Geranium

Geranium Essential Oil (Botanical name: Pelargonium graveolens)

Geranium essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the whole geranium plant. It has a fresh, floral aroma which is liked by most people. Besides, geranium oil there is another variety called Rose Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium roseum) which is just like Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) with a faint smell of rose.

Properties of Geranium Oil and its Effects

• Geranium oil has antiseptic, anti-depressant, hypotensive, diuretic, astringent, toning, circulatory, refreshing, mood uplifting properties.
• It has flowery fruity aroma with a middle perfumery note.
• Geranium oil has a thin consistency and is clear in color.
• It blends well with most oils but should be added in moderation as it is powerful and dominates other oils.
• It has a balancing effect on the body and helps deal with many health problems.
• Geranium oil has insect repellent properties.

Uses of Geranium Oil

• Geranium oil is one of the most useful oil in aromatherapy for general health treatment and skin balancing.
• In general health treatment and postnatally, its aroma relieves depression, fatigue and cheer.
• It is a good idea to scent the labor room with geranium oil as it gives a good balance to emotions and has a lovely invigorating smell. This oil improves circulation and aids breathing in labor.
• Geranium oil stimulates the lymphatic system, relieves fluid retention and engorged breast congestion.
• It is useful for obese people and frequently used in cellulite treatments.
• Geranium oil and its blends relieve premenstrual symptoms (PMS) and menopausal symptoms because of its regulatory action on hormone balancing.
• It is used in facial oils, creams and lotions. This oil is excellent for all skin types. Action of geranium oil helps to balance the production of natural oils (sebum) in the skin.
• Geranium oil is a good reviving bath oil. It emanates a delightful skin fragrance when geranium oil blend is applied after a bath or shower.
• It helps heal wounds when used in compresses, local washes and creams.
• When used as a spray, it can be a useful insect repellent besides freshening up the room, particularly in old houses or places which are kept closed for long.

It is good to know that there are other varieties of geranium extracts such as Lemon scented Geranium which is used for culinary purpose. Lemon Scented Geranium leaves are used to scent icing sugar by adding the leaves to sugar a day in advance and removing the leaves the next day.

Ways to Use Geranium Oil

Bath
Vaporizer
Face and Body Massage (do skin test for sensitivity testing before use)
Facial oil
Local Application and Skin Care
Showers
Compresses

Avoid using Geranium oil as a massage oil at the fag end of the day as it stimulates and revives you rather than relaxing you. It is a great refresher when used before an evening party.

Geranium Oil Caution:
Geranium oil can be used during pre-conceptual care, during labor and post natally. Avoid using this oil on babies. During pregnancy, it can be used in low dilution to refresh rooms. It can be used for local application after 5 months in the form of gels and oils for treating edema and fluid retention problems.

Disclaimer: Always consult a qualified aromatherapist before you think of taking any oil internally. Always dilute essential oil and other concentrated aromatherapy oils on the skin. Do not apply them at full strength without verifying with an expert aromatherapy practitioner. Never use any oil without conducting a skin patch test for oil sensitivity or possible allergic reactions. Always seek guidance and verify safety before using any essential oil from a trained expert, regardless of what any website or book recommends.

• Essential Oil – Cypress
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Here are some tips to get in nutrients in our body

• Read your local newspaper for weekday bazaars which oftentimes carry organic home-grown foods which are cost effective and nutritious.
• If you have a backyard, it is a good idea to grow your own vegetables and fruits. Fresh and frozen vegetables are better than consuming the canned variety.
• Read food labels carefully and understand key nutrient claims and content.
• Shop in stores which use unit pricing.
• Say NO to food from vending machines. Nutritious snacks and juices are generally cheaper in grocery stores.
• Comparing foods, brands and pricing in different grocery stores is a good idea.
• Avoid buying food when you are hungry as you end up buying a lot of unnecessary junk foods. It is a good idea to have a grocery shopping list ready in advance to avoid impulse buying.
• Staple foods like rice and flour can be purchased in bulk. Bulk buying of food that doesn’t go stale quickly saves cost and ensures a good bargain price.
• Make use of sales and food coupons to purchase healthful foods in quantities you will consume and not waste.
• Limit purchase of sugary snacks, convenience foods and alcohol as they are expensive as well as unhealthy.
• Don’t get fooled by fancy advertising labels which read “natural”, “organic” or “healthy”. They can be expensive and low in nutritional value. Check the food label for nutrient composition.
• Beware of meal replacement formulas and any food label which promises instant good health or instant weight loss.
• Do not substitute balanced meals with vitamin-mineral supplements. Always seek advice from your health provider before doing any such thing.
• Say NO to pickles, olives, relishes, fancy ingredients which are low in nutrition and expensive.
• Find local restaurants which are inexpensive and serve nutritious meals.

• Eating Healthy
• Restaurant Eating Guide
• Reading Food Labels

PMS Causes

Hormonal changes mainly low progesterone levels in the body prior to a period are believed to be the main cause for pms.  Premenstrual syndrome could also be caused due to calcium-magnesium imbalance.

PMS Symptoms

The most common pre menstrual symptoms are cramps, bloating, premenstrual aches and pain, headache, irritability, mood swings, depression, breast tenderness and food cravings. Some women experience dizziness, sweating, palpitations, nausea, stomach problems, fatigue, swelling due to water retention on face, hands and ankles. PMS symptoms vary from woman to woman but these are the most common ones.

Remedies for PMS

Get PMS help for premenstrual tension, fatigue and pain relief by trying these simple natural remedies for pms syndrome.

1. Salt water bath: Hot bath with a teaspoon of salt added to bath water helps to relieve muscle cramps and pms joint pain.
2. Aromatherapy for PMS: Healing Essential Oil Tub Bath – Prepare a healing oil with 3 drops geranium, 3 drops clary sage and 2 drops ylang ylang. Mix this into a teaspoon of dispersant such as sweet almond oil, mustard oil, sesame, full fat milk or alcohol. Pour this aromatic oil mix into a tub bath filled with warm water. This essential oil blend which seeps into the skin along with inhaled fumes, is relaxing. Scented candles and a dim lighted environment soothe and calm the mind.
3. Comforting Massage: Your partner can express his love and understanding by giving you a massage from day 21 of your cycle to the end of the cycle. Pay special attention to lower back, stomach, feet and breasts. Do this twice a day. Or you could visit a spa and ask for a deep tissue massage given by professional massage therapists. This is a great de-stressor as it releases tension knots and can relieve premenstrual tension.
4. PMS diet: A menstruating woman who eats small, frequent healthy foods can help to keep her blood sugar in control and minimize food cravings. Restrict salt, and caffeine intake as they worsen water retention. Increase potassium intake, restrict refined sugar intake. A wholesome PMS diet would be one with lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and fish. Soyabeans and alfalfa seeds are particularly beneficial to reduce hot flashes and PMS symptoms.
5. Herbs for PMS: Chase tree herb is a great PMS cure to relieve cramping pain. Add 10 drops of chase tree extract in a glass of water and drink this. Yarrow tea is great to relieve your pms cramps instantly.
6. Nutrition supplements: Magnesium supplement of 1000 mgs per day relieves pre menstrual symptoms.
7. Evening Primrose Oil Supplements: EPO or evening primrose oil is a rich source of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), an essential omega 6 fatty acid. GLA is involved in forming prostaglandins which play a positive role in balancing hormones. Studies have shown that women who take 500 mg EPO capsules 6 times a day for the whole month got relief from PMS symptoms particularly irritability, depression and breast pain.
8. Regular exercise: Daily exercise is highly beneficial to reduce pms symptoms mainly the mood swings.

• Home Remedies for Edema
• Essential Oil – Fennel
• Home Remedies for UTI

Fever Diagnosis

A thermometer which records rectal temperature of 100.5°F or above should always be considered a fever. A rectal temperature up to 100.4°F (38°C) may be entirely normal. Lower temperatures might also be a fever, depending on the person. Normal body temperatures vary. In children, temperatures can vary by 1-2 degrees up to 2 years of age. Temperatures in children particularly can be raised by physical activity, emotional upheavals, heavy clothing, medications, high room temperature, and high humidity. Adults are less likely to have temperature variations, except women during their menses when temperature variations occur by 1 or more degrees.

Fever classification in degrees Celcium and degrees Farenheit

In an adult fever with temperature above 104 degrees farenheit (i.e. high grade fever) is undesirable for cardiac patients. It increases heart beats and makes the heart work harder, can cause arrythmias (irregular heartbeats), chest pain and even heart attack. Brain fever occurs with fever over 106 degrees Farenheit and can result in dehydration, seizures and brain damage.

Causes of Fever

Causes of fever vary from infections, allergic reactions, hormonal disorders, hypothalamus damage and certain illnesses.
Fevers are commonly related to common cold, flu and viruses. Some diseases that can cause fever are pneumonia, urinary tract infection, viral hepatitis, cancer, whooping cough, malaria, lyme disease. Some fevers are side effect of some medication (an allergic reaction), particularly those taken for high blood pressure and seizures. Damage to the hypothalamus (located at the base of the brain) which regulates body temperature can cause fever. Excessive exercise in hot weather and hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism, chromocytoma and other hormonal disorders can also cause fever. Fever in teething toddlers is common and usually subsides by itself.

Symptoms of Fever

Common fever symptoms are headache, general weakness, muscle pain, burning of the eyes, perspiration (sweating), loss of appetite, dehydration, shivering. High grade fever can result in irritability, confusion and even hallucinations. Other symptoms of fever may vary depending on the cause for fever.

Fever Natural Remedies

Fever management with natural curative measures such as dietary care, herbs and certain lifestyle changes play a very positive role in healing and early recovery.

Home Remedies for Fever

1. Diet for Fever: Chicken soup for fever is the most popular American fever remedy. Drink plenty of water, soups, juices and such fluids to compensate fluid losses that occur with fever and help bring down body temperatures. Consume a soft diet. Avoid solid foods until fever subsides.
2. Rest: Good rest and sleep is essential for an early recovery from fever. Avoid sudden changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature.
3. Remedy for Mild Fever: Lie down and tuck in a well covered blanket. Crush 10-15 raisins soaked in water, strain and drink the water. Ginger tea is also very soothing especially if you have cold or congestion.
4. Bathe in cool water. This helps in bringing down the body temperature. Avoid spending long hours in the water.
5. Remedy for High Fever: Ice water sponging on the forehead is a very effective natural remedy for high fever. Dip a thin towel in some iced water and place it on a hot fevered forehead. This helps to bring down the high temperature. Repeat by dipping the towel in iced water again and place on forehead. Follow this procedure for at least 10 minutes or till fever subsides.

Try these natural cures for fever as far as possible, rather than giving aspirin or antibiotics. Consult a physician if fever does not subside. It is worthwhile to note that while fever is usually because of infection or diseases, hay fever occurs due to allergies.

• Home Remedies for Hay Fever
• Home Remedies for Heat Stroke
• Home Remedies for Cystitis

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful health condition of the hand particularly the wrist. Carpus (or Karpos) in greek means wrist. Carpal tunnel pain occurs because the median nerve which traverses from the forearm to the hand gets compressed at the wrist.

The wrist is surrounded by a supportive fibrous tissue connecting with the joint. This fibrous tissue and wrist bone has a tight space in between called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve passes through this carpal tunnel, and is responsible for feeling sensation in the middle finger, thumb and index finger. When this nerve gets pressed, sensation is affected resulting in carpel tunnel syndrome or median neuropathy. This is more commonly seen among women than men.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes

The exact cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown. Some health conditions which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome are obesity, arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, pregnancy and trauma. Repetitive tasks such as continuous typing for long hours, gripping strings on musical instruments can cause tendon inflammation and stress injury to the median nerve. Some rare diseases such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, amyloidosis and sarcoidosis cause deposits of abnormal substances in and around the carpal tunnel resulting in nerve irritation.

Signs & Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome signs begin as tingling and numb sensation which starts in the fingers and the wrist and slowly moves up the arms. Sharp, shooting pain similar to electric shock may occur. There is weakness in wrist and hand with difficulty experienced in getting a firm grip on any object. Usually symptoms are more pronounced during the night. One may experience difficulty in doing manual tasks which involve using hands.

Carpal Tunnel Diagnosis

The first signs of carpal tunnel are usually based on carpal tunnel symptoms noted above.

Physical examination of neck, shoulder, elbow, pulses and reflexes may be done. The wrist may be examined for tenderness, swelling, deformity and so on. When the front of the wrist is tapped, it can cause tingling of the hand. This is Tinel’s sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Sometimes when the examiner bends the wrist forward, symptoms may arise. This is called Phalen’s maneuver.

Carpal tunnel syndrome testing involves using a nerve conduction velocity test. In this diagnostic test, the speed of the electrical impulses which travel down a nerve are measured. Carpal tunnel diagnosis is positive if the impulse slows down as it crosses the carpal tunnel. EMG or electromyogram is a test for muscles of the extremities. EMG is sometimes done to rule out or detect conditions which have similar symptoms as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Blood tests for checking thyroid hormone levels, CBC (complete blood count), blood sugar and protein analysis may be done. Hand and wrist x-rays may help.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Remedies

1)      Ice packs: Cold ice packs placed on wrists numb and reduce carpal tunnel pain.

2)      Alternate hot and cold packs: Fill two tubs or sinks; one with ice water and the other with warm water. Alternate placing your wrists in one sink for 5 mins and the other sink for five minutes. This alternate warm-cold treatment several times a day soothes pain.

3)      Carpal Tunnel Exercises: Physically fit people are at a lower risk for carpal tunnel. Exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome are aerobic and resistance training exercise techniques to keep tendons loose, improve blood flow and strengthen muscles of the hand, shoulders, back and arms. Carpal tunnel exercises can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome risk.

Some hand exercises are wrist circling (rotate both wrists first clockwise and then anticlockwise five times with palms outstretched), thumb stretching (gentle stretch, hold for 5-10 seconds for each thumb with other hand), hand clasping (intertwine fingers of both hands together to clasp hands together, squeeze gently, hold for 5-10 seconds, release. Repeat this five times), hold a rubber squeeze ball in each palm, press 5-10 times, then stretch out palm and fingers for 5 seconds. Wrist exercises can also be done using your hands to hold small weights to add strength to wrists. Stop exercises if carpal tunnel symptoms worsen.

4)      Correct Position: Hold wrists straight to avoid further damage within the carpal tunnel. Use cushioned pads for wrist support to add cushioning to your wrists when typing.

5)      Wrist Braces and padding prevents bothersome wrist movement and reduces carpal tunnel irritation. It is a great idea to wear the braces at night as a lot of people move their wrists while sleeping.

• Phalankasana (Plank Pose)
• Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
• Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose)

Body Odor Causes

Causes of body odor can range from poor hygiene, stale sweat, body fluids discharged from vagina or penis, puberty related changes, normal aging process, strenuous exercise, emotional and psychological problems, high stress situations, bad breath from dental cavities, certain foods such eating raw onions and garlic, excessive caffeine, alcohol and smoking.

Changes in body odor may be a cause for concern as it can denote an underlying medical problem. Certain health conditions can cause body odor like athlete’s foot can cause foot odor. Medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes (ketoacidosis), gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract infections, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), zinc deficiency, typhoid fever, or a rare metabolic disorder called fish odor syndrome are some likely causes for bad body odor.

Body Odor Symptoms

Likely symptoms of body odor are heavy sweating, anxiety and nervous behavior.

Body Odor Home Remedies

The most sensible thing to do to prevent body odor is to wash sweaty odor producing areas often. This reduces the bacteria on the surface of the skin. If any health problem or drug side effect is responsible for the body odor, discuss the same with your doctor.

1. Drink plenty of water as it helps to flush out the body toxins.
2. Keep skin dry by applying powder in the armpits, back and thigh regions which are likely to sweat the most.
3. Change undergarments daily, even twice if necessary. Clean underclothing prevents bacteria formation and sweat accumulation. Cotton under clothes are airy and comfortable.
4. Use antibacterial soaps and deodorants on sweaty regions.
5. Use alum instead of antiperspirants. Frequent use of antiperspirants can clog sweat glands.
6. Apply baking soda on armpits as it absorbs sweat and destroys the malodorous bacteria.
7. Underarm odor can be controlled if you wipe armpits with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
8. Wax underarms often and keep the area clean.
9. For those with sweaty feet, proper foot care is essential. Wear cotton socks and change them often. Wash feet often and try to wear open sandals rather than keeping feet closed in sneakers and closed shoes.
10. Pour a few cups of tomato juice in your bath water and soak in it for at least 15 minutes.

Diet for Body Odor: Food intake and body odor are directly related. Eat a healthy diet with whole grains, leafy greens, sprouts, soy, nuts, fresh fruits and such wholesome high fiber foods. Avoid white flours, sugary foods, fried and processed foods, red meat, low fiber foods, alcohol, garlic, raw onions, cola drinks, caffeine.

• Home Remedies for Body Rash
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Bedwetting Causes

Involuntary urinary control is just a stage of development, not a mental or behavioral problem. There is no definite cause for bed wetting but different factors could play a role.
Some causes of bed wetting can be anxiety, stress, urinary tract infections, a small bladder, abnormal urethral valves in males or in ureters in both males and females, spinal cord abnormalities, slow development of the central nervous system i.e. nerves that control the bladder mature slowly leading to inability to recognize a full bladder, hormonal factors (insufficient antidiuretic hormone), genetic factors, difficulty waking up from sleep at night.

Other causes of bedwetting indicate possibility of having juvenile diabetes or even obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea means child’s breathing is interrupted while sleeping. It could occur due to enlarged tonsils and so on.

Bedwetting Symptoms

Urinary incontinence symptoms are uncontrolled and unintentional wetting of clothes and bedding while sleeping.

Bedwetting Remedies

These home remedies for bedwetting involve using simple practical tips and tricks, exercises as well as herbal teas.

1. Avoid drinking liquids just before bedtime. Keep at least 1 hour gap before fluid intake and sleep.
2. Remember to empty your bladder completely before hitting bed.
3. Herbs to treat bedwetting are causticum, corn silk, lycopodium, ursi and pulsatilla.
4. Herbal tea made from horsetail, oak bark, lemon balm, bearberry or wormwood are beneficial.
5. St. John’s wort herb and herb extracts slow down frequent urination. The essential oil St. John’s wort oil is a helpful massage oil. It is massaged on the inner thigh of the patient for better nerve control and great for any kind of pain relief.
6. Exercise for bedwetting: Retention control training means you postpone passing urine by a few minutes whenever you feel the urge, during the day. You can increase the minutes gradually once you gain better bladder control. Daily retention control exercise helps to strengthen muscles which control urination and increase bladder capacity to retain enough urine at night.
7. Parents, be realistic: Parents and caregivers should be realistic and remember that this condition will gradually disappear as the child grows up. Do not scold or punish a child with bedwetting problems. Strict action by parents can result in behavioral problems in the child in later years. Instead, train the growing child to clean up and change into clean clothes and bedding. Gradually with age, the bed wetting problem disappears.

These are some best bedwetting treatments using natural cures.

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Bed Sores Causes

The main cause for bed sores is prolonged pressure. This happens because of lying down in the same position for hours together causing prolonged pressure on particular body parts. The blood supply is cut off due to continuous pressure resulting in damaged skin and cell death.

Bed Sores Symptoms

The sores start out as a reddish, painful area which then turns purple. There is sore skin aggravation in the form of swelling, cuts or lesions. Untreated pressure ulcers can cause the skin to break out, ooze pus and cause infection to set in.

Bed Sores Home Remedies

1. Turn over a bed sore patient every 2 hours to give relief to affected pressure area.
2. Pressure distributive mattresses are available to reduce pressure on bony regions of the body.
3. Natural sheepskin padding is particularly soft and comfortable as it does not cause friction due to its natural fibers and reduces moisture on pressured skin surface as it is protected with natural oils. Moreover, the weight is distributed over a large area which helps ease pressure. Sheepskin can be used not only for recovery but also to prevent bed sores.
4. Bed Sores Diet: A balanced healthy diet is essential to protect the skin and prevent it from breakdown. Sufficient calories, protein, vitamins and minerals are very essential. Vitamin C and zinc particularly help heal sores faster and resist infections. Consult your physician or a dietitian for a nutrition diet plan, incase of malnutrition to enable an early recovery.
5. Wound Care with Saline Solution: Clean the sores affected areas often to reduce risk of infection. Change dressing and use saline solution to clean the area. Saline solutions are available at the local chemist or even prepared at home.

Recipe for Home made Saline Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon salt in 32 oz i.e. 4 cups of water. Boil for five minutes and allow it to cool. Store this in a clean sterile container. Do not use hydrogen peroxide as it can be toxic based on the extent of wound.
Remember to keep the wound moist but the surrounding skin dry.
Pressure sores in their early stage do not need to be covered. In the 2nd stage, keep wound covered with a gauze to retain moisture and encourage skin cells to grow.

Bed Sore Tips

In medical management of skin ulcers, the damaged tissue may be removed by debridgement for fast healing and recovery. The necrosed tissue may be removed by debridgement which may be autolytic, biological, chemical, mechanical, sharp, surgical, ultra sound assisted wound therapy. Bed sores prevention is the best alternative before these pressure ulcers develop into serious wounds and necrosed tissues. As this condition progresses, healing can be time consuming, requires plenty of patience and emotional strength to deal with it.

• Home Remedies for Canker Sores
• Cold Sore Remedies
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Mononucleosis Diagnosis
Mono testing involves physical examination, taking medical history and doing blood tests. The immune system makes antibodies to fight infection. Mononucleosis tests are blood tests done to detect the antibodies released with EBV virus infection.

• A monospot test or heterophil test which detects two antibodies after 2-9 weeks of the ebv virus infection. This test is not used for diagnosis if mono infection has lasted for more than 6 months.
• EBV antibody test involves numerous tests done to find out how recent or old your infection has lasted.

Causes of Mononucleosis

Epstein barr virus (EBV virus) infection causes mono disease. It is contracted or spread through direct contact of saliva infected with the EBV virus. Besids saliva, mononucleosis can also be passed through exposure to a cough, sneeze or through sharing food utensils (such as drinking glasses, spoons and forks) with someone who has mono. Sexual intercourse may also be a factor to get and spread the infection.

Symptoms of Mononucleosis

Signs of mononucleosis are similar to flu like symptoms. Epstein barr virus symptoms commonly seen are fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph glands and/or tonsils. Other mono signs can be headache, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen causing pain in left side of abdomen, fast irregular heartbeat, joint pain, sore muscles.

Mononucleosis Treatment

Boost immunity with a healthy diet, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and take plenty of rest for early recovery from mono illness. Children and adults with mono should not do vigorous activity or sport.

Mononucleosis Home Remedies
These natural cures can help relieve symptoms of mono. Salt water gargles help to treat sore throat symptoms. You could also gargle with slippery elm bark and licorice. Herbs such as elder flower and yarrow help to reduce fever with their curative properties.

Aromatherapy Treatment for Mononucleosis: A warm bath using essential oils; bergamot, lavender and eucalyptus oils can help to get rid of fatigue.

Nutritional supplements or multivitamins containing Vitamin A, B, C, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium are beneficial to boost the immune system.

Since mononucleosis affects the liver and spleen, herbal treatment to cleanse the lymphatic system can be beneficial. Herbs like wild indigo and cleaver plant extracts are known to detoxify lymphatic system.

Mononucleosis Health Care & Tips
Do not share forks, spoons, glass, eating utensils, towels, napkins, toothbrushes to avoid getting infected or passing on the infection.

It is a good idea to wash hands thoroughly everyday. Avoid direct contact with people infected with mononucleosis. Mental relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation are helpful to destress.

• Home Remedies for Swine Flu
• Cold Sore Remedies
• Chicken Pox Remedies

1. Healthy Diet: Our body is like a machine which will perform at its optimal best, keep diseases at bay and recover soon from any illness, if you supply it with good food. The correct type and amount of food nutrients are essential for proper functioning of the mind, body, metabolism, hormonal activities and chemical balance. Eat a good healthy breakfast for better mental and physical fitness. Researches show that children who eat breakfast are more alert, concentrate better on their studies, smarter and get better grades at school. Eating a variety of healthy food choices and supplying the body with good nutrition pave the way for good health and longevity.
2. Regular Exercise: Exercise raises your metabolism, improves breathing and flexibility, helps in maintaining a desirable weight, helps in formation of healthy bones, muscles, and joints, reduces risk of health problems such as high blood pressure, risk of death from stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Exercise releases endorphins (brain chemicals) which uplifts mood, generates positive thoughts. Those who exercise regularly have more energy and better productivity than those who don’t. Thus, regular exercise has a positive impact on mental health, emotional and physical health.
3. Cut down stress: Do proactive things which make you happy. Meditate, listen to soothing music, get a massage, a haircut, a facial. Watch a funny movie, visit good friends, go for a walk in a garden or by the beach, or simply soak in a warm tub of essential oils. Generate positive thoughts consciously.
4. Indulge in a hobby: Hobbies relax you. There is great joy in getting into constructive hobbies which you enjoy doing. Some hobby ideas are stamp collection, craft work, making a collage of photos of family and friends, gardening, listening to music, drawing and so on. A person with hobbies is generally more creative and enthusiastic.
5. Consult doctor with regular medical checkups: Oftentimes people tend to neglect their health and ignore or postpone warning signs. This attitude can cause severe damage to health in the later years. It is essential to consult your doctor as soon as you experience unpleasant symptoms or any illness. Medical consultation and timely attention to your health can nip a bigger health problem in the bud. Based on your doctor’s advice, regular medical checkups are highly recommended to prevent major health and financial problems in the long term. It is better to be safe than sorry – no use regretting when its too late.
6. Practice good dental care: Floss teeth everyday to add 6.4 years to your life, say experts. Scientists feel that bacteria responsible for causing dental plaque enter your bloodstream. They associate these bacteria with teeth inflammation due to the plaque which obstructs blood vessels and causes heart disease. Other researchers have found an association between bacteria in the mouth (oral bacteria) and diabetes, stroke, and preterm low birth weight babies. Brushing teeth is essential not only for the cosmetic purpose of keeping teeth sparkling clean and white but also for health reasons. Besides this, teeth aid in chewing food, speaking correctly and get a good quality life.
7. Socialize: Social contacts and group activities stimulate the mind and maintain desirable levels of brain chemical, serotonin related to mood. People who do not socialize have low serotonin levels. Social ties provide information and help when necessary.
8. Sleep: Sleep is very essential for good emotional and mental health. Studies show that sleep-deprived people are likely to develop psychiatric problems. Memory, learning ability and logical reasoning skills are adversely affected in sleep deprived individuals. There may be problems with alertness and concentration, thus leading to accidents. About eight to ten hours of sleep is important. Usually kids and the elderly need a lot more sleep.
9. Seat belts: Prevent road accidents. You can do this if you avoid drinking under the influence (DUI) and wear seat belts. Make doubly sure that your kids use a car seat as per the rules and regulations of safe driving.

• Eating Healthy
• Healthy Diet
• Benefits of Regular Exercise