How to Cure Bad Dandruff

Dandruff are small pieces of dead skin in a person’s hair. People sometimes get very embarrassed when they see the dandruff on their clothes from falling out of their hair.  It is a very common scalp condition.  It is not contagious however it can become annoying and difficult to treat.

Mild cases can be cured by a shampoo with a gentle cleanser like Head and Shoulders. More stubborn cases of dandruff often respond to medicated shampoos.

Babies get dandruff but it is called cradle cap. This disorder, which causes a scaly, crusty scalp, is most common in newborns, but it can occur anytime during infancy. Although it can be frightening for parents, cradle cap isn’t dangerous and usually clears up on its own by the time a baby is 3 years old.  Using a certain shampoo and/or cream on the babies head should help this condition.

You can always visit a dermatologist and get some advice on what to use on your head/hair if over the counter shampoos do not work.

 

How to Fix Smelly Feet

Whether it be summer or winter, your body sweats including your feet.  It can be from the heat and/or stuffing your feet into boots for a long period of time.  Did you know that the bacteria that live on your skin and in your shoes eats your sweat.

There are a few things you can do at home to get rid of the bacteria and get your clean and non-smelly feet back.  Here they are:

1. Soak your feet in saltwater-  In a tub or large bowl of warm water, dissolve 1/2 to 1 c kosher salt. Soak your feet for 20 minutes. Do this every day for two weeks.
2. Add some vinegar – Mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a tub or large bowl. Soak your feet for 30 minutes once a day for a week.
3. Tea Bath – The acid in the tea closes your pores, reducing the amount you’ll sweat ant it also acts as a natural antibiotic, killing the bacteria on your feet. Add two black tea bags to 1 pint of water and boil for 15 minutes. Add 2 quarts of cool water, and then pour the solution into a tub or large bowl. Soak your feet for 30 minutes. Do this once a day for a week.
   

   TIPS for your Shoes  –  Lysol them everyday, use a powder like cornstarch and/or bring a change of socks and change throughout the day.

Why Does Asparagus Make Your Urine Smell?

Do you ever notice a nasty smell coming from your urine after you have eaten asparagus?  You are not alone.

Asparagus contains a compound called mercaptan which is also found in rotten eggs, onions and garlic. When your digestive system breaks down mercaptan, perfumes are released that cause the strange smell.

So don’t worry, its totally normal.  Once the asparagus is out of your system you will return to normal.

 

How to Treat Motion Sickness

People who have motion sickness likely treat it via home remedies such as ginger, peppermint and tea.

There are also over the counter medications that help/treat/prevent motion sickness such as:

1. Dramamine
2. Bonine
3. Phenergan, Phenadoz
4. Benadryl
5. Marezine

Before taking any of the medications listed above, you should always read the side effects that include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurry vision, and occasionally disorientation. Therefore, these medications should not be taken by people who drive vehicles or operate heavy equipment. 

taking the medications above can prevent motion sickness so therefore you take the meds before you experience the motion sickness.

If you do not wish to take over the counter medications or prescriptions, there are other alternatives to help prevent motion sickness:

• 24 hours before traveling eat a light meal.
• When flying on an airplane sit towards the front of the plane.
• If you are traveling on a boat, get a cabin in the front of the boat and the upper part of the boat.
• When traveling in a car, sit in the front seat.
• Turn air vents toward your face when on a plane, train and/or car.
• No smoking.

 

At what age should I begin getting mammograms?

A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast.

Mammograms can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. This type of mammogram is called a screening mammogram. Screening mammograms usually involve two x-ray pictures, or images, of each breast. The x-ray images make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. Screening mammograms can also find microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium) that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer.

Mammograms can also be used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found. This type of mammogram is called a diagnostic mammogram. Besides a lump, signs of breast cancer can include breast pain, thickening of the skin of the breast, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape; however, these signs may also be signs of benign conditions. A diagnostic mammogram can also be used to evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants.

According to the American Cancer Society:

Informed decision-making with a health care provider ages 40-44

Every year starting at age 45-54

Every 2 years (or every year if a woman chooses to do so) starting at age 55, for as long as a woman is in good health

Can My Diet Really Help to Prevent Breast Cancer?

Dieting cannot prevent anyone from getting breast cancer.  However, some foods can boost your immune system and help keep your risk low.   Keeping healthy and exercerising in general can help to lower your risk of cancer. The top ways to lower your risk is:

1. No Smoking
2. Limit Alcohol
3. Don’t be Overweight
4. Exercise
5. Breastfeeding
6. Avoid exposure to radiation

 

Should I Avoid Soy?

Soy contains phytoestrogens-compounds found in whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and many other botanicals, fruits, and vegetables, which have a mild estrogenic effect. These foods are often associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer, as well as reduced cancer recurrence.

The debate has become heated at times regarding the breast cancer/soy controversy. The issue is complex, with some studies showing that eating soy early in life can reduce breast cancer risk. Conversely, the consumption of concentrated soy extracts has been shown to increase the proliferation of breast cancer cells in some studies. And other studies show a protective and/or neutral effect from eating whole soy foods.

Eat whole soy foods like edamame and tofu in moderation-no more than a few servings per week. Fermented soy foods such as miso and tempeh are even better options. And avoid soy protein isolates and supplements containing concentrated soy isoflavones.

 

Why is Vitamin C important for the body?

Vitamin C is absolutely necessary for healthy skin. “It is a powerful antioxidant that can help combat free radicals from environmental aggressors, and also is essential for healthy collagen production.

Aside from getting your daily dose from fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, and pineapple, you can also apply it topically or take supplements but it’s important to know the difference between the two. When taking supplements internally, look for those with L-ascorbic acid. It’s more beneficial to the body when taken internally.

Topically, use ascorbyl palmitate, the ester of vitamin C.  It is oil soluble, which means it can penetrate the skin’s barrier layer; it is not acidic, which means it is non-irritant and actually has an anti-inflammatory effect; and it does not break down or oxidize quickly, so its benefits last much longer than L-ascorbic acid.” Just be cautious of vitamin C products and the sun, as they’re known to cause photosensitivity. Use them at night for the best results.

Vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It helps the body make collagen, which is an important protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.

What makes kids healthier?

Did you know that dogs are the ones responsible for making your kids healthier.  Yes, dogs teach kids responsibility and offer unconditional love. They also provide another lesser known perk too. According to a new Swedish study, kids who grow up with dogs are less likely to develop asthma and their risk is especially ow if they spend time with a pooch while they are still toddlers.  Dog dander may help boost kids immunity, making them less prone to having breathing problems later in life.