One of the best things about summertime is the opportunity for outdoor activity that it brings. But you know what’s not so cool? When unexpected guests show up at said gatherings – particularly when they’re of the non-human variety. Insects. They’re annoying. They swarm, they bite, they sting and sometimes, like ants, they cluster around and…
Mosquitos suck. Literally. They can reduce even the most relaxed of backyard barbecues into a frenzy of swatting and knee-slapping. And then there are allergies and serious viruses like Zika that can be transmitted by the annoying little buggers. But you know what sucks even more than mosquitos? Some of the commercial repellants out there that’ll suck…
The body’s circulation system is responsible for sending blood, oxygen and nutrients through the body. When blood flow to a specific part of the body is reduced, symptoms of poor circulation can arise. Poor blood circulation is most common in the extremities, such as the arms and legs. The most common causes of poor circulation…
Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. It has a tough brown skin, deep orange flesh and it works great in the kitchen to spice up your dishes with a warm and peppery flavor. Turmeric is known for it’s strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s been used for centuries to naturally treat…
Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are responsible for bringing positive and negative influences into our lives. The Law of Attraction can be understood when we realize that “like attracts like.” The things you focus on can have an intense impact on what happens to you. If you surround yourself with negative thoughts, negative…
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the reward and pleasure centers in the brain. It helps regulate movement and emotional responses, enabling the brain to see rewards and move toward them. Dopamine provides enjoyment and reinforcement to motivate a person to do or continue doing certain activities that provide pleasure. It’s a key factor…
When you’re in a situation with someone who is verbally aggressive, you can feel defensive, or a little scared or intimidated. Verbally aggressive people aren’t shy. People who are verbally aggressive don’t hold back when it comes to their feelings and opinions, so getting into an argument, altercation or a heated discussion with someone who…
Lots of jobs are hard. But parenting might just be the hardest. Despite all of the books, pamphlets and research that parents can delve into before their child is born, parenting often ends up being a “learn as you go” process. Most parents have a subtle but constant fear that something might go wrong. The…
Pain in the spine, legs or joints can make your daily routine much more difficult and uncomfortable. Research has shown that chronic pain, often in the form of fibromyalgia, could be due to central sensitization, where neurons in the spinal cord become sensitized by inflammation or cell damage. Certain chemicals in foods can trigger the…
Pickles come in many different shapes, sizes and flavors, but most either love em’ or hate em.’ Their tangy, salty and often sour taste is often an acquired one. Those who enjoy their flavor love to eat them in a variety of ways, adding pickles to their wraps, sandwiches, burgers and even eating them straight…
Birth control pills aren’t just being used to prevent pregnancy. They’re also often prescribed for acne and irregular menstrual cycles. They’re advertised as safe, easy to use, and they’re extremely common among women. After a quick check-up, a woman is handed her prescription, possibly along with a small pamphlet about safe sex and reproductive health,…
You may have heard about some of the buzz surrounding fluoride. Its negative effects have become more severe and been brought to light, causing it to become a main health topic worldwide. Fluoride is found in many public water products, causing some serious health threats. If you’re a bottled water connoisseur, you’ll want to read…
Feeling bloated can definitely put a damper on your day. It makes finding something to wear more difficult, lowers your self-esteem and leaves you feeling uncomfortable. Bloating can happen for a number of reasons, including: 1. Intestinal Yeast Overgrowth The healthy bacteria in your gut usually keeps your yeast levels in check, but there are…
Moles are common growths on the skin that are usually brown or black in color. They can appear anywhere on the skin, either alone or in groups. Most appear in early childhood, and they can grow or change in color. Moles occur when the cells in the skin grow in a cluster, instead of being…
Experiencing pain or other symptoms without knowing the cause can be frustrating. A herniated disc is something that many people overlook. The spinal column is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae) stacked onto each other. The bones are cushioned by discs which protect them by absorbing the shocks from daily activities such as…