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• stress relief
• tea
• mint
• lavender
• tea time
• natural ways to destress

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

The increasing number of people suffering from stress continues to be a growing concern for many health professionals. Some people might simply dismiss this as part of everyday life. After all, popping a pill is a simple solution to this common malady. But wouldn't it be better if there was a more natural and safer solution to the problem?

Drinking tea for example is a simple and more natural way of relaxing your body and mind. This is not only an effective stress reliever but also helps reduce risks for other deadly diseases.

Ginseng is a popular traditional ingredient in many alternative treatments. It is known for its relaxing and mind clearing effects. A cup of ginseng tea helps calm the nerves and brings stress levels down. For people suffering from sleeping problems, drinking a cup of tea before bedtime also ensures that you get a good night's sleep.

Ginseng has a bitter property. This is why it is often blended with other herbs to make it taste better. The herb is readily available in stores and supermarkets. Ginseng is mixed with other ingredients such as orange peel, Logan fruit, rose herbs, cinnamon and hibiscus flowers to make tea. Ginseng tea is not only served hot but could also be chilled for a more soothing effect.

Chamomile : this herb is a popular treatment for nausea and indigestion. It helps provide immediate relief that it is commonly used as a treatment for these maladies. Chamomile also has soothing effects that calms the nerves and reduces pent up stress. People who are hyperactive could use chamomile to calm their nerves and relax. It can also be used as a natural treatment for people suffering from insomnia.

Skullcap : has quite an interesting name for an herb that is known for its mind relaxing properties. Sipping this tea lowers your stress levels and helps you focus better mentally. Skullcap can also be an effective muscle relaxant, great for those long hours at the gym. High stress levels can leave people suffering with headaches and migraines. Skullcap tea eliminates these symptoms and alleviates moodiness. Its muscle relaxing properties can help women suffering from PMS or premenstrual syndrome. It reduces naturally reduces muscle cramps and pain during this difficult period.

Lavender : its smell alone could help relax a stressed out body. Combined with tea, it can help relax the mind and reduce stress levels. Lavender has the ability to relax the body after a grueling day at the office. It can help revive an exhausted body by rejuvenating and relaxing it.

Lavender could be used as a natural treatment for indigestion. It calms the muscles and decreases muscle spasms. Lavender can be blended with other herbs to reduce other symptoms such as irritability, sudden mood changes, nervous breakdowns, tensions, headaches, anxiety and migraines.

Mint : its cool taste and smell is enough to soothe even the most stressed body. Its aroma is so relaxing that even a sniff can relax your mind. Just like other teas, min tea is especially effective for treating stomach upset and indigestion. Mint flavored tea is one of the most popular blends. Its flavor easily mixes with other herbs and ingredients to make healthier and tastier blends.

• weight gain
• varicose veins
• spider veins
• pregnancy
• compression stockings

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

Wearing skirts and shorts is a wonderful way of showcasing those long sexy legs you've been working on at the gym. But varicose veins, those unsightly lines that seem to crawl out under your skin could dampen even the most stunning legs.

Spider and Varicose Veins

Spider veins appear because of poor blood circulation. This accumulates in the blood vessels and appears as bulges. Varicose veins usually appear on the thighs and legs but it is not limited to these areas. This condition can be seen in any area where blood accumulates and is near the skin. Although varicose and spider veins are results of blood accumulation, varicose are large while spider veins are smaller.

Common Causes

Spider and varicose veins can be seen in both men and women. However, women are highly at risk for this condition especially during pregnancy. The additional weight of a growing baby could place huge stress on the lower body. It is also commonly seen in older people. Genetics or a family of varicose and spider veins could also increase you risk for developing this condition.

• Weight gain
• Prolonged periods of standing
• Pregnancy
• Health conditions which lead to blood clotting
• Vein disorders
• Inflammation of the veins 

Spider and varicose veins are highly visible. This could be unsightly and could affect how you carry or choose your clothes. It can be depressing and could affect a woman's confidence. Women may be forced to wear pants or thick stockings to hide these.

Some of the symptoms associated with spider and varicose veins include cramping, aches and swelling in the affected parts of the body. But the effects of unsightly veins go beyond its physical symptoms. People with spider veins also experience mental and emotional disorders as a result. It can lower your self-esteem and affect your personal relationships.

But varicose and spider veins are not inevitable. These could easily be avoided with a few tips. Below are simple ways to prevent varicose and spider veins from appearing.

• Avoid standing for long periods. Take a break and rest those legs from time to time. Even a few minutes sitting down could go a long way in resting your veins and legs.
• Wear high and low heels alternately. If your working attire requires high heels, make sure that you have low heels stored in your office.
•  Ensure proper blood flow by not wearing tight stockings or pants for long periods. Wearing these could constrict the flow of blood and disrupt normal circulation.
• Give your veins and legs a break by elevating them at night. If your job requires you to sit for long periods, crossing, standing or walking for a few minutes can help.
• Wear compression hose to prevent varicose and spider veins from appearing.

But if you find yourself with these unsightly lines, help is available. Leg vein treatments may just be what your doctor or fashion consultant ordered.

Wearing compression stockings do not only prevent spider veins but are also effective in treating it. Medical interventions for varicose treatment are laser and endovenous treatments, sclerotherapy and surgery.

Sclerotherapy is a type of treatment that uses chemicals or medications. These are then injected to the area to lighten dark colored veins. However, multiple treatments are required. The procedure is done over a period of one to one and a half months. Some people may not respond similarly to treatment because it is limited to skin color. Surgical intervention for varicose and spider veins are used to cut the supply the flow of blood to these veins or improve blood flow in these areas.

So if you ever find yourself suffering from these conditions, remember that treatments are available. However, these are also preventable. And keeping in mind simple tips on how to avoid varicose veins could keep your legs looking young and healthy.

• New Years Resolutions
• quit smoking
• cut out the salt
• wear sunscreen
• antioxidants
• new years
• fit and healthy
• get healthy
• 2014
• portion control
• be active

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

Everyone wants to be healthy and the start of a new year is always a good time to start fresh.  If you are looking for some ideas on how to get healthy in 2014, here are some suggestions.

Portion Control : The best way to start downsizing your body is by downsizing your plate, and the contents on your plate.  Studies show that if you use a smaller plate or bowl that it will promote weight loss because you are not overeating at any one meal. Be Active : One common bond between people that are healthy and trim is that they are all active and remain active throughout the year.  If you shoot to add at least 30 minutes of some sort of exercise into your day, each and every day, you will begin to notice significant changes over time.  Stick with it even on the days where you lack the energy because exercising always helps to boost your energy. Cut the Salt Out : According to studies, the average American eats close to twice the recommended daily allowance of sodium in their day.  Besides making your feel and look bloated, sodium also can significantly raise your blood pressure.  Processed meats contain some of the highest amounts of salt of any food so it is extremely important for you to read labels and be a conscious shopper when it comes to sodium.  People that cut the salt out of their diet have been shown to have a decreased risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and better weight management. Increase Antioxidants : When your body processes food it releases free radicals,. as does cigarette smoking and radiation.  As time goes by, damage from free radicals can cause cancer, infection, heart disease and inflammation.  That's why you should increase your antioxidants.  You can defend your body from the harmful effects of free radicals by eating a diet rich in antioxidants.  Antioxidants can be found in pomegranates, chocolate and coffee. Quit Smoking : Although it nearly goes without saying, if you are a smoker you really should try to make a resolution to quit smoking.  The pros definitely outweigh the cons ten times over, so make 2014 the year that you put the “butt” out for good! Wear Sunscreen Year Round : According to the National Cancer Institute, most skin cancers do not begin to develop until after the age of 50, but sun damage starts at a much earlier age.  Sun exposure can also make wrinkles appear before their time.  You should resolve to wear sunscreen year round because you can still be exposed to the sun's harmful rays even in the winter.

• common cold
• flu
• wives tales
• chicken soup
• wet hair
• feed a cold
• starve a fever
• wearing a coat
• Vicks Vapor rub

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

Sure we have all heard the common wives tales about the common cold, feed a cold and starve a fever, and so on and so forth.  But what tales are indeed true and which ones are myths?  Here we touch on a few of those true tales and debunk some others.

Chicken Soup:  So grandma always said that chicken soup is good to fight the common cold and she was half right, chicken soup has been shown to relieve inflammation. Wet hair: Going outside with wet hair will not cause the common cold, but that doesn't mean that you should do it either. Feed a cold, starve a fever:  This is the one that you often hear people recite when they are sick.  But being sick often kills your appetite and force feeding certainly won't help things.  What you should do instead is remain hydrated and get enough calories. Wearing a coat: Common colds and the flu are caused by viruses not by temperature. And while they do circulate more during the winter months, you are more likely to pick up a cold or the flu inside more so than outside so wearing a coat or not wearing a coat does not indicate whether or not you will catch a cold.  Studies show that you can actually prevent some colds by getting physical exercise outdoors during the winter months. Vicks Vapor Rub on Your Feet:  A widely spread email last year stated that you should put Vicks Vapor Rub on your kids feet and put socks on them to get rid of a nagging cough.  This myth was debunked and experts suggest that you should stick to using the vapor rub on your kid's chest and throat instead.

• breast cancer awareness
• symptoms
• breast cancer awareness month
• prevention
• signs
• October
• breast cancer facts
• causes
• risks

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

This month we look at some common issues that surround the talks about breast cancer : including the risks, prevention, signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Cancer is the most feared disease in the world and the worst feared word in the English language, and rightfully so.  Every day we hear stories of cancer : both of people who have lost their battle, people who are battling or people who have survived. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and because it is one of the most common cancers in the United States we offer these facts, symptoms, signs, possible causes and ways that you can decrease your risk of having breast cancer. BREAST CANCER FACTS:

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.
• Each year it is estimated that more than 220,00 women in the United States will be

diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die BREAST CANCER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

• A lump in the breast or thickening that feels different than regular tissue.
• Discharge from the nipple.
• Change in size or shape of your breast.
• Changes to the skin of the breast, including dimpling.
• Redness of the skin of the breast.

CAUSES: While there is no clear answer to what causes breast cancer, researchers have identified things that can increase your risk of breast cancer. RISKS:

• Being female.
• Increasing age.
• A personal history of breast cancer.
• A family history of breast cancer.
• Inherited genes that cause breast cancer.
• Radiation exposure.
• Obesity.
• Beginning your period at a young age.
• Beginning menopause at an older age.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Having children later in life or not at all.

PREVENTION:

• Talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening.
• Conduct breast self-exams.
• Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Exercise.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit your use of postmenopausal hormone therapy.