What we need to know about greying hair

Greying hair is considered to be a natural course of action as this may accompany aging. For some, greying of hair is just so fine because it gives them this distinctive appeal and trademark. But on life’s other side, people may view it in a negative perspective. Group of people subscribe to the thought that greying of one’s hair is equivalent to aging especially if it happens prematurely. In effect, an impaired body image plus a low self esteem is likely to happen. The truth is,the reason for having premature grey hair is influenced by both known and unknown factors. In most cases, premature grey hair is linked with too much and unmanaged stress, thyroid aberrations, imbalanced diet, deficiency in vitamins (B to be more specific) and heavy smoking. One piece of evidence that is also accountable for development of grey hair is genetics. An individual’s hair colour is determined by pigment called melanocytes. These are group of cells responsible for the greying process. When these cells deteriorate or in worst case die, the appearance of whitish hair may now set in.

How to deal?

Fortunately, various interventions are available to counteract your worries about greying hair. Take these considerations:

• Well this is the easiest of them all: Rush to your nearest beauty store and grab the latest hair dye that will surely match you. Consider your skin colour when choosing and assuredly you will be looking at your best. Now, you have the hair you have always dreamed of.
• If you do not want yourself to be accustomed using different chemicals which may harm your system, look at your way of living, check your diet and scrutinize unhealthy habits. Take daily dose of your multivitamins especially the ones with Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A.
• Routine hair care is of great help. Shampoo and condition your hair regularly. Avoid using harmful chemicals. Dilute shampoo into amounts of water.
• The use of gooseberry shampoo has been said to prevent greying of hair. There is no harm in trying so try it now. To have the preparation, cut the fruit and have it dried. Once done, place them in a bowl containing coconut oil until the consistency changes. Apply immediately on a damp or wet hair.
• Ginger can aid to a healthy hair. Make sure to add this to your diet each day.
• Butter milk plus teaspoons of yeast and some wheat germ prevents premature hair discoloration.
• Drink lots of fluid, avoid vices and do not forget to eat fruits and vegetables to maintain not only a healthy hair but a strong immune system.

A grey hair may be avoided but remember aging is an inevitable part of life. To counteract and fight the signs of aging, always maintain a homeodynamic (balance) state by practicing a healthy lifestyle and consistently promoting wellness.

If people with a sensitive personality can be grouchy, so are people with sensitive skin. An itchy rash or bump can easily make a person snappish. People with sensitive skin have uncontrollable immune systems. They react to certain products, very cold or very warm weather and these may lead to itching, scratching, redness, or burning sensation.

Beauty Products and Anti-aging Creams

People who consult a dermatologist because of skin sensitivity are growing by the number. There are many factors behind this. Women for example, in some point of their lives, experience hormonal fluctuations that may cause skin changes. They are most likely to indulge in products that may contain harmful ingredients. Women are also using more strong exfoliants and anti-aging creams that may cause irritation of the skin. So if you want to have a healthy, happy skin, stay away from harsh products. Know how to choose which ones are hypoallergenic or consult your dermatologist before using anti-aging creams.

Scents

What may be good for your nose may be bad for your skin. You can blame fragrances for making your skin go crazy. It is best to choose fragrance-free products or those with the words hypoallergenic or formaldehyde-free on their labels. If you can’t live without your favorite perfume, you can try to place your dress or shirt on top of your bed, spray a little of your fragrance and let it dry on your clothes before getting dressed.

Chemicals and Emulsifiers in Soaps and Cleansers

These products may leave your skin clean but they contain certain substances that can be harmful to your skin. Sodium lauryl sulfate for example is an emulsifier that is found in soaps and cleansers. It removes oil and dirt from your skin but it also get rids of precious lipids.

Antibacterial agents in soaps such as tetrasodium EDTA and triclosan can cause skin dryness. Using soaps that contain this harsh ingredient can suck up moisture from your skin causing itchiness and peeling.

Use soaps that are specially made for sensitive skin. These products have an ingredient known as sodium laureth sulfate. Just make sure you read the label and you’re getting laureth not lauryl. Lauryl is the one that is common and is irritating to your skin.

The Environment

Too much exposure to the sun is not good to normal skin, more so to sensitive skin. Daylight can expose your skin to ultraviolet rays that can cause protein mutation and leads to cell damage and photosensitivity. Fight the rays of the sun and protect yourself with sunblock daily. Use physical blocks that has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These can be perfect for your fragile skin.

Cold air during the winter can be bad for your skin too. They take out water from your skin leaving it dry, itchy and cracked. Use a moisturizer that has glycerin. Glycerin can bring back hydration and prevents moisture from escaping from your skin.

Premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual tension is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms related to a woman’s menstrual cycle. Almost 80 percent of us women complain of mild premenstrual cramps every month. And dealing with the discomfort is easier said and done.

Those breast tenderness, killer cramps, abdominal bloating and mood swings do not have to rule your monthly cycle. Things can be done to relieve pain, whether it is just mild or a torment; here are ways on how you can win over PMS:

1. Shake the salty habit. Our body normally stores sodium because if a woman’s egg gets fertilized by a man’s sperm, the baby will have all the fluids and electrolytes his fragile body needs. And so to avoid bloating, skip sodium laden foods especially processed food products a few days before your body begins to hold water.
2. Enroll in yoga class. Yoga helps relieve both psychological and physical symptoms of PMS. A recent study proves that exercise, relaxation and stress management have roles in the treatment of PMS, all of which you can achieve when practicing yoga.
3. Load up on fiber. The hormones responsible for premenstrual cramping are also the same hormones that can cause contraction in your intestinal walls leading to diarrhea. It is wise to eat foods rich in fiber to add bulk to your stool. Good sources of fiber include vegetables, bananas and oatmeal. Fiber also helps us to stay full longer which can prevent premenstrual food craving.
4. Combine Milk and Vitamin D. A study conducted at the University of Columbia states that 600 mgs of calcium ( 1 glass of milk + 1 cup of yogurt) 2 times a day can prevent premenstrual cramps, fatigue and mood swings. The best way you can get calcium is thru intake of dairy products such as milk and cheese. However, if you are lactose intolerant, you can take in calcium supplements combined with Vitamin D for better absorption.
5. Swim. A 20 to 30-minute swim can prevent bloating because the pressure of the water pushes the fluid back into the blood stream which in turn prevents unwanted swelling.
6. Take in meds if necessary. You can ask your doctor to give you prescriptions of painkillers such as Treximet which does not only relieve PMS cramps but it can also ease migraines. You can also take in an antidepressant to lift a low mood. But it is important to know that you need to talk to your health care provider first before taking any medications. And these medications should only be taken if necessary.

Chest congestion is a common condition that may result from or is related to other diseases conditions such as the common cold, heart or respiratory diseases. Chest congestion is a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest area.  It may be because of difficulty of breathing or a restricted air flow. Literally, chest congestion means that there is an obstruction in the transport of oxygen to the lungs. Symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that’s why it is best to seek medical care because the causes can be fatal if ignored.

Even though chest congestion doesn’t always involve difficulty of breathing, most often than not, this is the case. Fluid and mucus build-up in the lungs make it hard for a person to breathe.  Chest congestion is very painful and may be accompanied by cough which is the body’s way of ejecting excess fluid from the lungs.

Symptoms of chest congestion include coughing, difficulty of breathing, wheezing, dizziness, chest pain, bloody sputum and discomfort. In order for your doctor to give a specific diagnosis, several tests such as x-rays, blood tests, ct-scan, and pulmonary function tests are required.

Chest congestion is a symptom of other disease conditions, one of which is the common cold. Asthma, lower respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, lung cancer, croup, and allergic reactions may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract and accumulation of fluids in the lungs leading to chest congestion.

There are no home remedies for chest congestion but any natural cure can simply help in relieving some symptoms of chest congestion especially those caused by the common cold or cough. It is important to remember that these natural cures are not alternatives for medical care. Some cases caused by life-threatening medical conditions like lung cancer need prompt medical attention.

Treating chest congestion naturally involves herbal medicines and natural expectorants. Herbal teas like chamomile and ginger teas are proven effective in relieving chest congestion. Steam inhalation is also equally effective. You can use a nebulizer or you can boil water, place it in a basin and inhale the steam. The steam helps loosen the phlegm making it easy to cough out. Others put drops of eucalyptus oil into the water before inhaling the steam. Eucalyptus is well-known for treating respiratory problems. Other oils you can use are peppermint and lavender.

We all know that drinking a cup of tea, getting a long overdue pedicure and pampering yourself with a full-body massage can do wonders with your stressed-out self. But we are giving you a few more tips on how you can lower your stress levels.

Epsom Salt

If your feet are tired from walking all day, soaking them in a solution of water and Epsom salt can relieve the muscle pain, removes certain odors and softens your feet. For added spa-like experience you can try adding flower petals. Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral from water. It is commonly known as magnesium sulfate. Epsom salt is used for cleansing and exfoliating skin. It is also effective in treating minor sprains and bruises.

Acupressure

Acupressure can relieve stress by using massage techniques to target key points on our skin’s surface. It is also very effective in relieving headaches as well. You can massage the spot where your head hurts or you may ask a family member or your partner to do it for you. Massaging your palm and your inner arm can also help calm your tired nerves.

Lemon, Lavender and Mango

Try sniffing these and feel more relaxed. They contain a substance called linalool which is the chemical found to change brain chemistry and reduces one’s stress.

Bubble Gum

Believe it or not, chewing a gum can increase your alertness and helps quell your anxiety. It also lowers the stress hormone cortisol. However, make sure you choose a sugar free gum.

Quiet Time

Stay in a quiet place, sit down while you relax your shoulders and flop your arms. Starting with your feet, try to relax each muscle as you breathe slowly and deeply. You will feel stress slowly melts away.

Turn Up the Music

Recent studies have shown that listening to music can have a positive effect on stress. But you don’t have to listen to Mozart if he’s not your favorite. Choose the best music that can calm your nerves down and listen at a reasonable level. Scientists say that the music’s beat is the one that calms us down as it imitates our mother’s heartbeat when we’re still in the womb.

Stomach bloating is a common condition that most of us will likely experience in some point of our lives.  It is also known as abdominal distension since there is an abnormal swelling or an increased in diameter of the abdominal area. A person with a bloated stomach feels a tight abdomen that may result to abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and a bloody stool. Others symptoms of bloating are flatulence, shortness of breath and lower back pain.

Bloating may have several causes but the most common is the accumulation of fluids and intestinal gas inside the abdominal cavity. Foods that are not digested and inadequate water intake can also cause bloating. Other common causes include lactose intolerance, dysmenorrhea, food allergy, constipation, and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and dumping syndrome.

If you want to beat bloating without taking medications there are natural ways to reduce abdominal distention. Walking after eating a big meal for example is a good way to push food contents down the bowels. Working out is another way of dealing with bloating as exercise releases hormones that can encourage activity in the bowels.

You can also use herbs such as Sweet Fennel, Pasque Flower and Burdock, to cleanse or detoxify the digestive system, work out a weak digestion and remove gas.

Here are other tips to help you relieve stomach bloating:

1. Try to eat slowly and change your bad food habits.
2. Reduce intake of buffalo milk. An ounce of undigested milk can produce a gallon of air.
3. Limit antibiotics intake. Antibiotics can destroy harmless bacteria in our digestive tract that aids in food digestion. Always consult your doctor before taking any antibiotics.
4. Cut your sugar and salt intake. Too much sugar and salt content in processed foods can cause stomach bloating.
5. If your stomach bloating is caused by menstruation, try taking herbal teas. These can be good diuretics.
6. Avoid large evening meals as these can create acid and produce stomach bloating.

Who wouldn’t want to go swimming with the whole family or go hiking out with friends on a nice summer day? Yes it is difficult to resist the sunshine but soaking yourself too much under the heat of the sun comes with a price. You can end up having a bad sunburn. Your skin can get inflamed and the affected area becomes red, hot and sore. In some cases the outer layer of the skin dries up, peels off and may cause itchiness. Over exposure to the sun causes our skin to age more quickly and may increase the risk of skin cancer. It is best to put on a sunscreen every time you need to go under the sun.

There are also tried and tested ways to remedy sunburn. Try these 8 tips to soothe the nasty sunburn:

1. Soak the affected area in cold water or apply a cold compress over the area for 15 minutes. These can effectively reduce the inflammation and provides quick relief from heat.
2. If you have burns all over your body, you can try taking a dip in cold water. For best results, you can grind colloidal or organic oatmeal and add it to your bath. Oatmeal is a well- known treatment for sunburns. It prevents blistering, peeling and tenderness.
3. Try a green tea compress. Boil green tea and let it cool. Get a small cloth, soak in the tea and place it over the sunburned area. There is a substance in green tea that helps relieve swelling.
4. Cool up with mint. Make use of the cooling powers of mint to quell the heat of a sunburn. Combine 2 drops of peppermint oil with warm water. Let it cool and use as a compress.
5. Rubbing a slice of cucumber over the burned spot is one natural way of reducing the swelling and helps cool the area.
6. Sunburns can be itchy. You can make use of vinegar to treat itchiness. Soak paper towels in vinegar and place over the affected area. Leave the towels in place until they dry up. You can also mix baking soda and vinegar and apply it over sunburned areas before going to bed at night.
7. For severe sunburns you can sprinkle cornstarch over your bed to prevent painful chaffing.
8. Apply aloe vera gel.

Measles is a very contagious virus with serious complications. Patients with measles who receive treatment in the hospital or clinic are quickly put into isolation to limit exposure to this fatal virus. However, those with uncomplicated cases are often recommended to stay home.

Identifying Measles

Measles is caused by a group of virus which are responsible for many acute respiratory diseases. It is transmitted thru coughing or sneezing or when a person gets in contact with infected nasal secretions. Symptoms will appear a week or two after exposure. These symptoms include high grade fever, cough, sore eyes, runny nose and rashes. The rash usually starts from the person’s hairline down to his body. The disease is considered communicable from four days before the onset of the rash or up to four days after the rashes erupt. And it is more common in children than in adults.

Homecare for Uncomplicated Measles

There is no specific treatment for measles. However, complications such as pneumonia, bloody diarrhea and ear infection are treated with prescribed antibiotics. Patients with mild cases are provided with supportive care at home. Home care becomes successful with adequate food and fluids to fight dehydration that may result from high grade fever or diarrhea.

Here are some tips when caring for a person with measles:

1. Provide comfort. The room should be well-ventilated. Make sure the patient is not too hot and not too cold. Avoid using thick blankets and dress him in cool, comfortable clothes. To fight off measles, complete bed rest is important. Avoid bright lights and make the room a little dimmer to induce sleep.
2. Proper hydration. Offer him more fluids. Encourage breastfeeding if the patient is an infant.  Sips of water can relieve a dry and sore mouth. Rehydrating solution is recommended for those with diarrhea.
3. Manage fever. Monitor the person’s temperature. Fever can be relieved with antipyretics. Gentle sponge baths is also effective in lowering down body temperature.
4. Nutritional Support. Aside from adequate hydration, encourage intake of nutritious foods in small frequent feeding. Soups are ideal for these are easily digestible.
5. Relieve itchiness from rash. Though itching is not common in measles, some patients complain of itchiness. Make sure their hands are clean and finger nails are trimmed. A warm bath may be given as long as the person is no longer feverish. Do not apply anything without doctor’s advice, as lotion and ointment may complicate the rash.
6. Make use of saline nasal drops for stuffy nose. Humidifiers can relieve cough and soothe congested nasal passages. Medications can be given as long as they are prescribed by your doctor.
7. Clean watery eyes with clean cotton swab with water. Discharges may be wiped off the same way. Antibiotic eye ointment is given by doctors if eye symptoms become severe.