Today, April 6, is International Day of Sports for Development and Peace. The global theme is: “Scoring for People, and the Planet”.
“Sports are an integral part of society as it keeps us physically active, competitive and fit. Playing sports can boost confidence and provide lots of life lessons. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) takes place on April 6 and is observed to celebrate the role of sports and physical activity in our individual lives and communities across the globe.” – news18.com
We totally agree! Sports are unifying activities. They bring people and society together. The benefits of participating and promoting Sports are endless:
Sport can help people to become more social.
Sport can help to reduce obesity.
Sport can help to reduce depression.
Sport can create happier people.
Sport can help to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you change your eating habits for the better, you should see a big difference in just 28 days. Yes, it’s actually possible! What we eat can affect all the processes in the body, including cell regeneration, inflammation, digestion and sleep. So it’s no surprise that after even as little as 28 days of eating well you can expect to not only look better, but feel a whole lot better, too.
But before we talk about the benefits of healthy eating, what does it really mean to eat healthy?
Healthy eating includes consuming high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, heart-healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and water in the foods you take in while minimizing processed foods, saturated fats and alcohol. It’s also important to focus on diet quality. The type of carbohydrate in the diet is more important than the amount of carbohydrate in the diet, because some sources of carbohydrate—like vegetables (other than potatoes), fruits, whole grains, and beans—are healthier than others.
Healthy eating has so many benefits. You may find that moving more and eating better could help you keep up with the demands of your busy life and be there for the people who depend on you.
Adopting new, healthier habits may protect you from serious health problems like obesity and diabetes. New habits, like healthy eating and regular physical activity, may also help you manage your weight and have more energy.
Generally, for adults, here are the main benefits of eating healthy:
May help you live longer
Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy
Supports muscles
Boosts immunity
Strengthens bones
Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers
Supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding
Helps the digestive system function
Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Looks like it’s worth it to me! So, why not try develop a healthier eating habit starting today and you’ll be glad you did!
With the Coronavirus sweeping across the world and infecting many at an alarming rate, one common thing people are looking into is is ways to boost their immune system.
On the whole, your immune system does a remarkable job of defending you against disease-causing microorganisms. Multiple research studies have proven the effectiveness of antioxidants to neutralise and eliminate free radicals from the bloodstream in a bid to keep your body functioning optimally. The immune system prevents countless diseases and cures infections. However, sometimes it needs a little help. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can provide that extra boost.
The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You’ll find them in colorful fruits and vegetables, especially those with purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow hues. Don’t forget whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans are awash in these potent compounds, too. In addition, consuming green tea, garlic, ginger, onions and turmeric are not only good anti-inflammatory foods, but also contain antioxidants that boost your immune system.
These foods are by no means a cure to any kind of virus infection. They make your body stronger and better able to fight diseases, so, incorporate them into your diet not just during this pandemic but always.
Practical tips to get ready, without hitting the panic button.
It’s safe to say ‘CoronaVirus’ is the trending topic in the world right now. It’s been declared a pandemic. A lot of major cities in the world are enforcing shut-ins and curfews and the outbreak is forcing lives to a stand-still.
So, what does this mean, for us?
According to Nicholas Kristof of New York Times, some epidemiologist has given their best case outcome for the virus.
“The best case is that the virus mutates and actually dies out,” said Dr. Larry Brilliant, an epidemiologist who as a young doctor was part of the fight to eradicate smallpox. Brilliant was a consultant for the movie “Contagion,” in which a virus evolved to become more deadly, but that’s the exception. “Only in movies do viruses seem to become worse,” he explained.
Two other lethal coronaviruses, SARS and MERS, both petered out, and that is possible here. “My hope is that Covid-19 will not survive,” said Dr. Charles G. Prober, a professor at Stanford Medical School.
Several countries have shown that decisive action can turn the tide on Covid-19, at least for a time. China, astonishingly, on Thursday reported not a single new case of domestic transmission. While China is still vulnerable to a second wave, it has apparently shown that the virus can be squelched.
coronavirus
Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus
Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:
Wash your hands frequently Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading
Follow the guidance outlined above by WHO.
Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.
The first thing you put in your body every morning has a huge impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Detox drinks are said to eliminate toxins from your body, improve health, and promote weight loss (if that is your goal). Another important benefit of detoxing and early morning hydration is that it is important for digestive health and maintaining regular bowel movements.
Sounds good, right? Now, let’s get into some great morning detox drinks to kickstart your day!
Lemon water makes it into my routine on a more frequent basis, but I often spice it up with the other two ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar and Turmeric.
Lemons are rich in Vitamin C which help strengthen the immune system and increases the body’s resistance to infections. Lemon juice also helps with digestion and its scent has been shown to improve mood and energy levels.
For a simple detox drink with lemon, squeeze 1/2 a lemon in warm water and drink it first thing in the morning.
Now, let’s talk about the other two ingredients and their benefits:
Apple Cider Vinegar helps lower blood sugar levels, burn fat leading to weight loss and kills bacteria. Research also shows that Apple Cider vinegar can help detoxify the liver.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits and is a strong anti-oxidant.
To help improve the absorption of turmeric, you can add some black pepper or cayenne pepper to this drink. Honey can also help improve the taste. Here’s the recipe I use often:
1/2 lemon
1/4 teaspoon of turmeric
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
pinch of cayenne or black pepper
1 tablespoon of honey
1 cup of warm water
Mix all these ingredients in a cup. It’s that easy!
Note: You will get the benefits of this drink if you consume it at anytime of the day so don’t worry if you miss it in the morning. Just catch up whenever you can!
When it comes to my diet, I like variety! I get bored easily when I eat the same food for a couple of days and like to cook different meals as often as I can. Asides from the numerous health benefits one gets from eating a balanced diet made up of all the necessary nutrients – vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, and fat-food is more enjoyable when there is a variety to choose from.
However, some people can just eat the same food over and over for a long period of time. Take kids for instance, when they love one food, they want to eat it every day! But sometimes adults do exactly the same thing. Do you fall into this category?
Is there a single food that you can survive on for one week? Do you sometimes find yourself repeatedly eating the same food over and over again – hint: rice and chicken *wink*? Could you eat just one food for a whole week, and if yes, what would that food be?
Let me know below in the comments section. I look forward to reading them!
Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years. It is best known for treating skin injuries, but also has several other beneficial effects on health.
Aloe vera is an excellent addition to a healthy maintenance regimen. The useful parts of aloe are the gel and latex. The gel is obtained from the cells in the center of the leaf, and the latex is obtained from the cells just beneath the leaf skin.
Aloe vera has many amazing benefits such as:
1. Heals burns
Aloe Vera is often used to treat burns due to it’s soothing, moisturizing, and cooling properties. If you have a sunburn or another mild burn, apply aloe vera a few times a day to the area. If you have a severe burn, seek medical help before applying aloe.
2. Skin care
Aloe vera can promote healthier skin. Researchers also report that it can hydrate through three epidermal layers of the skin when used topically. Aloe provides the benefit of driving nutrients and other constituents into the deeper layers of the skin, which promotes epidermal health.
3. Heartburn relief
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that often results in heartburn. A 2010 review suggested that consuming 1 to 3 ounces of aloe gel at mealtime could reduce the severity of GERD. It may also ease other digestion-related problems. The plant’s low toxicity makes it a safe and gentle remedy for heartburn.
4. Promotes oral health
Aloe vera toothpaste and mouthwash are natural options for improving oral hygiene and reducing plaque.
5. Lower blood sugar
A study found drinking two tablespoons of aloe vera juice every day for two weeks helped lower the blood sugar levels among people with type 2 diabetes. Triglyceride levels of the study participants also improved — a big deal for those with diabetes, because they’re at an increased risk of developing heart disease.
There are plenty of home remedies that can alleviate symptoms of cold and get you back to normal. If you still feel sick after a few weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. If you have trouble breathing, have a rapid heartbeat, feel faint, or experience other severe symptoms, get medical help sooner.
Keep reading to see what cold and flu remedies you can conjure up at home:
Ginger: The health benefits of ginger root have been touted for centuries, but now we have scientific proof of its curative properties. A few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water may help soothe a cough or sore throat.
Honey: Honey has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey in tea with lemon can ease sore throat pain. Research suggests that honey is an effective cough suppressant, too.
Garlic: Garlic contains the compound allicin, which may have antimicrobial properties. Adding a garlic supplement to your diet might reduce the severity of cold symptoms. According to some research, it might even help you avoid getting sick in the first place.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C plays an important role in your body and has many health benefits. Along with limes, oranges, grapefruits, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables, lemons are a good source of vitamin C. Adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey may reduce phlegm when you’re sick. Drinking hot or cold lemonade may also help.
Chicken Soup: Chicken soup may not be a cure-all, but it’s a great choice when you’re sick. A study found that chicken soup was effective for reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory infections in particular. Low-sodium soup also carries great nutritional value and helps keep you hydrated. It’s a good choice, no matter how you’re feeling.
The greatest weight-loss strategies are the ones you can fit your body and life. So go ahead and take your pick!
1. Drink a lot of water
Many people often mistake thirst for hunger. Aim to drink at least eight 8 glasses of water per day. Regularly drinking water allows your body to filter out toxins as well as can help you feel full. And, drinking water has the added benefit of clearer skin.
2. Downsize
Serving your meals on a smaller plate will give you the illusion that you are eating more food. Dining with smaller plates, cups, bowls, and spoons will force you to savor your meal, and give your body the time it needs to register that you’re full.
3. Get enough sleep
Did you ever notice that when you’re sleepy, you tend to eat more? Your observation is backed by science: Studies have shown that tired people put more food in their mouths. So get enough sleep to avoid packing on the weight.
4. Journal Your Food
Keep a log of everything you eat including the amount, calories and time. Journaling forces you to be honest with yourself about how much you’re eating. This process will also enable you to recognize unhealthy patterns in your eating habits that you can cut out.
5. Eat a good breakfast
Eat a heavy-on-protein breakfast every day, and you’ll control your hunger long into the day. For breakfast consider eggs, yogurt, or peanut butter. And, don’t let more than three hours pass between eating. Be sure to have small snacks available to eat between meals.
