HealthyLife Articles

Category: Well-Being

What To Say When Someone Is Grieving

WELL-BEING

“People are very uncomfortable when they try to comfort someone who is grieving. If you say the wrong thing, you can actually make matters worse,” said Aurora Winter, founder of the Grief Coach Academy and author of From Heartbreak to Happiness. Here are some tips on what to say at a funeral or wake to comfort people in their grief:

Do say:

* You’re not alone. I’m here.

* I can’t imagine how painful this must be for you.

* My heart goes out to you.

* What specifically can I do to support you?

Don’t say:

* Don’t feel bad.

* Be grateful you had her so long.

* At least you have other children.

* You’re young. You can get another husband/wife/child.

* It just takes time.

It is a relief to a grieving person to talk about their loss. You can support someone by (1) acknowledging their feelings and the situation, (2) listening without trying fix anything, and (3) giving hope and encouragement.

If you are at a loss for words, there is nothing wrong with being authentic and simply stating, “I don’t know what to say.”

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
6 Benefits Of Drinking Water

WELL-BEING

Your body needs water for nearly every function. But, many people aren’t getting enough. While fluids from other drinks and even some foods can help hydrate you, drinking plain water has some advantages. It’s calorie-free, doesn’t cause cavities and doesn’t cost anything. Start filling up a reusable water bottle today and take advantage of these water perks:

Headache prevention:Dehydration can cause a severe headache. If you drink water throughout the day, you can avoid this.

Better workout:Water is needed for proper energy levels and muscle function. Drink enough before and after workouts to avoid dehydration and sluggishness.

Joint pain relief:Dehydration can cause achy bones and joints. Water is needed to keep joints lubricated and healthy.

Healthier skin:Staying hydrated helps your skin stay hydrated, too. This can make skin feel healthier.

Healthy weight:Drinking water instead of soda or sugary drinks can save you hundreds of extra calories and help get to, or stay at, a healthy weight.

Healthier kidneys and bladder:Drinking enough water helps prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

Talk with your doctor about how much water you should drink each day. People with end stage kidney disease, heart failure or certain other conditions may need to limit their fluids.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Do-It-Yourself Spring Cleaning Guide

WELL-BEING

Germs grow and invade your privacy. Bathrooms are one of their popular spots. They gather in the bathtub, shower, toilet-just about everywhere.

“People these days just don’t take time out from their busy schedule to clean,” said Donna Duberg, lab science and germ expert at Saint Louis University. Duberg offers some simple ways to do your spring cleaning and make your bathroom germ-free.

Simplify cleaning:Engage in basic cleaning such as disinfecting and removing visible dirt regularly, to make spring cleaning less cumbersome. As spring sets in, brace yourself to clear the scum and lime scale-mostly found on your shower curtains-and mold stuck in and around your bathtub. They hold on to bacteria and can cause fungi to grow.

Don’t overkill:If you use too many cleaners and don’t dilute them, you risk the chance of inhaling the fumes of the cleaners, which can affect your lungs. Keep the windows open while cleaning or plug in fans to avoid breathing in the chemicals. Read the label carefully to understand how to use a product.

Instead of harsh chemicals, use the magic ingredient:Vinegar, when mixed with water can do wonders for the surfaces. Spray a mixture of one part white distilled vinegar mixed with 9 parts water to see a nice shine on your bathtub or floor. Undiluted white distilled vinegar mixed with baking soda can be used to remove scum. The fewer the cleaning products, the better. Vinegar is inexpensive, is not harmful to kids and pets, and always leaves a shine.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hair Loss: More Than Skin Deep

WELL-BEING

Hair loss is a common issue among men and women alike. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says about 50 million men and 30 million women have some degree of hair loss or baldness. Most of the time, this is due to hereditary hair loss.

Sometimes, however, hair loss is a sign of a health problem. Hair loss can sometimes be caused by:

* Thyroid problems

* Diabetes

* Low iron in the blood (anemia)

* Prostate cancer in men

* High blood pressure (hypertension)

* Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women

Hair loss doesn’t always mean you have a serious illness. Sometimes hair falls out for a little while and then starts to grow back. Some of the reasons this happens include:

* Hair breakage from chemicals like perms and hair color

* Hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as tight ponytails and braids

* A stressful event, such as a death in the family

* Stress on the body from major surgery, childbirth or some illnesses

* Brushing hair too hard or too often

* Some prescription medicines, including those for arthritis, cancer, depression, gout, heart disease and high blood pressure

* Hormone changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause

If you notice sudden hair loss, it’s important to find out the cause. If you notice large amounts of hair falling out when combing or washing your hair, or thinning or bald spots, make an appointment with your doctor.

Common hair loss treatments

Knowing the cause of your hair loss is the first step to treatment. For instance, if iron levels are low, your doctor may recommend an iron supplement. Treatments for common hereditary hair loss include:

* Topical minoxidil (brand name Rogaine, which can be purchased in stores)

* Finasteride (prescription medicine for men only)

* Topical or oral estrogen or other hormones (prescription for women only)

* Hair transplant surgery

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Keeping Track Of Medicines

WELL-BEING

Did I take my medicine? If you find yourself asking that question often, try these tips to help you keep track.

*Keep them in an accessible spot.As long as they’re out of reach of children or pets, the best place for your medicine is a place you’ll see it.

*Write it down.Purchase a small notebook and write down each medicine as you take it. Be sure to record the date, time, and what you have taken.

*Use technology.Today’s smartphones have alarms you can use to remember your medicines. Set separate alarms for each medicine and have them repeat daily. Don’t have a smartphone? Check out “talking” pill boxes. Take the medicine as soon as the alarm goes off. Don’t wait – or you may forget!

*Know what to do if you miss a dose.Some medicines should be “made up” at the next dose, but others should not. It may be dangerous if you forget certain life-saving medicines.

Medicines we use the most

The most frequently prescribed medicines in the U.S. are:

* Pain relievers

* Lipid-lowering medicines (to lower cholesterol or triglycerides)

* Antidepressant medicines

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
New You

WELL-BEING

Why wait to create a new you? Live your best life now. This advice comes from researchers at Washington University:

*Learn something new.Take a class in a subject you enjoy or are curious about. Check your community colleges for noncredit continuing education classes. Rekindle your love of learning.

*Volunteer.It’s good for your physical and mental health whether you’re building a house for someone, ladling out soup for the homeless, or collecting canned goods. You’ll make valuable community connections.

*Get your social media house in order.The Internet and social media have opened up exciting new avenues to connect with others and new vistas to share preferences in films, books, and music. Have fun. But be cautious. Check your default privacy settings. Log out and see what your profile looks like to the outside world. Make sure passwords are complex – Use upper and lowercase letters and a special character, such as $. Don’t use the same password for all social media accounts.

*Rediscover the library.The digital revolution has changed your local library. You can often download books online. Consider how much your library offers: novels and nonfiction works for all ages, how-to books, music CDs, movies on DVD or videotape, maps and reference works. Read the latest magazines or journals.

*Step away from your desk.Physical activity improves health, lowers stress, and increases productivity. And if those weren’t reasons enough, research shows that exercise reduces the risk of diseases such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

*Pay down your credit card debt.Put extra money toward the loans with the highest interest rates. Consolidate several small debts.

*Use your smartphone to quit smoking.You can tap into apps for messages of support and access websites that give step-by-step encouragement.

*Kick the car habit.Leave the SUV in the garage and try alternate means of transportation such as the bus or train, bicycling, walking, or park-and-ride commuting.

*Parents:Make every day count. Happy, well-adjusted children need happy, well-adjusted parents.

*Get more sleep.

*Consume more culture.The arts not only educate and entertain, they help us to better understand ourselves and others. Visit your local museums, galleries, theaters, dance companies, and music halls.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Short Days, Long Nights, Bright News

WELL-BEING

With short days and less exposure to sunlight, everyone feels less energetic and more vulnerable to depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder, known as SAD or winter depression, is a mood disorder related to seasonal changes in sunlight.

Symptoms often last until April or early spring. SAD affects between 10 to 20% of Americans, primarily younger adults and women. Although the exact cause of SAD is unknown, experts believe changes in melatonin and serotonin levels (brain chemicals), or a disruption in the body’s internal clock may be to blame.

Dr. John Stracks of Northwestern Medicine says there are ways to beat the blues caused by SAD. He suggests those who experience symptoms visit their doctor before symptoms become severe. Symptoms include feeling low and slow, difficulty waking up in the morning, sleeping more, mid-afternoon blahs, increased appetite, and loss of interest in activities.

The primary treatment for SAD is morning bright light therapy, which has several decades of research to support its usefulness.

For most people who have mild symptoms that do not interfere with functioning, try small things to keep moods balanced:

*Sleep well– Make sure to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, including weekends. Doing so will keep the body’s internal clock in sync.

*Let the light in– Get as much exposure to sunlight as possible by opening the blinds at home and making sure that work space has natural or bright light.

*Control cravings– Eat a balanced diet while limiting the amount of carbohydrates consumed. Carbs can provide a short-term energy boost but leave you feeling worse later in the day.

*Embrace an exercise routine– Exercise is not only good for physical health, but also helps relieve the stress and anxiety that can increase the symptoms of SAD.

*Learn to manage stress– Take time to relax each day and try to manage stress so it doesn’t lead to depression and overeating.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
This Home Fix Can Save Your Life

WELL-BEING

It’s odorless, colorless, and causes lung cancer. You could be breathing it every day and not know it. It’s radon, and it’s a major health threat in nearly all areas of the country.

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is found in soil. It makes its way into buildings through cracks, joints, and gaps in the basement or foundation. Once inside, it can build up and result in dangerously high levels. High levels of radon can cause lung cancer. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today. Only smoking causes more deaths from lung cancer.

The CDC estimates that more than 20,000 people die every year from lung cancer caused by radon. Even people who have never smoked can get lung cancer from radon. But, if you smoke, your chance of lung cancer is even higher.

How do I know if my house has radon?

The only way to detect radon in your house is through a radon test. Many hardware stores carry these tests, or you can get a test through your state’s radon office. Follow the instructions exactly as listed on the test. The tests are not expensive and are easy to use. Usually you need to leave the test in your house for a set amount of time. Then, you’ll follow instructions to mail it to a lab to get your results.

No level of radon is safe. But, if your test shows a level of 4 or higher, you need to fix your house.

How do I get rid of radon?

There is an effective way to get radon out of your house and keep it from coming back. A radon mitigation system involves putting a special pipe device in your basement. The pipe has a fan inside that blows the radon back outside.

Every state has radon removal companies who can install these systems. The Environmental Protection Agency says you should use a company that is accredited by the National Radon Safety Board or the National Radon Proficiency Program.

Radon is one health problem no one should live with. Get a radon testing kit today. Your health and life are worth it.

Take action against radon

To order a radon test kit, call: 1-800-SOS-RADON

(1-800-767-7236)

For answers to radon questions, call: 1-800-55-RADON (557-2366)

For questions about fixing radon levels in your house, call: 1-800-644-6999.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
What’s Parked In Your Garage?

WELL-BEING

Gasoline and other poison hazards may be stored unsafely in your garage. The Home Safety Council and the American Association of Poison Control Centers promote safe practices around hazardous products in the garage and storage areas:

* In homes with young children, see that child-resistant caps are on all dangerous products. These include charcoal lighter fluid, paint thinner, antifreeze, and turpentine. Store the products out of sight and reach-or better yet, locked up.

* Store only a small amount of gasoline and always in an approved container designed and labeled for gasoline. Never bring gasoline indoors.

* Keep all products in original containers with original labels.

* Never transfer dangerous products to glass jars, soft drink bottles, or other containers. Harmful products could look like common drinks and be taken by mistake. Also, containers may leak or break. It is easy to forget what product was placed in which container.

* Use a siphon hose if you must transfer gasoline. Never try to siphon gasoline or other fuels by mouth.

Every Poison Control Center in the country can be reached by calling the nationwide hotline at (800) 222-1222. Post the hotline near home phones and on your cell phone.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
8 Commandments For Living Long And Living Well

WELL-BEING

You won’t live forever, but you can’t live like there’s no tomorrow, because tomorrow is coming. You can prepare for tomorrow today by making smart lifestyle choices or changing poor health habits-it’s never too late to do that, says Dr. Edward Creagan in his book How Not to Be My Patient: A Physician’s Secrets for Staying Healthy and Surviving Any Diagnosis. Here are Dr. Ed’s eight commandments:

1. Form stable long-term relationships.

2. Maintain ideal body weight.

3. Eat a plant-based diet.

4. Be active.

5. No smoking.

6. Use alcohol in moderation, if at all.

7. Foster a sense of spirituality and a sense of connectedness to nature or your higher power or force.

8. Find meaning and purpose in life.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026