Did you know….
Did you know that regularly taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for minor aches and pains can come with an unexpected consequence?
Yoga Journal reported about a Harvard University research on women who took ibuprofen four to five times a week. These women ended up having a 21% greater risk for hearing loss over a 14-year period compared to women who averaged taking ibuprofen less than once a week! The researchers suspect that the ibuprofen restricts blood flow to the cochlea. Next time you get a headache, muscle ache or joint pain, Yoga Journal suggests you try a natural remedy:
Headache
(Leg-up-on-the-wall). Lie on your back and lift your legs to a 90-degree angle, resting your legs flush against a wall. Spending 5-10 minutes in this position will release the tight neck muscles that can trigger a tension headache!
Muscle Aches
Try sniffing rosemary oil. A study suggests sniffing rosemary eases muscle soreness by decreasing stress hormones that can cause you to tense up. Sniff rosemary essential oil for 5 minutes, or brew some rosemary tea and inhale the aroma before each sip!
Joint Pain
Try aloe vera juice. Sipping a few ounces of aloe vera juice has been shown to reduce joint-tissue inflammation. Drinking aloe vera juice may also boost the powers of OTC meds, so if you do take pills, you may may get relief with a smaller dose.
Health Tip for Staying Active:
Drink plenty of water! You’ve probably heard this a hundred times, but there’s a reason for it. Your body uses water in almost every function, including the process of burning fat. Water helps every cell and organ in your body work. Water cushions your joints, and it helps keep your body cool. Water helps flush toxins out of your system and rehydrates the body. Carry a water bottle and hydrate all day long. In general, you should try to drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, that would be 75 to 150 ounces of water a day.
TRC's STARS Enhanced Health Plan 