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Archive for June, 2012

If you are looking for a new and natural means of moisturizing your skin and making it feel better then reach for some bath oil beads.

Bath oil beads offer a delightful and relaxing bath experience. You only need to add a few to your bath to reap the benefits to your skin and to enjoy how it will invigorate your senses, not to mention how it will help your mental health. Bath beads are blended with emollients and bath oils that pamper your skin and offer benefits that enhance your circulation.

Bath Oil Beads for Bathroom Decor:

Bath oil beads or simply bath beads are an ideal addition to the décor of any bathroom. They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors and are very pretty to behold. Many also come in fragrant scents such as honey, lavender, peach, strawberry, rainforest and rosemary. They are a bathtub accessory that makes a perfect gift for the lady who enjoys soaking her troubles away at the end of the day in her bathtub. The essential oils that make up bath beads are not just attractive but they are also good for the skin.

They refresh and rejuvenate the skin and make it softer and more touchable. With bath oil beads you can moisturize your skin before you even get out of the tub.

If you like the luxury of a spa experience at home then bath beads, bath salts or bath oils can heighten and add to the experience. You can shop around to find the bath oil beads that are well suited to your tastes. Display them in a decorative basket or container in your bathroom. When you are ready for a bath then pick one or two beads from the collection as a small amount of the oil inside the beads goes a long way in improving the appearance and feel of your skin.

Benefits of Bath Oil Beads:

Bath oil beads are not expensive to buy which makes them affordable for everyone. The revitalizing and soothing effects of bath beads are not a new concept by any means but have been documented for 100’s of years. The essential oils found in bath beads not only moisturize the skin but they also renew the spirit and can refresh your energy levels. They are a form of aromatherapy.

The oils that make up bath beads help to keep moisture locked in which means that the skin remains well hydrated. Hydration not only keeps skin supple and smooth but it also helps to keep bacteria outside of the skin because it acts as a barrier to harmful substances.

The benefits of bath oil beads are such that they are responsible for alleviating a variety of both physical as well as mental conditions. These conditions include dry skin, eczema, high blood pressure, stress, skin irritation, fatigue, tense muscles and poor circulation.

Becca

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A high risk pregnancy is one in which there are conditions by which the mother-to-be, her growing fetus, and/or both are at a higher than average risk for complications throughout the pregnancy or during the delivery.

Let us look at what those factors can be here.

Maternal and Fetal Risk Factors:

A pregnancy can be high risk for any number of reasons. There are many complications of pregnancy that can play a role in this. There are maternal factors that can potentially make it high risk as well as fetal factors that also have the potential to make it high risk.

One maternal factor is age. A female who is younger than 15 years is at a higher risk as is a mother who is considered to be of a mature age for having a baby. This would be all women over the age of 35 years.

Weight is another maternal factor. A woman with a weight of less than 100 pounds is at a greater risk as is a woman who was overweight or obese when she got pregnant. Being a normal and healthy weight when you conceive counts for a great deal.

Height is also a factor (for those under five feet tall), as is a history of pregnancy risks in the past, RH incompatibility, bleeding during the third trimester, uterine fibroids and any abnormalities of the reproductive tract. There are many disease such as cancer, heart disease and kidney disease that can also cause a pregnancy to be deemed high risk.

Fetal factors that can play a role in a pregnancy that is fraught with complications include exposure to damaging medications, exposure to addictive substances, and exposure to infections. A pregnancy is also considered high risk if tests indicate that the infant has a serious health issue, such as a heart problem. If this has been diagnosed then the mother will need to visit her physician frequently and will require special tests to monitor the baby’s condition. In some case she may even need medication.

Other Things Worth Knowing:

Sometimes a high risk pregnancy will mean that a woman will have to stop working earlier than she had planned to. There are also cases where either a maternal or fetal problem (or a combination of both) might necessitate an early delivery.

In some cases the doctor may decide that a surgical delivery, known as a caesarean section (C-section) is preferable to a traditional vaginal delivery.

Pregnant women who are at a higher than average risk for complications will need to be monitored more closely and more regularly by their doctors. Those who have a medical problem may also need to visit with a medical specialist who can check the health of the mother and the progress of the developing infant.

The health of mother and baby is so important and should never be taken for granted. If you are pregnant and have been deemed as in a high risk category then follow your doctor’s instructions and take the necessary precautions.

Becca

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You love furry felines but oh how they cause you to suffer because of the allergies you have to them! What are you to do?

Suffering from an allergy to cats does not mean that you must deny yourself the pleasure of having a cat. Allergies to cats are quite common but coexisting with a feline friend is possible if you take the appropriate steps to control cat dander.

Steps to Take:

Before you try anything you may wish to speak with your physician or an allergist about animal allergies and what you can use to cope with cat symptoms. Sometimes a person believes that they have pet allergies when really there is something else to blame. For that reason talking to your health care professional about a potential allergy to cats is a wise place to start.

If you do decide that you cannot live without a cat then ask the vet if it is possible to purchase a spray for your cat’s coat that will reduce the amount of dander. If you are not clear about what dander is then here is a simple definition – it is the very small flakes of dried saliva that can be found on the skin of cats that lead to allergy symptoms.

Look into holistic remedies for reducing pet symptoms related to cat allergies. Ask others for treatment suggestions.

A weekly bath for your cat will minimize dander. Recruit a loved one who is allergy-free or a close friend to do this chore for you. Be aware however that unlike dogs most felines do not enjoy baths. Brushing your cat on a daily basis can also be of help. Perhaps you can get the same individual to help you with this task.

Other Steps to Take:

Buy an air purifier for your home. At the same time you should invest in a vacuum cleaner that comes with a Hepa filter. Vacuum your floors as often as possible. Wiping down floors on a regular basis is also strongly recommended for allergy sufferers.

Curtains and drapes can collect dander and fur very easily. If you have either in your home then replace them with blinds. The same can be said about carpeting and any rugs you may have. Tile floors and hardwood floors are not only easier to clean but they are also better for those who are allergic to cats.

Keep your cat out of your bedroom if at all possible. This will help to keep you allergy free if you are presently on the borderline of developing a cat allergy. Don’t give into those big beautiful eyes when they stare at you and want to hop on your bed when it is lights out at the end of the night.   If you are not a cat owner yet but want very much to be then select a short haired cat as opposed to a long haired one. Short haired kitties have a smaller percentage of dander.

Becca

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Dry scalp is a common problem that many people live with. If your doctor has suggested things that are not working for you then it may be time to look to other more natural means of finding relief. Here we look at what to do if you experience a dry and itchy scalp that is driving you around crazy!

Dry and Itchy Scalp- Ouch!

Having a dry scalp often leads to a scalp that is red, itchy and flaky and sore. This is an unpleasant experience that is especially common during the winter months. Colder climates often give way to hair and scalp issues. As well when you find yourself moving back and forth from the cold temperatures outdoors to warmer temperatures indoors this can lead to a dry itchy scalp and in some cases a flaking scalp as well.

The skin of the scalp is very susceptible to changes in temperatures and to the changing of the seasons. You may find that the skin of your scalp becomes red, itchy and feels tight, not to mention uncomfortable. You might even discover small flakes of dead skin when you brush or comb your hair. There is no reason to be alarmed by this. Scalp irritation can be frustrating but it is not indicative of a serious health problem.

Dry scalp conditions are often believed to be dandruff. However dandruff is a separate scalp problem.  It is also worth knowing that products that help to combat dandruff such as anti dandruff shampoos can actually make a dry and scaly scalp even worse. The good news is that there are plenty of hair shampoos and conditioners on the market that are able to treat both a dry scalp as well as a mild case of dandruff. In this way the treatment for dry scalp will be able to work double duty.

Dry Scalp Treatments to Put to Use:

If your head is driving you mad then there is relief in sight! When it comes to treatments for dry and itchy scalp you should invest in a deep conditioning treatment and use it at least once a week. Some of these treatments are applied before shampooing and must be left on the head for 10 to 15 minutes at a time before being rinsed off. Others are applied directly after shampooing and need to be left on for approximately the same length of time.

Hair products that contain the natural ingredients jojoba, aloe vera or tea tree oil can help a dry and itchy scalp to heal and can help you to stop scratching your head. Not only will these natural ingredients promote a healthy scalp but they will also promote healthy hair as well. You need to use them for a number of weeks or months at a time in order for them to prove effective. If you cannot find these natural ingredients in hair products then buy the tincture and apply the ingredients directly to your scalp. Massage in and leave for a few minutes. Then rinse out of your hair.

Scalp massages can help to improve the circulation to your head. There are also special creams, lotions and moisturizers that you can purchase to help to improve scalp conditions.

Samantha

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Aromatherapy has been around for centuries and can help your health in so many different areas. Lavender and roses are sure to please your senses in many scentsentational ways!

Lavender and roses are both fragrant scents used frequently for the purposes of aromatherapy.  Aromatherapy offers an alternative means of treating many physical and psychological health problems. Both lavender and roses can be used in this natural form of alternative treatment whereby the aromas of essential oils from plants can offer a sense of comfort and relief. Those who decide to give aromatherapy a try can enjoy the many benefits of lavender and roses through having a therapeutic massage or by inhaling the essential oils.

Benefits of Lavender:

Lavender gives off a beautiful scent that is not overwhelming to the senses. Before you use the lavender fragrance in an essential oil you may wish to research different types of lavender such as lavender roses and blue lavender. The mauve color of lavender is very lovely. Finding out the color meanings may encourage you to use lavender to provide relief from anxiety and nights spent tossing and turning.

The essential oil from lavender can help those who suffer from anxiety, depression, emotional stress, dementia and headaches. It can also be used to relax muscles that have grown tense. Use it for muscle pain, joint pain, sprains, back aches, lumbago and rheumatoid arthritis. Dried lavender can be used to make the essential oil and then it can be applied to the area on your body that is suffering from aches and pains.

Lavender is also very therapeutic for the hair and the skin. It can be effectively used to cleanse the hair and the scalp and to encourage the growth of new hair. It can also be used to treat skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Lavender essential oil can be used for fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. The oil from the lavender plant has antiseptic properties and can be used on burns, cuts and sunburns.

Benefits of Roses:

There are different rose color meanings which can be fun to research. For instance the meaning of white roses is different than that of yellow roses or of pink roses. Find out about the meaning of roses before you decide to use them in aromatherapy practices.

Dried roses can be used to make essential oils. There is an assortment of rose plants to choose from for this purpose. The most common ones used are Rosa damascene and Rosa centifolia.

Rose is most often used in massage to improve blood circulation and to improve the function of the glands and muscles. It can reinvigorate the nervous system and calm the mind. The essential oil of rose can also give the skin an invigorated look. It can also provide relief from menstrual cramps and body aches.

Becca

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