Onions

Source: wellnesswithacause.blogspot.com via Cali on Pinterest

A natural treatment for abrasions: Skip the high cost creams and ointments and rub the cut side of half an onion on your abrasions. Not only will this take the sting away, the skin will heal very quickly. In Italy my husband slid down the side of a large rock causing a huge abrasion on his arm. It looked really bad. He went into a little restaurant to wash it off. Instead of being directed to the bathroom, the Italian woman cooking took out a knife sliced a white onion in half and started rubbing it on his arm. We thought she was crazy but to our amazement his abrasion was gone the next day.

Is Your Toothbrush Making You Ill?

Source: loc.gov via Cali on Pinterest

Is your toothbrush making you ill? Do you know that your toothbrush can harbor millions of bacteria, viruses and other germs? Here are helpful healthy toothbrush tips: Never share toothbrushes. Germs live in the bristles and it is possible to become infected with a virus or bacterial infection by using another person’s toothbrush. Throw away your toothbrush if you have been diagnosed with a bacterial infection, especially strep throat. It is possible to re-infect yourself with strep after you have finished your course of antibiotics. Never store your toothbrush with someone else’s. Germs can be transferred between the wet bristles. Finally, replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed, worn or broken. Damaged bristles do not allow for proper cleansing of teeth thus leading to poor oral hygiene and predisposing you to illness.

Meditation

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Meditation...as little as 15-20 minutes a day can make a great impact on your physiological, psychological and spiritual well being. Meditation helps one detach and clears the mind thus decreasing stress and anxiety and improving brain concentration and focus. Meditation reduces muscle tension and helps decrease blood pressure and effects of chronic illnesses by increasing the immune system and reducing free radicals in the body. Meditation increases self confidence and helps stabilize mood and behaviors. Things are put into perspective and one will find that little things are less bothersome. Meditation allows us to better understand one's self and others and learn to forgive. Through meditation, we discover our purpose. The best reason to incorporate meditation into your daily life is the deeper connection you will have with God that will enable harmony between your mind, body and soul.

Flossing

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I had my six month dental check up and cleaning today and like every time before my hygienist, Kim, reminds me that I need to floss everyday. I admit it, I am not a regular flosser; in fact I maybe floss once a week at best. This is very disturbing to me because I (and my friends and family) consider myself one of the healthiest people I know yet I am not practicing regular flossing. I told Kim that in her honor I would dedicate this entry to her.

 There are many health benefits to flossing. Combining brushing and flossing improves oral hygiene. Floss removes plaque from the tight spaces between teeth and under the gums (plaque under the gums leads to gingivitis and gum disease). Less plaque means less time in the dental chair for cleanings and treatments. I think this is bitter sweet because if you like your hygienist (like me), you will not spend as much time in her/his chair. An unhealthy mouth is much more than bad breath and yellow teeth it can lead to heart disease, lung problems, diabetes and life threatening systemic diseases. Health problems cost money. If the above reasons have not convinced you to start flossing consider this. Flossing can decrease the costs of dental and medical bills that are directly related to poor oral health. (Resource: 5 Reasons Why Flossing is Extremely Important by Matt Cunningham)