HealthyLife Articles

Tag: calories

  • Read The Labels, Again

    WELL-BEING

    Image of medicine bottles.

    Any box or bottle of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine lists its active ingredients prominently on the label. But are consumers using that information to make wise choices about taking two or more OTC drugs at the same time? Probably not, suggests a study in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing.

    A consumer who takes a cold medicine containing, for instance, acetaminophen, may see nothing wrong with taking an additional medicine that also contains acetaminophen. In other words, the typical consumer, who is unlikely to have any medical expertise, may very well believe that there is no danger in taking any two OTC medications at the same time-even medications with the same active ingredients.

    Avoid double dosing. OTC drugs are not risk-free. Read labels.

    FYI

    According to the FDA, more than 600 OTC and prescription medicines contain the active ingredient acetaminophen. Taking acetaminophen is safe and effective when you follow the label information. But you can get severe liver damage if you take:

    *  More acetaminophen than directed

    *  More than one medicine that has acetaminophen

    *  3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using acetaminophen

    For more information, ask your pharmacist, doctor, or nurse.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • State Fair Food. How Unhealthy?

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of state fair food booths.

    State fair food booths are famous for deep-frying most anything-even butter. It’s not unusual for a single serving to hit 500 or even 1,000 calories, with dozens of grams of fat.

    As unlikely as it may sound, it is possible to get a taste of a state fair without overindulging, says Dr. Donald Hensrud, a Mayo Clinic specialist in nutrition and preventive medicine.

    *  Give yourself a good start and eat something healthy before you go. Have some fruit to start the day or a salad before you go in the afternoon.

    *  Work off the extra calories through walking, which is easy to do at the fair.

    *  Burn off extra calories by getting in an extra workout or two, before or after the fair.

    *  Decide ahead of time how much and what you’ll indulge in. If you have a plan, you’re less likely to overeat. Turkey legs on the midway or dairy barn homemade ice cream? Pick one and plan ahead.

    *  Split portions with family or friends. This will not only help decrease calorie intake, but also lets you enjoy more tastes and may help to save money.

    *  Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and aid the digestive process. Stay away from non-diet soda. It’s loaded with calories and sugar and has no nutritional benefit. Drink water instead.

    *  Don’t panic if you overindulge. Return to your normal eating routine the next day.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine