Deana's Health Corner

Most Americans eat more than their fare share of sugar. As a nation we consume more sugar than any other nation. In fact, many manufacturers have a different recipe for food products being shipped to America than that of any other country. Our food products contain extreme amounts of sugar.

Two different types of sugar exist: simple and complex. Complex sugar takes longer for your body to break down and is healthier for your body. This type is found in natural carbohydrates such as whole grains and fruit. On the other hand, simple sugar is broken down by your body quick and causes energy ups and downs. Not to mention, “Sugar makes us Fat!”

Eating too much sugar can negatively affect your immune system for up to 5 hours after you eat it, according to AskDrSears.com. An excess of sugar blocks your immune system from functioning properly and diminshes the ability of white blood cells to fight bacteria.

Similar to consuming too much salt, an excess of sugar can lead to high blood pressure in men, according to the American Heart Association.

It’s no surprise that sugar negatively affects your dental health. When the sugar you eat mixes with plaque it creates an acid that can cause tooth decay over time, according to the American Dental Association. The ADA recommends eating fewer foods with added sugar.

So I ask you again, is sugar really sweet?

Tags: ADA, AHA, disadvantage, sugar, sweet
Posted in American Dental Association, American Heart Association, disadvantages, fat, Healthy Eating, Smiles, sugar, sweet, weight gain | | No Comments »

10 Reasons to Smile

#1.   Smiling Makes Us Attractive.  We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away — but a smile draws them in.

#2.   Smiling Changes Our Mood.  Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

#3.  Smiling Is Contagious. When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

#4.  Smiling Relieves Stress. Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you’ll be better able to take action.

#5.  Smiling Boosts Your Immune System. Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

#6.  Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure.  When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

#7.  Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin. Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

#8.   Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger. The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don’t go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day — you’ll look younger and feel better.

#9.  Smiling Makes You Seem Successful.  Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

#10.  Smiling Helps You Stay Positive.  Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

Resources:
http://www.terrawellington.com/Column2005/041405.htm
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=1424940
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/416134/health_benefits_of_smiling_.html?cat=25
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/416134/health_benefits_of_smiling_.html?cat=25

Life,

Tags: Benefits, health, life, Smile
Posted in Smiles, Uncategorized | | No Comments »

Researchers of a study led by Dr. Dacher Keltner of the University of California were able to predict the future success (30 years down the road!) of 21-year-old individuals just by looking at their photographs. The key appeared to be the intensity of their smiles.

Posted in Smiles, Uncategorized | | No Comments »

Posted in Smiles, Uncategorized | | 2 Comments »

Researchers of a study led by Dr. Dacher Keltner of the University of California were able to predict the future success (30 years down the road!) of 21-year-old women just by looking at their photographs. The key appeared to be the intensity of the women’s smiles. 

Do you stil need convincing,?  Consider research  recently found just for those who still need somewhat of a prod to get going into the blissful  lifestyle of unconditional happiness. 

“Women who displayed more positive emotion were more likely to be married by 27, less likely to have remained single into middle adulthood and more likely to have satisfying marriages 30 years later. This means we can take photos at a wedding and from them we may be able to tell how the marriage will go,” said Dr. Keltner.

Deana

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We’ve already discovered the healing properties contained within laughter. Now we’ll take a look at the worth of a smile. A smile is more than just a frown turned upside down. It does more for an individual than many people realize and know.

Did anyone ever tell you that happy people have stronger immune systems and can fight off illness better than a melancholy personality?  That’s a fact, according to Christopher Peterson, PhD, a University of Michigan Professor.  People who wear a smile are usually optimistic and are therefore happy and healthy. There is a clear link between optimistic attitudes and good health. It has been measured in a variety of ways. The bible clearly states in Neh. 8:10 “…neither be ye sorry, for the Joy of the Lord is your strength.” Everyone needs a strengthened immune system to fight disease.  Why not change your mood by smiling more,  even when you don’t feel up to it.   Remember…Smile for life.

Deana

Tags: healing, health, Laughter, life, Smile
Posted in Smiles | | 2 Comments »