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Losing hair can be traumatizing for most people and they will do anything they can to stop their hair from breaking. To stop hair breakage, you need to be proactive and do a number of things. Here are some of the major steps you can take.

Cut out the split ends
If you don’t cut out the split ends from your hair, they will eventually run up the hair strand and break off on their own. Therefore, it makes more sense to trim off the split ends before the whole hair strand is affected. Have your hair trimmed off every three to four months to minimize cases of split ends. This may seem counterproductive at first, as you are probably trying to grow your hair long, but your hair will eventually grow fuller and thicker. Request your stylist to cut off half an inch or a quarter of an inch of your hair.

Avoid brushing your hair while it is still wet
Your hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. Brushing it will most likely result in breakage. Wait for it to dry before you brush it. When washing your hair, use a wide toothed comb to comb through it after you have applied a moisturizer.

Be careful with the towel
Use a soft cloth, like a t-shirt to dry off your hair after washing it instead of using a towel. Towels are rough on the hair. If you must use a towel, then press it against your hair instead of rubbing it dry.

Go easy on the heat
Let your hair dry off naturally on its own as much as possible. While blow dryers, flat irons and iron curlers are quite convenient to use, using too much heat on your hair too frequently will result in weakening of the hair. This will eventually result in hair breakage. If you must use heat, then set your appliances to the lowest heat level possible. This also applies when it comes to too much sun exposure. Too much sun will result in your hair becoming brittle, so if you will be staying in the sun for too long, find a creative way to cover up your hair. This may include wearing a hat or tying a scarf around your hair.

Style up, but just not too tightly
While holding up your hair in a ponytail may bring out your face, it is not advisable to tie your hair too tightly. It is also not advisable to braid your hair too tightly, as this will stress your hairline. Consider trying out different hairstyles on a regular basis. Also, be careful on the hair accessories that you use. Go for hair accessories that will not pinch or pull your hair too much.

Consult a professional stylist
While styling your own hair at home may help you save some money, you may end up doing more harm than good. That is why it is advisable to let a professional stylist handle your hair, especially when it comes to applying chemicals and color. If these are not properly handled, it can result in major hair breakage.

Circulation problems in the legs and feet can result from diseases such as peripheral artery and peripheral vascular diseases and by intermittent claudication. Common to these conditions are the narrowing of the arteries which get clogged with plaque. The result of this is that it becomes very difficult for one’s extremities to be supplied with blood.

Whether or not vitamins can aid in improving all or any of these conditions is still in the preliminary stages and can also be quite conflicting at this time, so before thinking of taking any of these supplements, be sure to consult your doctor.

However, the following vitamins are suggested to be helpful to bloody circulation and other conditions.

B Vitamins

One’s circulation is affected by niacin and not getting enough of it could have negative effects. The daily requirements for women and men are 14 and 16 milligrams respectively. In 2003, The journal of Nutrition published a study which found that men with the lowest folate intake were 33% more at risk for PAD (Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease) than their counterparts with the highest folate intake.

The Journal of Vascular Surgery also published another related study in 2004 which noted that those with low levels of vitamin B-6 or folate had greater possibilities of having PAD.

Research in this area is still ongoing and is in the preliminary stages but other vitamins may help too. The Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition in 2012 published a study which discovered that those with low levels of vitamin B-12 were more at risk of getting PVD. This indicates that Vitamin B-12 may aid in limiting vascular diseases too.

Vitamins C and E

Circulation in people with PVD may be improved by Vitamins C and E. It is said that an intake of 500 to 1,000 milligrams of vitamins C, in theory, may be able to restrict any damages to cells in one’s arteries because it may have an antioxidant effect with a result of limiting deposits of artery-clogging fats. For vitamin E, dosages between 400 and 1,000 international units daily may result in blood-thinning resulting in easier passage of the blood through vessels that are narrow.

It should be noted, however, that research to verify whatever potential benefits there are to these supplements improving circulation is ongoing and currently inconclusive. Before ever attempting to take these supplements in the dosages stated here, please consult with your doctor as these dosages are way higher than the recommended daily allowances for the vitamins in question.

Vitamin D

In 2008, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology published a study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine which found that the risk for PAD decreased as the blood levels of vitamin D rose.

Take note that more research is needed to find out if intake of vitamin D supplements will improve circulation when a person already has the condition.

Other Beneficial Changes

The Journal of Nutrition published a study in 2005 discovered that a mixture of Vitamins A, B6, and D, folic acid, DHA, EPA, and oleic acid helps in improving PVD symptoms. Recommendations by the Medical Center of the University of Maryland are that one eats a heart-healthy diet which is high in fibre content and low in cholesterol and fats. It has also been said that circulation in the legs may be improved by a lot of exercise which includes walking.

Circulation can also be enhanced by the following supplements.

Potassium

By regulating blood pressure, potassium also aids circulation. Some good sources of potassium include bran wheat, wheat germ, figs and raisins.

Grape seed – antioxidant support for the blood vessels

There are potent antioxidant properties contained in grape seed, just like vitamin E. It is known to protect against damage done to the blood vessels by free radicals. There is a claim that after vitamin E has performed its essential function of destroying free radicals, grape seed may help in its protection and reconversion to its antioxidant form. Symptoms of Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins may also be relieved by grape seed.

Fish oil supports blood vessel function

Fish oil is known to support healthy peripheral blood circulation and arteries. It is also known, in clinical trials, that fish oil supplement intake has positive effects on the functioning of blood vessels even in individuals that are normal.

Ginkgo and bilberry support peripheral circulation

These herbs, ginkgo and bilberry, have been known for their functions in improving alertness, concentration and memory and in supporting visual function. But they may also be able to aid in the maintenance of peripheral blood circulation. Ginkgo, in addition to this function, may also aid in bringing symptomatic relief to the legs after walking a long distance where they begin aching.

Horse chestnut and butcher’s broom help relieve varicose veins

Clinical studies reveal that the herbs, horse chestnut and butcher’s broom, which have traditionally been used in European herbal medicine in the treatment of vein disorders including haemorrhoids and varicose veins, bring relief to fluid retention, swelling, tension and itching.

When pimples show up on your face, neck, shoulders, or back, it’s never fun. A pimple is simply a swelling of the skin caused by an infection, so they are usually filled with pus and bacteria. Typically, they are caused by overactive sebaceous glands that create excess sebum. Although acne isn’t life-threatening or even critical, it is something that causes you to look and feel less attractive.

Although pimples will typically go away on their own in a few days, the scar or pimple mark may stay on the skin for much longer, especially in more severe cases where the pus has oozed out of the pimple. The good news is that there are a number of ways that you can get rid of pimple marks naturally so there’s no worries about harmful chemicals or prolonged skin damage. These natural remedies are also super effective and a lot cheaper than visiting your doctor.

1. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Ice

Ice is especially helpful for reducing the appearance of pimple marks and closing your pores to help prevent blackheads. This is because the coldness of the ice shrinks down pores and using an ice cube in a washcloth will help remove any oil and dirt that are on the skin. Ice will also help improve blood circulation to that part of your skin which will help with the healing process.

2. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Lemons

Lemon is a popular skin remedy for a number of reasons. It is high in vitamin C which helps to quickly heal the skin, and is a great antibacterial to clean and refresh the skin. To use lemon to get rid of pimple marks, use a fresh lemon and apply the juice to the pimple marks after washing your face and then allow it to set overnight. You can then rinse it off with warm water in the morning.

3. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Honey

Honey is amazing for the skin because it has a number of natural antibiotics that will help speed up the healing process of pimples and therefore reduce their appearance. It will also help to prevent infections and keep any existing pimples from worsening. To use honey to get rid of pimple marks, simply apply it directly onto the pimples and/or marks and allow it to dry overnight, then wash with water in the morning.

4. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Steam

Steam will do wonders for your skin any time you use it, but it’s especially good for getting rid of pimple marks. It will open up and unblock your pores and allow your skin to breathe which will help get everything out of your skin that shouldn’t be there and is causing pimples to appear. When you use steam to get rid of pimple marks, exfoliate gently once your pores are open then rinse your face thoroughly with cold water to close your pores back up.

5. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Garlic

Garlic can help you get rid of pimples and pimple marks because it has antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. These all work together with sulphur to quickly heal pimples so they don’t leave any marks. To use garlic to get rid of pimples, crush several cloves to extract the juice, then apply it to the affected areas with a cotton ball before going to sleep. In the morning, rinse your face and the pimples will start to clear up soon.

6. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Baking Soda

Baking soda will help you get rid of pimples and pimple marks, and it can also give you beautiful glowing skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, it can be irritating so use it with caution or do a patch test before using it on your whole face. To get rid of pimple marks with baking soda, use a small spoonful of baking soda mixed with water until it forms a paste. You can then use this as an exfoliating face wash or apply small amounts directly to the pimples and leave them overnight.

7. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Cucumbers

Cucumbers are full of vitamins C, E, and A which makes them great for healing and improving the overall health and appearance of your skin. Plus, the moisture in cucumbers will help to cool and soothe your skin. To use cucumber to get rid of pimple marks, skin a half of a cucumber and blend it in a blender. Then, apply it to the affected area or your whole face and allow it to sit overnight, washing it off in the morning.

8. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Tomatoes

Tomatoes are great for getting rid of pimple marks because they are rich in vitamin A and the acid content helps to remove dirt and oils that cause infections. It is also particularly helpful in reducing the appearance of scars caused by pimple marks. To use tomatoes to get rid of pimple marks, you can either rub a raw tomato directly onto your skin, or blend it to create a paste which you can then leave on overnight and rinse off in the morning.

9. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Egg Whites

Egg whites are amazing for your skin and a great way to get softer, smoother skin while they heal your pimples. To use egg whites to get rid of pimple marks, separate the egg white from the yolk. Then, use your finger to dab some of the egg white onto the pimples, or your whole face. Allow it to dry, then apply several more layers. Leave this on your skin for a few hours before washing it off with warm water.

10. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Potatoes

Potatoes are amazing at reducing the appearance of pimple marks because they have bleaching properties which will help your skin be cleared of the redness left behind by pimples. To use potatoes to get rid of pimple marks, simply rub some pieces of raw potato on your skin where there is redness before you go to sleep and then be sure to wash it off in the morning.

11. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Green Tea

Green tea is well known for having a ton of antioxidants, and these can help reduce pimple marks, dry skin, and puffiness under your eyes. By drinking 3 to 4 cups of green tea every day (hot or iced), it will pull the toxins from your body that cause pimples and help to clear up your skin. You can also make a paste with fresh green tea leaves and apply it directly to your skin every night to allow the antibacterial properties to quickly heal pimples.

12. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Olive Oil

Olive oil helps to moisturize the skin which will help it to heal, and it also has antibacterial properties which will help to clan your skin and fight infections. To use olive oil to get rid of pimple marks, begin by washing your face with warm water. Then, use just a couple drops and massage it into your skin. Allow it to soak in for several hours and then rinse your face thoroughly with warm water.

13. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Fenugreek

Fenugreek leaves or seeds are a great way to get rid of pimple marks because of their antibacterial properties that will help clear your skin. To use fenugreek leaves to get rid of pimple marks, add 2 tablespoons of fenugreek leaves to boiling water then apply the mixture to infected areas and leave overnight. You can also do the same thing with fenugreek seed paste. Just be sure to wash your face with warm water in the morning.

14. How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks Using Mint

Mint is a great antibacterial that can help clear pimples as soon as they arrive and prevent them from leaving pimple marks. To get rid of pimple marks with mint, get fresh mint leaves and crush them in a muslin cloth to extract the juices. Then, apply the mint juice to your face after you cleanse your face to naturally get rid of pimple marks.

Life can get pretty crazy at times. For a typical family with both parents working outside the home, kids in school and involved in sports and other activities, it can be a real challenge to keep up with everyone’s schedule. Stress and anxiety that may already be a part of your life will only be aggravated by the chaos that results when appointments are missed, and you start showing up late for work. There are simple and effective things you can do to reduce everyone’s stress and keep the whole family on the same page.

#1 Family Calendar

Advance planning can make all the difference in the world, and a family calendar will keep everyone up to speed on where they need to be and at what time. You can take the old school approach and have a calendar on the wall in the kitchen, or go with one of the dozens of electronic solutions that will keep everyone in synch via their smartphones.

If you’re one of many people that love alcohol, you no longer have to feel so guilty about drinking, whether you are out with friends or home alone because there are actually a few health benefits of vodka that you might not know about.

Because vodka is colorless, flavorless, and odorless, it goes well with a lot of drinks which lends greatly to its popularity among both men and women. Although it’s not as healthy as, say, pomegranate juice, when consumed in moderation (35 to 40 milliliters), vodka can actually be very healthy for you. Moderation is the key, but if you have any concerns about consuming it regularly, you should always check with your doctor first.

Here are some of the surprising health benefits of vodka.

1. Weight Loss

What makes vodka a great choice for people who are trying to lose weight is that it is low in calories (just 64 per ounce), and has no carbohydrates. However, where most people get themselves into trouble and negate these weight loss benefits of vodka is when they mix it with high-sugar and high-calorie drinks.

So, to enjoy a night out on the town without worrying about gaining weight, try drinking vodka straight or mixed with sugar-free options.

People think that great athletes are made through daily hours and hours of exhausting practice. That is not wrong but do you know that a diet makes a person as well? Athletes need supplements and vitamins to accelerate the body’s recovery rate so that wounds can heal faster and worn muscles can recuperate.

These extra nutrients also help the body to endure whatever the athletes put their body through during trainings.

ENDURANCE

Endurance athletes need supplements to help them build up their energy to persist through the long distances and such. Hence, they might need a couple of vitamins and supplements that are different from speed athletes. These following help to build the stamina of endurance athletes:

1. B Vitamins

B vitamins can be found in most protein sources – fish, poultry, dairy products and even vegetables.  This group of vitamins contain the following enzymes:

• Thiamine
• Biotin
• Niacin
• Folate
• Riboflavin

These enzymes are vital in helping the body metabolize food to turn into energy which is especially important for endurance athletes. They need to be able to maximise the stored energy in their muscles from the food they have consumed.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C contains antioxidants. These are essential in helping the athletes heal from the wear and tear of heavy training. Considering these are the people that train tirelessly for their sport, they also suffer inflammation because of it. Vitamins help to speed up the recovery process.

Vitamin C also helps maximise the intake of iron and folate, which in turn helps to produce red blood cells to optimise the oxygen intake and transportation of energy to the muscles. Vitamin C can be found it most citrus fruits.

3. Vitamin D

Don’t forget vitamin D!  Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. The lack of it will cause athletes to feel lethargic and weak. It helps to strengthen bones so that the athletes do not suffer from frequent, or more preferably, no broken bones and fractures that can put them out of commission. Vitamin D from the sun will probably not meet required levels of vitamin D but these foods will!

SPEED

Speed athletes need roughly the same vitamins but there are a few that could give them a bit more energy for quick acceleration. This helps athletes to store more energy in their muscles to achieve their maximum speed in a short period of time:

1. Omega 3 (Fish Oil)

Everyone swears by fish oil and it is no surprise – fish oil has a lot of benefits. Fish oil, like vitamin A, also reduces the chances of joint inflammation and help to remove stiffness. It also helps to improve circulation which as a result improves reaction times and also lets you train harder.

2. Green Tea Extract

Many people may not know this but green tea helps to improve reaction times as well. Green tea increases the brain and neuron activity. This means that athletes will be more alert, improving their reaction times.

3. Zinc

Zinc helps in tissue repair and also helps to maintain muscle endurance. It is also known that athletes are sometimes lacking in zinc so it is important to replenish it. Better muscle endurance helps a lot with speed training because speed training is very focused on the burst of energy that is coming from the muscles.

This is just a list of vitamins that people might not know are able to improve athletes’ performance. There are a lot more supplements that apply to both speed and endurance athletes like potassium and magnesium. Remember to take care of yourself and improve your athletic performance with the help of these supplements!

Over the years, there have been a number of foods touted as being ways to induce labor if you’re beyond your due date or eager to meet your little one. These same foods are often black-listed from being eaten earlier in your pregnancy because of their induction of labor. But what is the truth behind these labor-inducing foods? Should you really avoid them early on for fear of hurting your baby and expect them to get your baby moving by eating them later on? Here are the truths behind the myths of foods that are supposed to induce labor.

Pineapple

Because pineapple contains an enzyme known as bromelain, it has been declared a labor-inducing food by some. Bromelain is supposed to stimulate smooth muscles and soften the cervix which would potentially lead to an induction of labor. It is also only in fresh pineapples as this enzyme is destroyed during the canning process.

However, a study done in 2009 which was published in the journal “Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice” stated that there simply is not enough bromelain in pineapples to get your labor going.

For it to have a real impact on your cervix, you would have to eat a massive amount, which would probably just cause digestion issues and not even start contractions.

Eggplant

For a while, eggplant parmesan was a popular dish for women to eat who wanted to induce labor. The truth was that the dish probably did help, but it actually didn’t have anything to do with the eggplant part of it. Instead, it was likely the seasonings that were to blame. Oregano and basil are both contradicted in pregnant women because they can cause uterine contractions, and they’re also both present in eggplant parmesan.

Black Licorice

The compound found in black licorice root which is said to help induce contractions is glycyrrhizin. In 2002, a study led by Timo Strandberg was published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology” and it concluded that women who consumed large amounts of black licorice during their pregnancies saw higher amounts of preterm births. Since most black licorice today is made with artificial flavorings rather than the actual licorice plant, it’s probably not going to do much, but real licorice should be carefully considered before consuming while pregnant.

Balsamic Vinegar

Despite one restaurant having a “maternity salad” that’s supposed to help you start your labor because of the balsamic vinegar dressing, the simple truth is that there is no research to back up this claim. So, if you want to get your labor started, don’t try drinking balsamic vinegar straight from the bottle because it’s not going to do much for you.

Castor Oil

This is probably one of the most well-known labor inducers and has been around for many years. The idea is that the intense stomach upset it causes will somehow stimulate labor. However, these claims are completely unsubstantiated, and the majority of women that try this will find themselves with some pretty intense diarrhea, but still no labor in sight.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

This is the only one on our list that does have some proof to back it up, but still isn’t enough for us to encourage mothers-to-be to run out and try it.

In 1999 in the “Australian College of Midwives Incorporated Journal,” there was a study done by Myra Parsons that found that red raspberry leaf tea may help women avoid going past their due date. In 2001, Michelle Simpson published a study in the “Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health” which reported that women who began drinking red raspberry leaf tea at 32 weeks of gestation had shorter second stages of labor and there were less incidents of forceps use. More research is needed to confirm that red raspberry leaf tea is completely safe and effective.

Do you know somebody who is pregnant? Share this article with them as they might be one of those that believes in the myth.

The majority of bad effects of smoking are quite well known to the masses. Smoking is the leading cause of cancer, cardiac disorders and pulmonary diseases. However, the ill effects are not limited to these. There are many lesser known diseases that you might have never even thought of. Read on to know 10 more why you should stop smoking cigarettes.

1. Alzheimer’s Disease

It has been observed that people who smoke have a sharper decline in their mental health as they grow older. A study of a group of 9200 individuals over the age of sixty has shown that mental health deteriorates five times faster in smokers as compared to those who don’t smoke at all.

The test group underwent a series of standardised tests to identify signs of brain damage over a period of two years. The study compared the brain deterioration of smokers and non-smokers for both, people with and without a hereditary history of Alzheimer’s disease. The study concluded that smokers were at a much higher risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. These results were published in the medical journal Neurology.

2. Lupus – Greater Risk of Autoimmune Diseases

Smokers are at a higher risk of acquiring autoimmune diseases like lupus. However, the good news is that the risk comes down drastically if you quit the habit. Lupus is a destructive autoimmune disease that results in damage to delicate tissues which in turn causes pain and inflammation. Depending on your body structure and overall health, the symptoms can either be mild or very severe.

3. Higher Risk of Colic

Colic onsets a couple of weeks after birth and reaches its peak at around five to eight years of age and completely stops when the baby is 4 months old. A child suffering from colic usually shows changes in behaviour like clenched digits, drawn limbs, irritability, screaming and crying for hours at a stretch.

4. Infant Death

Chances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is amplified due to parents smoking according to a study undertaken by a group of European scientists.

The scientists studied 745 cases of SIDS and 2,400 unaffected infants and arrived at the conclusion that only 50% of infant deaths had occurred due to improper sleeping postures. About 16% of the deaths were attributed to bed sharing with a higher risk profile for mothers who smoked. The risk was very much lower for mothers who did not smoke especially during pregnancy.

5. Higher Chances of Blindness Due To Macular Degeneration

ARMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration) is the leading cause of blindness amongst the elderly. The macula is a jelly like substance which resides inside the eyeball. As you age, the clear macula starts degenerating and may become yellow or develop dark spots. This leads to blockage of light reaching the retina and as a result there is loss of central vision.

Recent studies have pointed out that people who smoke are 4 times more likely to develop ARMD related blindness compared to non-smokers. Quitting the habit will help lower the risk.

6. Higher Risk of Impotence

A recent study on a group of 5,000 Chinese men has shown that men smoking more than 10 cigarettes a day have a 60% greater chance of suffering from erectile dysfunction as compared to non-smokers. Thus, it is in your interests to chuck the habit before it is too late.

7. Snoring – Even Passive Smokers Are At Risk!

A study conducted with a group comprising of more than 15,000 individuals of both genders shows that active as well as passive smoking can cause snoring.

The study revealed that 24% of people who smoked developed habitual snoring which is indicated by excessive and loud snoring patterns. It also found that the risk was greater for 20% of quitters and 14% non-smokers. The researchers have published a report in the Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine that the frequency of snoring was directly proportionate to the frequency of smoking of the individual.

8. Rheumatoid Arthritis – Smokers Have A Higher Risk Profile

Swedish researchers have discovered the fact that people who are already genetically vulnerable to rheumatoid arthritis are at an even greater risk if they smoke. According to studies published in Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism, the risk is amplified by as much as 1600%!

9. Acidity & Heartburn

A study published in the Journal Gut has stated that chronic smokers are at a 70% higher risk of developing acid reflux as compared to individuals who do not smoke.

Approximately 20% of individuals suffer from GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) which is called heartburn in layman terms. The team had conducted 2 public health surveys in Norway in the decades of the 80s and 90s which revealed these findings based on the feedback of 40,000 individuals on their lifestyle factors like food, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption. In addition to this, 3,100 individuals suffering from GERD participated in the survey.

10. Breast Cancer – Smoking Proven To Be a Greater Risk Factor

According to a study published in the January 2004 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, smoking is a much higher risk factor in development of breast cancer compared to previous estimates.

The study profiled 116,544 Californian teachers who gave feedback on their smoking status. 2,000 of these had developed breast cancer between 1996 and 2000.

Thus, we have seen that it is not only the major threats like heart attacks that are increased by smoking. There are other seemingly smaller issues which build up into serious ailments over a period of time. The earlier you quit, the better it is for you and your loved ones.