Hangover Helpers

By: Joanne | January 01, 2008 | Category: Health

Man pouring champagne into champagne flutesHappy New Year! I’m sorry, was I shouting a bit too loudly? Is your head throbbing and your stomach queasy from overindulgence last night? Gather ‘round friends and let me tell you about a topic I know well:  the hangover.

Through a rigorous method of trial and error, I’ve learned that the best way to relieve a wicked hangover is not to get one in the first place. Let’s first talk about what the National Institutes of Health recommend for preventing a hangover:

Dehydration is your enemy my friend.  Drink water before, during and after consuming alcohol.
Have food in your stomach while you’re consuming alcohol.
Drink higher quality alcohol because these products are usually put through a more rigorous filtration process and therefore contain fewer toxins.  The scientists refer to these toxins as congeners.  This one was news to me.


Toast the holidays, toast your friends or toast toast, but consume alcohol moderately.  If you find that moderation isn’t possible, take a moment to consider the possibility that you’ve got a health problem to work on.  Try this handy screening test to help you identify hazardous or risky drinking. 

But enough of my speech – you need help now, don’t you dear?  The Department of Health and Human Services has some tips to help that hangover:

Sleep:  because you always feel better when you’re well rested, don’t you?
Have some juice or honey, research shows that the fructose may help to get the alcohol out of your system faster.
Eat complex carbs like bread or crackers.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

I wish you a healthy and happy New Year, and I want you to keep in mind that I’m a web content manager and if you’re looking for medical advice, you should always talk to your doctor.

| Comments [2] | envelope Email This Entry | Tags: alcohol   alcoholism   drinking   eve   hangover   joanne   new   year  

 

New Year's Resolutions

By: Colleen | December 31, 2007 | Category: General

So long to 2007, the year when Britney officially went bonkers. Bring on 2008 and whatever it has in store—I'm predicting many more Hollywood divorces and rehab stints.

For us everyday Joes and Janes, it's New Year's resolution time! Each year, millions of Americans resolve to make themselves or the world around them better. Here is a list of the most popular pledges for the next 365 days.

At the top of the heap: Lose weight. No big shocker here. As the holiday season comes to a close, we're all carrying around a little chub. Many thanks to all those cookies, second helpings of mashed potatoes, and the rounds of drinks with friends. The time has come to get back on track, or better yet—the treadmill.

Others hope to get their finances in order. With personal debt at an all-time high (student loans anyone? Years of credit card abuse?) now is the perfect time to sit down and take a hard look at your money. Get on a payment plan, stop spending what you don't have, and work your way to a desirable credit score.

Those living behind a computer screen 9-5 each day vow to take a trip. Most Americans to not even use the full vacation time they are allotted each year. Allow me to help rectify this by letting you in on a secret: the work will always be there, and the universe will remain intact should you not be in the office for a few days. A plug for a few of my favorite vacay destinations to give you some ideas: Key West, FL. Nassau, Bahamas. San Diego, CA. London, England. Places to avoid: Boston, MA. The entire state of Ohio.

Never one to be entirely conventional, here are some ideas for resolutions that stray slightly from the standard.

  • Use coupons more frequently
  • Drink more water
  • Make purchases from local businesses instead of large chain stores
  • TURN OFF THE BLACKBERRY

Best of luck with whatever resolution you chose this year!

| Comments [4] | envelope Email This Entry | Tags: blackberry   britney   colleen   coupons   credit   destination   finances   loss   new   resoltions   vacation   water   weight   year