Probiotics

It's the good stuff that comes in your yogurt and cheese. Still don't know what they are? Go to the site below for a quick overview of what probiotics are and how they are good for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz-j5VWhrUQ

The White Spots On Your Teeth

So my dad was giving me crap for the white spots on my teeth and telling me I don't brush them. I know very well that I have very good oral hygiene, and I also know that I have had these spots since I was little. So I looked it up and found that it really isn't my fault. Here are the sites that explain it.

http://cyberdentist.blogspot.com/2006/08/white-spots-on-teeth-enamel-hypoplasia.html

http://www.fluoridealert.org/dental-fluorosis.htm#text

Is Cracking Your Knuckles Harmful?

I have to admit, for as nasty as some of you may find it, I crack many of my joints. And this morning, as I was cracking my knuckles, I thought that I could do a post on it. I looked through a bunch of sites and only found 2 that were semi informative (most of the sites just sound like folklore). So here are your reads.

http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/homework/s95607.htm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/22/AR2009022201783.html

For Long Trips

For long trips, there is an extraordinary long list of "basic items" that can come in handy in a variety of situations. I think the list provided on this site is a little too long, but at least it isn't lacking any information.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/tires-auto-parts/auto-parts/roadside-emergency-kit-what-to-carry-with-you-1105/overview/index.htm

Sensitive and Swollen

Every once in awhile, My gums will swell and leave me wondering why they do. This morning happened to be one of those days.I went to look it up on the Internet, and found this super short, yet super informative site on all the minor and major reasons as to why your gums may swell. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

http://worldental.org/gums/fight-swollen-gums/

Seasonal Depression

I used to have a teacher who mentioned seasonal depression in some of his lessons. I had always wanted to look into it, and today I had the opportunity. Here is the very helpful site I found on Seasonal Affective Disorder.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/seasonal_affective_disorder_sad/hic_what_is_seasonal_depression.aspx

For Your Hair

I found this site today while looking for ideas for my own hair. I think it will make a fabulous addition to the many other posts on here. It is about common hair and scalp problems... enjoy!

http://www.hairparlor.com/haircare-articles/common-hair-problems.htm

Foot Care for the Diabetic

When I was little, I would help my grandmother (who was diabetic) with her feet. I never understood why her feet were such a big deal to her. Now I am older and know that diabetics have many complications with not just their blood sugar, but with their feet as well. I found 2 videos on youtube that were very informative on how a diabetic should properly care for their feet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qlf3D-sfaBo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmZhaLzzEK0

Cloudy Urine

I found this really helpful site on why your urine would be cloudy and when you should worry about it being cloudy. So I decided to post the link to it on here. The site also has numerous other links that I found very informative. I hope it leaves you well informed.

http://www.helium.com/items/707936-cloudy-urine-when-to-worry

Dry Mouth

I mentioned in an earlier post how dry mouth can be the cause of bad breath. However, I failed to provide a decent amount of information on dry mouth. I have 2 of my favorite websites listed below. The first one is kind of a quick review of what dry mouth is and what causes it. The second one is much more informative.

http://www.medicinenet.com/dry_mouth/article.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dry-mouth/HA00034

The Sunscreen Song

Type that into www.youtube.com and listen to the song. It gives you some basic advice on life, none of which is bad. It is highly entertaining, and it makes you a little happier afterwards. I hope you enjoy it.

Warts

What causes them?

Warts are skin growths that are caused by the human papilloma virus. There are over 60 types of HPV and our bodies can usually fight them off within a few years, but we can be re-infected.

How do I get rid of them?

I read quite a bit on this. I found a few home remedies that are cheap and effective.

Vinegar. I read many testimonials, and most of them mentioned apple cider vinegar, but any vinegar will do. Take a cotton ball, soak it in the vinegar, wring it out afterwards and apply to wart. Take a band-aid, duct tape, or brown tape (whichever one works best for you) and tape it in place. You should sleep with this on over night. I have heard that it is very painful, so take an aspirin. How long this takes varies from person to person, but it will eventually change colors and recede from the skin.

Applying clear nail polish has the same effect. You must be sure that as long as the wart is there, there is nail polish on it.

Strengthen your immune system. HPV will go away faster if you have a stronger immune system. Take your multivitamins everyday like you are supposed to be doing anyways.

If these don't work, you really should see a doctor, because in rare cases (just based off the research I did) they can turn cancerous.

My Lips are soo Chapped

So I went on the Internet so I could find the best possible solutions to my current ailment. Here are the two sites I really liked. They were really simple and gave decent answers that I could believe.

http://www.ehow.com/video_3074_treat-chapped-lips.html

http://allwomenstalk.com/5-quick-steps-to-soothe-chapped-lips-%e2%80%a6/2/

So You Have Stretch Marks

Firstly, if you have stretch marks, you are not alone. In fact the majority of people have stretch marks (including men). Why do you have stretch marks if you've never been pregnant? Or what can you do to remove your stretch marks now that you have given birth?

What are they?

Stretch marks are the tearing of the deeper layers of your skin after a rapid stretching (during adolescence, after gaining weight, and during pregnancy). They are in fact scars.

Will they go away on their own?

If you are worried about stretch marks from adolescence, chances are that they will fade away. Other than that, it really varies. It depends on how deep they are, how dark they are, and how motivate you are to rid yourself of them. Most stretch marks will lose their reddish purplish color in as short as a few months to as long as a few years. However, they will become glossy and appear silver or white in color.

What can I do to remove them?

Some doctors will say there really is nothing you can do about it. Others will say otherwise, however, the results may vary. Some topical creams claim that they work on older stretch marks. This may or may not be true. But if you do use topical creams, it is best to use them upon first finding your stretch marks. Some doctors may prescribe you Retin-A (it is to rejuvenate skin), but some people find that it is irritating to their skin. You can see a dermatologist for laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, which are said to be effective, but I couldn't tell you the cost. Lastly, you can purchase some Mederma. This is a cream that CAN remove scars. At least it can remove newer scars. I know, I've used it on some really bad scarring. I wouldn't say that it is expensive, but it isn't exactly cheap. Either way, I know for a fact that this works. You need to be disciplined though, because it should be applied about 3-4 times a day.

What can I do to just cover them?

That's simple enough. Just wear clothing that will cover you where it is needed. Or you can use some sunless tanner. I hear that this is a great way to hide stretch marks.

Whatever you do, I wish you the best of luck.

Losing Your Voice

When I was in the sixth grade, I went to camp with all the other little sixth graders. I had been looking forward to this for awhile, and it would have been a really great experience had I not lost my voice. The whole time I was there, my voice was no louder than a very low whisper. I figured that it was the altitude (it was at Big Bear), because when I returned home, my voice was back.

Thinking upon it now, I know I had Laryngitis. This is when your voice box and all the stuff around it get irritated and swell. When you have Laryngitis, you voice can become deep, hoarse and scratchy, barely louder than a whisper, or you may lose your voice completely. In adults, it is very rare for it to be serious. However, it can pose a huge problem for small children.

I have a site listed here on the causes, symptoms, and solutions to your voice loss that I would try to summarize, but I would probably plagiarize trying (and that's bad).

http://home.earthlink.net/~anitaastrologer/voice.htm

I found the site to be very helpful

The Worst Habits, And The Best Values

I wanted to write about the worst and best thing that you can do as an employee. I found these 2 great articles, but as I was reading them, I thought that the advice given by these articles can be applied to most things in life. So this is more of a self improvement entry. They are just some general tips that you mom would have nagged you about, but they really do account for how other people view you.

The Worst

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/06/03/cb.10.worst.work.habits/index.html

And the Best

http://internships.about.com/od/internshipsuccess/a/workvalues.htm

Black Tongue

It's not some terrible contagious disease. I swear. I had no idea that the tongue can turn black, and I was very surprised when I heard this. I looked it up, and I have found that it really is not something to be frightened over. The most common cause that I found was Pepto Bismol. Here is their website to explain it to you.

http://www.pepto-bismol.com/pepto-bismol-faq.php

Here is another site for those of you who do not take Pepto Bismol.

http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/causes-black-tongue.html

Mmmm... Cold Sores

We all get them from time to time, don't deny it. So what can you do about it now that you have it? Wikihow has the answer.

http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Cold-Sore-or-Fever-Blisters

Radishes

I absolutely love radishes. They are always so fresh and crisp. And now I have found even more reasons to love them. They help heal urinary disorders, skin disorders, cancer, and so much more. Read the site I have listed below and you will have more reason to love them too.

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-radish.html

And here are some recipes.

http://www.epicurious.com/tools/searchresults?search2=radish

Or you can just snack on them. They are great in so many ways. Just try it out for yourself.

Spotting

This one is specifically for girls. Is it normal to be spotting between periods? If not, why would you be spotting between periods? The link below will provide you with the necessary information.

http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/breastcance1/a/bleedingbetween.htm

You Know You Should

Like many of you out there, I constantly forget to floss my teeth. I know that most of you do not think it is a big deal, but it is. Read up about flossing on the sites listed below.

http://www.saveyoursmile.com/healtharticles/flossing.html

http://dentistry.about.com/od/dentalfactsfaqs/f/flossing.htm#

Dry, Itchy, and Flaky

Most people who have dry skin do not go about taking care of it in the appropriate way. You need to figure out the cause of your dry skin and work on eliminating the cause (rather than working around it).

Your skin has a layer of lipids and fats that keep the moisture in your skin resulting in smooth and soft skin. There is a variety of environmental and external factors out there that are robbing you of your skins natural oils.

Lets list off some of these causes.

Hot showers. Hot showers and baths WILL wash away all your skins oils further drying your skin. You do not necessarily need to use cold water, lukewarm water will do just fine. To further reduce the washing away of all the good stuff on your skin. On top of that, unless you are rolling around in the dirt, you do not need to heavily soap up. The only parts that need to be regularly washed are your arms, face, hands, feet, and your privates. Everything else can be rinsed and be just fine.

The soap you buy should not be harsh on your skin. Something along the lines of a gentle face cleanser (it doesn't always need to be used on your face) would be just fine for most of your hygienic needs.

Moisturizers. If you feel like you have dry skin, you have probably tried countless moisturizers. First of all, when you use them, you have to apply them while your skin is still damp. That means almost immediately after you shower. That is when they work best. Do not vigorously rub yourself dry. Pat yourself dry. Then apply the moisturizer. Let it soak for a few minutes and then pat the rest of it off with your towel.

Dry air. This is aggravated by air conditioning in the summer, and heating in the winter. The simplest solution is the use of a humidifier.

You may have dry skin due to some medication you may be taking. It may also be the side of effect of something much more serious. If you feel like this is the case, you should not hesitate to speak with your doctor.

Finally, why should it matter whether or not you do or do not have dry skin. The truth is, dry cracked skin exposes you to bacteria, and lead to an infection or something much worse. Your skin is precious, and it deserves your attention.

Here is my source.

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/whats-causing-your-dry-skin-problem?page=4

Dry Eyes

The other day, I had dry eye. It went away relatively quickly, but I am sure that there are those of you out there who suffer from chronic dry eye. So I found to sites to explain why you may have dry eyes, and what you can do about it (I couldn't really find any home remedies for this).

http://www.medicinenet.com/dry_eyes/index.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dry-eyes/DS00463/DSECTION=causes

Diabetes

I happen to have diabetes on both my mothers side of the family, and my fathers side. As you can imagine, this is very concerning to me, and I would like to know how high the chances are that I will develop Diabetes later in life. As you probably know, Diabetes is not uncommon here in the states. So many of you probably share my concern.

Here are the risk factors for Diabetes.

http://diabetes.about.com/od/symptomsdiagnosis/tp/riskfactors.htm

And here are the signs and symptoms for those of you that are worried that you may already have it.

http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/diabetes-symptoms.html

I only wish the best for all those at risk of Diabetes, and those who already suffer from it.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

This is a common question. The answer varies from person to person. I have 3 sites listed below that will give you more than enough information on your hair's hygiene needs. Whatever your answer, whether it be everyday or once a week, be sure to shower daily. That is a necessity.

http://beauty.about.com/b/2008/03/25/how-much-should-you-wash-your-hair.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Often-Should-You-Wash-Your-Hair?&id=2584066

http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/scalp-care/tips/how-often-wash-hair2.htm

Your Extra Baggage

I am not talking about your weight, I am talking about the bags under your eyes. This tends to be an eyesore and gives you all sorts of unwanted attention. The problem could be very simple with a very simple solution, or it could be hereditary. This would call for much more drastic measures to eliminate them. These sites will give you the low down on your bags.

http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-get-rid-of-dark-circles-under-my-eyes.htm

http://women.webmd.com/features/banish-the-bags-under-your-eyes?page=4

Everything Wonderful About Potatos

I love potatoes. I like them mashed, baked, and fried. But most people do not think fondly of potatoes. Potatoes have more to offer than just carbohydrates and calories. The sites below are full of all the facts that you don't know about.

http://home.howstuffworks.com/potatoes3.htm

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-potato.html

And here are some healthy ways to prepare them.

http://notecook.com/side-dishes/top-nine-ways-to-cook-potatoes/

http://hubpages.com/hub/healthy-baked-potato-recipes

The Good, The Bad, And Caffeine

I live in a houseful of avid coffee drinkers. They need their morning jolt all day long. I personally don't drink any caffeine. However, I was wondering, exactly how safe is caffeine? I am sure that it can be both helpful and damaging to our bodies. This is what I found.

These two site will list all the terrible stuff on caffeine.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600

http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle/caffeinestimula_sbez.htm

And this site highlights the benefits of caffeine.

http://www.fitwise.com/benefits_caffeine.asp

If You Break Your Nose...

When I was little, I broke my nose. My mother rushed me to the hospital where they told her to go home because there was nothing they could do about it. This bugged me and I thought, well surely there is something they can do about it. I know its a little late now, but I searched the web, and have only found one useful site (all the others asked if it was possible to break a nose).

http://www.healthsquare.com/mc/fgmc0724.htm

That about the most information I can find on the topic.

My Stomach Hurts

Yes, I have a stomach ache today. So, I did what I do best... I surfed the net for some remedies. Of the many remedies many users have submitted, these are the ones I read the most.

Put something warm on your stomach. Something as simple as a sock filled with rice (after its being microwaved) works just fine. Just lay down and leave it on your stomach.

Ginger. This one is fairly common. This is a common ingredient in many remedies I read, so I would assume that ginger actually works. either just drink some sort of ginger juice or extract, or eat some ginger after thoroughly chewing on it.

Most any carbonated drink. I would think that something like carbonated water or ginger ale would be preferable. Drink a fair amount, and start burping it up.

Lime sherbet and Sprite. I read this one a few times. Just mix the two for the kids (who are sure to love this).

Peppermint. Peppermint tea, or just sucking on a peppermint may help.

Drink lots of water. It'll help you digest your food, which may be the problem.

And my own little bit of advice. My mom always boiled some oregano, then strained it afterwards, and told me to drink the oregano water when I could handle the heat of it. It worked every single time.

You can read up on some more remedies at the sites listed below.

http://www.myhomeremedies.com/topic.cgi?topicid=193

http://www.iloveindia.com/home-remedies/stomach-ache.html

http://www.ehow.com/about_5081583_home-remedy-stomach-ache.html

http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/48/193.cfm

When should your toddler tackle the potty?

I know I don't normally write about children, but I have a baby sister, and I am getting a little tired of changing diapers. And wouldn't my life be much easier if I did not have to change diapers? So I was wondering when she could toss the diapers?

This site will give you a basic understanding of when the time is right.

http://ezinearticles.com/?When-Should-I-Start-Potty-Training?&id=440574

And this one goes into more detail (I like this one).

http://www.pottytrainingconcepts.com/A-Potty-Training-Age-Readiness.html

Old Habits Die Hard

Old habits are hard to break, which is why it is extraordinarily difficult to quit biting your nails. I know, I've been there. Up until I was was about 15, I not only chewed on my nails, but I also chewed on the skin around them (which is really common among those who bite their nails). My fingers were almost always bloody and sore. On top of that, I never thought about how unsanitary it was. Give your fingers a break.

Why is biting your nails bad? When you bite your nails, you are putting all the germs that are caught under your nails IN YOUR MOUTH! And if you chew the skin around it, you are exposing your fingers to germs and risk an infection.

How do I stop? Sometimes all you need is to be more aware of where your hands are. When I absolutely need to remember something, I write it down in bright red on the back of my hand. I know it does not look very nice, but how could I miss that bright red on my hand? Try putting a bright and outrageous nail polish on. That way, when you bring your hand up to your mouth, you see the color and know to stop. If that isn't enough, some companies sell nail polish that tastes horrible. This way, you won't want to chew on your nails. I think it would be a better idea to dip your fingers in some vinegar and do that periodically throughout the day, seeing as we all know that that is safe and nontoxic. DO NOT DIP THEM IN ANYTHING SPICY. Sure, the taste will keep your fingers away from your mouth, but if you go up to rub your eye, you will be experiencing terrible pain for a few minutes (and you don't want that). If all else fails, you may need to take up a hobby. Just keep your hands busy and away from your teeth.

This really does require a lot of patience with yourself and a lot of effort. Before, I thought I had weak and ugly nails. Now, I enjoy the look and feel of long, strong nails. The time and effort is so worth it.

Ouch!

Bladder infections can be terribly painful and very annoying. They can be just a discomfort, or be really serious. The first site listed here will give you all the technical jargon on bladder infections.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/12494-bladder-infections/

And this site lists home remedies and prevention.

http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Urinary-Tract-Infection-(UTI).html

Our best friends

Many of us have our childhood friends that we have long conversations with on the phone. Or maybe it is your cousin or sibling. These people are good for our social health. But I am not talking about these people today, instead, I am talking about our furry friends. Many people out there think that they are too busy, or have too little a house or income to own a cat or dog. But many people out there still manage to do it, and they reap the benefits. That's right, there are far more benefits to having a canine or feline companion versus human companions. Read up on these benefits on the sites listed below and be amazed.

http://www.helpguide.org/life/pets.htm

http://stress.about.com/od/lowstresslifestyle/a/petsandstress.htm

Is organic worth it?

Organic offers you pesticide free product, true, but with an increased cost. So is the cleaner product really worth it, especially to those who must stretch every dollar? The site below is very informing and will really help me out next time I am walking through the produce at the market.

http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=4497016#

I hope you enjoy.

Is crying healthy?

The shedding of tears is often negatively looked upon by society. It is regarded as a sign of weakness, or a need for attention. I found 3 sites that explain what the purpose behind emotional tears are and the health benefits associated with it.

http://www.geocities.com/tcartz/crying.html

http://www.cyquest.com/good_cry.html

http://www.helium.com/items/339767-possible-health-benefits-of-crying

What did I gather from these? Letting them roll will leave you much happier and much healthier.

Stay Safe on Halloween

It is right around the corner, and any of us living with little ones know how much they anticipate it. We all also know that there are far more dangers that night than on a typical night. All adults should review the sites I have listed below for Halloween safety tips and in turn inform all those who will be participating (your children, younger brothers and sisters, your neighbor) to follow all the tips for a safer, much more enjoyable Halloween.

http://www.halloweenmagazine.com/rules.html

http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/

http://www.lacity.org/lafd/hween.htm

What is that smell?

Most of us want our shoes to last. But the problem that always makes us want to trash our footwear before it's their time is their horrid smell.

To prevent smelly shoes, you should always wear thick cotton socks to absorb sweat. With flip flops and flats, make sure that your feet are clean and that they have air to breath. If your shoes get wet, be sure they are completely dry before you wear them again. Toss them in a dryer for a few minutes. And be sure to sprinkle baking soda in your shoes to absorb any odors.

To rid your shoes of their smell, once again, sprinkle your shoes with baking soda and let them sit over night. You can also put some Gold Bond foot powder in your shoes to kill any fungus or bacteria that may be causing the smell.

So now you can keep your favorite pair of shoes.

For your occasional irregularity

We all have the occasional irregularity, but this irregularity is a very normal thing for many out there suffering from constipation.There are many causes, and many ways to relieve your constipation. I love the sites listed below because they highlight some commonly ignored advice and inform you on some causes and solutions that may have never crossed your mind.

http://www.colonhealthadvice.com/causes-of-constipation.html

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art14193.asp

When you have to leave

Far too many of my friends think that the behavior displayed by their partner in their relationship is normal. I am sure that they are convinced that whatever relationship they may be in is nothing out of the ordinary. If your significant other does anything this site list, you need to re-evaluate whether this person is really worth your love.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2091310_relationship-toxic-relationship-hurting.html#

Value yourself.

My keyboard isn't working

I'm using my onscreen keyboard. Here is a site on general keyboard problems.

http://support.gateway.com/s/tutorials/Tu_926437.shtml

What you should always have in your car

Admit it. Your car is your second home. You use it all the time. So shouldn't you be prepared in case something goes wrong? I have listed 10 things that you should always have in your car.

1) A cell phone. Definitely a must. Even an old cell phone without a carrier. As long as it is fully charged, you should be able to call 911.

2) The owners manual. This is a duh that many people don't give notice to. It will definitely be helpful with or without emergency.

3) Food and water. You may end up being stuck out in the middle of nowhere all day long.

4) Road flares. It lets other drivers who are passing know you need help and will prevent any more accidents.

5) Duct tape. Everyone knows how useful this is with most anything. Be sure to keep a roll with you.

6) First aid kit. If involved in an accident, it can be a lifesaver.

7) Flashlight. It is a necessity at night when making jump starting a car or changing a tire.

8) Jumper cables. To revive a dead battery and to be revived.

9) Blankets. It can get pretty chilly at night and you probably want to stay warm.

10) Toilet paper. When stuck in a rural area, it is way better than leaves.

Why they should be pulled

The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars to come in. They come in between the ages of 17 and 21. When they grow in, they can grow in perfectly fine and cause no troubles. However, more often than not, they cause many problems and need to be removed.

The potential problems are:

Crowding of teeth.
Damage to adjacent teeth.
Damage to nerves.
Damage to jawbone.
Make second molars vulnerable to decay.
Can stay trapped in gum (causing pain).
Can only partially breakthrough (causing pain and leaving you vulnerable to bacteria).
And misalignment of jaw.

How will they pull them out?

Your oral surgeon will numb the area around the teeth to be pulled. He will then remove any bone or tissue blocking the teeth. He will extract them with his fancy instruments and whatnot. And if necessary, he will then stitch you up to help you heal faster.

In any case, I think it is very worth the temporary pain to save you smile, and to save yourself any long term pain.

My sources:

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/wisdom-teeth

http://dentistry.about.com/od/preventionandtreatment/tp/wisdomteeth.htm

Its that time again

The time that comes every month (lady specific). Some of us out there have to deal with this to the full extent (painful cramping). I listed the sites below to help you find ways to relieve that pain.

http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/crampsmenstrual/ht/menstrualcramps.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_1960_relieve-menstrual-cramps.html#

Yoga

My grandmother practices yoga because she believes it is good for her health. I know that yoga can improve your flexibility, but I was not aware of all the benefits. So once again, I did the research.

Flexibility. Yoga stretches your muscles and relieves stiffness, tension, pain, and fatigue. It also allows more freedom in the motion of your joints and lubricates your joints.

Strength. Some styles of yoga are a bit more vigorous than what you would imagine. The aim of these styles is to build upper and lower body strength through specific poses that target your upper body, hamstrings, quadriceps, and abdominal muscles.

Posture. Yoga will strengthen your core making it more likely that you will stand tall and sit with better posture. You will also develop more awareness on your body and you will quickly notice when you are slouching.

There are many more benefits to yoga that I don't list here. You may read up on them on the sites listed below.

http://www.webmd.com/balance/the-health-benefits-of-yoga

http://yoga.about.com/od/beginningyoga/a/benefits.htm

Apples

I'm very big on health, which is funny cause I'm not big on fruits. So I thought I would research apples (seeing as supposedly an apple a day keeps the doctor away). And this is what I found to be most useful.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400279/eat-more-apples

http://www.helium.com/items/1226658-health-benefits-of-apples-apple-varieties-apples-health

So eat up.

Make your shoes last

I was walking around my campus today, and had to sit down and massage my heels. My shoes are so extraordinarily worn, hence the pain. I decided to find what I can on how to make your shoes last longer. Here's a site I found for that specifically. Enjoy.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2186588_extend-life-shoes.html#

Boost yourself

Cold weather is setting in, and that means getting your body better prepared for any sickness that may come along. The cold weakens your immune system, so its time to give it an extra boost.

There are 4 changes that need to be made to strengthen your system.

1) Eat a balanced diet. You need all the proper nutrition to keep your immune system in top quality.

2) Take your supplements. Especially Vitamin C. Your body needs it.

3) Exercise. You don't have to participate in a marathon. Just fit it in.

4) Sleep. you know better than to be staying up so late, and yet you still do it. It is needed to recharge your WHOLE body.

Don't fall prey to the cold or flu.

Dry air

So lately, I have been waking up with a sore throat. It's really dry and painful to swallow. I thought that for some odd reason, I was sleeping with my mouth open. But I noticed that my nasal passage was also dry. My grandmother had a bloody nose a few days ago and mentioned something about the air. I did my research, and I think that the air is too dry. So is your air dry?

What you need is a humidifier. I only wake up with a sore throat and it goes away after a few hours, so if this is the case for you, you should only run it when you sleep.

I happen to be lacking a humidifier, and I am also lacking the funds for one. Once again, if this is your case, I would suggest having a glass of water at your bedside. Drink some before you go to sleep, drink some if you wake up in the middle of the night, and drink some first thing in the morning.

This should help relieve some of the pain in your throat.

Just do it!

Yes. I know I just ripped Nike off. But in all seriousness, Nike knows what it's talking about. We all have procrastinated before, don't deny it. Procrastination is only as harmful as you let it be.

The three main causes for procrastination are a) the task is overwhelming b) the task is an unpleasant task and c) laziness and lack of motivation.

And your steps to beating procrastination.

1) Organize yourself. Anything can seem overwhelming when it is disorganized. Organize your work space and organize your thoughts. This leads to number two.

2) Write down your tasks. Write down all the tasks you have to accomplish and do the one you think is the most unpleasant, or else you will be putting it off by doing all the easier tasks first.

3) Break it up into small portions. You can't finish a sandwich in one bite, so you might not be able to finish a task on one go. You will feel like you are actually making progress versus feeling like you only made a ding in a project.

4) Give yourself little breaks, especially if you are doing something that isn't pleasant. These tasks can be mentally fatiguing and make your motivation quickly dwindle.

5) Reward yourself. Make sure the award isn't accessable before the task is finished, or else you may cheat.

I'm going to say this one more time because it is so true. Procrastination is only as harmful as you let it be.

Feeling light

I used to constantly be lightheaded. It's an occurrence that normally happens due to low blood pressure and poor circulation. It's an easy fix. Just get your heart going.

Stretch in the morning to help your circulation.

When you take your break at work, take a walk.

I know you here it all the time, but park farther away from where ever your destination is.

Take your dog for a walk. Seriously, you both probably need it.

When you talk on the phone, pace.

And when you have housecleaning to do, turn on some music and shake those hips.

It is such an easy fix, there is no excuse to let yourself be lightheaded.

Make Them Stronger

I have never really had a problem with the growth and strength of my fingernails, but I have had plenty of friends who have. This post is dedicated to them. From what I understand, weak nails can be just annoying, or extremely painful when ripped or torn. So what can you do to strengthen them?

Be sure to wear gloves when working with chemicals, because this will weaken you nails. If you happen to have misplaced your gloves, be sure to moisturize your hands afterwards (including your nails).

Better dieting. You need quite a few vitamins to keep your nails strong. These include A, B, C, D, and E. You also need plenty of calcium and fatty acids. If you feel like there is noting wrong with your diet, start to take a daily supplement, which will help your overall health as well.

Finally, use oil. Generally any oil will work (use some olive oil, you probably have some in the kitchen). Massage just a little bit into your cuticles and your nails. You should probably do this before you go to sleep, so that way you give it time to set into your nails (versus doing it any other time and then having to work wash your hands after the bathroom or washing the dishes).

I know that this is not a pressing issue, but it is one more minor inconvenience that you don't have to think about.

My source for this post:

http://www.carefair.com/Beauty/Nails/Growing_Nails_Faster_Stronger_Longer_5706.html

Focus!

Stress, anxiety, and frustration are all completely normal reactions to the high demands of life. It is normal and healthy to have some stress, however, it seems that stress never takes a day off, and this can take a heavy toll on your health. So what are you to do about your stress? I have done the research, and found that every relaxation and stress relief technique has one thing in common. They all require your focus. This is because when you have enormous stress in your life, your body releases the hormones that bring you back to your animal like fight or flight instinct (where you don't necessarily think all your actions through), hence poor stress management. Here is what you always need to do.

Take a step back. Analyze your emotions, and figure out if they are appropriate for the situation.

Isolate yourself from the situation.

Here are some options for relieving your stress.

Focus your mind purely on one image that relaxes you or makes you happy (both work just as well). If you need to, repeat calming words or a calming phrase as you focus your thoughts. Refuse to let your mind stray from that until you are sure that you can think clearly and respond appropriately.

Take steady breaths. They do not necessarily need to be deep (this can make you dizzy after a while) but they need to be evenly spaced and steady. Once again, focus. This time, focus solely on your breathing. Do this until you are sure that you ACTUALLY are fine.

Finally, lay down and progressively relax yourself. Most of you believe that when you do this, you have to relax your toes first, then your calves and thigh, and so on and so forth. However, it really is a better idea to go from your head to your toes. Why? You want to relax your mind first, then concentrate on everything else. As you are slowly relaxing yourself, be sure to take those steady breaths. You need to be sure to consciously make the choice to relax your muscles (you need to focus on the muscle to be relaxed for this). Don't forget to also concentrate on your breathing.

Overall, these techniques are among the most commonly advised, but tailor these to fit you. Or do something else completely (I play minesweeper because you have to concentrate on the numbers). As long as you are taking the focus off your stress.

Baking Soda

It's great to keep in your fridge for those nasty odors, but it is way more useful than you think it it.

In addition to getting rid of the odors in your fridge, it can also remove odors from your carpet, furniture, and you! Just apply it around the house where it is needed, leave for at least an hour, and vacuum up. Rub it on your feet, or under your arms for your B.O.

If you add baking soda to water, you can remove most stains from clothing.

If you make a paste with baking soda and water, it will clean most hard surfaces.

Add some to your bath and it will soften your skin.

Soak your hands and feet in warm water with baking soda, and you can smooth away your rough skin.

Brush your teeth and gargle with the stuff.

And finally, you can put out almost any fire by tossing some baking soda on it (probably something to keep in your car and kitchen).

You can find many more uses for it by searching on the web.

Yesterday

The power went out in my neighborhood yesterday. So went it got dark outside, it got dark inside. I wanted to study, but couldn't due to the lack of light. The day had turned to night to fast, and my family that depends so much on electricity, had all just gone to the backyard to relax. They couldn't do anything but relax. It was nice. And then, everyone went to sleep. I was asleep by 10:30.

I think that it was really funny the way it happened. My family is usually up until 1:00 in the morning, and everyone had a full night of sleep.

This is a bit of an addition to my last post. It is very easy for you to not feel sleepy when you are on your computer, or the bedroom light is on, or you're watching the television in the living room. I never gave too much thought to how much your environment can stimulate you, but yesterday showed me just how much influence your environment can have on whether or not you are tired. This may or may not work for you, but just try turning everything off when it gets dark outside for a full night of sleep. It definitely worked for my family.

You toss and turn

We all go through this every once in awhile. However, if it is something that you consider normal, there is something wrong. Before you talk to your doctor, ask yourself, "Is it something that I'm doing?"

Caffeine. I stay away from the stuff. You should try to limit your caffeine intake to morning hours only (anytime before noon). After that, you should not be consuming ANYTHING with caffeine. Why? The effects can last up to 7 hours, making it difficult to fall asleep.

Exercise. This is one of the few times that you will be told that exercise is bad. If you exercise strenuously before sleep, your sore achy muscles are going to keep you up. Instead, lower the intensity level and make it a morning routine (which can be a great way to wake you up).

Napping. If you are having a tough time sleeping, stop taking afternoon naps. This way, when you do go to bed, you will be more tired, and it should be easier to fall asleep.If you must nap, be sure that it is for no more than 20 minutes (after 20 minutes you go into a deep sleep).

Alcohol. It is tempting because it does make you sleepy and helps you to fall asleep, however, it disrupts your dream and deep-sleep stage, leaving very fatigued in the morning. If you are going to drink in the evening, be sure that your last drink is 2 to 3 hours before sleep.

If these changes are made, you should see a dramatic difference in your sleeping patterns.

Limited bathroom space

When so many people share one bathroom, trying to work with the space given can be a chore. so you can't actually make the bathroom bigger, so what can you do?

Tossing most of the product in your bathroom is a start. You should clean out what is under the sink and in the cabinet. Anything older than 2 years really should go. Then go through what you will actually use, don't waste space on something that you can't remember ever having used. As you are going through your bathroom, remove anything that doesn't belong in there, this means dirty clothes and shoes.

Don't have anywhere to hang the towels? Buy a coatrack. It will use vertical space, giving you more horizontal room.

Too little cabinet space? Places like Walmart and Bed Bath and Beyond sell stands with shelves that can go right over your toilet. Use that space.

Too many bottles in the shower? You can also buy racks that hand right off of your shower head or ones with suction cups that will stick to the wall.

I know working with a small space is not easy, but it is possible and you can make it manageable.

Night time grinding

If you wake up in the morning with a headache and sore jaw muscles, you could be grinding your teeth at night. This is called Bruxism, which is the unconscious clenching of your teeth during the day and/or grinding of your teeth at night. This is an interesting article to write because I grind my teeth at night. So what do you need to know about this condition?

Bruxism is fairly common with children and most of them will eventually grow out of it.

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night? Most people find out when their sleeping partner tells them that they are doing so. I found out when my dad woke me up to tell me I was grinding my teeth so hard, that he could hear it from across the house. If you wake up and have a dull headache and a tired jaw, you were probably grinding your teeth. Also, if your cheeks are constantly chewed up in the morning ,your tongue has indentations, and you have an earache, it is very likely that you are grinding your teeth.

What can be causing it? Anxiety, stress, suppressed anger, and frustration could all be causing this. It may be due to an abnormal alignment of your teeth, in which case, you should see your dentist. In children, it is mainly due to teething and the development of their teeth and jaw.

Is it harmful? Most of the time, Bruxism doesn't cause serious damage. But in severe cases, it will lead to damaged teeth, constant headaches and earaches, facial pain, and Temporomandibular disorders (problems with the joints located right in front of your ears).

What can I do about it? The cheap and easy way to go about it is to buy a mouth guard (it doesn't have to be anything special, just one that is used in sports) and to wear it at night. Typically, they won't stay in the first few nights. Fear not, not all hope is lost. It does take some time to adjust to sleeping with it, and eventually, you will wake up still wearing it. DO NOT buy a mouth guard for this if you suffer from sleep apnea, as it will only make that worse. As I said previously, you may need to see your dentist about this. He can make you a custom fit mouth guard that will not dislodge in your sleep. Also, you may just need to relieve whatever stress you may have.

Bruxism may not be a very pressing matter, but it need to be monitored for the sake of your smile.

It's your time

Many of us never have enough time to do the tasks we have obligated ourselves to efficiently AND time to rest. We all are only granted 24 hours per day, and yet, there are people out there who make it work. How is it that they make that possible?

The power of "No". It is a great way to deny drugs from strangers, but it is also a great way to keep yourself from adding more to your to do list. When someone asks if you could help them with some extra work, or your boss asks if you can take an extra shift, it is ok to say no.

Schedule your time. Figure out how much time you spend on the tasks you do every day, and do some time budgeting. Target you time wasters and unnecessary tasks and cut them out. Then give some of that time to the more important tasks. When making your day to day schedule, give yourself some in between time so that way there is extra time for unexpected obstacles.

Make sure others know your schedule. This will let them know when it is appropriate to contact you, and when not to bother you, eliminating time wasted on little distractions.

Most importantly, give yourself some "me time". Without this, you will quickly lose motivation to keep up with your schedule.

After the accident...

With so many cars on the roads, there are going to be car accidents, guaranteed. On top of that, many drivers are very lazy and very reckless, so accidents will happen often. So do you know what you are supposed to do when you are involved in an accident?

First of all, Stay calm. Panicking will make the situation much worse. Make sure no one is hurt. If there are any serious injuries, you can only help the person if they are in danger and only if you have their permission. Otherwise, wait until the proper authorities arrive.

Once the police get there, you need to file a full report with them. Discuss the accident ONLY with the police.

Be sure to get the important information. This includes names, address', phone numbers, description of car(s), license plate numbers, vehicle identification numbers, and their insurance companies.

And finally call your insurance company as soon as possible. Preferably at the scene so an officer may assist in providing accurate information.

Following these steps will definitely make the whole process easier to handle. Commute safely and be smart.

Portion size, It's a big deal

We are a nation of overweight and obese people. A lot of this can be blamed on our need to go out to eat rather than stay in, or wanting to microwave dinner rather than cook it. I was never overweight, but I was a big eater. I was afraid that one day it would catch up to me and put my health in jeopardy. But what was I supposed to do. I wasn't satisfied until I had two or three servings of dinner. I had to do something.

I chose to limit my servings. It sounds simple enough, but it was so extraordinarily difficult. I went from 2 plates at dinner to just 1. I went to sleep hungry. But I kept to it. Eventually, the hunger went away, AND I no longer had to wiggle my way into my pants. I kept at it and took it a step further. I decreased my portion sizes, and I lost more weight. Over 3 months, I lost 16 pounds.

My rule now is to serve my dinner on the smallest plate in the house (that way I don't obligate myself to a big plate of food and eat more than I should), and if I am still hungry after that, it is ok to go back for seconds. Now don't take my advice and limit yourself to a hardboiled egg for dinner. That's unhealthy. But consider the amount you are eating now and ask yourself if how much you are eating is healthy.

Your bad breath

If you have to go out to buy gum, Altoids, or Tic Tacs every week, you need to find a better way to treat your bad breath. Here are a few simple ways to improve your breath.

When you brush your teeth, brush your tongue as well. Bacteria will breed on the tongue if it is not brushed. Be sure to get the back of the tongue as this area of the tongue is often neglected.

Drink more water. You need to be properly hydrated to produce saliva (or at least the right amount of saliva) which is your how your body combats the odor causing bacteria in your mouth. Drink more water after meals especially. This will help to wash down some of the leftover food particles in your mouth that can cause bacteria growth. Assuming you brush your teeth 2 times a day, another way to get those particles out is to floss.

Quit smoking. Ok, this isn't so simple, but smoking drys out your mouth (no saliva) and has a terrible odor of its own.

Food can be causing your bad breath. Your mouth is the first place where your food breaks down, so if you have bad breath from this, relax, it should only be temporary.

With your fear of bad breath dwindling, you can now conjure up the confidence to talk to the cutie next to you at the office (or school).

Sunscreen and you

When summer comes around, News Anchors, newspapers, and magazines start advising you to use sunscreen. It isn't bad information, but it leads people to think that sunscreen is only needed during summer. You need the know how on sunscreen.

Who should use sunscreen? Everyone. It does not matter your race and skin color.

What do you look for when buying sunscreen? The sun protecting factor (SPF) should be at least 15 (which protects you against 93% UVB rays). SPF 30 blocks 97%. I have fair skin, so I normally buy a higher SPF because it makes me feel better. Make sure your sunscreen provides protection against UVA AND UVB rays. This is usually indicated with the words broad spectrum. Both types of rays are dangerous, so make sure you're covered. I recommend that you always get the waterproof sunscreen.

How do you use sunscreen? Apply your sunscreen to all areas that will be exposed to the sun. So don't forget about your ears, hands, feet, and the back of your neck. When you apply sunscreen, apply a generous amount and completely rub it into your skin (it needs to be absorbed to work). Also, be sure to apply it about 20 minutes before you go outside (it needs time to be absorbed). Girls, apply sunscreen BEFORE you apply make-up. You also have the option of buying make-up with SPF, but it won't be as effective. Guys, your scalp can burn, and I know you won't be applying sunscreen there, so be sure to wear a cap. And always reapply sunscreen about every 2 hours.

When do you use sunscreen? This was last because it is the most important bit of information. You should use sunscreen EVERYDAY. Even when it is cloudy outside. UV rays can penetrate clouds, so it is absolutely necessary to be wearing your sunscreen.

Remember, you can prevent skin cancer simply by using sunscreen.

The cost of communication.

It seems like everyone has a cell phone nowadays. It is a convenient thing to have. But the price to be paid can be hideous. I have had plans with at&t and verizon. Both provided me above average service. But I was limited to how and when I could use it. Free minutes are only after nine. Unlimited domestic texts, but only 500 outside the network texts. Pic messages cost double the amount text messages are. It was absolutely ridiculous. I switched and saved a bunch of money. I just think more people should know about it.

MetroPCS has plenty of locations all over the U.S. and quality service. There are no contracts and the plans are extraordinarily flexible. I found a plan that works for me, and I never have to worry about anything. MetroPCS provides you with great service, a variety of features, and an amazingly low price. The only downside to them is the price of their phones, but i think it is totally worth it.

Low on time

How often do you find yourself rushing around the house in the morning looking for papers, bags, and that missing shoe five minutes after you were supposed to leave for work, school, or that appointment??? Most of us are not morning people, and having to think about being ready does not make the morning any better. It doesn't have to be this way.

Pack your lunch the night before and doggy bag it. Put it in the fridge and it will be ready to go in the morning.

Check the weather report every night and pick out your next days outfit.

Make sure that all appropriate papers, pencils, books, and other materials are packed away in your bag, purse, or briefcase.

And most importantly, as you are laying down to sleep, if you remember that you have something else you need ready for the next day, do not put it off until then! You will probably forget it. Get out of bed and get it ready. I cannot tell you how many times this has happened to me. But I have yet to regret it.

In need of energy...

It seems that it is a normal thing to be lacking the energy to take the dog for a walk, or to do that list of chores, or even to stay awake during class. A big cause of this lack is bad dieting. However, most people loathe the word diet and hate having to do it even more. So what is to be done then? Small changes are to be made. Honestly, you will probably like these changes.

Nuts...

Nuts are a great source of healthy fat and protein, which to my understanding provides you with hours of energy.

Whole grains...

They have complex carbohydrates which are amazing energy boosters.

Fruit...

Natural sugars take longer to metabolize than processed sugar.

I know. This is the stuff everyone tells you. So how do you add it in AND enjoy it?

Have toast with peanut butter in the morning. It will wake you up and keep you up. And it is sooo delicious. If you don't have time for your toaster, grab an apple or banana on your way out the door. And carry a small bag of walnuts with you throughout your day. They are great for snacking and will get you through the afternoon without the crash of energy drinks and caffeine.

So wake up!

new at this

This is new to me. So I spent awhile trying to figure out how to start this. I want this to be about overall improvement of ones day to day life. I finally decided that the best thing for me to put out there first is a few safety tips.

My dad had a friend who sent these to him, and he printed it out for me.

Always take the elevator. Stairwells are a crimespot and you do not want to find yourself alone in one.

If you ever feel like someone is threatening your safety, use your elbow. It is one of the strongest points of your body. Take advantage of that.

And lastly, do not ever just sit in your car. Predators look out for people doing this. Don't be a victim.

I guess that's it for now.