My daughter, Eden, and my granddaughter, Saffron, came for a visit this week. It seemed over before it hardly began! Above is a photo of 4 generations: from top to bottom, my mom, me, Eden and Saffy. Below are more photos of my darlings: Eden and Saffy. Can you tell I'm a proud mom and Nana? I'm so grateful my folks are still with me, as well as being healthy and living independently. They adore my darlings, too, as you can see from the photos below. We had lots of fun in the pool, too. For a 4-year-old, Saffy is quite the little mermaid! Here I am with Saffy after our swim. It was amazing to watch Saffy's "ah ha" moment, when she understood the connection between her mommy and me. We were sitting at the dinner table and she pointed to her mom, then to me and said, "You're my mama and she's your mama!" I responded saying, " That's right and Gramma Bobbie is my mommy!" The look of recognition on her face was priceless!!! And the best story of the trip was another "ah ha" moment for Saffron. They had stopped for a visit to see my in-laws, Eden's father and other family in San Antonio, TX before coming to Nashville. While Saffy and I were having a private chat shortly before they left, I told her that her Grampa Daddy (that's what she calls Eden's father) and Nana (that's what she calls me) were married. She wiggled up her nose in disgust and asked me, "Did you kiss?" I said that we did and she stuck her tongue out. Then I said, "And we had a baby we named Eden." When Saffy heard that, she threw her head down onto the floor in total dismay and hollered, "O.M.G." I lost it and fell out laughing!
Do you have any cute stories about your children or grandchildren? If so, please share!
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Summer brings sun and fun . . . as well as those pesky insects. Staying bite-free without having an unpleasant odor or using chemical-based repellents is easy to do with natural plant-based ingredients. They can be as effect as the chemical DEET, or diethyltoluamide, which is an oily chemical fluid that repels biting bugs; however, DEET can be harmful to your health, especially with overuse. Why take that chance? In a 2011 study on plant-based insect repellents conducted at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania, plant-based insect repellents may not have undergone the safety testing that DEET-based repellents have, yet they are deemed safe because they’ve been around a long time. Jeffrey Band, M.D., an infectious disease specialist, epidemiologist and chief of infectious diseases at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, and director of the hospital’s Interhealth: Health Care for International Travelers, states that natural insect repellents are based plant ingredients, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus, citronella, Neem [tree] oil and even wild tomatoes. Here are some suggestions on what you can use, instead of DEET. Natural Insect Repellents Lemon Eucalyptus Comes from leaves and twigs of an Australian tree, repels mosquitoes, ticks and flies, and is recommended for use by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you are traveling to an area where malaria and yellow fever are primary concerns. This oil masks 340 different scents our skin gives off that are target locators for insects, according to the Agricultural Research Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific research agency. Note: It’s easy to confuse lemon eucalyptus oil with the essential oil of lemon eucalyptus, which isn’t approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an insect repellent. The essential oil does provide protection, though it is not recommended for use in disease-endemic countries. Mixed with a fixed oil, such as jojoba or sesame (natural sunscreen), the essential oil is safe for wearing in the backyard swimming pool or to a local park. Citronella This is perhaps one of the oldest and most widely used plant-based insect repellents. It is derived from dried cultivate grasses, and its strong smell repels mosquitoes, sand flies, ticks, midges and flies by masking the smell of human skin. The strong odor may be offensive to some, so it is best mixed together with other essential oils, such as geranium, in a fixed oil like jojoba or sesame. It’s as effective as DEET, has a 50-year safety record, according to the CDC and is EPA-approved. Neem Extracted from the seeds of the Indian Neem tree, this is a well documented repellent that can actually disrupt the reproductive and molting cycles of mosquitoes, head lice and fleas. Insects can’t feed or reproduce off from it, so they leave. It can offer up to eight (8) hours protection from mosquitoes, based up a 2003 study performed at Venezuela’s Instituto de Salud Publica, which recommended its use in countries with malaria and yellow fever. Neem oil is often used in skin moisturizers and soaps, and is supported as such by the EPA, so as a skin lubricant, it need not be washed off after use, as other chemical repellents should. Wild Tomato Cornell University and North Carolina State University researchers have discovered that tomato plants carry a compound, which is an effective repellent against mosquitoes and other biting insects, including ticks. Tomatoes have alkaloids in their leaves, which act as a natural insect repellent and mimic DEET but without the potential health hazards. This compound was approved by the EPA in 2007. Tomato leaves are not known to be toxic to humans but always use caution in of allergies; however, they are toxic to pets.Leaves soaked overnight make an effective solution in the garden on plants and as an insect repellent. Soak 1 to 2 cups of chopped or mashed tomato leaves in 2 cups of water overnight. Strain through cheesecloth or fine mesh, add about 2 more cups of water to the strained liquid. Be sure to keep this spray and the leaves away from your pet. Other oils to consider for repelling insects include thyme, rose, palmarosa, peppermint, cedar, patchouli and clove, according to a recent 2011 London study, as well as cinnamon, rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint, geranium, verbena, pennyroyal, lemon, lavender, pine, cajeput, basil, and castor oil.
Clove oil provides 100% protection for two (2) to four (4) hours, based on a 2005 study by Mahidol University in Bangkok. For maximum protection, it is advisable to mix clove oil with other oils. Carolyn Dean, M.D, N.D., of Hawaii is a naturopath and physician specializing in alternative medicine, and she suggests a combination of cedar, rose, geranium and clove by combining 10 to 25 drops of essential oils with two (2) tablespoons of oil, such as olive, sunflower or other vegetable oil. Be aware that some may find the scents too strong or offensive, however, if mixed with other oils, you can create a pleasant effective combination. Though they may last longer, it is advisable to reapply natural insect repellents every two (2) hours and more often if skin becomes wet, as they are not waterproof and must be reapplied after swimming, rigorous exercise and sweating. Other application tips: · Apply repellent only to exposed skin and never under clothing because it increases the risk of skin irritation. Instead, tuck pant legs into socks and wear long sleeves, Lea advises. · Don’t put on cuts, wounds or rashes, because bug sprays can worsen the irritation. · Don’t apply near eyes or mouth and use sparingly around ears. · Don’t spray directly on the face. Instead, apply on hands first and then rub on your face. · Wash hands after application to avoid accidental exposure to eyes. · Never let children apply insect repellent themselves. Instead, put some on your hands first and then gently spread on exposed skin, avoiding their hands, which often go into mouths. · Use just a thin layer of repellent to cover exposed skin. More isn’t necessarily better. If the insects are still biting you, apply more repellent. · After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water. · Wash treated clothing before wearing it again. · If you experience a rash, itching, swelling or other side effects, wash off repellent with mild soap and water and discontinue use. We have found a great combination that is quite pleasurable and works effectively against mosquitoes with essential oils of lemongrass, peppermint, lemon and lavender, mixed with oils, butter and waxes. We are currently in the testing stages for this product and expect it to be available on our website very soon. Okay, fess up. How many cosmetic products are buried in your drawers or cabinets that you've had for way too long -- years, perhaps? We all have probably noticed expiration dates on food products, but currently there is no law requiring such labeling on cosmetics. Why do we need them? Consumers need to be protected from potential hazards in out-of-date skin care products. What are the dangers of out-of-date cosmetics? How long can cosmetics remain "good" before spoilage begins, whether opened or remaining unopened? Once this identified timeframe lapses, consumers may be exposing themselves to possible bacteria, which may cause irritation or infection. The shelf life of a product is the length of time a product can be in a warehouse or retailer's store without spoilage and possible bacteria growth or losing its effectiveness. The bar code on the packaging may indicate the shelf life and the consumer can only hope the wholesaler or retailer actually heeds this date. If the product is not past its shelf life, then the home use life span begins after the product's seal is broken. Exposure to air dictates the countdown of its life span, compromising the product's effectiveness and potential spoilage. Once the home use life span has passed, it's time to throw the product out. The "general" guidelines for cosmetics with synthetic preservatives are: Anti-aging and acne treatments: Three months to a year. Antioxidants are easily oxidized, so be on the lookout for any changes in color. Body lotion: Two to three years, particularly if it’s in a pump container. Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel: About three years. Bath oil: One year. Sunscreen: Check the package for an expiration date. The home use life span for mascara is different (and much shorter!) than it is for nail polish. It's up to you to know when your product was first opened. How can you remember all these things? Mark your products! With our products, we help take the guesswork out for you. We label all our products with a "best used within 6 months of purchase" because our products are made fresh with botanical system preservatives, so we do not follow the typical guidelines of other products with synthetic preservatives. Be smart - avoid harming your skin. It could turn into a costly and very damaging mistake. Clear out your old cosmetic products. When it doubt, throw it out! Hot and humid weather, as well as chlorinated or salt water, all take their toll on our skin during summer. Here are some helpful summer skin care tips for keeping your skin safe and beautiful all season long. DON'T NEGLECT YOUR SKIN Most aging to the skin occurs in the summertime. Your best defenses against skin aging from sun exposure is consistent application of sun protection, facials and a regular skin care routine. WEAR SUNSCREEN TO CUT BACK ON SUN DAMAGE Recent skin research from UCLA determined that 78% of all the sun damage is from incidental exposure. This may occur from simply walking from your office or home to your car or driving. To avoid unnecessary sun exposure, wear a moisturizer with sun block ingredients, in addition to wearing a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater. Whether you wear SPF 15 or SPF 30 doesn’t really matter. How often you reapply your sunscreen is more important. There’s little difference between the protection of SPF 15 and SPF 30 – only about 4%, and it’s even less in the higher numbers. So remember, the key is to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours. Slather it on! USE COLD YOGURT TO SOOTHE A SUNBURN Layering lotion on sunburned skin traps heat, keeping the skin red longer. Skin needs to breathe to let out heat. Cold plain yogurt acts as an anti-inflammatory and heat remover. Apply, let dry for 15 minutes, and rinse. Repeat every hour. USE HAND CREAM THAT CONTAINS SUNSCREEN The majority of aging on hands (sun spots and wrinkles) is attributable to driving with your hands on the steering wheel. Use a hand cream with an SPF of at least #15 each day. FOR SENSITIVE SKIN, KEEP YOUR PRODUCTS IN THE REFRIGERATOR If you have redness or rosacea-like symptoms, constant summer heat may keep your skin red and irritated. Refrigerate your products so that when you use them, the cold reduces the dilation of the capillaries and reduces visible redness. ANTIOXIDANTS, TOPICALLY AND INTERNALLY One of the main sources of damaging free radicals is through sunlight. Research indicates that antioxidants in topical skin care products and taken internally through fruit and vegetable sources like spinach, tomatoes, berries and sweet potatoes, can provide your skin and body with the defense it needs to fight off damaging free radicals which increase aging. DON'T RELY ONLY ON YOUR SUNSCREEN Reapply every one or two hours if you are out in the sun, because your sunscreen will wear off, sweat off and wash off. Be sure to wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing as well for added protection to guard your skin against sun damage. Avoid the sun if you want to look young! Any exposure to sun may cause damage to your skin. And don’t exclude tanning beds, as they are even worse. BLOT, BLOT, BLOT Summer months produce extra oils on your skin, which is unavoidable. Keep the shine under control with oil blotting paper. If you find yourself in a pinch, try using the paper for toilet seat covers in public restrooms, which are similar to expensive oil blotting papers. Tear off a piece and press firmly on the skin. Voila! GET YOUR ZZZZS Most Americans, especially women, are sleep deprived; causing you to be grouchy, drowsy, and forgetful, and it will also wreak havoc on your skin. An extra hour each night will make a huge difference. WASH MAKEUP BRUSHES OFTEN AND SUN DRY With the summer months bringing oilier skin, your makeup brushes may carry bacteria and oil in the bristles, resulting in breakouts and clogged pores. Use a tablespoon of gentle cleanser in a glass of warm water to clean your brushes by swishing them until there’s lather. Rinse, detangle with a clean comb and dry out in the sun in an upright glass. The sun will destroy bacteria and dry your brushes faster. BOTTOM LINE The #1 cause of lines and wrinkles is sun exposure. If you want to look young, avoid the sun. It's really that simple. A little sun damage = a little damage. A lot of sun = a lot of damage. SUNSCREEN INGREDIENTS IN PRODUCTS When deciding on products to give you extra sun protection here are some ingredients to look for: avocado oil, coconut oil, emu oil, grapeseed oil and extract, honey, jojoba oil, red raspberry seed oil, rice bran oil, shea butter, tamanu oil, vitamin C, and zinc oxide. This easy to make gel is suitable for all skin types. Aloe vera gel benefits: Aloe is known for its penetrating ability to reach deeper layers of the dermis when applied topically to the skin. It has strong antiseptic properties to assist healing the skin. It rejuvenates skin by promoting cell growth. The neurologically calming effects of aloe vera soothe skin irritations, while its detoxifying properties help purify. Cucumber benefits: The mild lightening properties of cucumber can reduce the appearance of dark circles under eyes, while the ascorbic acid in cucumber can decrease puffiness. Cucumber contains antioxidants, which fight free radicals that harm cells causing damage and premature aging, as well as silica, which is a trace mineral that contributes to the strengthening of our connective tissues. These properties can rejuvenate skin, leaving it feeling smooth and soft. The cooling effects of cucumber are a natural, gentle way to heal the skin. Aloe Vera Cucumber Gel Ingredients 1 part aloe vera gel 1 part cucumber, peel removed, roughly chopped (remove seeds) 1 part distilled water Method 1. Place ingredients into electric blender. 2. Whiz until well-mixed and smooth. 3. Smooth over face at bedtime and leave overnight. 4. Rinse off with warm water in the morning. 5. Keep in fridge for up to 7 days. This gel also works as a quick, pick-me-up by applying for 10-15 minutes, then rinsing face. Feel like a goddess and indulge your chocolate addiction using this delicious, aromatic chocolate facial mask. This recipe is packed with ingredients for their nourishing and beautifying properties - chocolate, honey, yogurt and oatmeal - to increase blood circulation to the face for glowing, smoother, and fresher-feeling skin. Chocolate comes from cocoa beans (or cacao beans). Raw chocolate powder, the highest known source of antioxidants, is high in antioxidant phenolic phytochemicals (polyphenols), including flavonoids, procyanidin, and resveratrol. Raw chocolate powder contains 367% more antioxidants than its cooked version. The concentration is so high that cocoa actually has greater antioxidant potential than other noteworthy antioxidants like green tea or red wine. However, not all chocolate is high in flavonoids. White chocolate has no flavonoids, while dark chocolate with its higher content of cacao has much more flavonoids than does milk chocolate. If you opt to use dark chocolate in this recipe, instead of cacao powder, it does have fats such as kokum butter, cocoa butter or shea butter. These are used regularly as skin moisturizers and anti-inflammatory agents, all with skin softening properties. The benefits of topical chocolate application of cocoa plant extracts containing polyphenol antioxidants and xanthine derivitives will help prevent wrinkles from forming and leave your skin incredibly soft! Honey's antibacterial and antifungal properties disinfect the skin, supporting the healing process of skin irritations. Darker honey is better to use, as it has less water and a higher content of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Another option is Manuka honey, known for its natural healing properties. The B6 vitamin-rich yeast in yogurt will stimulate blood flow, while oatmeal helps clear clogged pores. Chocolate Face Mask Ingredients 2 - 5 tablespoons raw cacao (cocoa powder - check your local health food store; dark chocolate may be used) 3 tablespoons organic honey (darker honey is better; Manuka honey is an option) 3 - 5 tablespoons natural organic yogurt (heavy cream may be used) 1 or 2 tablespoons powdered oatmeal to bind Method Mix all ingredients together to form a smooth thick paste and apply to face. Relax for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Results? Smooth, glowing gorgeous skin! Handmade paper on a skin care site? Why not? It's a wonderful craft, like natural and organic skincare, that screams green! Ancient Egyptians invented the first substance like the paper we know today called Papyrus. Papyrus scrolls were made by taking slices of the inner part of the papyrus stem, flattening then pounded into a hard, thin sheet. The word "paper" comes from the word "papyrus". The Paper that we know today was invented by Ts'ai Lun in A.D. 105, It is believed that he mixed hemp, mulberry bark, and rags with water, mashed it into a pulp, pressed out the liquid and hung it to dry in the sun. Paper was born and this humble mixture would set off one of mankind's greatest communication revolutions. Today there is a revival in homemade papermaking crafts. Not only is it a fun experience for you and the kids, but also it's a good way to recycle waste into wonderful possibilities. Below you will find a simple papermaking recipe to get you started. If this is the first time you are making paper, don't be afraid to experiment with different fibers, you don't have to stick with paper related products. Add whole flower heads to the pulp mixture after it has been through the blender. You can add scraps of yarn, tin foil, even seeds. Its all comes down to what you want. Experiment with different textures and colors after all Ts'ai Lun did! Remember, some of your ideas will turn out while others may not. Have fun with it; express your creativity. You will need: blender paper – newspaper, junk mail, wrapping paper, egg cartons, old cards, paper bags, pre-soaked non-wax boxes, tissue paper, napkins, construction paper water plastic basin or tub picture frame without the glass (deckle) window screening staples or tacks scrap cardboard felt, fleece, pellon, cotton material or old t-shirts sponge work table or counter 1. Stretch the screen around one of the frames and staple in place like a canvas. 2. Tear paper into small pieces, enough to fill the blender 1/3 full. 3. Place the torn paper into the blender. 4. Fill the blender with water and secure cover to the blender. 5. Turn the blender on and pulverize the paper until you get a nice consistency, about 30 seconds to 2 minutes. 6. Pour the contents of the blender into the tub or dishpan. You may add bit of herbs, flowers, pine needles, grass, glitter, etc. to the blend mixture or you may add it after it’s been blended. Repeat 2-6 until you fill the tub 1/2 full. 1. On a table or counter, place some scrap cardboard (or something so your work area will not get wet). 2. Place the felt (or other material) on the table. 3. Now hold the frame so the screen is on the bottom. 4. Take the frame and place it on the edge of the tub, dip it in, keeping the frame towards the bottom of the tub, and level it out. 5. Slowly pull the frame up. There should be a lot of pulp on the frame. 6. Hold it over the tub and let it drain for about 30 seconds. 7. Carefully take the frame over to the table or counter with the felt on it. 8. Flip the frame over, with the pulp facing down towards the felt. 9. With the frame on the felt, press gently and use your sponge to soak up the extra water. 10. When most of the excess water is removed, slowly lift up the frame. The pulp (now wet paper) should stay on the felt. At the point, you can let the paper air dry, which can take a day or two. When they have dried peel them off the fabric and voila, you have paper! Or to speed up the process, you can iron it between a paper napkin. When it has turned a shade or two lighter, it’s done. Here are a couple videos that give instructions. The sky is the limit! Have fun! Paper Alice Paper Studio Being sustainable is here to stay. As consumers, we are demanding it. Our economy demands it. Parents and children demand it. The new revolution is leading us into a greener future. Once we understand the terminology, companies, like ours, can provide you, the consumer, better product options and greater information. Let’s clear up the confusion over terms like “organic” and “green” that are widely used by companies and consumers. One of the major components of sustainability is the “organic” or natural source, which refers to how the raw materials are grown, produced and processed without using chemicals, like pesticides and artificial growth agents. Organics have a higher nutritional value than non-organics. When applied to the skin, nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. The same goes for chemical ingredients, which are also absorbed through the skin. It’s up to the consumer to be educated on what ingredients are appropriate to use and what can pollute the environment. A “green” product is related to the production, packaging, distribution, and product consumption, as well as the carbon footprint that process leaves behind. Green products are oftentimes made using organics, incorporating environmental practices to be “sustainable”, which means considering all production logistics to reduce carbon footprint. Green and Organic Product Factors to Consider: · Is it organic? · Is it safe? · Do you need it? · What are the ingredients? · Is the packaging excessive? · Is the packaging recyclable? · Where was it made? At EdenSong Essentials we use natural and organic (and local) ingredients and do our best to provide the smallest carbon footprint we can through recycled packaging. We are constantly working towards combining the best of both worlds – organic and green. CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), also called Vitamin Q, is a naturally occurring enzyme found in every cell of the body. Ubiquinone, an alternate name for CoQ10, is from ubiquitous, meaning "found everywhere". CoQ10 plays a key role in producing energy in the part of a cell responsible for the production of high energy for the fuel responsible for muscle contraction. In fact, it is found in every single mitochondrial cell – and about 95% of your body’s energy is reportedly produced by these cells. It is essential to good health, and plays a particularly important role in radiant, youthful-looking skin. It is a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals in your body and helping to prevent their damaging effects on your skin. Your body produces this vital nutrient, however, as you age, your body's production of CoQ10 begins to gradual decline after the age of 20, inciting the aging process of the skin. By increasing this important enzyme, topical applications of CoQ10 have been shown to reduce the signs of aging skin. Lowered levels of CoQ10 tend to cause a diminished production of collagen, elastin and other important skin molecules, and skin may also be more susceptible to free radical damage. Topical applications of CoQ10 boosts skin regeneration and repair, while aiding free radical damage caused by exposure sun, pollution and smoking. An added benefit is CoQ10's relatively small molecular size, making it easily absorbed by the skin. Valid scientific studies supporting the effects of CoQ10 indicate that CoQ10 has the effectiveness to prevent many of the detrimental effects of photo-aging (the skin damage and premature aging resulting from sun damage to the skin). (1) Another study indicates CoQ10's ability to decrease 'crow's feet' around the eyes with long-term application. (2) Whether in your 20s or your 80s, there is an overwhelmingly vast amount of scientific research that points to CoQ10 having a substantial impact on your health. Our products are formulated with consciousness using the cleanest, safest, purest ingredients, without pore-clogging mineral oil, petrolatum or propylene glycol, exceeding FDA standards and EU Directive standards for safe cosmetics. They are also free of parabens, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances, so you can be sure that no harmful ingredients will be absorbed into the body through your skin. Check out our Special K Bouquet - ANTI-AGING CREAM with CoQ10. References 1) Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer 2) Modulation of oxidative stresses in human aging skin Taking care of your hands and feet doesn’t only mean moisturizing. Simple steps in your daily routine can protect against nasty infections and even cancer. You probably have a daily regimen for keeping your face clean as well as moisturized, but what about your hard-working hands and feet? Hands are the most frequently used body part. They can become dry and ashy really fast. And feet take a beating from bearing your body weight all day. As winter approaches, hands and feet are both more likely to look dull, red or cracked. Don’t just throw on mittens and boots to hide them until spring. Caring for them now can have long-lasting health benefits. Here’s how to put your best foot – and hand – forward. 1. Scan nails for dark spots. If a spot or band is black, brown or purple, don’t assume it’s a bruise. It could mean melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. To be safe, always get a discolored nail checked by a dermatologist. 2. Keep nails growing strong. New cells develop deep under cuticles and push out older, dead cells. That forms those flat, hard surfaces we love to pamper and polish. If you’re always waiting for yours to grow out, try the b-complex vitamin biotin. This supplement – found at health-food stores – has been shown to help with nail growth. 3. Make the most of a mani-pedi. All the polish in the world can’t make ridged, scraggly tips look pretty. Buffing will smooth the surface. Rub gently so you don't thin the nail too much, which increases weakness. A non-acetone nail-polish remover will keep nails from drying out, and filing nails in one direction, rather than sawing back and forth, prevents splitting. The most important tip for healthy nails: Don’t share files and other nail tools, since germs and fungus can travel on them, causing serious infections. If you get your nails done at the salon, bring your own file, orange stick, clipper and cuticle nipper. 4. Don’t overlook cuticles. Cuticles may seem insignificant when they’re healthy, but small tears, usually from hangnails or dryness, leave the area vulnerable to infections that may cause painful swelling. Hydrating that delicate area with a cuticle cream or hand moisturizer will help create a protective barrier against bacteria, fungus and yeast. And resist the urge to cut cuticles, which can break that barrier. Instead, apply cuticle remover – which softens and breaks down the skin – then push cuticles back gently with a clean orange stick. 5. Choose the right moisturizer. It’s no secret that wind and cold temperatures dry out skin on hands and, in severe cases, cause chapping and painful cracks. And the sun, while it may warm hands, isn’t much better for keeping skin smooth. When going outdoors, coat exposed hands in SPF 15 to protect against water loss and harmful rays. Cancer is your biggest risk, but the sun’s rays also dry skin. Although feet aren’t as exposed to the elements, being cooped up in socks, shoes, and carrying body weight all day can dry them out. The remedy for chapped, cracked hand and feet: Moisturize, a lot and often. To help the moisturizer penetrate – and keep it off your sheets – apply a thick layer on feet and hands right before getting into bed. Then, slip on cotton socks and gloves, which let skin breathe. If you don’t have cotton gloves, slip socks on hands too. 6. Wear the right shoe size. Cramming feet into too-small or pointy shoes isn’t only uncomfortable; it can make your toenail grow into the surrounding skin. That can lead to the dreaded ingrown nail, which causes pain, swelling and infection. It’s an inflammatory reaction that occurs because your skin sees the nail as a foreign body. Too-long toenails can also cause problems. If they constantly hit the front of the shoe, you can have bruising under the nail. These bruises, in turn, cause a break in the seal between the nail and toe underneath, allowing bacteria and fungus to get in and causing infections. Avoid both types of pain by keeping toenails neatly trimmed straight across. 7. Don’t go barefoot in public. Keep your shoes on while at public places (swimming pools, locker rooms, shoe stores, etc.) to avoid nail fungal infections. These account for about half of all nail disorders, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Fungus doesn’t only travel from floors to feet through small cuts or separations between the nail and nail bed. If you have a nail fungal infection, it can spread from one nail to another, and the skin. If left untreated, an infection can cause permanent nail damage or lead to serious infections in other parts of your body, according to the Mayo Clinic. Warning signs to watch for: A nail that’s thickening, yellowing, crumbling or lifting from its bed (as if it’s about to fall off). To lessen risk of fungal infections, wash and dry feet thoroughly after showering, and wear shoes when you can – including flip-flops in gym showers. It feet sweat a lot, change socks often. |
Contact UsAuthorWelcome! I'm Stephanie (Jo to close friends), founder of EdenSong. Aside from my university studies, I have a natural passion for all things organic. I enjoy living and learning about natural ways, all things health related, cooking, gardening with herbs and flowers, photography, DIYing, yoga, bicycling, ballet, traveling and being with family and friends. A quirk of mine is my near obsession of Asian culture, particularly Korean history and its language. Would you like to know more? Find out about us. Categories
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