FIVE NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HEADACHES

 Not a big fan of popping pills or taking medication to ease a headache? Not a problem. There are remedies which are a more natural way of getting rid of that pesky headache. 

Head massage

This is a simple yet effective way of reducing pain in the head. It feels good and you can apply it yourself. Experts recommend massaging the greater occipital nerve when suffering a migraine.  This is located at the back of the head, right at the base of the skull.  A general massage on the scalp can also help alleviate the pain.

Feverfew

Taking feverfew along with white willow has proven to ease

migraine headaches. The properties of this plant are very similar to those of aspirin.

Peppermint and lavender

The oils of these two plants have proven to have a soothing effect against headache.  If used separately, you need the oil extract from them.  The odors can be inhaled to provide soothing relief. The oils of both plants can be massaged on the temples, the forehead, and the base of the skull as they have the ability to promote blood flow, which is the main cause of a migraine or headache. Another way that has been recommended to soothe headaches is to take a footbath with the oils of these two plants.  

Hot and cold

This is especially effective for those throbbing headaches where you can feel your heart beating in your head. A migraine is caused by the Dura mater, which is a layer of the brain, becoming inflamed. The artery supplying blood to the Dura is right behind the thin bone of the temple. Using a cold pack to lower the temperature of the blood that passes through this artery seems to relieve the inflammation of the Dura. The advice is to place an ice pack on your temples. If what you have is some neck tightness as well, then you need to apply a hot pack on the back of your neck. 

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is soothing and relaxing. Sweetened with honey, it will help you get rid of the pain. Drink it while sitting in a calm area of your house and maybe add some quiet, soothing music.

MYTHS ABOUT PREGNANCY

 When you are pregnant with your firstborn you will always hear older women or women who already had more than one child telling you different stories and myths.

They will try to tell you what you can or cannot do, and we do think that occasionally you should listen to them, but remember, it is your baby and you are pregnant, not them, so you are the one who should make the final decision.

 

Just to warn you we will give you some examples of different myths that others are trying to tell you. 

Some people are absolutely convinced that if you see on ultrasound that the baby's pulse is less than 150 that it is going to be a boy.

It is completely stupid, because no one has ever proven that this information is accurate or reliable, so do not take this seriously.

Older women tend to say that if a woman wears makeup during her

pregnancy that it will harm her baby.

 

It is complete nonsense. You can do your makeup without any problem because makeup doesn’t go to your bloodstream, so it will not affect your baby.

Of course we think that every woman who is pregnant is beautiful without makeup, because when women are in that condition they always shine and look gorgeous.

Very important thing- Do not be on diet while you are pregnant. That doesn’t mean that you should eat junk food all the time, but you don’t have to worry about that every second during your pregnancy.

SOME FACTS ABOUT OBESITY

 Obesity seems to be the most common disease of this century. We do not realize how dangerous it can be and we continue to see it as something normal and acceptable. Studies have determined the majority of the children in the U.S are overweight, and a great number will suffer from obesity in adulthood. Apparently, it is easy to prevent this disease, but this does not change the number of patients that develop this disease every year.

• 44% of diabetic patients are also obese. Diabetes is one of the most common and serious diseases. The number of people having diabetes is increasing daily. Processed food is one of the main causes of this world-wide condition. If people continue to develop diabetes at the same rate, by 2030 almost half the population of the U.S will have this disease.

• A patient with obesity spends approximately $2,740 more than the average person for health care every year. This disease will affect the patient not only physically, but also socially and financially.

• Only 4% of elementary schools in the U.S offer sports or physical activity classes. This lack of exercise puts children in danger and they are more likely to become obese in their teenage years. To prevent this, they need healthy food and an active way of life.

• Today, we consume almost double the calories we used to consume 40 years ago. Since our body does not need this enormous calorie intake, our metabolism cannot process the food in a healthy way. The result? Weight gain.

• Low-income citizens have a greater risk of becoming obese.

  
  
  Gym memberships are beyond their budget. Without government support, lower income people find it extremely difficult to lead a normal, healthy life.

WHAT TO DO TO PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS ?

 Osteoporosis is a bone disease that appears, in general, in middle-aged and older people. It is uncomfortable and painful and it can dramatically reduce the quality of the life of a person. That is why it is important to try to prevent it as much as possible, and you can do this by making some simple changes in your life.

First of all, you have to start exercising if you are not doing it already. With exercise you will not only strengthen your muscles, but also your bones and this will have a great positive impact on your life. The best exercises to prevent osteoporosis are aerobic, jogging and lifting weights. If you don’t feel comfortable with these, you can simply walk to work and back and carry your groceries bags by yourself.

Another important thing to do is to get enough vitamin D and calcium. Most people have a deficiency in these two nutrients and they don’t even know it. To make sure you have enough vitamin D and calcium, make sure you increase your intake of dairy products, sardines, soy and even to take calcium supplements.

Of course, if you start on this path you also have to give up sugary drinks and smoking. Sugary drinks contain phosphorus that prevents the calcium from being absorbed by your body; this means that no matter how many supplements you take, they won’t be effective if you don’t give up soda. Smoking is extremely harmful for your health and it reduces the effect of the estrogen, which means that you will be at risk of breaking your bones whenever you fall or have an accident.

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF TRIGLYCERIDES

  Triglycerides, also known as lipids, are a common type of fat found in the blood. They enter the bloodstream either through consumption of fatty foods, excessive carbohydrates, calories, or simple sugars, or through the body releasing its fat stores. In normal levels, triglycerides are fundamental for health making them a critical measurement for metabolic health. However, in excessive amounts, lipids pose a few health risks:

1. Increased risk of Heart Diseases.

High triglyceride levels in the blood can lead to plaque build-up in the arteries. When this happens, walls of the arteries thicken or become hard, a condition called atherosclerosis. This condition increases one's susceptibility to health complications such as heart disease, stroke, or heart attack.

2. Affects blood sugar.

Having high triglycerides could be a sign that the body is not utilizing insulin appropriately. When this happens, glucose cannot enter the cells in the blood raising blood sugar levels, which can cause diabetes. Untreated diabetes is a major health risk because it increases the risk of heart attacks and other heart complications.

3. Increased risk of Pancreatitis.

If triglyceride levels are high, it can cause inflammation of the pancreas leading to Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic and some symptoms include nausea and vomiting, fever, abdominal pain and increased heart rate. Severe

pancreatitis can damage other vital organs like the lungs and kidneys.

4. Damages the liver.

High triglycerides can be an indication of fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is not easily detectable because its symptoms are not easy to notice, but it leads to permanent liver damage and cirrhosis.

Avoiding the development of high triglycerides is crucial to wellbeing. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating natural foods, avoiding excess calories, excluding processed foods, and increasing physical activity are some of the ways to achieve this.

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF A STROKE

 Stroke is a condition that affects the arteries located in the brain. It takes place when the brain fails to have enough oxygen, which causes the cells to die. Anyone can suffer from stroke, no matter the gender or age. In America, around 800,000 individuals suffer from this condition per year and 130,000 die every year.

The symptoms of stroke include garbled speech and weakness in one arm. One side of the face may also drop, preventing the person from smiling or moving his mouth and eye. Other symptoms are dizziness, confusion, difficulty in swallowing, loss of consciousness, blurred vision, or complete paralysis.

Stroke can be prevented by monitoring

blood pressure. It has to be maintained at 120/80. This can be achieved by limiting salt intake and adding more fruits and vegetables in daily meals. Losing weight is also very important to be protected from stroke. One has to consume no more than 2,000 calories per day. Regular exercise is also advised. Walking instead of driving and climbing stairs instead of using the elevator are simple ways to be engaged in physical exercise.

 Stroke can be treated with medication, surgery or through thrombolysis. It is important to identify the type of stroke first before it is treated. Patients can also opt for home treatment as per the doctor's advice. This may include using a cane or walker, managing problems with the eyes, and managing the diet.

LIVE HEALTHIER - COCONUT, OLIVES AND AVOCADOS

 The healthy fats and oils are absorbed into the blood by the digestion process and converted to fatty acids. Healthy fats and oils are a good source of energy. They help the brain function, promote blood clotting, absorb vitamins, and safeguard against inflammation.

Monounsaturated fats and Polyunsaturated Fats are the healthiest of all fats. A diet which is rich in these fats can reduce the risk of heart diseases and stabilize insulin and blood sugar levels.

Olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil are sources of healthy unsaturated fats.

1. Olives

Olives are associated with longevity, vitality, and low occurrence of chronic diseases. Olive oil is reputed for its health-promoting properties. It is chiefly helpful in promoting optimal cardiovascular function, maintaining superior blood flow and improving cognitive function.

2. Coconut

Coconut is known as a ‘super food’ and is consumed by some of the healthiest populations around the world. It is wonderful for those wanting to lose and maintain weight. The fatty acids in coconut oil speed up overall metabolism, thereby helping people to expend more energy compared with long-chain fats. It helps with neurological disorders and can significantly benefit common skin issues because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

3. Avocados

Avocado oil is known for its skin-boosting properties. In addition to its moisturizing, nourishing, and protective fats, it also contains

antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which keep skin smooth and supple.

For optimum health, the addition of dietary fats is often overlooked. Good fats like olives, coconut, and avocados provide the body with energy and can actually encourage the body to burn fat.