Nail Care Tips

Nail Care Tips

The nail is made of a hard protein called keratin. A protein is one of the building blocks which make up the body. The nail care help protect the ends of the fingers and toes from trauma and also help us pick up small objects.

Over the last hundred years, the nails have become more important for cosmetic reasons and less important for protection.

Manicuring is the care of the hands and nails. Basic manicuring should be done once a week.  Nice looking, neat, natural nails require care and proper manicuring. A shortish nail that is straight across the top with rounded edges is the current in style shape.  Other shapes include square, round, and oval.

1. Infections
- you may have a nail fungus infection if your nails go crumbly and whitish/yellowish and separate from the nail bed
- hangnails or loose skin around the sides of your nails should be trimmed with a shape scissor or nail nipper to reduce the risk of skin tearing or infections getting into the skin

2. Basic Nail Care
- Wash hands with mild soap, using a nailbrush.
- Soak the hands in warm water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles (the bits of skin at the bottom of the nails).
- Very gently push back the cuticles if they are long and ragged.
- Trim the nails to the same length, cutting off any snaggy or spiky bits.
- File the ends of the nails to smooth them off.
- If your hands are dry, apply some hand cream (it doesn't have to be the girly stuff that stinks of flowers, lads).
- Try not to bite your nails.

3. Filing Nails:
- file the nail when the free edge is 1/4 th  long (otherwise the nail will weaken)
- file from the corner of the nail towards the center in one direction.
- Should be done whenever necessary (sharp edges, weekly basis)

4. Buffing Nails:
- gives nails a shinier finish
- don't go back and forth to create heat - does damage to the nail
- should not be done all the time

5. Clean Nails:
- clean the nails from oils, lotions, and old polish
- ensure the nails are dry before beginning your new manicure

6. Base Coat:
- the base coat protects the nail from staining and keeps the polish from chipping (so it lasts longer)

7. Applying Polish:
- two thin layers of polish looks better than one thick layer
- apply polish to the sides and finish through the centre to keep a nice finish to the polish
- ensure the polish is thin enough prior to applying to the nail Drying Time:
- allow several minutes for polish to dry before applying the next coat
- drying time allows the next coat to adhere properly to the first coat
- dark shades need more time to dry

8. Top Coat:
- apply to nail once last coat of polish has dried completely

9. Moisturize:
- after nails are completely dry, apply moisturizer to hand and nails especially the cuticles

10. Cuticle Oil:
- massage into the cuticle to moisturize and soften dry spots on the cuticles

11. Bed Time:
- apply cream to nail and hands before going to bed

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DISEASES OF THE GUMS

DISEASES OF THE GUMS

Gums are made of soft tissue. They surround the bottom portion of your teeth (called the tooth root). Taking care of your gums is just as important as taking care of your teeth. The most common gum complaints are redness, swelling, tenderness and bleeding of the gums, which is a sign of inflamed gums or "gingivitis". This is caused due to the build up of plaque, a bacteria filled concoction of food and saliva, around the base of the teeth or in between the teeth and the gums. Thus brushing the teeth after every meal and flossing them at least twice daily helps to prevent the collection of plaque.

Women are more susceptible to gingivitis than men. Their gums bleed easily especially during their menstrual periods or during their pregnancy. Gingivitis is also common in people wearing dentures that don"t fit them properly or in those suffering from diabetes, chronic smokers, leukemia, etc. or  in those going through a lot of stress. Heredity, certain drugs (especially antidepressants, oral contraceptives, antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and certain medications for hearttroubles) and vitamin deficiencies are some of the other common causes.

"Scurvy" is a condition where the gums become red, hot, swollen, spongy, very sensitive and they separate from the teeth and there can be formation of small ulcers on the gums, inside of lips and cheeks, palate and on the tongue with an offensive odor from the mouth. This condition usually results due to dietary deficiencies, especially that of Vitamin C or can be due to heredity, certain drugs or stress.

Use a soft bristled brush for sore and inflamed gums. Proxabrush is a special inter proximal brush that has tiny bristles that go below the gum line, where floss cannot reach. They are thus useful when used in conjunction with normal brushing and flossing.

SOME HOME REMEDIES

1. Incorporate a lot of fresh, raw or lightly cooked vegetables (especially broccoli, pecacua, cauliflower and tomatoes) and fresh, raw fruits (especially citrus fruits, which are a rich source of vitamin C) in your diet. The person should take a well balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits.

2. Mixture of carrot and beetroot juice is a useful remedy for gum disorders.

3. Chew one unripe guava daily to stop the bleeding from the gums because of its richness in vitamin C.

4. Eating oranges and rubbing the gums with their skins daily can help cure pyorrhea (inflammation of the gums).

5. Oranges, pomegranates (anar) and bananas are useful for bleeding gums.

6. Oil from leaves of cinnamon tree (dalchini) is expressed and applied to the gums to make them firm and strong.

7. Dry Indian gooseberry (amla) should be  powdered with an equal quantity of sugar and this powder should be given in doses of one teaspoonful, three times daily, with milk.

8. Wash and cut six lemons in small pieces and pour in some water and bring it to a boil. Then let it cool for about half an hour and then strain it and hold some of this juice in your mouth for a few minutes and take a few glasses of it daily for a few days.

9. The juice of raw spinach (palak) is another useful remedy for bleeding gums and for the treatment of pyorrhea.

10. Grind a few cloves (lavang) to a paste and mix it with lemon juice and massage this paste over the gums.

11. Onions eaten raw keeps the gums healthy and strong.

12. Washing the gums daily with salt solution helps.

13. Lettuce leaves should be chewed daily immediately after meals.

14. One to two cloves of garlic should be chewed daily to keep them strong and prevent any bleeding gums.

15. Chewing cardamom (elaichi) seeds is useful to prevent gum decay.

16. Potato should be included in your daily diet, since it is a good source of Vitamin C.

17. Moisten a small piece of cotton with sandalwood oil and apply it locally over the bleeding gums.

18. Betel nut is chewed to check bleeding from gums.

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Body Piercing - Know The Risks

Body Piercing - Know The Risks

Traumatic tear of the earlobe

Having a part of your body pierced is a very important decision and can have negative health effects if done poorly.If you are considering having a piercing done read on and check out some of the facts for yourself.

Tongues, Lips and Cheeks

Although popular, these can be some of the more dangerous areas of the body to get pierced. Complications can include infections, speech impediments, breathing problems, increased tooth decay and broken teeth. Infections can result in blood poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, a blocked airway, as well as the risk of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Eyebrows, nose, ear Lobes and upper ears

Infections in the area around the eyes and nose can result in serious complications. Pierced ear lobes have been around for hundreds of years. Recently, the trend is towards piercing the upper ear through the cartilage that gives your ear its structure. Ear cartilage is sensitive and slow healing. Infections can cause a
‘cauliflower’ appearance of the ear. Piercing the side of your nose can also be very painful, and can cause difficulties if you have a cold or runny nose.

NippLes and naveLs
Nipple piercing in women can create scar tissue that may cause difficulties in breast-feeding in later life. The nipple is very sensitive and therefore can be very painful to pierce. Bellybuttons also should be pierced with care and watched constantly. The moist,  warm nature of the navel makes risk of infection a little higher.

Genitals
Piercing genitals is a decision that should not be taken lightly. An infection here is not only painful, but can be very serious. It is really important to try and get some advice from a doctor before considering piercing of the penis, labia, clitoris, foreskin or scrotum. Some States and Territories restrict access to these procedures to those aged 18 years and over.

HIV and other diseases
There are also significant risks of transmission of diseases like hepatitis B and C and HIV/AIDS in unsafe piercing studios and with piercing done by friends or relatives in un-sterile conditions. It is essential that any sign of infection is treated seriously and promptly.

After the procedure
The body piercing provider should provide you with information about how to care for your new piercing. Remember to make an immediate appointment with your doctor if there are any problems with an area that is pierced that might indicate infection or complications (such as bleeding, pain, weeping or swelling), or that you are worried about.

It is also important to remember that you can talk to your doctor before you decide to have any area of your body pierced.
You doctor will be able to: 

•   discuss the risks with you; 
•   warn about possible allergies, infections and abnormal “keloid” scarring; 
•   tell you how to make sure that the piercing  studio is safe; 
•   talk about how to care for your piercing; and 

  show you what to look for and what to do if something goes wrong.
Some doctors are happy to do piercing for their patients in a clean, sterile and safe environment. Remember your doctor can also give you another opportunity to discuss your decision further. Drugs and alcohol can impair decision making so do not get a piercing done while under the influence. It is best to give yourself some time to think through your decision to get a piercing.

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IRRITATION IN THE EYE

IRRITATION IN THE EYE

Irritation of the eye can result from presence of a foreign particle in the eye or due to straining the eye for long. If you are wearing contact lenses, take them out immediately. Do not itch or rub the eyes vigorously since that will only increase the itching and the irritation and lead to further complications. Press gently on the
inner corner of the eye towards the nose and at the same time draw the outer corner downwards; this will make the tears flow and wash the foreign substance towards the inner corner, from where it can be easily removed. If the irritation persists for long or if it is associated with lachrymation (watering from the eyes) and redness of the eyes, it is better to get it checked by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

SOME HOME REMEDIES
1. First of all wash the eye with cold water and then apply a cold compress over the eyes, made by wetting a small gauze-piece with cold water. This compress should be used as frequently as possible and for as long as possible.

2. Splash cool water in the eye till the time the irritation decreases and if it doesn't go, then a few drops of rosewater can be instilled in both the eyes.

3. One drop of ghee or honey in each eye is a good cleanser.

4. In cases of burning in the eye, first rinse it with cool water as described above and then rinse the eye with tea after allowing it to cool upto room temperature. The eyes should then be covered with cold, wet tea bags. The tannic acid in the tea bags will soothe and cool down the itch and the irritation. Wrap the teabags with paper towels to avoid any staining of the eyelid.

5. The eyes can also be covered with slices of raw potato (which help draw the toxins out of the eyes) until the pain reduces.

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BOWLING’S HEALTH BENEFITS

BOWLING’S HEALTH BENEFITS

Bowling is good exercise for all ages and works 134 different muscles. It does not take a lot of physical strength to become a good bowler. Bowling helps to improve hand to eye coordination. 

1. Bowling burns roughly 240 calories per hour of activity.

2. It strengthens and tones your arm, shoulder, chest, and leg muscles.

3. It improves heart and respiratory fitness.

4. It increases endurance while maintaining bone density.

5. It speeds up your metabolism.

6. An average bowler swings a bowling ball a full 360 degrees (200 degree back swing, 160 degree down swing).

7. An average bowler with a 16 pound ball swings 864 pounds full circle in a three game series (54 shots times 16 pounds per shot). That is well over one third of a ton.

8. An average bowler walks an average of 60 feet per turn, or about 6/10 of a mile in a three game series.

9. The social aspect of bowling helps improve your mental outlook.

10. Bowling is a lifetime sport. It is one of the few sports that allow you to compete at a high level at an older age.

11. Bowling provides an exercise optionfor those with physical limitations.

12. The millions of dollars of scholarships awarded annually to youth bowlers help them reach their educational goals, which keeps our nation as a whole healthy.

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Cracked Heels - Remedies

Cracked Heels - Remedies

The appearance of fissures (cracks in your skin) and general dryness around the heel of your foot. Dry skin is a primary culprit of cracked heels. The body produces no oil in the palms of hands and on the bottom of the feet. Therefore, the area remains dry most of the time. Individuals who do not use proper hygiene on their feet accumulate up to 30 times more skin in that area than on other parts of the body. Heels are also more prone to cracking with age. Cracks or deep wounds may facilitate the development of infections. Calluses are thickened skin that may also form on the toes. 

1. The onset of advanced years can unfortunately also bring with it this condition, or a higher chance of you developing it.

2. Shoes that do not fit properly.

3. Athlete’s foot can also be associated with this problem.

4. Other major dermatological conditions such as Psoriasis and eczema.

5. If you have diabetes you may well have a higher risk of having very dry skin.

6. A higher level of household heat that reduces humidity and dries out your skin.

7. This condition can also be linked to the wearing of open backed footwear that causes the outer part of the heel to rub and crack.

8. The over use of excessively hot water.

9. Being overweight.

The Main Symptoms are:

This condition is not serious as such, but when the skin breaks open and bleeds then it becomes a source of infection, which is of course not welcome.

Red and flaky patches of skin can be seen and felt.

Peeling and cracked skin.

Itchy skin.
Some suggested treatment programs

Use a pumice stone or other foot file to help reduce the thickness of the skin.

Follow this treatment with the use of a good foot cream in order to moisturise the area and keep it supple. Use frequently i.e. every day. 

1. Use the foot cream at night and wear bed socks to help the foot absorb as much of the cream as possible.

2. Check your shoes and footwear for tight spots that rub against your heel and try and eliminate these.

3. You can wear insoles and corrective devices to realign your feet and get them to work properly so as not to rub on your heels which can make this condition much worse.

4. Applying an oil based moisturizing cream twice daily is really important to get on top of this problem. After looking at the 'tomato' analogy above it should be obvious why it is important to avoid open backed shoes or thin soled shoes.

5. Never try to reduce the hard skin your self with a razor blade or a pair of scissors.

6. There is a risk of an infection developing and taking too much off.

7. Apply any shortening or hydrogenated vegetable oil after washing the feet clean on dry and cracked areas of the feet. After applying a thick coat of shortening on the feet, wear a pair of thick socks. Leaving this application overnight can surely provide positive results in few days.

8. Apply the pulp of a ripe banana on the dry or cracked area of the heel. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse it clean.

9. Soak the feet in lemon juice for about 10 minutes. Follow this therapy on a weekly basis until one finds a change.

10. A daily regime of cleaning and moisturizing is a good cure for dry or cracked heels.

11. At the end of the day soak the feet in warm soapy water for about 15 minutes. Rinse feet and pat dry. Make a healing mixture comprising of: one teaspoon Vaseline and the juice of one lemon. Rub this mixture onto the cracked heels and other required areas of the feet till it is thoroughly absorbed. This can be done daily until visible results are obtained.

12. A regular application of a mixture of glycerin and rosewater is known to soothe and cure cracked heels.

13. Another result oriented solution is to melt paraffin wax and mix it well with little mustard oil. Apply on the dry or cracked area of the heels. Rinse it off in the morning. A continuous application for 10 to15 days can achieve desirable results. 

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF JUJUBE FRUIT

HEALTH BENEFITS OF JUJUBE FRUIT

1. Jujube contains antioxidant with rejuvenating properties to help improve the immune system and overall health.

2. Jujube contains high amount of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, manganese and calcium.

3. Jujube contains vitamin C, riboflavin and thiamine. Jujube fruit has 20 times the amount of vitamin C as citrus fruits.

4. The vitamin and mineral content of the jujube helps to soothe the stomach, ease sore throats, suppress the appetite, support cardiovascular health, enhance metabolism and cleanse the blood vessels.

5. The body requires 24 amino acids to function, and the jujube fruit contains 18 of the 24. Amino acids help with the maintenance and formation of the bones, skin, muscle, bloods, hormones, neurotransmitters and enzymes in the body. They are also essential to the building of more that 50,000 proteins made by the human body. Amino acids assist the body in healing wounds and diseases.

6. The protective effects of jujube fruit on the liver help to eliminate oxidative stress in the liver. Oxidative stress is when free radicals form in the body and interact with cells. Free radicals can lead to many diseases.

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