Health Professionals August 2017

HEALTH

PROFESSIONALS Brought to you by The Adviser

WITH just one month left before spring hits, there is a range of things to look out for to ensure that your body is as healthy as it can be.

See inside this feature for useful health and fitness information.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1365 Wednesday, August 2, 2017 – Page 13

HEALTH

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PROFESSIONALS Brought to you by The Adviser

Prepare your body for THE cold and bitter bite of winter is beginning to fade and that means that springtime is almost upon us, and that means it’s time to put some preparation in to ensure you get the most out of the warming weather and get a head start for spring.

EARLY RISE

Our sleeping patterns in winter can see us wanting to sleep in longer and later, but in spring, it is important to reset your sleep-wake patterns. The goal is to feel refreshed and productive, greeting the day with an energised outlook.

Challenge yourself to wake up one hour earlier than you have been.

WARMER WEATHER IS COMING… With spring just around the corner, there are a few things you can do to prepare your mind and body for the warmer weather. Photo: Supplied.

EAT LIGHTLY AND COLOURFULLY

Now is the time reacquaint your palate with more delicate foods. Look for incoming seasonal greens, and add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables back into your diet. Make your meals more vivid and colourful with nourishing smoothies and juices, energising vegetables, sprouts and teas. The idea is to add more good into your diet, not restriction. The more good you consume, the more good you’ll crave.

GET OUT AND ABOUT

Get yourself outside and into the growing sunlight. Take a short walk outside every single day, for at least 15 minutes.

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As the weather becomes more welcoming, it is so important for your mind, body and soul to spend time recuperating outdoors.

EMBRACE A BETTER YOU

Spring is a time of transitional rebirth, so let every fibre of your being reflects that. Practice rejuvenating, invigorating exercises, such as yoga or mindful running and cycling. Clear out the cobwebs of your mind, including any elements of selfdoubt and negativity that may have formed in the cold and dark of winter. This will ensure you have a spring in your step just as the weather begins to get better.

Caring for Our Community Brought to you by The Adviser

Your vitamins and minerals from A to Zinc VITAMIN F

VITAMIN F, an essential fatty acid (EFA), is composed of two fatty acids - linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linoleic acid (LNA) - with LA being the most complete fatty acid.

There are two basic categories of EFAs, omega-3 and omega-6, which include LA and gamma-linoleic acid. The body is not capable of manufacturing EFAs, while the fatty acid arachidonic acid can be synthesised in the body from LA. Fatty acids are needed for normal growth and behaviour and help with healthy cell membranes, a well balanced hormone level and properly working immune system. As well as being great for the skin and hair, they are also essential for the synthesis of tissue lipids, play an important role in the regulation of cholesterol levels, and are precursors of prostaglandins, hormone like compounds producing various metabolic effects in tissues.

FOODS RICH IN VITAMIN F • Brazil nuts • Breast or formula milk • Corn oils • Halibut • Pecans • Pine nuts • Safflower oils • Salmon • Soybean oils • Soymilk • Sunflower seeds • Tofu • Tuna

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1365 Wednesday, August 2, 2017 – Page 15

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EASE YOUR PAIN… Eczema is a common chronic skin condition that can be quite irritating, but there are a few options available to sufferers to help ease the skin inflammation.

Photo: Supplied.

Prevention and treatment of Eczema Source: mydr.com.au

ECZEMA, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a type of chronic skin inflammation.

People with eczema have dry, irritable skin, and itching and scratching contribute to a large part of the skin changes. Eczema is treated by avoiding irritants to the skin and by using applications of moisturising and medicated ointments or creams.

AVOIDING IRRITANTS AND ALLERGENS It’s important to try to avoid anything that tends to aggravate your eczema. Common environmental irritants include soaps, bubble baths, shampoos, solvents, wool, nylon, grass and sand. Pollens, house dust mites, animal dander (small scales from the skin and hair of animals) or even certain foods can also aggravate eczema if you are allergic to them.

Overheating can also make your eczema worse, and should be minimised.

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SOAP SUBSTITUTES

Normal soap is alkaline and can further dry out your skin. Soap and detergent-based shampoos should be avoided, and instead soap and shampoo substitutes should be used.

MOISTURISERS OR EMOLLIENTS Moisturising your skin is one of the easiest and most important measures in preventing itching and scratching, as well as reducing eczema flare-ups. Be careful to avoid moisturisers that contain perfumes and preservatives, which can irritate the skin.

STEROIDS Creams or ointments containing corticosteroid are the most commonly used treatments for exacerbations of eczema.

Steroid preparations relieve itching by reducing inflammation in your skin, and are very effective and safe when used correctly.