Like most health care providers around this time of year, you won’t find sugary Halloween treats at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine. Instead, we’re dishing out nine frightening health facts! These small tips require little action but can result in changes so shocking, it’s scary!

  1. Endless studies show that drinking water can reduce your risk of heart disease by 54% in men and 41% in women.
  2. Drink a hot beverage to help you cool off. When you drink a hot beverage on a hot day, your body produces more sweat which, when it evaporates, cools you off. Good info for anyone to know, and it’s all thanks to Ollie Jay― a researcher at University of Ottawa’s School of Human Kinetic ― and the research he published.
  3. Did you know that laughing is good for the heart and can increase blood flow by 20%? Laughing maintains a healthy endothelium (the tissue that forms a single layer of cells lining various organs and cavities of the body) and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke.
  4. Feeling sluggish lately? Well get moving! Through exercise we give tired cells more oxygen. Physical activity that builds muscle strength also improves the efficiency of the mitochondria that produces the energy in the cells.
  5. Getting lost in a book can help you live longer. According to a 2016 Yale study, those who read at least 3.5 hours per week are increasing their lifespan by at least 20%. That’s not only helpful information, but that’s a big scary deal!
  6. There are more than six million bacteria living in your mouth at any time. Plenty of food, water and perfect temperature make your mouth an ideal home for bacteria. They can multiply and become millions in just five hours, which is why it is important for you to brush and floss at least twice daily, preferably with an all-natural, floss, toothpaste and toothbrush.
  7. Speaking of brushing. Why the hurry? According to the Mayo Clinic, after eating it’s best to wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth, especially if the food consumed contained a lot of acid. The abrasive action of brushing can cause the acid to attack your tooth enamel and the layer underneath.
  8. Close the lid when you flush the toilet. Several research studies explain how closing the lid when you flush can reduce “Toilet Plume” and water particles from the toilet which float around your bathroom and eventually land on surfaces like your toothbrush.
  9. Saunas improve cardiovascular performance. According to recent Mayo Clinic research, using a sauna 2-3 times per week at 174 degrees F reduces risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Disease by 27% and 4-7 times per week reduces risk by 50%.

Have these fun facts scared you into making subtle changes that could impact your life in a big way? We hope so and we want to help! Remember, while these facts are frighteningly powerful, they do not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re ready to start your journey to better health, contact us for more information and an initial consultation.