Summer is the perfect time for parties, swimming, vacationing and many of the outdoor activities we enjoy.
It is also the time of year that hair damage is at its worst. Humidity, long hours in the sun, chlorine and saltwater are all major culprits of dry, frizzy, and overall unhealthy hair. But this does not have to be the case…
If we take some simple precautions we can enjoy all that summer has to offer without the frustration of damaged tresses.
Ways to protect your skin while enjoying the warm summer weather such as:" Ways to maintain and protect healthy hair during the summer months.
A hat or head scarf is a great accessory to protect your hair from the sun's affect when going out.
Avoid hair lightening products.
The peroxide or metallic crystals in their ingredients can inflict severe damage on your hair. Also avoid lemon juice for the same reason…
Wash your hair in cool/warm water with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo.
Try cutting back how frequently you wash your hair. Especially during the summer months, over-washing strips hair of its natural oils and moisture.
Avoid hair products that contain formaldehyde or alcohol since those ingredients tend to dry out your hair.
Condition your hair daily if possible. Leave-in conditioners that contain sunscreen are also good investments.
If you don't have conditioners that contain UV protectants, apply regular sunscreen to your hair. It will wash out with a good shampoo when you get home.
Safflower oil replenishes hair with essential fatty acids.
Use a clarifying shampoo once or twice weekly (or if you have just been swimming) to remove toxins from the environment, chlorine, salt, or any residue in your hair.
Wet your hair before going swimming - This lessens the absorption of chlorine/salt in your hair and helps against "green" hair and/or color fading.
If you or your child has a green tint, try soaking your hair in tomato juice.
Place a cap over your head and let the juice sit for about 20 minutes. Then rinse, shampoo and condition well.
Natural is best - avoid heat-styling tools (blow-dryer, curling irons, etc.) as much as possible.
But if you do use them, spray in a leave-in conditioner first to protect your hair from drying out.
Drink lots of water. This is not only important for your health overall, but it is also necessary for healthy, hydrated hair.
This article is from Smart Living News
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Monday, August 22, 2005
Taking Care of Yourself
Here are some ways to take care of yourself every day:
Get Enough Physical Activity:
Physical activity is an excellent stress-buster and provides other health benefits as well. It also can improve your mood and self image.
Try to accumulate 30 minutes of physical activity a day through walking, yoga, dancing, housework, yard work or recreational sports (tennis, volleyball, squash).
People who regularly engage in physical activity tend to eat more nutritious food which also can help the body better manage stress.
Maintain a Healthy LifestyleTreat yourself properly with adequate sleep and nutritious food.
Do Something You Enjoy:
Pick up an activity you used to do but haven't had time for or take up a new sport or hobby you've always wanted to try - maybe music or horseback riding lessons.
Share Your Feelings:
Talk to someone you trust - a friend, member of the family or clergy, or mental health professional - about what's bothering you.
Focus on the Present:
Don't waste energy worrying about the past. Keep your mind positively set on the present and future.
Laugh:
Try finding humor in a situation.
Humor is a powerful antidote to stress. It can be a great way to relieve tension and could be as easy as renting a funny video and watching it at home.
Here are some ways to take care of yourself every day:
Get Enough Physical Activity:
Physical activity is an excellent stress-buster and provides other health benefits as well. It also can improve your mood and self image.
Try to accumulate 30 minutes of physical activity a day through walking, yoga, dancing, housework, yard work or recreational sports (tennis, volleyball, squash).
People who regularly engage in physical activity tend to eat more nutritious food which also can help the body better manage stress.
Maintain a Healthy LifestyleTreat yourself properly with adequate sleep and nutritious food.
Do Something You Enjoy:
Pick up an activity you used to do but haven't had time for or take up a new sport or hobby you've always wanted to try - maybe music or horseback riding lessons.
Share Your Feelings:
Talk to someone you trust - a friend, member of the family or clergy, or mental health professional - about what's bothering you.
Focus on the Present:
Don't waste energy worrying about the past. Keep your mind positively set on the present and future.
Laugh:
Try finding humor in a situation.
Humor is a powerful antidote to stress. It can be a great way to relieve tension and could be as easy as renting a funny video and watching it at home.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Benefits of Walking
The benefits of walking in terms of physical well-being have been well documented over the years.
Now research has shown that even a small amount of aerobic exercise can improve the mental function in seniors.
Walking heads the list over stretching and toning exercises, which are usually done inside as opposed to outside. One should do stretching and toning as part of a exercise program.
Walking exercises the mind as well as the body.
Think about what all goes on when you are out walking, for each step we take, there is a verity of mental activity going on, most of it we are not even conscious of.
Like the distance of each step we take, as we walk over rough ground or even stepping over a crack in the side walk. Mental were are calculating every part of our walk, everything we see , smell or hear stimulates our brains.
A treadmill can give you the exercise you need for the body but it does little for the mind.
No wonder the treadmill sit unused in the corner so much of the time.
A group of sedentary seniors aged 60 to 75, were randomly assigned to a walking program or a program that consisted of streching and toning exercises.
At the end of the period (6 months) the walking group showed a considerable improvement in "mental control functions" which included ability to plan, make decisions and concentrate while ignoring distractions.
These improvement were no present in the strecthing and toning group.
IN THE HOLE! Golf
Now research has shown that even a small amount of aerobic exercise can improve the mental function in seniors.
Walking heads the list over stretching and toning exercises, which are usually done inside as opposed to outside. One should do stretching and toning as part of a exercise program.
Walking exercises the mind as well as the body.
Think about what all goes on when you are out walking, for each step we take, there is a verity of mental activity going on, most of it we are not even conscious of.
Like the distance of each step we take, as we walk over rough ground or even stepping over a crack in the side walk. Mental were are calculating every part of our walk, everything we see , smell or hear stimulates our brains.
A treadmill can give you the exercise you need for the body but it does little for the mind.
No wonder the treadmill sit unused in the corner so much of the time.
A group of sedentary seniors aged 60 to 75, were randomly assigned to a walking program or a program that consisted of streching and toning exercises.
At the end of the period (6 months) the walking group showed a considerable improvement in "mental control functions" which included ability to plan, make decisions and concentrate while ignoring distractions.
These improvement were no present in the strecthing and toning group.
IN THE HOLE! Golf
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Healthy Body
Category: Healthy Body - ArthritisWritten by Patty Avey - Chief Editor - SmartLivingNews.com
ARTHRITIS IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DISABILITY AFFECTING NEARLY 43 MILLION PEOPLE.
"Being an athlete most of my life along with working some extremely physical jobs during the course of my life, the joints in my body have really taken a beating. I am 48 years old and up until about a month ago because of the constant pain in my left hip, neck, both shoulders and my hands, I thought I would never find relief." - Richard Cunningham
Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints, the place where two bones meet. Inflammation occurs as the tissue around the joint responds to protect itself when injury or disease develops resulting in swelling, redness, heat and pain. The joints become stiff, painful and swollen.
There are two leading types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The most common type of arthritis in the United States today is osteoarthritis affecting over twenty million people. Osteoarthritis starts with the breakdown, softening and degeneration of the cartilage around the joints. Cartilage is the pliable and tough tissue that covers and cushions the ends of the bones and helps to absorb shock to the bones. As the cartilage breaks down, the joints become stiff and painful. The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the fingers, knees, hips and spine. Sometimes osteoarthritis will appear in the wrist, elbows, shoulders and ankles.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not as common as osteoarthritis; nevertheless it affects about 2.1 million Americans.
This form of arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the different joints in the body. The joint lining is called the synovium which is a thin membrane lining the joint releasing fluid that permits the joints to move more easily. As the synovium becomes inflamed, swelling, pain, stiffness, warmth and redness develop. It is believed that rheumatoid arthritis is partially caused from the improper functioning of the body's immune system resulting in the joint tissue coming under attack and becoming inflamed along with joint damage. This form of arthritis is two to three times more prevalent in women than men and normally affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. Rheumatoid arthritis may have a debilitating effect on the joints within one to two years time and leave the person unable to fulfill basic activities. The bones may even erode causing deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis detected in the early stages can prevent permanent joint damage.
What possible factors determine who will get arthritis? Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the adult population of those 18 years and older.
Women are more prone to arthritis than men. Obesity is a major factor in increasing the risk of osteoarthritis, especially in women. There appears to be a clear connection between obesity in women and osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis has also been found to be more prevalent in those who have had repeated injuries or trauma to certain areas of the body.
Regular and persistent pain, stiffness or inflammation in joints
Discomfort in a joint which has had a history of injury
If you suspect that you have arthritis, see your physician. Early intervention is crucial when working with this disease.
Eat a healthy, well balanced diet of food
Moderate the amount of sugar you eat
Drink alcohol in moderation
Use salt moderately
Take the recommended daily requirements of vitamins and minerals along with calcium
Weight loss
Exercise will help to reduce joint pain and stiffness, increase flexibility, improve endurance, develop muscle strength, help decrease bone loss, help keep bone and cartilage healthy and strong
ARTHRITIS IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DISABILITY AFFECTING NEARLY 43 MILLION PEOPLE.
"Being an athlete most of my life along with working some extremely physical jobs during the course of my life, the joints in my body have really taken a beating. I am 48 years old and up until about a month ago because of the constant pain in my left hip, neck, both shoulders and my hands, I thought I would never find relief." - Richard Cunningham
Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints, the place where two bones meet. Inflammation occurs as the tissue around the joint responds to protect itself when injury or disease develops resulting in swelling, redness, heat and pain. The joints become stiff, painful and swollen.
There are two leading types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The most common type of arthritis in the United States today is osteoarthritis affecting over twenty million people. Osteoarthritis starts with the breakdown, softening and degeneration of the cartilage around the joints. Cartilage is the pliable and tough tissue that covers and cushions the ends of the bones and helps to absorb shock to the bones. As the cartilage breaks down, the joints become stiff and painful. The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the fingers, knees, hips and spine. Sometimes osteoarthritis will appear in the wrist, elbows, shoulders and ankles.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not as common as osteoarthritis; nevertheless it affects about 2.1 million Americans.
This form of arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the different joints in the body. The joint lining is called the synovium which is a thin membrane lining the joint releasing fluid that permits the joints to move more easily. As the synovium becomes inflamed, swelling, pain, stiffness, warmth and redness develop. It is believed that rheumatoid arthritis is partially caused from the improper functioning of the body's immune system resulting in the joint tissue coming under attack and becoming inflamed along with joint damage. This form of arthritis is two to three times more prevalent in women than men and normally affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. Rheumatoid arthritis may have a debilitating effect on the joints within one to two years time and leave the person unable to fulfill basic activities. The bones may even erode causing deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis detected in the early stages can prevent permanent joint damage.
What possible factors determine who will get arthritis? Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the adult population of those 18 years and older.
Women are more prone to arthritis than men. Obesity is a major factor in increasing the risk of osteoarthritis, especially in women. There appears to be a clear connection between obesity in women and osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis has also been found to be more prevalent in those who have had repeated injuries or trauma to certain areas of the body.
Regular and persistent pain, stiffness or inflammation in joints
Discomfort in a joint which has had a history of injury
If you suspect that you have arthritis, see your physician. Early intervention is crucial when working with this disease.
Eat a healthy, well balanced diet of food
Moderate the amount of sugar you eat
Drink alcohol in moderation
Use salt moderately
Take the recommended daily requirements of vitamins and minerals along with calcium
Weight loss
Exercise will help to reduce joint pain and stiffness, increase flexibility, improve endurance, develop muscle strength, help decrease bone loss, help keep bone and cartilage healthy and strong
Friday, July 22, 2005
Sleeping Problems
Problems Sleeping :
Can't get any shut eye?
It's easy to deprive yourself of sleep, especially if stress has you up worrying at night, waking up too early in the morning or waking up feeling tired.
You need sound and adequate rest to handle stress.
Try these tips to overcome sleep problems:
Myth: People need less sleep as they get older.
Fact: As people age, they don't need less sleep, but they often get less sleep. The average person still needs about eight hours per night.
Wake up at the same time every day.
Avoid caffeine four to six hours before bedtime and cut down during the day.
Avoid nicotine, especially near bedtime and if you wake up during the night..
Don't drink alcohol late in the evening.
Don't consume heavy meals close to bedtime. However, a light snack might help you fall asleep.
Exercise in the late afternoon to deepen sleep.
Vigorous exercise within three to four hours of bedtime could inhibit sleep.
Minimize noise, light and excessive temperature at bedtime.
Move the alarm clock away from the bed if it's a source of distraction.
Wake up at the same time every day.(Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)If none of these techniques help and you have trouble sleeping for three weeks, see a doctor about possible medical or psychiatric problems.
Used with permission, 2001, AARP website www.aarp.org.
Can't get any shut eye?
It's easy to deprive yourself of sleep, especially if stress has you up worrying at night, waking up too early in the morning or waking up feeling tired.
You need sound and adequate rest to handle stress.
Try these tips to overcome sleep problems:
Myth: People need less sleep as they get older.
Fact: As people age, they don't need less sleep, but they often get less sleep. The average person still needs about eight hours per night.
Wake up at the same time every day.
Avoid caffeine four to six hours before bedtime and cut down during the day.
Avoid nicotine, especially near bedtime and if you wake up during the night..
Don't drink alcohol late in the evening.
Don't consume heavy meals close to bedtime. However, a light snack might help you fall asleep.
Exercise in the late afternoon to deepen sleep.
Vigorous exercise within three to four hours of bedtime could inhibit sleep.
Minimize noise, light and excessive temperature at bedtime.
Move the alarm clock away from the bed if it's a source of distraction.
Wake up at the same time every day.(Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)If none of these techniques help and you have trouble sleeping for three weeks, see a doctor about possible medical or psychiatric problems.
Used with permission, 2001, AARP website www.aarp.org.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Time passing
Continued:
The weeks slip by with our blessing, at least the part when we are working. months seem to go the same way.
The seasons pass and we collect photos of christmas, holiday, birthdays, graduations, weddings and other markers in out lives.
When we are young, time is not is not looked at as a non renewable resourse, in fact it is not untill I typed that phrase that I realize that the reference to life is true.
When we look back from our 50s and 60s, we realize that we may not have used the time, (that non renewable resourse) to the fullest.
At retirement we hope to do that, (live life to the fullest) but alas we may not have taken good care of our bodies and stayed in good shape so we could do all the things that our minds want to do.
There is one more reason we want to stay in shape, watch our eating life style, so later on in life we will have a better chance of enjoying our non renewable resourse to the fullest.
The weeks slip by with our blessing, at least the part when we are working. months seem to go the same way.
The seasons pass and we collect photos of christmas, holiday, birthdays, graduations, weddings and other markers in out lives.
When we are young, time is not is not looked at as a non renewable resourse, in fact it is not untill I typed that phrase that I realize that the reference to life is true.
When we look back from our 50s and 60s, we realize that we may not have used the time, (that non renewable resourse) to the fullest.
At retirement we hope to do that, (live life to the fullest) but alas we may not have taken good care of our bodies and stayed in good shape so we could do all the things that our minds want to do.
There is one more reason we want to stay in shape, watch our eating life style, so later on in life we will have a better chance of enjoying our non renewable resourse to the fullest.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Aging and time
Time slipping, a new term used when you want to record a program on a vcr while watching another show.
We have, as we age, been watching time slippage all of the time. We chose to ignore the passage of time on a day to day basis. Its just a day.
Even a week is let go without much fan fare, when we get home from work at the end of the week, and we are glad that week is over.
It may have been a tough week or one of the non-descript ones that have had no highs or lows, we are just glad to get to the weekend.
We have become a weekend society, most of our plans are for that period when we are off work. So the working period of the week is tolerated to get to the weekend.
The weeks slip by with our blessing, at least the part when we are working. ( our employers do not get our full attention all of the time).
We have, as we age, been watching time slippage all of the time. We chose to ignore the passage of time on a day to day basis. Its just a day.
Even a week is let go without much fan fare, when we get home from work at the end of the week, and we are glad that week is over.
It may have been a tough week or one of the non-descript ones that have had no highs or lows, we are just glad to get to the weekend.
We have become a weekend society, most of our plans are for that period when we are off work. So the working period of the week is tolerated to get to the weekend.
The weeks slip by with our blessing, at least the part when we are working. ( our employers do not get our full attention all of the time).
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