Lifestyle Choices

Blackheads

These are plugs of sebum or oil which clog the pores and blacken due to oxidation on exposure to the air. They can easily be removed if you take care not to damage the skin which could result in infection. Heat the skin first by applying a hot compress made of 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda to a pint of hot water (as hot as your skin will take). Apply and re-apply the compress to the blackhead areas for about two minutes to open the pores and loosen the material clogging them. Then gently, with the tips of your fingers wrapped in a paper tissue, (not your nails) ease out the plug. Finish off with an application of alcohol or antiseptic cream. (more…)

However, if your cancer treatment is completed and you feel an unexplainable anxiety even though your trials are apparently over, read on.

These feelings are common and occur, in part, because the end has come to the frequent visits with your various doctors, which can serve to comfort—giving you the tangible evidence that someone is watching over you and your health. But, aside from that, you may be struggling with the fear of recurrence that many women experience at this time. Remember, during the treatment planning process, you want to develop a plan to optimize your chance of cure and to carry out that plan. When done, it is time for you to go on with your life. (more…)

What Kind of Shampoo is for You?

Taking into account the things already said, you can choose the cheapest one you like the smell of, since your hair will carry the scent in it of your shampoo for a day or so afterward. But there are certain kinds that are particularly good for certain kinds of hair.

Lemon: These shampoos are especially good for oily hair, because they help remove the oil without leaving the hair lackluster and lank.

Balsam: This is a good ingredient to choose if your hair is very fine or lacks body. Balsam is a resinous substance from the bark of certain trees. In a shampoo, it coats the hair shafts, lending them thickness and strength. (more…)

`I have a horse and compete in show jumping competitions.

Although this is tiring, it takes my mind off any problems and helps me relax.’

Karen, 28, caterer

`Relax — what’s that? My ideas have changed rather. Now if I manage to sit for half an hour with a cup of coffee and a magazine, while the children are in bed, that’s realising.’

Tracey, 31, social worker

`I read every day, have a facial at the beauty salon every month,

and I never work at the weekends because we always do something nice as a family.’

Ann, 41, chartered accountant
`No, I don’t get regular opportunities to relax — I’m always

uptight and tired. My jaw is permanently locked because of stress.’

Sheelagh, 33, accountant (more…)

You may well be aware of the benefits of massage. Massage increases circulation, promotes sleep, reduces stress levels, increases muscle tone, promotes elimination of toxins and waste, supports weight loss, increases skin pliability and enhances well-being - to name but a few. Imagine if you could do this every day. Well, you can, and it only takes a few minutes every morning to do it.

How would you feel if we told you we both have a full body massage every day? Well, it’s true, and we have been having these massages every day for the past 14 years - not once have we missed a day! It is the ultimate skin treatment. We love it and cannot imagine life without it. Having a daily full body rub or massage is a great insurance policy for your overall health. The important thing to remember is to ensure the products you massage your body with are natural and full of essential vitamins and minerals. Also, it is important to make sure this is a good body rub, not some airy-fairy tickle! You want your body to wake up, feel alive and be ready to get into your day. You may have guessed by now that your daily body massage is performed by YOU!

A little note: how do you feel when you stand naked in front of a mirror? Are you horrified, pleased, shocked or rapt? If for some reason you cannot stand in front of the mirror every morning and say: ‘Wow - I look and feel great: then you definitely need to take on the daily body massage routine! (more…)