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Health News
By Faye Rowe

AVOID THE HOLIDAY FAT-TRAP
The average person gains around 7lbs while on holiday. So if you've been watching your weight all year, don't let yourself fall into the fat- trap. Here's how to stay slim for good:

¥ STAY OFF THE COCKTAILS: Cocktails go hand in hand with holidays—who doesn't think of hot summer nights on the beach at a whiff of a Pi–a Colada? But cocktails are often loaded with calories. In fact, a Pi–a Colada contains around 250 calories, which is the same as most chocolate bars! If you can't resist these, go for fruity rather than creamy concoctions.

¥ GET ACTIVE: You should relax on holiday, but don't use it as an excuse to slob-out. An hour spent shopping will burn around 80 calories, an hour's swimming will burn a whopping 600 calories, and exploring the resort on a push-bike for an hour will get rid of around 480 calories.

¥ BE SEDUCED: Whether you're going away with your partner or are on the look-out for a holiday fling, making time for romance is good for your health. As well as triggering the release of the 'happy-hormone', serotonin, in the brain, a passionate kiss burns 6.4 calories a minute, and swapping saliva is even thought to help boost your immune system!

¥ BE A TEAM PLAYER: Most resorts hold fitness classes like aqua- aerobics that are free to guests so why not join in? You're likely to find a vollyball game going on at the beach as well, which is great for toning flabby arms and bums.

Bin the sick bag
Did you know that ginger has been used for years to help combat motion sickness and tiredness? If you suffer from a sicky feeling mid-flight, try sipping a ginger tea or order a ginger ale as fizzy drinks are also thought to be good at settling a dicky tummy.

FACT!
According to an EU survey, only 20 percent of Europeans know that 112 is their emergency services number. So, if you ever need urgent medical attention while on holiday in the EU, you know who to call.

Never againÉ
Most of us drink more than we normally would do while on holiday. So if you find yourself waking up with a stinking hangover, try following these golden rules to recovery:

1. Alcohol is a major cause of dehydration, so fill up on water before you hit the sack or as soon as you wake up.
2. If you head is pounding, take a good pain killer. Try a soluble tablet if you can stomach it, because it will get into your bloodstream quickly and work fast.
3. Avoid fatty foods—they might satisfy a craving, but it will leave you feeling worse. Try eating a spoon of honey instead—it will help to burn off the alcohol in your system.

Speed up, slow down
Even if you're not travelling very far, it can be hard to adjust to a new routine or time-zone, especially if you are away on business. So don't forget to pack some essential oils to sniff. Try lemon to perk you up and lavender to lull you into a deep sleep.

Faye Rowe is Deputy Editor of Allergy, the only lifestyle magazine dedicated to allergies and food intolerances. Available from www.allergymagazine.com or from selected Tesco, Sainsbury's, Somerfield, Morrisons and Co-op in the UK.

 




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