Archive for February, 2010

How to have beautiful Eye brows

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

The eyes are called “the windows of the soul” and, as such, they deserve the best treatment that we can possibly give.  Eye includes eyebrows.  Eyebrows tell people a lot about you and are very important feature on a person’s face.They help to balance facial features.. If they are not properly groomed, they draw attention to themselves.  They give the face an unbalanced and comical look.  But it but it is a sad sight to see that it is the most neglected part of the human body.

Our eyebrows tell others about our feelings.  Raising a brow shows one emotion while dipping one shows something else altogether.  They telegraph our emotions to those who are looking at us.  More than that, they show how much respect we have for ourselves.  Unruly and untamed brows say we don’t really care how we look, while well-arched, carefully tamed brows say that we hold ourselves in high esteem.

To stress the importance of a well-shaped brow, many of Hollywood’s finest makeup artists say that women with good brows and skin often need little or no make-up at all!

How to have well groomed eye brows?

* Take a long handle brush and align it with the side of the nose and the inside corner of the eye .The eyebrow should begin from the place where the brush meets the eyebrow area.

* The brow should end where, when the brush is aligned with the edge of the nostril and the outside corner of the eye ends on the eyebrow area.

* The brow should be balanced.  It should begin and end at the same level.  To be sure align your brush such that it is vertical and lie at the beginning and the end of both the brow.  Make sure it is straight.

* Align your brush with the outside rim of your iris (the colored part of your eye).  This is where the arch should be.

” The brow should be of the same thickness throughout and taper slightly at the end.  Align your brush handle with the highest points of both brows to indicate this.

Methods of eyebrow grooming: Though there are several methods by which one can groom her eyebrow the most common methods are Waxing, threading and electrolysis.

Eyebrow waxing has been in use in America for decades and stays quite well for three to ten weeks.  You can use both hot and cold wax.  But if your skin is sensitive, you may feel some irritation, burning or itching sensation in the area where the wax has been applied.  It can be smoothened by applying moisture.

Threading, though new in America has been in use for many decades in Asia.  Threading uses a strand of cotton thread, which is twisted.  It is pulled along the skin anywhere that stray hairs exist.  It can pull one or many hairs up from the roots in a single pass.  A single threading may capture all of the unnecessary hair if it is clumped together in the same spot.  However, for shaping purposes, it may take between six and eight passes to complete the technique.  It does not leave any irritation on the skin.

Electrolysis isn’t new in America.  But the fact is that it has now become affordable and an average woman can afford it now!  Electrolysis involves the use of a special electrode that delivers a minor electrical shock current to the hair follicle.  The current kills the follicle at the same time as it removes unwanted hair.

We can conclude that Eyebrows provide a frame to your face.  They are the part, which play very important role in giving the desired look to your face.  The purpose of making up your eyebrows is to create a beautiful frame to the face, which will certainly help you improve your overall look.  The shape and grooming of your eyebrows will make your eyes look bigger and open up your face more naturally.

Eczema

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Eczema is a common term given to many type of skin inflammation. It can affect people of any age even though it is most commonly seen in infants. Statistics show that about 85% of people have an onset of it before 5 years of age. People with eczema often have a family history of the condition or a family history of other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever.

What causes Eczema?

Though doctors are unable to identify the exact reason for the occurrence of eczema it is commonly found that the following reasons lead to its occurrence.

  • Extreme or sudden changes in weather conditions
  • Undergoing a lot of stress
  • Consumption of too much of alcohol or cigarettes
  • Chemical sensitivity towards any particular dye used in the manufacture of the cosmetics used by the person
  • Hereditary factor. If any one from the family has the history of asthma or hay fever
  • Abnormal function of immune system combined with a defect of the skin
  • Environmental allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) may also cause outbreaks of eczema
  • Some forms of eczema can be triggered by  the chemical substances  that are used in soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry and it comes in contact with the skin.

Symptoms of Eczema:

  • Intense itching is the first symptom in most people with eczema.
  • Sometimes you may find blisters and oozing lesions in the affected area.
  • It may lead to dry, reddened skin that itches or burns.
  • Repeated scratching in the affected area may lead to thickened, crusty skin.
  • Eczema can sometimes occur as a brief reaction that only leads to symptoms for a few hours or days, but in other cases, the symptoms persist over a longer time and are referred to as chronic dermatitis.

Treatment for Eczema:

Doctors may advise a change in the life style of the affected person and give medication. Some times both are advised for better results. The main aim of the treatment given in such cases are to prevent itching, inflammation and the worsening of the condition.

Moistening the skin by the application of creams or oils/ointments is a very important step for the treatment of Eczema

Natural Cure to Eczema:

  • Neem, also known as Sarbaroganibarini meaning “cure for all disease”, due to its anti bacterial and anti fungal properties can be used both externally and internally to cure eczema
  • Tulsi also has extensive medicinal properties. The combination of neem  and tulsi leaves can offer a natural cure for eczema
  • Applying a paste of garlic powder on the affected area is beneficial.
  • Mudpack offers a soothing relief from the sense of itching.
  • The grounded seeds of Palasha can be mixed with lime juice for preparing the medicinal mixture useful in treating eczema
  • A proper diet is vital in curing your eczema.. Scientists have proved that high levels of acidity have a direct impact on eczema. So make sure you have a good diet.
  • Applying moisturizer to your skin everyday will give you great relief and stop the itching within a few days.

How to look young after forties

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Everyone wants to look good. Everyone wants to look young. However, as a person grows old, the skin tends to loose its elasticity and wrinkles appear on the skin along with blemishes and other skin related conditions and it is one of the signs of aging.

Over the years, people have been trying to figure out ways to look younger for a longer period of time. Several creams and ointments, along with oral medication, as well as surgical treatment options have come up in this regard, which can help your skin look younger for a longer time. But they are costly and do not give a permanent solution to look young. So what should you do? Leave it as such and allow the skin to show the sign of aging? No, not at all!

Why more care for skin is required after forties?

Good skin care is necessary at any given age but special care is required by the time you approach forties as this is the period when your physiology changes dramatically! This is more visible in women than in men.

  • As you reach forties there is a decline in the level of hormone and growth factors in the body. This decreases the speed at which the skin renews and repairs itself. Women at this age experience a dramatic hormone change as they either approach menopause stage or undergo it. This in turn reduces the production of sebum, the skin oil leading to the thinning and drying of skin.
  • Another problem of older skin is inflammation. Though this is not visible with the naked eyes, it increases the production of harmful free radicals and leads to increased cell damage, degradation of skin matrix and other problems

The following skin tips can help you keep your forty something skin looking as youthful as possible.

  • Identify the type of your skin: Generally with age the skin tends to become drier. This is because the skin tends to lose collagen and elastic fibers as it grows old. So it becomes a necessity to evaluate the type of skin and change the skin care products.
  • Cleanse your skin regularly: It is very important to remove the make up and dirt on your skin. Use the cleanser that does not irritates your skin.
  • Limit the usage of scrubs: Exfoliating scrubs can be helpful to physically remove dead flaking skin. But it is advised not to do it more than once in a week.
  • Moisturize regularly: AS the skin gets drier as it ages, it is better to  start using  richer emollient moisturizing lotions.
  • Protect your skin from sunshine: Even though you have not used the sunscreen lotion in your youthful days, it is better to start using them now!
  • Ensure hydration: Proper hydration of skin is necessary for optimal anti aging routine.
  • Use less of make ups and cosmetics:  People generally end up using heavier make-up in order to hide the aging signs and make their skin look young and  radiant. However, this has an adverse effect on the skin; heavy foundation and excessive compact powder can actually create a cakey impression and highlight the wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Moreover, the harsh chemicals contained in these products may seep into your skin and further degrade the internal tissues. Instead you should use creamy and hydrating skin care products that don’t highlight the age lines but makes the skin appear smooth and supple.

How to keep your skin look radiant naturally?

  • Barley grass is one of the most incredible products of this decade. It improves the skin texture and the dryness associated with aging
  • Wheatgrass juice helps in cleansing the lymph system, building the blood, restoring balance in the body, removing toxic metals from the cells, nourishing the liver and kidneys and restoring vitality
  • Naturally absorbent and extremely gentle on the system, bentonite clay can treat various skin and internal ailments Many beauticians state that clay has no equal as a facial conditioner
  • Adding bee pollen to the diet will give you the glow of health. Blending it into magic potions help to smooth soothe and rejuvenate every inch of the outside body. 
  • Drink 10 to 12 glasses of water every day. It will keep your skin glowing.
  • Apply the peel of the fruits and vegetables that are cut to your face and rinse after 15 minutes. With tap water. This will help you look younger and the skin softer.

Right way to shop if you want to loose weight

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Loosing weight is not as easy as one thinks. Many people trying to lose weight are seen having “fad diet” that are found around. But beware of it.  It will only help lose weight fast but it is not good for your health.

Remember that you have to reduce your weight gradually and not over night. When you start to diet you will find that your weight is reduced much and then the amount of weight loss is reduced. It is because at first you loose more water weight. If you are on the right path then your weight loss will slow down to 1 pound per week.

Never fast to lose weight. Make a habit of eating in small quantities if you wan to reduce weight and eat the right food. For this you would have to shop the right food!

If you are really interested in losing your weight then you have to remember the below points while purchasing bread and cereal.

  1. First thing to keep in mind is to Shop right after breakfast or lunch when junk food and rich desserts won’t seem to appeal you.
  2. Try to consume whole grain varieties which include whole wheat, multigrain, rye, millet, oat and cracked wheat.
  3. If you are to consume bread daily check out the label and go in for the variety which has at least 2 grams of fiber per slice. You can also go in for wheat bread.
  4. If you want to reduce weight then select low calorie bread for yourself.
  5. While selecting the cereals go in for those varieties which have at least 2 grams of fiber per serving. In order to do this you have to check the components of the pack.
  6. In some packets of cereals the quantity of sugar and salt is more than the required one. That is they are excess of salty or sweet. In order to avoid ending up buying them check the total amount of carbohydrate in the label. It is always preferable to buy those packets which tell about less than 6% sugar in a serving.
  7. Do pick up some unsweetened hot cereals. You can sweeten them with the help of the fresh fruit. These unsweetened cereals may be either instant or to be cooked as it makes no difference when it comes to reducing the weight.
  8. Only purchase those cereals which are having less than 2% fat in them. You can get a variety of packs of cereals. Avoid the ones which add nuts, seeds and oil.
  9. Lastly do not forget to check the ingredients on the label. Have a look at the order of the list. The thing with the maximum percentage is to head the list. So in the items you purchase- wheat, oats, rye, or corn should be on the top as they are the ones you are looking for.

Why do some children speak late?

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Learning to speak is a natural process which follows a set pattern among all the children. Generally it is seen that even an infant turns his head to see in the direction of the noise. So it is a proven fact that speech and hearing goes together. The child will tend to speak those words which he hears. What ever he hears gets embedded in his mind and increases his vocabulary and he uses them in his speech. Normal speech development covers a wide range of styles. It is common to notice that some children speak clearly but say very little; others chatter away the whole day, but in a language which others may find hard to understand. In general, if a two-year-old child understands what is said to her, and communicates using gestures and facial expressions and pronounces some words then there is no need to worry.

It is seen quite common that children start talking at the age of two. But it is common to find that 14-20% of pre school children have problem with their speech pattern though this may last only for few more years and there is nothing much to worry. But some times it may so happen that it carries on for a longer time and it becomes a point of concern as they may be thought as retarded.

There are two sets of children who do not start to speak at proper time. One set of children show drawn-out within themselves and another set who show intelligence and excellent mental capacities. A parent can assess how well his child speaks by looking into his speech pattern and talking note of his vocabulary, fluency, articulation, comprehension, voice etc There is a need to worry about the first set of children and they may be retarded while the second set of children are quite normal with a high amount of intelligence. Both these set of children should be handled with care love and affection.

Extra care should be placed while handling the second set as they may be very often treated as retarded children and their ambition being shattered. We have to find out the reasons why such children who show a high amount of intelligence do not speak properly. It has been proved that if the child is feeling that he is not being listened properly and is ignored then he tends to talk less. It is because’ If they feel that parents and others are focusing not on what they say, but how they say it, they may come to feel they’re being attacked for expressing their feelings and thoughts, which can have negative emotional consequences” as quoted by Jayne Comins.

If the child is speaking less or very few words it is not a cause to be panicked but you can very easily tackle this problem by showing care and affection and making him feel secure. The more secure he feels the more he will try to express. Some times it may also happen that the child tries to speak out some thing which he finds difficult and is being made fun of then he will never try to speak out those words again as he will feel humiliated. That is why it is clearly said that the child should feel secure and safe so that he can express himself freely.

It is really difficult to say why the speech pattern differs -Why some child speak early and some late; some are chatter box while some speak very less. It may be due to any of the following reasons-normal delay, late speech development, genetic problem, Social/environmental, Emotional trauma, Neurological, Repeated ear infections, Dyspraxia or it may be concentrating on some other development like motor development.

But whatever the reason is -Routine developmental checks as a toddler may help in  preventing early speech problems.

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How to burn your body fat quickly

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Most of us think of our metabolism as the enemy. It gets increasingly stubborn as we get older, sabotaging our efforts to lose weight. Individuals all round the world want to burn fat, but they do not know when to start and where to start. In most of the cases getting the motivation to start is the most difficult part. So the best way to burn fats is to start with a diet plan.  There are many simpler ways through which you can lose weight.

Before thinking of losing weight you have to understand three essential facts about what makes your body tick:

  • Eating cranks up metabolism. In fact processing the nutrients taken in by you accounts for 10%of the total calories you burn in a day.
  • Aerobic exercises like walking and cycling burns up calories not only when you work but also up to an hour after you stop doing it. No regular and rigorous exercise is needed. Even simple things like climbing the stairs or moving the lawn will do.
  • Muscles cell burn more calories than the fat cells do. So building muscles will be a better boon. It will help in burning the calories even if you are sitting idle and watching T.V.

After knowing these facts let us now discuss about the various steps of how to make these facts work for you.

  • The first step to take is to start eating the right food. Eat plenty of food which help to increase the metabolism and are fat melting. Some of them are beans, low-fat dairy products, oatmeal.
  • Get your metabolisms going early with a healthy morning breakfast.
  • Put on some muscles.  For this you have to hold on weights and move your arms. To burn about 3 extra calories a minute hold half a kilo weight and move your arm up and down for 5 minutes. This will build your muscles. It is a proven fact that muscles burn more fat than any other thing.
  • Go in for walking when ever possible.  A solid 15 minute walk burns about 60 calories. Walking not only burns the fat but also keep you healthy and energetic through out the day. It also ensures you fresh air .
  • Eat around the clock. Having smaller, frequent meals may be less fattening than eating two or three large ones, as long as you carefully monitor your total daily calorie intake. This will also help you to keep your energy level steady through out the day.
  • Take in less fat. Your body will burn less calories in processing fat than it will in processing carbohydrates. So better increase your intake of carbohydrates than fats.
  • Stand and deliver the gossip. If you stand while you talk over the phone you will burn a few extra calories per minute and there by lose some weight. So enjoy talking in the phone and lose weight.
  • Leave your desk. Find reasons to fire up your metabolism during the work day. Visit a bathroom on another floor.  Walk over to your co- workers desk instead of calling him on the phone. In between your work take an aim less stroll.
  • Do not use the remote when you are watching T.V.: While you are watching T.V. do not use the remote. Instead walk up to the television set to change the channels or to increase or decrease the volume. This will help you to burn up a portion of accumulated fat.
  • Get up and dance. Rocking to the music- any music that gets you moving –burns about the same amount of calories as most aerobic exercises do.
  • Sit, do not lounge. You can burn five percent of extra calories if you sit in the correct posture which is keeping your back straight and keeping both the feet on the floor.  It would be good if you sit in this position and read too!
  • Avoid taking processed food. Prefer natural food to the processed food and that too with minimum of preservatives and chemicals.
  • Instead of taking three square meals a day go in for 6 micro meals a day. This will help you to keep your insulin level stable and increase your metabolism.
  • Increase the quantity of protein in your diet. While taking in protein be sure to take protein of good quality like that of lean meats, fish, poultry whey and Soy Proteins.
  • Take a balanced diet: Be sure to consume carbohydrates, protein, and fat at every meal. This will help you in keeping your body balanced.
  • Drink plenty of water. Water is the major component of our body and it plays a major role in reducing weight. It helps flush metabolic wastes keeping your metabolism charged. It also helps you to feel full and help you to eat less.

Some herbs which helps in burning of fat:

  • Green Tea: It is a powerful anti oxidant and helps in speeding up metabolism
  • Chromium: Chromium speeds up metabolism and helps the body process protein and fat
  • Dandelion: Often considered as a weed by the gardeners and farmers, dandelion, can help the body break down carbohydrates faster and help regulate blood sugar, which in turns controls appetite and cravings.

SNORING

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound, due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. Sometimes it may be soft but in most cases it is loud and unpleasant. Snoring can not only affect the quantity and quality of your sleep but also cause problem to anyone who is sleeping near you. So finding out the cause for your snoring and finding the right cure is very essential

Where does the snore sound come from?

A narrow airway gets in the way of smooth breathing and creates the sound of snoring. It may be caused by poor sleep posture or abnormalities of the soft tissues in your throat.

Causes for snoring:

Snoring is commonly caused due to a blockade of air between mouth and nose

* Snoring may also result from over weight

* If you are endowed with large tonsils or adenoids, then it is more likely that you snore.

* If you have cold or stuffy nose you are likely to snore

* Having a long soft palate or uvula might lead to snoring

Evaluating how and when you snore will help you to find out the cause for snoring.

a) if you snore with closed mouth you have a problem with the tongue

b) if you snore with open mouth you have a problem with the tissues in your throat

c) If you snore only on your back the problem is mild and can be cured by changing life styles

d) If you snore in all sleep position your snoring is more severe and it requires immediate attention

Simple steps to stop Snoring:

· Reducing your weight if you are obese.

· Stop smoking if you are in habit to it.

· Alcohol and medications increase muscle relaxation leading to more snoring.

· Sleep on your side to prevent the tongue from blocking the throat.

· Elevate the head of your bed four to five inches which will ease your breathing.

· Clear your nasal passage if you feel a blockade

. Practicing “lom anulom” pranayam for 5 minutes regularly will help you get relief from snoring.

Some Herbs which helps to get relief from Snoring:

Herbs can be taken orally, as a nasal spray, placed under the tongue or added as aromatherapy to the room while you sleep. While there is no one herb that appears to cure snoring combination of various herbs prove to be effective.

· A combination of passion flower and peppermint leaf powder is beneficial for mild cases of snoring

· Adding valerian root to passion flower and peppermint mixture is effective for offsetting bouts of snoring.

· Adding liquid eucalyptus or peppermint drops to a humidifier or vaporizer can help open your airways while you sleep.

· Drinking a mixture of honey and ginger can also help coat your throat to relieve some of the mucus at the back of your throat, which helps open your airways prior to sleep.