Staying Well

Drinks have calming effect
New relaxation beverages can take the edge off stress and anxiety. They haven't been tested in clinical trials, but some ingredients have been shown to be beneficial.

They contain herbal, plant or hormonal therapies, and they are designed to calm you without impairing your ability to function as alcohol does.

Some contain kava root, an ingredient in Mary Jane's Soda, said to prevent road rage, public speaking jitters and date anxiety. It gets a high grade for treatment of anxiety from National Standard Research Collaboration, a scientist-owned group that evaluates natural therapies. The FDA says it should be used cautiously, especially by people with liver damage.

Dream Water and some others contain melatonin, a hormone which aids sleep. Other beverage companies market the fact that their drinks don't contain it.

Vacation in a Bottle uses L-Theanine, an ingredient in green tea, to relax you without putting you to sleep.

At Massachusetts General Hospital, they say people should work to change the causes of stress rather than look for a quick fix.

How to avoid heat stroke
If you become overheated when spending hours outdoors in hot weather, you could lose your ability to sweat. That can cause heatstroke, in which body temperature can rise to 104 degrees. It can cause brain damage or cardiac arrest.

To keep your cool and avoid a heat stroke, drink a lot of fluids, about a half ounce per pound of body weight daily. Water and sports drinks are better than carbonated drinks. Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.

If you experience dry mouth, dizziness, nausea and fatigue, you need to take action immediately. Find a cool, shaded area. Get in front of a fan or get into your car and turn the air conditioner on high. If you don't feel better in a few minutes, have someone take you to a first-aid station or emergency room.



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