Don"t Let Age Hold You Back 6 Ways to Keeping a Younger Look

 

Written by Rachelle Wilber

 

Age is inevitable, but aging well is something that requires more than just celebrating another birthday. If you want to keep the years from showing, here are the best six ways to keep that youthful glow.
Eat More Fat
Fat has always been the bane of diets everywhere, but did you know that fat is actually essential for a healthy body? Along with maintaining healthy bones and reducing wrinkles, fats keep your skin beautifully healthy. Get these by either eating more fish and nuts or taking an Omega supplement.
Exercise
Working out for even 20 minutes per day is enough to help you lose weight, tone your body and otherwise feel great about yourself. Its health benefits also translate to Alzheimer’s prevention. Run, walk, swim or jog. Just make sure it’s something you love doing.
Pamper Your Skin
While gravity can’t be forever negated, the typical signs of aging are caused mainly by a lessening of nutrients in the face. Along with regular spa treatments, cosmetic work, laser rejuvenation and regular supplement-rich face masks, you can keep the dark spots and wrinkles at bay. To see what would work best for your skin, it may be wise to speak with a specialist, like Austin Dermatologist Dr. Ted Lain.
Train Your Brain
Just because your brain is inside doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an effect on your appearance. After all, a huge part of looking younger is all about how sharp your gaze is. To keep this honed, engage in mental gymnastics with puzzles, video games and other stimulants.
Stress Less
We’ve all seen the effects of a stressful situation on a person. They start off looking young and come back with 10 years added to their appearance. This is because stress accelerates aging by causing spikes in blood pressure. The best way to beat this? Meditate. Knowing how to calm yourself down prevents the onset of early aging.
Drink Water
Overly sugared, highly caffeinated beverages, even in diet form, sap water from your body. Water, however, is what gives your skin a healthy glow and keeps under eye circles at bay. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses per day for maximum rejuvenation.
Don’t simply let age happen without doing your best to keep looking young. From watching what you eat to covering your face in the best vitamins and minerals, a dedicated routine is exactly what you need to look and feel young at any age.

 

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Six Ways Stress Can Affect Your Physical Health

 

 

Everyone experiences stress in their day-to-day life, but if one finds themselves constantly stressed out, this could lead to a variety of more serious physical health issues. Therefore, if one feels that they are experiencing lots of stress, they should seek help before it leads to some of the more serious physical health issues listed and discussed below.

 

 

1. Susceptibility to Infection

If one is experiencing a lot of stress in their life, the immune system is actually directly affected by being suppressed. Just like with anything else that suppresses the immune system, it can cause one to become vulnerable to most infections that could have usually been fought off with ease. If one already has an illness, large amounts of stress can prolong an illness that would have generally passed in a couple of days. If one is feeling stress and finds themselves undergoing an illness, being surrounded by both family and friends can offset some of the effects of the stress.

 

 

2. Heart Problems

The heart is one of the most vital organs of the human body. Without it, one cannot live. If one experiences large amounts of stress, one can actually find themselves experiencing a variety of different heart problems. Eating comfort foods is one way that people often cope with stress, but this can actually do more harm than good. Most comfort foods tend to have high fat and salt content, and this can be damaging to the heart.

 

 

3. Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease related to how the human body makes insulin. Some doctors believe that if one constantly experiences chronic stress, this could actually lead to insulin dependent diabetes. This is especially true for those that are already at risk of contracting diabetes.

 

 

4. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a chronic disease and is extremely common, especially in people that live in the United States. Stress is known to increase blood pressure. Therefore, if one experiences chronic stress, it could lead to someone with high blood pressure problems developing anything from a stroke to actual heart failure.

 

 

5. Pain

Although stress in and of itself does not cause physical pain, it can actually aggravate pain conditions that already exist, through repetitive strain injury. According to a specialist from Brantford Mall Dental Office, chronic stress can also cause jaw clenching, which often leads to temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders.

 

 

6. Skin Problems

The most common skin problems that stress causes are acne and eczema. It has even been known to cause itchy skin rashes.

 

All in all, stress can cause a lot of different physical health issues, especially if one is experiencing chronic stress.

 

Categories: affect, blood pressure, chronic stress, comfort foods, experiences chronic, health issues, high blood, human body, mind and body, nbsp nbsp, physical health, Stress, ways

4 Ways to Treat and Prevent Nail Fungus

 

Dermatophytes are the organisms that cause toenail fungus, feeding on keratin, a protein produced by nails.

Such fungus is usually transferred to the foot from public showers, pools, hot tubs, restrooms and locker rooms. The situation can be exacerbated by too-tight shoes, wet socks or excess moisture clinging to the foot.

Though the fungus itself is not painful, it can make nails thick and brittle, which in itself can be uncomfortable or painful. The nails can also turn a yellow or brownish color.

There are a few ways to prevent fungus and keep nails clean and healthy. Visit a qualified foot clinic like the Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic to treat nails that have already been infected.

 

1. Clip your nails regularly. 

Never cut your nails in a rounded or oval shape—always trim them straight across. Be aware of jagged edges that can penetrate your skin or cause infections. Always use scissors or clippers that have been sanitized in hot water or rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria.

 

2. Choose the best shoes for your feet.

The right fit can help keep fungus and infections at bay. Shoes that are too small will cause your nails to penetrate your skin and encourage infection. Keep your feet as dry as possible to discourage fungal infections. Try to wear breathable shoes made of materials like canvas or leather. This will prevent your feet from getting wet with sweat. Shoes that are sweaty from a workout should be air dried or placed in the dryer to discourage bacteria from forming in excess moisture.

 

3. Use shower sandals. 

Bacteria can hide in public showers (especially gym showers) and public pools and hot tubs—basically, anywhere that bacteria can get trapped in moisture. Always wear shower sandals at the gym or when staying at hostels, as these places cannot clean between every use and may not clean facilities every day.

 

4. Keep your shower clean. 

You may not be able to control how often a public shower is cleaned, but you can control how your own shower is cleaned.

Disinfect your tub or shower with a cleanser that has bleach in it. Clean your shoes with antibacterial spray and always try to wear clean, dry socks with shoes whenever possible. Always wash your socks in hot water to kill bacteria. Dry socks in your clothes dryer—the less time socks are wet, the less likely they will attract bacteria.

Your feet need the same TLC that your shower, shoes and socks do. Keep your feet clean with an antibacterial soap and keep them as dry as possible—especially when wearing shoes or rain boots that cant trap moisture and bacteria.

 

Categories: nail fungus, prevent, treat, ways

That 2:30 Feeling: Healthy Ways to Give Yourself More Natural Energy

 

Are you one of the 60 percent of Americans who feels tired by the time the afternoon rolls around? If so, you know how hard it can be. Your work performance suffers, you can’t think clearly and all you want to do is go home and relax. Unfortunately, most people can’t just leave work in the middle of the day. When you’re feeling sluggish, however, there are some things you can do to perk yourself up again naturally.

 

Eat a Nutritious Snack

A variety of situations can cause you to feel tired in the afternoon. Sometimes, it’s because your body needs more fuel to run on. If you tend to skip breakfast or get your morning perkiness from sugary coffee and pastries, you get a rush of energy that only carries you through the first several hours of your day. By mid-afternoon, your blood sugar has crashed and you feel drained. This is your body’s signal that you need more food. The best option is to choose a healthy, nutrient-rich snack like nuts and seeds, dried fruit, yogurt or beef jerky. The protein, fat and carbohydrates they contain will provide you with sustained energy for the rest of the day.

 

Use Natural Supplements

Sometimes a light snack just won’t cut it when you’re feeling really tired. When this happens, you need something more potent. There are a variety of natural energy supplements like those from Nature’s Energy can help give you the pick-me-up you need. Guarana is one popular option, and many people find that it doesn’t give them the jitters the way that caffeine can. Some other great options include green tea concentrate, ephedra and ginseng. These supplements boost energy gently and naturally as well as provide antioxidants.

 

Take a Power Nap

Of course, nothing helps restore energy like good old sleep. The best part is that you don’t even need to sleep deeply or for very long. When you’re on your afternoon break, try taking a quick 15 minute nap. Even if you don’t fall asleep completely, this short rest is often enough to make you feel good as new.

 

Move Around

Spending all day sitting in one place also has a way of making you feel tired. The best solution is to get up and move around. This will help loosen up muscles and joints that are stiff from hours of disuse. Furthermore, physical activity dramatically increases the flow of blood to the brain, which helps you work more efficiently and improves your ability to focus and think clearly.

 

Don’t let that 2:30 feeling ruin your day. The next time you’re running on empty, reach for a natural solution. By trying some of the tips above, you can reclaim your lost energy and finish the day with a smile on your face.

 

Categories: Healthy, natural energy, ways

3 Ways to Make Sure Your Water Stays Clean

 

 

Homeowners should check annual water quality reports supplied by municipalities. User friendly test kits are also available to detect any impurities in household water.

 

Water Softener

Hard water has a cloudy texture due to the presence of natural minerals and some debris from the ground. Although elements such as magnesium and calcium are not toxic to humans or pets, they still pose some problems in municipal water supplies. A water softener system can be installed to reduce hardness in the supply pipes. Solid deposits could accumulate in hot and cold water pipes and interfere with proper flow at fixtures like faucets and showerheads. Mineral and brine tanks generate an ion exchange process that naturally removes dissolved solids from hard water. A softener prevents problems such as dry and brittle skin that results after taking a shower or bath in hard water. Additionally, there is no need to run the dishwashers and washing machines on extra lengthy cycles when soft water is used.

 

Plumbing System Service

Old iron pipes could significantly reduce the quality of water that is delivered to fixtures inside a home. According to Shorty’s Plumbing & Heating Inc., rust particles can gradually dissolve into the supply pipes that run throughout a house. Even some modern galvanized steel pipes could also create corrosive reactions that release solid particles into the water supply. The installation of copper pipes guarantees to prevent any seeping of rust and other debris into hot and cold water lines inside a residential property. Small pipe fittings directly underneath fixtures might also have to be replaced to improve water quality. For example, faucet hardware is prone to corrosion and other similar reactions. Valves, gaskets and washers can be easily replaced in order to guarantee the smooth and clean flow of water in faucets. Teflon tape may be wrapped around plumbing pipes and fixture fittings to prevent friction and abrasion.

 

Filtration Systems

A whole-house water filtration system could be installed to remove more than 99 percent of the most common contaminants found in municipal and private well water. Reverse Osmosis technology is combined with activated carbon to filter out impurities like heavy metals and volatile organic compounds. UV filters can be installed to kill viruses and bacteria that thrive inside ground water. Sediment filters are also integrated into whole-house filtration systems to remove solid debris like sand grains and other small particles.

 

A combination of water filtration and softening systems guarantees to improve water quality. Routine maintenance of the plumbing system also minimizes the risk of impurities leaking into supply lines.

 

Categories: stays clean, Water, ways

5 Sure - Five Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy Over the Holidays

 

As the holiday season rolls around, you will encounter an abundance of sugary treats. While this is a big part of the holiday cheer, it’s significantly less cheerful for your teeth. However, these five tips can help you keep your teeth healthy without putting a damper on your enjoyment.

 

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Be sure to balance those sweet treats with plenty of healthy foods like fresh fruit and vegetables. These foods help improve salivary production, which is your mouth’s first line of defense against tooth decay. Saliva helps remove leftover bits of food and washes away the acids and bacteria that can damage teeth. Furthermore, the minerals in these foods will help to reinforce tooth structure.

 

2. Take Care with Sticky Candies

Chewy treats like caramels and taffy are especially bad for your teeth. These foods adhere to the nooks and crannies in your teeth, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and plague. In addition, the acidity of the sugar can also wear away at tooth enamel, causing decay and pain. It’s best to limit your consumption of these candies, and when you do eat them, make sure you brush afterward.

 

3. Rinse

Even after you eat non-sticky candies and foods, there will still be ample amounts of sugar and acids left behind. Not only can these contribute to bad breath but they can also cause decay if left there. Fortunately, there’s a quick solution that can be done anywhere. Simply rinse out your mouth with water when you’re finished indulging.

 

4. Go Sugar Free

There are a wide variety of candies available that are sugar-free, yet taste just as good as conventional options. Those meant for diabetics are often sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol that has actually been shown to protect teeth from decay. It does this by preventing oral bacteria from metabolizing sugars into erosion-causing acids. If you have to have candy, try substituting sugary candies for sugar-free ones whenever possible.

 

5. Be Wary of Hard Candies

Hard candies are popular holiday treats. However, as tempting as they might be, you may want to consider avoiding them. They’re responsible for a surprisingly large number of tooth injuries, like cracks and breaks. These conditions can be very painful and may necessitate an emergency visit to your dentist.

 

The holiday season holds many perils for your oral health. Tooth decay, cracks and breaks and tooth pain are all things you must take into consideration. By following these five tips and paying a visit to a quality dental clinic like Brantford Mall Dental Office, you can more effectively protect your teeth without sacrificing the holiday cheer.

 

 

Categories: Healthy, holidays, teeth, ways

5 Ways to Prevent Foot Fungus

 

Foot fungus has affected the majority of the population on a global scale. One in three Americans living in the U.S. alone are living with the infection today. Understand that foot fungus is nothing more than a bacterial infection and can be easily avoided with these five simple practices.

 

Healthy Diet

Contrary to popular belief, individuals with poor dieting habits are more apt to suffer from foot fungus, than those who maintain healthy eating habits. Adding garlic and olive oil to one’s meal plan is known to be a reliable measure. Some practitioners advise that individuals who are susceptible to athlete’s foot regularly use over the counter antifungal liniments to help reduce the risk of recurrent infections. The application of apple cider vinegar and cocoa nut oil also makes for an effective additive.

 

Keeping the Feet Dry

Exposure to moisture (excessive sweat, walking through puddles of water or mud, etc.) for extended periods of time is one of the main causes of athlete’s foot. This is especially true for individuals who spend most of their time outdoors. Frequently changing into clean, dry socks and even shoes should they become damp or wet is also important for reducing the risk of infection.

 

Use of Powders

Baking soda, foot powder, and even baby powder are all operative products for avoiding foot fungus. These substances work as deodorizers for the foot by clogging sweat glands and inhibiting the growth of fungi spores. These powders are especially effective when combined with Vaseline or baby oil.

 

Personal Hygiene

According to Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic, personal hygiene is the most important measure when it comes to preventing athlete’s foot. Wet unclean environments are the number one breeding areas for bacteria. Many people fail to realize that traditional use of soap and water, while the bare minimum, is not always enough. It is also important to remain cognizant of the type of soap and chemicals that are used.

 

Nail Clipping

Consistently and correctly clipping or filing of the nail beds is all a part of maintaining proper hygiene. Cutting the toenails with sanitized nail clippers or scissors and ensuring each nail is cut straight across will reduce the risk of a bacterial contagion.

 

Foot fungus is most often relatively painless, however, it can be the cause of an emotional stigma due to the discoloration and blemish of the nails. It is important to keep in mind that though the procedures mentioned above may help prevent foot fungus, a medical practitioner is the best option in terms of examination and understanding the severity of one’s personal infection.

 

Categories: foot fungus, prevent, ways

Five Ways to Treat a Toothache

 

It happens to everyone. The tingle in that back molar has become a full-blown toothache. What can you do to relieve the pain until you can see your dentist? In addition to general purpose pain medication, here are five remedies you can try using common household items:

 

 

Clean the Tooth

Sometimes pain may be caused by food debris wedged between teeth. Brush and floss carefully and thoroughly, paying extra attention to the painful area. Follow with a salt rinse: a teaspoon of table salt dissolved in a cup of warm water and swished around the tooth. Do not swallow the salt water. This rinse can be repeated every few hours.

 

 

Cough Drops

Not surprisingly, over-the-counter cough drops contain small amounts of menthol or benzocaine, which is how they relieve sore throat pain. Apply this same pain-relieving medication to the tooth by sucking, not chewing, on a cough drop positioned as near to the sore tooth as you can place it.

 

 

Tea Bags

Another surprisingly effective home remedy is a hot tea bag. Dr. Bryan Murray says the tannic acid in tea relieves swelling and the heat from the bag creates a soothing effect. Soak the tea bag in hot, not boiling, water until it is completely saturated. Then apply to the sore tooth and gum area.

 

 

Clove

This is a time-honored remedy. Cloves are used primarily in baking, and are sold in the spice section. Dried cloves will be either whole or powdered. Place whole cloves against the tooth. Make a paste with powdered cloves and water or oil, and apply to the tooth. Oil of clove is available from pharmacies and natural food stores. Put a few drops on a cotton ball, and hold the cotton on the sore tooth by gently biting down on it. Remove the clove preparation after a few minutes, as extended exposure may be harmful.

 

 

External Cold Compress

Use a bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas or corn, or a bag of crushed ice to create a compress. Wrap the bag in a towel. Gently press the bag to the sore jaw for 10 to 15 minutes then remove so that skin does not become too cold. Wait at least 20 minutes to reapply. Note: you may refreeze the vegetables for use as a compress, but do not consume foods that have thawed and been refrozen.

 

 

Pain is a warning sign that a problem may exist. These suggestions are for temporary relief only. Any chronic tooth pain should be seen to by a dentist as soon as possible.

 

Categories: to treat, toothache, ways

5 Ways to Relieve Tooth Pain At Home

 

 

By Karleia Steiner

 

If you are suffering from tooth pain, then it is best to see a dentist. Tooth pain is often an indication of a cavity or another dental problem. However, there are several things that you can do that will help you alleviate tooth pain until you can get to a dentist. Below are five ways that you can relieve tooth pain at home:

 

 

Garlic

Garlic is a spice that has many medicinal uses. It is very effective for alleviating tooth pain because it can kill bacteria. Bacteria can cause tooth decay. You will need to mix some garlic powder or crushed garlic clove with table salt or black salt. You can also chew on a garlic clove.

 

Onion

Onions can cause bad breath, but they may can also help alleviate tooth pain until you can get to a quality dental clinic like Polo Park Dental Centre. It has antiseptic properties, which means that it can kill the germs that cause infection. You can get relief by chewing the onion a few times per day.

 

Warm Salt Water

This solution is very simple, but it is also effective. You should get a cup of warm water and mix it with a spoon full of salt. Rinse your mouth out thoroughly with the warm salt water. The warm salt water will not only reduce pain, but it can also help alleviate swelling.

 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another remedy that has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. One of the many great things about tea tree oil is that you only need to use a little bit of it in order for it to be effective. You will just need to dab one or two drops on a cotton ball and apply it directly to your tooth. You can also mix a couple drops of tea tree oil with warm water and rinse your mouth out with it.

 

Ice Pack

Ice is very effective for reducing swelling and pain. You will just need to wrap an ice pack with a towel or face cloth and apply it directly to the area that is experiencing pain. Make sure that you use a face cloth or towel because applying ice directly to your skin can cause damage.

Even though tooth pain is best treated by a dentist, there are some things that you can do to alleviate while you wait for your dentist appointment. Tea tree oil, warm salt water, garlic and onion can reduce tooth pain. You can also use an ice pack.

 

Categories: Home, relieve, tooth pain, ways

War on the Homefront: Best Ways to Win Against Disease in Your House

 

By Brooke Chaplan

 

The home is where families feel the most comfortable and relaxed. It is the place where you are tucked away from the world, safe within your own haven. But germs can post a threat to your health and happiness even at home. From the laundry room to the bedroom, bacteria is surprisingly resilient when it comes to surviving and even thriving within a home. For those that are ready to win the war against viruses and diseases lingering in their own home, it is important to take a methodical approach to cleaning.

 

Start with Hand Washing

Hand washing should be a consistent habit for any family, especially when flu season begins to roll around. Every sink in the home should have anti-bacterial soap, and the entire family should thoroughly wash their hands for at least 20 or 30 seconds when they first get home, before touching anything in the kitchen, and after exercising.

 

Replacing Hygienic Items

Hygienic items are actually a breeding ground for bacteria, and one of the most likely places to contract an illness. Some of the most common items to be careful of include toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and razors. These items should be changed as often as possible, and replaced immediately after a family member has gotten ill.

 

A Look at the Laundry Room

While a washing machine was designed to remove bacteria from the clothes, the actual tub within these appliances is the ideal environment for bacteria. With heat and moisture, bacteria can spread to clothing with each and every load, and this is why these appliances should be sterilized at least once a week. This can be done by running the washing machine on empty and the highest settings with one cup of bleach.

 

Removing Bugs and Critters

Having bugs and other critters around the home is pretty natural for most of us, yet many do not realize that it is one of the most common ways pathogens are spread. Animals such as cockroaches and rats can spread diseases ranging from E. coli to salmonella. This is why all homeowners should regularly schedule appointments with a Surrey pest control pest detective at least twice a year, or any time visible signs of an infestation are seen.

 

Beds and Pillows

Beds and bedspreads are not only a good place for mold and germs to spread, residents will continue to be exposed to them night after night. All linens should be washed once a week, and pillows should be replaced yearly. The mattresses themselves should be replaced every seven years, dependent on use.

From dust mites to microbes, one can never be too careful in their own home. With a wealth of bacteria throughout your property, these habits should become second nature in order to avoid common illnesses.

 

Categories: Disease, homefront, house, ways

H2Whoa: 5 Ways to Radically Reduce Water Usage

 

 

According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey, each person in this country uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water daily. Among Americans’ activities that require the most water are flushing the toilet and bathing. Take a look at this list of five ways to reduce water usage, thereby helping protect the Earth’s finite resources.

 

 

Find Toilet Solutions

As an individual, you can begin by installing a tank bank or float booster. These affordable devices reduce the amount of water your toilet uses to complete a single flush. Be sure to leave at least three gallons in the tank so users can remove waste with a single flush. You don’t want to create the need for multiple flushes to clear away waste.

 

Ensure your toilet is not leaking with a simple test that uses food coloring. Put enough drops in the tank to achieve a good saturation of color. If you see color in the bowl water half an hour after placing the drops in the tank, then you have a leak that needs addressing. Typically, you can repair these leaks yourself after acquiring parts from a hardware store.

 

Finally, governments can mandate or incentivize homebuilders and construction crews to use more water efficient toilets. These newer models may reduce water usage from four gallons per flush to fewer than two gallons.

 

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the majority of states face the possibility of water shortages within the next several years. Broader usage of these toilets would certainly make a radical impact on the amount of water people use daily and help stave off shortage-related problems.

 

 

Capture Rain Water

Position water barrels under your home’s downspouts to collect rainwater. These barrels typically come with a hose attachment that makes it easy to water flowers or gardens. Many people use this water to wash siding, windows, and cars.

 

 

Check for Leaks

Determining whether your home has a leak is a relatively simple process that reduces water usage. First, shut off every appliance that uses water, irrigation systems, and all faucets inside and outside your home.

 

Locate your water meter and remove the lid. Observe whether the meter’s leak indicator is spinning. If it spins, you have a leak. If it’s not moving, note the position of the hand on the meter. Check it again in 10 minutes. If you see that it has moved, then your home has a slow-moving leak.

 

If there’s a leak, activate the shut-off valve. Open a faucet in your home, then go back to the meter. If the leak indicator is moving, the leak is located between the valve and the meter. If it has stopped moving, the leak is between the valve and your home (possibly inside it). You can either check each appliance and faucet one by one or bring in a professional plumber to assist you.

 

Think these steps won’t save water? Check out the federal government’s drip calculator to determine the amount of water a leaky faucet wastes.

 

 

Use Water Filtration

Stop buying water in plastic bottles. For one thing, statistics show that 80-87 percent of plastic water bottles end up in landfills instead of recycling bins. In terms of wasting water, how many times have you bought a bottle of water and consumed only a fraction of it? When you drink water from the tap, you’re less likely to get more than you’re ready to drink. Also, tap water does not come in plastic packaging.

 

To help you make the switch from bottled water, install a home water filter from a company like LifeSource Water. These systems retain healthy minerals in the water while reducing the taste and smell of chlorine.

 

 

Install Better Shower heads

Reduce the amount of water you use during a shower by 40 percent with a water efficient shower head. These more environmentally friendly models need a flow rate that’s below 2.5 gpm. Public water systems could encourage widespread usage of these shower heads by giving them away for free or offering coupons for these shower heads. Hotel chains could commit to saving water by installing water efficient shower heads.

 

Share one or two of the steps you’ve taken to reduce your water consumption within the last year.

 

Joe Fortunato is a professional writer based out of Tampa, FL. As an avid tech fanatic, Joe is constantly on the lookout for new things that will help him enjoy his hobbies: playing golf, brass instruments, cooking ethnic foods, and bass fishing. To find more of Joe’s published work, check out his Twitter profile, @joey_fort.

 

 

Categories: radically reduce, water usuage, ways

Great Ways To Start Making Healthy Meals Today

One way to make sure the meals you eat are healthy is to prepare them at home. You must first understand how to make those meals by knowing what materials, foods and appliances you need. There is no need to spend a lot of money in order to eat healthy meals at home.

 

Think Color

Instead of focusing on fat grams and calories, think about incorporating a variety of colors into your healthy diet. Buy a many different fruits and vegetables to put into your recipes. These not only help to provide many nutrients and vitamins to your diet, they increase the appeal of your food and vary the number of meals you can create.

 

Make Healthy Swaps

There is no need to completely give up a food you really like when healthy swaps are available. For instance, if you really like baked goods or breads, substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose. Sneak in fruits and vegetables when you can to boost nutrition. Use baked tortilla chips instead of fried. Flavor your foods with fresh or jarred spices instead of using a lot of salt. Buy low-fat versions of dairy products, lean meats and low-sugar items.

 

Use the Right Appliances

Cooking healthy at home requires using the right appliances and equipment. An easy way to grill meat or vegetables is with a grill plate or other grilling appliance. Make your own baked goods, pastas, purees and other healthy foods with cheap KitchenAid stand mixers. Food processors, blenders and measuring cups to figure out serving sizes are all important as well when you are going to make meals at home.

 

Plan Your Meals

When you plan your meals a week or two in advance, you not only save money on your grocery bill since you do not need to go quite as often, you also are more likely to eat those meals. When you fail to plan your meals, it is easier to just go out instead. Find new recipes online or with a healthy eating cookbook. Write down all the recipes you want to try, figure out which days to make these and make your grocery list afterwards.

 

Eating healthy meals at home is as easy as planning, prepping and varying your diet. With the right equipment, you can easily be healthy. By cooking this way, you know exactly what goes into your food, which helps to eliminate unhealthy trans fats, artificial sweeteners and other ingredients.

Categories: Healthy, meals, ways

Runners: What Are the Best Ways For You to Cool Down?

Cooling down after your fitness regime is almost as important for your wellness and wellbeing as doing the actual exercise itself! Sometimes, however, people can be so focused on their weight loss or fitness goals that they just want to plunge straight into an exercise, plough through it and then stop as soon as they are done, not taking the time to properly warm up or cool down.

 

It is vitally important that you do take the time to warm up and cool down, however. Warming up prepares your body for the forthcoming workout and helps to guard against any injuries by warming and gently stretching the muscles. Conversely, the cooldown gradually eases your body back into a resting state and helps to prepare you for the next workout, leaving you supple and strong rather than aching.

 

Walking after you have been for a run is the best way to transition the blood from actively working muscles to the normal resting flow patterns. If you simply stop abruptly, the blood pooling can cause dizziness, so you should aim to slow down to a walking pace after a run and walk for a few minutes, enabling your body to cool down.

 

The slower you transition, the better off you will be, so the best thing to do is around three to five minutes of brisk walking at first followed by gentle walking. Try to think of it as exiting the expressway, transitioning from a fast speed to a gradually more normal one.

 

If you have time, it’s also a great idea to spend around five to ten minutes after your run doing drills for strength, form and mobility. Then for an additional five to ten minutes, you should do full body flexibility moves, such as stretches and foam rolling.

Categories: body, cool down, minutes, nbsp, runners, time, Walking, ways

Lose Those Love Handles Fast: Five Easy and Quick Ways

They may be called love handles, but nobody really loves them. If you walk into any gym up and down the country, you will find that a bigger priority than general wellness and wellbeing is often to lose those pesky love handles, and this can be achieved through weight loss and fitness, but it is a tricky task.

 

Love handles is a name used for the deposits of extra fat that sit around either side of your abdomen. They can seem very tricky to get rid of, but there is hope if you follow these exercises. These can be done individually or (for best results) in a circuit, one following the other and then a rest in between circuits.

 

The first move is a ‘bicycle’ move, and to do this you need to lie on your back with your legs up in the air at a 90-degree angle. Put your hands behind your head, and then reach your right elbow to your left outer thigh (diagonally opposite. Then do the same with the other elbow and outer thigh. Repeat this 20 times. You should feel a strong burning feeling.

 

Russian twists are also great for love handles. Do this by sitting on the floor and then lowering your upper body so that you are only balancing on your bum. Lift your legs up and then bring your hands to your hips. Do around 15 to 20 reps of this.

 

Mountain climbers are also really useful for trimming off those love handles. Start in a push up position. Keep your back totally flat and then bring your right knee into your chest. Then do the same with your left knee. Do this for 30 seconds, alternating knees each time.

 

If you do all of this, and mix in a good bit of cardio, you can wave goodbye to those love handles once and for all.

Categories: handles, hands, legs, Lose, love, nbsp, outer thigh, ways

Are You In A Sex Slump? Here’s How To Escape It

If you’re in a long-term relationship, you may have found your sex life bearing the brunt of your familiarity and comfort levels. It can be difficult sometimes to make sex exciting and passionate when you spend all of your time with someone, but the effort is well rewarded when you do! There are loads of ways to make sex more passionate, and one of the easiest ways to get back in the mood is to talk about when you first met and the things which made you fall in love in the first place – these feelings of nostalgia almost always bring the passion back to your relationship immediately. Once you’re there, what can you do to make things more interesting? Here are some tips on how to combat those excuses for why the passion has gone, and how to make sex feel more exciting again.

There’s too much else going on

In between, work, the kids and your social life, sex is invariably the last thing on your mind. But while it may sound counterintuitive, eyeing up a handsome stranger could be just the thing to spike your libido. Checking out other people puts sex back in your mind, getting you thinking about the next time you’ll have the chance to get steamy in the bedroom with your partner. So don’t be afraid of eyeing up that cute barista at your local coffee place or flirting with the guy on the bus – it could be the best thing that’s ever happened to your sex life. Just remember that the rule is to look, not touch!

You’re never in the mood

There’s always an excuse, such as a headache, a deadline at work or looking after the kids all afternoon that’s made you tired. It’s no surprise that with so much going on, we’re not really interested in having sex. But sometimes the best thing to clear your mind and help you relax could be just that. Sex is renowned for being a great stress buster, it can perk you up, and it can help you to feel more connected to your partner as well which is great for increasing intimacy. No-one ever feels bad having sex once they’ve done it, so next time you feel the excuses piling up, just ignore them and do it anyway – you won’t regret it!

You’re in roommate mode

When you’re spending all your time doing chores around the house, dealing with the finances and taking care of the kids, you wind up feeling more like housemates than lovers. That’s to be expected, but there are ways you can overcome this and get back to being the passionate couple you once were. Making out with your partner can help you feel like love-filled teenagers again, and can remind you that you’re in a relationship rather than a friendship. Often, the amount of time people spend kissing when they’re in a relationship decreases over time as they settle into a long term relationship. So make the effort to keep up the make-out sessions and enjoy the feeling of romance entering your relationship again.Regular date nights are a great way to do this, as it strengthens your relationship and the passion, and also forces you to make the effort to set time aside for each other each week – something that can be easier said than done when you’re in a long-term relationship.

Categories: Advice, feel, Long term, mind, relationship, Relationships, Sex, sex life, term relationship, time, ways

The Alternative Way To Quit Smoking

Giving up smoking is one of the hardest things for many people to attempt to do in their lives. It might seem like such a big deal, but try to imagine going without something that you literally crave every couple of hours or so – then imagine trying to do that for several weeks in order to break the addiction altogether. This might give an insight into why so many people find it very difficult to cope with the struggles of giving up and lapse into their old ways of smoking. And yet there are so many benefits that come with giving up smoking that it’s not hard to see why such a large number of smokers feel like giving up is a good idea.

After all, smoking is not only a bad thing for your health, it is also harmful for those around you – for many smokers this is the most poignant aspect of attempting to give up because you’re not just doing it for your benefit, you’re doing it for your loved ones too. Remember also that smoking is linked to virtually every health concern imaginable from lung cancer to heart disease, some of the biggest killers of people in the UK. There can be no doubt that smoking makes you more likely to develop these illnesses which can give you serious problems.

So with such good reasons to give up, why haven’t we all thrown down the cigarettes and declared “no more!” Well, the trouble is that as it was explained at the beginning, smoking is a vice that draws you in and makes you want it more. Help is at hand with a number of methods, and speaking to your doctor is your best bet for ideas of how to give up smoking altogether. But if you’re looking for alternative ways to give up the cancer sticks, there are some different ways you can attempt to give up.

Many people are turning to alternative therapies as a way to help them get off the cigarettes for good. There is a huge range of different ways that are all championed as the perfect way to rid yourself of the addiction. For some people the way forward is acupuncture treatment. Others find that hypnosis or meditation can be a great way to help them focus on getting through the difficult stages and ridding themselves of the constant need to light up.

Of course let’s remember that it’s always best to go for the standard methods such as therapy, nicotine gum, using the patch or electronic cigarettes. But if you combine these with alternative treatments it can really give you the help that you’re looking for. But why are these treatments effective? Well, for a lot of people it’s about the psychological boost that they receive when they do it. Hypnosis, for example, works on the same basis that when you hear someone in authority say something, it makes you feel reassured. The hypnosis helps you to calm down and focus on quitting.

It’s the same story for meditation, which is all about concentrating the mind and blocking out the desires of the body, which includes the want to light up a cigarette and start smoking. With acupuncture, this is a traditional Chinese medical practice that uses needles to supposedly be able to clear up certain conditions. These types of treatments may be able to help you but remember that you cannot rely on them entirely and that you should always look to include normal medical treatments when you are trying to give up smoking.

Categories: Alternative, alternative therapy, cigarettes, people, Smoking, Treatments, ways

Five Ways to Deal With Your Chronic Pain

Pain warns us of injuries. It’s a sensation that can normally be depended on to fade, but chronic pain defies this typical behavior. An underlying condition generates pain that never leaves. Managing chronic pain is a lifetime challenge, one that must be met if the sufferer is to enjoy life. Although managing your pain can be a difficult and trying experience, there are different ways of minimizing the pain in order to move on with your life.

 

The Practice of Meditation

Find a space and a period of time each day to sit and become conscious of mind and body, visualizing a force of relaxing energy flowing and washing away the pain. Meditation is an established means of bringing balance to the mind, and the mind has great power over pain. It may take time and education found in classes and literature, but a novice can learn to clear the mind and, in turn, reduce pain. When you take the time to focus your mind on something positive, it can do wonders to take your mind of your chronic pain.

 

Pain Medications

Physician prescribed to ease the pain of arthritis and degenerative spinal ailments, prescription pain medications may be what you need to relieve your chronic pain. It can be tough to rely on a medicine day in and day out to live a comfortable life, so it’s best to combine this method with other more natural methods to try to find balance in your relief.

 

Acupuncture Treatment

Whether we subscribe to the Eastern understanding or simply believe the mountains of proof, there’s no denying that acupuncture can relieve chronic pain. Placement of hair-thin needles by a qualified acupuncturist lead to lasting pain relief. Consult a certified professional and learn more. Many people are skeptical of this practice, but it is generally safe when done by a certified professional and it can’t hurt to try it.

 

Pain Management Specialists

Instead of diluting effort with tiring research, consolidate energy and turn to an authority in pain relief. In Oklahoma this authority comes with the backing of programs offering viable alternatives for fighting ailments that cause long-lasting pain. Visit a pain management Oklahoma City resource and learn of the many effective ways of mitigating chronic pain. If you have tried all the more natural methods of pain relief and still have trouble doing basic everyday things, this may be the best option for you.

 

The Practice of Yoga

A perfect companion to meditation and other Eastern practices, a daily routine of yoga exercise raises awareness of the body. The Asanas, postures, strengthen the core, improve circulation, easing emotional turmoil. Many people find that getting proper exercise can strengthen their body and releive pain, but be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

 

Chronic pain stresses the mind almost as much as the body. There’s a very real feeling of pervasive hopelessness that quickly transforms into depression. Although it can often be hard, you can still live a full life while minimizing your pain. There are many different options, both natural and medical that can soothe debilitating pain.

Categories: certified professional, Chronic, chronic pain, deal, lasting pain, Natural Methods, nbsp pain, Pain, pain management, pain medications, Pain Relief, ways

Try Yoga For the Glowing Skin You Dream of Having Forever!

The skin is the largest organ in the body and undoubtedly one of the most important to us in our daily lives. Our skin is our first line of defence against every piece of dirt and bacteria that we come in contact with and yet it’s also a signifier of our health and physical wellbeing. We expect a lot from our skin and yet it is so often one of the parts of the body that gets neglected when we think about looking after ourselves. But when we do try to take care of it there are a lot of different ways that people think are a good idea.

 

For many people, finding a way to care for their skin comes through one way and one way only: creams. A huge number of people use creams on their skin in order to stay healthy. And yet so many of these creams don’t contain natural or healthy ingredients, and while they may initially make your skin look better they will actually be worse for you in the long term. So it is a much better idea to look for other ways – healthier natural ways – that can help your skin look its best.

 

Interestingly one of the key ways that people are now beginning to care for their skin is through the practice of yoga. Yoga is well known as a way to exercise and become more flexible, but you may not know it as a way to keep your skin looking as good as it can. The science behind it is actually fairly simple – yoga increases blood flow which means that it is easier for the skin to be oxygenated. This means that skin is healthier in every way and will have that characteristic glow that we all want to achieve form our skin.

 

There are a number of different asanas or poses that can really make a big difference to your life and your skin. Before you attempt any of them, though, it is well worth going through the basic requirements of thinking about practising safe yoga. Firstly, if you have any existing back problems, neck pain or high blood pressure, practising yoga can be something of a problem. You should certainly consult your doctor and talk about whether it is actually safe for you do it. Clearly your health needs to take precedence over good looking skin.

 

One key pose is known as the matsyasana. This pose will help you to relax your facial muscles and then strengthen the muscles that you have in the neck and back. It also allows for controlled flow of blood to the face and increases the amount of oxygen that you have in your blood. Clearly these are all fantastic things for improving your skin. And it is also one that you can do comfortably in your own home.

 

To do this you will need to lie down flat on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Then you have to straighten your legs, and place your arms on either side of you. Now you will need to raise your hips, and do it on both sides, but only one side at a time and place your hands under each hip as you do it. Then bend your elbows and push your upper body off of the floor, being sure to breathe out when you do this. You should raise your chest, and then tilt your head back. Hold this pose for five seconds and then breathe out.

Categories: cream, nbsp, people, skin, skin nbsp, skincare, ways, yoga