Healthy Body

Before any race or any sports activity at all notice how all the athletes go through the process of warming up. Not only is it essential but also it can prevent serious injury.

Here are some suggestions on how to warm up in the winter and why it is important.

Essentially, experts recommend a warm up first before going outside. The cold will stiffen the muscles furthering the chances of injury.
Do not wear tight outfits but dress in layers. In this way, you can remove each layer as needed. Wear cotton as the underlying layer since it will absorb most of the moisture as you sweat.

Begin by walking up and down stairs in your home or jogging in place. This will get the blood flowing and ready for the exercise routine. Try not to sweat before beginning an exercise routine. There is a chance of catching a cold when going outdoors.

Another suggestion by experts is to take a really hot shower. This will not only warm you but will prepare the body for the workout to come.

If exercising during the winter, you may not wish to go outdoors and exercise – especially in the morning when staying under the bedcovers seems the best thing to do. While understandable, try engaging in some sort of activity that will get you moving. Some experts recommend a yoga session to prepare for the upcoming workout.

It is equally important to cool down after an exercise program. Utilize stretching and breathing exercises to bring down heart rate. If it is especially cold outside remove all clothing immediately and take a hot shower. Have a nice bowl of chicken soup and continue on with your daily routines.

Sinus problems are a very common ailment. Allergies, nasal irritants and colds can all trigger sinus trouble. When a large amount of mucus is present in the sinuses, it can easily lead to a sinus infection.

Doctors prescribe antibiotics to those with sinus infections. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they don’t and when the antibiotics don’t do their job, the bacteria could become resistant to them. That means that you’ll need stronger antibiotics and they may or may not do the job. If they don’t work, you’ll need even stronger ones. This can lead to long-term antibiotic use and that kills the good bacteria in your system, possibly leading to other health problems.

Because of these potential problems, many sinus sufferers are hesitant to use antibiotics. There are herbal remedies that may provide relief. They have fewer side effects and less potential for complications.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful herbal antibiotic. It must be diluted in warm water before use. You can make a nasal spray out of it and use it every hour or two.

You can also dilute grapefruit seed extract and use it in a neti pot. A neti pot is a ceramic pot that is used to flush out the sinuses. It may be hard to get the hang of, but this method gets the grapefruit seed extract up into your sinuses, making it more likely to work quickly.

Garlic

Garlic kills bacteria and fungi. No matter which one is causing your sinus infection, garlic can help. It is best used fresh but the cloves must be crushed in order to obtain maximum effectiveness.

If you can’t stand to eat raw garlic, you could juice a couple of cloves and add the juice to a more palatable vegetable juice. It is crucial to use fresh, raw garlic and not garlic pills. These are not nearly as potent and will likely be ineffective on tough sinus infections.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Many people find apple cider vinegar effective in helping to prevent sinus infections. Drinking 1/8 to 1/4 cup per day diluted in water thins the mucus, making it less likely that an infection will form. If you already have an infection this can help increase drainage and decrease congestion.

Another thing that many have found effective is boiling equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, removing it from the stove, and inhaling the vapors. This will relieve congestion in addition to helping get rid of the infection.

Many people suffer from sinus problems every winter. The next time you get a sinus infection try using an herbal remedy. It might get rid of your sinus infection with fewer side effects and less expense than antibiotics.

Ingredients:

2 cups vanilla fat-free yogurt
2 medium bananas cut into chunks
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup orange juice

Instructions:

Place banana chunks and strawberries in blender. Blend on low until broken up. Add yogurt and orange juice. Continue blending on high until mixture is smooth. Serve immediately.

Cold weather presents a number of dangers to those who venture outside. One of the most dangerous things that occur during freezing weather is hypothermia. Victims often do not realize that they are in danger until it is too late. Once hypothermia sets in, they may find it difficult to think clearly, making a bad situation worse.

The best way to combat hypothermia is to prevent it in the first place. Dressing in layers of warm, loose clothing and keeping your head covered are the most important things you can do. Staying active enough to keep warm but not tiring yourself out is also important. Even if you do all of these things it is still important to know the signs of hypothermia. Here they are:

* Uncontrollable Shivering – When you shiver the body is attempting to generate heat because it is too cold. If shivering doesn’t subside quickly that’s your body’s way of telling you that you need to seek a source of heat.

* Fatigue – Hypothermia victims will begin to feel tired or lethargic. They may also develop a sense of apathy. These symptoms make it more difficult for victims to seek help.

* Decreased Coordination – Those suffering from hypothermia become uncoordinated. They often stumbling about and become unable to do things with their hands that would normally be easy.

* Confusion – This is one of the most dangerous symptoms of hypothermia. Victims lose their ability to think coherently and make decisions. They may mumble or speak incoherently. Their mental state could render them unable to fend for themselves.

First Aid for Hypothermia

Venturing out for long periods in freezing temperature it is important not to be alone. If you fall victim to hypothermia, having someone with you could be the difference between life and death. It is much easier to recognize the signs in someone else than it is to recognize them in yourself.

If you or someone you know shows signs of hypothermia, prompt treatment is critical. Here is what needs to be done:

* Lay the person flat and keep them warm. Remove wet clothing if possible and replace it with dry clothes. Wrap the person in blankets. Be as gentle as possible because rough handling could cause cardiac arrest.

* Give the victim warm liquids if they are conscious. This will help them warm up from the inside. Be sure, however, not to give them caffeine or alcohol. These things can get in the way of the body’s natural heat production.

* If the victim is unconscious keep a check on their breathing and heartbeat. CPR or rescue breathing may become necessary.

* Call for qualified medical help as soon as possible. Hypothermia sufferers need prompt medical attention beyond first aid.

Just because the weather is cold doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Getting out during the winter is important to help prevent cabin fever. Those who get out in freezing temperatures must be careful to avoid frostbite. Here are a few tips to help keep frostbite away.

If you catch frostbite before it gets too bad it can be effectively treated at home. The most minor cases of frostbite are called frostnip and if treated quickly they cause no permanent damage. A doctor, however, should treat anything beyond frostnip, as soon as possible.

What Are the Signs of Frostnip?

Frostnip shows itself as whitish, waxy skin. The area will also feel tingly. If you find signs of frostnip it is important to warm the area as quickly as possible. If you can’t get indoors, use other parts of your body to warm the frost nipped area. If your fingers get frostnip, for example, you could place them under your arm until they are warmed back up.

Once the area is warmed sufficiently the skin may turn red. It will be slightly painful and will probably feel like it has been burned. In some cases blisters may develop. The area will need to be well protected but usually there is no lasting damage.

What Happens if Frostnip Goes Untreated?

Untreated frost nipped areas will develop second-degree frostbite, also known as superficial frostbite. The underlying layers of skin will begin to freeze. The outside of the skin may feel somewhat stiff but the skin underneath will be soft and pliable.

If superficial frostbite is not treated promptly it could become deep or third degree frostbite. The tissue underneath the skin freezes solid and the area loses its sensitivity. The skin turns deep red or purple. Frostbite this severe warrants immediate medical attention. It could result in the loss of limbs without prompt treatment.

How to Treat Frostbite

Frostnip and minor superficial frostbite can be treated at home. If getting to a doctor right away is impossible there are some things you can do to treat deep frostbite until you can get medical help.

* Get indoors as quickly as possible. Remove any wet clothing and get your entire body warmed up. If your body temperature is too low you won’t be able to heal properly.

* Soak the area in warm water until it turns pink. You will probably have to add warm water periodically, because the coldness of the frostbitten area will cool it off quickly.

* Once the area is thawed out, dry it and wrap it in gauze. This will help prevent infection.

* Drink sage tea. This will improve your circulation, help warm you up and aid in healing.

* Gently apply witch hazel, olive oil or aloe vera to the frostbitten area. All of these will promote healing.

* Cover the frostbitten area with the inside of a banana peel. This will alleviate the pain and burning.

Frostbite is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly however, so if you believe it is more than just something that can be treated at home, see your doctor right away before the condition worsens and can’t be treated.

Colds are a common annoyance in the winter. The coughing, stuffy nose and lack of energy can really slow you down. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are ways to reduce its severity and make it go away more quickly.

There are numerous over-the-counter cold remedies available at the drug store. Natural remedies usually have fewer side effects and more health benefits. Here are some natural remedies for colds and coughs.

Lemon Juice and Honey

Lemon juice contains lots of vitamin C, one of the best vitamins for the immune system. Honey soothes the throat and helps combat cough. Diluting the juice of a lemon in a glass of warm water and adding a teaspoon of honey makes a simple but effective cold and cough remedy.

You could also add a few teaspoons of lemon juice and honey to ginger tea. Ginger is great for the immune system as well. Drinking either of these recipes once or twice a day will help you fight off a cold and reduce your symptoms.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal. There are a number of ways that you can use it to fight off a cold.

* You can make garlic soup. This is done by boiling three or four cloves of garlic in a cup of water. Eat it once a day until your symptoms are gone.

* You can eat it raw. It is most effective this way, but some people can’t stand the taste. Juicing it and adding to other juices or the tea recipe above can make it more palatable. You could infuse it in vinegar or use it in a recipe that calls for raw garlic.

* Garlic tablets are a good alternative for those who just can’t stomach garlic. They are not as effective as regular garlic though.

Spicy Foods

If you are suffering from congestion there’s nothing like something hot and spicy to open up the nasal passages. Adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to any soup will help clear the sinuses and warm you up. If you feel up to eating a spicy curry is also great for this purpose.

Natural Supplements

There are numerous natural supplements that you can take to help get rid of a cold. Echinacea is an herb that stimulates the immune system and can shorten the duration of a cold. A large dose of vitamin C taken at the beginning of a cold may make symptoms less severe and taking the standard dose while you are sick may facilitate a quicker recovery. Doses higher than 2,000 milligrams a day, however, can be harmful.

Having a cold is no fun. Although you will have to wait for it to pass, there are natural remedies that can reduce both symptoms and duration. These remedies have fewer side effects and are often less expensive than the cold medicines sold at the drug store.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small clove garlic, minced
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 cups grated carrots
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons chopped scallions

Instructions:

In large bowl combine grated carrots, chopped dill and chopped scallions. In separate bowl mix together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and pepper. Pour liquid over carrot mixture. With two forks toss carrot mixture being sure to coat well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Sage is well known for its use as a seasoning in such foods as sausages, stuffing and many soups. Sage is more than just a flavoring agent. It has medicinal properties as well, and it can be used to alleviate numerous ailments.

Sage contains camphor and phenolic acids, both of which are antibacterial. It also contains thujone, an antiseptic, and tannins, which have astringent properties. Sage is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties. With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that sage is a favorite of herbalists.

Sage for Problems of the Mouth and Throat

Sage is great for sores in the mouth and for sore throats. Gargling with sage tea mixed with apple cider vinegar and salt can provide relief for a sore throat. Rinsing the mouth with sage tea will help heal mouth sores. Adding a bit of chamomile will make the tea even more soothing.

Sage for Wounds

Sage compresses can be beneficial for most wounds. They were used in ancient times to relieve snakebites. Sage’s antibacterial and antiseptic properties make it a good treatment for cuts and abrasions. It is also said to be great for reducing the pain associated with bruises.

Sage for Digestive Problems

Sage is great for settling the stomach. It can also provide relief from flatulence. When consumed in moderation, sage is even said to help lower blood sugar. If you are diabetic it is important to discuss this use with your doctor.

Bathing in Sage

Putting sage in your bath can have numerous benefits. Sage is effective against skin ulcerations and rashes. It has been used to treat dandruff. Those suffering from stiffness of the muscles or joint aches and pains can benefit from soaking in a sage bath. As a bonus, the scent of sage can act as an insect repellent.

Sage for the Mind

Herbal aids are often used to increase mental alertness. Sage is often an ingredient in these and it can also be used on its own for the same purpose. Studies have also shown that sage can improve memory. It is thought that it may protect chemicals in the brain that are destroyed by Alzheimer’s disease.

Other Medicinal Properties

Sage has been used against many other ailments. Those suffering from menopause often use sage to combat excessive sweating associated with hot flashes. Acne, hypertension, colds and headaches are a few of the other things that people use sage for.

Using sage to combat health problems can save you money and prevent you from suffering the side effects associated with many modern medicines. Sage can easily be grown right in your garden, making it convenient and accessible. The many uses of sage make it well worth the small amount of time spent growing and caring for it.

Dressing for success is not such a big deal. You can follow simple rules for doing it well. In case you are a miss or a plus size and you have appropriate clothes in your wardrobe, you can combine it without any problems and have a great look! Don’t hesitate and try it! You will see that with a little fashion do’s help you can look amazing.

Nearly any woman of any body shape or figure is able to wear A-plus line dresses. Most women are larger in the lower portion of their bodies rather than the top; that it the hips and thighs are proportionally larger than the torso. A-line dresses fit these body shapes well, by fitting at the waist and then are tailored to spread out, thus hiding any problem areas in the lower portions. But these dresses are also great if you have a large bust size. The A-line dresses balance this top-heaviness and add volume in the lower portions, giving the appearance of more curves to your figure.

Every girl should have at least one little black dress. No matter what her size, every girl should have at least one little black dress in her closet. Dress it down for day wear with a jacket or cardigan and simple accessories, or dress it up for evening with dressy shoes and some pretty jewelry. When that last minute party or event pops up, you have something to grab and you can be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Since no one else is going to be looking at the labels on your clothes, make sure that you purchase the size that fits you. Plus size outfits that fit, are actually more flattering to your figure than those sizes that you have to squeeze yourself into. Also, too small clothing will emphasize the unflattering parts of your figure rather than making you look better. Be careful, of course, to not go too big either as that is also unflattering.

Combining a jacket with a dress can be used to create a terrific look for work. In particular, a close fitting dress with a tailored blazer is a timeless look. A close fitting, or sheath, dress is both contemporary and becoming. The tailored blazer is also flattering and can enhance the impression of slenderness.

Look to separates to create more options when building your wardrobe. Choosing classic lines that fit you well will offer you a number of options when creating different looks. Try a fun jacket layered over a simple top and an adorable skirt or pants. By adding a few jackets and cardigan sweaters to your collection of tops and bottoms that all work together will give you a number of options when getting dressed. Think creatively and always choose clothes which offer a flattering fit. It always shows when you feel great in what you are wearing.

Andrea writes about Plus Size Clothing. Visit us for plus size deals on a Plus Size Wedding Dress

- Andrea Dilea

Everyone knows that it’s more expensive to eat healthy foods rather than bad for you foods. A tight budget almost guarantees to unhealthy eating habits in many ways. It’s sometimes true, that junk food usually costs less at your grocery store than healthier choices. Even when you’re dining out, it’s cheaper to through a fast food hamburger joint than it is to go to a restaurant that has fresher, more healthy options.

Your budget doesn’t have to be as tight as you perceive for healthy eating goals. You’ll just need to follow these simple possible answers and and achieve a healthier diet, instantly.

Budget Friendly Tips for Healthy Eating

Tip #1 – Peruse Your Local Farmers Market

Often times you’ll find a farmer’s market locally in the summer time and, if you live in a larger city, you can find the typical farmer’s market operating year round. You’re going to find the best seasonal deals and you’ll often stumble upon amazing items at prices that are easy on your budget.

If you are not sure where to find a farmer’s market, the bigger ones probably have phone book listings.

Tip #2 – In-Store Sales At Your Grocery Store

You’ll find bargains on healthier choices if you are willing to go to a store other than your favorite to take advantage of the best budget conscious bargains. With regular shopping, it will become obvious that each store consistently has better pricing on certain items, but you must be watchful of the Mother of all sales, so shop around.

Tip #3 – Buy Vegetables and Fruit

Don’t be fooled by convenience. Pre-cut vegetables and fruit cost more and aren’t as good for you, as a carrot that you clean and cut fresh yourself. You’ll get more nutritional benefit you’re looking for, simply by selecting, preparing and washing your own produce.

Tip #4 – Welcome Homemade Cooking Into Your Home

Homemade soup is healthier than canned soup, no fooling, has much more nutritional benefit. Sitting on a shelf, collecting dust kind of food is made to last for sometimes years on end, thus it should be crystal clear, that such unhealthy alternatives is chocked full with salt, sugar, extra calories, and you don’t want to know about the mystery ingredients you’ve never heard of, plus a surprise dead insect – or a still alive one! A cookbook bought to have on hand for years may have a learning curve, but recipes are made to be easy and step-by-step. Side note: It’s been around for generations, but the newest edition of, ‘The Joy of Cooking’ I can attest is a wise way to ultimately save you a boat load of money, and doesn’t break the bank.

Healthy eating is a realistic goal for you and your family and the best part is you can do it on a tight budget. It’s no secret if healthy eating is your pending goal, eating healthier is all that is needed.

Practical, to the point healthy knowledge from John Dane who has been teaching people like you easy ways to adopt a healthy living minus the need to sacrifice all things you love, is yours for the taking. Learning how to lead a healthy life is just the beginning and a small slice of the healthy benefits you can have, free.

- John Dane