Thursday, October 9, 2008

Thursday HBR ~ Loving You Series by Thumper

RELAXATION

Dance Like No-One's Watching!

So, you've had one of THOSE days. Well it's time to shake it off and get back to being you again.Take off your shoes, crank up the volume and try to keep up...
(Sources says that one Posse member was dancing like there no tomorrow, when the other half walked in and performed some other relaxing techniques. ) So dance and have fun!

BEAUTY

Beauty and body-care is where we find our common ground with the ancient Egyptians. Just as for us today, hair care was a major concern for the ancient Egyptians. Thousands of years ago, they demonstrated our own current cultural anxieties with baldness, thinning, receding and graying hair. Reminiscent of modern attitudes, the ancient Egyptians associated healthy, luxurious hair with youth, sexuality and sex appeal.

Care of natural hair retained upon the head was also taken seriously. We know that the Egyptians cleansed their hair, although we don't know with what frequency. Hair combs appear among early grave goods, even from pre-dynastic days. Both single and double sided combs, made from wood or bone have been found. A wide variety of surviving formulas indicate that preventing baldness and graying hair, both of which can be perceived as signs of aging, was a serious concern. Like us, the Egyptians were anxious to preserve youth or at least a youthful appearance as long as possible.

The following formula can be used to stimulate hair growth or merely to improve the texture and appearance of one's hair. Almond Oil and Castor Oil were among the vegetable oils used by the Egyptians. Castor Oil is frequently used in an attempt to encourage hair growth but it has a very viscous texture. Mixing it with the Sweet Almond Oil will improve the aroma and make the resulting oil smoother and more easily spread. However, if you wish to somewhat reproduce the stickiness and "tacky" feel of resin from the original formula, eliminate the Sweet Almond Oil and double the proportion of Castor.

Try the Fir Oil if you want to recapture the essence (or at least fragrance) of the original Egyptian formula. Use Rosemary Oil, if you prefer to place your trust in more modern research. You can also combine the two Essential Oils, however no more than an entirety of 10 drops should be used, whether of one oil or both. In addition, Rosemary Oil should not be used during pregnancy or by those suffering from high blood pressure or by those who are prone to seizure disorders. Essential Oil of Fir is generally considered a gentle oil, however, if you have very sensitive skin, you may find a high concentration irritating, in which case use fewer drops or more oil. Both oils are antiseptic and invigorating.

Scalp and Hair Stimulation Oil
One Teaspoon Sweet Almond Oil
One Teaspoon Castor Oil
10 Drops Essential Oil of Fir Needle (Abies spp)
OR Essential Oil of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Mix the Sweet Almond Oil together with the Castor Oil in a small bowl and then add no more than 10 drops of Essential Oil. Mix with your fingers and then rub vigorously into your scalp, concentrating on areas where hair is thinning.

HEALTH
Fit and Fabulous as You Mature Series

Tips on Moving More
Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (like brisk walking) on most or all days of the week.
Also try to do strengthening activities two or three times a week. These activities are important because older adults—especially women—lose muscle and bone every year. Strengthening activities may help prevent or lessen this loss.
Fitting in physical activity is not as hard as you may think, and you do not have to do the whole 30 minutes at one time. Try these tips to overcome things that may keep you from being active.

"It's too late for me to get physically active."

It is never too late to start moving more. Physical activity may help you manage health problems like arthritis, osteoporosis (bone loss), and coronary heart disease. It may also help:

  • Keep your body flexible.
  • Keep your bones and muscles strong.
  • Keep your heart and lungs healthy.
  • Control high blood sugar, especially if you lose weight.
  • Let you keep living in your own home without help.

TIP: If you are over age 50 or have chronic health problems such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, or obesity, talk to your health care provider before starting a vigorous physical activity program. You do not need to talk to your provider before starting a less strenuous activity like walking.

"Physical activity is a chore."


Physical activity can be fun—you just need to figure out which activities you enjoy. The more enjoyable it is, the more likely you are to stick with it. Some ideas include:
  • Walking or taking an exercise class with a friend or a group—that way, you can cheer each other on, have company, and feel safer when you are outdoors.
  • Starting a small garden in your yard or in a community garden.
  • Breaking physical activity into short blocks of time—taking three 10-minute walks during your day may be easier than taking one 30-minute walk.
  • Doing different activities throughout the week to stay interested.
  • If you are not comfortable being active outdoors because of safety concerns, consider joining your local recreation or fitness center or going to a relatives neighborhood to walk.

"It's too expensive."


There are lots of ways to be physically active that are free or low-cost. Consider:

  • Finding a local park or school track where you can walk.
    Walking around a mall.
  • Being active with your grandchildren—take a walk, toss a softball, or ride bikes.
  • Walking your dog or meeting up with a neighbor to walk together.
  • Checking out a fitness video from the library and following along at home.

"I don't have enough time."

No matter how busy you are, there are ways to fit in 30 minutes or more of physical activity each day. Try:

  • Spreading physical activity throughout the day, rather than doing it all at once.
  • Setting aside time to be active. For instance, if you make it part of your daily routine to walk after breakfast, you may not think twice about doing it.
  • Walking to do your errands, when possible.
  • Being active while doing other things. For example, you can lift weights or march in place while watching TV, or walk around your home while talking on a cordless telephone.

"I'm not an athlete, so why strength train?"

Strengthening activities are good for everyone—and there are ways to become stronger without lifting weights. Strength training may help you perform your daily activities with more ease. Consider:

  • Doing step-ups or wall push-ups in the comfort of your own home.
  • Using canned foods or filled water bottles as weights.
  • Walking up stairs—lifting your body weight strengthens your legs and hips.

Next Week... Eating Better


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