Is chapped lips a problem to you this season? True enough, chapped lips is caused by staying too long in a dry, windy or cold environment. It can also be caused by dehydration or lack of vitamin B. But if it is caused by hypersensitivity to the lipstick you are using, make sure you change it and buy a lipstick with a better quality.

Here are a few of the natural home remedies that you can do to treat your chapped lips and make your lips look better.

Drink lots of liquid. The simplest natural remedy for dry and chapped lips is adequate consumption of water or liquids.

Regularly apply petroleum jelly at bedtime. It helps cure the dryness of lips and prevents further drying up. Keeping your lips moisturized would prevent you from getting chapped lips.

Regularly apply milk cream. This reduces cracking of lips and regular practice removes dry skin and ensures softness of lips. Use the smooth paste formed by soaking some rose petals in milk.

Apply fresh cucumber extract. This helps in giving you relief from the discomfort of having sore, chapped lips. Rub fresh juice from a cucumber slice on the lips and let it stay for at least an hour.

Use glycerin and honey before bedtime. Add 2 drops of honey to a half teaspoon of glycerin. The effect can also be intensified by soaking fresh rose petals in it.

Regularly apply Aloe Vera gel. It is a proven effective natural remedy for chapped lips. Simply smear a fine layer of Aloe Vera gel on lips twice a day. Regular application will prevent further cracking of lips.

Then, be patient. The skin of your lips needs time to heal itself while treating it with one of the above natural remedies. Your wish to have soft and moisturized lips will not be immediate. That’s why you have to give it some time to be restored to its better and healthier state.

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You must have heard already about the positive effects of probiotics in digestion and overall health and wellness. Recently, the link between obesity and good bacteria has become quite popular, as well.

The Correct Weight Loss Blog tells us about the findings of the study and explains the probiotics and obesity link.

Women who took probiotics during pregnancy had a lower incidence of central obesity, one year after pregnancy. Central obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 and a waist circumference of more than 31.5 inches. The group of women that took probiotics had a 25% incidence of central obesity when measured 1 year after pregnancy as compared to 43% in women who did not. These women also had the lowest body fat percentage.

The link between obesity and gut bacteria has been gaining popularity in recent times with more research showing a correlation. Not everyone consuming the same food will absorb the same amount of calories. Gut bacteria have been identified as a possible reason for this.

2 recent studies focusing on mice and humans were published in the magazine Nature. These studies identified a correlation between gut bacteria and being overweight. Apparently a family of bacteria called firmicutes was found to be more in obese people. Obese people carry 20% more of this particular family of bacteria. The study also listed another family of bacteria called bacteroidetes that were almost 90% less in obese people.

According to the study, obese mice were more efficient than lean mice at harvesting calories from complex sugars and depositing those calories in fat. The researchers attributed this to the gut bacteria. When obese people lost weight, virtually all the bacteroidetes increased, while the firmicute bacteria shrank.

As such, they may be a lot or merit in trying to build up on the useful gut bacteria by consuming food rich in these friendly bacteria such as yogurt. Alternatively, one could also consume a probiotic supplement.

Make no delay, get your probiotics now and load your gut with good bacteria!

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As November advances, many people look forward to the approaching holidays. Of course, the festivities won’t be complete without a bounty of food. So before the holidays, a lot of people are swamped in preparation; from shopping, cooking, baking and more. I just hope that they won’t forget to incorporate healthy cooking and healthy eating into the occasions.

The following are easy tips that will help you stay healthy through November and the holidays to come:

• Make sure that you’re not bingeing.
• Go grocery shopping on a full stomach.
• Set goals for yourself for the holidays season.
• Cook with healthy ingredients.

Watch this video for more November health tips and healthy holiday preparation ideas.

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This message just landed in my inbox. It’s great to hear someone talk about easy and inexpensive ways to avoid getting the flu. Let’s face it most of us will be exposed to the virus. The question is what do we can do to avoid it becoming a flu.

Dr Goyal has 6 very easy steps to stay healthy this fall/winter.

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital,  Saifee Hospital, Tata Memorial etc..

Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).

The following message given by him makes a lot of sense and is important for everyone to know:

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (except to eat or bathe).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at using a Neti pot to clean nasal cavities, but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

I find it very refreshing to hear some more useful prevention tips than cover your cough. If I judge by the number of kids that are sick in the local schools here I think it’s about time I implement these steps in our family.

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November highlights several health concerns such as pancreatic and lung cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and Crohn’s Disease. Medical science focuses attention on an increased awareness of their symptoms, causes, and cures.

HealthMad provides us with an overview of the following health concerns.

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: Although 57-year-old actor Patrick Swaye’s death in September 2009 from pancreatic cancer 20 months after its diagnosis has focused attention on malignancy of the pancreas, this cancer has long caused fear because it has a very low survival rate. The reason–pancreatic cancer in its early stages doesn’t show symptoms, and its later symptoms are non-specific. Complete remission is very rare. Males over 60 have a heightened risk of developing pancreatic cancer as do African-Americans, smokers, the obese, and those with diets low in fruits and vegetables and high in red meat. Scientific studies haven’t verified a possible correlation with alcoholism, however.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Incurable, degenerative, and terminal, Alzheimer’s dementia in 2009 has robbed the memories of 35 million older adults worldwide. Available treatments for this long goodbye are for the most part palliative, keeping Alzheimer’s patients safe from harm and as comfortable and happy as possible. During early and intermediate stages, those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can best be cared for in familar home surroundings, although caregivers must keep them from wandering away from home or injuring themselves. Late-stage patients need help with all daily living skills–feeding, dressing, the elimination of bodily wastes, and transporting, that is getting in and out of bed and from a wheel chair. Alzheimer’s patients in their last stage of life no longer walk, talk, or recognize family members. A Mediterranean diet, intellectual activities, such as playing a musical instrument or working crosswords, socializing, and physical activities all lower the risk of Alzheimer’s while university education most likely delays it. Alzheimer’s correlates with high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, but it’s no respecter of persons. US President Ronald Reagan is perhaps the most famous individual to have suffered from this dementia.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month: With diabetes, either the body doesn’t respond to its own insulin, or else it doesn’t make enough insulin, or both. In Type 2 (Adult Onset) diabetes, causes include central obesity, where adipokines hormones impair glucose tolerances, and aging. Complications from unnoticed diabetes possibly include renal failure, stroke, heart failure, and progressive diabetic retinopathy. Frequent urination, excessive thirst, and weight loss often indicate the chronic condition. Changes in diet, moderating fat intake and increasing fiber, as well as increased daily physical activity all help prevent adult onset diabetes.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Long-term exposure to tobacco smoke is the primary cause of lung cancer cause, so the best way to avoid lung cancer is to stop smoking tobacco. However, non-smokers make up 15 percent of all lung cancer victims. Asbestos in the lungs, air pollution, and second-hand smoke contribute to causing lung cancer, even though lung cancer may also spread from other tumors, most particularly a malignant prostate. BTW, five-year survival rates for lung cancer are only 14 percent.

November is Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis Month: Characterized by inflammation of the intestines, colitis patients suffer abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Crohn’s disease may have a genetic link since it runs in families. Smoking also possibly increases the risk of developing it.

If you haven’t started living a healthy lifestyle yet, it’s never too late. Prevention is a lot better than cure, so live well and healthy from now on!

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Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat present in these nutritious fruits is responsible for lowering cholesterol level. Avocados are also rich in potassium, which is a mineral responsible for regulating blood pressure.

And did you know that avocado or avocado extract is good for the prevention or treatment of breast cancer and prostate cancer? Scientists have discovered an unidentified toxin found in avocados that can kill cancer cells. They believe that the toxin has a great effect on the heart muscle tissue and tissues of the lactating mammary gland.

Other nutrients present in a creamy rich avocado are vitamin K, dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, and reasonable calories.

So what are you waiting for? Start including this nutrient rich fruit in your diet. You may start with this delicious avocado soup recipe.

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Some children’s face paints contain toxic ingredients that are poisonous and known to cause health problems such as skin sensitivity and brain damage. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics conducted a testing program that showed face paints, which includes those that are used for the kids’ Halloween costume make up, contain heavy metals such as lead, nickel, cobalt and chromium.

Scary, isn’t it?

However, if the kids really want to have their face painted, the Daily Green shares with us FDA’s recommendations on how to protect yourself and your children from toxic and irritating substances present in Halloween costume makeup.

1. Follow all Halloween face paint directions carefully, including warnings against using around the eyes.
2. Don’t decorate your face with products, paints and colorings that aren’t intended for your skin.
3. If your Halloween face paint has a very bad smell, this could be a sign that it is contaminated. Throw it away and use another one.
4. Before using new Halloween costume makeup, perform a simple simple patch test, particularly if you or your child is prone to allergic reactions, a few days before Halloween.
5. Read ingredient lists and don’t buy any product that has non-approved colors. The FDA lists coloring agents approved for use in cosmetics.
6. Don’t use products with fluorescent colors (D&C Orange No. 5, No. 10, and No. 11; D&C Red No. 21, No. 22, No. 27 and No. 28; and D&C Yellow No. 7) near the eyes.
7. Don’t use luminescent (glow-in-the-dark) colors (zinc sulfide) near your eyes.
8. Wash thoroughly (and follow label instructions) once trick-or-treating or the party is over; don’t go to sleep with Halloween costume makeup on your skin.
9. Before using older products, check it against these two May 2009 recall notices for Fun Express children’s face paints.
10. If you have a bad reaction to Halloween face paint, report the incident to the FDA, so that other consumers can be protected.

A better alternative to face paints are natural makeups or cosmetics. This way, you are guaranteed of a lesser chance of getting adverse side effects.

Stay safe and enjoy your Halloween!

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2009 is the 25th year of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Again, we are called to be aware of our breast health. And awareness starts in educating ourselves about breast cancer, ways to prevent the disease, as well as, accurate and regular  examination for early detection.

The Female  Fitness Blog talks about educating ourselves with the facts and not the myths and misconceptions about breast cancer.

Fiction: “Breast cancer runs in families, there’s no history in my family so I’m not worried.”
Fact: As many as 85% of women with breast cancer have NO family history of the disease.

Fiction: “Breast cancer is something that older women have to worry about. I’m young and have years before I need to be concerned.”
Fact: Although the majority of women with breast cancer are post-menopausal, 25% of those diagnosed are under 50 years of age.

Fiction: “Breast cancer is a death sentence.”
Fact: Thanks to medical advances, 10 year survival rates are now as high as 90%. Early detection helps diagnose the disease in it’s earlier stages when it is more easily treated.

Fiction: “If I find a lump that means I have cancer.”
Fact: 80% of lumps are benign, but be sure to check visit your doctor immediately if you find a lump or have significant changes in your breasts.

Furthermore, here are a few healthy tips to prevent breast cancer:

Avoid Alcohol
Limit alcohol intake to one drink per day. Women with a significant family history may be best to avoid alcohol completely.

Exercise
Stay active to maintain a healthy body weight. There is a clear link between obesity and breast cancer — especially after menopause.

Low-Fat Diet
Eat a diet low in fat (less than 35% of your daily calories) particularly saturated fat.

Hormone Therapy?
Consider the risk vs. benefits of hormone therapy. If you are taking hormone therapy to help control menopausal symptoms, partner with your doctor to make sure that you are taking low doses and not using it long term.

Go Organic!
Avoid pesticide exposure. Studies have shown that women with higher levels of pesticides in their breast tissue are more likely to develop breast cancer.

Avoid Antibiotics
Avoid unnecessary/prolonged use of antibiotics. There may be a link between long-term antibiotic use and increased risk of breast cancer.

Another important thing is early detection of the disease. If it is detected at an early stage, there is greater chance of survival because proper actions can be done at the soonest possible time. That’s why you must able to do regular breast check. It is recommended to be aware of the appearance and feel of your breasts and monitor it every month. Long ago, doctors tell women to examine their breasts standing in the shower, but nowadays, it is advised that it should be done lying down in bed.

To educate yourself more about breast cancer and how to properly do a self breast exam, you can visit the American Cancer Society’s website.

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Kelly Velotta, a dietitian, believes that if you know how to shop wisely and cook your own food, you can make sure that you’re eating a balanced diet at a reasonable price.

Watch this video to learn more tips from Kelly on how to eat healthy on a budget.

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I just stumbled over a recipe for a royal jelly facial.

It comes from a site dedicated to Royal Jelly.

Visit the site for all the details, here is the recipe:

• 80 grams of blended oil
• 45 grams of cocoa butter
• 15 grams of beeswax
• 1,5 dcl of water
• 10 grams of fresh royal jelly

Melt the oils and wax at low heat.

Stirr for 12 minutes.

Remove the melted liquid from the stove and add water.

Mix with a mixer (handy one) until it gets creamy like – smooth.

Poar into a glass, cover and store on a dark place.

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