10 Rules For A Good Day…

1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK:
If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind…I will not respond in a like manner.

2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY “ENEMY”:
If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the “enemy” could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker, or a stranger.

3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY:
I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip.


4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE:
I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.

5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE:
I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.

6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL NOT DO IT SECRETLY:
I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.

7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED:
I will practice the golden rule – “Do unto others as I would have them do unto me” – with everyone I encounter.

8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE I DISCOURAGED:
My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling life.

9. TODAY I WILL NUTURE MY BODY:
I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body.

10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY:
I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during the day)!

How to Remove Whiteheads

While many of us confuse whiteheads with pimples, they aren't even remotely related.
A Whitehead occurs when your pores get blocked with sebum, an essential skin oil.

Too much of sebum, and your pores get clogged, close up and the sebum turns white. Hence the descriptive term - whitehead.
Just for your information, if the pore remains open, it turns black - hence, a blackhead.

You can't pick or squeeze them without leaving a scar. You won't see it initially see it, but a whitehead comes back, and you'll be picking and squeezing again, creating a acne scar. Since you're breaking the skin, this can also lead to infection.

Instead, this is what you can use.

Wait

This is the first time, in the history of our Grooming section that we're asking you to wait. Instead of going Doctor on your skin, it's now considered better to let a skin blemish take it's time. To aid the process, apply an antibiotic cream or lotion.

Visit a Doctor

Ask your doctor if a course of oral antibiotics will be effective in eliminating comedones, because you want to avoid the icky finger surgery of pinching, squeezing and poking.
For cases that do require surgical attention, stick to cosmetologists or beauticians trained in removing skin blemishes flawlessly, without risking skin infections and scarring.

After steaming your skin to widen pores and soften skin, they may use a needle to gently prick the tip of the whitehead with the needle and apply gentle pressure to ease out pus.

 

Avoid Skin Damage

Anything involving breaking the skin surface can damage your skin. It can start with a needle that might not be as sterile as written on the package, or communicating bacteria that was embedded in your fingernails.

Frustrated whitehead victims also tend to go overboard with the squeezing and pinching (which is anyway not advised), and can draw blood - possibly even exposing your bloodstream to skin bacteria.

Steam

Chemists shops and supermarkets stock face steamers. After steaming your face, use a comedone remover to remove the whitehead. This is an emergency method, and might leave a scar.
Similarly, a hot compress will draw the oily sebum out of the pore, speeding along the natural process.

20 Pain Cures You Can Find in Your Kitchen

Make muscle pain a memory with ginger

When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them within two months. Experts credit ginger’s potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.

Cure a toothache with cloves

Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

 Heal heartburn with cider vinegar

Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. “Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain,” explains JosephBrasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL.

 

 Erase earaches with garlic

Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors’ offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Scientists say garlic’s active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.

Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries

Latest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches. If you’re one of them, a daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today’s painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing’s Michigan State University. Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. “Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain,” explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University. His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.

 

Fight tummy troubles with fish

Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases...if your belly always seems to be in an uproar, try munching 18 ounces of fish weekly to ease your misery. Repeated studies show that the fatty acids in fish, called EPA and DHA, can significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, cramping and belly pain and, in some cases, provide as much relief as corticosteroids and other prescription meds. “EPA and DHA are powerful, natural, side effect-free anti-inflammatories, that can dramatically improve the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract,” explains biological chemist Barry Sears, Ph.D., president of the Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead, MA. For best results, look for oily fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout and herring.

Prevent PMS with yogurt

Up to 80 percent of women will struggle with premenstrual syndrome and its uncomfortable symptoms, report Yale researchers. The reason: Their nervous systems are sensitive to the ups and downs in estrogenand progesterone that occur naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day can slash these symptoms by 48 percent, say researchers at New York’s Columbia University. “Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux,” explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale University.

 Tame chronic pain with turmeric

Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That’s because turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book,Reversing Diabetes

. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish. 

 End endometrial pain with oats

The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal. Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long. Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months. That’s because oats don’t contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University.

 

 Soothe foot pain with salt

Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful ingrown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California’s Stanford University. The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it’s anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.

 Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple

Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California’s Stanford University. That's because pineapple is natually packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine, say USDA researchers. 

 Relax painful muscles with peppermint

Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren’t properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies. His advice: Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves -- a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler.

 

 Give your back some TLC with grapes

Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That’s great news because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler.

 

Wash away pain injuries with water

Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York’s Manhattan College, say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues. “Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.” One caveat: Be sure to measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she says. Today’s juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings could be enough to meet your daily goal.

 Heal sinus problems with horseradish

Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation’s number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn’t just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

 

 Beat bladder infections with blueberries

Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent, according to researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. That's because blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and create an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University. 

 Heal mouth sores with honey

Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates. Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors.

 

 Fight breast pain with flax

In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don’t have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips. 

 Cure migraines with coffee

Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.

 Tame leg cramps with tomato juice

At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this  mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you'll not only speed your recovery, you'll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers.

 

VITAMINS, MINERALS AND SUPPLEMENTS

VITAMINS, MINERALS AND SUPPLEMENTS

In general the way to get crucial vitamins and minerals is through healthy foods, so for a completely well-nourished person, supplements may be a waste of money. But for people over age 50, even the best diet may not provide enough of some important nutrients.

Use this information to explore details about the Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements that are most important and specially as you grow older for people over 50.

Supplements may cause side effects. If you have certain diseases, such as cancer or diabetes, your body may have special nutritional needs. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the vitamins and supplements you take.

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Vitamins
1.1 Vitamin A
1.2 Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
1.3 Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
1.4 Vitamin B3 (niacin)
1.5 Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
1.6 Vitamin B12
1.7 Vitamin C
1.8 Vitamin D
1.9 Vitamin E
1.10 Folic acid
1.11 Vitamin K

[2] MINERALS
2.1 Calcium
2.2 Chromium
2.3 IODINE
2.4 IRON
2.5 Magnesium
2.6 Potassium
2.7 Selenium
2.8 Zinc

[3] Supplements
3.1 Omega-3 fatty acids
3.2 Echinacea
3.3 Ginkgo
3.4 Ginseng

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[1] Vitamins

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Vitamin A

How much?
Men: 900 mcg
Women: 700 mcg

Why you need it:
Promotes good vision; helps keep immune system healthy.

Good to know:
In supplements, look for vitamin A as beta carotene, not as retinol or retinoic acid, which increases the risk of bone fracture.

Food sources:
Dairy products, fish, darkly colored fruits and vegetables.

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Vitamin B1 (thiamin)

How much?
Men: 1.2 mg
Women: 1.1 mg
Why you need it:
Necessary for healthy nerve and brain cells; helps convert food to energy.
Good to know:
Antacids and some diuretics may lower thiamin levels by decreasing absorption and increasing urinary secretion.
Food sources:
Liver, whole grains, enriched breads and cereals.

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Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

How much?
Men: 1.3 mg
Women: 1.1 mg
Why you need it:
Important for red blood cell production; helps convert food to energy.
Good to know:
Older men and women may be especially susceptible to riboflavin deficiency, which can cause cracking or sores at the corners of the mouth, skin irritation or weakness.
Food sources:
milk, eggs, fortified bread products and cereals.

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Vitamin B3 (niacin)
How much?
Men: 16 mg
Women: 14 mg
Why you need it:
Necessary for proper functioning of the digestive system, skin and nerves; helps convert food to energy.
Good to know:
Can cause skin flushing; may be prescribed to treat high cholesterol but should be used only under a doctor's care because of potentially severe side effects.
Food sources:
Meat, fish, poultry, eggs.

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Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

How much?
Men: 1.7 mg
Women: 1.5 mg
Why you need it: Aids in the formation of red blood cells; strengthens the immune system.
Good to know: Too high doses of supplements may cause nerve damage, numbness and trouble walking.

Food sources: Beans, nuts, eggs, whole grains.

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Vitamin B12

How much?
Men and women: 2.4 mcg

Why you need it: Essential for keeping nerves and red blood cells healthy.

Good to know: As many as a third of people over 50 do not absorb enough B12 from diet alone; inadequate absorption may lead to neurological and balance problems.

Food sources: Fish, shellfish, meat, dairy products.

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Vitamin C
How much?
Men: 90 mg
Women: 75 mg
(Smokers should add an extra 35 mg)

Why you need it:
Important for wound healing; boosts immune system; required for growth and repair of tissues in all parts of body.
Good to know:
No studies confirm vitamin C prevents colds although it may shorten the length of a cold; excessive amounts may lead to upset stomach and diarrhea.
Food sources:
Citrus fruits, tomatoes, kiwi, strawberries.

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Vitamin D
How much?
Ages 51-70: 400 IU (10 mcg)
Age 71+: 600 IU (15 mcg)
Why you need it: Helps the body absorb calcium; may protect against heart disease, cancer, diabetes and several autoimmune diseases.
Good to know: The current recommendation is under review and may soon increase substantially. See also "D to the Rescue."
Food sources: Sun exposure provides the body's main supply of vitamin D; fatty fish, fortified milk and juices also contribute.

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Vitamin E
How much?
Men and women: 15 mg
Why you need it:
Helps protect cells from damage; may reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases, but further research is needed.
Good to know:
If you take a blood thinner, talk to your doctor before taking supplements; vitamin E increases bleeding risk.
Food sources:
Vegetable oils, nuts, fruits, vegetables.

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Folic acid

How much?
Men and women:
400 mcg

Why you need it:
This B vitamin helps form red blood cells and produce DNA.

Good to know:
High levels may mask vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in older adults. Recent research, suggests that for women, folic acid along with vitamins B6 and B12 may reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Food sources:
Enriched cereals, whole-grain breads, dark, leafy vegetables.

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Vitamin K

How much?
Men: 120 mcg
Women: 90 mcg

Why you need it: Helps blood clot properly and helps maintain strong bones in older men and women.

Good to know: Can dilute the effect of blood thinners, so talk to your doctor if you take Coumadin (warfarin) or other blood thinners.

Food sources: Plant oils, green vegetables, cabbage, cauliflower.

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[2] MINERALS

Calcium

How much?
Men and women: 1200 mg

Why you need it: Helps form and maintain healthy teeth and bones; needed for normal heartbeat; helps with blood clotting.

Good to know: The body needs vitamin D to help absorb calcium, so if you use calcium supplements choose one that contains D. Recent studies have linked calcium pills to increased risk of heart attack.

Food sources: Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, bok choy, calcium-fortified orange juice.

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Chromium

How much?
Men: 30 mcg
Women: 20 mcg

Why you need it: Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Good to know: There has been interest in treating high glucose levels and type 2 diabetes with supplemental chromium, but research to date is inconclusive.

Food sources: Meat, chicken, broccoli, apples, fish, grape juice.

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Iodine

How much?
Men and women: 150 mcg

Why you need it:
Necessary for normal thyroid function; prevents goiter, a swelling of the thyroid gland.

Good to know:
Deficiency occurs more often in women than men; when buying salt, choose one labeled "iodized."

Food sources: Seafood, iodized salt.

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Iron
How much?
Men and women: 8 mg
Why you need it:
Essential for healthy red blood cells.
Good to know:
Men and women over 50 generally should not take a mutivitamin containing iron unless they have been diagnosed with iron deficiency.
Food sources:
Meat, eggs, fortified bread and grain products.

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Magnesium
How much?
Men: 420 mg
Women: 320 mg
Why you need it:
Supports a healthy immune system; helps keep bones strong; regulates heart rhythm.
Good to know: Magnesium-rich foods may help protect against the development of type 2 diabetes; may also decrease the risk of high blood pressure in women.
Food sources: Whole grains, nuts, green vegetables.

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Potassium
How much?
Men and women: 4700 mg

Why you need it:
Crucial for heart, kidney, muscle, nerve function; important in controlling blood pressure; works with sodium to maintain the body's water balance.

Good to know:
With age, kidneys become less able to remove potassium from blood, so speak with your doctor before taking supplements. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables generally provides sufficient potassium.

Food sources:
Cantaloupe, bananas, yogurt, leafy green vegetables and sweet potatoes.

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Selenium

How much?
Men and women: 55 mcg

Why you need it:
Helps make special proteins that play a role in preventing cell damage.

Good to know:
May reduce the risk of certain cancers, including lung, colorectal and prostate, although not all studies have found this effect.

Food sources:
Red meat, fish, chicken, vegetables.

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Zinc
How much?
Men: 11 mg
Women: 8 mg
Why you need it:
Aids in wound healing; keeps sense of smell and taste sharp.

Good to know:
Many people take zinc to ease the miseries of a common cold, but its effect is controversial; some studies suggest zinc can speed recovery, others conclude it doesn't work. Some studies show that taking a combination of antioxidants and zinc reduces the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration.

Food sources:
Fortified cereals, red meat, eggs, seafood.

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[3] SUPPLEMENTS

Omega-3 fatty acids
What does it do:
Important for blood clotting, cell division, relaxation and contraction of muscles.
Good to know:
The omega-3 fatty acids plentiful in fatty fish and fish oil supplements have built a powerful reputation for reducing the risk of a second heart attack. Studies on fish oil and memory have had mixed results. May interact with blood thinners.

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Echinacea
What does it do:
This native American plant may reduce the duration of a cold.
Good to know:
Study results are mixed about whether it can prevent colds and other infections.