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Back to the basics of beauty

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

Once upon a time, people used ingredients from plants, flowers, herbs, trees and even critters to make oils and lotions to help clean, soothe or enhance a part of their body. 


According to Forbes, what started with hunter-gatherers 5,000 years ago is a worldwide business worth more than $532 billion annually. 


There are rows and rows of beauty products in most stores. There are stores that sell only beauty products. Still, some people prefer to gather or plant or buy natural materials and mix them.

 

Who are these natural beauties?

  • Some simply refuse to shell out hard-earned dollars on costly beauty products 

  • Some are opposed to animal testing, ingredients and manufacturing processes that may not be good for the environment

  • Some are concerned about the effect(s) of chemicals in beauty products on their bodies

  • Others simply like to mix and make things, for example, choosing their scent

     

DIY favorites

Here are some favorite ingredients:

Avocadoes

A mashed avocado mixed with a bit of water makes an excellent mask. Avocadoes contain antioxidants and are high in amino acids, which are great for reducing the signs of aging.

Organic yogurt and oatmeal

Organic yogurt contains lactic acid, which moisturizes and exfoliates the skin. Oatmeal is full of beta-glucans, which smooth and tighten the skin when applied as a facial mask. Mix and smooth them over the face, rinsing with warm water after 5 minutes. The skin beneath will be soft, refreshed and glowing.

Turmeric

Though mainly used in curry, this spice is great for killing bacteria that cause acne and reducing excess oils produced in the skin. A simple paste made of turmeric and water is an excellent spot treatment for blemishes.

Bananas

Bananas are natural moisturizers that can be mashed and used alone or mixed with sour cream and honey to make a soothing facial mask. Treat dry hair with a mix of banana and avocado. Apply it to damp hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.

Coconut milk and coconut oil

Coconut milk is very effective in hydrating dry, dull hair. Mix half a cup with one medium-sized crushed avocado and massage evenly through dry hair. Leave it in for 20-30 minutes before washing it out. Many people use coconut oil for dental hygiene. 


For those looking for natural and healthy products to add to beauty treatments, your pantry may never look the same again.

 

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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If you think you have PTSD, you're not alone

aduranplazola
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Help and treatments are available  

References to post-traumatic stress disorder appear in literature as far back as 50 B.C. For hundreds of years, doctors studied reports of illnesses called post-traumatic neurosis, disorder of will, shell shock, battle fatigue and more. In the late 1970s, interest and research into the problems Vietnam War veterans faced resulted in the recognition of the disorder by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980.  

 

The disorder  

Now widely known as PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder is a trauma/stressor-related disorder that people develop after seeing or living through an event that caused or threatened serious harm or death. Combat, natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorism and physical, sexual and emotional acts of violence are considered causes.  

 

The symptoms  

  • Flashbacks and triggers – people who have PTSD report having flashbacks or feeling as if the trauma is happening again. They may have nightmares or be reminded of the event by a sound, smell or something they see.  

  • Avoidance – avoiding things that can trigger memories, like crowds or fireworks displays, are common behaviors. Accident victims may resist or refuse to drive or fly.  

  • Negative feelings – guilt, shame, anger and depression are common.  

  • Disturbances – many sufferers have trouble sleeping, find it hard to concentrate and are easily startled by loud noises or surprises.  

  • Destruction – alcohol and drug misuse, driving aggressively and increased instances of self-harm are common reactions to trauma.  

Is PTSD common?  

Almost half of Americans report that they've experienced trauma. Within that group, about 1 in 10 men and 2 in 10 women develop PTSD.  

 

When to seek help  

Experts say that if the symptoms last longer than four weeks, cause significant distress or interfere with work or home life, it might be PTSD.  

 

Treatments work  

Studies report that trauma-focused or talk therapies, like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), are common and successful treatments for PTSD. CPT teaches patients how to change the upsetting thoughts and feelings associated with the event. Exposure therapies help patients gradually approach memories and emotions they avoid. Medication or a combination of therapy and medication work for many people.  

 

There are also new and emerging treatments under review. Talk to your family physician or a mental health provider if you think you could have PTSD. They will direct you to additional resources for diagnosis, treatment and support. 

 

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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Some egg-citing debates about eggs 

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

To chill or not to chill?   

 

If you’re a native of Britain, or a number of other countries across the globe, you might be surprised to find that eggs are refrigerated in American grocery stores.     

 

Conversely, if you’re American and on a tour of the British Isles, you may wonder where their cartons of eggs are kept. 
The answer: in an aisle, on a shelf.   

Horrified, you think, “Like cereal!?”    

 

What in the salmonella is going on here?   

 

Egg producers in the United States are most often required to wash their eggs to prevent illness-causing salmonella. The washing process includes enzymes and soaps that can strip eggs of the outer protective cuticle that keeps them safe from bacteria. Without this extra layer of protection, the washed eggs have to be refrigerated to guard against bacteria.   

 

Britain and many other countries around the globe avoid the need to refrigerate eggs by not washing them in the first place. Many places prohibit washing eggs because careless washing procedures have the potential to do more harm than good. Because unwashed eggs keep their outermost shells intact, refrigerating them is optional.  

 

Cracking the case: brown eggs vs. white eggs  

 

In another aisle (refrigerated or not) you’re faced with another debate. Should you buy the brown eggs or the white eggs? The common belief is that brown eggs are better for you than white eggs. Brown foods are assumed to be healthier, right? Whole-grain bread, wheat pasta, brown rice and other brown food products are all significantly more nutritious than their white counterparts. However, this trend stops with eggs. A study released by Poultry Science found that white eggs and brown eggs are essentially the same when it comes to nutritional content and health benefits.  

 

Although brown eggs tend to cost more than white eggs, this price difference does not reflect any difference in nutrient quality or nutritional value. Brown eggs are more expensive not because they are better or healthier, but because they usually come from larger chickens that cost more to raise. This lack of nutritional difference means the color of eggs you buy is completely a matter of personal preference.  

 

 

 

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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Four natural ways to reduce high blood pressure

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

High scores are awesome at bowling, video games and batting averages.  

 

High scores are not awesome when it comes to your blood pressure.  

 

High blood pressure is much more serious than a game. Therefore, it is vital to know your numbers and do what is necessary to keep them in a safe range.  

 

Medication is a great solution and is sometimes necessary to lower blood pressure. However, there are natural ways to reduce and prevent high blood pressure. Let’s get started. 

 

Exercise

 

We know it is recommended for almost everything, but there is a reason. According to a study on Harvard Health, exercise can reduce your high blood pressure by 10 points. Adults should strive for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five times per week for health benefits. 

 

Healthy foods

 

Eating healthy foods is another way to lower your blood pressure naturally. The National Council on Aging recommends ten foods to naturally combat high blood pressure. Unsweetened yogurt tops the list, followed by berries and beets. According to a study on the AHA Journal website, the Mediterranean Diet, which features fruits, vegetables, bread, grains, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds, among other foods, has been shown to lower blood pressure.  

 

Foods that typically contribute to high blood pressure include fatty and processed meats, salted snacks like pretzels and potato chips, canned soups and vegetables, butter and ketchup, to name a few.  

 

Quality sleep

 

Another factor leading to high blood pressure is a lack of quality of sleep. To learn the many ways sleep impacts our health, read our Sleep Matters blog. For tips to sleep better naturally, try our Natural Sleep Remedies blog. 

 

Reduce stress

 

A fourth way to naturally reduce your blood pressure is to reduce stress. To learn more about reducing stress, you can read any of our many blogs about it. Why are there so many blogs on reducing stress? Because so many of us are stressed, and it harms our health. We recommend Posers Welcome – Yoga for Beginners, Reduce Anxiety – Challenge Your Thoughts and Knock, Knock. Who’s there? Good Health. 

 

Regardless of your approach, remember that high blood pressure is known as the silent killer. It is important to know your numbers and talk to your doctor about the best approach for you. 

 

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 hair care tips to add to your routine

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Struggling with dry, damaged hair? The root of your problem may grow from your haircare habits. Whether you have coily, wavy, curly or straight hair, there are things you can add to your weekly routine to keep your hair healthy and shining. 

 

Condition

washing hair in shower

No matter how often you wash your hair, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) says you should always pair your shampoo with conditioner. Conditioners can improve the look of dry, damaged hair and protect it against static electricity and UV rays. Conditioner should only be used on the tips of hair.  

 

Avoid heat

woman holding straightener with distressed look

Products that produce heat, like curling irons and straighteners, cause damage to your hair. Instead of using these products every day, opt for a couple of times a week. When you do use them, be sure to turn to the lower heat setting and use a heat protectant spray. 

 

Oil massage

coconut oil

Massaging oil, particularly coconut oil, in your hair once a week provides many benefits. A 2015 study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that oiling your hair can help prevent breakage. For more tips on how to use coconut oil on your hair, read this blog. 

 

Wear a hat in the sun

woman wearing a hat

We know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun, but we should protect our hair too. Wearing a hat in the sun protects our hair from getting dry and damaged.  

 

Wear your hair down 

5 hair care tips to add to your routine

When you can, opt to let your hair down. Constantly pulling it up in buns and ponytails can cause damage to your hair follicles. Over time, AAD says this can lead to hair loss. Keep your hair a cut above with these tips. 

 

 

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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Take the plunge

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Have you heard of cold plunges? It’s just what it sounds like – jumping into icy water (anywhere from 39 to 59 degrees). It’s another, more intense form of cold therapy.  

 

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, cold therapy is used to reduce swelling and sensitivity to pain. When you have a sprained ankle, you typically apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation. A cold plunge is like covering your entire body with an ice pack. It’s not just for professional athletes and celebrities. Many people are starting to take the plunge at home. 

 

There are many reported benefits to bathing in icy water. In a 2020 study, people who swam in cold water had higher wellbeing and health than those who did not.  

 

Other reported benefits of cold plunging include: 

  • Reduced stress and anxiety 

  • Improved mood 

  • Boosted immune system 

  • Increased circulation 

 

With both physical and mental advantages, you may be tempted to dip your toe in. While you can invest in a pool specifically for plunging, your bathtub works the same. There are some risks associated with cold plunging, so definitely have a conversation with your doctor before you take the plunge.  

 

Tips for cold plunging: 

  • Get your doctor’s approval 

  • Start slow and gradually add more time 

  • Have someone with you 

  • Warm up slowly so you don’t shock your system 

If you are still hesitant to jump in, you can start with cold showers. Taking a cold shower has many of the same benefits.  

 

 

 

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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How to naturally lower your cholesterol

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Maybe you just came from the doctor’s office and learned your cholesterol is too high. Maybe you want to avoid hearing those words from your doctor. Either way, take our quiz to learn more about cholesterol and tips to lower it naturally. 

 

Eating healthy is a great way to lower cholesterol naturally. However, sometimes our bodies need a little help, and there are medications to assist you when needed. If you have high cholesterol or want to prevent it, please talk to your family doctor about the best plan of action for you. 

 

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.

 Take our quiz to learn more about cholesterol and tips to lower it naturally. 

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Your body is the only workout equipment you need

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Gym memberships and home gyms are typically expensive and usually either take a while to get there or take up a lot of space in your home. However, exercise is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy and live a longer and happier life. So, what do you do? Find a decent pair of shoes, a space with room to move, maybe your basement, backyard, park or wherever and use your body-weight to get fit.  

 

Before challenging your body, challenge your mind to learn more about body-weight exercises. 

 

Do you want more body-weight exercises? Visit the National Academy of Sports Medicine for nine exercises and step-by-step on instructions on how to perform them.  

 

Before starting a body-weight workout program, talk to your family doctor to make sure you are in good enough shape to start and for tips.  

 

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.

Workout Equipment

Before challenging your body, challenge your mind to learn more about body-weight exercises. 

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Is dark chocolate nature’s miracle dessert?

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

You have probably heard a rumor that dark chocolate is good for you. You might have even tried it and become bitter because it probably tasted bitter.  

 

The truth is the rumor about dark chocolate having health benefits is more than a rumor. Take our quick 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.

Is dark chocolate nature’s miracle dessert?

The truth is the rumor about dark chocolate having health benefits is more than a rumor. Take our quick quiz to learn more.  

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The sweet pain of inflammation

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Is too much of a good thing bad? Philosophers have pondered this question for centuries. In the case of inflammation, it is absolutely true. Inflammation is how your body fights infection. However, sometimes your body continues to create inflammation without anything to combat. This can become chronic inflammation, and that can cause pain, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, depression and more – all bad things.  

 

The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce your odds of chronic inflammation. According to multiple studies, including a review of the effects of dietary sugar from 2018, eating less sugar can decrease your chance of developing chronic inflammation.  

 

When you digest sugar, your blood glucose spikes, and your body produces insulin, leading to the creation of inflammatory hormones. If you are consuming too much sugar, your body can create too many inflammatory hormones, and that can lead to chronic inflammation.

 

However, sugar is not the only thing to avoid. It is generally acknowledged certain types of food can lead to inflammation. Try to avoid refined carbohydrates that include white bread and bakery items, fried foods, soda, red meat and margarine.

 

The sweetest news is not only can you avoid certain foods to reduce your chances of developing chronic inflammation, you can also eat your way to good health. A Mediterranean diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and healthy oils is widely accepted to decrease inflammation.  

 

For more tips on dealing with inflammation, talk to your family doctor.

 


 

 

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.

The sweet pain of inflammation
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