Rules for Smart Summer Skin Care

(A Web MD Feature. For full article go to:
http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/105/107937.htm)

Some basic sun protection rules will help you keep your children safe.

Rule No. 1: Stay inside or in the shade between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Midday,
when the sun's rays are strongest, babies and children should stay indoors,
or out of the sun at least. Even on cloudy, hazy days, protect against the
sun. "There's more risk of sunburn at the beach, because of water
reflection and wind," adds Hebert.

Rule No. 2: All children are at risk. While pale kids are most likely to
burn, darker-skinned children can also burn if they stay in the sun too
long.

Rule No. 3: Dress your kids in protective clothing. This, even more than
sunscreen, is the best weapon against too much sun. "Babies younger than 1
year, before they are mobile, need to get as much sun protection as
possible from their clothing -- long cotton pants, long sleeves," says
Connelly.
"You want to decrease the surface area that is exposed to the sun.
Sunscreens will work to prevent sunburn -- but you have to reapply
them every 30 minutes. It's not easy to get kids to come in from the
water that often." More clothing tips:
Sun-protective swimwear is an excellent option. The colorful
two-piece swimsuits and one-piece "wet suits" are made for all kids
and covers up to elbows and knees, providing the equivalent of UVF
50+ protection. The swimwear is made from lightweight, tightly woven
synthetic that is still "breathable." These are available online, in
sports stores, and stores like Target.
Cotton T-shirts also prevent sunburn, but not if the T-shirt is
white. White allows the most sun penetration. Bright or dark-colored
clothing, such as blues, reds, greens, and yellows (including socks)
offer more protection than pale colors. Also, when white T-shirts get
wet, they offer virtually no protection, says Hebert.
Sunguard is a chemical dye that can be applied to clothes (like
summer whites) in the washing machine, says Connelly. The "dye"
drenches clothes in a UPF (ultraviolet protective factor) of 50+ that
remains on the fabric for up to 20 washes. Both Sunguard and RIT
clothing dyes are made by the same company. Find them in grocery
stores like Publix and retail stores like Wal-Mart, Target, and
Eckerd.
Rule No. 4: Use sun block (such as zinc oxide) and children's
sunscreens. These products are the next line of defense to prevent
sunburn. Some tips:
Some parents worry whether sunscreen is safe for babies. "It's not
that an infant's skin is more permeable. It can't absorb any more
chemicals from sunscreen than an adult's can," Connelly tells WebMD.
"It's their skin-to-body ratio that puts infants at risk. The
question has been, if you coat them with sunscreen, are those
chemicals going to overwhelm them?"

Using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide eliminates that concern. "Those
are the two ingredients we use on a baby's bum ? so I would say
they're safe enough for the rest of the baby, too!" she adds. Two
products that contain just those two main ingredients are Blue Lizard
Baby and Total Block Cotz-SPF58. Another brand, Bullfrog, contains
both chemical protection and sun blockers -- and comes in a mist
form.
Don't be afraid to use children's sunscreen on babies -- in small
doses. "If you're going for a walk, and the baby's feet are exposed,
it's appropriate to put sunscreen on them so they don't get burned.
It's better than not protecting them at all."
Don't forget to prevent sunburn on lips. "Sunsticks" and many lip
balms offer sunscreen protection.
Read sunscreen labels closely for reapplication advice. Even
waterproof lotions must be reapplied frequently, Hebert notes. Also,
once wet skin gets toweled dry, sunscreen must be reapplied.
Look for sun-protection products your kids will enjoy. "There are
spray and purple sunscreens that are fun for kids," says Hebert. In
general, she adds, dermatologists advise an SPF of 30 or higher to
prevent sunburn.

Rule No. 5: Shade is essential to prevent sunburn. At the beach, on a walk,
at the sports field, the rule of thumb is "try to always keep yourself and
your children covered," says Connelly. Your "shady" shopping list:
A big beach umbrella.
A stroller with a canopy (not always easy to find, but worth looking
for).
Wide-brimmed hats and caps (with the bill pointing forward).
Solar tents. The little ones are perfect for a napping infant, but
not big enough for anyone else to get inside. Bigger tents are
available for family use.
UV protection sunglasses. Glasses that are close-fitting, and protect
against UVA and UVB rays are best. Wraparound lenses are best,
because they block 5% more rays. Protective styles are available for
all ages, even infants.

Most of all, use the sunscreens you buy -- don't just keep them on the
shelf.

Even sun tanners can be part of overall sun protection for your kids as
well as yourself. "The key is that an artificial tan does not innately
provide protection -- but it may have protection added in. Read labels
closely," says Hebert.

http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/105/107937.htm?pagenumber=2

Superfoods' Everyone Needs

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/81/96952.htm?z=3608_00000_2904_hz_03

Experts say more than a dozen easy-to-find 'superfoods' can do wonders for
your health.

By Gina Shaw Reviewed By Charlotte Grayson, MD
WebMD Feature

It's a bird ... it's a plane ... it's ... walnuts? Don't laugh. The humble
walnut, along with a dozen other dietary choices -- from beans to yogurt --
is no less than a "superfood," say some health experts.

Steven Pratt, MD, is one of them. In his book SuperFoods RX: Fourteen Foods
That Will Change Your Life, he goes into detail why he thinks these foods
are so potent.

Pratt, an ophthalmologist who specializes in ocular plastic surgery at
Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Calif., says he became convinced of
the power of these basic foods when he saw the positive results of a few
simple diet changes in his patients suffering from age-related macular
degenerationmacular degeneration -- a leading cause of blindness.

"Whether you're trying to prevent cataractscataracts, macular degeneration,
cancercancer, or cardiovascular disease, the same type of preventive
dietary measures apply," he says. "The whole body is connected: a healthy
heart equals a healthy eye and healthy skin. You'll hear about all these
special diets for special health needs, but really, the same diet and the
same lifestyle choices prevent the same diseases. With rare exceptions, you
don't need 20 different preventive modalities -- just one really good
diet."

And that "one really good diet," Pratt says, should be founded on these
"superfoods":
Beans
Blueberries
Broccoli
Oats
Oranges
Pumpkin
Salmon
Soy
Spinach
Tea (green or black)
Tomatoes
Turkey
Walnuts
Yogurt

When incorporated into your regular daily diet, these foods, says Pratt,
can stop some of the changes that lead to diseases such as diabetes
diabetes, hypertensionhypertension, Alzheimer's, and some cancers. "I
picked them out after researching all of the world's healthiest diets: for
example, Japanese diets, Mediterranean diets, and even some of the
healthier dietary patterns in the United States," he says. "I noticed that
it's the same food groups wherever you live."

Walnuts: The Good Fat

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/81/96952.htm?z=3608_00000_2904_hz_03

Every nut, even macadamias -- the fattiest -- has been found to improve
cholesterol, Pratt reports. "Walnuts are among the superstars. They're an
excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids," he says. Salmon is
another great source of these heart-healthy fatty acids.

"Studies show that you can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by 15%
to 50% if you eat a handful of nuts five times a week. If you found a pill
that did the same thing, you'd make a fortune." Of course, chowing down on
a huge tub of walnuts can be counterproductive, so as always, watch your
intake. A handful of dry, roasted, unsalted walnuts -- about 14 walnut
halves -- has about 150 calories, and is enough to yield "superfood"
benefits.

What are SUPERFOODS?

Guide to Superfoods

Superfoods- as opposed to vitamins or supplements-are foods that naturally
concentrate important nutrients. Unlike dietary supplements, or vitamins
taken in isolation, superfoods provide many nutrients that support each
other and prevent the kind of imbalances that often occur when vitamins are
taken singly.

The following short list is not meant to be exhaustive but only to provide
a few examples of superfoods that can, in general, be taken by everyone.
Herbal products for specific ailments are best taken with the advice of a
holistic health practitioner

Azomite Mineral Powder: This powdery mineral supplement, containing
montmorillonite clay and many other compounds, comes from an ancient
seabed. It is an excellent source of silica, calcium, magnesium and the
gamut of trace minerals. Clay also has detoxifying effects as the
negatively charged clay particles attract positively charged pathogens and
take them out of the body.

Bee Pollen: Bee pollen has been popularized by famous athletes who take it
regularly for strength and endurance. It has been used successfully to
treat a variety of ailments including allergies, asthma, menstrual
irregularities, constipation, diarrhea, anemia, low energy, cancer,
rheumatism, arthritis and toxic conditions.

Blue-Green Algae, Spirulina and Chlorella: Blue-green micro algae, and its
cousins spirulina and chlorella, grow on inland waters throughout the world
- visible as greenish scum on still lakes and ponds. Beware, however, of
claims that they can provide vitamin B12 in vegetarian diets. Nevertheless,
the high mineral and protein content of the various algae make them an
excellent superfood, a good supplement to the diet and a useful product for
the treatment of a variety of health problems.

Bitters: Herbal extracts of bitter, mineral-rich herbs are a traditional
tonic for stimulating the bile and increasing digestion and assimilation of
fats. They often are the best remedy for calming a queasy stomach.

High Vitamin Butter: Deep yellow butter oil from cows eating rapidly
growing green grass supplies not only vitamins A and D but also the X
Factor, discovered by Weston Price.

Cod Liver Oil: Once a standard supplement in traditional European
societies, cod liver oil provides fat-soluble vitamins A and D, which Dr.
Price found present in the diet of primitives in amounts ten times higher
than the typical American diet of his day. Cod liver oil supplements are a
must for women and their male partners, to be taken for several months
before conception, and for women during pregnancy. Growing children will
also benefit greatly from a small daily dose

Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil or Black Currant Oil: These oils contain a
fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid or GLA, which the body produces from
omega-6 linoleic acid by the action of special enzymes. GLA-rich oils have
been used to treat cancer, premenstrual syndrome, breast disease,
scleroderma, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and cystic fibrosis. They
have been shown to increase liver function and mental acuity.

Glandular and Organ Extracts: Dried tissue from the glands and organs of
animals are being successfully used to treat the same gland or organ in
human beings including thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, liver, thymus, spleen,
kidney and eye tissue. Athletes and those suffering from chronic fatigue
should consider taking dried liver if they do not like the taste of fresh
liver.

Kelp: Like all sea vegetables, kelp provides minerals found in sea water,
especially iodine and trace minerals that may be lacking in our depleted
soils. For Westerners unaccustomed to including seaweeds in the diet, a
small daily supplement of kelp in tablet or powdered form is a good idea,
but don't overdo?excess iodine may also cause thyroid problems.

Noni Juice: Juice of the Tahitian noni fruit is revered by the Polynesians
for its curative powers, possibly due to the presence of an alkaloid
precursor called xeronine, which contributes to the effectiveness of
proteins on the cellular level. Noni juice has been used successfully to
treat blood sugar problems, injuries and pain, digestive disorders,
depression and many other ailments. It should be taken on an empty stomach.

Wheat Germ Oil: Expeller-expressed wheat germ oil is an excellent source of
natural vitamin E, which is our best natural protection for the cell
membrane. The Shute brothers of Canada demonstrated that vitamin E
supplements are an effective protection against heart disease. In their
studies they used wheat germ oil, not synthetic vitamin E preparations.

Yeast: Dried nutritional yeast is an excellent natural source of B complex
vitamins (except for B12) plus a variety of minerals. Look for yeast that
has been processed at low temperatures. Yeast does not contribute to
candida as has been claimed - candida feeds on refined carbohydrates, not
yeast.

Excerpt: Weston Price Foundation

http://www.westonaprice.org/basicnutrition/superfoods.html

Ginseng and Benefits

There are three main species of ginseng, Oriental, Siberian and American.
Oriental ginseng has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine for
thousands of years. Native Americans have likewise used American ginseng
for all of their recorded history.

While all three forms share many common elements, there are differences
among them. Siberian ginseng is not truly ginseng at all, but rather a
distant cousin to the Oriental species.

Oriental ginseng (panax ginseng) is grown in both China and Korea. Red
panax, as grown by the Koreans is the most popular form of ginseng. It gets
its name from the processing of the root, which turns it red. White
Oriental ginseng on the other hand is the ginseng root that has been
allowed to dry naturally.

Wild Oriental ginseng is extremely rare in the market today and can command
a price upwards of twenty thousand dollars an ounce (31103.3 milligrams).
For this reason, most Chinese and Korean ginseng is usually cultivated for
use.

American ginseng, (panax quinquefolium) at one time, was plentiful in all
mountainous regions of the United States. Over-harvesting led to tight
restrictions on this once-abundant herb. Now, only licensed ginseng
harvesters are allowed to dig for the wild ginseng root. American ginseng
is also commonly cultivated. Relatively easy to grow, the root takes
approximately 5 years to reach harvesting maturity.

Siberian ginseng, (eleutherococcus senticocus) is a distant cousin to the
panax ginseng of the Orient. While Siberian ginseng shares many of the same
properties of Oriental species, it is easier to cultivate and generally
sells for much less.

All forms of ginseng are said to aid in reducing stress, improving vitality
and boosting the immune system. Oriental ginseng, whether white or red, is
often taken as a daily tonic with the added benefit of an energy boost.

American ginseng has been found to aid menopausal women with hot flashes,
reduce fevers and the loosening of a dry, hacking cough due to smoking or
other factors. Russian scientists claim that Siberian ginseng aids in
memory, stamina and endurance. Siberian ginseng is a staple of athlete's
and production workers.

Which type of ginseng should a person take? Any one of the three types is
generally considered to be worthwhile. Price and availability plays an
important role also. With the advent of online shopping, all three forms
are readily available.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-three-types-of-ginseng.htm

Benefits of Ginseng

Kings and emperors have used it for energy, vitality, and as a method for
slowing the aging process. People have used ginseng for over 4,000 years
and many health benefits have been attributed to it. Ginseng has truly
endured the test of time. In clinical tests ginseng has been scientifically
proven to have therapeutic value in:
Relieving stress
Improving memory
Increasing energy
Relieving fatigue
Restoring vitality
Preventing illness
Overcoming exhaustion
Strengthening the body
Building immunity
Improving virility

http://www.ginseng4less.com/

Coconut Oil

Mary G. Enig, Ph.D -
"Coconut oil has a unique role in the diet as an important physiologically functional food. The health and nutritional benefits that can be derived from consuming coconut oil have been recognized in many parts of the world for centuries. A review of the diet/heart disease literature relevant to coconut oil clearly indicates that coconut oil is at worst neutral with respect to atherogenicity of fats and oils and, in fact, is likely to be a beneficial oil for prevention and treatment of some heart disease. Additionally, coconut oil provides a source of antimicrobial lipid for individuals with compromised immune systems and is a nonpromoting fat with respect to chemical carcinogenesis.

Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. The antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal properties of lauric acid and monolaurin have been recognized by a small number of researchers for nearly four decades: this knowledge has resulted in more than 20 research papers and several U.S. patents, and this past year it resulted in a comprehensive book chapter, which reviewed the important aspects of lauric oils as antimicrobial agents (Enig 1998). Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria, including listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid."

Not all Fats are Alike. Replacing the fats you now eat with coconut oil may be the wisest decision you can make to lose excess body fat. We often think that the less fat we eat, the better. However, you don’t necessarily need to reduce your fat intake, you simply need to choose a fat that is better for you, one that doesn’t contribute to weight gain. You can lose unwanted body fat by eating more saturated fat (in the form of coconut oil) and less polyunsaturated fat (processed vegetable oils). One of the remarkable things about coconut oil is that it can help you lose weight. Yes, there is a dietary fat that can actually help you take off unwanted pounds. Coconut oil can quite literally be called a low-fat fat. The anti-obesity effect of coconut oil is clear in all of the animal studies.
When coconut oil was fed as 7% of energy to patients recovering from heart attacks, the patients had greater improvement compared to untreated controls, and no difference compared to patents treated with corn or safflower oils. Populations that consume coconut oil have low rates of heart disease. Coconut oil may also be one of the most useful oils to prevent heart disease because of its antiviral and antimicrobial characteristics. JAMA 1967 202:1119-1123; Am J Clin Nutr 1981 34:1552
Coconut oil for weight reduction

One of the remarkable things about coconut oil is that it can help you lose weight. Yes, there is a dietary fat that can actually help you take off unwanted pounds. Coconut oil can quite literally be called a low-fat fat.

Raymond Peat, Ph.D. - "The anti-obesity effect of coconut oil is clear in all of the animal studies, and in my friends who eat it regularly."

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/cholesterol.htm

Homemade Anti-Microbial Cleansing Cream

Ingredients:
30 grams Beeswax
25 ml Water
125 ml Almond Oil or Sunflower Oil
30 drops Essential oil or extract of your choice:

Oils

• Bergamot - antiseptic
• Lavender - anti-bacterial
• Rosemary - astringent properties
• Patchouli - regenerate skin cells, antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial
• Eucalyptus - anti-bacterial
• Tea tree - relieves skin irritation, inflammation
• Sandalwood - antiseptic, astringent herb
• Clove – antiseptic

Extracts

• Licorice – anti-sebum, against hyper-pigmentation
• Green Tea - anti-sebum, anti microbial, against hyper-pigmentation
• Aloe Vera – relieves inflammation
• Calendula - relieves inflammation
• Chamomile - relieves inflammation
• Bearberry - against hyper-pigmentation
• Olive leaf – anti-microbial

Instructions:

1. Combine the beeswax and the oil. Using a double boiler, heat mixture over boiling water until the wax is melted. Heat 25ml water separately in the microwave or electric kettle.
2. Add heated water into the wax-and-oil mixture while stirring continually. Remove from heat.
3. Let cool while stirring continuously. Slowly add with continuous stirring 30 drops of essential oil or extract of the herb/s you chose. If you opt to include ground herbs, you may add a teaspoon of super-finely-ground herbs.
4. Transfer in a sanitized covered container. Protect from excessive heat.

source: http://www.acneteam.com/homemade-antibacterial-skin-cleanser.html