Nov 16 2007
Better ZZZs for better health
(NC)-Eat well, exercise, reduce stress - all the familiar tenets of better health and fitness. The key missing component: getting good quality sleep.
In fact, only ten per cent of Canadians think sleep is critical to their physical fitness, yet nearly one-third admit that “lack of energy” is the greatest barrier to improving their fitness, according to a recent survey by the Better Sleep Council Canada.
“Whether we’re running a marathon, enjoying a night on the town or even tackling a demanding situation at work, our overall wellness level determines how well we can physically and mentally manage these day-to-day stresses,” says Gary Baskerville of the Better Sleep Council Canada. “A good night’s sleep helps our body recover and face the next day refreshed.”
Tips for Better ZZZs
. Zone in - stick to the same sleep schedule every day, even on weekends. Establish a regular sleep pattern and remember, the average adult needs between seven and eight hours of sleep nightly.
. Zone out - give yourself time to wind down and avoid strenuous exercise within three hours of bedtime.
. Zap distractions - turn off the TV, computer, your cell phone and other electronics in the bedroom. Remove work, food, pets, and even the remote control.
. Zero stimulants - caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes in the evening make it harder to fall asleep. Avoid heavy meals before bedtime and resist the late night snack!
. Zoom in on posture - Nearly two in five Canadians wake up with some body pain and many attribute it to the way they slept. Sleep in a position that maintains the curve in your back for better comfort and support. Experts recommend sleeping on your side with slightly bent knees and a pillow between your legs or on your back with a pillow under your knees.
The Fitness Equipment You Already Own
“Many of us rely on sports gear and apparel to maintain our health but, actually, one of the most essential pieces of fitness equipment is our mattress,” says Baskerville. “Given we spend about 2,000 hours sleeping each year, after eight to ten years our mattresses can lose the comfort and support we need to recover. Be sure to replace your mattress if it’s old or causing you to toss and turn at night.”
Find more tips on how to get a better night’s sleep at www.bettersleep.ca.
(ARA) – Getting the flu can have serious consequences, especially for children. Every year, children in the United States get extremely ill and some die from influenza (“the flu”) and its complications. Richard Kanowitz knows this all too well — he and his wife Alissa lost their 4-year-old daughter, Amanda, to the flu four years [...]
Of the 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, 80 percent are women, and having a mother with osteoporosis puts a daughter particularly at risk for fractures.
Priscilla Turner, 67, of Memphis, Tenn., knows this risk all too well. Her 90-year-old mother, Jewell Fondren, suffers from osteoporosis (a disease that causes bone to become weak and susceptible to [...]