6 Tips to Urinary Tract Health

This post brought to you by Uricalm®. The content and opinions expressed below are that of All in a Day’s Work.

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection, you know that urinary tract health is very important. I have had several, and I can tell you it’s not something I ever want to experience again. So to make sure I keep myself healthy (and happy) I make sure to do what I can to keep my urinary tract healthy.

Here are some tips on urinary tract health, and ways to avoid UTI’s.

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Keep Hydrated. Adults can lose up to 10 cups of water from their bodies per day – but most of it is replenished with normal drinking. To keep your urinary tract (and the rest of your body) healthy be sure to drink plenty of water. Water helps dilute your urine and helps ensure that the bacteria will be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.

Wipe Right. As silly as it might sound, the anus/rectum area has a lot of bacteria – and wiping from front to back ensures that you don’t bring that bacteria up front causing bacteria to enter your vaginal areas and cause urinary tract infections (or worse).

Consider Reducing Your Salt/Caffeine Intake. Your diet can affect your urinary tract health – too much salt in your diet makes your kidneys off kilter; not to mention a high-sodium diet has been known to elevate blood pressure. Drinking caffeine can irritate your bladder and even cause you to urinate more.

Clean up After Sex. Besides being good for hygiene, using the restroom and cleaning up after sex will help minimize bacteria buildup and reduce your risk of getting a UTI. I’d also recommend drinking a glass of water before (and after) to help flush away bacteria.

Watch Your Pee. Pay attention to the color of your pee – darker pee is usually a result of dehydration, so you’ll need to increase your water intake. Be sure to keep an eye out for any other ‘off’ colors, because it could be another health related issue. Murky, cloudy urine usually means you’ve already developed a UTI or similar infection and you should contact your doctor immediately.

Try Uricalm® Cranberry Uricalm Cranberry is a supplement that helps support your urinary tract health*. Uricalm Cranberry combines the power of cranberries and D-mannose – which have been shown to support a healthy urinary tract*. Since I’ve started using these regularly, I’ve had less issues with UTI’s and the symptoms that come along with it.

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If you are already experiencing a UTI try Uricalm® MAX which is a medicine that helps to reduce pain and burning fast, as well as reduces other frustrating symptoms that come with a UTI. Uricalm Max is the strongest UTI pain med available over the counter! Uricalm was a GAME CHANGER when I was experiencing my last UTI – even sitting at my desk at work was uncomfortable, but drinking tons of water, and taking Uricalm helped reduce my pain, and the sensation of always needing to use the bathroom.

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 You can get a $3.00 coupon at www.uricalm.com 

What are your tips for Urinary Tract Health? Share below, and you will be entered to win a care package – 1 Uricalm Max, 1 Uricalm Cranberry plus coupons!

*Like with everything in your medicine cabinet, please read and follow all directions before using

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.I received free product in exchange for my honest review.

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Cast Iron Seafood Pasta

INGREDIENTS 

1 Box of Penne Pasta

1 pound of raw shrimp ( size your choice )

1 pound of raw scallops

1 cup of cherry tomatoes

2 diced Jalapeños seeds removed

1/4 cup of caramelized garlic

1 lemon for fresh juice

1/4 cup of butter

2 tbsp. of olive oil

4 tbsp. of Cajun spice

1 Tbsp. of pepper

salt to taste

Cajun seafood pasta IP 1

DIRECTIONS 

In a large bowl add your rinsed off shrimp and scallops, season with your salt and pepper and cajun spice.

Place in your refrigerator for 2 hours

Add your olive oil to a large cast iron pan heat on medium to high. Now add your shrimp and scallops

Slice your lemon in half and squeeze the juice on the fish and season with salt or pepper

Cook for 8-10 minutes until the shrimp and scallops turn a white solid color

Seafood cajun pasta IP 2

At the same time in a large pot cook your penne pasta as directed on the box

Remove the fish from the pan and set to the side

Reduce the heat to low and add your butter and diced jalapeños

Simmer for 5 minutes stirring often so you do not burn the butter

Add your pasta and fish to the sauce and stir to combine

Garnish with lemon zest

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Pregnancy & Nutrition: What You Need to Know

When you are pregnant (especially with your first) you have advice coming from all directions. .and it can get quite overwhelming. I remember my first pregnancy – one day someone would swear by something, and the next day someone would swear the opposite. For the most part you will learn by trial and error – and ultimately your body will tell you, and you’ll know what’s right. But one thing they will tell you, no matter who you talk to, is to make sure you get the proper amount of nutrients during your pregnancy.

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There are quite a few essential vitamins/nutrients that doctors recommend you take heed of, and make sure that you are getting enough daily – and for good reason. All of the following nutrients & vitamins not only helps your baby develop, but helps you in your pregnancy as well.

Vitamin A & Beta Carotene (770 mcg) – helps bones and teeth grow

Vitamin D (5 mcg) – Helps body use calcium and phosphorus; promotes strong teeth and bones

Vitamin E (15 mg) – Helps body form and use red blood cells and muscles

Vitamin C (80 – 85 mg) – An antioxidant that protects tissues from damage and helps body absorb iron; builds healthy immune system

Thiamin/B1 (1.4 mg)- Raises energy level and regulates nervous system

Riboflavin/B2 (1.4 mg)- Maintains energy, good eyesight, healthy skin

Niacin/B3 (18 mg)- Promotes healthy skin, nerves and digestion

Pyridoxine/B6 (1.9 mg) – Helps form red blood cells; helps with morning sickness

Folic Acid/Folate (600 mcg) – Helps support the placenta, and prevents spina bifida and other neural tube defects

Iron (27 mg) – Helps in the production of hemoglobin; prevents anemia, low birth weight, and premature delivery

Protein (71 g) – Helps in the production of amino acids; repairs cells

Zinc (11-12 mg) – Helps produce insulin and enzymes

Calcium (1,000 – 1,300 mg) – Creates strong bones and teeth, helps prevent blood clots, helps muscles and nerves function. Protects your bone density, and possibly prevent high blood pressure while pregnant.

A majority of these nutrients/vitamins can be met with a healthy balanced diet, however, more than 1,000 OB/GYN’s were surveyed* and reported that they discuss calcium needs more with pregnant women than they do women going through menopause. Over half also recommend that pregnant women take a calcium supplement during pregnancy.

You don’t need to take extra calcium when you are pregnant, but you do need to take in enough calcium to meet your daily requirements. Many multi- and prenatal vitamins only provide about 20-30% of the daily recommended amount of calcium for pregnant women – so what can you do??

I’ve always made sure to meet my calcium requirements with Viactiv calcium chews.

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Taking just 2 Viactiv calcium chews a day will meet your daily 1000 mg calcium requirements! They are also the #1 doctor-recommended calcium supplement chew.

They help you obtain the adequate daily dose of calcium to your body, when your diet isn’t enough. They come in 2 delicious flavors – milk chocolate and caramel, which is a welcomed relief to a pregnant woman who gets a bit sick of the taste and texture of a regular vitamin or supplement. (It helps me when I’m nauseous from taking pills! Such a sweet flavor!)

Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews are available in milk chocolate and caramel flavors at major retailers including CVS, Rite Aid, Target, and Walmart, as well as supermarkets nationwide. Print this coupon to save $2 on your next in-store purchase of Viactiv.

Learn more about Viactiv at www.Viactiv.com.

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation on behalf of Viactiv that contains affiliate links. I received Viactiv products for my own personal use. This post is not intended to address or diagnose any medical conditions. All opinions, text and experiences are my own. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please speak with your healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

 *OB/GYN survey data was gathered by BrandPerx on behalf of Viacitv, surveying over 1,000 participating OB/GYN’s across the country during the month of July, 2015

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11 Surprising Health Benefits of Cucumbers

Over the past year or so our family has been trying to make positive, healthy changes in our lives. I am trying to incorporate more natural remedies to things that ail us, verses trying to medicate it all (*note: I am not anti-medicine. I LOVE medicine! lol. However, I do believe that there are natural non-side-effect causing products out there that can be just as effective).

One of these amazing natural products is cucumbers. One cup of cucumber provides your  11% vitamin K, 4% vitamin C, 2% of vitamin A of your daily needs. It also provides potassium, manganese, thiamin, riboflavin, B-6, folate, pontothenic acid, calcium iron, phosphorus, zinc and copper. It contains 115 grams of water, .9 grams of protein, .2 grams of fat, 2.9 grams of carbs and 16 calories. Cucumbers are the fourth most cultivated veggie in the world – and is known for one of the best foods for your bodies health.

Now obviously it sounds pretty healthy and good for your right? But think about what all the ‘health’ means:

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Keeps You Hydrated. Some people have a hard time drinking water – or getting enough. A cucumber is 96% water. So eat away!

Bad Breathe Be Gone.  Putting a cucumber on the roof of your mouth can help you get rid of stinky breath! It fights odor-causing bacteria, and also helps heal diseased gums.

Skin & Hair Care. Cucumbers can be used to reduce skin irritations and sunburns (kind of like aloe). Of course we also all know the old trick of placing a slice over puffy eyes. The anti-inflammatory properties help reduce puffiness and bags. Also, the silicon and sulfur in cucumbers can help stimulate hair growth (take that bad haircut!)

Hangover Be-Gone. Drink too much and dreading waking up in the morning? Eat a few cucumber slices before bed. Cucumbers contain enough B vitamins, electrolytes and sugar to replenish many of your essential nutrients – which will help reduce a lingering hangover or headache.

Heartburn Relief. Eating cucumbers can actually reduce the acid in your body, and help you get heartburn relief.

Helps You Lose Weight. Since cucumbers have a low amount of calories and a high amount of water content, they are a perfect snack for those looking to lose weight. The high water and dietary fiber content in cucumbers are effective in ridding your body of toxins from the digestive system, and helping aide digestion.

Relieve Constipation. The same benefits that help you lose weight (high dietary fiber & water content) cucumbers can also help remedy chronic constipation when eaten on a daily basis. Cucumber skins contain insoluble fiber, which helps add bulk to your stool. This helps food to move through your digestive tract more quickly for healthy elimination.

Relieves & Controls: Diabetes, Cholesterol & Blood Pressure. Cucumber juice contains a hormone which is needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin – which has been beneficial to diabetics. A compound called sterols that is also found in cucumbers can help reduce cholesterol levels as well. Since they also contain a good amount of potassium, magnesium and fiber – they also work great at regulating blood pressure.

Protects Your Brain.  Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory called fisetin. This flavonol has been known to play an important roll in brain health. Not only can it help improve your memory, and protect your nerve cells, fisetin has been found to help prevent the progression of those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Energy Booster. With cucumbers containing a high amount of vitamin A, B and C  – it gives you more energy, and boost immunity to boot.  I always recommend putting a few slices of water in your water bottle – not only does it taste great, but it gives you all the extra benefits as well.

Reduces Your Risk of Developing Cancer. Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans – which may help to lower your risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers. They also contain phytonutrients called cucurbitacins which have anti-cancer properties. According to the George Mateljan Fountain “Scientiest have already determined that several different signaling pathways required for cancer cell development and survival can be blocked by activity of cucurbitacins”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Think You’ve Done Everything to Keep Your Dog from Getting Sick? Think Again #SentinelSpectrum

This post is sponsored by Virbac® Sentinel® Spectrum® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help create awareness about protection against common parasites found in dogs but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. More information about Sentinel Spectrum. Virbac is not responsible for the content of this article.

Last month I talked to you about Virbac® Sentinel® Spectrum® – a way to protect your pup from some of the God awful parasites out there that want to reek havoc on your furry best friend. From fleas, and heartworms to tapeworms and roundworms, there are dangers lurking everywhere, all the time,- even places you might not think to look – all year long.
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Heartworms.
There is only one way for a dog to get heartworms – through an infected mosquito. As you know even with us, it’s nearly impossible to be outside and not get bit by a mosquito at least once; how much harder would it be for your dog? Most dogs go outside several times a day, so year-round prevention is critical

Heartworm disease is a very painful excruciating disease that no dog lover would ever want to see their loving pet be put through. Heartworm preventative care such as Virbac Sentinel Spectrum is much more affordable than treating a case after the fact.
Tapeworms.
Dogs get tapeworms by ingesting flea larva. (you know when they are biting at a flea that’s biting them – they get the larva that flea hasn’t laid yet). The tapeworm egg continue to develop – and the tapeworms head attaches to your dog’s intestines. See where I’m going here?

Not only are tapeworms extremely uncomfortable, but they can be deadly– especially puppies, kittens and sick dogs.
Controlling fleas will help lessen the likelyhood of your dog developing tapeworms, but preventative care eliminates the issue altogether.
Roundworms.
Roundworms are the most common parasitic worm found in dogs. Almost all dogs become infected at some point in their lives (usually as puppies). They are contracted in different ways, which makes it easy to spread and very hard to control. Roundworm eggs accumulate in significant numbers in the dirt where pets leave feces.
Dogs with major roundworm infections can show signs like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, etc.
Roundworms can be very harmful to humans – they can cause problems in your eyes, lungs, heart and cause other neurological issues.

 

Hookworms.
Hookworms can infect dogs through their skin or by ingestion. (their eggs can live in soil – which as you know, dogs walk in, play in, etc). The hookworm attaches itself to the lining of the intestines (somewhat like the roundworm) and feeds on tissue and blood. It’s eggs eject into the digestive tract. It can cause life-threatening disease, like severe anemia and horrible diarrhea.

Whipworms.
Whipworms are one of the most infectious worms that infect dogs. They live in the cecum and large intestine, and can cause severe irritation. The eggs are very resistant to drying and heat and can live up to 5 YEARS in soil, etc. Whipworm is not infectious to humans, but can cause extreme pain, bloody diarrhea, weight loss and general debilitation in dogs.

Fortunately there is a way to control these – with Sentinel Spectrum.

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Sentinel Spectrum is a tasty chew that helps protect your dog against all 3 parasite groups – heartworm, intestinal parasites, and fleas. Available by prescription only Sentinel Spectrum is available in 4 different sizes and can be used safely for dogs 6 weeks or older.

To learn more about Sentinel Spectrum ask your veterinarian if Sentinel Spectrum is right for your dog (please read the production information here).

Also, be sure to download the rebate form to save!

Think you know all there is to know about the parasites that plague your pup? Take this survey and check back here on the blog next month to see how you did!

 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Virbac® Sentinel® Spectrum®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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