6 Ways to Take a Mental Vacation

Sometimes you need to get away, but you don't have the time or money. Don't despair: A mental vacation can help reduce your stress.

    Small stressors can quickly add up to major stress and one big stressful event can send you reeling, with no idea of how to start addressing it. If you could just get away for a little stress relief, you know you would be okay. But too few of us have the time - or the money - to run off on an impromptu vacation.

Well, you don't have to spend a dime or go anywhere other than a quiet spot nearby to take a mental vacation.

How To Lead a Well-Balanced Life

A healthy, happy mind can contribute to good health. Balanced living means having a positive outlook, focusing on good habits, and lowering stress.

    Everyone longs to be healthy and happy. After all, what's the point in working hard toward a long and healthy life if you can't enjoy it? While focusing on a healthy lifestyle by exercising and eating right is great for your body, balanced living means protecting your mental and emotional health, too. And stress reduction needs to be at the top of your to-do list.

How to Stop Smoking Today

If you're determined to quit smoking, good for you. But don't make it any harder on yourself than necessary by going cold turkey on your own - here's help.

    The American Cancer Society reports that about half of all smokers die from an illness related to smoking. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention, men who smoke typically cut their life short by 13.2 years, and for women it’s 14.5 years. Smoking-related illness can also impact your quality of life. Why wait to quit?

How to Avoid the Obesity Epidemic

An increasing number of Americans are becoming overweight, which can lead to many serious health problems, even premature death. Here's how to escape the epidemic.

    As we continue to modernize our lifestyles - riding instead of walking, working in a cubicle instead of in a field, playing iPods instead of sports - more people are becoming overweight and, worse, obese. In fact, there are so many overweight and obese people that some public health officials now call it an epidemic, particularly because of the many resulting health problems.

Gum Disease: What You Need to Know

Swollen, bleeding gums can impact your overall health. If you think you've got gingivitis and have been ducking the dentist, make that phone call before it leads to tooth loss.

    If your gums are red and swollen or bleed frequently, you may have gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This chronic inflammation begins when bacteria irritate and invade your gums. Left untreated, gum disease can ultimately cause tooth loss and other health problems as well.