Natural Foot Care Tips

It is true that most of us neglect out feet. Taking care of our feet normally takes a back seat when compared to other beauty treatment. But we need to take care of our feet if we want to stay active and comfortable all through out lives. Taking care of our feet is important as if they do get damaged then a simple job like walking can become a painful exercise. Foot care can be simple and easy. Here are a few simple foot care tips that are not only good for the feet but are relaxing as well.

* Take care of your feet regularly to keep calluses under control. Use a pumice stone or an abrasive foot scrub to remove the dead and rough skin. If this skin is not removed it will become hard and thick and can become cracked and infected making walking difficult.
* Give your feet a foot bath. Put a cup of marbles in the bath water and roll your feet around on top of them to stimulate the nerve endings. Pick up the marbles with your toes, flex and contract your feet and toes and then let go off the marbles. This will allow the arches and muscles of the feet to stretch.
* Get a foot massage once in a while. Ask a loved one to take time off to give you a foot massage. At the same time you can have a foot massage, which is extremely relaxing. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your lotion for a sensational treat for your feet.
* The skin on the soles of your feet does not have any oil glands to soften them. So use a good moisturizer every day. Every night put a generous amount of cream on your feet before you go to bed and then pull on a pair of cotton socks.

Given below is a soak for your feet and will make your skin smooth and beautiful.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup lemon juice * Cinnamon for smell * 2 tablespoons of olive oil * ¼ cup of milk * Water (amount does not matter)

Mix all the ingredients in a tub and soak your feet in it for a while. Cinnamon can be replaced with any spice, perfume or flower petals. This soak will leave your skin refreshed and fragrant. After this wash your feet with a mild soap. Follow this foot care regime for a few weeks and your skin on your feet will be silky and smooth.


* Every time you buy shoes ensure that you get your feet measure. Measure your feet standing and not sitting. The shape of your feet changes with age as a result of the daily pressure and pregnancy. Your feet are likely to expand and lengthen with age.

* Replace your shoes every 6 months as well-worn shoes lose their ability to support your feet properly. This can lead to feet, leg and back fatigue and problems. If your job requires you to be on your feet all day it is best you change your shoes every 6 months.

NUTRITION FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY

Many of us postpone well-intentioned health regimes - but pregnancy is one time when, dietarily, there is no tomorrow. What we eat, drink and do during those vital nine months will affect another tiny little person.

FIRST TRIMESTER
Many women do not know that they have conceived until they are several weeks into the pregnancy and may have carried on drinking, or even smoking, at this time. At 12 weeks the baby is fully formed, but is still only the size of a small plum. These first weeks are crucial in nutritional terms so it is best to think about lifestyle changes as early as possible, pre-conceptually if possible. Some substances cross the placenta and, unfortunately, this includes many things that do not serve the baby well. In particular alcohol, caffeine and drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) can cross the placenta and affect the baby - check with you doctor to see if you really need medication.

Despite all the publicity about the need for adequate folic acid to avoid neural tube defects such as spina bifida, 39% of women are still unaware that government guidelines advise taking 400mcg supplementally 6 weeks prior to conception and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Morning sickness is often a problem at this time and is related to hormonal swings. An excellent anti-nausea tip is to drink ginger tea: Grate a bit of fresh ginger root into a cup, poor boiling water over it and let it steep for about three minutes.

SECOND TRIMESTER

This is usually the best time during pregnancy - it is fun watching a bump develop, you have got used to the hormone levels, you are not big enough to hamper activity and energy levels are often improved by adrenaline from the baby.

Some women will develop water retention problems and this should be dealt with to avoid discomfort. To help this drink lots of water, avoid coffee, tea and soft drinks, and avoid salt and all packaged products (a bowl of cornflakes has twice as much salt as a packet of crisps).

If you have a sweet tooth, you may increase risk of pregnancy related diabetes, if you are susceptible. Keep sweets, sugar, biscuits and puddings to a minimum and indulge yourself with mixed dried fruit and nuts, yoghurt with chopped fruit, baked apples or oatcakes with 100% fruit jam. Pregnancy related diabetes usually disappears, but is an early warning sign of an increased risk of diabetes later on in life.

You may notice food cravings - some say that this is a sign of deficiency. A craving for spinach or red meat may mean a need for iron, a craving to eat chalk (yes it can happen) could indicate a need for calcium. The strangest craving I have heard of is for sardine and jam sandwiches!

THIRD TRIMESTER

You are into the home run now. The final three months is when the baby is putting on most of it’s weight. The majority of pregnancy related problems at this stage relate to the sheer bulk of a baby pushing up against organs, and a mother may notice heartburn and changes in bowel habits. It is best to eat little and often so as not to have too full a stomach, and if constipation is a problem avoid added wheatbran, opting instead for gentler psyllium husks or linseeds.

Anaemia during this month is a frequent complication, but it may be inadvisable to take iron supplements or tonics unless a blood test has confirmed that iron is needed. Iron is vital at this stage and may well be necessary, but excess iron can interfere with zinc levels which is equally important for growth of the baby.

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition encountered by 5-10% of mums-to-be and your doctor will check for it. However, research tells us that it can generally be avoided by supplementing with magnesium and vitamins C and E during the pregnancy. Magnesium can also help with muscle cramps which are quite common at this time.

A HEALTHY DIET FOR MUM

A pregnant woman needs around 2500 calories a day to feed both her and her passenger - this is not a time to lose weight or restrict calories, but it is a time to eat healthily. A nutrient rich diet will also help to ensure that breast milk quality is good, and to speed post-natal recovery.

• Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables - 5 to 7 portions a day.

• Fibre rich foods such as beans, pulses, brown rice, oats and dried fruit.

• Drink at least 2 litres of filtered or mineral water a day.

• Snack on fresh pumpkin or sunflower seeds and fresh almonds and walnuts - all have beneficial oils, zinc, calcium and magnesium for the developing child.

• Eat plenty of oily fish - 3 or 4 portions a week - the oils they contain are used for brain development in the developing baby.

• Substitute herbal teas and coffees for the regular sort, and avoid alcohol.

• Around 1,200mg of calcium a day is needed, so an extra couple of plain, live yoghurts a day will help. Good sources of calcium include: green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, tinned sardines and salmon, eggs, figs, carrots, broccoli, soya beans, dates and raisins, bread and fruit such as oranges, blackberries and apples.

WHAT TO AVOID

During pregnancy some foods, which may not be obviously damaging, are no-nos. Soft cheeses, unpasturised milk and uncooked eggs may harbour listeria and salmonella which can be dangerous to a developing baby. Liver has levels of vitamin A which could be harmful (beta-carotene in orange coloured fruit and vegetables - carrots, cantaloups, squash - is safest as it converts to vitamin A as needed). Peanuts should be avoided as they can establish a peanut allergy in the baby even before birth. Alcohol and caffeine deplete zinc, low levels of which are linked to nerve abnormalities and low birth weight. Maternal caffeine intake has been linked to infant cot death syndrome in some studies.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Before and during pregnancy it is probably a good idea to take a specially formulated supplement as a form of health insurance. It is important not to take a normal formula as this may contain components that are not advised during pregnancy, such as high levels of vitamin A or some herbs. Special pregnancy products will give a balanced formula with beta-carotene instead of vitamin A and adequate amounts of folic acid, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron. I would suggest you consult a qualified nutritionist before embarking on a supplement programme other than a specially formulated product.

Pregnancy should be a fulfilling experience, but with the pressures of modern life we frequently do a little too much, especially if we are holding down a job, have older children or are suddenly having to cope with one income instead of two. This is the time to take care of yourself and, if you feel tired, take a break and give yourself a treat - a hot bubble bath, a gentle walk, a lie-in or a new book to read with your feet up - soon you will have a wonderful, but very demanding, little person who won’t wait while you take 10 minutes extra in the bath!

Boy or Girl? 38 Fun Ways to Guess Your Baby's Sex

Baby Boy

* You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy
* Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute
* You are carrying the extra weight out front
* Your belly looks like a basketball
* Your areolas have darkened considerably
* You are carrying low
* You are craving salty or sour foods
* You are craving protein -- meats and cheese
* Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy
* The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy
* Your hands are very dry
* Your pillow faces north when you sleep
* Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you
* Pregnancy has you looking better than ever
* Your urine is bright yellow in color
* Your nose is spreading
* You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles
* You are having headaches
* You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number

Baby Girl



* You had morning sickness early in pregnancy
* Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute
* You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear
* Your left breast is larger than your right breast
* Your hair develops red highlights
* You are carrying high
* Your belly looks like a watermelon
* You are craving sweets
* You are craving fruit
* You crave orange juice
* You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy
* You are moodier than usual during pregnancy
* Your face breaks out more than usual
* You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread
* Your breasts have really blossomed!
* Your pillow faces south when you sleep
* Your urine is a dull yellow color
* You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side to side
* You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number

Eye Defects in Children

Eyes are the most precious gift of God - they act as our window to the world. So it is important to take due care of eyes during the development of the child. In India, children constitute 40% of the population and millions of them get visually handicapped even before they reach the age of ten. This tragedy can be prevented if the parents and teachers are more observant and take proper care of the eyes of their wards.

According to Dr. Vishal Grover, Director, Netrayatan, GK II, who is an expert in laser surgery, microsurgery and phacoemulsification, it is very important to be properly informed about the normal development process of serial visual milestones and also about warning signals which indicate visual abnormalities so as to enable them to plan preventive and curative measures in time.

The new - born child, upto three months of age, normally does not follow light shown to him. Also some squinting is normal with them because of immature muscle control and immature fixation. Then he starts following light and movement of an object by steady movements of the eyes. By this time he can also converge and focus his eyes. If the child fails to do so, it indicates some congenital defects. At the age of six months to one year the child is capable of discriminating between objects. In this age group, if the child cover or closes one eye in bright light, strikes against objects while crawling, moves his eyes excessively, or does not notice the presence of bright or coloured objects, the child should be subjected to thorough screening.

The child between the age of 1 to 3 years becomes much active and interested in the things happening around him. Picture books interest him and he starts turning the pages. At this stage, if the child keeps playthings or books very close or far from the eyes, narrows his eyes while looking at the TV or other objects at a distance, strikes against objects while walking or has difficulty in finding things in dim light, a thorough check-up of the eyes is warranted, Dr. Grover advises.

Between the age of 3 to 5 years and above direction of visual effects becomes easy as the child may himself complain of his visual deficiency / handicap. However, the following symptoms should be viewed with concern:

* The child does not evince keen interest in outdoor games or is not inclined to meet / interact socially.
* An otherwise normal child performs poorly at school or shows falling grades. * Shows poor interest in the work where visual concentration is needed. * Complains of headache / eyestrain, watering of the eyes or blurring of vision on prolonged close work. * Is not able to see blackboard clearly while sitting at the back of the class. * Complains of inability to recognise colours. * Eyes of the child turn inward or outward or are misaligned.

Early detection of visual defects is very important for the overall development of the child. Therefore basic visual screening should start right from birth. Parents and teachers should be imparted adequate knowledge about basic ocular hygiene knowledge about basic ocular hygiene and basic eye care through health education material and lectures. Harmful effect of surmas of unknown constitution and self-medicaton should be explained clearly with conviction. Fads against use of spectacles in children suffering from refractive errors and their possible substitution by fancy exercise, Vitamin A capsules or strolls should be extinguished with appropriate motivational skills.

The first eye check-up should be conducted at the primary school level ( 3 to 4 years) and the second at the age of 5 years followed by a yearly check-up which should include detection of any eye infection, squint, lazy eye or any other organic problem like cataract or glaucoma.

In a survey conducted by the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness, it was found that nearly 25% of the children surveyed had eye problems. Refractive error was the single largest and most important defect accounting for 60% of all eye problems. Children with refractive errors should be properly evaluated and provided with glasses followed by yearly review, lest their status further deteriorates.

Working on the Computer? Take these precautions

The computer has become an integral part of our lives and more and more people spend a major part of the day before the computers, oblivious of the fact how they affect the eyes. Reports have shown that increasing number of computer users have symptoms of ocular surface disorders, called the Computer Vision Syndrome. The symptoms are grittiness, tiredness, itching, dryness and watering of the eyes on prolonged computer work. The reason is that people blink less while working on the computers. As a result, the tear film is not replenished regularly and in addition it evaporates faster and deprives the eye of lubrication and comfort. The problem can be easily corrected by taking the following precautions and consulting and eye specialist:

1. Video display units (VDU) in work areas should be so located that there is no glare on the screen. If glare exists, it should be eliminated by adjusting the light source, or at least reduced by installing a special cover on the screen or wearing anti-glare glasses. 2. It should be positioned at a comfortable height, and angle of viewing should be adjustable. The screen, as well as any reference material should be 350 to 500 millimetres away from the eyes. Also, the chair should provide good back support. 3. Lastly, to avoid possible headache, eyestrain or blurred vision, take a break of at least 15 minutes after two hours of work.

TV and your eyes

While watching TV, the following precautions should be observed:

1. Have additional lighting in the viewing area. The contrast between the bright screen and surroundings should be minimum to avoid undue strain. Soft indirect light should be used while making sure that no light is reflected by the screen towards the viewer's eyes.
2. The ideal distances for TV watching should normally be seven times the size of the TV screens. A good rule is that the minimum distance should be at least 3 metres. In general, a large screen permits more comfortable viewing because it gives a clear vision. However, a large screen in a small room is not recommended.
3. The TV and the viewer should be at the same level. Children often watch TV while sitting on the floor or lying in bed. This may result in fatigue of the eyes and the neck muscles.
4. TV should not be watched for long hours at a stretch. It should be interspersed with rest periods away from the set to avoid strain.

Amla is a gift of nature to mankind.

It is an indispensable part of the Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine. Amla has amazing remedial qualities. In Sanskrit, it is called amalaki or dhartriphala. It belongs to the family Euphorbiecae and its scientific name is Emblica officinalis.

There are two varieties of amla - cultivated (gramya) and wild (vanya). The wild amla is small, hard and has lots of fiber while the cultivated amla is big, smooth and juicy. The fruit of the amla tree possess medicinal value. It is basically sour but at times it is sweet and pungent also.

Composition of amla:

The amla fruit contains more than 80% of water. It also has protein, carbohydrate, fibre, minerals and vitamins. It also contains Gallic acid which is a potent polyphenol.
Rich Source of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for human beings. It is necessary for the synthesis of the inter cellular cement "collagen". Collagen is responsible for keeping the cells of the body together. 100 Gms of amla contains - 700 mg Vitamin C. If amla is dried in the shade then much of the vitamin C is retained. To get the maximum out of amla it should be taken raw with very little salt.

Amla & Common Ailments:

1. Constipation causes infrequent stool, anal and perianal pain and abdominal discomfort. This persistent straining during the defecation leads to bleeding piles (hemorrhoids). Amla being rich in fibre regulates the bowel action and keeps constipation at bay. Juice of amla taken with 250 mg of giloy extract provides an effective remedy for hemorrhoids.

2. If your blood cholesterol troubles you then take amla. The vitamin C in amla helps in dilating the blood vessels and thereby lowering the blood pressure.

Grind dried amla into a fine powder and mix it with sugar candy (mishri). Store this mixture in a glass bottle and take one teaspoon of this mixture every day empty stomach. This will help maintain the cholesterol level.

3. Amla has anti diabetic quality. Make a mixture of equal quantity of amla, jamun and bitter gourd powder. Take one teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a day. This mixture is also useful in treating conjunctivitis and glucoma

4. In case of acidity take 1 gram of dry amla powder with a little sugar in milk or water twice a day.

5. 1 tablespoon of paste of amla leaves, mixed with honey is an effective treatment for diarrhea.

6. For promoting hair growth and prevent premature graying of hair one can use amla rich oils and shampoos. For a quick home remedy soak amla powder in water for a week. Then use it wash hair. This preparation is a 3 in 1 shampoo, conditioner and hair dye. Learn more about how to get shiny hair.

7. Amla is helps in restoring Vitamin C level in elderly, diabetic patients, hypertensive and women using oestrogen contraceptives.

8. Deficiency of Vitamin C makes a person lethargic, susceptible to infections, rheumatic pains and intestinal disorders. Consuming amla removes this lethargic feeling and makes one vibrant and upbeat.

9. According to a research low vitamin C levels puts a person at risk of developing gallbladder disorders. Taking amla saves one from gallbladder infections.

10. In children low vitamin C levels leads to disturbed growth and fragile disorders. For a person with low vitamin C level healing of wounds and fractures is a slow process. For quick healing, one must consume amla.

11. Amla is also a cure for scurvy. Dry amla powder mixed with an equal quantity of sugar taken in doses of one teaspoon thrice a day with milk provides enough vitamin C to beat scurvy.

12. Amla also works wonder with pregnant and lactating mothers.

13. It also reduces the incidence of cancer of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract.

14. It provides protection against pollution.

15. Amla is nature's best antioxidant. Food rich in antioxidants combat free radicals naturally and without any side effects.

When amla is in season it should be consumed in chutneys and pickles. And when not in season it can be taken in the form of murabba.