H EALTH
Y
January 2014 Vol 9 Iss 1
HOME T IMES
Secrets For Living A Healthy, Wealthy & Happy Life
435-673-3575
In This
ISSUE
Germaphobes 101: Expert Tips to Stay Healthy Famous State of the Union Addresses Whats Cool About January Besides the Weather? The Tournament of Roses Parade Who Wants to Win?
Germaphobes 101: Expert Tips to Stay Healthy
(BPT) - The chilly weather is here along with the dreaded cold and flu season. While even the most avid germaphobes can't stop every germ from reaching their family, you can take extra precautions to keep a healthy home. Follow these expert tips to get rid of germs altogether. Clean Kitchens: According to the National Sanitation Foundation, more than 20 percent of foodborne illnesses come from mistakes in the kitchen. The bacteria that could be in the raw chicken you're cutting up for tonight's casserole can instantly spread once you wipe your hands on the dish towel. So here's how to stay vigilant: Stop sponges from spreading bacteria. Replace them regularly and wash them thoroughly with soap after using. You can also kill harmful bacteria by tossing a damp sponge in the dishwasher or by zapping it in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds. Wipe down countertops, faucets, refrigerator and oven handles, cabinet knobs, light switches and phones regularly with soapy water or disinfectant wipes. Often overlooked, the ice dispenser is a proven area of concern for yeast and mold, which are a problem for those with allergies. To properly clean, turn the icemaker off, empty the ice and wash the bin with mild dish soap and warm water. Bacteria-Free Bathroom: Hot, humid areas are breeding grounds for bacteria. Even small surfaces like the bathroom faucet handle can be home to 6,267 bacteria per square inch, according to WebMD. Keep the bathroom cleaner by: Attack shower gunk by cleaning tiles, shower curtains and doors with an all-natural cleanser; not bleach which can eat away at grout. For extra cleaning power, heat diluted vinegar in a bowl and pour into a spray bottle. To prevent mildew and mold build-up in the shower, leave the shower doors open when not in use. Keep surfaces clean and disinfected-to reduce the spread of stain and odor-causing bacteria. Did you know on an unprotected surface, bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes? Healthy Home: It's also important to tackle the rest of the house. These tips that will keep harmful germs and allergens from spreading: Clean your vacuum cleaners upholstery tool and brush roll. Rather than sucking up allergens, these attachments could be spreading them. The washing machine is swarming with bacteria that can find their way onto your clothes - and you. Kitchen towels and undergarments are the biggest culprits and can harbor bacteria which detergent doesn't kill. To prevent harmful germs from spreading, combine these items together and wash with hot water and non-chlorine bleach. Take extra precaution by cleaning the washer out with a disinfecting wipe after washing a load in hot water. A dusty ceiling fan can send dust mites scattering. Ceiling-fan dusters are a quick and easy way to get this job done. This should be done every other month if you use the fan year-round.
JANUARY
Cool Blogs, Sites & Online Resources to Check Out!
http://dp.la/ The DPLA draws on materials from public libraries to feature rich virtual exhibits of a fascinating range of subjects. Everything is presented succinctly with the ability to drill down for more detail. There are almost 2.4 million artifacts available via search, timeline, and map views.
Visit our website at www.stapleypharmacy.com!
http://pixlr.com/ Meet Pixlr. It may not be as powerful as Photoshop, but considering that its free and that it works entirely within your web browser, it gives you a surprising number of important image editing tools. Pixlr Editor gives you standard editing features. Pixlr Express allows quick application of borders, collage creation, etc. Pixlr OMatic give you cool vintage photo effects. Release your inner photog. Give it a try.
Pharmacist Tip of the Month!
Famous State of the Union Addresses: The Four Freedoms Speech, by FDR
"In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want -- which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings, which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear -- which, translated into world terms, means a worldwide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor -anywhere in the world. That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our own time and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of the so-called new order of tyranny which the dictators seek to create with the crash of a bomb." -- Delivered January 6, 1941
Brad Stapley, PharmD.
HOW TO FLUSH AWAY SINUS ILLS A technique called saline irrigation can help people with chronic nasal and sinus conditions. Researchers tested saline sprays (which squirt saline solution into the nostrils) against saline irrigation, a more rigorous nasal cleaning process. Patients using saline irrigation were much less stuffy and congested than those treated with saline spray. Saline irrigation probably works by thinning mucus, decreasing swelling in the nasal passages and removing debris, bacteria, allergens and inflammatory substances from your nose.
Stamp Collecting
It is one of the world's most popular hobbies with estimates of up to 20 million collectors in the US alone. Postage stamps are often collected for their historical value and geographical aspects, and for the many different subjects that have been depicted on them, ranging from objects and animals to historical figures and events. Whatever your interest, there are almost always stamps that will complement that interest. Stamp collectors are an important source of income for some countries who create limited runs of elaborate stamps designed mainly to be bought by collectors. The stamps produced by these countries may exceed the postal needs of the countries, but may also feature attractive tropical designs that many collectors would like to have in their stamp albums. Postage stamp collecting began at the same time that stamps were first issued by their country, and by 1860 thousands of collectors and stamp dealers were appearing around the world as this new study and hobby spread across Europe, European colonies in the US and other parts of the world. The first postage stamp--the Penny Black-- was issued by Britain in 1840 and pictured a young Queen Victoria. It was produced without perforations and consequently had to be cut from the sheet with scissors in order to be used. While unused examples of the Penny Black are quite scarce, used examples are common, and may be purchase for $20 to $200, depending upon condition. For more information on stamp collecting for beginners, visit Stamps.org/Starting-aCollection.
Jack Frost is No Problem
If you think that a frost is coming and you need to protect your plants, just spray them with a light coat of cold water in the evening. The water will generate enough heat while it is evaporating to prevent damage from the frost.
One of the first two Mauritius Post Office stamps, this stamp was sold for approximately $1.2 million in 1993.
Fad Diets? Just Say No
Fad diets are not the best way to lose weight and maintain your weight loss. These diets often promise quick weight loss if you strictly reduce what you eat or avoid some types of foods. Some of these diets may help you lose weight at first. But they are hard to follow. Most people quickly get tired of them and regain any lost weight. Fad diets also may be unhealthy. They may not provide all of the nutrients your body needs. Also, losing more than three pounds a week after the first few weeks may increase your chances of developing gallstones (solid matter in the gallbladder that can cause pain). In addition, being on a diet of fewer than 800 calories a day for a long time may lead to serious heart problems. A better idea? Talk with your doc- tor about a healthy, safe weight-loss plan.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
How To Win $25
Have a useful household tip or remedy to share? If we use yours, you win $25. Please direct all entries to: Tips@HealthyHomeTimes.com Please include your name, full mailing address and phone number.
Whats Cool About January Besides the Weather?
Jan 1, 1934: Alcatraz Island Becomes a United States Federal Prison
January is the first month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and one of seven months with the length of 31 days. It is, on average, the coolest month of the year within most of the Northern Hemisphere and the warmest month of the year within most of the Southern Hemisphere. January is named for Janus (Ianuarius), the god of the doorway; the name has its beginnings in Roman mythology, coming from the Latin word for door (ianua), January is the door to the year. Traditionally, the original Roman calendar consisted of 10 months, totaling 304 days, winter being considered a monthless period. Around 713 BC, the semi-mythical successor of Romulus, King Numa Pompilius, is supposed to have added the months of January and February, allowing the calendar to equal a standard lunar year (355 days). Although March was originally the first month in the old Roman Calendar, January assumed that position beginning in 153 BCE.
May Have a Negative Effect
If you run out of salt or sand to de-ice your walkway, try using kitty litter. Keep the cats in the house!
Alcatraz Island was first documented in 1775 by a Spanish naval officer named Juan Manuel de Ayala. He and his ship the San Carlos were the first Europeans known to have entered San Francisco Bay. They named the island "La Isla de los Alcatraces", which translates into "The Island of the Pelicans." In old Spanish, alcatraz meant "pelican" rather than the modern Spanish translation of "gannet" (a type of sea bird). Alcatraz Island is home to the oldest operating lighthouse on the west coast of the United States. Before becoming a federal prison in 1934, it was home to early military fortifications. During the Civil War, Fortress Alcatraz was home to a garrison of US Army troops and had 85 cannons surrounding the fort. They were never fired offensively during the war, though the island was used as an arsenal to store firearms, and to hold captive Confederate sympathizers. After the Civil War, plans to flatten the island and rebuild it with extensive underground magazines and tunnels were scrapped, and instead, focus for the island shifted to long-term detention for military prisoners. The island was thought to be ideal for the purpose of a prison due to its isolation from the outside world by the cold, strong and hazardous currents of the waters of San Francisco Bay. Alcatraz Island was acquired by the Department of Justice in 1933, and officially became a federal prison in August of 1934. During its 29 years of service as a prison, the island housed many notorious criminals, as well as provided housing for the prison staff and their families. The inmate who spent the longest amount of time imprisoned on Alcatraz was Alvin "Creepy" Karpis, who spent 26 years on the island. He was a member of the notorious Barker Gang, and was the last official "Public Enemy" to be captured. He also has the distinction of being convicted of worse crimes than any other inmate in the facilities' history.
Thank You!
Thanks to YOU the word is spreading! Thanks to all of our wonderful customers and friends who graciously referred us to their friends and neighbors last month! Our business runs on the positive comments and referrals from people just like you! We couldnt do it without you!
We Dont Have a Business Without YOU!
Good or bad, we cant fix what we dont know is broken. Please call our toll-free testimonial hotline and let us know, good AND bad what you like most about doing business with us and what you dont like. We are committed to continuously improving because we want to be YOUR familys pharmacy. 1(800) 609-9006 ext. 2679 Available 24/7 (Not for contest entry)
H EALTH
Y
January 2014 Vol 9 Iss 1
HOME T IMES
Secrets For Living A Healthy, Wealthy & Happy Life
Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies. ! Nelson Mandela
The Tournament of Roses Parade
The Tournament of Roses Parade is a classic American New Year's celebration, consisting of a festival of flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and prestigious college football game. The annual parade was first held January 1, 1890 in Pasadena, California. Today, the Rose Parade is watched in person by hundreds of thousands of spectators on the parade route itself, with millions more worldwide watching on multiple television networks. The Rose Bowl college football games was added to the day's festivities in 1902 to help fund the staging of the parade. The Rose Parade has followed the same route for many decades. The 2010 parade saluted the men and women serving America throughout the world, with a four F-18 jet flyover at the beginning of the parade, performed by pilots of the Fighting Redcocks of Strike Fighter Squadron 22. The 2012 Rose Parade will have 43 floats, 21 bands and 18 equestrian units (comprised of approximately 400 horses). It is estimated that each float in the parade takes 60 volunteers working 10 hours a day for 10 days to completely decorate.
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Who Wants To Win?
Cut Your Heart-Disease Risk
Each of us can take action to help reduce our chances of developing heart disease. As we get older, taking these common-sense steps becomes even more important. We all have risk factors. There are some you can change and some you cant. A family history of heart disease is something you must acknowledge and discuss with your doc- tor. Age is another factor outside your control. Heart-disease risk goes up, statistically, at age 45 for men and 55 for women. You can take steps to help control and treat things such as smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, overweight/obesity, physical-activity level and diabetes. Start now to improve your health profile. Follow a heart-healthy eating plan, which can help you control blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and diabetes. Stop smoking if you smoke. Become more physically active. Do at least 30 minutes of a moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, on most (or all, preferably), days of the week. Always talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program, especially if you have previously been inactive. Take any prescribed medications as directed. Better heart health is something you can help control in many ways. Get started today by talking with your doctor and adopting healthy habits for life!
Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Take our Trivia Challenge and you could win too!
This is one of our favorite parts of the newsletter! Each month well give you a new trivia question. The first person to e-mail us with the correct answer will win two FREE movie tickets. Enjoy a night out on us with someone special in your life! Take your best guess and e-mail us at:
newsletter@stapleypharmacy.com This months Mega Trivia Question:
What year was Alcatraz Island first documented?
A) 1775 B) 1894 C) 1934 D) 1960
HINT: The answer is somewhere in this newsletter
