The skin is the largest organ of the body and protects all the other organs inside the body. It allows oxygen and other nutrients to be absorbed by the body, while preventing harmful substances from entering. It also excretes waste products that are harmful to the body. The skin also mirrors the health of the inside of our bodies. When something is wrong, the skin will show it.

Here are a few beauty secrets to keeping your skin looking its best at the time of year when you want to show it off:

* Drink water – Water is important for the body. The majority of our body cells are composed of water. Without it, the body cannot function. Each day, we lose water through perspiration, respiration and urination, which must be replenished. When you begin to feel thirsty, you are already in the process of becoming dehydrated.

* Remove dead skin cells – This is often done through exfoliation. Using a sugar scrub once a week can remove excess dead skin cells from the body and the face. Exfoliation also prevents pimples by eliminating clogged pores.

* Make good food choices – Eating a lot of fat can lead to an acne problem, and it can also add fat to your body. In the summer, everyone wants to go light. Choose salads and sandwiches instead of fried foods. Eat smaller meals more often instead of three heavier ones.

* Wear a hat – When you are out in the sun, wearing a hat protects the sensitive skin of your face not only from the sun, but also from wind damage.

* Wear sunscreen – Even if you are gardening, sunscreen is important. Without a layer of protection between you and the sun, the harmful UV rays can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and damage them. Use the strongest SPF you can find – at least 50 – even when out in the sun for only 30 minutes, and reapply every two hours.

* Moisturize – The heat can dry out your skin. After a long day outside, bathe and then moisturize your skin so that it can stay supple even while you sleep. Use a light one so that you are not in danger of clogging your pores.

To make your skin ready for the summer sun and keep it looking good, you should protect it first.

Traveling is an adventure where you can see wondrous sites, and learn about and experience other cultures, but traveling can have a dark side if you are not careful.

Before You Depart

If you are traveling abroad, you should learn all that you can about the country you are about to visit, such as

* Needed immunizations
* Customs
* Laws
* Health dangers and water safety

The United States Government posts travel advisories for countries that may prove dangerous for U.S. citizens. Check this out before making any travel plans in case your country of choice is on a “do not travel” list.

You can also find out about health concerns in other countries. Once you know about health dangers, discover if there is a schedule of immunizations. To protect yourself and your traveling party, begin the immunization process as soon as possible. Arrange an appointment with your doctor. Besides immunizations, have a complete physical exam done and refill all prescriptions.

It is always wise to purchase travel insurance. These policies help you pay for medical needs when overseas. Also, it will reimburse you for lost belongings up to a certain dollar amount. One can never predict what will occur on any trip, so be prepared.

During Your Stay

Have you heard of Montezuma’s Revenge? The same thing can occur in any foreign country that doesn’t have safe water practices. In these areas, stick with bottled water for hydration.

Water is not limited to what you drink. Check to see about water safety if you plan to swim. Stick to populated tourist beaches. Local lakes and rivers may be good for sightseeing, but avoid swimming in them.

Don’t forget about food. To avoid contracting any type of parasite, always eat meals that are served hot, as cooking kills bacteria.

Carry a first aid kit. You never know when you will need a simple bandage, antibiotic ointment, antacids, bug spray or even painkillers. Check to be sure that none of your kit items are banned for airplane travel. Usually you can carry more if you stow them in your checked baggage.

Register with your country’s embassy. Let them know that you are traveling in that country. They may also be able to provide further tips to keep you healthy and safe. Also, they may give warnings about sticking to tourist tracks instead of charting your own route off the beaten path.

Traveling can be fun as long as you take precautions to be safe and healthy during your trip.

The proper name for white spots on nails is leukonychia punctata. They are are more common than you might think and can develop for a number of reasons.

The first reason is trauma to the nail. You may see white spots on fingernails and/or toenails. People who bite their nails are usually the ones who have them most often. The damage to the nail doesn’t have to be extensive for a white spot to appear. As the nail grows out, the white spot usually grows out with it until it is gone.

A defect in the formation of the nail can also be a reason for white spots. The nails grow by a process called keratinization. The nail is hard protein that is an extension from the skin. There may be air bubbles trapped in the nail plate leading to this phenomenon.

Mild infections can also lead to white spots on the nails. This is often seen in toenails. Because toes are usually stuffed in shoes where it is dark and moist, fungus is more likely to grow there. As a result, evidence of it can be seen as white spots on toenails.

Aggressive techniques and cutting too close to the skin can also cause trauma that leads to poor nail formation. You may even discover that you are allergic to some types of nail polish. Coming in contact with your nail could lead to white spots appearing as a sign of trauma.

There are different kinds of leukonychia. Leukonychia totalis describes a general whiteness over the entire nail. With leukonychia partialis, only a part of the nail is affected. Leukonychia striata indicates that there are white lines that run across the nail.

If you are concerned about white spots on your nails, talk to your dermatologist. They will more than likely go away with time but, your doctor may recommend using Vitamin E oil to moisturize the nail back to health. This will also help to nourish the skin around your nails and help to prevent splitting.

A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients keeps hair and nails strong. White spots could also be a factor of zinc deficiency and adding that to your diet could clear up your problem.

Because of the hormonal changes during puberty and teenage years, taking care of hair can be a real problem. One day your hair is shiny and laying just the right way, and the next it is unmanageable. These problems can be compounded if you have oily hair, making it stringy, flat and full of odor.

The hair produces oil called sebum. It is this oil that covers and protects the hair. The hair is made up of three layers. The outer layer is called the cuticle. Comprised of tightly overlapping scales, it protects the underlying two layers, holding moisture in. This promotes shine and bounce.

Too much oil can overly coat the hair and clog the pores. This is often what happens to the skin in teens when acne is forming. Clogged pores can lead to unhealthy hair and increased oil in the face, leading to acne breakouts.

On the other hand, you can have hair that is too dry. This leaves spaces between the scales, allowing moisture to escape. Hair becomes brittle and prone to breakage. Without moisture it is no longer shiny and healthy.

In order for your hair to look beautiful you may have to take different measures than someone who has dry or even combination hair.

Tips on Dealing with Teen Oily Hair

* Wash your hair each day – Removing excess oil can keep your hair healthy. Use an appropriate shampoo that is formulated for those who have too much oil in their hair to begin with.

* Wash your hair twice a day if you are active – Sweating can introduce more oil into your hair. You may need to wash it more than once a day. If you do, use a milder shampoo so that you don’t strip too much oil from your hair and damage it by making it too dry.

* Avoid using too much heat on your hair – Even oily hair can be damaged from blow dryers and curling irons. Before you style your hair, dry hair completely. Wet hair is weaker and more easily damaged.

Being a teen and dealing with your hair is not always a happy experience. If you have oily hair, these tips can help you manage it better.

A Change of Hair Products

If you have been using the same shampoo, conditioner or hair gel for some time, try switching to a different brand for three to four weeks. Dandruff may be a cause of the scalp’s reaction to certain chemicals in hair products. Simply stopping the use of those products could get rid of dandruff.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Rub this mixture into your scalp and let it sit for about half an hour before rinsing. Repeat this process twice a week for a month.

Essential Oils

Sunflower oil, Emu oil and olive oil (the essential oil, not the cooking oil) have all worked for some to cure dandruff. Read the directions carefully when applying essential oils. Generally one drop needs to be diffused in quite a bit of water to keep it from being too concentrated.

Commercial Options

There are a number of shampoos on the market that specifically target dandruff. Pay careful attention to the active Ingredients in these shampoos. Compounds that have proven to help relieve dandruff include selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid and ketoconazole.

One brand of note is Head and Shoulders, which has been on the market for fifty years. The active ingredient is pyrithione zinc and many have found it to be one of the most consistently effective cures. Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo is the top selling shampoo in the United States by dollar sales.

Dietary Changes

Finally, one natural, affordable and healthy way to cure dandruff is to address it by changing your diet. What you put into your body has a huge impact on how your body functions. By changing what you eat, you can change the amount of moisture in your scalp.

Start by making sure you are drinking enough water. If you aren’t getting at least eight glasses of water a day, just changing this could get rid of your dandruff.

In addition, get rid of as much junk food, fast food and processed food as possible. Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, which are both rich in nutrients and rich in water.

These are some of the most successful cures for dandruff that have been found.

How Does Dandruff Occur?

There are many reasons for dandruff. Rough shampoos, conditioners and gels can cause dryness, oiliness or an excess of acidity in the hair and scalp, which can result in excess dryness.

Diet can also play a large part. If you are regularly dehydrated, then your scalp will also be dryer. If you take in too much sodium, this could also diminish the amount of moisture going to your skin.

Dandruff can also sometimes be caused by weather. Some people find that they only have dandruff in dry and hot weather, while others are most susceptible in cold weather.

Finally, it’s also important to take natural tendencies into account. Some people just have a predisposition to a very dry or oily scalp.

The Intermittent Issue

Some people find that dandruff sometimes appears and sometimes completely disappears. They may find themselves with dandruff for months or years, only to have it disappear almost entirely. While scientists have spent a significant amount of time examining dandruff and its causes, there are so many possible contributing factors that it is nearly impossible to pinpoint one or another as the exact cause.

A change in shampoos, hairstyles, diet, lifestyle, emotional health, and any number of other things could cause dandruff to disappear or reappear again. What is important is for people who have a tendency for dandruff to be aware of it, along with any specific behaviors that can trigger dandruff or reduce dandruff symptoms for them.

Although dandruff can be quite a hassle, fortunately enough is known about the condition that a number of cures are available.

The “empty nest syndrome” is that feeling of sadness and loss that accompanies your children leaving home for the last time. It could happen when they go to college or move out on their own. At first, you may enjoy having your home to yourself, but there will likely be a noticeable absence in your life.

For mothers who stayed at home with their children, the effect can be devastating. Your day revolved around the care of your family and now a big chunk of that is disappearing. It will be more important for you to discover a new dream and purpose now.

It will seem strange at first when you don’t have to rush home or take someone to practice. After work, you can just come home and do nothing if that’s what you want.

Making Life Fulfilling Again

Here are some ways that you can regroup and get a handle on where your life is going:

* Find a job – For those who had put their professional life on hold to care for their children, a new job may be just what you need to fill the void in your day. You may not need the money, but you can still benefit from the new stimuli and tasks.

* Take up the challenge – There will be a void, so aim to fill it. Think back to the time before you had children and pursue something that you love once again. Be adventurous and learn a new skill. Don’t do it because you have to, but because you want to.

* Spend time with your spouse – It is easy to lose touch during the years when your children are growing up. Behave as though you are dating again. Forge new paths in your relationship. Take a trip that you have always dreamt about.

* Volunteer – Now that you have helped your children, help others. Volunteer work connects us with the world as a whole and gives us purpose. Many organizations around your city could use your expertise.

* Find projects to complete – There is sure to be something around the house that you have been dying to do for years. It might be planting a garden, building a deck, or painting a room or two. Once the children are gone is the perfect time to get started.

* Spend time with friends – Call up those girlfriends who are also experiencing empty-nest syndrome and have some fun. Have lunch out, spend a day at the spa, or just get together and begin a book club. You have the time, so fill it with laughs and friendship.

Life doesn’t end when the children leave home. Discover new things about yourself that result in a richer, fuller life in the years ahead.

Our live include a lot of stages. It is a new stage when our children grow up and leave to attend college or to move out on their own, and gone are the days when all of our plans centered on them.

Just because our children are eager to leave, doesn’t mean that we are eager to see them go. For parents, it means that a journey that began eighteen years ago or longer is coming to an end.

What do we do now is the question that faces many empty-nesters. For so long the purpose of their lives has been tied to their children and they are not prepared for what comes next. Here are some ideas to help you get prepared mentally for this day:

* Teach your children to be independent – The last thing any parent wants to do is cripple their children. Always being there to rescue them keeps them dependent on you and not on themselves. Let them find a summer job, balance a checkbook and take responsibility for chores around the home.

* Grieve the loss of this chapter of your life – There are many things that happen in life that can feel much like a death, and children leaving home is one of them. It is all right to be sad because your children are all grown up and wanting to live their own lives. Take the time to get used to the changes that will come in your life.

* Develop a support system – Talk to friends who are already empty-nesters or who are going through the same transition. Discuss your feelings and what may be over the horizon for both of you.

* Talk to your children – They may notice that you are feeling down. Let them know how you feel. You may be surprised how your teenager will react. What a surprise it will be to hear “thank you” fall from their lips when they refer to all that you have done for them. Believing that you have done well as a parent can aid in feeling good about making this transition in your life.

* Revisit your attitude on life – Now that your teen is leaving, you should redefining what you now want from life.  Identifying your purpose can give you new hope and a fresh outlook on the future.

Don’t despair when your teens leave the nest. Embrace the change in their life and yours.

The loss of connections can lead to forgetfulness and other cognitive changes. Maybe you don’t have the sharpest reflexes any more. Maybe you used to be able to come up with a solution to a problem right away, whereas now it takes you longer.

How to Stay Sharp into Older Age

You can continue to be sharp with these suggestions:

* Eat for a healthy brain – Feed the brain and it will remember. Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids for cellular integrity and reduced inflammation. Eat more vegetables and fruits, as well as whole grains. Reduce intake of processed foods and artificial preservatives.

* Take care of your health – The brain is affected by many different conditions. For instance, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels needed to carry oxygen to the brain. It can also loosen cholesterol plaque that can break off and cause a stroke. Decrease your weight, lower your blood pressure and take care of your heart to help your brain. Visit your doctor regularly to get ahead of any potential problems.

* Exercise – Exercise is good for a strong body, bones and a clear mind. It increases the oxygenation of the brain cells, which leads to clarity and focus. Exercise also lowers blood pressure and increases endurance, balance and fitness.

* Play games – These are not just any games. Try a game that challenges your mind. These can be crossword puzzles, word searches, word scrambles, picture puzzles, finish the pattern puzzles and others of this nature. Another popular game to play is Sudoku. Not only does it involve strategy but also math skills, which many forget as they get older.

* Access your memory – Try remembering nursery rhymes, limericks, playtime songs and others. Accessing deeper memories can improve your recall over time.

* Stop smoking – Smoking has been linked to the signs of dementia. While forgetfulness is to be expected as you age, serious cognitive problems are not. That includes dementia.

If you are aging, don’t worry about your memory. You can stay sharp with the above tips to challenge your brain.

Food Allergies

A lot of people have glucose allergy or allergy to milk without knowing it. The allergies aren’t serious enough to cause them to break out in hives or have difficulty breathing; unfortunately the mild symptoms make it difficult to identify the cause of allergies. The best way to test for allergies is to get an allergy test from a doctor. Alternatively, try cutting glucose or milk from your diet for three weeks to see if symptoms disappear.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be cured in some people, while in others the symptoms can be reduced by taking dietary precautions. IBS can result in bloating, in addition to diarrhea, stomach pains and excess gas. IBS is best diagnosed by a medical professional. Don’t assume that it will go away on its own. Note that women have a three times higher likelihood of having IBS than men.

Fatty Foods, Large Meals, and Drinking Liquids after Eating

Bloating could just be a symptom of poor dietary habits. For example, fatty foods can line the stomach and cause excess acid to be produced. This in turn creates the sensation of bloating and heartburn. Eating overly large meals can also cause bloating. This is simply a case of having too much food in the stomach.

Having a lot of liquid within 30 to 60 minutes of eating can also cause bloating. The liquid isn’t moving through your system because it is blocked by the recently ingested food. Furthermore, the liquids dilute the stomach base and acid, causing digestion to take longer and creating more of a sense of bloating.

Eat smaller meals with low-fat foods. Eat more often if necessary, but keep meals small. Drink before meals rather than after.

Candida

Candida is a bacterium that grows naturally in your digestive system and normally doesn’t cause any problems. Every once in a while, however, due to chemical imbalances in the body, Candida can overgrow. Among other things, this can cause a sense of bloating.

There are a number of cures for Candida. Home cures generally revolve around cutting any and all sugar intake for a few weeks. There are also several medical cures from which to choose.

If Candida lasts for only a week or two, it might make sense to try to treat it at home. However, if it lasts more than two or three weeks, seek a medical professional for a real diagnosis.