TERRI's Journal
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July 13, 2008
home remedies
Don’t know about some of these--such as whether they are safe for animals--but others might be worth a try. Hope so!
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> Who knew??
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> Eliminate ear mites. All it takes is a few drops of Wesson Corn Oil in your cat’s ear... massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat’s skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
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> Kills fleas instantly...Dawn Dishwashing Liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog’s bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Good-bye fleas.
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> Rainy day cure for dog odor: Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
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> Did you know that drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers?
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> Did you know that Colgate Toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns?
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> Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They’ll clear up your stuffed nose.
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> Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 tab lespoon horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil for instant relief for aching muscles.
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> Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.
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> Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly-even though the product was never been advertised for this use.
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> Honey remedy for skin blemishes... cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
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> Listerine therapy for toenail fungus:Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine Mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
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> Easy eyeglass protection... to prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear Nail Polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.
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> Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer... if menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can’t find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.
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> Smart splinter remover: Just pour a drop of Elmer’s Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
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> Hunt’s Tomato Paste boil cure... cover the boil with Hunt’s Tomato Paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.
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> Balm for broken blisters... to disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine,a powerful antiseptic.
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> Vinegar to heal bruises... soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.
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> Quaker Oats for fast pain relief... it’s not for breakfast any more! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.
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July 13, 2008
5 biggest bacteria hot spots
You may want to think twice about how you store your toothbrush, where you set your purse, and how often you replace your mascara. Research shows that billions of germs could be lurking in these hot spots--and making you and your family sick. Here, uncover top five secret hiding spots for germs, and learn what you can do to keep bacteria at bay.
Time to Come Clean
Hot Spot: Your toothbrush. The dirty truth is that every time you flush the toilet, your toothbrush gets sprayed with bacteria-and there's certainly plenty of these little guys to go around. According to experts, the average toilet bowl contains 3.2 million germs per square inch, and when you flush, these germs are propelled as far as six feet.
The Solution: Keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, or hide it away in the medicine cabinet.Hot Spot: Your kitchen sponge. Numerous studies show that sponges are one of the most contaminated objects in the home and can harbor billions of bacteria. They could even be infested with staphylococcus or salmonella, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea if consumed.
The Solution: According to an article published in The Journal of Environmental Health, dampening your sponge with water and then putting it in the microwave for two minutes will help eliminate the germs that lurk inside the crevices. Some experts are skeptical, though, claiming that it's better to rinse sponges with soap and water and then keep them out of the sink so they can dry out between uses. Either way, it's important that sponges be replaced every few weeks in order to prevent excessive bacteria buildup.Hot Spot: Your purse. According to researchers at Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City, women's purses may carry a host of nasty bacteria including salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to gastrointestinal and eye problems. And here's something you may not want to know: Researchers found evidence of trace fecal contamination on the majority of purses tested.
The Solution: Avoid placing your purse on the floor of a train, bus, car, or public restroom. Also, get in the habit of wiping yours down with antibacterial wipes at the end of each day. If your purse is washable, toss it in the washing machine every couple of weeks on a gentle cycle.Hot Spot: Your office desk. According to a University of Arizona study, the average office desk contains 20,961 germs per square inch. The worst desktop offenders? Phones, computer keyboards, and mouses, all of which can serve as a petri dish for bacteria and the viruses that cause colds and flu.
The Solution: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), you can help keep desktop germs to a minimum by wiping down the desk with disinfectant and refraining from eating at your desk.Hot Spot: Your makeup. You might think that tube of lip color is just divine, but there may be more to your makeup than meets the eye. Cosmetics, as well as applicators like sponges and brushes, typically harbor tons of bacteria, which could lead to eye and skin infections.
The Solution: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends replacing powders and eye shadows every two years, foundation and lipstick every year, and mascara every three months. Applicators should also be washed regularly with soap and water. -
July 13, 2008
6 ways to get a great bottom
There's no denying that a firm, shapely backside is one of the most enviable of all body parts. Not only does it fill out your favorite jeans; strong glute muscles can help improve your posture and even prevent back pain. How can you transform a flat or flabby behind into a booty-licious rearview? It's easy, if you follow a few simple steps. Read on as we reveal six easy ways to get a better butt. 1. Running/ Walking. Whether you do it on a treadmill, a track, or in your neighborhood, running and walking are two of the best ways to get your bottom into bikini shape. And you won't just be working your rear—you'll be incinerating calories as well.
Start with 20 to 30 minutes three times a week and gradually increase the amount of time as you build stamina. For an extra boost, crank up the incline on the treadmill to 2 percent or choose an outdoor route with hills.
2. Squats. By far one of the best butt boosters out there, squats work your glutes, thighs, and back. Try this exercise twice a week, doing two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions per set.
Here's how: Stand up straight, with your feet hip width apart. Hold a dumbbell (preferably five to 15 pounds) in each hand, palms facing up.
Keep a slight arch in your lower back and your chest up, then slowly bend your knees and push your butt back. Lower your body so that your thighs are almost parallel to the floor. Then return to the starting position by pushing through your heels to straighten your legs.
Tip: Always keep your heels on the floor, and don't let your knees bend past your toes or allow your upper body to bend forward.
3. Stairmaster. One of the most popular pieces of equipment for cardiovascular training, the Stairmaster can also work wonders for your backside. The motion of climbing stairs allows you to target your glutes and thighs, while burning a significant amount of calories, depending on the length and intensity of your workouts. Increase the level to six or above and concentrate on contracting your glutes with each step for full benefits.
If you dedicate 25 to 35 minutes three to five times a week, you should start seeing the results in three weeks or sooner.
4. Standing Lunges. Another classic, these lunges can be done in the gym or at home in your living room while watching your favorite TV show. It's best to do two sets of 10 repetitions on each side twice a week.
Here's how: Stand up straight with your hands on your hips. Take a big step forward with your right foot and bend so that your left knee is close to the floor (but not touching). Your right knee should be at a 90-degree angle. Hold for three seconds and then return to the starting position by pushing up off the right leg.
Repeat with the left leg.
5. Butt Lifts. Do this tried and true exercise twice a week, with two sets of 20 repetitions on each side, to lift and tighten your backside.
Here's how: On a padded surface or mat, lower yourself onto all fours, elbows and knees bent and resting on the floor. Shift your body weight to your forearms for support. Bend your left knee into your chest and then extend your leg straight behind you and parallel to the floor while squeezing your butt muscles. Keep your right knee bent and on the mat the whole time.
Slowly return your leg to the starting position and repeat with the alternate leg.6. Biking. Not only is biking a great cardiovascular workout; it also targets practically all the muscles in your butt, thighs, and hips. Jump on a bike for 30 to 40 minutes three to five times a week to firm up your backside and streamline your hips and thighs.
Whether you choose a stationary bike at the gym, a spinning class, or a traditional outdoor bike ride, increase the challenge by keeping your glutes tight and alternating between higher and lower intensity pedaling.