Thursday 13 August 2015

14 Strange-but-True Health Tips

Use the First Stall
After analyzing 51 public restrooms, experts found that
the stall closest to the restroom door consistently had the
lowest bacteria levels (and the most toilet paper!). The
first stall probably sees less traffic because it's near the
door and people want privacy. And when you're finished,
stand before you flush. When toilets are flushed, a fine
mist of water containing contagious bacteria sprays up.
You can catch intestinal bugs and hepatitis from it.
Splint a Broken Arm with a Magazine
To make an impromptu cast, place your wrist palm-down
on top of a thick magazine. Roll the magazine into a U-
shaped cradle and secure it with tape, an ace bandage , or
long strips torn from a shirt. Then please remember to
renew your subscription.
Accuse Others of Taking Your Keys
Research suggests there's a marked difference between
how younger and older people interpret misplacing their
car keys. A young guy usually blames it on someone else:
"Who took my damn keys?" An old man typically blames
it on himself: "I must be getting old. I misplaced my keys
again." Never use your age as an excuse for anything like
this—and see if you don't remain younger longer. It's an
effective mental trick.
Scratch the Other Limb
For itchy skin under a cast, try scratching the same place
on the other arm or foot. This may trick your brain into
thinking you're scratching the real itch.
(How 'bout advice to get stronger? Try these 100 Best
Fitness Tips of All-Time .)
Break a High Fever
Anything up to 102°F is mild and can be treated by
drinking plenty of fluids. But to quickly bring down a
reading above that, put an ice pack under your arm or
near your groin. Icing either spot will cool your body's
core. It's uncomfortable, but it works fast. Then see a
doctor.
Keep the Willies at Bay
If you get claustrophobic in small spaces such as subways,
elevators, and that closet of an office they stuck you in,
visit your local fruit stand. A sniff of green apple may
help relieve claustrophobic sensations. Carry one with
you. Also, if you're selling your house, placing a basket of
fresh green apples on the table may make potential
buyers perceive the house as larger.
Skip the Antibacterial Soap
There's absolutely no reason to buy antibacterial soaps,
according to the American Medical Association. While
close to 50 percent of soaps sold in the States contain
antimicrobial agents, the AMA claims there's no solid
scientific proof that these soaps are better at preventing
infection than regular soap. In fact, the group argues that
antibacterial soaps may be doing more harm than good—
by making bacteria stronger and more resistant to
existing germ killers.
Straighten Your Drive
Taking a long drive? Pretend someone poured a cold
drink down your back—notice how your shoulders pull
back and your spine curves? That's the position your back
should be in when you're rolling down the highway.
Disinfect a Wound with Honey
Pour a dab of honey on a cut before covering it with a
bandage. Believe it or not, honey has powerful
antibacterial properties. A recent study found that it was
capable of destroying almost all strains of the most
common wound-infecting bacteria.
(There are other use for honey, too, and you might find
one of them among the 50 Best Men's Health Sex Tips
Ever .)
Call Dr. Pepper
Next time you nick yourself in the kitchen, reach for the
black pepper. Run cold water over the wound to clean it,
using soap if you were handling meat. Then sprinkle on
the pepper and apply pressure. In no time, the bleeding
will stop. Turns out, black pepper has analgesic,
antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Pepper doesn't
sting, either—but don't tell that to your audience.
Shave Your 'stache and Sniff Less
If you're prone to allergies and have a mustache, wash it
twice a day with liquid soap. One study found that
patients who did this used fewer antihistamines and
decongestants. Reason: Cleaning got rid of stuck pollen
grains.
Pet Away High Blood Pressure
To lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, get a dog.
Numerous studies show that petting a dog keeps blood
pressure under control when you're stressed.
Flush Away Trouble
Ever notice how satisfying it is to flush a toilet, especially
if it's one of those airport monsters? Think of this next tip
as a stress laxative—a bit strange, but guaranteed to be
gentle and effective: Before you go to bed, put some small
strips of flushable paper and a pencil in the bathroom.
The following morning, take a seat and write down the
names of all the people or situations in your life that are
causing you angst. Then throw them in the bowl and
flush. You'll be amazed at how great this feels and works.

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