Health

Tap Into The Healthy Power of Citrus Fruits This Summer

Published

1 week ago

June 20, 2024

June is Peak Season for Lemons, Limes, and Oranges

June has finally arrived and with it, the bounty of seasonal summer citrus fruits. With lemons, limes and oranges at peak season, it’s time to embrace this superfood trio to keep you happy, healthy, and hydrated all summer long. Whether it’s on your plate, in a smoothie, or in your water bottle, citrus fruits have long been hailed as nature’s power produce, providing our bodies with a whole host of nutrients without a lot of calories.

CITRUS FRUITS HEALTH BENEFITS

Lemons contain nutrients that can help support your cardiovascular health and protect against kidney stones and amenia. Additionally, lemons are high in Vitamin C, fiber and naturally beneficial plant compounds which can help lower cholesterol.

Limes are rich in Vitamin C as well, and help the immune system fight infections by attacking bacteria and viruses. They are acidic, which helps saliva break down food and stimulate good digestion.

Also boasting a high Vitamin C content , oranges contain magnesium and vitamin B6, which can help keep blood pressure under control. Additionally, one orange is equal to about 4 ounces of water, so they are also an excellent source for hydration.

Consuming these summer citrus fruits is a great way to neutralize your body’s free radicals, which can be damaging molecules caused by exposure to chemicals, UV rays and other environmental stressors.

STAY HEALTHY AND HYDRATED

As temperatures begin to soar from June onwards, it is essential to keep hydrated during the summer months. Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature, keeps the blood flowing evenly, supports brain function, lubricates the joints and supports smooth digestion.

Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to have a drink. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated! Dehydration can affect people of all ages and fitness levels. One of the simplest ways to check your hydration levels is with a hydration calendar, suited to your gender, age, weight and activity level.

If drinking water has become a bore, kick your beverage up a notch with clean and healthy water flavor enhancers like True Lemon or True Lime crystallized wedge replacements. Made from real lemon and lime juice and oils and no sugar or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Nothing but real citrus goodness.

Or combine the refreshment of lemons, limes and oranges with True Lemon Triple Citrus lemonade for a new twist on the classic summer lemonade. Made with only simple, clean Non GMO ingredients, each single serving added to your water bottle is only 10 calories and contains no artificial sweeteners or ingredients whose names you can’t pronounce. An easy and delicious way to stay hydrated anytime or anywhere.

Health

9 Simple Steps to Dealing with a Broken Tooth

Published

4 months ago

February 14, 2024

Michelle Langton

Credit: freepik via Freepik

It’s movie night, and you have an obligatory bowlful of popcorn balancing on your lap. You toss a handful of popcorn and — crack — you unknowingly bite down on a kernel with the full power of your jaw.

Lightning strikes your mouth as you realize this humble kernel broke your tooth.

Now what?

Besides pausing the movie and spitting out your mouthful of popcorn and tooth, you might not know your next steps.

What should you do, and how can you pay for it? Find the answers to these questions and more below:

1. Save the Pieces

If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth. Your dentist might need these pieces.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Avoid using hot or cold water, as it might aggravate any exposed nerves.

3. Control Bleeding

If you bleed, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. You can also use a cold compress on your jaw or cheek to reduce swelling.

4. Contact Your Dentist

Reach out to your dentist immediately. Explain the situation and try to schedule an emergency appointment. Many dentists reserve slots for urgent cases. If they don’t have a spot available, look at specialty emergency clinics in your area.

5. Get Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Broken and chipped teeth can hurt, so take some over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage this pain until you can see your dentist.

6. Check Insurance Coverage

Review your dental insurance policy to understand coverage details. Some policies may cover emergency procedures, while others may have limitations.

7. Discuss Payment Options

If cost is a concern, discuss financing options with your dentist. Some dental offices offer flexible arrangements that give you a break. If you qualify for these plans, you might be able to push out your due date to coincide with your payday. You may even be able to break up your total outstanding amount over several payments.

8. Take out a Personal Loan

If you’re just shy of what you need to cover your emergency dental expense, consider going online to scope out personal loans. A personal loan may fill in for savings in urgent situations. You can quickly visit a website like MoneyKey to see what you need to apply. If approved, a personal loan gives you the means to pay for your visit upfront and pay off what you owe over time.

9. Consider Urgent Care Clinics

If your financial situation is such that you can’t afford a personal loan’s payments, reconsider your choice of dentist. Some dental practices apply a sliding scale to their services so that they can provide immediate care at a lower cost for at-risk individuals.

Next Steps: Thinking About the Future

So, you’ve managed to repair your tooth and pay the bill, too. What’s next? Make sure you hit these three goals soon. They can help you prevent another broken tooth in the future!

Stay on Top of Dental Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day — these simple habits can protect your teeth over time.
Schedule Regular Checkups: Keeping up with regular cleanings can also help you prevent future dental emergencies.
Build an Emergency Fund: Sometimes, accidents happen. Consider building an emergency fund specifically for unexpected dental emergencies.