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Makeup tips every woman should know

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

You probably update your closet and your hair style regularly – but what about your makeup? If your cosmetics routine hasn’t changed in the last few years, it’s probably time for an update. When you look good it can make you feel good too.  

Here’s how to get started: 

Baseline boost 

As you age and your skin has less collagen and hydration, it’s important to choose a foundation that makes you look just as radiant now as you did when you were younger. Your biggest weapon? A foundation with SPF, which moisturizes your skin and keeps the sun’s rays at bay. 

Once your foundation is set, sweep a soft pink blush across your cheeks. Satin or cream blushes work best, especially in colors like coral and rose. Unsure of which color is best for you? Pinch your cheeks (really!) and choose the hue that most closely resembles it. Bronzers can also add a dash of highlights. 

Bright eyes 

A busy schedule and little sleep can mean dark circles and less-than-perky eyes. Brighten up your peepers by sticking to neutral shadows with soft finishes or a slight shimmer and avoid frosty shades. If you want to try more a more intense look for a night out, make sure to blend with a neutral color over the lid. Opt for liquid eyeliners and mascaras with volume. 

Starting to notice fine lines? Cooling eye gel can help smooth them out. 

Lip service 

Our lips become thinner with age, so if you’re looking to add a little volume, use a lip pencil closest to your natural color. Line just outside of your natural lip line, and then layer with a rich shade. 

For everyday looks with little fuss, switch out your bright lipstick for translucent lip gloss in nude pink colors and leave the lip pencil at home. 

Safety first 

Makeup can get old and go can bad. It is important to watch expiration dates. If no expiration date is provided, write on the packing when you purchased the product and replace it after six months. If it smells bad, do not use it and throw it away. Also, it is important to keep your brush clean and never share your makeup with anyone.

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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An active teen is a healthier teen: 5 tips to help your teen be more active

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

There is no downside to regular exercise, particularly for teens. Exercise helps teens’ muscle and bone strength, keeps hearts and lungs healthy and provides a supercharged immune system and energy levels. Exercise releases a wave of chemicals called endorphins through our bodies, which make us feel great naturally. Staying physically active helps teens feel confident and happy in themselves and maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise improves intelligence, contributing to higher grades and improved learning. 

 

So, why can it be difficult to convince some teens to be active? It may all be in the approach. 

 

1.) Teens shouldn’t be forced to play organized sports. There are many alternatives such as cycling, walking, running or sledding. Even video games promoting physical activity are better than those encouraging adherence to a couch. Several short bursts of exercise throughout the day can add to the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity for teens. 

 

2.) Take advantage of online sources. Zoom classes and other online programs are a handy alternative for those who prefer to exercise indoors or privately. Thanks to technology, inclement weather or a lack of outdoor space are no longer excuses for remaining inactive. Many fitness professionals offer free, guided workouts online or through various social media outlets. 

 

3.) Adopt a dog. It’s no secret teens love dogs. In fact, a study revealed teens with dogs do an extra 78 minutes per week of recreational walking, 285 more minutes per week walking, and an extra 260 minutes of unstructured activity than teens without dogs.  

 

4.) Make sure the exercise is fun. This may seem obvious, but a teen isn’t guaranteed to love an activity simply because his or her parents enjoy it. Fortunately, the options are endless. Enjoying the activity is essential to a teen’s success.  

 

5.) It must be the teen’s choice. There’s a fine line between encouragement and nagging. Most teens will dig in and refuse to change behavior if forced into an activity, no matter how beneficial it may be. Adults should take a relaxed approach to introducing a new physical activity, lead by example, and be less willing to provide transportation if the teen can easily walk or ride a bicycle to a desired location.

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Better health starts before you pack your bags

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Are your work deadlines getting shorter? Did you sign your kids up for too many activities? Start too many home improvement projects?  

Feeling overwhelmed?!  

Of course, you are. Many of us try to do too much and end up stressed, which can lead to unhappiness and other severe health problems. 

The solution? Well, there is no one perfect solution, but a vacation might be a great place to start. Take our quiz to learn more.


 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Are your work deadlines getting shorter? Did you sign your kids up for too many activities? Start too many home improvement projects?  

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The Relationship You Need to Be In

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

Your relationship with your doctor is one of the most important and personal ones you'll ever have, which is why you should be in one with a primary care provider (PCP). A PCP, or family doctor, is your first point of contact when you need non-emergency care for a wide variety of medical issues. Your PCP advocates for you and works with specialists and other healthcare professionals. Your PCP provides preventive care, identifies and treats common medical conditions and teaches healthy lifestyle choices. Yes, you need a PCP.  

 

Q: Why do I need a PCP? 

A:  Your PCP can take care of non-emergency health issues, such as colds, flu and rashes as well as your preventive health needs, like routine screenings. Each contact is an opportunity for prevention and health promotion. If your condition requires a referral, your PCP coordinates your care, and is a designated resource for specialists that knows you and your health history.  

 

Q: What’s a nurse practitioner and physician assistant?  

A: They are practitioners who go through a different training and certification process than doctors. They may serve as your PCP in some medical practices. 

 

Q: Is my PCP my lowest cost option for healthcare? 

A: Visits to your PCP are less expensive than visits to urgent care clinics, Emergency Departments or specialists.  

 

Q: Do I have to see my PCP for a referral?  

A: Your PCP handles your overall care and can coordinate medical treatments across many specialties if a condition is beyond their scope. These specialists are responsible for your treatment, but your PCP oversees the entire series of events. Check with your insurance company on referral requirements.  

 

Q: Who do I see if I have a chronic condition?  

A: Chronic health conditions like diabetes, arthritis and lupus can be difficult to monitor by yourself. A PCP can help you stay aware of how your chronic disease is affecting your body. Scheduling regular visits and performing routine tests are two ways your doctor can help you maintain your chronic condition.  

 

A PCP will get to know you and your family medical history well enough to ask the right questions and detect other health issues in their early stages. They’re trained to care for a person from infancy to advanced age. Find a PCP close to where you work or live and start the important relationship.

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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The skinny on skin

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Taking care of the largest organ in your body is about more than just avoiding age spots and wrinkles. While the appearance of your skin can affect how you feel about yourself, it can also be an indication of an underlying condition. 

If you notice a change in your skin, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Many common skin problems, such as rashes, hives and contact dermatitis, can be resolved with a visit to your doctor. While not all skin changes are caused by skin cancer, it’s important to get them checked out since early detection offers a better chance at successfully treating it. 

Your skin: 

  • Protects germs from entering your body 

  • Helps regulate body temperature 

  • Plays a role in keeping our immune system healthy 

  • Permits the sensations of touch, heat and cold 

  • Makes up about 15% of your body weight 

  • Consists of about 300 million cells 

 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. More than 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year. Most skin problems are not cancer, but they can be 

aggravating. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for common skin conditions can help resolve them sooner and more effectively than waiting it out or trying to treat them on your own. 

Your healthcare provider may suggest the following treatments to help with common skin problems: 

  • Topical creams 

  • Oral antibiotics 

  • Antihistamines 

  • Corticosteroids 

  • Laser treatments 

 

One common skin problem is contact dermatitis, which is contact with an irritant or allergen that causes redness, itching, swelling, scaling or small blisters. Poison ivy is a classic cause, but dryness can result from something as simple as contact with detergents or hair dyes. Regular moisturizing can help avoid dryness and flare-ups. 

Another common problem is eczema (atopic dermatitis). This is characterized by red, itchy bumps that often starts in childhood. The cause of eczema is unknown, so the best bet for dealing with it is to make sure your skin stays moisturized. Medications can also help with the itching. 

Psoriasis is the result of immune system miscommunications that cause skin to regenerate too quickly. It is identified by elevated red lesions with a silvery coating. Triggers for psoriasis include infection, stress and simple environmental factors. It’s important to diagnose psoriasis early, because up to one-third of sufferers also develop psoriatic arthritis, which can be disabling. 

Many people suffer from hives at some point in their lives. These are raised red or white welts and are usually short-term, but they can become chronic. Antihistamines can be an effective weapon against them. Hives in the mouth or throat that result in swelling, however, can disrupt swallowing or breathing and require emergency department care. 

Another common skin condition – rosacea – is the presence of enlarged blood vessels, usually on the face. Early diagnosis and treatment can control and prevent progression. You may have rosacea if you have skin pinkness or redness with a “flushed” feeling. Rosacea may be caused by heredity, environment, or immune system problems. Heat, stress and the tannic acids in alcoholic beverages can also aggravate rosacea.

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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The benefits of walking: follow these easy steps

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

You’ve been doing it almost your whole life – taking steps. Most of us take the ability to walk for granted, but in the last few years the number of steps we take has become a feat to track. Do you know the benefits of walking and tracking the steps you take? Walking is one the of best things you can do to be more active, and you don’t have to take one long walk all at once for it to benefit your health. Tracking steps from an app on your phone, a pedometer or other wearable devices are ways to monitor your activity. If you start to track your steps, you may be surprised to learn how little exercise you were getting before you began counting steps.   

Any physical activity, including walking, is a benefit to your overall health, but walking comes with some surprising benefits.  

1. It counteracts the effects of weight-promoting genes. Harvard researchers looked at 32 obesity-promoting genes in over 12,000 people to determine how much these genes actually contribute to body weight. They discovered among the study participants who walked briskly for about an hour a day, the effects of those genes were cut in half. 

2. It helps curb cravings. A pair of studies from the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute walk can curb cravings for chocolate and even reduce the amount of chocolate you eat in stressful situations.  

3. It reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. An American Cancer Society study that focused on walking found that women who walked seven or more hours a week had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or less per week. This protection included women with breast cancer risk factors, such as being overweight or using supplemental hormones. 

4. It eases joint pain. Several studies have found that walking reduces arthritis-related pain, and that walking five to six miles a week can even prevent arthritis from forming in the first place. Walking protects the joints — especially the knees and hips, which are most susceptible to osteoarthritis — by lubricating them and strengthening the muscles that support them. 

5. It boosts immune function. Walking can help protect you during cold and flu season. A study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less. And if they did get sick, it was for a shorter duration, and their symptoms were milder. 

6. Improves your mood. Walking releases natural painkilling endorphins to the body – one of the emotional benefits of exercise. 

When you take steps to track your steps, find your activity level. In the first week, don’t change your routine but track your activity level. Set a goal for the second week. At first, try to add 300 to 500 steps to your day. Then work toward 2,000 more steps a day, which adds about one mile, or 20 minutes of walking to your routine. Compare how well you’re doing from one week to the next, and work to increase the number of steps.  

Talk to your health care provider before you begin an exercise routine.

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Fight the bite

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Who wants to scratch for days when you can prevent the itch in mere minutes? And what is it about bug spray that keeps the mosquitoes off? How can such a tiny nuisance cause so many diseases? It’s worth your time to fight the bite. View the list below for helpful tips.

There are 200 types of mosquitoes that live in the continental United States; of these 200, about 12 types spread germs that can make people sick. Because you can’t tell which mosquito could be spreading germs when it bites, it is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites.  

To protect yourself against diseases spread by mosquitoes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend using an EPA-registered insect repellent. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Mosquitos can’t smell you if you use one of the following repellents: 

  • DEET 

  • Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US) 

  • IR3535 

  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) 

  • Para-menthane-diol (PMD) 

  • 2-undecanone 

Choosing an EPA-registered repellent ensures the EPA has evaluated the product for effectiveness. 

 

If you happen to get a mosquito bite, don’t scratch, the bites can become infected. There are optional ways to relieve the itch.  

  • Wash the area with soap and water. 

  • Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching. Reapply ice pack as needed. 

  • Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, which can help reduce the itch response. 

  • Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to create a paste: 1. Apply the paste to the mosquito bite. 2. Wait 10 minutes. 3. Wash off the paste. 

  • Use an over-the counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream to help relieve the itch. Follow the product label directions. 

 

How can one small insect that weighs 2.5 milligrams carry disease? When a mosquito bites you, it pierces the skin using a special mouthpart (proboscis) to suck up blood. Female mosquitoes bite people and animals to get a blood meal. Male mosquitoes do not bite people and animals. 

As the mosquito is feeding, it injects saliva into your skin. Your body reacts to the saliva resulting in a bump and itching. 

 

Mosquitoes spread germs through bites. A mosquito gets infected with a virus or parasite when it bites a person or animal that is infected. The infected mosquito can spread germs to other people or animals through bites. Mosquitoes spread viruses like West Nile, Zika, chikungunya, dengue and parasites like malaria that can make you sick. Not everyone infected with a mosquito-borne germ gets sick.  

 

It’s worth your time to wear bug repellant and/or long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Then go enjoy the great outdoors.

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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5 Instant Beauty Boosts for All Occasions

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

There’s nothing like a little beauty TLC to give you a lift before a big day. Maybe it’s a wedding, birthday party or just because it’s Tuesday. We have some beauty boosts that will help you look and feel your best, no matter what the occasion. 

Shape it up 

Getting rid of a few stray hairs is always helpful, but a professional can help you avoid over-tweezing your eyebrows and find a shape that’s perfect for your face. A professional should always ask about the type of skincare products you’re using, as well as any allergies, in order to avoid potential reactions you may have to the procedure. Whether you opt for waxing or threading, be sure to schedule your appointment a few days before the event to allow for any swelling to disappear. 

 

Show those pearly whites 

One of the best beauty boosts is a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, yellow teeth can keep even the most confident woman from smiling from ear to ear. An in-office session at your dentist is your fastest option, for results in about an hour. But your dentist can also provide custom-made bleaching trays to take home and use over the course of a week or so. If investing in professional teeth-whitening is a little out of your price range, many over-the-counter products can also give you the pearly whites you’re looking for in just hours. 

 

Treat your tresses 

Your hair deserves some love too. To give your hair a little more oomph than your standard haircut, try an invigorating scalp treatment and deep conditioning, which can stimulate the hair follicles and add both volume and shine to your hair. A professional can assess your locks to determine which type of treatment is best for your hair texture. 

 

Give yourself a little face time 

Put your best face forward with a facial at your favorite spa. A great facial treatment will open your pores, moisturize your skin and stimulate circulation, leaving your skin supple and with a beautiful glow. If you’re hoping to get rid of a few blackheads, you can also ask for extractions as part of your treatment. Always make sure to mention any allergies or sensitivities you have so that your aesthetician can help you decide which facial is best for your skin type. 

 

Say yes to the mani/pedi 

Special occasions usually mean photos will be taken, and pictures may show more than just your face. Add a manicure and pedicure to your next salon visit to make sure your hands and feet are picture prefect. For a long-lasting polish option, check out the salon’s selection of gel polish, which can last two to three weeks without chipping.

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Finding the Unsinkable, Unflappable, Bulletproof You

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

You’ve probably heard the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But is that really the case?  

For some it may be. But for others, it’s not true. What makes the difference? Is it simply the luck of the draw, and some people are just born more resilient? 

“Even though it may seem like some people are just naturally better at bouncing back quickly after tough times, that’s only partially true,” explains Christina Parr, director, Genesis Behavioral Health. “Everyone can take steps and build new habits that will help them become more resilient.” 

Unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” approach to building resilience. However, one way to home in on what to do is recognize your own areas of weakness so you can strengthen them.  

For instance, if you look back on past experiences, you may recognize you’re fairly strong mentally in times of difficulty. But physically, you find yourself feeling tired or plagued by achy muscles, stomachaches or shortness of breath. In this example, focusing more on improving your physical health can contribute to your overall resilience. 

 

Ten Steps to Help Build Resiliency 

Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you work to build positive mental, physical and emotional habits that contribute to your overall resiliency. Most are very basic, but many people don’t follow them. Do you? 

  1. Go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep.  

  2. Stretch, take walks every day and move your body.  

  3. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar and junk food.  

  4. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, too. Only take medications as prescribed. 

  5. Get involved in a cause you care about. It not only helps the cause; it helps you build strengths in yourself. 

  6. Remind yourself of things you’ve achieved in the past. You did it before, and you can do it again! 

  7. Discuss issues with friends who are not just close, but who are helpful and supportive.  

  8. Choose to focus on solutions, not problems.  

  9. Instead of worrying, attack problems head-on and make lists of things you can do and people you can talk to who can help. 

  10. Whenever you notice yourself feeling stressed, stop where you are and focus on taking several slow, deep breaths. 

 

“Remind yourself that building resilience is an ongoing process,” says Parr. “There will be days that you may feel defeated—and that is normal. However, if the feeling isn’t going away and you are becoming increasingly stressed or overwhelmed, be sure to contact your doctor or talk to a trusted friend who can help guide you to the help you need.”

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Better exercise

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

You exercise more often than most people clean their bathrooms. You don’t have any more time to dedicate to fitness. However, you might be able to exercise better … and save time.  As with any exercise routine, consult your doctor before you begin. He or she can provide recommendations for starting an exercise program and alert you to warning signs of when you should take it easy.  

Take our quiz to learn more.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

You exercise more often than most people clean their bathrooms. You don’t have any more time to dedicate to fitness. However, you might be able to exercise better … and save time. 

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