Archive for October, 2009

14 Ways to Improve Sleep Now!

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Sleep disturbance or insomnia is not uncommon in women starting at midlife. While this may be due to a physical concern, usually it’s not. Let’s discuss some things you can do NOW to improve your sleep.

•Good sleep is a component of good health. Things that you do for good health are essential and will directly impact your quality of sleep. This means eating a healthy diet, regular exercise and good daily multivitamin/mineral supplements.

 •A healthy diet that is high in phytoestrogens such as fruits and vegetables may help if the cause of your sleep disturbance happens to be related to being perimenopausal. Apples, carrots, cherries, green beans, oats, peas, potatoes, soybeans and sprouts - just to mention a few!

 •Avoid stimulating agents such as nicotine and caffeine – that includes coffee, green tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. Even one cup of coffee in the morning can affect sleep quality hours later. We, as women, tend to metabolize caffeine much slower than men. If you smoke or chew tobacco…quit. Short of that, avoid smoking/chewing within a few hours of going to bed.

 •Sleep in a dark room. (How bright is your illuminated clock?)

 •Develop a sleep routine: going to bed at the same time; rituals such as having a cup of relaxing tea and then washing up, and the like.

 •Avoid taking naps.

 •Is your sleeping space comfortable? Look at light, noise and temperature. How about your bed? Is it too firm or too soft?

 •Avoid late night heavy meals. However, a light snack at bedtime may be helpful.

 •Try relaxation – mediate, take a bath, listen to soft music, read a gentle book, get a massage.

 •Avoid the news and other violent or emotional stimulation before bed! It’s hardly relaxing!

 •Avoid alcohol late in the day. It can cause waking in the night and impairs sleep quality.

 •Limit your bed activities to sleep and sex.

 •If you cannot sleep – get up and do something until you can sleep.

 •If worries are keeping you awake, try journaling – it may provide a way for you to “release” the worry onto paper and thus relax and sleep.

There are natural supplements that can be tried. If you are a milk drinker, consider having a glass of warm milk. Milk when it is warm releases tryptophan, the same substance that was in that Thanksgiving turkey that had you napping. On the other hand, I recently read that warm milk also has substances that can keep you awake. Let your own body tell you what it likes about milk.

Other suggestions include valerian root, melatonin, passion flower and of course the chamomile, catnip, anise or fennel teas. Some companies package teas in their own formulations for sleep, such as "Sleepy Time". Your local herbalist or health food store may also be able to give you suggestions. As with anything else, the key to try different things and see what you respond to.

Read the rest of this article: Improve Sleep

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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

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Acne Cures Remedies and Treatment Methods

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Acne affects people of every age, gender, and race. It usually strikes in plainly visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and back. Acne can be caused by a number of factors such as contact with an oily substance, use of certain medication, steroids, or the secretion of certain hormones. Over ninety percent of acne patients respond to treatment, although the treatment may need to be continued for months or even years. Here are a few natural remedies that you can use to cure acne.

What Causes Acne?

As mentioned above, acne can be caused by a number of factors. Common causes of acne include contact with an oily substance such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum and the use of certain medication such as steroids or the contraceptive pill. However, acne is most often caused by the secretion of androgens, or sex hormones that are initially secreted at the onset of puberty. Androgens are male hormones but they are secreted by females as well. They stimulate the production of oil from the skin’s oil glands. When these oil glands become overactive and the exit from the gland is blocked, oil builds up in the gland and they begin to swell. This is how acne forms. A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes normally colonizes this swollen gland causing the development of inflammation and pus. In particularly severe cases, the glands may burst into the skin and produce cysts. Recently health practitioners are associating acne with a fungus on the face. A clogged colon can also contribute to acne. We recommend using a colon cleanser like Oxy-Powder to keep the bowel clean.

How Can I Cure Acne?

Home Remedies:

  • A non-oily face wash that contains tea tree oil or echinacea can help to reduce the incidence of acne breakouts. Wash your face twice a day in the morning and evenings and rinse thoroughly with warm purified water.

  • Avoid oily and chemically ridden cosmetics or any facial products that contain socetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, and sodium chloride, parabens as these ingredients can cause acne.

  • Give dry skin extra care, being sure to wash and rinse your face thoroughly and using products especially made for dry skin.

  • Natural astringent cleansers work to remove the oil buildup that may become blocked in the skin’s glands. These products may cause dryness, itching, and redness, so be sure to use them only on problem areas.

  • Oxy-Skin is also a very effective natural remedy for the elimination of acne.

  • Read the rest of this article: Acne Cures Remedies and Treatment Methods

Tips for Better Business Travel

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

(NC)-It’s no surprise that company cost cutting puts added pressure on business travelers. To help manage budgets in the economic downturn, travellers will need to implement measures that maximize value. Since the use of conferencing tools such as webinars can’t always replace face-to-face meetings, Days Inns – Canada offers some essential tips for the frugal, cost-conscious business traveller.

Comfort Counts: With budget cutbacks and travel restraints, your next business trip doesn’t have to break the bank. Why not pass on the 4-star hotel and go for a 3-star that will provide clean, comfortable rooms, exceptional service and the essential hotel amenities all at a reasonable price. Keep in mind discount business travel shouldn’t mean cutting out necessities. Visit brand-specific websites to find up-to-date photography and room descriptions so you know exactly what to expect.

Better Value for Your Dollar: For the guaranteed best available rate, remember to book online hotel reservations well in advance. Look for low cost national hotel chains that cater to business travelers, such as Days Inn hotels with amenities including free high-speed Internet access, a free Daybreak Café breakfast at most locations and spacious work desk and high-intensity work light. And, be on the lookout for special hotel discounts such as bonus loyalty points and business packages.

Get Rewarded: Check with your hotel to see if they offer a loyalty rewards travel program, such as Wyndham Rewards. Look for a participating partner, such as Days Inn and earn valuable points during your stay that can be redeemed for hundreds of great rewards like gift cards for shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

Stay Connected: It’s a good idea to send your business itinerary to a coworker, friend or relative so someone will always know your whereabouts. Be sure to carry a cell phone when traveling alone, and of course sending an e-mail from the road to keep people informed is a good idea.

Less Is More: Be sure to pack light and right – the less you pack, the less you have to carry. A checklist with different categories will help you get organized and ensure you fill your suitcase with the necessities. Traveling with light luggage will ease your trip and increase overall comfort level while on the road.

Acne Control The Natural Way

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Want to get rid of those zits in your face but you are currently low on budget? How about looking for acne control to avoid the sudden appearance of acne in your skin? So how do we do this?

First, what is acne? Acne is a skin disorder caused by the hormones action on the oil glands of the skin which is called the sebaceous glands. The excretion of oils from this glands can lead to congested skin pores. This is when acne occurs. The face, neck, chest, back and shoulders is where the glands are most profuse, that is why most acne are found on this locations. People who are with this kind of disorder often tends to be depressed, and humiliated.

There are a lot of factors that can generate acne to transpire. First is our Genes. Genetics can’t be changed but other factors like our daily routine and the way we take care of our skin can be improved to make acne control no problem at all. Don’t feel so sad about your acne because there’s lots of things you can do. This acne control tips will help you say bye-bye to those zits.

1. Include Fruits and Vegetables in your daily Diet. A healthy diet consists of at least four to five servings of fruits and vegetables. Acne control will be a lot easier if you start including this in your daily habit.

2. Rose water can be used as a facial cleanser. Dipped in a cotton, clean your face using this everyday for at least two to three times each day.

3. Don’t wait for your pimples to form. If you see a bit of it in your face, do something. Acne control is best done early. Pat some ice on the affected area for this will make it less swollen.

4. Acne control is easier when accompanied with multivitamins. Start taking vitamins that contains zinc supplement. Zinc helps in making your skin stronger and acne resistant.

5. Cucumber can help in acne control. Blend it with some water to form a mask. Put it in your face and leave it for about half an hour before rinsing it off. This is a good and affordable acne control remedy that can also refresh your skin.

6. Use only mild soaps and avoid soaps that contains petroleum based products and animal based ingredient for this causes your skin to get dry and irritated.

Read the rest of this article: Acne Control - Natural Way