This is February! We remember the one’s we love with lots of goodies and sweet smelling flowers. There are big beautiful red hearts everywhere which also reminds us that we need to be “heart smart” if we want to be able to enjoy our lives. So here are some pointers on how you can be that “heart smart” person. 1.Take 2 baby aspirin a day to help circulation. Aspirin can reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. It can improve the flow of blood to the heart and brain and help keep your arteries open if you have had a stroke or angioplasty (surgery to open up your arteries) Talk to your doctor before you start taking aspirin every day. This is good health care education. 2.Floss every day to prevent gingivitis which is an inflammatory disease. Using dental floss every day will make you look better, smell better, be healthier and help you live longer. A frightening array of debris and bacteria hides between your teeth and along your gum line. Using dental floss is the simplest and most effective way to protect you. Be sure to speak to your health insurance agent for dental coverage! 3.Get to …

Cold and flu season is officially here. We all know that washing our hands is a great way to prevent the spread of germs, but what happens if you’ve already caught the flu bug? The most important thing is to get lots of rest and stayed well hydrated. This means drinking much more water than usual and sleeping as much as you can. This break will give your body a chance to defend itself. Don’t forget the vitamin C, too. A few glasses of orange juice can speed up your recovery.

If you have headaches regularly, those painful moments might be caused by your diet. Certain foods contain chemicals that are known to cause headaches. Nitrates, for example, can cause migraines. Nitrates are found in bacon, deli meats and hot dogs. MSG, a flavoring used in Chinese food and some snack chips, is known to cause some throbbing headaches. Sometimes cheese and onions can even be the culprit. Keep a food journal to track what you eat before the headache occurs. That way, you’ll know what you need to avoid.  

Sharing prescriptions may seem like a great way to save money, but that can actually cause more damage than good. When a family member has leftover medication from a similar ailment, it can be tempting to skip the doctor and use the leftovers. But everyone reacts differently to medicine and certain medications don’t mix well. If you take medication without a doctor’s supervision, you can risk serious mishaps. A bad reaction can cause permanent damage to your body. Rather than taking the risk, it’s best to go to the doctor and get a prescription that’s specifically tailored to you. A good health insurance plan can help you pay for the cost.

Good oral hygiene leads to more than a great smile. When you take care of your teeth, you end up taking care of your entire body. Gum disease is a leading cause of heart disease. If you can prevent gum disease, your risk for heart disease will dramatically reduce. Here’s what you can do: Remember to brush twice a day, both morning and night, and floss regularly. Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dental insurance will help curb the costs of good oral hygiene.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body uses for various functions. Cholesterol is completely normal and expected. In fact, your body produces it on its own. The problem occurs you’re your diet adds more cholesterol to your body then it can handle. When there’s an excess amount, cholesterol gets deposited in your arteries, leading to heart disease and other problems. When your doctor checks your cholesterol level, it’s too high if your number is above 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). According to the American Heart Association, more than thirty seven million Americans have cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL, which is considered a serious health risk. Here’s what you can do to lower your risk: Eat dark chocolate. The antioxidants and flavonoids prevent cholesterol from sticking to your arteries. Drink tea. Just like chocolate, it’s loaded in antioxidants and can keep cholesterol at bay. White and green are the best options.

It’s very common for people to have issues with their knees. It seems knee surgeries are becoming more common everyday. For those of you who have yet to develop knee problems, prevention is key. Certain foods can nourish your knees and help prevent problems in the future. Load up on these vitamin C rich foods: Bell peppers Kiwifruit Tomatoes Oranges Dark green leafy vegetables The vitamins and antioxidants in these foods will give your cells what they need to repair themselves and stay strong.

From Lipitor to Tylenol, many of us take medications on a regular basis. It becomes so second nature that sometimes we don’t stop to notice if our habits are detrimental to the medications themselves.  Here’s some tips. Make sure you store your medication in a cool, dry place. As convenient as it is to place the bottle in your bathroom, the humidity from the shower can damage the medication’s structure and cause it to prematurely expire. Double check if your medication should be taken on an empty or full stomach. Different prescriptions require various protocols, so its best to read the directions and follow accordingly.