Beach Health Myths

Myth: You have to wait an hour after eating to swim

Truth: Yes, your stomach might protest with cramps and nausea if you hit the water right after eating a really big lunch, but a fully belly won't increase drowning risk. In fact, if you're swimming laps, a 100 calorie bite ten minutes beforehand will actually help fuel your workout.



Myth: Urinating on a jellyfish sting eases the pain

Truth: Pee won't help. Try vinegar; it deactivates the venom. As you pour, scrape off barbs with the edge of a credit card. Some stings are deadly. If you feel nauseated, head to the hospital.



Myth: Washing a cut in the ocean water will speed healing

Truth: Although clean salt water can kill many types of germs, the sea hosts a variety of bacteria. A very small number of which could cause infection if they were to get into an open wound. For that reason, you're better off rinsing a cut in clean tap or bottled water instead.

Source: Health Magazine

Carbs and Blood Sugar

The right mix of carbs is the best way to control blood sugar and keep diabetes at bay. In one study at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Center at the USDA, participants who consumed a diet rich in high Resistant Starch foods were able to lower their post-meal blood sugar and insulin response by up to 38%.

Eat the carbs you want, but you need to combine them so that they don’t cause a spike in your blood sugar. Instead of eating white rice, switch to brown and combine it with beans, corn, or other high Resistant Starch foods that keep your blood sugar more balanced than low-carb diets.

Source: Health Magazine

Best Beauty Products

Body Moisturizer - Lubriderm Soothing Relief Lotion ($9; drugstores). This hydrator is great for dry skin brought on by psoriasis or eczema. Menthol makes it medicinal.

Body Cleanser - Nivea A Touch of Renewal Lathering Body Scrub ($4; niveausa.com). This all-over body scrub works like an at-home peel. It won't leave you irritated, thanks to gentle microbeads.

Sunscreen for Body - L'Oreal Paris Sublime Sun Crystal Clear Mist Spray SPF 50+ ($11; most stores). The antioxidants don't just sit on the skin, they're absorbed beneath the surface for added protection.

Shampoo - Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light ($4; drugstores). This cleanser uses conditioning polymers, instead of heavy silicones, so there's no oily residue left behind.


Source: Health Magazine