics have shown that roughly around 8,000 Americans die from cases of melanoma each year, and according to Dr. Jeffrey C. Salomon, an assistant clinical professor of plastic surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, young people need to become aware of the dangers that can come from over exposure to sunlight.

“Young people should consider these statistics as a warning that they, too, are susceptible to this potentially dangerous form of skin cancer.”

Summer is a time to kick back; let loose and just have a good times with friends and family. Whether someone is young, old, or somewhere in between, it’s important for people who are exposing themselves to the harmful rays of the sunlight to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against the harmful disease of skin cancer. Although a tan may look great, it’s not as important as your life.

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According to a recent study by the National Sleep Foundation an estimated 65% of Americans deal with sleep problems at least a few days a week. A bad night sleep can lead to an array of issues, aside from the obvious sluggish day at work; other health problems that can ensue from lack of sleep include obesity and depression. Many people become frustrated when they aren’t able to get the required amount of sleep and thus turn to over-the-counter sleep aids, which can ultimately become very dangerous, as sleeping medications can be incredibly addictive. If a person isn’t sleeping as sound as they’d like to, it’s possible that their nightly routine may be to blame. Don’t get frustrated and turn to a sleeping aid before trying these three simple steps:

1.) Setting a Bright Alarm Clock
You may recall that as a child the soothing glow from a nightlight actually helped you to drift to dream land because you felt safe. As an adult however, lights do the exact opposite and keep us awake. When you have a bright alarm clock light glaring back at you while you lay in bed, your body becomes distracted from its goal of trying to sleep. Ultimately before you go to bed, you want to try and get the room as dark as possible thus eliminating any distractions and allowing your body to shift into a deep, relaxing sleep.

2.) Counting Sheep
I don’t know one person that doesn’t enjoy the Sealy commercials that highlight the talking counting sheep. As cute as they are however, counting sheep is actually one of the worst possible things a person could do when having trouble falling to sleep. If you find yourself lying in bed for longer than 30 minutes, get up and engage in a mundane activity that requires marginal brainpower such as watching TV or reading a book. This will lull your mind thus making you genuinely tired and soon afterwards you’ll be back under the covers snuggled tightly in bed.

3.) Exercising Late at Night
Although initially after a workout a person’s body may feel drained, the endorphins released during physical activity actually fuel your body with energy and increase the body’s temperature, which will keep you running for hours. This is the exact reason you don’t want to be exercising late at night right before you’re planning on heading to bed. A good guideline to follow is avoiding any type of physical activity three hours before you plan to shut your body down for sleep.

A great night sleep can make all the difference in a person’s overall health and how well they perform his or her daily activities. The recommended amount of sleep per night is anywhere between 7-9 hours depending on the person’s age and lifestyle. So if you’ve found yourself tossing and turning for hours in frustration, it may be time to re-evaluate your bedtime habits. If you do, you’re sure to be sleeping like a baby in no time.

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Our bodies are comprised of thousands of strands of DNA, which are responsible for who we are physically, mentally, and emotionally. Certain traits that we possess have been passed down from our parents through genetics such as eye color, disposition, and body type. Genetics are also responsible however, for transferring a number of unhealthy traits to our children including heart disease and cancer and thus arises a question: can a healthy lifestyle change our genetic system? According to a new study performed by U.S. researchers, a healthier diet and more exercise can lead to dramatic changes at a genetic level.

The study followed 30 men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but who had refused the traditional methods of treatment including surgery and radiation therapy. During a three-month period, the men underwent major changes to their everyday lives. Incorporating a large amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and soy products altered their diets drastically. The men were also placed on a steady exercise plan, which included walking for half an hour a day and undergoing stress management by practicing meditation. The results showed that all of the men had obviously improved their general health by losing weight, and lowering their blood pressure. But after comparing prostate biopsies taken from the group, it was discovered that after the three months, all of the men had changes in activity in about 500 genes. Apparently 48 genes had been turned on, while 453 of them had been turned off because of the changes in their lifestyles. The genes that had been turned on were what are known as disease-preventing genes, and the healthier lifestyle had caused these genes to increase in the men. Genes that are involved in prostate cancer and breast cancer are known as disease-promoting genes and this study found that these had actually shut down.

“It’s an exciting finding because so often people say, ‘Oh, it’s all in my genes, what can I do?’ Well, it turns out you may be able to do a lot,”

Said Dr. Dean Ornish, head of Preventive Medicine Research Institute. This study brings with it a breakthrough of epic proportions in medical science, and not just in men with prostate cancer. According to Dr. Ornish, the study is not limited to just men with prostate cancer, meaning that other types of cancer and other genetic health related issues might be able to be reversed by our own good graces. Mothers are always telling their children to eat their fruits and vegetables and it seems as though our mothers have known all along. By altering our lifestyles to include daily exercise and a nutritional diet, people may be giving themselves the power to alter their genetic disposition and increase their lifespan without even knowing it.

So what do you think? Could this really be possible or is this just science fiction? I guess only time will tell.

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Every year, all of the Greek organizations on my college’s campus participate in a show that is popularly known as Greek Sing. The Greek Show is an annual tradition that my college has continued to carry on for many years now. Each fraternity and sorority is expected to come up with a theme for their performance, put on a unique dance show, as well as sing along with their music of choice. Winners are selected by a panel of judges who make their decisions based on several factors. Some of these factors include the loudness of singing, creativity, and dance costumes.

Since the Greek Show is a long held tradition on my campus, each Greek organization takes great pride in their performance. The spirit of the show is held in good fun so all of the performances are both entertaining and humorous. However, I have to admit that the show tends to get pretty competitive. Winners are awarded with a year’s worth of bragging rights, along with a gigantic trophy. Sororities and fraternities across campus struggle to keep their dance performances, props, and ideas top secret. Originality and creativity are key for a winning dance routine.

Preparing for Greek Sing takes a lot of effort, time, and hard work. Some organizations get a jump start by preparing months ahead of time and by scheduling weekly practices. Participating in the Greek Show gives students a chance to bond with their fellow Greeks, exhibit their imaginative sides, and get a dose of good exercise. Weekly practices that sometimes last for hours ensure that participants get their fair share of exercise. Dancing is one of the best forms of exercise and it is fun too!

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Almost every home is equipped with some sort of first aid kit, especially if you have children or if you tend to be accident prone, like myself. The problem, however, is that first aid kits don’t come with instructions on how to deal with particular incidents which results in people incorrectly treating injuries. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a reference of what to do, and what not to do when someone’s health is at risk? Well take heed, because you are in luck. The following is a list of the proper actions a person should take when faced with some of the most popular injuries that occur at home:

1.) A Knocked-out Tooth: Don’t freak out and begin to scrub the tooth if it has gotten dirty. A gentle rub will do just as well. Do put the tooth into some milk and go straight to the emergency room, as there is still a chance the tooth can be re-implanted.

2.) Burns: Don’t apply any type of grease, ice or butter to the burn and don’t try to cover the burn with a towel as the fibers may get stuck to the skin. Do wash and apply an antibiotic cream to mild burns. It’s important to go to the hospital if you’ve burned a large area of skin or a burn that is blistering and then produces a fever, or if you’ve burned your eyes, mouth or genitals even if the burn appears to be mild.

3.) Sprained Ankle: Don’t use a heating pad for a sprained ankle. Do treat the problem with ice and elevate your leg.

4.) Nose Bleed: Don’t lean back and absolutely don’t blow your nose or bend over if you feel the bleeding has stopped. Do sit upright, facing forward and pinch your nose steadily for 5 to 10 minutes. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 15 minutes head to the emergency room to seek further treatment.

5.) Bleeding: Don’t use a tourniquet as this could cause serious tissue damage. Do apply steady pressure to the wounded area with a clean towel and try and keep the victim warm to avoid shock. If applying pressure does not stop the bleeding be sure to get yourself to a hospital as soon as possible.

6.) Poison Ingestion: Don’t take it upon yourself to vomit the substance back up. Do call poison control immediately and bring the ingested substance with you to the ER.

7.) Falling down the stairs: Don’t immediately get up and move around after falling down the stairs. Do call 911 and wait for an emergency professional to determine that you haven’t broken any bones or damaged any crucial nerves before moving.

8.) Choking: Don’t panic. Do determine if the person choking can speak. If not, place your arms around the victim’s waist and perform the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the food item from their throat.

Although not all injuries can be cured with a first aid kit, it is crucial that individuals understand how to properly treat an injury. After all, families are a precious gift and their health should be of the utmost importance.

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According to a new study conducted by the Environmental Working Group, a Washington-based nonprofit organization, sunscreen may not be effectively protecting people from harmful UV rays.

Most people choose a sunscreen based on the SPF number that is found on the front of the bottle. But the SPF, which protects against UVB rays says nothing about another harmful form of radiation known as UVA rays, which are the cause behind wrinkles, and the more serious problem of skin cancer. The problem is that many sunscreen labels don’t adequately indicate the level of UVA protection and around 8,000 Americans die from melanoma each year, which is a form of skin cancer caused by the over-exposure of these types of UV rays.

So what can Americans do to help choose the best sunscreen protection and keep enjoying a healthy life? Here are 7 tips consumers can use for sizing up sunscreen before taking to the beach:

1.) SPF still matters: The SPF number is still an important factor in choosing a sunscreen. The best bet is to avoid going any lower than an SPF of 30.

2.) Be ingredient savvy: To see if the sunscreen is UVA protected, check out the ingredients. If the sunscreen lists the ingredients aveobenzone or parsol 1789, there’s a good indication that your body is being protected from UVA rays.

3.) Stay stable: Sunscreens with UVA ingredients sometimes tend to break down more quickly in the sun. So it’s important to select a sunscreen with additional ingredients that provide stabilization. Neutrogena with Helioplex Technology or anything with Mexoryl are good choices for stable sunscreens.

4.) Check the rankings: As most businesses say, the consumer is always right. A new EWG database allows consumers to compare and contrast sunscreens on their different characteristics. Choosing a sunscreen that sits at the top of the list doesn’t mean that it is perfect, but it will certainly do a good job at keeping you safe from the sun.

5.) Apply early and often: Don’t wait to apply sunscreen until after you’ve already been burned. Applying sunscreen about 30 minutes before heading outdoors and re-applying every few hours will ensure protection against harmful UV rays.

6.) Don’t overdo tanning: Although a tan may look fantastic, a change in skin color is always an indication that you’ve been exposed to heavy amounts of UV rays. If you really want a darker skin look, a healthier alternative is to fake it by using self-tanning lotions. The best protection however, is to just stick with the color you were born with.

7.) Follow safety tips: If you do go to the beach or plan to spend some time in the sun, don’t just use a protective sunscreen. Make sure to follow those safety tips, which include covering all areas liberally, staying out of the sun during peak hours, and using hats and light clothing to cover the body.

Staying healthy in the sun isn’t just about using a protective sunscreen. Combining all of these elements together will adequately protect your family’s health while still leaving room to have a blast during that summer vacation at the beach.

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Everyone loves to snack on those high-calorie junk food delicacies that can lead to an ultimately unhealthy diet, and severe health issues such as heart disease, and obesity. In order to avoid the dangerous traps that lure us into these harmful eating habits here are 5 tips to abide by:

1.) Did you know that stressed spelled backwards is desserts? Studies have shown that both men and women consume high-fat, high-sugar snacks when they are undergoing stress from everyday hassles. So what can be done to avoid this? Instead of reaching for the ice cream, eat a strong mint or rinse with mouthwash. When feeling tense, get out of the house and go for a short walk or listen to some music. Do anything possible to deter your attention and keep you away from hiding behind the comforts of food.

2.) Nibbling on ingredients during cooking or when you’re bored can lead to over eating and packing on more calories than necessary for your daily diet. So what can be done to stop being a mindless muncher? The trick is to only eat snacks when you are sitting at a table and avoid those distractions such as TV, computer, and the phone. By eliminating the surrounding distractions, your body will feel more satisfied in a shorter amount of time thus helping to curb your intake of food.

3.) It has been said that eating 6 small meals a day helps to maintain a healthy diet. But what happens if the time comes to eat and you aren’t hungry but you eat anyways? In doing this, your body may store those excess calories as body fat. So how do you avoid this trap? It’s simple: only eat when you’re hungry. Just be sure you can tell your body the difference between being hungry and being starving.

4.) Don’t be fooled into thinking that a smaller portion of junk food won’t pack on the extra pounds. They won’t fill you up, and can also leave you feeling energy deprived. So what can you do? Learn to portion your meals into appropriate sizes. Read the nutritional information and then decide how much intake your body can afford to have.

5.) 20% of American calorie intake is consumed by drinking beverages. Most sodas, fruit drinks, energy drinks, all have a ton of added sugar, which thus turn into added calories. So what can you do? Start thinking about drinks as extra calories in your daily diet. You could also try substituting sparkling flavored water for those sugary drinks. And if you do choose a sugary drink, choose the smallest size.

So there you go. Mind you, you are under no obligation to abide by these suggestions, but if you’re looking for a way to healthier living, it might not be a bad idea.

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