I have to say that I've always admired those athletes you see on TV competing in triathlons... and thought they were mad whilst sat on my backside at home! However, every time someone does one for charity I'm one of the first to acknowledge and promote their cause because they are completing two marvellous tasks in one - a .93 mile swim, 27.25 mile bike ride and 6.2 mile run plus rasing money for excellent causes and there is no better cause than the battle against blood cancer.
It is predicted that approximately 44,270 will develop leukemia in the United States alone in 2009, and that is not to mention the existing 231,461 sufferers (as from the start of 2008) or those with other blood cancers. A very dear friend of mine battled Hodgkins Lymphoma in her mid-20s and was lucky enough to survive. She is now 30 and still growing strong thanks to the brilliant care she received and the current medical treatments but the cause is close to my heart as a result.
I saw a note from one of my friends on Facebook yesterday promoting what her sister, Courtney Montague is looking to do in order to raise money and I admire her in many ways as a result of it. She is going to complete the Mooseman Triathlon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this year but needs at least $3000 to participate. If you do have a few spare dollars, pounds or Euros then please think of donating here. I did and know I'm helping Courtney to do this amazing event for a worthy cause.
As for why Courtney is doing what she's doing, the site puts it best:
As a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training, I am raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!
If you do want to read more or make a donation, no matter how large or small, then please check out the info HERE!
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Sunday, 18 January 2009
Take Care Of Your Skin With Natural Makeup
The skin is often one of the most neglected organs of the body. We use it and abuse it in many circumstances by exposing it to the sun without protection. We also use harsh chemicals on it every day when we wash because some of the cheaper shower gels, face creams and other similar products have added extras that are hardly soft and gentle! As such, you need to take care of your skin. You need to protect it and if you can do so then you will slow down the aging process by maintaining its hydration and offering a little respite to the cells.
I actually wrote this post because I read an article about some of the new natural skin care products available today. I had no idea that some companies were developing natural products with organc ingredients to work in harmony with the skin. Of course, I've heard about stores that offer natural remedies but most of those sell raw ingredients rather than the complete product. Even high profile stores that do not test on animals do not offer completely natural products.
There were several companies featured but one stood out in the article. This was largely because they offered so much more information about the products they offer in terms of how they work and what is in them. Some of the other natural skin care companies only talked about the range of products they sell but Astara Skin Care gave full details about their products. I am always sceptical when companies only tell you what they think you need to know rather than giving you an in depth look at their products so I'll be giving the others a miss but may try Astara Skin Care because their systems impressed me.
Their organic skin care products are specifically designed to offer healthier skin in a completely natural way and thus stave off the aging process as well. The natural ingredients provide nutrition and allow the skin to self heal more effectively than it otherwise would. I would normally be a little suspicious of this because it is such a massive assertion, but the botanical ingredients that are used have been scientifcally proven to offer highly benficial results. The delivery system is also effective so nothing gets lost in transit!
I also liked the inclusion of Totara Tree Essence in the ingredients list. it is expensive but is better than Tea Tree Oil for your skin. It is an antioxidant and reduced bacterial activity on the skin far quicker and more effectively than Tea Tree Oil does.
You should always check out what you are putting on your skin. I am not all for the expensive products in any way but I have to say that I do not like putting synthetic products on my skin. Always look at the company as well as the ingredients label so you can make an informed decision that is best for your skin!
I actually wrote this post because I read an article about some of the new natural skin care products available today. I had no idea that some companies were developing natural products with organc ingredients to work in harmony with the skin. Of course, I've heard about stores that offer natural remedies but most of those sell raw ingredients rather than the complete product. Even high profile stores that do not test on animals do not offer completely natural products.
There were several companies featured but one stood out in the article. This was largely because they offered so much more information about the products they offer in terms of how they work and what is in them. Some of the other natural skin care companies only talked about the range of products they sell but Astara Skin Care gave full details about their products. I am always sceptical when companies only tell you what they think you need to know rather than giving you an in depth look at their products so I'll be giving the others a miss but may try Astara Skin Care because their systems impressed me.
Their organic skin care products are specifically designed to offer healthier skin in a completely natural way and thus stave off the aging process as well. The natural ingredients provide nutrition and allow the skin to self heal more effectively than it otherwise would. I would normally be a little suspicious of this because it is such a massive assertion, but the botanical ingredients that are used have been scientifcally proven to offer highly benficial results. The delivery system is also effective so nothing gets lost in transit!
I also liked the inclusion of Totara Tree Essence in the ingredients list. it is expensive but is better than Tea Tree Oil for your skin. It is an antioxidant and reduced bacterial activity on the skin far quicker and more effectively than Tea Tree Oil does.
You should always check out what you are putting on your skin. I am not all for the expensive products in any way but I have to say that I do not like putting synthetic products on my skin. Always look at the company as well as the ingredients label so you can make an informed decision that is best for your skin!
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Choosing A Remedy For Toenail Fungus
Apologies for the lack of updates recently but unfortunately life has got a little in the way of blogging recently. I'll be talking a little more about the reasons behind this in a future post but for now I want to talk about something quite disturbing I read today.
I have to say that I always thought that toenail fungus was something that athletes suffered from and those people that wore shoes that were too tight. I had no idea that my new 2009 diet and fitness regime could actually give it to me as well! I was reading a magazine that listed the most common health complaints that were associated with the gym and toenail fungus came in at #3! You can catch it in damp areas such as the shower, swimming pool or even the gym itself because the conditions are perfect for the passing of the flora behind it. Even failing to dry your feet properly can cause it. Now I have yet to experience toe nail fungus and really would not want to but I decided to do a little research anyway to see just how it can be cured if you do get it.
Toenail fungus can be cured via a range of home remedies or products that can be bought from a pharmacy. Taking the latter first, Zetaclear i supposed to be rather good and is readily available at an affordable price. It can be applied directly to the area to clear up the fungus and protect the area infected from irritation and further infection at the same time. There are also natural remedies you can use as well, although these take longer to work. Tea tree oil is a great remedy, applied directly to the area twice a day. A mixture of oregano and olive oil is also said to be good. Although you cannot use either for more than 3 weeks on the area infected, both remedies are antibacterial and so will heal the area and clean up the infection at the same time.
I will be investigating more home remedies in the near future, as well as affordable remedies for ailments and wholesome and healthy meals too. This will be an effort to help people remain healthy in spite of the credit crunch so stay tuned folks!
I have to say that I always thought that toenail fungus was something that athletes suffered from and those people that wore shoes that were too tight. I had no idea that my new 2009 diet and fitness regime could actually give it to me as well! I was reading a magazine that listed the most common health complaints that were associated with the gym and toenail fungus came in at #3! You can catch it in damp areas such as the shower, swimming pool or even the gym itself because the conditions are perfect for the passing of the flora behind it. Even failing to dry your feet properly can cause it. Now I have yet to experience toe nail fungus and really would not want to but I decided to do a little research anyway to see just how it can be cured if you do get it.
Toenail fungus can be cured via a range of home remedies or products that can be bought from a pharmacy. Taking the latter first, Zetaclear i supposed to be rather good and is readily available at an affordable price. It can be applied directly to the area to clear up the fungus and protect the area infected from irritation and further infection at the same time. There are also natural remedies you can use as well, although these take longer to work. Tea tree oil is a great remedy, applied directly to the area twice a day. A mixture of oregano and olive oil is also said to be good. Although you cannot use either for more than 3 weeks on the area infected, both remedies are antibacterial and so will heal the area and clean up the infection at the same time.
I will be investigating more home remedies in the near future, as well as affordable remedies for ailments and wholesome and healthy meals too. This will be an effort to help people remain healthy in spite of the credit crunch so stay tuned folks!
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Keeping Warm And Healthy This Winter
As the temperature really begins to drop, the air outside is easily below 0C very single night. As such, you may well find yourself feeling ill. Hypothermia and pneumonia are common ailments at this time of year but only afflict those individuals that do not keep warm 24 hours a day. Of course, the elderly and vulnerable are more likely to feel the cold and become ill but it is important that everyone takes care of themselves.
There are a number of things you can do to stay happy and healthy in the winter just by keeping warm and you do not have to spend any extra money to do so! As electricity and gas are so expensive, you can save a little money in fact by turning down the thermostat by a few degrees and doing the following:
* When you go to bed, wear thick socks, full length pyjamas and a woolly hat! As silly as you may think you look, nobody will see you aside from your partner and you will keep warm. Heat is lost from the body via the head at night so the hat will help you to retain it and the socks will keep your extremities warm as well.
* Eat a warm breakfast and a warm dinner. Eating porrige for breakfast and a warm, homemade dinner will heat your body up and encourage warmth from within to prevent sudden body temperature drops.
* Keep a flask of tea by the side of your bed. Tea is good for the body in a number of ways and can help to keep it warm through the winter. Keeping a flask by your bed overnight will allow you to up your body temperature if you feel a little chilly. Be careful not to spill it though as you will find yourself in pain!
* If you have a spare quilt in the home then put it on the bottom of the bed so you are literally between two duvets at night! Lovely and cosy and warm!
* Use a hot water bottle to warm up the bed before you get in it every night. Leaving it there for 20 to 30 minutes will warm your bed for you at very little expense.
* Use any old towels and material you have to make a draught excluder to lay at the bottom of the door. This will prevent draughts coming through and also prevent heat leaving.
I hope that is of some help! If you have any more tips then please let me know because I'd be happy to publish them right here!
There are a number of things you can do to stay happy and healthy in the winter just by keeping warm and you do not have to spend any extra money to do so! As electricity and gas are so expensive, you can save a little money in fact by turning down the thermostat by a few degrees and doing the following:
* When you go to bed, wear thick socks, full length pyjamas and a woolly hat! As silly as you may think you look, nobody will see you aside from your partner and you will keep warm. Heat is lost from the body via the head at night so the hat will help you to retain it and the socks will keep your extremities warm as well.
* Eat a warm breakfast and a warm dinner. Eating porrige for breakfast and a warm, homemade dinner will heat your body up and encourage warmth from within to prevent sudden body temperature drops.
* Keep a flask of tea by the side of your bed. Tea is good for the body in a number of ways and can help to keep it warm through the winter. Keeping a flask by your bed overnight will allow you to up your body temperature if you feel a little chilly. Be careful not to spill it though as you will find yourself in pain!
* If you have a spare quilt in the home then put it on the bottom of the bed so you are literally between two duvets at night! Lovely and cosy and warm!
* Use a hot water bottle to warm up the bed before you get in it every night. Leaving it there for 20 to 30 minutes will warm your bed for you at very little expense.
* Use any old towels and material you have to make a draught excluder to lay at the bottom of the door. This will prevent draughts coming through and also prevent heat leaving.
I hope that is of some help! If you have any more tips then please let me know because I'd be happy to publish them right here!
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Conjoined Twins Hope & Faith Williams: My Reaction
Anyone that reads about the news in the Uk at the moment will be aware that conjoined twins, or Siamese twins, Hope and Faith Williams were born last week. Their mother, Laura Williams, is just 18 years old and the youngest mother ever to give birth to conjoined twins.
They were attached at the chest and had surgery to detach them yesterday. Unfortunately, Hope died shortly afterwards. I felt the need to write a reaction to her sad passing, which can be found at my personal blog. I just thought it's an issue that is very real, especially in light of the fact pressure was exerted on Laura Williams to abort them. Please take a few moments to check out my reaction and comment or express your own feelings on the matter here:
British Conjoined Twin, Hope, Dies
They were attached at the chest and had surgery to detach them yesterday. Unfortunately, Hope died shortly afterwards. I felt the need to write a reaction to her sad passing, which can be found at my personal blog. I just thought it's an issue that is very real, especially in light of the fact pressure was exerted on Laura Williams to abort them. Please take a few moments to check out my reaction and comment or express your own feelings on the matter here:
British Conjoined Twin, Hope, Dies
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Drug Rehab Program Projects For 2009
Addiction help is unfortunately a big part of our society at the moment. With various treatment plans and methodone projects available, there is help for any addict that wants it. I have blogged about drug abuse and rehab before but watched a TV show today that highlighted the need to speak out about it a little more, especially with the New Year drawing closer at a rapid speed.
The show highlighted one mother's plight. Her daughter had been murdered whilst selling her body to pay for her heroin addict and her younger daughter was also an addict. She feared for her safety and constantly brought up the need for help. As a result, I decided to see what sort of Drug Rehab program options were available for 2009, both new and old alike. There were far more than I expected. I acknowledge what treatment plan works for some will not work for others and believe that it is important to find one that will work for you but some were boasting amazing recovery figures. Although I'd like to know how the figures were reached, they do give addicts hope. After all, you cannot put a price on your health but drugs can ultimately bring an end to your life.
I can across one Drug treatment program plan called the NARCONON plan (hope I've spelled that right!). Apparently the program has a 76% success rate and admits those recovering addicts that lapse within 6 months for free. Although some clinics do offer programs for free, I found the information about this program to be comprehensive, flexible and easy to follow. There are many more like that but the success rate amazed me.
If you do take any drugs at all, from cannabis to heroin, then now is the time to make a change. 2009 has to be the year you get clean for your own sake as well as that of your family. I am very anti-drugs and always have been but for those that have made a wrong life choice, now is the time to make the right one.
Speaking of which, I'll be doing a post about hints and tips to quit smoking in a few days time because that may be on many peoples' New Year's resolution list. Stay tuned folks!
The show highlighted one mother's plight. Her daughter had been murdered whilst selling her body to pay for her heroin addict and her younger daughter was also an addict. She feared for her safety and constantly brought up the need for help. As a result, I decided to see what sort of Drug Rehab program options were available for 2009, both new and old alike. There were far more than I expected. I acknowledge what treatment plan works for some will not work for others and believe that it is important to find one that will work for you but some were boasting amazing recovery figures. Although I'd like to know how the figures were reached, they do give addicts hope. After all, you cannot put a price on your health but drugs can ultimately bring an end to your life.
I can across one Drug treatment program plan called the NARCONON plan (hope I've spelled that right!). Apparently the program has a 76% success rate and admits those recovering addicts that lapse within 6 months for free. Although some clinics do offer programs for free, I found the information about this program to be comprehensive, flexible and easy to follow. There are many more like that but the success rate amazed me.
If you do take any drugs at all, from cannabis to heroin, then now is the time to make a change. 2009 has to be the year you get clean for your own sake as well as that of your family. I am very anti-drugs and always have been but for those that have made a wrong life choice, now is the time to make the right one.
Speaking of which, I'll be doing a post about hints and tips to quit smoking in a few days time because that may be on many peoples' New Year's resolution list. Stay tuned folks!
Monday, 1 December 2008
Blog About Your Passions For Your Health!
Hi all... hope everyone is well. Sorry I haven't been around for a while, or at least not as often as I used to be. I've been suffering with a fair few health issues of my own in recent weeks and have found it difficult to cope. More on that at a later date, but for now I'd like to tell you about an opportunity I've found and one that may help your health!
I always find that getting my worries off my chest makes me feel so much better than I did before. I have a horrible habit of bottling things up until they begin to consume me. That is why I began blogging. Although I am a writer by profession, I felt a blog or two wuld help me to positively focus my energies elsewhere... but that only worked for a while because I did not have a personal blog and so had to remain focused on certain topics and niches. I do have a personal blog now though and I feel better already.
I have recently been diagnosed with Depression and have been struggling to cope. My counssellor recommended that I try t vent some of my frustrations through my writing so I decided to set up a personal blog to do just that. The next day, a friend told me about Today.com, which is a blogging host but one that pays $1 for every 100 word plus blog post, plus a few cents for visitors. The money isn't much but it does provide me with an incentive to blog every day and get all of my opinions out there. It really feels satisfying to vent sometimes!
Anyway, I set up English Opinion so please check in if you get a moment.
Also, if you want to start blogging or would like to earn a few dollars from blogging about anything you like then you can do so via this link: Today.com. You can earn a little money by setting up your own personal blog there or even one in the many health niches it provides.
I didn't realise how beneficial a blog could be to my mental health but it has certainly turned out that way! Take a look for yourself!
BLOG at Today.com
I always find that getting my worries off my chest makes me feel so much better than I did before. I have a horrible habit of bottling things up until they begin to consume me. That is why I began blogging. Although I am a writer by profession, I felt a blog or two wuld help me to positively focus my energies elsewhere... but that only worked for a while because I did not have a personal blog and so had to remain focused on certain topics and niches. I do have a personal blog now though and I feel better already.
I have recently been diagnosed with Depression and have been struggling to cope. My counssellor recommended that I try t vent some of my frustrations through my writing so I decided to set up a personal blog to do just that. The next day, a friend told me about Today.com, which is a blogging host but one that pays $1 for every 100 word plus blog post, plus a few cents for visitors. The money isn't much but it does provide me with an incentive to blog every day and get all of my opinions out there. It really feels satisfying to vent sometimes!
Anyway, I set up English Opinion so please check in if you get a moment.
Also, if you want to start blogging or would like to earn a few dollars from blogging about anything you like then you can do so via this link: Today.com. You can earn a little money by setting up your own personal blog there or even one in the many health niches it provides.
I didn't realise how beneficial a blog could be to my mental health but it has certainly turned out that way! Take a look for yourself!
BLOG at Today.com
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