Is Your Pillow Right For You?

We've all been told how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure you’re using the correct pillow.

How do you know which pillow is right for you? Different sleepers need different pillows. Back sleepers need thinner pillows. Side sleepers need firmer pillows to fill the space between the ear and outside shoulder. Stomach sleepers need very thin, almost flat pillows or no pillow at all.

Don’t be fooled by price tags. Just because a pillow costs more doesn't mean it is better. Sleeping with the wrong pillow can worsen headaches, neck pain, shoulder and arm numbness, discomfort, sneezing, and wheezing.

Be sure to change your pillow every 12 to 18 months. One way to test to see if your pillow is past its “expiration date” is to fold it in half. If it doesn't start to unfold on its own, it’s time for a new one. If a pillow is old, it may contain skin cells, mold, mildew, fungus, and dust mites.

Is it time for you to get a new pillow? Check out this website for tips and suggestions so you can find the right pillow for you and get a good night’s sleep.

Sweet dreams! ~ Adam Burns 

How to Avoid Computer Eye Strain

Eye strain is a common problem, especially among individuals who work or spend a large amount of time looking at a computer screen.  Check out this information from All About Vision (http://www.allaboutvision.com) on how to help eliminate eye strain:

Eye strain often is caused by excessively bright light either from outdoor sunlight coming in through a window or from harsh interior lighting. When you use a computer, your ambient lighting should be about half as bright as that typically found in most offices.

Eliminate exterior light by closing drapes, shades or blinds. Reduce interior lighting by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes, or use lower intensity bulbs and tubes. If possible, position your computer monitor or screen so windows are to the side, instead of in front or behind it.

Many computer users find their eyes feel better if they can avoid working under overhead fluorescent lights. If possible, turn off the overhead fluorescent lights in your office and use floor lamps that provide indirect incandescent or halogen lighting instead.

Sometimes switching to "full spectrum" fluorescent lighting that more closely approximates the light spectrum emitted by sunlight can be more comforting for computer work than regular fluorescent tubes. But even full spectrum lighting can cause discomfort if it's too bright. Try reducing the number of fluorescent tubes installed above your computer workspace if you are bothered by overhead lighting.

Visit http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/irritated.htm for more information on eye strain. 

Have a great day! ~ Christina Aaron, Customer Service

National Humor Month

April is National Humor Month! We have all heard the saying that "laughter is the best medicine" but did you know that laughing may actually have some health benefits?  Check out this article to read about some of the health benefits of laughter:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/25/national-humor-month-laug_n_1441488.html

So, take some time to laugh today - it's good for you!

Whole Grains

Looking for an easy way to eat healthier? Try switching to whole grains. According to healthcastle.com, whole grains are often a better source of beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants than fruits and vegetables, and are a good source of B vitamins, Vitamin E, magnesium, iron and fiber.

Whole grains decrease cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood coagulation, reducing the risk of heart disease and have been found to reduce the risks of many types of cancer. For diabetics, whole grains may help regulate blood glucose.

Common types of whole grains include:

• wild rice
• brown rice
• whole wheat
• oatmeal
• whole oats
• barley
• whole rye
• popcorn

It is recommended that all adults eat half their daily servings of grains as whole grains – that’s at least 3 servings per day. So reap the rewards whole grains have to offer, and try incorporating them into your diet.

Have a great week! ~ Adam Burns, Accounting Assistant

8 Valentine's Treats Under 80 Calories

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

74 Calories

2 strawberries dipped in 1 tablespoon Baker’s Dark Semi-Sweet Dipping Chocolate

Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate

79 Calories

22 pieces of Hershey's Special Dark Pieces

White Hot Chocolate

68 Calories

1/2 tablespoon Ghirardelli Sweet Ground White Chocolate Powder with 1/2 cup skim milk and a dash of cinnamon

Chocolate Sticks

60 Calories

5 MarieBelle La Famille Fine Chocolate Sticks

Valentine’s Cookie

79 Calories

Valentine’s Lace Cookie from Flour

Mini Chocolate Fondue

69 Calories

1/3 ounce melted dark chocolate chips with 10 miniature marshmallows

Berries and Whipped Cream

54 Calories

10 raspberries with 1/8 cup light whipped topping

Happy Valentine's Day! ~ Christina Aaron, Customer Service

National Children's Dental Health Month

Every February the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM)! Oral health is extremely important and starting children out with good oral health habits is an excellent way to make sure they keep their teeth and gums healthy for years to come.  Here are some tips to help ensure your children have outstanding oral health:

• Take your children for their semiannual dental visits
• Avoid snacking between meals
• Brush teeth twice daily (don't forget to brush your tongue!)
• Floss teeth every day
• Avoid excessive sugary drinks and candies 
• Do not put your infant to bed with a bottle
• Talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments and sealants 

Also, check out the ADA's website (http://www.ada.org/5578.aspx) for fun activities your children can complete for NCDHM.

Flu Prevention Tips

The holidays have come and gone and we are left with the nasty gift of the flu season. For many of you, this blog post is coming out a wee bit late. However, here are some ways to help prevent the infection of the flu this cold season.

 

-WASH YOUR HANDS!

-Drink plenty of Water

-Exercise

-Eat an Organic plant based diet

-Take a vitamin D supplement

-Take Probiotics

-Eat elderberry syrup

-Use essential oils

-Get your omega-3s!!

I hope these tips help keep the mean old flu away!!!

~Jean Sauder, Administrative Assistant - Safety Office