Drink water, it's good for you!

(January, 30, 2015)

You have likely been told every summer since you were a child that you should drink plenty water so you don’t dehydrate. While this is an accurate statement it is not the only positive aspect that drinking water offers. There are actually numerous benefits that consuming water has on your body, which will have these positive effects throughout the entire year.

Throughout the day our bodies continuously lose bodily fluids as we sweat, create saliva, urinate and even breathe. It is therefore imperative that we replace these fluids so our bodies can function properly and stay healthy. Dehydration occurs if our input of liquids does not equal the output of fluids our body is exhausting. During the summer months when the temperatures are much higher our bodies sweat much more and we therefore need to replace these fluids at a quicker pace. The same applies to the other months of the year where people may forget to drink. 

In addition to maintaining bodily fluids, drinking water also helps us control our calorie intake. This is because with the consumption of water our bodies will feel very full from the water weight, which will deter us from snacking or eating more than is necessary and thus keep our calorie count in check. This can help you loose weight while still feeling satisfied after your meal.

 

Another use that is often overlooked is that our skin contains plenty of water, and is used as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. If we become dehydrated our skin will start to feel dry and may wrinkle.

So what are you waiting for go-ahead grab a cup of water and keep yourself fit and healthy.

Pass the Peanut Butter!

Peanut Butter- the ideal sandwich spread for the young, old, and those in between. Besides for being creamy or crunchy and absolutely delicious, peanut butter packs a lot of health benefits. Probably the best health benefit that peanut butter gives is the fact that two tablespoons gives you about 7 grams of protein. Protein is necessary for almost every bodily function and task, and it also keeps you fuller longer. This is why many people opt for peanut butter as their go-to snack when trying to lose weight. Another health benefit of peanut butter is that it contains potassium. Many people do not reach the daily recommended amount of potassium which can prove to be dangerous especially in those who high sodium levels. As many people consume too much sodium these days, potassium can counter the effects of too much of it. Besides for supplying potassium to the eater, peanut butter contains many important and vital nutrients as well such as magnesium, Vitamin E, as well as Vitamin B6.

Although peanut butter can give us many health benefits, one must be sure that the right peanut butter is being bought. On today’s supermarket shelves there can be so many option, it can be quite deceiving and overwhelming. Like anything else, it is best to find peanut butter that is all natural. Along with that, the product that contains the least amount of sugar tends to be healthiest. However, note less sugar means that it is less sweet. Lastly, find a brand that doesn’t have too much sodium. The recommended of peanut butter a day is just 2 tablespoons so be careful not to indulge in the whole jar! Now that you see the wonders of peanut butter, a food that many already love, its time to explore all the foods peanut butter can go with. Not only is it a great sandwich spread, but it works great with fruits, and sauces too!

Credit Card Advice for Seniors:

At some point in our life many of us find our wallets stuffed with credit and debit cards of all sorts. Some have great rewards, some have great benefits, and not mention those with low interest rates. As fun as starting your very own credit card collection may be, there are many disadvantages to having a variety of them. First of all, with so many cards for so many different uses, it becomes very easy to forget to pay off your bills on time. Besides for that, having many cards can make it easier for identity theft to occur, along with having the urge to buy many things you don't need. If you find yourself with a stack of plastic, perhaps take some time and do some research. Look into each card individually to see what is best for your needs and lifestyle. The even better thing to do is cancel all or most of your cards and opt for credit card that is senior friendly. Below are some of the best credit cards to consider for seniors of all ages. 

1. As we know the elderly is more prone to identity and credit card theft, seniors must constantly be aware of their charges and payments. Seniors tend to get mixed up in all sorts of scams, by falling into traps and unknowingly giving out their credit card numbers to criminals. One option to prevent this is the True Link Card (https://www.truelinkcard.com/). For $10 a month, a trusted administrator can monitor any activity that may be suspicious, as well as set spending limits. This card is a debit card so there will be no interest fees or overdraft fees. Not only is the card great to keep seniors safe, but it is perfect for the forgetful senior as well.

2. For those seniors who love earning rewards and benefits through their card usage, they should check out the AARP Credit Card from Chase (http://www.aarpcreditcard.com/Default). Designed exclusively for AARP Members this card is big on the cash-back, points reward, and a host of other benefits tailored towards seniors. With no annual fee, this card may may be the right one for the elderly. 

3. For seniors stuck in a low credit pit, one card that may be helpful is the Capital One Secured Mastercard (http://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/secured-mastercard/). This card regularly reports credit changes, as it allows you to build up your credit score. Along with that, it has a yearly fee of just $29, which makes affordable for most. 

These three options are just a few of the many possibilities! Because there are so many cards to choose from, it can feel quite overwhelming to choose the right one. Hopefully the information will give you a great place to start!  

The Truth about Hand Sanitizer:

Most people usually equate hand sanitizer with help, as it is told that it will kill 99% of germs found on the skin. However, studies and research are beginning to show that hand sanitizer is not as good as we think. This may be shocking to hear as hand sanitizer is found almost everywhere, ranging from hospitals, schools, offices, and homes. So what’s the deal with it?

The main ingredient in bacteria fighting agents is alcohol. Studies show that for hand sanitizer to be truly effective, it must contain at least 60% alcohol amongst it’s ingredients. Although this may be true, many companies continue to sell hand sanitizer with less than the necessary amount of alcohol. Anything less than 60% won’t kill the germs and bacteria you were hoping to get rid of. The best thing to do is to look at the label of the hand sanitizer to see its alcohol content.

Besides for not having enough alcohol content in some sanitizers, some do not have any at all. It has found to be that triclosan, the active ingredient in non-alcoholic hand sanitizers, actually make your body resistant to some antibiotics. Meaning, sooner than later the germs and bacteria you are trying to kill off will be able to tolerate the hand sanitizer, thus they will be able to live. This scary truth can cause more harm than good when using hand sanitizer frequently.

Lastly, research shows that hand sanitizers that do not contain 60% of more alcohol, do not even fight off viruses such as the common cold. This is because illnesses like the common cold are not caused by germs and bacteria, rather they are caused by viruses in the body. For all those who slather on the hand sanitizer when they feel a cold coming on, are nothing actually helping to prevent it.  

Now that you know what hand sanitizer is really all about, what is the final verdict? Should you opt for the hand sanitizer or leave it behind? The best route in this matter is to make sure you are using alcohol containing agents, of course with an alcohol content of 60% or above. Anything other than that will not be effective, and can even leave you off worse. Don’t get fooled by choosing the cheapest brand, make sure to buy the right brand so that you can stay healthy!