Alcohol doubles your risk of a Stroke

Stroke is the number 3 killer and leading cause of long term major disability in the United States. The risk of a stroke seems to double in an hour after consuming one drink, whether beer, wine or hard liquor. The impact of alcohol on your chance of a stroke depends on how much and how often you drink. Just after drinking your blood pressure rises and blood platelets become stickier, which may increase the risk of a blood clot. High intakes can be associated with serious effects and may increase blood pressure, obesity, stroke and even breast cancer. The American Heart Association recommends if you do drink to do so in moderation. No more than two drinks for men and one drink per day for women.

10 tips for staying cool in the heat

So it’s a good time to share some advice on how to stay cool. Here are five tips you probably know already but which bear repeating:

1. Drink lots of water, even if you’re not thirsty. The biggest thing is the hydration problem.
2. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, with a hat to protect against the sun.
3. Get chores done earlier in the day, when it’s cooler.
4. Spend time at places that have A.C. in abundance, like malls or libraries.
5. Don’t leave children or pets unattended in hot cars.

Now here are 10 tips you may not have considered:

1. Eat cold foods for breakfast, like melon, yogurt or cottage cheese.
2. Avoid high-protein foods, which require a cranked-up metabolism to burn. Eat shorter meals more frequently.
3. If you work from home, stay in the northeast part of the house, which tends to get the least sunlight.
4. Don’t run major appliances like the dishwasher or the TV during the day; it’ll just make the house feel hotter.
5. Draw the blinds early in the day, say 9 a.m.; it’ll keep the house cooler.
6. If you have a ceiling fan, use it in conjunction with your A.C. You can get away with raising the temp on the thermostat 2 degrees if you augment with a fan.
7. You can adjust the blades of some ceiling fans to turn counter-clockwise, which creates more downdraft and cools your skin. In the winter, blades should turn clockwise, to pull warmer air from the ceiling.
8. If you’re doing a lot of walking, don’t wear 100 percent cotton socks. You’ll sweat more and be likelier to get a blister.
9. Run cold water on your wrists, a “pulse point,” or splash water on your face or temples.
10. Spritz your sheets with a spray bottle before bedtime.

Secret to healthy eating

A lot of people think that the secret to losing weight is in the food, which is very important. The main truth is that people look to food for comfort. Its not that your physically hungry, its the stress in our life that makes us misuse the food we eat. Foods to remove from your table: fried foods, white bread, high fat dairy products, and foods with a lot of trans fat. Also limit drinking wine at dinner since alcohol slows your metabolism. And if you substitute one sugary beverage with water everyday that's 38 lbs of calories a year that you eliminated.

Healthy tips for summer treats

Be meat savvy. Choose lean cuts of beef, including round, sirloin and loin cuts. Tenderize the meat to increase flavor and texture without adding fat. Marinate in salsa, low-calorie salad dressing, wine or citrus juices.

Grilled chicken breasts, turkey tenders and lamb kabobs also make great alternatives to high-sodium hot dogs and hamburgers.

Aim for variety. Kick up the health factor of grilling with vegetables and fruits. Cooking vegetables on the grill adds flavor. Make kabobs with fruit and grill on low heat until the fruit is hot and slightly golden. These healthy snacks also make consuming the recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake simple.

Don't forget to stay hydrated. Summer heat can cause dehydration. Water is the best option when temperatures soar, but you can add slices of lemons or strawberries for natural flavor

Make eating healthy a priority this summer by focusing on simple snacks that don't take much prep work. Keep fresh berries in the refrigerator to add to salads, yogurt and ice creams. Wash fresh green beans to dip in yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese. Keep healthy extras, like lettuce and tomatoes, in your produce bin. Try homemade popsicles by freezing 100 percent juice. Cut up raw vegetables to serve with low-fat dips.

Fruit smoothies are a snap to make. Just toss some fresh fruit, yogurt and milk in your blender. Your options for healthy summer eating are limited only by your imagination.

Physical activity has an anti-aging effect on the Cardiovascular system

Intensive exercise prevents aging of the cardiovascular system by preventing shortening of the telomeres. A telomere is a repetitive DNA at the end of a chromosome which protects the chromosome from deteriorating. Gradual shorting of telomeres leads to aging on the cellular level and may limit your lifetime. The body's cells are constantly growing, dividing, and eventually dying. The telomeres become shorter with each division and when they're gone the cell dies.
The fitness level of athletes is much superior to an individual who doesn't exercise. Athletes have a slower heart rate, low blood pressure, and a better cholesterol profile. Long term exercise reduces shortening of the telomere.

Ann Arbor Art Fair!!

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed. and July 22-23; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 24

Location: Downtown Ann Arbor and U-M campus.

Admission: Free.

Amenities: Food, music, artist demonstrations, children's activities.

Parking: Numerous city and private lots and garages, about $10. Free off-site parking at Pioneer High School on Main Street (across from Michigan Stadium), Briarwood Mall (near Sears), Maple Village Shopping Center (at Jackson and Maple off M-14) and U-M Commuter Bus (North Campus Research Complex off Huron Parkway). Shuttle service is $3-$5 round rip, students $1.20, free for seniors and under 5.

Getting around: A2 Art Trolley loops around the perimeter of all four fairs. $1, all day.

Beyond the art: Children's activities at Ann Arbor Street Art Fair (north end of Ingalls Mall Lawn) and State Street Art Fair (Maynard and Jefferson). Music (and some dance) scheduled daily at the sites of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair and South University Art Fair.

More info: 800-888-9487.

Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive and chronic neurological disorder that impairs motor skills, speech, writing and some other factors. Parkinson's is caused by the degeneration of dopamine producing cells, which makes it harder for the brain to control and coordinate muscle movement. Signs and symptoms show gradually and slowly. Complications of Parkinson's include depression, sleep- patients often awake during the night. Urinary retention/incontinence some people might have a hard time to pee, and some leak to often. There is currently no cure for, and no specific test to diagnose Parkinson's. There is medication and treatment available.

Exercising to maintain weight

A study of older women 55 and up showed that it takes up to an hour a day of exercise to maintain normal weight. A recommendation of 150 minutes a week to lower the risks of chronic diseases. The average adult gains weight with age, developing ways to prevent unhealthy weight gain will help to lose and maintain the loss. To maintain that weight you must make sure the calories you take in equals the calories you burn. Choosing low fat and low calorie foods, eating smaller proportions, drinking a lot of water, and being physically active. Maintaining the loss requires a lifestyle change. Many people reach their goals and then regain the unwanted weight. Be consistent, do not stray from your goals. Continue regular daily exercise. And start a diet diary to keep track of calorie intake, exercise, weight, and feelings. Make sure you surround your self with people who are supportive.