Cold Weather Can Cause Cold Sores

Approximately 80% of Americans carry herpes simplex I, the virus that causes cold sores. Cold weather is one of the most powerful triggers that cause cold sore outbreaks. "We suspect that many people experience lower immune function during colder weather, and that in turn gives the virus the opportunity to activate" said Bruce Schennum, Educational Director for QuantumHealth. Related triggers include stress and lack of sleep. Regular use of the amino acid L-lysine in either cream or tablet form can help boost immune support and reduce the incidence of cold sore outbreaks. Read more about it.

Girls Get Head Lice More than Boys

According to research from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, girls are more than twice as likely as boys to be infested with head lice. And it's not because they have longer hair.

The researchers suspect it's that girls tend to play with their heads closer together. Lice need close contact to move from one person to another - they don't jump.

Head lice are one of the most myth-prone conditions. In truth, head lice don't care whether you're rich or poor, have clean or dirty hair, or whether it's long or short. If they're on someone's head and you get close contact with that person, they'll move to your head.

Parents should screen their children once a week to keep them lice-free. This is especially true for elementary school aged children. For more information, visit www.licesolutions.com

Weird Remedies - Strange But True!

Cold baths help stress

Why? According to Dr Peter Clough at Hull University, they lower your temperature and toughen you up physically and mentally - helping you cope better with whatever life throws at you. How to do it: Get in one each morning, or at least spend a few seconds blasting your body with colder water at the end of your shower.

Salt water up your nose prevents colds

Why? In trials at Pennsylvania State University, it was found to flush out germs before they can take hold and keeps the mucous membranes moist. How to do it: With your head over the sink, you pour water up one nostril and it comes out of the other. For easy application, use a neti (which looks like a little teapot).

Pressing your ankle beats period pains

Why? It works on acupressure points that balance the body. In recent Taiwanese trials nine out of 10 women said it worked for them. How to do it: You press the "Sanyinjiao" acupressure point - about four finger-widths up from the lumpy bone inside your ankle - for six seconds. Repeat for about 20 minutes.

Sing yourself out of snoring

Why? University of Exeter researchers found that by toning the muscles of the upper throat, you can reduce the vibrations that trigger nocturnal noise. How to do it: Just get warbling. Or put on your favorite CD and sing along.