MANILA, Philippines?While there is no need to stress yourself reading voluminous medical journals to be informed, keeping abreast of the latest medical findings may save your life.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Good oils

High concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid (a polysaturated fat from the same family of fatty acids found in fish) in the blood may decrease the risk of stroke. This good oil improves the viscosity and clotting of blood.

Drink or binge?

You may toast to good health each time you raise a glass of wine or spirits. But more than two servings for men and one serving for women will have a negative effect on health.
Alcohol may help prevent strokes if taken moderately. The key here is moderation. However, if you are not a drinker, it is not recommended that you start to be one. There are far better ways to be healthy minus the risks.

Keep the lid on

There seems to be a lot of evidence linking stress to high blood pressure/hypertension. If you put your problems at the center of your attention, then they become more stressful.
Try to distract yourself by taking up a hobby, exercising, meditating, relaxing. Or get yourself a pet. It will draw your focus toward affection and caring.

Guard your neck

Did you know that some people suffered strokes after their necks were hurt, twisted or hyperextended?

Sudden movement could tear the lining of one of four arteries going to the brain thereby causing the formation of a clot. Some women have experienced this after extending their necks over a sink for a shampoo. Drivers who turn their necks sharply also have suffered the same.

In a salon, try to place a pillow under your neck and, when driving, do try to turn your head slowly. This does not happen, however, after chiropractic treatment.

Let the mind wander

Yes, it is true. Allowing yourself to daydream is a natural stress-buster. So, try not to stop it when it happens.

However, daydreaming all the time could be counter-productive. So, when dreams do come, welcome it for the moment. Revel in the fantasy and smile. This ought to put you in a good mood all day.

Go liquid

Dehydration is a symptom of innumerable diseases. Instead of waiting for thirst signals, drink clean, purified water.

If you have a problem with stomach acidity/ulcers, do not drink milk. While initially it may neutralize stomach acids, within 30 minutes the calcium/protein in milk will actually stimulate acid production.

Try fresh cabbage juice instead. High in glutamine, an amino acid that rebuilds stomach cells, cabbage also stimulates your body to produce a substance that protects the lining of the stomach.

Eat right

It is not really a magic bullet, but it works just as well. Heart disease can be overcome through proper nutrition. The easiest way is to remove saturated fat (from animals) from your diet. Then load up on vegetables.

This food regimen is not only for people with heart problems. Your body will only benefit from it.

Sweat it out

A way to strengthen heart muscles is to exercise. This should shake off high triglycerides level in you. Adopting a regular exercise program will strengthen your heart? beat by beat.

Affirm today: ?I value life as life values me.?

Love and light!

Join the Amazing Wellness Race on March 8 at SM Mall of Asia. Call 3718197.