TIP #1

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. Want to know how you try and  prevent seasonal colds. Try a little exercise. Exercising for 45 minutes at low to moderate intensity a day 5 days a week may lower your risk of catching a cold. On nice days, dust off your walking shoes and hit the pavement. Or, if it’s not so nice try working out indoors. Either way you’ll be in better shape. And don’t forget to go in for those regular checkups with your doctor.

TIP #2

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. When you need to de-stress, grab a cup of hot tea. A recent study conducted on male participants appeared to show that those who drank black tea recovered from a stressful situation faster then those who drank another beverage. Black tea contains polyphenols and flavonoids which are beneficial for your health. Green tea is good for you, too. You can learn more about the metabolic effect of green tea in my book, The Fat Burning Bible.

Tip #3

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. Do you know how many calories you consume with each meal? Most people don’t. Many people under estimate how many calories they consume daily. Even thin people do. However, research shows that most people can estimate calories in smaller meals. So, to keep things simple, eat smaller frequent meals throughout the day. A licensed nutritionist can help you work up a reduced-calorie meal plan.

Tip #4

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. Would you like to be good to your lungs? If so, try chilling out. Lung capacity naturally declines with age; however, you may make it worse by continually getting upset. A recent study shows that people who frequently blow a gasket are more likely to have lung problems than those who don’t. Next time you are seething cool down, take a breath, and relax your lung muscles. Trust me your lungs will thank you.

Tip #5

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. Want to boost your brain power? Try bananas. Vitamin B6, an essential nutrient found in bananas, may help prevent the onset of Parkinson’s Disease, according to recent research. B6 helps control homocysteine, which in excess, can be harmful to the nerve cells. At elevated levels it may lead to Parkinson’s. Bananas may also benefit your heart. They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which help regulate heartbeat. Bananas also are high in polyphenols -- antioxidants that help to neutralize disease-causing free radicals. 

Tip #6

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. Do you think all fatty foods are bad for you? Not so. Cashews, a favorite party nut, can be beneficial to you. Even though they are 70% fat. Cashews are believed to improve baro-reflex sensitivity. Which means when your blood pressure rises cashews may help calm your heart down. Just don’t eat too many, though. Too much dietary fat and the extra calories are not good for your waistline. And, if you have a history of heart or blood pressure problems, go in for regular checkups.

Tip #7

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. What can you do to protect your eyesight? Consume more vitamins C and E, along with beta carotene and zinc. These nutrients are believed to greatly reduce your risk for macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an eye disease most commonly found in older adults that can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. Common sources of these nutrients are vegetables, nuts, fortified cereals and supplements. And be sure to go in for regular eye examinations. Don’t take chances with your vision.

Tip #8

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. Did you know that good health can be funny? It can be if you laugh more often. Laughter relaxes the blood vessels in your face and increases blood flow. The exact opposite of what your blood vessels do when you are stressed. A study done on men and women with normal blood pressure appeared to show that laughter increased blood flow by 22%. So, for better health, watch a funny movie or hang out with people who make you laugh.

Tip #9

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. There are three foods that your heart can’t get enough of -- celery, onions, and parsley. These tasty vegetables are great on salads, relishes and sandwiches, but they may also improve heart health. They are rich in flavonoids, which fight disease-causing free radicals. People who eat more flavonoid-rich foods like these may cut their risk of hardening of the arteries. But, to be certain, go in for your regular medical checkups.

Tip #10

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. You’ve heard the saying, “By helping others you help yourself.” It’s true. Charitable deeds that make you feel good emotionally may make you feel better physically, also. A healthy mental state may translate into increased immunity and improved cardiovascular health, according to recent studies. Helping a friend through a hard time, serving food at a homeless shelter, or running a friend to the store are just a few of the things you can do.

Tip #11

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. If you have high blood pressure it might make more sense for you to pay someone to run your errands this time of year. Cold weather restricts the flow of blood through vessels and may cause the blood to clot faster. But, if you do have to venture into the cold, bundle up with several layers of clothing. Don’t over-exert yourself and don’t consume alcoholic beverages. Wait till afternoon when the weather may be warmer. And always see your doctor for regular medical checkups.

Tip #12

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. You’ve heard the saying, “No news is good news”? Well, no news is just that. Especially if you’re waiting longer than you think you should for the results of an important blood test. Most doctors treat hundreds of patients a week, and some unintentionally fall through the cracks. Take control of your health. It’s up to you to find out when the results will be in and call that day. And the next day if you have to. Your health is too important to let slide.

Tip #13

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. Could you be addicted to your cell phone? Do you keep using it unnecessarily, despite soaring bills? If you answered yes to these questions you might suffer from addiction-like behavior. But you can break away from your phone and feel less stressed, according to a recent study. Think about it: You’ve done without a cell phone for most of your life. You don’t have to be on it all the time now, either.   

Tip #14

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. If you think that bananas are the only fruits that deliver blood pressure-reducing nutrients, try dried peaches. If you compare peaches and bananas ounce for ounce, peaches have six times more potassium. Along with other minerals like calcium and magnesium, proper intake of potassium may help reduce your blood pressure by as much as 13 points, according to studies. Other dried fruits in moderation may be good for you as well. Your doctor and a licensed nutritionist can recommend the best ones for you.

Tip #15

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. If you are counting calories you might want to cut back on bread. Recent studies appear to show that not only does excess white bread consumption pack on pounds, but an overabundance of it may contribute to abdominal obesity. If you need something to nibble on before a meal grab a handful of fresh or cooked vegetables instead. Or, if you must have bread, go for whole wheat or multi-grain. They’re healthier and better for you.

Tip #16

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. If you didn’t make it to the gym this morning, don’t worry too much. There are ways you can make up for it. You can walk it off. Taking a 10 minute walk in the morning, and three more throughout the day, may be more beneficial to your heart than one 40 minute spin on the treadmill. The short walks may help reduce blood pressure more than one 40 minute walk, according to studies. And don’t forget go in for regular physical checkups.

Tip #17

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. Can gum-chewing actually be beneficial to you? Some recent studies suggest that it can. If your gum has vitamin C in it, chewing it for about 15 minutes a day may help prevent bleeding of the gums during routine dental cleanings. It may also help prevent gingivitis and plaque. My advice is to stick to the sugarless types of gum. Sugar is believed to be the main cause of cavities.

Tip #18

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. If every little ache and pain worries you, a little exercise may help ease your health worries. Of course you shouldn’t ignore persistent health problems. But if you know you are fine and still can’t let go of those nagging fears, go for a jog, swim, or hike. The exertion may help calm you when there's nothing to fear but fear itself. However, if you do have persistent, unexplained symptoms, or sudden or severe symptoms, see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Tip #19

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. By now it’s been pretty well documented that red wine in moderation is good for your heart. Most good reds contain quercetin, catechin, and resveratrol. These polyphenols, which are found in red grapes, are believed to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in several ways. They keep blood cells from sticking together and forming clots. They help prevent free radical damage and they help reduce inflammation of blood vessel walls. A small glass of red wine at dinner may be just what the doctor ordered -- please don’t overdo it.

Tip #20

Hi, this is Mackie Shilstone. If you like your low-carb diet but are worried about how it will affect your heart, don’t worry. A recent study concluded the impact is minimal. You may lower your risks, though, if you substitute vegetable-derived protein for animal protein. These would include legumes, soy, and tofu. Women in the study who did this appear to have had a 30 percent lower risk of heart disease. Check with your doctor and a licensed nutritionist for what might be best for you.