If You Can’t Alter Traffic, Alter Your Mood

Traffic in the Philippines (or even in other parts of the world) is not getting any better. Dr.Powell suggests some ways to avoid or handle traffic stress: 

• Before you set out, listen to radio traffic reports to find out if and where traffic is tied up (or download Waze app on your phone).
• Take less heavily travelled routes.
• Leave 10 to 15 minutes earlier, to allow for unexpected delays.
• Look at a map and plan alternate routes should you encounter unexpected slow-downs along the way.
• If, despite such avoidance and you end up in traffic anyway, don’t let stress get the best of you.

Some hints:

• Loosen your grip on the steering wheel.
• Take a few deep breaths.
• Don’t dwell on negative factors over which you have no control, like rude drivers or the odds of arriving late.
• Listen to a radio talk show or news station.
• Play some pleasant, relaxing music, narrated books, or self-improvement courses. (Learn French on your way to work, for example.)
• Keep a notebook and pencil or a recorder handy to make notes for planning your day, make shopping lists, and so forth.
• Not only do these strategies help you make good use of otherwise wasted time, you might actually enjoy the drive!

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com

Laugh your Cares Away

Laughter’s medicinal powers have been recognized for centuries. The ancient Greeks believed laughter was an essential part of the healing process.  And studies now show that laughter can promote better blood circulation, stimulate digestion, lower blood pressure, and prompt the brain to release endorphins and other compounds that reduce pain. Here are some suggestions you can do:

• Take some time each day to read or listen to something funny – the comics or watch funny YouTube videos.
• Don’t just smile, laugh out loud.
• When confronted by rude people, imagine them wearing nothing but a diaper – they’ll seem less intimidating.
• Try to incorporate good-natured humor in meetings, memos, and conversations.  Humor helps to develop trust, sell ideas, and strengthen relationships.
• Always keep humor upbeat and positive. Laughter generated at someone else’s expense is counter-productive.
• Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself.
• And remember, he or she who laughs, lasts. 

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com

Don’t Be Afraid to Cry

Most people say they feel better after a good cry, and tears of joy, sadness, or relief may be a very healthy outlet for stress.  Tears of joy, for example, relieve the intense emotions generated by happy occasions. But shedding emotional tears also seems to alleviate stress in a more subtle manner.

University of Minnesota researchers who are studying the chemical composition of tears have isolated two important chemicals, leucine-enkephalin and prolactin, in emotionally shed tears.  The researchers say that leucine-enkephalin may be an endorphin, one of the natural pain relievers released by the brain in response to stress. William Frey, Ph.D., a biochemist and the leader of the research team, suspects that tears cleanse the body of substances that accumulate under stress. In other words, crying seems to be an appropriate way to respond to stress.  

Conversely, to resist crying, may be harmful to your health.  It’s possible that men develop more stress-related illness because they don’t cry as freely as women do.

So if you feel like crying, let the tears flow. 

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com

Reducing Stress

It's another new year. Let this be a stress-free year for everyone!

Sometimes stress is subtle. But very often, stress practically hits you in the face.  When that happens, practice these easy techniques:

• Get some physical exercise. A quick walk around the block frees your mind from what’s bugging you, gets your blood circulating, and boosts energy levels.  
• Take a warm bath or shower, which tends to relax tense muscles and calm the nerves.
• Talk over your troubles with a friend, relative, or professional counsellor – it can sometimes help you to see a problem more clearly or help you think of practical solutions. 
• Count to ten when you’re so upset you want to scream. It buys you time, so you can reflect on what’s bothering you and calm down. 
• Pour yourself a cup of warm herbal tea.  Sip it slowly and savor its soothing warmth and aroma.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com

Drowning

CPR is a standard treatment for near drowning.  But if CPR doesn’t seem to work, the airways may be obstructed. The rescuer may then use the Heimlich maneuver to expel water and help the victim breathe, according to the American Heart Association.

Here’s how to apply the Heimlich maneuver in near-drowning situations:

1. Place the unconscious victim on his or her back and turn the face to one side so water can drain from the mouth.  If you suspect the airway is blocked, however, don’t turn the head, because it will prevent expulsion of the object.
2. Kneel astride the victim’s hips, facing toward the head.
3. Place the heel of one hand on the victim’s abdomen, slightly above the navel and below the rib cage.  Place the other hand on top of the lower hand.
4. Press into the victim’s abdomen with quick upward thrusts. Repeat until water no longer flows from the victim’s mouth.

The victim should see a physician immediately after rescue.  If the victim doesn’t regain consciousness, proceed with CPR and call for emergency medical assistance.   

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com