Recipes for a Healthy Home

Recipes for a Healthy Home

Cleaning product companies tell you that to keep your home clean and smelling fresh, you need to rely on an army of cleaning and air care products. Sprays, wipes, powders, liquids and more are sold with the promise of improving your home and your health by removing dirt and germs.

What companies are not telling you is that cleaning products can contain toxic chemicals that may harm your health. Manufacturers often recommend frequent and repeated use of their products, but this also translates to frequent and repeated exposures to potentially harmful chemicals. You may inhale these chemicals by breathing indoor air and some of them can be absorbed through the skin. Long-term exposures to certain
chemicals found in household cleaners have been linked to serious health problems like pregnancy complications, breast cancer, birth defects, asthma and allergic reactions.

Some simple natural items can deal with the majority of household cleaning tasks. These products are already in most kitchens and are very inexpensive. When preparing your own  cleaning products, make only what you need and make sure that they are in containers that are clearly labeled.  Here are some easy, effective and inexpensive recipes and tips for healthy home cleaning and maintenance. The cleaners are safe for you and the environment and can save you money.

1. ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
3 tbsp. white vinegar
½ tsp. washing soda
½ tsp. vegetable oil based liquid soap
2 cups hot water
Mix ingredients in spray bottle or bucket. Apply and wipe clean.

2. FLOOR CLEANER
For greasy, no-wax floors:
1 cup white vinegar
¼ cup washing soda
1 tablespoon vegetable oil-based liquid soap
2 gallons hot water
Combine all ingredients, stirring well to dissolve the washing soda. Mop as  usual.

3. WOOD CLEANER
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. white vinegar
¼ cup lemon juice
Mix ingredients. Using a soft cloth, rub into the wood, in the direction of the grain.

4. DRAIN CLEANER
For slow drains, use this drain cleaner once a week to keep drains fresh and clog-free.
½ cup baking soda
1 cup white vinegar
1 gallon boiling water
Pour baking soda down drain/disposal, followed by vinegar. Allow the mixture to  foam for several minutes before flushing the drain with boiling water.

5. OVEN CLEANER
2 tbsp. vegetable oil based liquid soap
2 tbsp. borax
Mix the soap and borax in a spray bottle. Fill the bottle with hot water and shake well. Spray on oven and leave for 20 minutes. Scrub off.

6. DISINFECTANT
2 tbsp. borax
¼ cup vinegar
2 cups hot water
Combine the borax and vinegar with the water in a spray bottle. Use as you  would any commercial all-purpose cleaner.

7. FURNITURE POLISH
1 lemon
1 teaspoon olive oil (least expensive)
1 teaspoon water
This polish should to be made fresh each time you use it. Extract the juice from the  lemon. Mix with oil and water. Apply a thin coat on your wood surface and let sit for 5 minutes. Use a soft cloth to buff to a deep shine.

8. LAMINATE FLOOR CLEANER
For engineered wood and no-wax floors.
½ cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water
Mix ingredients. Avoid overwetting the floor by using a spray bottle to apply the mixture to the floor. Mop as usual (microfiber mops work best).

9. REFRIGERATOR CLEANER
2 tbsp. baking soda
1 quart warm water
Dissolve baking soda in water. Use to wipe all surfaces inside and out. For stubborn spots, rub with baking soda paste. Be sure to rinse with a clean, wet cloth.

10. GARBAGE DISPOSAL CLEANER
1 cup ice
used lemon or orange rind
To eliminate garbage disposal odors and clean and sharpen blades, grind ice and rinds until pulverized.

11. NON-ABRASIVE SOFT SCRUBBER
¼ cup borax
vegetable oil based liquid soap
½ tsp. lemon essential oil
In a bowl, mix the borax with enough soap to form a creamy paste. Add lemon oil and blend well. Scoop a small amount of the mixture onto a sponge, wash the surface, then rinse well.

12. PLUMBING FIXTURE CLEANER #1
Use to clean stainless steel, chrome, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain or enamel fixtures.
2 tbsp. baking soda
1 quart water
Dissolve the baking soda in the water.
Wipe on fixtures then rinse.

13. TOILET BOWL CLEANER
1 cup borax
½ cup white vinegar
Flush to wet the sides of the bowl. Sprinkle the borax around the toilet bowl, then spray with vinegar. Leave for several hours or overnight before scrubbing with a  toilet brush.

14. NO-STREAK GLASS CLEANER
¼ cup white vinegar
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 quart warm water
Mix the ingredients and apply with a sponge or pour into spray bottle and spray on.  For lint-free results, wipe dry with crumpled newspaper, buff to a shine.

15. GARBAGE CAN DEODORIZER
1 cup baking soda
1 tsp. tea tree oil
Mix together in a small bowl, working out all the lumps with a fork. Sprinkle the mixture in the bottom of the trash can after the liner is removed. Periodically rinse container with white vinegar and dry in the sun.

16. PLUMBING FIXTURE CLEANER #2
Hard lime deposits around faucets can be softened for easy removal by covering the deposits with vinegar-soaked paper towels. white vinegar  paper towels .Soak paper towels in vinegar and leave them on surface. Wipe clean after about an hour.

17. FRAGRANT KITCHEN CLEANSER
2 tbsp. white vinegar
2 pints water
4 drops essential oil (lavender, tea tree oil, lemon, lemongrass, or rosemary)
Combine ingredients in spray bottle and use as a final rinse after cleaning kitchen surfaces. Store in a cool, dark place.

18. MIRROR & WINDOW POLISH
For sparkling glass.
cornstarch
water
Mix together cornstarch and water to make a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste  to the mirror. Rub gently then wipe clean with a soft cloth.

19. TUB & TILE CLEANER
white vinegar
baking soda or non-iodized salt
To remove film buildup on bathtubs, apply vinegar full-strength to a sponge and wipe. Next, use baking soda or salt as you would scouring powder. Rub with a damp sponge and  rinse thoroughly with clean water.

20. COPPER & BRASS CLEANER
Not for use on lacquered finishes.
lemon juice
salt, non-iodized
cornstarch
Mix equal parts of salt and corstarch with lemon juice to make a paste. Apply to surface with a soft rag. Rub gently. Rinse with warm water and mild dish soap. Dry with a soft cloth.

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Tips to stay fit and healthy

Tips to stay fit and healthy

Dieting alone does not have a long lasting effect on weight reduction, unless complemented with regular physical exercise.  Besides, exercise has a lot of other benefits.

Exercise can help promote our physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise can improve heart and lung functions, reduce the risk of heart and related diseases, and control weight. It also improves muscle strength and suppleness, as well as joint and muscle flexibility. By exercising regularly, we feel better, work better and cope better with the stresses in life. To stay healthy and fit, cultivate habits and behaviours that will enhance your health and reduce the risk of illness.

Regular exercise may help to improve your outlook. People who exercise regularly have a
lower chance of getting depressed than those who don’t exercise. They also sleep better and feel more rested. As a result, you may feel better about yourself.


Exercise
Exercise for 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week.

Take part in some kind of sport.

Do active work at home like work in your garden or yard or clean the house.

Take a brisk walk, jog or swim.

Smoking 
Do not start smoking, or stop smoking.

Alcohol and drugs
Drink alcohol moderately, or stop drinking.

Do not take drugs.

Practise safe sex
Abstain from sex; delay starting to have sex; do not rush into sex with each partner.
Be faithful to one partner.
Use condoms to protect yourself during sex.

Eating 
Eat balanced meals.
Eat a variety of all food groups (starch, protein, fat, dairy products).
Eat at least two portions of vegetables and fruit a day.
Reduce fat in the diet.
Take less sugar and salt.
Drink at least eight glasses of water every day.

Sleep
Sleep seven to eight hours a night.

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Simple Tips And Technics To Keep Your Body Fit And Healthy

Simple Tips And Technics To Keep Your Body Fit And Healthy

How do you feel to be healthy? Nice! Must be wondering if there is that magic wand, I can become slim, fit and healthy. Nice to think but how to make this a reality? Takes time. Can't happen overnight.

You can follow certain simple and easy technics which will help you be fit and healthy. Have you decided to go for it! then read on.

1- Do not make a future plan for your exercise, if you have to do it, just do it now.

2- Wake up a bit early, pull your pants up and start walking out. If not like an exercise, just walk out. Go where you like, spend sometime out in the morning. You can opt to buy milk, vegetables, newspaper or whatever... just go out. Slowly increase the speed of your walk.

3- Follow the Golden Rule - Breakfast like a KING, Lunch like a Prince and Dinner like a PAUPER. Keep your dinner very light, avoid cheese, butter, curd or any other fat products.

4- Breathe in and breathe out deeply whenever your remember. Do simple stretching exercises.

5- Last of all... Don't worry.. Be happy. Stress can cause lifestyle diseases. Be away from stress. Life is short, enjoy every moment of it.

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15 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HEART

15 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HEART 

Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:Creative_Commons

1. Know your risk factors for heart disease.

2. Talk to your doctor about reducing your risk of heart disease.

3. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Avoid excess salt intake to maintain normal blood pressure.

4. Know your cholesterol numbers. [These include total cholesterol, HDL or "good" cholesterol, LDL or "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides.]

5. Have your blood sugar level checked for diabetes.

6. Do not smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products in any form including passive smoking.

7. Eat for your heart health. Healthy balanced food intake of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, avoiding saturated fats and trans fatty acids.

8. Get regular physical activity. At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most or all days of the week. Include physical activity in your working schedule - cycle to work if possible, take the stairs, and go for a walk during lunch breaks.

9. Aim for a healthy weight.

10. Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the importance of  seeking medical help immediately.

11. Positive attitude with balanced approach to life, avoiding negative mental stress and strain.

12. Workplace wellness should be promoted by incorporating relaxation techniques like stretching and meditation.

13. Know your numbers- visit a healthcare professional to know your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels - keep all below 100 (mean BP< 100 mmHg, LDL cholesterol<100mg, fasting blood glucose<100mg).

14. Maintenance of optimal body weight (body mass index (BMI) below 25) especially avoiding abdominal obesity.

15. Flavor foods with herbs, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, salsa, tomato sauce, or seasoned vinegars.  Limit high fat additions like butter, margarine, mayonnaise, sour cream, and creamy sauces.

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Tips for Gaining Weight- the HEALTHY Way

Tips for Gaining Weight- the HEALTHY Way

Gaining weight should be “simple.”  Eat more calories than you expend and you’re sure to gain weight, right?  Gaining weight in a healthy way, though, can be a bit more challenging.  Here are 11 steps to help you assure that you are doing what’s best for you and your body as you pursue your weight gain goals.

1.  Set attainable goals.  Face it, very few people are destined to appear on the cover of a fitness magazine.  Our body shape and size is determined primarily by genetics and secondly by our lifestyle.  Healthy weight gain is a slow process that requires patience and realistic goal-setting.

2.  Eat breakfast.  Every day.  A well balanced breakfast is an excellent way to wake up your metabolism and your appetite.  Make sure you have a grain, some protein, and a fruit to start your day.  Try a yogurt berry parfait with granola OR a bagel sandwich with eggs & cheese and some juice.  In a hurry?  Grab a fruit smoothie OR cereal with milk and
berries.

3.  Follow basic nutrition recommendations.  Contrary to popular belief, living on fast food, pizza, and milkshakes is not the best approach to weight gain.  Although these foods can be incorporated into your meal plan, be sure to balance them with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a variety of protein sources, such as meat, nuts, beans, and dairy.    

4.  Plan to eat 5-6 times/ day, at least.  Prevent excessive fullness by eating reasonable portions spread throughout the entire day.  Plan to have 3-4 meals each day with several snacks in between.  At the end of the day, your “energy in” must be greater than your “energy out” in order to gain weight.

5.  Vary your diet, especially the protein.  Eating the same foods every day can be boring.  Get creative and try something new.  Start with a variety of protein sources: cheese, nuts, beef, fish, yogurt, pork, beans, chicken, yogurt, turkey, cottage cheese, lamb, eggs, etc.

6.  Pack snacks to-go for extra calories.  Trail mix, granola bars, fruit with peanut butter, chips, dried fruit, veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, nuts, smoothies, sunflower seeds, and cookies are portable options that can help you keep up with your needs throughout the day.  Cereal with milk, ice cream, and hot chocolate can be great snacks to end your day.

7.  Choose caloric beverages.  You’re going to drink something, so pick fluids with calories.  Juices, milk, and even an occasional soda (non-diet, of course) will do the trick.  Drink plenty of fluids that supply calories like juice, milk, milkshakes, and sports beverages. For example, drinking 1 quart of grape or cranberry juice supplies 1000 calories. 1 quart of 2% milk supplies 720 calories.

8.  Consider high-calorie nutritional supplements.  Energy-dense, high-quality nutrition can be hard to come by, but Ensure Plus, Boost Plus, and Carnation Instant Breakfast provide quick and easy calories with the added bonus of vitamins and minerals.  Consider using these products as your “nutrition medicine” on the days you’re not feeling hungry, but know you still need to eat.

9.  Balance cardio, flexibility, and strength-training exercises.  Exercise, especially cardio work-outs, burns calories that you must replace by eating more.  However, it can help to stimulate your appetite and assure that you build an appropriate amount of muscle.  3-5 days of physical activity each week can assure optimal outcomes.
(Note: Severe malnutrition can require a period of inactivity as the body heals and repairs.  Consultation with a medical provider and/or dietitian can help to establish a safe plan in these situations.)

10. Get regular sleep
The human body needs adequate rest in order to “keep up.”  On average, most people need 8 hours of sleep/ night.  However, some people function well on 6 hours/night while others need 10+ hr/ night to feel fully rested.  Bottom line, listen to your body and get the sleep you need.

11. Set realistic goals
Genetic factors can play a large role in physique. You are not going to look like Arnold if your parents look like Pee Wee Herman.

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