Health News and Information

Acne tends to be more of a problem during warm-weather months because the sweat glands are more active. The more you sweat, the more the mixture of perspiration and oil spreads on the skin’s surface and clogs pores.

You can fight acne by washing your face more often, especially after working out. If adequate facilities aren’t always available, you can carry a sealed plastic bag, containing cotton balls soaked in astringent.

Another method of minimizing clogging is to use an oil-free sunscreen. Choose one that’s labeled “non-comedogenic” and lists alcohol as one of its main ingredients. Also make sure it is water-resistant.

4 Blemish Fighters

Witch hazel— removes excess oil.

Sulfur— dries up oil.

Benzoyl peroxide— speeds up the healing process by acting as a peeling agent.

Salicylic acid— removes debris from the pores.

Secret To Heal Skin Problems

Some skin conditions such as poison ivy or runny eczema can be successfully treated by a starchy bath created by soaking or boiling a potato in water. This bath in “potato water” can dry and smooth wet and blistery skin inflammations, but before using such a remedy, it’s best to consult your doctor. Sometimes, a potato water bath can further irritate dry, itchy skin or fungal infections.

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Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin which is essential for normal cell structure and the formation of red blood cells. It also protects the lungs and other tissues from damage by pollutants and helps prevent red blood cells from being damaged by poisons in the blood.

A deficiency of vitamin E may lead to the destruction of red blood cells, which ultimately results in anemia.

The primary dietary sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, eggs, fish, green, leafy vegetables, cereals, wheat germ, meat, and dried beans. The recommended daily allowance is 8 to 10 mg.

Vitamin K

This is a fat-soluble vitamin which is essential for normal blood clotting.

A deficiency of vitamin K reduces the ability of the blood to clot. This condition may cause nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, intestines, and urinary tract, and seeping of blood from wounds.

The main dietary sources of vitamin K include green, leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, pork, liver, egg yolk, cheese, potatoes, fruits, and grain products. Vitamin K is also manufactured by bacteria which normally live in the intestine. Newborn infants lack such intestinal bacteria and are therefore given vitamin K supplements to prevent deficiency. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 60 to 80 mcg.

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A collaborative study by the University of North Carolina, Stanford University and the University of California at San Diego shows that any aerobic activity —even done on a moderate scale—can reduce the risk from coronary disease. Many people enjoy aerobic dance workouts as part of their exercise regimen. The following exercise, set to music, can be an effective part of any dance workout:

1) Stand with your feet wide apart and your toes turned slightly outward.

2) Bend your right knee, making sure you allow your hips to shift naturally left. Then, bend your arms at the elbow while at the same time moving your right forearm up and your left forearm down.

3) Reverse the movement, beginning with bending your left knee and shifting your hips to the right. Raise your left forearm as your right forearm falls.

4) Change positions—from the right side to the left side—about 30 times to the music.

You can combine the above exercise movement with other dance movements to create an excellent 20 minute aerobic workout. That’s fun and easy – so you will stick to it even thought you are busy!

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