Health & Beauty Tips

Diet & Exercise during Pregnancy

2011-06-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Diet and Exercise:

The diet in pregnancy is designed to promote optimal nutrition for you and your baby. During pregnancy, your body requires additional calories and nutrients to meet the increased nutritional needs. Research indicates that well-nourished women are more likely to produce healthy, normal babies.
Dietary Guidelines:
A healthy diet for a pregnant woman should be nutrient-dense and will require more calories, protein, iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamin D for some women.
• Maintain a steady rate of weight gain. Aim for about three to four pounds total during the first trimester and then about three to four pounds each month during the second and third trimesters. An average-sized woman can expect to gain between 25 and 40 pounds overall.
• Excessive use of salt should be restricted in order to avoid high blood pressure.
• Avoid food that has raw and rarely cooked ingredients. Foods such as soft cheese and unpasteurized milk and juices (these foods have not been pasteurized, meaning they have not gone through the process to kill the germs present).
• Wash all fruits and vegetables before preparing. This removes the pesticides and bacteria that may be present on them.
• Avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tile fish, and most fresh fish. They contain high levels of mercury, which may cause birth defects.
• Excessive caffeine should be avoided. You should drink no more than one cup of coffee a day.

EXERCISE TIPS:
Exercise is very important during pregnancy for you and your baby. At this stage exercise helps you boost your energy level. It helps relieve backaches and also strengthen the muscles of your back, butt and thighs. It also reduces constipation. Strong muscles as a result of these exercises are of great help during labour.
Always talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Once you're ready to get going:
• Start gradually. Even 5 minutes a day is a good start if you've been inactive. Add 5 minutes each week until you reach 30 minutes.
• Dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothes and wear a supportive bra to protect your breasts.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid overheating and dehydration.
• Skip your exercises if you're sick.
• Opt for a walk in an air-conditioned mall on hot, humid days.
• Above all, listen to your body.

Pregnancy Stages

2011-06-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Stages in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a very happy and fulfilling experience for any woman. When a woman is pregnant, her body undergoes a number of different processes. The stages of pregnancy and the journey of nine months are specially demarcated into three trimesters: the first, second and third trimester.
Trimesters of Pregnancy
In the first trimester or the first stage of pregnancy, which lasts from 0 to 12 weeks, the body undergoes many changes as it adjusts to the baby growing inside it. A lot of the discomforts experienced by women are natural and usually go away as the pregnancy progresses.
1st Trimester of Pregnancy
For example, a woman might experience tiredness and fatigue due to the emotional and physical demands of pregnancy. A lot of women complain of exhaustion during this time. This is normal and it is simply the body's way of demanding more rest.
This will go away after a while and replaced with a feeling of well-being and increased energy when the body will have adjusted to the increased demands placed upon it. It is best to have a proper diet, get more sleep than one's normal routine and relax generally. Mood changes, nausea, vomiting, leg cramps and dizziness are some of the other symptoms associated with the first trimester.
2nd Trimester of Pregnancy
The second trimester or the second stage of pregnancy, which ranges from 12 to 38 weeks, is usually the most physically enjoyable for women. It is during this time that the mother usually feels fetal movement for the first time. Some skin changes might occur due to the hormonal changes that the body is undergoing and stretch marks due to increasing belly size are also a common occurrence. Some women also complain of having trouble sleeping during this time.
3rd Trimester of Pregnancy
The third trimester or the third stage is when the fetus continues to grow and women need to start preparing for the delivery of their baby. Body temperature usually rises as the fetus radiates heat.
The ankles, fingers and face might swell and fatigue is definitely an issue during the third trimester. The Braxton Hicks contractions might also be experienced (Pregnancy Trimester Stages and Signs).
The stages of pregnancy as mentioned above are the ones that have been decided upon after research and doctors' approval. However, it is possible that some woman may experience some of the symptoms a little early or late. If any of these stages of pregnancy do not go as smoothly, it is advised that you consult a qualified doctor.

Problems During Pregnancy and Their Solutions

2011-06-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

Tips to overcome problems during Pregnancy

NAUSEA DURING PREGNANCY
Nausea or vomiting, commonly called morning sickness may occur during the early months of pregnancy. It usually disappears after the third month.
Try these tips if you have this problem:
• Before you get out of bed in the morning, eat a few crackers, a handful of dry cereal, or a piece of toast or dry bread. Put these within reach of your bed the night before
• Do not brush your teeth as soon as you get up in the morning or soon after you eat.
• Avoid sudden movements and try and get up slowly in the mornings.
• If you feel nauseated between meals then drink small amounts of apple or grape juice.
• For some people avoiding greasy and fried foods help.
• Make sure you have fresh air in the room you sleep and cook with open windows or with the exhaust on to get rid of odours.
• Eat unseasoned and mild-flavored foods.
• Chew food well
• Drink clear, cool beverages and try clear soups.

CONSTIPATION
Constipation is one of the common problems during pregnancy. This happens during pregnancy because the muscles in your intestines become more relaxed. Iron and calcium supplements can also cause constipation. Inadequate intake of fiber and fluids, irregular eating habits are the other factors causing constipation.
How to prevent or treat this?
• Increase the intake of high-fiber foods such as unrefined grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Also try softer high fiber foods like oatmeal, legumes, prune juice and barley to help soften the stool.
• Increase the liquid intake.
• Daily exercise can also help.
Do not use of any type of laxative other than bulk-producing ones unless under the supervision of the health care provider.

HEARTBURN
Try this to help prevent heartburn:
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Avoid foods like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, etc which are gas-forming.
• Try and avoid greasy, fried and spicy foods.
• Keep sipping water.
• Avoid lying down for two hours after eating
• Cut down on beverages that contain caffeine
• Drink plenty of fluids

Exercise Followed during Pregnancy

2011-06-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

EXERCISE During PREGNANCY

Always talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Once you're ready to get going:
• Start gradually. Even 5 minutes a day is a good start if you've been inactive. Add 5 minutes each week until you reach 30 minutes.
• Dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothes and wear a supportive bra to protect your breasts.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid overheating and
dehydration.
• Skip your exercises if you're sick.
• Above all, listen to your body.
What exercise can I do?
Normally women are advised to go walking as the least strenuous exercise.Whatever is the type of exercise the important thing is to pay attention to your body's warnings. Do gradually increase the duration of exercise or the intensity. Your energy level will greatly vary from day to day. As the baby grows there is a decreased ability to breathe in more air during exercise as the lungs are pressed so you are forced to stop.
What exercises should I avoid?
Pregnant women should avoid weight training and sit-ups after the first trimester.
Avoid any activities that include:
• Bouncing.
• Leaping.
• A sudden change of direction.
• A risk of abdominal injury.

Take Care After All.

2011-06-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Breast Feeding Important :

There has been many BREASTFEEDING CAMPAIGN to make all mothers especially Urban ares Mother to take care of their child and start breastfeeding for six months and don't delay the process.

Ms Radhakrishnan says, "Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Nothing else, not even water is necessary for the baby up to six months of age. The composition of breast milk will take care of all the requirements of the baby. A baby needs breast milk, not artificial milk to grow well."

Advantages of breast milk for a baby:

• More easily digested and absorbed.
• Contains more lactose than any other milk. Lactose is essential for energy and helps in calcium and magnesium absorption.
• Contains more polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and essential fatty acids (EFA). EFA cannot be manufactured in the body.
• The protein in breast milk contains essential amino acids while artificial milk does not.
• Taurine which is plentiful in breast milk has been credited with favouring growth of the baby's brain.
• Contains vitamin D, correct amounts of calcium and phosphate.
• Contains antibodies (immunoglobulin) to fight against many infections.
• Has a substance called bifidus factor, which helps special bacteria to grow in the baby's intestine and prevent harmful bacteria.
• Has laxative properties so that the baby does not get constipated.
• Breast fed babies normally do not develop allergies.
• Less burden on the baby's kidneys as there is less urea from protein and less sodium to excrete
Moreover,risk of obesity at age five or six years could be reduced by 35 per cent if children were exclusively breast fed for three to five months.
The risk can be reduced further if children are breast fed for longer than five months.

Nature has packed the nutrients in breast milk in just the right quantities needed for the baby. 100 ml of breast milk contains: calories - 71, proteins - 1.2g, lactose - 7.Og, calcium - 33mg, vitamin A - 160 TU vitamin D - 1.4, vitamin B1 - 0.017mg, vitamin B2 - 0.04mg, vitamin B3 - 0.2m,g iron - 0.15mg. Colostrums', a yellowish fluid which is secreted for the first couple of days after the birth of the baby, is rich in vitamin A, copper, zinc and immunoglobulin, all of which are needed for the baby. "This is why breast feeds should be initiated within one hour after birth. Most mothers don't, either due to ignorance or pressure from their near and dear ones to avoid colostrums," according to Ms Radhakrishnan.

Advantages of breastfeeding for the mother:
• It has a contraceptive effect to some extent.
• It facilitates contraction of the uterus.
• It reduces hip girth and helps in return of original form.
• It helps to bond with the baby.

Tips for Mothers:To Take of Themselves

2011-06-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Mother Take Care....

Some Tips:
• You are the centre of care,
About yourself you think very rare.
• Take the kids to the park,
When they play, go for the walk.
• Instead of the extra food going as waste,
Do not finish it, It would show on your waist.
• For everyone, you cook and serve breakfast,
Ending up busy, you skip it or fast.
Also............
• Don't nibble or taste food in excess, during cooking.
• Eat fruits along with the kids, they would enjoy it too.
• When kids are off to school and you are alone, don't eat while watching television.
• Keep healthy snack options to munch, when you feel bored.
• Eat meals with family, to maintain the meal timings.

Some myths:
Myth: Young women believe that breastfeeding will ruin the shape of their breasts/body
Breastfeeding helps you burn 500 extra calories a day. It helps the womb return to normal and does not affect the shape of breasts in the long term.

Myth: If a mother goes back to work too soon after delivery, her baby will not bond with her adequately.
The mother/child bond is forged by quality time together, not quantity. A working mother has to learn to ration her time and balance her responsibilities, but as long as a child receives love and attention from mother when she is around, bonding will take place.

Fat,Fibre,Cholesterol In our Daily life:Diet Plan

2011-06-23T01:41:00.000-07:00

Here's what many want to know about fat, fibre and cholesterol:

Fat:
• Provides essential fatty acids
• Carries fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E and K
• Satiates hunger to some extent
• Provides protective cushion to vital organs to help prevent injury
• Insulates body from heat loss and extreme temperature changes
• Provides energy from body stores in times of need

Dietary fibre:
• Moves bowels
• Prevents colon cancer
• Helps control weight by providing satiety for less number of calories than fat
• Reduces absorption of cholesterol
• Helps control blood pressure and blood sugar

Cholesterol:
• Keeps the cell membranes intact
• Forms an important component of the nervous system
• Helps in synthesis of bile acids which are required for digestion.
The requirements of these components vary from pediatric stage to geriatric stage, and in wellness and illness.

Requirements for healthy individuals:

Fat: A normal, healthy child from 1-18 years of age needs 25grams of visible fat per day. This would mean a combination of ghee or butter and oil that is used in cooking. A healthy adult above 18 years of age is allowed 20 grams (about four teaspoons) of visible fat per day. Senior citizens with no health problems are allowed the same quantity of visible fat on a daily basis. The requirement of fat for people with special needs as in sports or pregnancy would increase based on individual needs.

Dietary fibre: there is no fixed requirement of fiber for children. However, children need much less fibre than adults do. As long as their vegetable, fruit and grain intake is within normal limits, their fiber requirement will be met. The requirement of fibre in a healthy adult is 30 to 35 grams per day. A senior citizen with no digestive issues can continue to eat 25 to 30 grams of fibre per day. Dietary fibre is present in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, pulses, legumes and grains, and absent in animal foods, oils and sugar.

Cholesterol: Cholesterol is present only in animal foods. There is no specified requirement for cholesterol through daily foods. Healthy professionals in the western countries do not recommend more than 300mg of cholesterol per person per day. However, we don't want to copy the western diets because we are genetically different and our dietary habits vary to suit the climate and foods available locally.

Upper limits for each of these food components in our diet mean that excesses can be harmful.

Fats in excess lead to:
• Excess weight because they give the highest number of calories per gram
• Red blood cells clump together and reduce oxygen carrying capacity
• Hindering digestion of other nutrients
• Increasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Tumour formation
• Development of type 2 diabetes

Fiber in excess leads to:
• Flatulence
• Loose motions
• Decreased absorption of important micronutrients in the gut

Cholesterol in excess leads to:
• Lining of the inner surface of the arteries along with other particles, and decreases in the lumen of the arteries
• Narrowing of the arteries can cause damage to any Part of the body depending on where the artery supplies blood to - for example, a coronary artery narrowing increases the risk of a heart attack and carotid artery narrowing increases the chances of stroke
• Gall bladder stones

Here's simple meal plan that will provide you with the required fat, fiber and cholesterol. Get your specific meal plan made with the help of a nutritionist.
On rising: Coffee
Breakfast: Oats, milk, fruit
Mid-morning: Lime juice
Lunch: Unpolished rice, fish curry, vegetable salad,
cooked vegetable, curd
Evening: Tea, dry fruits
Dinner: Chapati, dal, cooked vegetable, buttermilk, fruit.

2011-06-23T01:37:00.000-07:00

SNACKS for HIGH ENERGY :

Light snacks which are healthy come to your rescue when there's a need for energy at the end of a long worked day.
• Dry fruits
• Banana
• Low fat milkshake or smoothie
• Whole wheat crackers
• Baked beans on toast Whole wheat sandwich
• Cereal with low fat milk
• Aloo chaat
• Boiled corn

These snacks not only carry nutrition but also give you the energy boost before a workout. At the same time, they don't make you lethargic or sleepy if taken in small quantities. Don't forget to drink a glass of water 30 minutes before you begin your workout.

Avoid these foods before rigorous exercise:
• Fatty and fried foods-they take too long to digest
• Sweets-they take long to digest and cause rapid blood sugar changes
• Sugary drinks-they cause rapid energy swings and you might end up with less energy instead of more
• Caffeine-it stimulates the body to increase urine output

Food Cravings Sabotage Your Diet

2011-06-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

Stop Cravings for the Food!
Many people struggle with food cravings. Studies tell us that it's fairly common for food cravings to happen at certain times.

When you're trying to lose weight, food cravings can make it impossible to stay on a diet. Once you have recognized that you have cravings and how they can sabotage your diet, it is time to get them under control.

Do you ever wonder what causes food cravings? People often crave foods with high amounts of sugar, fat and / or salt. What is interesting here is that it isn't hunger that they are feeling, but something more. Two different biological factors influence these cravings - a drop in serotonin levels or adrenal fatigue which influences the craving for salt and sugar. Most food cravings are not about satisfying a nutritional need or imbalance. They seem to be more emotion-related.

Listed below are some ideas to help you stop food cravings:
• If the food isn't available, you can't eat it! Empty the snack jar and keep it away. Keep healthy food choices on-hand.
• Recognize the feelings and emotions that lead-up to a food craving. Try to deal with the triggers the best way you can.
• Make good use of your support network and share your feelings with someone.
• Get enough sleep. When you're tired, you're more likely to crave things.
• Exercise. It helps to cut down on your cravings. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
• If you crave for snacks, substitute it with low-fat foods and complex carbohydrates. Example- if you crave for sweets/chocolates eat fresh dates or a sweet fruit instead.
• Never skip a meal. Eat at regular intervals and eat low calorie snacks in between meals.
• Distract Yourself. Do anything other than cave-in to your desire for food, and keep doing it until the cravings subside.
• Eat enough every day - don't drastically cut your calorie intake. You must eat enough to maintain your ideal body weight. Don't go on any kind of starvation diet.
• Eat foods with plenty of fiber which fills you up, and keeps you going for several hours.

Eat wisely, be happy, and live long!

Choose Brown Rice Over White Rice

2011-06-22T23:55:00.000-07:00

Why the Brown Rice?
Brown rice is also called 'unpolished rice' and is brown in color.Brown rice has a mild nutty flavor, is chewier and offer more nutrition than the white rice. Only the outermost layer of a grain of rice (husk) is removed to produce brown rice, while the subsequent layers underneath the husk that contains several vitamins and fiber are removed and polished further to produce white rice.
Brown rice is a good source of various essential nutrients like energy, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, B vitamins and minerals like manganese, selenium, magnesium, zinc, folate, iron etc.

One cup of brown rice gives 3.5 grams of fiber while the same amount of white rice gives less than 1 gram of fiber.

Health experts and Nutritionists are now increasingly recommending brown rice as an excellent source of all-round nutrition. As for the health conscious people, brown rice would be the obvious choice as many health benefits of brown rice have been proved.

Brown rice has a low glycemic index than white rice which helps to prevent the sugar spikes in diabetics.
Study has shown that people who consume at least 2 servings of brown rice per week reduced the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
It has been shown to lower the risk of total cholesterol and LDL level.
It helps the individuals to keep a check on their weight, since the brown rice can make them feel full, which in turn make them to eat less.
It can help to protect the body against certain cancers, as it contains antioxidants like selenium and zinc and fiber.
It has also shown to reduce the risk of cardio vascular disease and stroke.

For all the health benefits, the brown rice is good. And don't forget to make this delicious, nutty-flavored grain a frequent addition to your meals!

Basic Health Tips for MEN

2011-06-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

How to take care of health in case of Men ?

While the life-expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, it's no secret that men still need to pay more attention to their bodies. Several things work against men. They tend to smoke and drink more than women. They don't seek medical help as often as women. Some men define themselves by their work, which can add to stress.

There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many of the major health risks that men face - like colon cancer or heart disease- can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. It's important to have regular checkups and screenings.

Tips for a safe and healthy life:

1. Maintain a healthy weight and eat healthy-eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and pulses. Reduce sugar, salt and fat/oil in the diet.

2. Be active-exercise regularly for at least 45minutes or choose a sport/outdoor activity that you will enjoy.

3. Protect yourself-wear protective gears like helmets, seat belts when required.

4. Stop smoking, reduce/avoid alcohol consumption and manage stress.

5. Get regular check-ups.

Everyone tends to be overworked, overstressed and under-rested, and a large amount of diseases are related to this imbalance. The mind, body and spirit are all intimately connected. Men need to create a balance of work, family and personal time for optimal health.

Food that support Healthy Hair

2011-06-21T23:27:00.000-07:00

How to maintain healthy hair ?

When it comes to healthy hair, it's not just what you put on your tresses that count -- it's what you put in your body, too.

A Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair:

When it comes to foods for healthy hair variety is the best way to go.
"An overall balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy will help keep hair healthy,"

10 top foods that should be the foundation of your healthy hair diet.

• Protein : Meat, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, cheese, curd, dals, nuts, pulses.

• Vitamin A : Butter, eggs, milk, carrots, tomatoes, oily fish, dark green leafy vegetables & apricots.

• Vitamin B : Milk, eggs, wholegrain cereals, bread, wheat germs, nuts, soy beans, poultry, fish & meat.

• Vitamin D : Sunlight, oily fish, milk & eggs.

• Vitamin C : Capsicum, citrus fruits, bananas, gooseberry, guava & leafy green vegetables.

• Vitamin E : Wheat germ, peanuts, vegetable oils, pulses & green leafy vegetables.

• Iron : Spinach, liver, kidneys, pulses, peas & dried fruits.

• Calcium : Cheese, nuts, eggs, milk, curd, sardines & root vegetables.

• Iodine : Seafood & iodized salt.

• Sulfur : Eggs, meat, cheese & other diary products.

Reasons of Hair Loss

2011-06-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

The normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 3 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter per month during this phase. About 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is growing at any given time. About 10 percent of the hair on your scalp, at any given time, is in a resting phase. After 3 to 4 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place.

However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss may lead to baldness when the rate of shedding exceeds the rate of re- growth.

Some of the causes for hair loss:

Aging: After the age of 30 (and often before), men and women both start losing hair, though men tend to do so at a faster rate.

Poor nutrition: Having inadequate protein or iron or zinc in your diet or poor nourishment in other ways can cause you to experience hair loss. Fad diets, crash diets and certain illnesses, such as eating disorders, can cause poor nutrition.

Styling: Shampooing, blow drying and brushing your hair often can cause a few strands of hair to fall out. In case of excess hair fall, consult a dermatologist for the proper guidance.

Medical treatments: Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy may cause hair loss. After your treatment ends, your hair typically begins to re-grow.

Hereditary hair loss: Genetic hair loss isn't due to excessive amounts of hair falling out, as many believe, but due to an insufficient amount of hair growing back to replace the hair that have been shed. Hereditary baldness is associated with factors like gender, age and hormones.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes and imbalances can cause temporary hair loss. This could be due to stress, pregnancy, childbirth, discontinuation of birth control pills, the onset of menopause, or an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. Correcting hormonal imbalances may reduce hair loss.

Scalp infection: Infections, such as ringworm, can invade the hair and skin of your scalp, leading to hair loss. Once infections are treated, hair generally grows back. Ringworm, a fungal infection, can usually be treated with a topical or oral antifungal medication. Consult a dermatologist for appropriate treatment.

Take care of hair and be healthy in mind.

5 Myths of Dental Caries

2011-06-21T23:22:00.000-07:00

Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are standard for oral health care, but there are some more things you need to know about dental care - dental caries.

Check the myths and facts about dental caries below.

Myth: Sugar causes dental caries.

Fact: Lack of oral hygiene causes dental caries. Dental caries is a complex disease influenced by many factors such as the nutritional status of individual, bacteria naturally present in the mouth, salivary flow, dietary behavior, oral hygiene, water intake and overall health. In people who don't brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride containing toothpaste, frequent intake of foods or drinks containing fermentable carbohydrates such as sweets, fruit-juices, dried fruits, potato chips, etc. are known to cause tooth decay.

Myth: Losing milk teeth due to tooth decay is fine

Fact: It is a common myth that losing milk teeth due to tooth decay is insignificant because milk teeth fall out anyway. If cavities are left untreated in milk teeth, they can develop into serious pain and abscesses. It can also result in damage to the crowns of the permanent teeth developing below them. If milk teeth are lost prematurely, the permanent teeth may erupt mal-positioned and require advanced treatment later on.

Myth: Dental caries is only a young person's problem

Fact: Adults and elders are more likely to have chronic health conditions, like diabetes, which are risk factors for periodontal disease. Commonly used drugs such as antidepressants, diuretics, antihistamines and sedatives increase the risk of tooth decay by reducing saliva production. Saliva is vital in fighting tooth decay because it helps neutralize acids, has a disinfectant quality, washes away bacteria, and helps prevent food from sticking to your teeth. Lack of saliva, means that the mouth is getting cleansed more slowly. This increases the risk of oral problems. Also, in adults and elders, receding gums can result in root decay.

Myth: Acidic foods like lemons have nothing to do with dental caries

Fact: Acidic foods such as lemons, citrus juices, or soft drinks don't cause cavities directly, but they may be putting your enamel in danger. Acids can cause erosion of the tooth-protecting enamel, weakening the tooth. If you lose the enamel's protection and expose the underlying dentin, your tooth is now more prone to decay.

Myth: You'll know when you have a cavity

Fact: Mild tooth decay doesn't cause symptoms. The pain we associate with cavities comes when tooth decay is more advanced and causes damage to the nerve. Once a cavity starts, it doesn't repair itself. Once decay gets into the dentin of the tooth -- below the enamel -- it just continues to grow. Allowing tooth decay to advance can lead to much more expensive and painful procedures, like root canals. That's why regular dental checkups are so important.

Smoker's Teeth

2011-06-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

In India, around one million deaths per year attribute to smoking, and the majority of these occur in middle-aged adults. While most health warnings focus on lung disease risk, smoking also can cause a number of dental problems ranging from tooth staining to oral cancer. The following are the complications:

Periodontitis:

Smoking is among the most significant risk factors for gum disease and can reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease in which the gums separate from the teeth, allowing bacteria to grow below the gum line and break down bone and tissue. Periodontitis is irreversible and can lead to tooth loss.

Tooth Discoloration:

Tobacco is a major cause of tooth staining. While not dangerous, tooth discoloration can be unsightly and often is perceived as unattractive.

Oral-facial pain:

It is an unbearable type of pain affecting the oral cavity, teeth, jaw or face. While the exact cause is not always apparent, oral-facial pain may result from gum disease and other dental problems caused by smoking. Smoking is associated with increased incidence of tooth sensitivity, mouth pain and facial pain.

Oral Cancer:

Tobacco contains a number of chemicals known to cause cancer in humans. Smoking puts these chemicals in contact with the body, triggering cancer growth. All types of tobacco--including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, gutka, zarda, cigars, smokeless and pipe tobacco---increase the risk for developing oral cancer.

Tooth Brushing - Right Way

2011-06-21T23:16:00.000-07:00

Proper tooth brushing plays an important role in the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. To maintain good oral hygiene, you need to brush your teeth twice a day. It is important to use the proper equipment and technique to make sure you clean your teeth well.

Equipment:

Throw away your old toothbrush after three months or when the bristles start to flare, whichever comes first. If your bristles flare up much sooner than every three months, you may be brushing too hard. Try easing up. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that allows you to reach all areas of your mouth. The use of harder brushes causes great risk of harming your gums.

Technique:

You should hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle while you brush. Place your toothbrush at the gum line, and clean the outer portion of two to three teeth at a time with a back and forth and rolling motion. Use the same technique to clean the inner surfaces of your teeth. Use the tip of your toothbrush to clean behind your front teeth with an up-and-down motion. To finish, gently scrub the chewing surfaces of your teeth, and brush your tongue from back to front to remove bacteria.

Importance:

Plaque is a sticky substance that develops on and around teeth within 20 minutes after you eat. Plaque releases enamel-eroding acids, which can cause tooth decay. If plaque is not removed, it hardens to form tartar, which also leads to decay. When plaque irritates the gums, gum disease and tooth loss can result. Proper tooth brushing and flossing is the best way to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.
Proper tooth brushing is important for your oral and overall health. Ask your dentist about other products that may contribute to oral health.
Now say "cheese" with a better smile!

Health Personality Society Life

2011-06-14T07:50:00.001-07:00

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

4. Live with the 3 E's - Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5. Make time to pray.

6. Play more games.

7. Read more books than you did in 2009.

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9. Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minutes' walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11.    Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12.    Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13.    Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14.    Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15.    Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16.    Dream more while you are awake.
17.    Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18.    Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/ her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20.    Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21.    No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22.    Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like Algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23.    Smile and laugh more.
24.    You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25.    Call your family often.
26.    Each day give something good to others.
27.    Forgive everyone for everything.
28.    Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29.    Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30.    What other people think of you is none of your business.
31.    Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. stay in touch.

Life:
32.    Do the right thing!
33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34.    GOD heals everything.
35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37.    The best is yet to come.
38.    When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39.    Your Innermost is always happy. So, be happy.

Care For Car Air-conditioning

2011-06-02T21:27:00.001-07:00

No wonder more folks are dying from cancer than ever before. We wonder where this stuff comes from but here is an example that explains a lot of the cancer causing incidents. Hmmm. Many people are in their cars first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, 7 days a week. As I read this, it makes me feel guilty and ill. Please pass this on to as many people as possible. Guess its not too late to make some changes

Please do NOT turn on A/C as soon as you enter the car .

Open the windows after you enter your car and turn ON the AC after a couple of minutes.

Here's why :

According to a research, the car dashboard, sofa, air freshener emit Benzene, a Cancer causing toxin
(carcinogen - take time to observe the smell of heated plastic in your car).

In addition to causing cancer, Benzene poisons your bones, causes anemia and reduces white blood cells.

Prolonged exposure will cause Leukemia, increasing the risk of cancer.

Can also cause miscarriage.

Acceptable Benzene level indoors is 50mg per sq.ft. A car parked indoors with windows closed will contain 400-800 mg of Benzene.

If parked outdoors under the sun at a temperature above 60 degrees F, the Benzene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times the acceptable level.

People who get into the car, keeping windows closed will inevitably inhale, in quick succession, excessive amounts of the toxin.

Benzene is a toxin that affects your kidney and liver.. What's worse, it is extremely difficult for your body to expel this toxic stuff.

So friends, please open the windows and door of your car - give time for interior to air out -dispel the deadly stuff - before you enter.

Healthy habits

2011-01-14T07:24:00.001-08:00

Healthy Food :

_ Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day.

_ Avoid Fats & oils.

_ Avoid Salt & Sugar.

_ Benefits – Provides all necessary vitamins & minerals to your body. It helps to control your weight. It helps to improve heart health.

_ Drink green tea, Eat almonds & walnuts.

_ ◦ Benefits –

1.Green tea has got many vital antioxidants which helps to improve immunity & fights against ageing.

2. Dried fruits are important sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber in the diet.

3. Regular exercise is the easiest way to stay healthy.

_ ◦ Benefits –

1) help to prevent heart attacks and strokes

2) Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive

3) Better Blood Glucose level control in diabetics.

4) Improves Calcium absorption & prevents osteoporosis

5) It postpones ageing.

6) A good stress reliever.

FIT formula for exercise

Frequency: 5-6 days per week.

Intensity: To achieve and maintain target heart rate i.e. 0.6 X (220- age)

Timings (Duration): 30-60 minutes per day.

Warming up and cool down for 5 minutes is must.

Medical Check Ups

_ Go for periodic medical check ups.

◦ Benefits –

1. It helps in early detection of diseases.

2. Prevention is not only better but also cheaper than cure

Not only children, adults also need vaccinations.

Contact your doctor fordetails.

◦ Benefits –

1. Vaccinations are required to prevent certain

2. serious diseases in future

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Combine exercise with healthy diet & reduce your weight to normal.

_ Keep watch on your BMI (Body Mass Index). Normal BMI = 20 to 24.9

◦ Benefits –

1. Healthy weight prevents diabetes, hypertension

2. and many other problems.

Avoid Tobacco Products

◦ Benefits - Your risk of coronary heart disease will be halved within a year and will return to a normal level over time. Cancers like Mouth Cancer, Lung Cancer can be prevented by avoiding tobacco products.

Do Yoga & Meditation daily

◦ Benefits - Relaxation techniques can be very useful in lowering your stress and anxiety levels. It helps in maintaining your good health.

Get enough sleep – Between 6-8 hrs sleeps is required. Not less

than 6 hrs and not more than 8 hrs.

◦ Benefits – Better Sleep –Better Life. It helps in recharging your body for

next day. It improves memory. It also helps in weight management. It is

observed that person who sleeps less have more chances of weight gain.

Always think positively.

◦ Benefits - Positive thinking helps in reducing stress level & prepare us to

face the difficult movements in better way.

Smile is contagious, so share this de-stressing activity with others who appear to be under stress.

◦ Benefits – It relaxes the whole body. It boosts immune system. It releases

endorphins – body’s natural feel good chemicals.

Good Sleep

2010-12-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

Good rest and sound sleep is very important. If u don't sleep well,
The toxins in your body will accumulate,affecting your health and your mood.

The main causes of liver damage are:
1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are the main cause..
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best
Cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming overly done foods also add to the burden of liver. Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried
Veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.

We have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits is very important for our body to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals.

Because,

Evening 9 - 11pm: is the time for eliminating unnecessary/ toxic chemicals (de- toxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes). This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music. If during this time a housewife is still in a un relaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on her health.

Night at 11pm - 1am: The de-toxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 1 - 3am: de-toxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 3 - 5am: de-toxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the de-toxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.

Morning 5 - 7am: de-toxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.

Morning 7 - 9am: Absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick. Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 -10am rather than no meal at all. Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals.

Midnight to 4am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood.

Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.

Sharing Is Caring!

Jet Lag Disorder

2010-12-06T17:46:00.000-08:00

Let not the jet lag give you a lag!

Jet lag disorder, also called as desynchronosis, is a temporary sleep disorder that can affect anyone who quickly travels across multiple time zones.
What could cause this?
Jet lag can be caused anytime one travels across two or more time zones. Jet lag occurs because crossing multiple time zones puts the body clock out of synchronization, as it experiences daylight and darkness contrary to the rhythms to which it has grown accustomed - the body's natural pattern is upset, as the rhythms that dictate times for eating, sleeping, hormone regulation and body temperature variations, no longer correspond to the environment nor to each other. The condition is not linked to the length of flight, but to the trans-meridian (west-east) distance travelled.
What are the symptoms of Jet lag?
The symptoms of jet lag can vary, depending on the amount of time zone alteration. People may experience only one symptom or multiple symptoms.
The symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Disturbed sleep - such as insomnia, early waking or excessive sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Muscle soreness
• Disorientation
• Irritability
• Mild depression
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dehydration

The condition of jet lag may last many days, and recovery depends on the time zones crossed and usually would take a day to overcome the symptoms.
What are the remedies?
Since the experience of jet lag varies among individuals, it is difficult to assess the efficacy of any single remedy. Some of them are:
• Gradual adjustments in the sleep schedule over the course of several days, while maintaining its regular length of 7-8 hours can reduce fatigue and prevent depression.
• Use sunlight to reset your internal clock. It's the most powerful natural tool for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. The results are even better if light exposure is combined with exercise such as walking or jogging.
• Using caffeine, such as in beverages like coffee, espresso and soft drinks may help offset daytime sleepiness. However, it's best to time caffeine use, as it may make it even more difficult to fall asleep or sleep well at night.

Is there a treatment?
Jet lag usually requires no treatment. However, if you're a frequent traveller bothered by jet lag, consult your doctor.
Can I prevent Jet lag?
A few basic steps may help prevent jet lag or reduce its effects:
• Try to arrive a few days early to give your body a chance to adjust.
• Get plenty of rest before your trip.
• Gradually adjust your sleep and eating schedules to the time of your destination, for a few days before your departure.
• Wear sunglasses and avoid bright light, allow as much sunlight as possible in the mornings or late afternoon for the first few days.
• Set your watch to the new time before you leave. Once you reach your destination, try not to sleep until the local night time, no matter how tired you are.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight to counteract the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air. Dehydration can make jet lag symptoms worse. For the same reason, avoid alcohol and caffeine, both of which dehydrate you further.
• Try to sleep on the plane if it's night time at your destination. Earplugs, headphones and eye masks can help block out noise and light. If it's daytime where you're going, resist the urge to sleep.
Get set for a healthy travel and enjoy it by keeping these in mind!

Key Functions of Vitamin A

2010-10-25T22:04:00.001-07:00

Vitamin A can be very helpful in our life :

Maintenance of normal vision - Our eyes need vitamin A to function effectively as vitamin A is involved in the production of a chemical called visual purple, which helps us to see in dim light. Growth, repair and cell differentiation Vitamin A is necessary for the growth and repair of many body cells including those of bones, teeth, collagen and cartilage. It is also essential for a process known as cell differentiation in which unspecialised cells are modified so that they can perform specific functions. Thus vitamin A plays a central role in tissue development and maintenance.
Health of epithelial cells - Vitamin A is vital for the formation of healthy epithelial cells. These cells cover the internal and external surfaces of the body and are found in the skin, lungs, developing teeth, inner ear, cornea of the eye, sex organs, glands and their ducts, gums, nose, cervix and other areas. Many epithelial cells produce mucus which is necessary to lubricate body surfaces and protect against invading micro-organisms. For example, the good health of the digestive tract lining is important in protecting against ulcers, and maintenance of the lining of the vagina and uterus is important in fertility.
Pregnancy and fetal development - Because of its vital role in cell development and differentiation, adequate vitamin A helps to ensure that the changes which occur in the cells and tissues during fetal development take place normally. It may be involved in cell to cell communication.
Protection against infection - Known as 'the anti-infective vitamin', vitamin A plays an essential role in protecting your body from infection. It keeps body surfaces healthy so they can act as barriers to invading micro-organisms. Vitamin A stimulates and enhances many immune functions including antibody response and the activity of various white blood cells such as T helper cells and phagocytes. This immune-enhancing function promotes healing of infected tissues and increases resistance to infection.
Other actions - Laboratory experiments have shown vitamin A to have antiviral activity. Vitamin A also has antioxidant activity and has a role in protecting against free radical damage which contributes to many common diseases. Vitamin A is involved in iron metabolism and storage.

Absorption and metabolism - The presence of fat and bile in the intestines is necessary for vitamin A absorption. Around 80 to 90 per cent of vitamin A in the diet is absorbed, although this is reduced in older people and those who have trouble absorbing fat, such as pancreatitis, celiac disease and cystic fibrosis sufferers, who may run the risk of vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is joined to fatty acids in the intestinal lining, combined with other substances and transported to the liver, which stores 90 per cent of the body's vitamin A.

Aspects of deficiency.
Eyes - One of the first symptoms of deficiency is night blindness due to lack of visual purple. Prolonged deficiency leads to xerophthalmia, a condition in which eyes become dry, ulcers appear on the cornea, the eyelids become swollen and sticky, and which eventually leads to blindness. Vitamin A deficiency is the leading preventable cause of blindness in developing countries.
Skin - Prolonged deficiency leads to thickened dry skin which is prone to infections. Small hardened bumps of a protein known as keratin may develop around the hair follicles.
Growth - Deficiency causes growth retardation; weight loss; diarrhoea, thickening of bone shafts; congenital malformations; impaired hearing, taste and smell; wasting of testicles; and reduced sperm count. Inadequate vitamin A intake can lead to improper tooth formation in children and to gum disease.
Immune system - Epithelial surfaces are adversely affected by vitamin A deficiency, causing increased susceptibility to skin and respiratory infections. Immune cells and antibody functions are also affected which may lead to an increase in pre-cancerous cells in the epithelial tissues of the mouth, throat and lungs. Many studies have shown that vitamin A deficiency is associated with increased risk of infection in developing countries.

HIV - Vitamin A deficiency is often seen in HIV-positive people and this may be due to metabolic changes associated with HIV infection. A 1995 study done on HIV-infected drug users in the US found that there was a higher risk of death in those with vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency is often seen in HIV-positive pregnant women and severe deficiency increases infant mortality and the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Thyroid gland - A deficiency of vitamin A can contribute to lower levels of active thyroid hormone with symptoms of low body temperature, depression, difficulty with weight loss, headaches and lethargy.
Cancer - Many studies suggest that high blood levels of vitamin A can help prevent certain forms of cancer, particularly cancers of epithelial tissue. This may be due to the importance of vitamin A in maintaining healthy epithelial cells, strengthening the immune system and stimulating the response to abnormal cells. Vitamin A deficiency may also increase the risk of breast cancer.
Lung cancer - Vitamin A-related compounds known as retinoids. Of the six different types of retinoid receptors, three were found at lower levels in cancer cells. This studies have reflected the possibility that increasing dietary intake of vitamin A or taking supplements can be used to reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Lung function - Vitamin A supplements may be useful in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Heart Disease - Low blood levels of vitamin A may be associated with the development of heart disease.

Arthritis - Vitamin A levels have also been found to be low in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus sufferers.

Leukoplakia - Vitamin A has also been shown to exert protective effects against leukoplakia, a pre-cancerous change in mucous membranes. It often occurs in the mouth and throat and is related to smoking.

Immunity - Adequate vitamin A intake, either from diet or supplements, is very important in boosting immunity and preventing sickness and death in children.
In brief :
Vitamin A eye drops have been used to treat eye problems including blurred vision, cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis and dry eyes. Other disorders for which vitamin A has been tried include asthma, sebaceous cysts, fibrocystic breast disease and premenstrual syndrome. Vitamin A may also be useful in the prevention of ulcers.

What Is Manicure

2010-10-24T19:09:00.001-07:00

The appearance of our hands, nails and arms gives either a good or a bad impression depending on how we take care of them. The word manicure is derived from the Latin word manus meaning hand. Cure simply means care. Therefore, a manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands. Manicure treatment can be for hands and or nails but a common manicure found is the filling, shaping of the nails and the application of polish. Some manicures may also include painting of pictures on nails. Sanitation should be highly considered in this process because there is a possibility of spreading infection when the tools are shared among many people hence the manicure tools should always be sterilized.

There are different kinds of treatment that you can give you hands, such as paraffin treatment. it is achieved when hands are dipped in melted paraffin or wax. Its purpose is to impart heat to the hand to relax its skin making it better to absorb lotion. The hand is dipped more than once to allow thicker wax coat to form. This makes the coating to say warm for long and to prevent premature tear. After this, you wrap your hands in a plastic or tin foil covered with cloth to retain warmth. Leave the hands for a few minutes then cool the paraffin and dry it. The paraffin wax can be infused with various botanical ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, the tree oil and azulene. Fruit waxes such as those from peach, apple and strawberry is also often used.

Hot oil manicure is another type that cleans the cuticles softening them with oil. It’s advisable to use on a dry skin and nails that are brittle since it improves both by leaving them soft and pliable. An example of oils that can be used in hot oil manicure is olive oil.

The Standard Manicure Process

To carry out the manicure process well, there are some requirements that are supposed to be ready and sanitized. These include cuticle scissor, nail cutter, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, sponge, lukewarm water, nail flier, manicure shampoo, scrub/cold cream, nail paint remover and nail buffer. Once the materials are ready you can now start by considering how each of the materials is used.

Steps to Consider

Put some lukewarm water into a small tub or bucket. Add one pouch of manicure shampoo and hydrogen peroxide in the water. Then dissolve the mixture gently. Reduce any pain from nails using nail paint remover. You will then dip the hands in the water for about 30minutes. After half an hour, add a small amount of cold cream on nails and then again return your hands in the water for fifteen minuets.

You can clean your nails with the help of the cuticle scissor and a flat instrument in manicure kits after the fifteen minutes are over. Using the emery board, file your nails. You should file from the edges towards the center of nails. Make your nails grow with the help of a buffer. Mix bleach cream and activator to make a bleach and then apply it on the nails. Keep it till it dries. Clean the bleach with the help of a sponge after it has dried. To make your arms clearer, massage gently with the help of any cold cream.

The main purpose of manicure is to keep the hands, arms and nails in a good condition. It prevents long nail formation. It also helps in the prevention f skin wrinkles on hands as a sign of ageing and also prevents nail damage like fragile tips and splits. The accompanying massage of nails during the manicure process improves and increases the blood circulation, suppleness and flexibility of the hands and wrists.

Apart from this standard manicure procedure, there’re different variations such as French manicure, Mexican manicure, etc. but the main difference is in the application and tools and not the concept of manicure, the art of perfect looking, relaxed and healthy nails.

How To Care For Eyes

2010-10-24T19:08:00.001-07:00

Contact lenses and glasses are a common phenomenon today among the old as well as the young. Reason? Eye problems. The truth is however, we can do something about this problem. And that is taking care of our eyes. Don’t shun this if you think that your perfect 20/20 vision is enough to make you feel complacent; protect your eyes from injury and infection is key to maintaining it.

Care of Eyes

Wearing Glasses

Sunglasses can help you protect your eyes from ultraviolet A and B radiation from the sun. this is due to the fact that over-exposure to ultraviolet light will normally cause eye damage especially by making cataracts appear on your eyes faster. Buy and wear sunglasses that are right, that is, those offering maximum UV shielding. Corrective sunglasses and contact lenses are also worth trying, but only after a doctor prescribe for you. In addition to care of eyes from radiation emanating from the sun, glasses are also important to prevent eye injuries. They should be worn while one is playing or working for this purpose, as some play and work items may cause permanent eye damage like baseball, racquetballs and pokes and any sharp objects in the garden that fly when hit especially metallic items like old nails rotting in your compound.

Reducing Glare

Glare or excessive light to your eyes is a major cause leading to eyestrain especially among computer users. You should therefore control the amount of light there’s in the room where you’re using a computer by drawing curtains or blinds for effective control of light levels through the entire period you are working on your computer. While at this, do avoid facing un-shaded window for the difference in brightness between the computer screen and the area behind it could bring about eye stress or discomfort. The most effective method of care of your eyes in this case is the use of an anti-glare screen on your computer. Also, avoid working in dimly lit rooms as this causes eyestrain. Right lighting will mostly make your reading and other close tasks easier.

Constantly Check the Contacts You’re Wearing

We blink less while working at a computer, as we concentrate more and more on the work we’re doing. For those using contact lenses, this is very stressful to their eyes as the long non-blinking faces many a time leads to the drying out of the contact lenses surface leading to much discomfort and loss of visual clarity. If this is your problem, you may find a solution in Acuvue Oasys – contact lenses that make your eyes feel more comfortable regardless of whether you stare at a computer or TV screen for prolonged periods. As you do this, the best ergonomics at your computer desk depending on your visual capabilities and work tasks, by usually placing the screen five to nine inches below your horizontal line of sight making it easy to look just over the top of your computer monitor while seated in a straight-ahead gaze.

Allow yourself breaks from the computer screen as the eyes are not meant to stare at a close distance for long. You’ll thus reduce the visual stress by sometimes facing away from the screen. A good break is the one that 20/20/20 rule. That is to say, you take a 20-second break after every 20 minutes, while focusing your eyes on points that are 20 feet from your computer terminal. In a nutshell, keep roving your eyes as you look at objects at various distances.

Undergo Tests Regularly

If you’re diabetic, check on your sugar level as diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of blindness in the world. Have your blood pressure checked as retina vessels get significantly affected, sometimes leading to vision loss when you suffer from high blood pressure.

Quit smoking if you can since the over 400 chemicals in that single stick of cigarette aren’t good at all for your retina especially since they may clog it; but eat more fruits and vegetables as these, especially green leafy vegetables, have lots of antioxidants that aid the retina ward off any harmful effects.

What Is Pedicure

2010-10-24T19:07:00.001-07:00

With its origin from Latin words Pedis; foot and Cura, cure. Therefore, pedicure means the care given to our feet, legs and toe nails. Largely it is a way to improve the look of our feet and their nails. The purpose of pedicure is diverse. For us to avoid hard and scale-like skins, pedicure is fundamental. When we pedicure, our skins remain soft and smooth. Related to this, we pedicure to keep our nails clean, well-shaped and shiny. Many a people do not care keeping their feet clean, fair and in good condition. Giving your feet a pedicure achieves this. Above all, blood circulation in the body is vital to good health. Pedicure improves this, by nourishing the leg skin and foot muscles.

For us to achieve the goals of pedicure, we should have a number of items. Among these Hydrogen Peroxide, nail cutters, nail flier, bleach Pumice stone, cuticle scissors, nail paint buffer, sponge, lukewarm water, small tub for foot bath pedicure shampoo, antiseptic lotion, oil, cream and foot powder and many others that maybe necessary. With all this, one needs to understand procedures for a good pedicure to be achieved.

How to Do a Pedicure

Some of the steps involved are: Removing polish from nails should be done with a lint-free cotton pad. Saturate the cotton on the nail and let it soak first. Note that rubbing Whitening toothpaste on one’s nails helps remove the polish faster. Lemon or lavender oil drops on each nail and rubbing a buffer back and forth over the nail also works. 2. Alcohol and acetone-free removers are less drying, but don’t apply on shades that appear dark. ‘Free’ stuff is used on lighter shades. Following the removal of polish from nails is clipping nails. Use quality clippers to cut straight across just above the skin the nail should not extend the tip of your toe. Files maybe used to achieve this.

Soaking one’s feet is the third step. Warm bath salted water and aromatherapy oils are used when soaking feet. Soak your feet for at least 10 minutes. Stay longer if your feet are cracked and callus. Add some milk to your bath along with essential oils and salts to loosen dead skin. Trim cuticles. Application of cuticle remover nail bases for a minute and using an orangewood stick, pushing with a circular motion removes dead skin on top of the nail allows you not to touch toe flesh. Scrubbing your feet: Apply foot scrub to a foot file or wet pumice stone to remove dead skin on balls and heels of your feet. To remove dead skin around balls, bottoms and sides of your heels and the toes. Sit on the side of the bath tub to achieve a coverage position. Stop if your feet turn bright red for this means your feet have scrubbed too hard. Dry feet thoroughly between toes and rub in a thick foot cream. Rehydrate the cuticles in a dab of cuticle oil.

After the above step, polish your toes. Use acetone remover to remove excess oils on the nails. Apply a thin base coat using 3 strokes, one down, the middle, and one on each side. Don’t paint the cuticle. Wait for a minute. Add 2 favorable coats of polish. Finish with a thin top coat. Clean any errors with an orangewood stick wrapped in cotton and dipped in acetone remover. Let the nails to dry for 40 minutes. To prevent chipping, paint any polish remaining on the brush over the front edges of the nails. Finally finish up, after the nails have died. Sprits with a moisturizing oil to set your polish and moisturize your cuticles. This will give you a good pedicure.

Take Care

Apply antiseptics if skin is broken, avoid excessive friction when buffing nails, avoid dropping sharp objects, keep hands dry when handling containers, label & cover implements used, do not file nails deeply, bluntened sharp edged implement and always sanitize hands before starting pedicuring.