From regularly rinsing your toothbrush with boiling water to breathing in time with your steps as you walk, these tips will get you shipshape in no time
KEEPING on top of your health does not always have to involve a complete overhaul of your life.
- Regularly rinse your toothbrush head with boiling water or pop it on the top rack of the dishwasher. This helps kill the 10million germs – including potentially dangerous bacteria such as E. coli – that nestle on the average brush head, say scientists.
- Adjust your driving mirror so you have to sit up straight to see clearly and you’ll automatically improve your posture, says physiotherapist Sammy Margo.
- Need to sneeze? Bend your knees, says osteopath Garry Trainer (garrytrainer.com). “The sudden force of a sneeze can have a whiplash effect so let your knees, rather than your back, take the force.”
- Swap your moisturiser for sunscreen from May to September, advises Clare O’Connor, scientific suncare adviser at Boots. This simple measure offers sun protection, keeps wrinkles at bay and means you don’t have to remember to apply it when the sun does come out.
- Spit and go, says Dr Eddie Coyle, clinical director at Bupa Dental Care. “Save time (and your teeth) by not rinsing after brushing to avoid washing away the protective fluoride from your toothpaste.”
- Breathe in time with your steps as you walk. “Count to four on your inhales and then to six on the exhales when you walk,” suggests yoga teacher Dani Binnington (healthywholeme.com). “This stops your mind from wandering and unites body and mind leaving you calm, centered and re-energised.”
- Buy frozen fruit and veg. You get all the vitamins and minerals of fresh but without the prep or waste. Leading nutritionist Zoe Harcombe (zoeharcombe.com) says: “Research shows that frozen fruit and vegetables are as good, if not better, than fresh.” Toss frozen berries into porridge or yoghurt and add frozen veggies to everything from stir-fries to soups.
- Turn the temperature up. Studies show machine washing at low temperatures may not be enough to kill disease-causing bugs, says hygiene expert Dr Lisa Ackerley (thehygienedoctor.co.uk). Hotter washes will also reduce mould and bacteria in your machine.
- Replace white starchy carbs with wholemeal bread and pasta, sweet potatoes and brown rice. Researchers say they provide more energy, stabilise blood sugar levels and substantially reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. They are also more filling.
- Embark on active TV watching. Stand up and sit down – slowly – without using your hands to work your core and your legs during the ad breaks.
Credit; Michelle O’Connor / The Sun
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