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Easy on the eyes: How to choose the right sunglasses for you

Submitted by aduranplazola on

Whether your face is oval, heart-shaped or round, the perfect pair of shades can be hard to find. But sunglasses are more than just another fashion accessory – they also provide significant health benefits.  

 

Sunglasses and eye health 

 

Your whole face can quickly show signs of excessive UV (ultraviolet) radiation exposure from the sun, and your eyes and the skin surrounding them are especially susceptible. Sunglasses can help combat your eyes' exposure to harmful rays by reducing the UV radiation and your risk of cataracts (cloudiness of the eye's lens that affects vision) and skin cancers of the eye. 

 

Reducing UV radiation can also reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration, which happens when the macula – the part of the eye we use for sharp vision – becomes damaged, making objects appear blurry, dark or otherwise distorted. Without sunglasses, even those wearing contact lenses with UV protection are still at risk, as the skin around the eyes is still exposed. 

 

Choosing the right pair 

 

The most important thing to look for in a good pair of sunglasses is 100% UV protection. Although it seems intuitive that darker lenses or frames would offer more protection, that's not necessarily the case, because the UV blocker is clear. Sunglasses that wrap around your eyes to the sides of your face can offer even more protection from UV exposure to your eyes. 

 

The lowdown on UV rays 

 

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation falls into three categories: UVA, UVB and UVC. While UVC radiation is fully absorbed by the ozone layer and not as harmful, UVA and UVB radiation make it to the Earth's surface and are more dangerous.  

 

Several factors determine the level of this radiation your eyes are exposed to, including the time of day and weather conditions. Experts say levels are highest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clear, sunny skies allow the most exposure to UV radiation, but even in cloudy weather, UV rays are present.  

 

The most important benefit of wearing sunglasses is they protect your eyes from UV light, so choose a pair that offers you the best protection. 

 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Choosing sunglasses

Whether your face is oval, heart-shaped or round, the perfect pair of shades can be hard to find.

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Using colors to boost your mood

Submitted by aduranplazola on

Colors result from light vibrating at different frequencies, and their impact is powerful. Here’s a crash course in color psychology and how you can apply it to your life.

 

energy boosting

Red is an energy-boosting, robust and warming color. Given its energetic effects, it’s not a good color choice for a bedroom. Wear red when you want to appear assertive or spontaneous.

 

energy boosting

Yellow stimulates thinking and creativity. Pale yellow is a good color for a classroom, but bright yellow can be over-stimulating. The same goes for wearing yellow: Think ties for men, accessories or shells under a suit for women.

 

energy boosting

Orange aids in the digestive and metabolic processes, making it optimal for a kitchen or restaurant and for promoting socialization. Orange can be difficult to wear because it can make skin appear splotchy; soften it by wearing peach or lighter hues.

 

energy boosting

Green can offer a sense of healing and relaxation to the body. That makes green a good color for bedrooms and spas or for therapists to wear.

 

energy boosting

Blue is a soothing, cooling color that can give a calming effect. It’s another suitable bedroom or living room color. Wear dark blue to appear businesslike, adding pastel blue suggests innocence.

 

energy boosting

Purple has spiritual and artistic associations. If you’re choosing a color where you practice mindfulness, purple can help to evoke thoughtfulness and reflectiveness.

 

Pink

Pink is often considered a color of happiness. It also can be soothing and even provide calming thoughts. Having a bouquet of pink flowers in your office or workspace can help make your day more cheerful.

 

energy boosting

Finally, like green, brown is tied to thoughts of nature. The earthy color is a favorite for men, especially in furniture, carpet and curtains. Also, brown can evoke a sense of comfort and safety, so it can be a good color for a space where you like to relax.

 

 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Colors

Colors result from light vibrating at different frequencies, and their impact is powerful.

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Hot and Bothered

Submitted by aduranplazola on

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion or not interchangeable. They are two different conditions and have two different levels of severity. Do you know the differences?   

 

  1. Which condition is more serious?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

  1. Which condition makes the skin red, hot and dry, even in the armpits?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

  1. Which condition includes symptoms of moderate to severe difficulty breathing?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

  1. Which condition causes confusion, restlessness or anxiety?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

  1. Which condition requires emergency treatment?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

 

The correct answer to all of these is heatstroke. A heatstroke can develop without exertion when a person is exposed to a hot environment and the body is unable to cool itself effectively. This is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency medical treatment. If you suspect it, call 911 and get the victim out of the heat and cool them down by any means possible. If the patient is conscious and not vomiting, give them fluids to drink.  

 

Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive sweating, which results in depletions of salt and fluid. This leads to low blood pressure, muscle cramps and nausea. It is prevented by staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It can usually be treated quickly and effectively with shade, fluids and rest.  

 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

hot

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion or not interchangeable.

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(Quiz) Are hiccups a nuisance or symptom of something serious?

Submitted by aduranplazola on

For most people, hiccups are rare and don’t last very long, sort of like having a great hair day. To learn what causes hiccups, likely cures, whether you should be concerned and a little trivia, take our quiz. 

 

 

 
 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

hiccups

For most people, hiccups are rare and don’t last very long, sort of like having a great hair day. 

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What makes a food super?

Submitted by aduranplazola on

We’ve always had food – at least some food. So how did it become super? And what are the qualifiers to becoming a superfood, anyway?  

The term superfood loosely originated around World War I as part of a food marketing strategy for bananas. Fast forward 100 years and the term has translated into hype. Let there be hype if the food is healthy.  

The qualifier to make the superfood list is a food offers high levels of nutrients linked to the prevention of a disease or has health benefits beyond its nutritional value. Here are some superfoods on the list, according to the American Heart Association: 

Beans & Legumes 

  • Plant-based source of protein 

  • Provide fiber, magnesium and phytonutrients 

Berries 

  • High level of flavonoids 

  • Can lower risk of heart attack in women 

Dark Leafy Greens 

  • Packed with nutrients, fiber and antioxidants 

  • Low in calories and carbohydrates 

Nuts & Seeds 

  • Provide protein, fiber and unsaturated fats 

  • Best options are unsalted 

Oats 

  • Whole-grain source of dietary fiber 

  • Can lower risk of heart disease stroke and diabetes 

Pumpkin 

  • Provides fiber, potassium and vitamin A 

  • Canned is a convenient, nutrient-loaded choice 

Salmon 

  • Protein 

  • Provides Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Skinless Poultry 

  • Usually leaner than beef 

  • Grilled, roasted or baked 

Yogurt 

  • Provides calcium, protein and vitamin D 

  • Best options are low-fat or fat-free 

 

“Think about creating a super plate,” said Maurine Maneely, Manager, Clinical Nutrition at Genesis Hospital. “One that contains healthy, colorful, flavorful foods. Plant-based foods, like fruits and vegetables and whole grains to promote better health.”  

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.


 
Superfoods

We’ve always had food – at least some food. So how did it become super? And what are the qualifiers to becoming a superfood, anyway?  

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The nails have it

Submitted by aduranplazola on

If you have a bad day, get your nails done. Have a special occasion? Get your nails done in preparation. One appointment you cannot reschedule – nails. The day can be a total waste of make-up, but all is well if the nails look good.  

 

However, gel manicures come with a price, and your nails pay for it. According to the American Association of Dermatology, gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking. Repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.  

 

To keep your nails healthy before, during and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following tips: 

 

Be proactive with your manicurist.

Ask if tools are sterilized and look around to ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client.  

 

Wear sunscreen.

Before getting a gel manicure, apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to protect them from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish to the nail. 

 

Only soak your fingertips in acetone.

When removing the nail polish, only soak your fingertips in acetone instead of your whole hands or fingers to protect the surrounding skin.  

 

Rehydrate your nails.

Between polishes, apply moisturizing products, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.  

 

Take a polish holiday.

Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails time to repair. Consider getting a gel manicure for special occasions only.  

 

Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual changes to your nail or have a persistent nail problem. 

 

 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Nails

If you have a bad day, get your nails done. Have a special occasion? Get your nails done in preparation.

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Heat hurts hair (ouch!)

Submitted by aduranplazola on

Have you ever burnt yourself with a curling iron? If you have, you know it hurts a lot. That much heat is bad for your skin … and it’s not so great for your hair, either. Here’s why and some alternatives to prevent hair damage. 

 

Heat damage 

Our hair is made up of three layers: the cuticle (outermost protective layer made of keratin), the cortex (middle) and the medulla (center). According to a cosmetic chemist, using too much heat on your hair can damage the keratin and cause hair strand dehydration. This can cause hair to break more easily. Heat damage cannot be easily repaired. If you use your hair straightener daily, your hair may look shiny and smooth, but it likely has heat damage. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent damage. 

 

Avoiding heat damage 

Here are some ways that you can prevent heat damage to your hair: 

  • For heatless styles, try braids, buns and twists. 

  • When blow-drying your hair, use the lowest setting and hold the blow-dryer further away from your hair. 

  • Try using heatless styling methods such as pin curls and sock curls. 

  • If you need to use a straightener or curling iron, use heat protectant spray and turn the dial down to a lower setting. 

  • If you use heat every day, try altering your routine so that you use it fewer times per week. 

 

By preventing heat damage and knowing how to be safe, your hair will feel much healthier. Here’s to a curling iron burn-free world for all of us. 

 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Heatless Hair

Have you ever burnt yourself with a curling iron? If you have, you know it hurts a lot. That much heat is bad for your skin …

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(Quiz) Microwaves save time, but what about your health?

Submitted by aduranplazola on

After a long day at work and a night of kids’ activities, a microwave can be a lifesaver. Who has time to cook a meal in the oven when you get home at 8:30 p.m.? However, is the microwave saving or hurting us? Take our quiz to find out. As we know, most people using a microwave have very little spare time. So, our quiz is only four questions long. As fast as cooking your microwave snack, this quiz will be done.  

 

 

powered by
 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor

Microwave

After a long day at work and a night of kids’ activities, a microwave can be a lifesaver.

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The strongest candle vs. running shoes

Submitted by aduranplazola on

Who burns a candle in their garage? 

 

Why do running shoes smell so bad, especially if they’re wet? Shoes with that stench should not be allowed past the garage. Even the most potent candle can’t mask the stench of wet running shoes in the garage. Why is the odor potent? Why is it worse when shoes are wet? 

 

Bacteria. With 150,000 sweat glands in each foot, our feet sweat. If your shoes don’t get a chance to dry out between wearing, the bacteria in your shoes keep growing.  

 

Aside from going barefoot, there are remedies for smelly shoes and feet. 

 

  1. Wash your feet with antibacterial soap and thoroughly dry them, even between the toes. 

  2. Wear wicking socks made of natural or acrylic fiber blends that draw the moisture away from your feet instead of trapping it with socks made from 100% cotton. 

  3. Wear shoes made of breathable materials.  

  4. Wash shoes or insoles. 

  5. Avoid shoes made of plastic. 

  6. Don’t share shoes or towels, that’s sharing bacteria. 

 

Other remedies are to sprinkle corn starch or baking soda inside your shoes to absorb odor. Soaking your feet in a sink or tub of warm tea or Epsom salts are also methods of controlling foot odor.  

 

Until you find the remedy that works for you, keep your shoes on in social situations.  

 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Strongest-Candle

Why do running shoes smell so bad, especially if they’re wet? Shoes with that stench should not be allowed past the garage.

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Guilt-free popover muffins

Submitted by emily.griffin on

These popovers are crisp on the outside, nicely moist within. Using egg whites and fat-free milk make this favorite comfort food guilt-free.

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings, one popover

1 cup fat-free milk
1 cup all-purpose (plain) flour
¼ teaspoon salt
4 egg whites

Directions

Heat the oven to 425 F. Generously coat 6 large metal or glass muffin molds with cooking spray. Heat the muffin molds in the oven for two minutes.

In a large bowl, add the milk, flour, salt and egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth. Fill the heated muffin molds ⅔ full. Bake in the top part of the oven until golden brown and puffy, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Dietitians Tip - Make cheese popovers by topping each cup with 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese before cooking. The Parmesan cheese adds 7 calories, a trace amount of fat and cholesterol, and 25 milligrams of sodium to each popover.

Nutritional information

Per serving

Calories 101
Fat - trace amount
Cholesterol 1 mg
Sodium 152 mg
Carbohydrates 18 g
Fiber 0.5 g
Protein 6 g

Love the recipe? Download the recipe (PDF)

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Guilt-free Popover Muffins Recipe

These popovers are crisp on the outside, nicely moist within. Using egg whites and fat-free milk make this favorite comfort food guilt-free.

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