Spare Your Air from Indoor Pollution

During the cold winter months, your home is at risk for lower air quality. Less ventilation due to closed windows and doors is a primary cause. Without proper ventilation, air pollutants become concentrated and are especially harmful to children, pets and people with asthma or other health problems.

Health Corner® TV has some simple steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality this winter and beyond:

• Learn why these kids are "growing" fresh air with house plants. (Video)
• Prevent the spread of biological contaminants and viruses in the air. (Video)
• To improve your indoor air quality, think pure.(Video) 

Watch Health Corner® TV Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. CT on Lifetime. Visit healthcorner.walgreens.com to see what's on this week.

Those Skinny Genes  

It's no surprise the most popular New Year's resolution involves losing weight. If you're looking to shed some pounds,it's still a safe bet that treats at the office or being too tired to go to the gym are the likely culprits. 

However, with an estimated 70% to 80% of obesity cases believed to be related in some degree to genetics, people with these biological "risk" factors might just have to exercise a little more to lose the extra pounds: 

• Learn about the genetics behind weight and weight loss. (Video)
• Feeling full is a biological function that varies from person to person.
• Since increased muscle tissue can boost a slow metabolism, give these muscle-building foods a try. (Video)
• Check with a personal trainer to determine what combination of aerobic, interval and strength training your body's apple or pear shape requires.

Back Pain Basics 

Back pain is the #2 reason why Americans see the doctor. Types of back pain are often defined by time duration, with acute pain lasting less than 1 month, subacute pain lasting 1-3 months and chronic back pain lasting longer than 3 months.  

A little too much muscle strain while snow shoveling or lifting heavy boxes and you've probably experienced acute lower back pain for yourself. Here are some back pain basics to keep in mind: 

• For strain-induced back pain, these treatments could help.
• If you experienced pain after a severe blow to the back or a fall or also have a fever, it could be an indicator of something more serious.
• Back pain is most common in the lower region which supports your arms, head and torso. Our comprehensive Care Guide explains this and more.
• Also, be careful when bending over or lifting up heavy objects. These tips can help.

Don't Be SAD 

Many people can feel sluggish and blue during the gloomy winter months. It's important to know that this feeling of "cabin fever" or "winter blahs" is most likely just that,but sometimes it can indicate a form of depression known as Sunlight Affective Disorder (SAD).  

So what are the symptoms of SAD? These common characteristics might indicate you're daylight doldrums are something more:  

• Afternoon slumps with decreased energy and concentration 
• Carbohydrate cravings
• Decreased interest in work or other activities
• Depression that starts in fall or winter
• Increased appetite with weight gain

• Increased sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness

• Lack of energy
• Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement

Get more information about Sunlight Affective Disorder here.

Thyroid: The Little Gland that Can

January is Thyroid Awareness Month. While people generally associate the thyroid with metabolism, the thyroid gland and it's role remains a mystery to many.

Simply put, the thyroid is located just below your larynx in the front of your neck. It gets instructions from the pituitary gland to release hormones that determine the pace of chemical activity, or metabolism, in your body. Your blood pressure, heart rate, mental health, fertility and even immunity to colds can be affected by thyroid hormones.

• What's the difference between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?
• Learn about all the different types of thyroid disease.
• Replacement thyroid hormones may be an option for some people with low thyroid. (Video)
•  What do your TSH levels tell you?

Vitamin C for Yourself 

Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, can aid in the absorption of iron. And, vitamin C can be found in non-citrus foods, too. So include these delicious tastes on your menu and "C" the advantages for yourself! 

• Broccoli Baked Potatoes
• Zucchini Parmesan with Lemon
• Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce (Video)
• Chicken Breast with Avocado Risotto