What are Your Fingernails Telling You about Your Health?

You may be surprised to discover that your fingernails can tell you a lot about your health. In fact, about 30 medical conditions can be identified from your nails alone. This short video takes a look at six common nail health issues and their possible causes. Are your fingernails normal? Maybe you should have a closer look.

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Source: ba-bahmail.com

Bic Pens Have A Hidden Feature That Barely Anyone Knows About… Did You Know THIS?

At some point in your life, you’ve probably used a Bic pen… they’re everywhere! Schools, businesses, and individuals buy these pens in bulk because they’re reliable and affordable. But who knew that these humble pens have a built-in feature that could potentially save lives? Yep, apparently Bic was smart enough to really observe how people used their pens. Obviously, people write with pens but they also sometimes develop a habit of chewing on them. Children especially love to do this and it becomes a serious hazard because they sometimes accidentally inhale the pen caps and choke on them. So what did Bic do? They put holes in their pen caps!

This simple yet brilliant design means air can still pass through the caps should someone accidentally swallow a pen cap. The design was so successful that many other pen companies copied the design. Of course, in a choking situation, you’ll want to know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Below is a video from the British Red Cross on how to perform this life-saving technique… make sure you know it because it isn’t necessarily like you see it in the movies!

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Source: metaspoon.com

Vitamin D Deficiency

If you shun the sun, suffer from milk allergies, or adhere to a strict vegan diet, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is produced by the body in response to skin being exposed to sunlight. It is also occurs naturally in a few foods -- including some fish, fish liver oils, and egg yolks -- and in fortified dairy and grain products.
Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, because it helps the body use calcium from the diet. Traditionally, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with rickets, a disease in which the bone tissue doesn't properly mineralize, leading to soft bones and skeletal deformities. But increasingly, research is revealing the importance of vitamin D in protecting against a host of health problems.

Symptoms and Health Risks of Vitamin D Deficiency

Symptoms of bone pain and muscle weakness can mean you have a vitamin D deficiency. However, for many people, the symptoms are subtle. Yet, even without symptoms, too little vitamin D can pose health risks. Low blood levels of the vitamin have been associated with the following:

• Increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Cognitive impairment in older adults
• Severe asthma in children
• Cancer

Research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of different conditions, including type1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosis.

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency can occur for a number of reasons:
You don't consume the recommended levels of the vitamin over time. This is likely if you follow a strict vegan diet, because most of the natural sources are animal-based, including fish and fish oils, egg yolks, fortified milk, and beef liver.
Your exposure to sunlight is limited. Because the body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight, you may be at risk of deficiency if you are homebound, live in northern latitudes, wear long robes or head coverings for religious reasons, or have an occupation that prevents sun exposure.
You have dark skin. The pigment melanin reduces the skin's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure. Some studies show that older adults with darker skin are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Your kidneys cannot convert vitamin D to its active form. As people age, their kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its active form, thus increasing their risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Your digestive tract cannot adequately absorb vitamin D. Certain medical problems, including Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease, can affect your intestine's ability to absorb vitamin D from the food you eat.
You are obese. Vitamin D is extracted from the blood by fat cells, altering its release into the circulation. People with a body mass index of 30 or greater often have low blood levels of vitamin D.

Source: webmd.com

Tests for Vitamin D Deficiency

The most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test. A level of 20 nanograms/milliliter to 50 ng/mL is considered adequate for healthy people. A level less than 12 ng/mL indicates vitamin D deficiency.

Treatment for Vitamin D Deficiency

Treatment for vitamin D deficiency involves getting more vitamin D -- through diet and supplements. Although there is no consensus on vitamin D levels required for optimal health -- and it likely differs depending on age and health conditions -- a concentration of less than 20 nanograms per milliliter is generally considered inadequate, requiring treatment.
Guidelines from the Institute of Medicine increased the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin D to 600 international units (IU) for everyone ages 1-70, and raised it to 800 IU for adults older than age 70 to optimize bone health. The safe upper limit was also raised to 4,000 IU. Doctors may prescribe more than 4,000 IU to correct a vitamin D deficiency.
If you don't spend much time in the sun or always are careful to cover your skin (sunscreen inhibits vitamin D production), you should speak to your doctor about taking a vitamin D supplement, particularly if you have risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.

18 Cheap Stain Removers You Can Make At Home

Who hasn’t been there? You’re hosting a party and a careless guest sloshes some red wine on your light-colored carpet.

You’re ready for this little emergency, and quickly empty a carton of salt on the spill. But when you pick up the clumps of salt, the stain is still there.

What’s next? Many would head to the store for a better and more expensive remedy. But the items you need to properly remove that stain are already right there, in your home.

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For example, several online sources rave about this method: Mix ammonia with water — the recipes vary, including 2 tablespoons of ammonia to 1 cup of water, or equal parts of each — and apply it to the stain. You can do this with a spray bottle, or wet a white towel with the mixture.
Next, lay the towel over the stain and iron it with a hot iron. Repeat until the stain is gone.
Many homemade stain removal methods are even simpler. Click the links below for more details.

Stains on clothes

• A mix of equal parts of ammonia, liquid dish detergent and water in a spray bottle is touted as an effective stain remover for clothes. Spray it on and wash later, after it dries.
• The Krazy Coupon Lady recommends lightly scrubbing a stain or stubborn dirt with dish detergent, then soaking the clothes overnight in a bucket of water and 1/4 cup of baking soda.
• Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) is the star of this recipe that removes stains from clothing and other fabrics. Mix together one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts Dawn dish detergent. A spray bottle is the preferred method of application.
• Robin Shreeves used a combination of lemon juice and salt to treat a stain that had set on a favorite white blouse, then reapplied lemon juice and hung it in the sun.
• This recipe at eHow describes a lemon juice application that will work on a rainy day.
• This How Stuff Works article about the power of lemon as a stain remover says a mixture of lemon juice and water will also remove those dreaded armpit stains. Just be sure you wash the clothes quickly after applying.
• Two crushed aspirin tablets dissolved in a cup of hot water is also good for perspiration stains, Mrs. Clean says.
• WD-40 lubricant can remove grease, oil, crayon and lipstick from clothes. Who knew? In fact, there are scores of ways in which WD-40 can be a life-saver.
• Reader’s Digest says a 30-minute soak in milk will remove ink.
• Unflavored meat tenderizer is a good stain remover for protein-based stains like blood. Make a paste with a little water.

Other stains

• I keep a spray bottle of half white vinegar and half water for many cleaning tasks, including removing hard water stains.
• IDiva says body lotion can remove crayon and other tough marks from walls.
• Another iDiva tip: A common eraser can remove pen marks from a leather purse.
• Half a lemon dipped in salt will eliminate stains from the copper bottoms of pots and pans. Rub lightly. That combination of lemon juice and salt is also said to remove rust stains from a variety of surfaces.
• Paul Michael of Wise Bread vouches for this method of removing a water ring from the dining room table: Mix mayonnaise with some cigarette ash and leave it on the stain overnight.
• Baking soda — rubbed dry into stains or mixed with water to make a paste — works on many types of stains.
• What if it’s a mystery stain? Reader’s Digest says, “Mix a teaspoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with a little cream of tartar or a dab of non-gel toothpaste.”

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Some important advice

Mrs. Clean offers some essential advice whenever you’re trying out a new stain removal recipe on a surface you haven’t used it on before.
For starters, test it in a hidden spot. In fact, according to a very informative article by ABC 7 News in Chicago: “Many types of fabrics are not suited for home stain removal techniques, including rayon, silk, satin or velvet.”
Act as soon as you can to remove a stain before it sets. Quickly blot the stain with an absorbent material. Do not rub.
Have you tried any of these substitutes, or have ideas of your own? Share the wealth on our Facebook page.

Source: moneytalksnews.com

Do Your Nails Look Like This?

Oftentimes when we think back to the onset of a medical condition, we can recall random changes to specific body parts that were acting as a signal that something was wrong. It’s no coincidence that symptoms of a condition show up first in the most obvious of places, like our skin, hair, and nails.
Finger nails are usually one of the first body parts to display abnormalities caused by serious nutritional deficiencies. Thanks to their location, doctors can quickly check them to confirm any suspicions.
Although we should always consult with a physician when attempting to tackle a health issue, we’re going to list some nail conditions that can point you and your doctor in the right direction.

1. White Horizontal Lines on Nails

White lines running across the nails are known as “Muehrcke’s lines” and are most visible on the index, middle, and ring fingers. These lines are usually a sign of low levels of protein in the blood, which can indicate liver disease or malnutrition caused by stress.

2. Dark Vertical Lines on Nails

Although mostly harmless, in rare instances, it could be a sign of subungual melanoma, a very serious form of cancer of the toes or fingers. Usually, only one nail will be affected, and lines may also significantly change color.

3. Clubbed Nails

This type of nail usually curves and wraps over the finger tip. It could be genetic, so if your nails have always had that appearance, chances are it’s harmless. However, if you notice your nails suddenly soften and begin to change in size, it could mean you don’t have enough oxygen levels in your blood. Clubbed nails can also be linked to liver, heart, lung, or inflammatory bowel disease.

4. Pitting or Dents on Nails

You may see small pits or dents in the nails that are sometimes genetic. So no need to worry if other family members also have the same appearance in their nails. But if it’s due to a medical condition, it could indicate reactive arthritis, or psoriasis. Other possible issues may be eczema or alopecia areata.

5. Crumbly Nails

Brittle, dry nails that split, crack or crumble are usually caused by a fungal infection but can sometimes indicate a thyroid condition. It could also be the result of a skin condition called lichen planus, an itchy rash that occurs on the skin or mouth.

6. Thick Nails

Thickened nails may be another sign of a fungal infection, but most often are caused by reactive arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, or after a long-lasting injury to the nail. Diabetes may also be at the root of the problem, due to sluggish blood flow to the fingers and toes.

7. Red or Brown Streaks Under the Nails

When thin red or brown streaks appear underneath the nails, it’s usually a sign of damage to the very small blood vessels. Sometimes, it could be caused by inflammation or swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.

8. Discolored Nails

The color of your nails can indicate different conditions. Yellowed nails are caused by using nail polish for an extended period of time, but may also be due to a fungal infection or psoriasis. Nails with a brown hue could mean you have a thyroid condition or malnutrition, and a bluish-gray hue may signal that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen.

If you notice any of these conditions, make sure to mention it to your medical practitioner at your next appointment. In the event that it’s a sign of something more serious, you’ll be glad you did!

Source: moneytalksnews.com

What are the risks of vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency — when the level of vitamin D in your body is too low — can cause your bones to become thin, brittle or misshapen.
Vitamin D also appears to play a role in insulin resistance, high blood pressure and immune function — and how this relates to heart disease and cancer — but this is still being investigated.
Although the amount of vitamin D adults get from their diets is often less than what's recommended, exposure to sunlight can make up for the difference. For most adults, vitamin D deficiency is not a concern. However, some groups — particularly people who are obese, who have dark skin and who are older than age 65 — may have lower levels of vitamin D due to their diets, little sun exposure or other factors.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day. That goes up to 800 IU a day for those older than age 70. To meet this level, choose foods that are rich in vitamin D. For example, choose fortified foods, such as milk and yogurt, and fatty fish, such as salmon, trout, tuna and halibut.
Don't overdo it, though. Very high levels of vitamin D have not been shown to provide greater benefits. In fact, too much vitamin D has been linked to other health problems.
If you're concerned about whether you're getting enough vitamin D, talk to your doctor about your diet and whether a vitamin supplement might benefit you.

With
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

Source: mayoclinic.org

Cellulite Home Remedies That Work Like A Charm

Approximately 85% of women experience a Cellulite problem and it’s accumulated most commonly in the thighs. We’ve put together a collection of Home Remedies for you to try to to reduce Cellulite.

Be sure to check out the Dry Brushing Remedy, the Cayenne Pepper Lemon & Ginger Drink, Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Drink or the Coffee Grounds Exfoliating Scrubs. 

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Top 100 Remedies has made a great infographic showing you how Cayenne Pepper has the ability to help burn fat, reduce toxins and the appearance of cellulite, increase blood circulation and boost metabolism. Plus, it helps get rid of bad skin cells and replace them with healthy cells. Here’s the recipe-:

1 -2 Teaspoons of Cayenne Pepper

 1 Teaspoon Grated Ginger

Juice of 1 Lemon

Add the Cayenne Pepper to a glass of warm water. Add the grated ginger. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture. Mix and drink it once or twice daily for 1-2 months.

We have found an excellent video that gives some excellent ideas on how to beat Cellulite. You will need to make daily and dietary changes and it also has some excellent Lymph massage techniques that you can do using a rolling Pin! Click play above to view now ^^^

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Here’s  9 Cellulite Home Remedies that include Tomato Paste. This can help prevent the breakdown in Collagen that leads to Cellulite. Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy and sensible diet is also highly recommended if you want to avoid the dreaded orange peel!

The main causes of Cellulite are unhealthy lifestyle, hormones and genes. Women are affected due to hormones Progesterone and Estrogen which contributes to weakened veins and fluid retention. This Infographic shows some great remedies including Green Tea, Dry Brushing and eating Salmon among others.

We have found this Chi Vitalizer is fantastic for stirring up your body, getting the blood pumping and it claims to be the equivalent of 10,000 steps in only 15 minutes – read more >>  Chi Vitaliser – Purchase

You can greatly reduce cellulite in a short period using a coffee scrub. This version uses half a cup of ground coffee, 1 tablespoon of white sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of glycerine and 2 teaspoons of Vitamin E Oil – according to the Blogger she has experienced good results with this scrub – It involves scrubbing the affected area for 5 minutes, wrapping in plastic for 10 and then removing and washing off – As a stimulant coffee helps to increase blood circulation and reduce water retention. Both of these benefits help to smooth out the skin in areas affected by Cellulite. Be sure to give this Coffee Scrub a try and we’d love to hear about your results –  source

Smart Living has put together this great graphic that shows you how to Dry Brush and the benefits that includes improved lymph flow. Be sure to check out the Infographic from Dr Axe below too.

According to ‘Juicing For Life’ this Grapefruit Cellulite Juice Recipe blasts cellulite and flushes toxins! Here’s how it works -:

• Helps improve blood circulation
• Burns excess fats effectively
• Detoxifies and removes toxins from the body, thus reducing more fats forming
• Helps metabolize sugar in the blood
• Helps produce collagen to firm up the skin
• Reduces fluid retention which also contributes to formation of cellulite

If you leave Cellulite untreated, it will worsen over time. This homemade Cellulite Cream is quick and easy to make and you’ll be delighted by the results. This Homemade Cellulite recipe from ‘Beauty Tips 4 her’ comes highly recommended from the Blogger.

• 3/4 cup Coconut Oil
• 2 tablespoons shaved Beeswax
• 3 tablespoons Witch Hazel
• 10 drops Juniper oil
• 10 drops Rosemary oil
• 30 drops Grapefruit oil
• 30 drops Cypress oil

Step 1 – Start by making the base. This includes all of those essential oils listed, as well as the witch hazel. Stir it nice and good so everything combines.

Step 2 – Melt your beeswax over very low heat. Once melted, add in your coconut oil.

Step 3 – Now that everything is liquified, mix everything together. Pour it into a resealable container or mason jar and give it time to cool and solidify.

You can see why the Blogger says it works on her site

Anti Cellulite Home Remedy Recipe found on  Pinterest 

Here’s another great way to use Coffee. We love these Coffee Sugar Scrub Cubes from ‘Princess and a Pumpkin’ and they will exfoliate your skin beautifully.

How to Get Rid of Cellulite With Cinnamon 

 

Source:  http://thewhoot.com.au