Skincare Solutions

As women we work hard at bringing out our natural beauty. An area of concern to each of us is the condition of our skin; especially the delicate skin that covers our face. We as women spend boo-Koo bucks to keep our skin looking healthy.  We dream of dewy, youthful and radiant skin. We long to look into the mirror with a smile as we view a vibrant glow reflected back at us.  On the contrary if, while gazing in the mirror, we see a visage marred by blemishes, wrinkles or worn-out looking skin .. we just don't feel prepared or confidant to face our world.

 There are many skin care products on the market to assist you in creating beautiful skin.  There are also many skin care products which contain toxic chemicals that are dangerous to your skin and your health. Most women are not aware of these dangers.  Let me share a list of the top 10 toxic chemicals found in commercial skin care and cosmetic products.





Top 10 Cosmetic Toxins

1.	Mercury	Known human carcinogen.
2.	Lead Acetate	Known human carcinogen.
3.	Formaldehyde	Known human carcinogen
4.	Toluene	Reproductive/developmental toxin
5.	Petroleum Distillates	Possible human carcinogen
6.	Ethylacrylate	Possible human carcinogen
7.	Coal Tar	Known human carcinogen
8.	Dibutyl Phthalate	Reproductive/developmental toxin
9.	Potassium Dichromate	Possible human carcinogen
10.	2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol	Forms carcinogens if mixed with nitrosating agents

                                                                                     
It is amazing to me that these types of products are allowed on the market without a warning on the labels. If you value your skin and your health ... please read labels.   For a more extensive list of chemicals found in skin care products go to this website natural skincare authority.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
There are many natural and safe products to choose from in today's market.  The safest way, other than reading labels and wading through chemical terminology, is to choose certified organic skin care products.  You will typically find these products at your local health food store.  You can also find organic skin care products by typing certified organic skin care products in your search engine.  Make sure you use ALL of the words - certified organic is the key to finding chemical free and pure products.

LIGHT THERAPY
Another safe and effective way to treat and address acne, wrinkles, tired looking skin while creating youthful, radiant skin is by utilizing  light therapy treatments.  Light therapy actually works better than Benzyl Peroxide and does not cause skin irritation.  You can receive light therapy treatments through your local dermatologist's office, many spa's and beauty center's also offer light therapy.   My choice is to enjoy light therapy treatments from the comfort of my own home.  There are hand held units available today.  My favorite? I recommend this affordable little product which utilizes blue light to treat acne, soften wrinkles and revive tired looking skin.  Create the complexion you've always dreamed of with light therapy.

Whatever you choose to enhance your beauty; be wise and only use safe products.  I would love to hear from you if you are using a GREAT and safe product that has created GREAT skin for you.

Read more about creating Pure and Beautiful Skin

Fiber in the Diet

Why Do You Need Fiber?  

Dr. Mercola, who is a self proclaimedfiber guru and our featured authority, states that less than 10% of the people in the United States consume enough Fiber.            

He continues to explain that a lack of consuming quality Fiber has more repercussions to our health than you can imagine .... Did you know that the ability to maintain a healthy heart, to rid the body of harmful toxins and possess a healthy digestive system are all dependent upon eating enough fiber? .... Did you know there are different types of fiber and a variety of ways to get the required amount?

Cancer is on the rise in the U.S. the American Cancer Institute recommends eating 20-35 grams of fiber a day

Fiber is found in a variety of foods. The highest quality of fiber is found in vegetables and the highest quality vegetable you can consume is locally grown and organic. You can also find good amounts of fiber in dry (cooked) beans, oatmeal, whole grain products and bran.

The fiber source that Dr. Mercola suggests and highly promotes is called Psyllium, (water soluble and insoluble). Psyllium is a wondrous, healthful source of fiber which has amazingly been approved and recognized by the US FDA .

Psyllium is a natural fiber grain, not related to wheat, that yields 60 to 70 percent soluble fiber, eight times that of oat bran. Psyllium helps: 

1. Psyllium has binding qualities which encourage normalization of your bowel movement while supporting your digestive function.
2. Psyllium's anti-inflammatory activity is helpful with gastric ulcers and its binding properties are useful with treatments for diarrhea, hemmorrhoids and cystistis. Cystitis can sometimes be caused by fecal bacteria created from the diarrhea that migrates up to the urethra.                  
3. Psyllium can also relieve chronic constipation with habitual straining which often leads to hemorrhoids.
4. The anti-spasmadic properties of Psyllium can also help with Intestinal spasms.
5. Do you struggle with your weight? Psyllium bulks up and gives you afeeling of fullness.

ORGANIC PSYLLIUM

Dr. Mercola gives a major warning about the type psylliums out there today. He explains that psyllium is one of the ... most contaminated crops ... out there and unless it is Certified Organic it will be loaded with pesticides and insecticides. His recommendation is a brand called Organic India, which has USDA Organic Certification.

When you purchase Psyllium from Organic India you will be supporting India’s 150,000 Farmers whose living conditions are hugely improved by the implementation of organic farming…

Start eating your Fiber and take care of the body you have been entrusted with. You can find Organic India in most local Health Food Stores - or you can visit them online.

Protect Your Feet

Your feet are very important as they are responsible to carry the weight of your whole body. Most people don't think about their feet .. just take them for granted. But in the great scheme of things .. if the feet aren't protected and fitted into proper shoes you can develop BIG time foot problems later on in life.

The human foot is intrinsically designed and requires special attention. Think about your foot! It is very flexible and strong with the ability to function beautifully as long as you take care of them.

Our feet are very complex. Here are some facts to think about. Your small foot contains twenty six bones (the two feet contain a quarter of all the bones in the body), 33 joints, and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments .. on top of this add a ton of blood vessels and nerves.

What jobs do your feet do? Let's take an ordinary day of walking ... walking brings a force equal to several hundred tons to bear on the feet. Your feet are more subject to injury than any other part of your body.

Though many do not realize it, Foot ailments and pain are among the most common of our health problems. Some issues can be traced to heredity ... but many problems stem from the cumulative impact of a lifetime of abuse and neglect. There is a mistaken belief that living with foot discomfort and pain are normal and expected. They are NOT and if you experience foot problems there are great helps available for fallen arches, Plantar Fascitis and other painful and bothersome conditions. A podiatrist is the expert in solving foot problems.

PROPER SHOES FOR YOUR LIFE

Are you aware that there are shoes specifically designed for your life's activities? There are walking shoes and a variety of athletic shoes to meet your activity needs.

Do you play basketball? If you do you know that you need special shoes that provide comfort and traction. Basketball shoes are designed to care for your feet while you concentrate on your game. Are you a power player a fast player or an all-around player? A power player needs basketball shoes that focus on cushioning and stability. An all-around player should choose shoes that have moderate ankle support and cushioning. A fast player needs lightweight shoes with moderate support, cushioning and flexibility.Read more: How to Choose Basketball Shoes eHow.com

Do you Wrestle? Wrestling shoes need to be lightweight, durable, extremely comfortable. IF you want to find some GREAT wrestling shoes I recommend: Nike inflict wrestling shoes. The best wrestling shoes are lightweight and breathable and made from a mesh material. Read more: How to Buy Wrestling Shoes eHow.com Wresting shoes feel great on the mat and provide everything from flexibility to the the ability to super grip.. To see more styles in wrestling shoes, Check out: Nike inflict wrestling shoes

No matter what sport you are involved in you need the proper shoes to care for your feet. Your feet are the servants to your whole body .. Bless them by taking care of them and they will Bless you with strength and power for your whole life.

To find a wide variety of wrestling and basketball shoes at GREAT prices just click here: Nike inflect wrestling shoes, Nike basketball shoes

Wrestling and Basketball are sports that require support for your feet. I hope my article has helped you understand this and also point you to a great web source with a variety of styles.

Pure and Beautiful Skin

Outward beauty has been a priority throughout the ages. We go to great lengths to cultivate it. A woman’s complexion is intimately connected with her feelings of self-confidence and power: it’s the “face” she shows to the world. No wonder women spend so much time and money on beauty products and make-up. Beautiful skin produces a countenance that glows ... and who doesn’t want to glow? The main purpose of this article is to introduce some healthy avenues to creating beautiful skin.

Skin is our largest organ and what we put on our skin will affect our overall health. Do you have any clue about the ingredients that lurk within that ornate and expensive cosmetic case in your bathroom?

Many commercial cosmetic products contain harmful ingredients that may affect your general health. Just try reading the ingredient list to see if you recognize any of the terms. Better yet, do a search on those ingredients to learn of the dangerous, toxic and harmful affects they can potentially produce. The FDA leaves synthetic additives in cosmetics largely unregulated, yet many of these compounds have been proven to disrupt endocrine function, interfering in the metabolism of sex hormones.

There are many ways to care for and nurture your skin without harming your body.

Begin Within

The first line of skin care defense is to begin from within. Premature aging, acne, dermatitis and rosacea are all conditions that have recently been linked to chronic inflammation of the skin.

• One of the simplest, yet most neglected, means to reducing inflammation is by drinking lots of water. Plump up your wilted skin with water.


• Boost your immune system with
  1. good nutrition supplements (my suggestions for WELLNESS/LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS)
  2. detoxification (Dr. Mercola on Healthy GUT)
  3. holistic topical support (I suggest an online search for holistic skin care products or visiting your local reputable health food store)
  

Suggested Skin Care Regime

• Cleanse your skin morning and night with a gentle, soap-free cleanser. There are many holistic products available today.


• Do not scrub! Scrubbing actually breaks capillaries and damages cell tissue, which encourages invasive bacteria. Rinse thoroughly with clean, tepid water and dry gently. Alkalized Water is the BEST and most hydrating source.


• Exfoliate with an all natural product 2 – 3 times a week to removes excess dead skin cells.


• Try to keep your hands off your skin unless they are clean; your fingers can transmit oil and bacteria. Don’t pick blemishes — it damages cell tissue and permanently widens pores.


• Moisturize and protect with an all-natural moisturizer/sunscreen. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 when out in the sun for more than 15 minutes. Find a product at a reputable health food store .. or do a search online to find products that contain valuable topical antioxidants like co-Q10, ALA and vitamin C ester.


• Use natural cosmetics. Once again do a search online for holistic cosmetics or visit a reputable health food store. Some suggested products: Aveda, Burt’s Bees and The Body Shop have branched out into a growing array of cosmetics. You should be able to replace your favorite lipsticks, mascara and foundation with chemical-free alternatives. Your skin will thank you!

Lazer Hair Removal

The last skin care solution I’d like to introduce is Lazer Hair Removal. As woman age they often develop unwanted facial and/or body hair. To keep that beautiful glow and youthful look thriving you’ll need to remove those uninvited visitors. Shaving and waxing are methods that many woman turn to when faced with new body hair growth. I would highly recommend and suggest lazar hair removal as the best method of eliminating the unsightly problem of hair growth.

Lazer hair removal will keep your body smooth and stubble free. It is a hassle free procedure with permanent results. Avoid razor burn and constant maintenance by visiting a Spa near you which provides the service of hair removal by lazar.

Men and woman can both benefit from lazar hair removal. Consider lazar treatment for unwanted hair on your face, upper lip and chin area. Consider hair removal for your bikini line or bothersome underarm hair. Procedures for men usually are focused on the chest, back and upper arm area. Some men seek to remove hair on the nape of their neck and even use lazar for bushy or Uni-brow eyebrows.

To learn more about the many benefits of and facts about Lazar hair removal, visit this very reputable and up-to-date Website: Laserhairremovalnyc by Completely Bare.

In summary, nurture your beauty by taking care of the skin God gave you. Avoid commercial skin care products, use natural chemical free cosmetics and skin care products. Purchase a alkalized water system and drink plenty of water and splash tons on yourself to keep your skin plumped up. Remove unwanted hair by using Lazer Hair Removal to achieve permanent and beautiful skin results.

FAIRMONT SONOMA MISSION INN & SPA

Guest post by Kandice Remonton

This is a descriptive post about the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa located in Sonoma CA. I welcome guest writer Kandice Remonton to Healthy Living Today and thank her for her personal testimony about her visit to Fairmont and for sharing the reasons she loves this vacation spot. She shares many of the winsome amenities and benefits to vacationing at this luxurious resort. ______________________________________________________________
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is one of my favorite places to go to whenever I feel fully stressed out. It is the only luxury spa resort in the country that has its very own source of thermal mineral water - a scientifically proven treatment to cure a lot of diseases and that is also very good in detoxification. It is used as treatment for rheumatism, stomach-intestine problems and aids in the release of mental stress.

Yesterday, I had the luxury to once again indulge in their excellent service. I set my great home security alarm and hit the road. When I arrived, I immediately checked my reservation, and was glad to be assisted by their friendly hotel attendant. Sonoma Resort utilizes BestHomeSecurity for their alarms system.

I soon took advantage of their bathing ritual experience. I started with the exfoliating shower using the supplied rosemary eucalyptus shower gel prepared by the hotel attendants. It was soon followed by the warm mineral bath; the hot bath then the re-hydrating drink. I soon proceeded with the cool shower, the herbal steam, sauna and another re-hydrating drink. Last is a cool shower followed by a reclined serenity in their relaxation lounge.

It was certainly the remedy I was hoping for. I can immediately feel my muscles rejuvenated and refreshed. Anyone who wishes to experience satisfaction at its best, should definitely try the services in Sonoma . They also have other amenities like a Fitness Center , Spa Mineral Pool, Spa Boutique, and Spa Café. You can also take advantage of their different massage treatments which are reasonably priced. Everything that you are looking for is in Sonoma so do not hesitate to treat yourself with some luxury. You deserve it!________________________________________________________________

Thank YOU Kandice for a very enticing testimony on a GREAT vacation spot!

To Book your vacation today: Click on: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
For more Information on the high Quality Home Security System that this Spa Utilizes Click Here

Examine Your Sweeteners

How many of us have been tricked into using an artificial sweetener. Synthetic Sweeteners have been very popular. Years ago we had NO CLUE about the dangers of using artificial, chemical, synthetic sweeteners.

We used lots and lots of them without any thought about the risks involved. Today the public is well aware of the harmful nature of using these caustic sweeteners. Used very sparingly there may not be any harm ... but who wants to eat anything sweet sparingly? Not me!

Before we look at Healthy Sweeteners, let's take a look of two very popular sweetener brands on the market today.

ASPARTAME

• DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH ASPARTAME
• Birth Defects
• Cancer
• Brain Tumors
• Diabetes
• Emotional Disorders
• Epilepsy/Seizures

For a more comprehensive list of Health Risks and Disease Connections to Aspartame click: ASPARTAME What you don't know Can hurt you.
For Further Research Informaton click here on: Dr. Mercola

SPLENDA

Splenda CAN adversely affect the body in several ways because it IS a chemical substance and not natural sugar.

Dr. Janet Starr Hull wrote a Book called, Splenda, Is it Safe or not? New chemical sweeteners (like Splenda) and the sweetener blends (aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame K blended together in one product) may be causing users to show signs of weight gain, disruption of sleep patterns, sexual dysfunction, increases in cancer, MS, Lupus, diabetes, and a list of epidemic degenerative diseases. The corporations continue to stand tough in their denial of any connection to chemical sweetener additives.

Chlorine is commonly found in nature, but almost always in combination with other building block elements. Chlorine's structure makes it very reactive and because it is so reactive, it is very useful to chemists, engineers and others involved in making things humans use every day.

SUGAR

Okay, this is where I think I may loose some of you. I can hear you right through the computer .. you are screaming ... Come ON! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Some of you are going to look at this and say WHAT! What the world ... Everybody eats sugar ... it's like The American Apple PIE right? WRONG! I have a daughter who is terribly allergic to sugar .. after consuming sugar she almost passes out. She has aches and pains in the middle of the night ... many and various symptoms that are directly related to SUGAR. Most of us know people who have hypoglycemia and diabetes right? If some people react to sugar consumption by developing blood sugar issues, doesn't it make sense that other's would develop other types of side affects to sugar? I will list a few of the symptoms identified with sugar consumption.

Dr. Mercola has listed 76 Ways that Sugar Ruins your Health.

• Sugar can suppress your immune system and impair your defenses against infectious disease.
• Sugar can cause can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline, hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.
• Sugar feeds cancer cells and has been connected with the development of cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pancreas, biliary tract, lung, gallbladder and stomach

This is ONLY 3 out of 76 Ways Sugar can Ruin your Health. If you are brave enough ... If you DARE: Take a look at This LIST 76 WAYS SUGAR CAN RUIN YOUR HEALTH.

HEALTH ALTERNATIVES TO CAUSTIC SWEETENERS

STEVIA THE HEALTHY SWEETNER

Finally there is a sweetener that is 100% natural and Safe. As an added bonus is good for you too. Stevia contains antioxidants and fiber and more. Do a search online to discover more health benefits. Stevia is much sweeter than white sugar so you only need a tiny bit. Stevia is approved as a Dietary Supplement in the USA.

Pepsi Cola and Coca Cola have been involved in some extensive research and have made recommendations to the FDA, They expect Stevia to be approved and labeled as a sweetener very soon. You can already find Stevia in Health Food Stores and it is now being marketed in many of your local grocery stores as Truvia. When the FDA gives their final approval we will find stevia being used in all of our favorite products ... I can hardly wait!

I use stevia in place of sugar. As already stated stevia is acually healthy for you. However, in my book, not all stevia's are created equal. It took me quite awhile to find a stevia product that I liked. I did find one. I found it in a Health Food Store. The BRAND NAME I found is produced by New Naturals and called NuStevia. You can also find NuNaturals online @ www.nutaturals.com. It honestly tastes just like sugar!For those of us who need to watch our weight and even for those who don't the ability to have sweets that are healthy yet contain no calories is VERY GOOD NEWS!

HONEY

HONEY is a very healthy alternative to sugar ..... BUT not just any honey bought on the grocer's shelf. These forms may contain chemicals, pesticides, and artificial ingredients. The Best HONEY is raw unprocessed honey, humankind's oldest sweetener
RAW HONEY IS BENEFICIAL:

• Unfiltered and uncooked to give you a rich, fulfilling taste with all the nutritious benefits
• Promotes the growth of "good" bacteria in your intestinal tract
• Great way to soothe your skin, utilizing natural antioxidants to help assist in blocking free radicals
• Helps with occasional sleeplessness
• Promotes a healthy heart by reducing homo-cysteine levels
• No refrigeration needed -- for your convenience anywhere, anytime
• The best place to find raw honey is at your local Health Food Store. Locally Grown Honey is known to help build up allergy resistance to outdoor pollens and allergens.

Although honey has benefits it is important understand that HONEY will raise your blood sugar just as quickly as sugar does. The key is moderation ... use a little in your tea or on your cereal.

Everyone has a sweet tooth .. now you know which type of sweetness to put into your body .. the one and only one you will ever have. Take Care of It!

WEIGHT LOSS TOOLS

Learn how to lose weight and keep it off! Explore a variety of the best weight loss tools and programs available today. Includes a resource website filled with helpful tools including a FREE Calorie and Carb Counter, Diets, Workouts and hundreds of free diet and fitness plans.

It's summer time. The warmth of the sun and the draw for outdoor adventure is calling your name. Are you up to the challenge of the season? Most of us have gained a few hibernation pounds over the winter. Are you ready to shed those pounds as quickly as possible?

I would like to suggest some great tools to help you drop those winter pounds while getting in the best shape of your life.

It’s always wise to consult the experts when starting a weight loss program. I would like to suggest two resources for a weight loss and weight management program. The first is a nationally known company called Nutri-System. The second is a very convenient and resourceful website called FitClick.

I chose Nutri-System because I worked for this company for over three years. I trained for two positions and acquired certifications in the areas of Nutritional Specialist and Behavior Breakthrough Counselor. The advantages to a program like Nutri-System, is that it takes the guesswork out of dieting and getting into shape. The pre-packaged meals, which come with the weight-loss program, are easy to prepare and delicious! The classes offer support and suggestions for work out routines and more. Nutri-System also includes a maintenance program. Loosing weight is the easiest part of the program; keeping the weight off is the key to permanent, safe weight management and a healthy lifestyle.

Today you will find some really great and helpful weight loss/weight management tools available online. Among many websites I was very impressed to find one that stood out from the rest. The website is called FitClick. This website contains a multitude of tools that will assist you in reaching your health and weight loss goals. Among the FitClick’s many helpful tools look for these tabs:

• Diet and Nutrition – complete with a calorie counter and diet plans
• Workout & Fitness - offers a workout tracker, exercise program to find your
best workout, calorie burn tracker and more
• Weight loss tips – weight loss programs, journal, support and more
• Community - complete with blogs, message boards, articles, groups and more
• Recipes - Recipe finder, recipe maker and a place for your personal recipes
• My tools - includes a calorie counter and calculator, workout tracker,
BMI Calculator, body fat calculator, weight chart and more.

Today is the day to begin your journey toward a leaner and healthier body. With tools like these; no one has an excuse to weight .. or should I say wait.