DON'T LET A FLEA RUIN XMAS

Are you planning on some walks in the countryside this holiday period?  are you an avid dog walker?  Without wanting to put the dampeners on everything, be aware of ticks and any bite marks on your skin after your walk.  There is an increasing trend of reported Lyme disease in this country that is caused by infected ticks and fleas.  If detected early on, recovery is quite simple, if left, long term complications can arise.
Two thirds of people who receive a bite from an infected flea/tick develop a raised red rash much like the bullseye of a dart board.  Other symptoms include flu like feelings, tiredness, muscle/joint pain, fever, stiff neck.  More serious symptoms develop weeks, months or even years later including arthritis, paralysis and other nervous system complications, heart problems and meningitis.

Check yourself or your pet after a walk in the woods, fields or park for any ticks attached to skin or fur.  If you feel any of the mentioned symptoms it is wise to get your gp to check you out.  Detection via a blood test may take several attempts over several weeks as the disease is initially undetactable in blood in the initial few weeks.  If you're found with the disease, antibiotics ar usually prescribed.  If you've left getting diagnosed for some time, it may be necessary to see a specialist in microbiology or infectious diseases.
Here are the NHS top tips to reduce your risk of catching Lyme disease.

• keeping to footpaths and avoiding long grass when out walking
• wearing appropriate clothing in tick-infested areas (a long-sleeved shirt and trousers tucked into your socks)
• wearing light-coloured fabrics that may help you spot a tick on your clothes
• using insect repellent on exposed skin
• inspecting your skin for ticks, particularly at the end of the day, including your head, neck and skin folds (armpits, groin, and waistband) – remove any ticks you find promptly
• checking your children's head and neck areas, including their scalp
• making sure ticks are not brought home on your clothes
• checking that pets do not bring ticks into your home in their fur

Now you're feeling all itchy & scratchy at the thought of ticks and fleas, I'll wish you a cheerful yuletide.

FIDGET YOUR WAY TO BETTER HEALTH

Good morning folks,
Are you or do you know someone who cannot sit still?  Do they constantly fiddle with their hands or shuffle their feet much to your annoyance?  We all know that sitting for long periods of time at a desk or on a long haul flight reduces the flow of blood to the legs, which may contribute to cardiovascular disease over time. New research now shows that fidgeting can be beneficial to our health.

A study set out to prove that a small amount of leg fidgeting could prevent a decline in leg vascular function caused by sitting for an extended period.  A sample of 11 young men and women were used, having their leg vascular function tested before & after 3 hours of sitting.  Whilst they were sitting they were encouraged to fidget one leg for a minute, either shuffling, tapping etc.  They then repeated this after a 4 minute rest.  The second leg remained still throughout.  When the researchers tested the subjects afterwards, they found that the active leg had increased blood flow whilst the other had reduced blood flow.  With such a small sample, the result was hardly conclusive but it does give food for thought.  In the real world, the researchers recommend tapping both legs to maximise the health benefits but also caution that fidgeting is not a substitute for walking & exercise which provide better overall cardiovascular benefits but if you are unable to take regular breaks to get up and stretch your legs and move about, then fidgeting is an alternative to consider.

Until next week, get fidgeting :)

TRY THIS FOR HEALTHIER LOOKING SKIN

Good morning folks,
Of late it seems that everytime I switch on a daytme magazine programme, at some point Turmeric Face Masks are mentioned.  I was dubious that such a thing existed but further investigation shows that they are real, with commercial ones available as well as recipes for homemade ones.

Have you ever used turmeric powder?  The smallest amount seems to stain everything so imagine if you put it on your face and it stained it good & proper.  You'd really look Tango'd or maybe an over zealous spray tan.  I may give it a try if I think I can get it off.  For starters though, here is some further reading poached from turmeric for health.com

Turmeric has long been known in the west as a spice that adds flavour and colour to Indian dishes or as an Ayurveda or Chinese medicine.
The popularity of turmeric is now spreading in the West too as a good way to improve skin health and for many other health problems.
In many parts of India, turmeric is an essential part of any beauty treatment. When applied to the skin as a paste or a face mask, it can help in treating acne, eczema, rosacea and aids in skin rejuvenation.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that turmeric possesses are both important in treating these skin conditions. In acne, using facial masks can soothe skin blemishes and heal acne scars.
For patients with eczema applying a facial mask can reduce inflammation and redness. When rosacea patients use turmeric masks, it can reduce the tiny pimples and redness that this skin condition causes.
Turmeric face masks are used to rejuvenate skin. Regular use of turmeric with various combination of ingredients can soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Turmeric Masks you can try at home

Some simple tips to follow before using any facial mask
Before applying a facial mask, your skin must be clean and fresh and free of all cosmetics,
lotions etc. Hence, start with a nice hot shower or steam bath.
Use mild shower gel or non-medicated and non-abrasive soaps. This will open up pores nicely and make the mask more effective.
Once you prepare your turmeric mask and applied it, lie down and close your eyes.
This is a time to relax and rejuvenate your skin and mind. To add to the relaxing experience, you can place a couple of chamomile tea bags (after use and cooled down), 2 cucumber slices or 2 cotton balls soaked in lavender or rose water on your eyes.
Relax for at least 20 minutes, giving your face mask sufficient time to dry and stiffen. Now, you can rinse with warm water, making sure to gently remove all remnants of your mask. Finally, splash on some cold water on your face and pat dry.
The following are some face masks using turmeric that can be used for different types of skin.

Basic turmeric mask

To make this basic turmeric mask, combine some honey, yoghurt or milk with a few tablespoons of turmeric in a bowl. Mix this until it forms a smooth paste and apply on freshly washed skin. Leave this mask on for at least 20 minutes before washing off.

Turmeric face mask for beautiful skin

Brides in India use a turmeric mask before the ceremony. This is sometimes part of the religious festivities in many Indian homes.
For this beauty mask, combine 2 teaspoons sandalwood powder, 2 teaspoons turmeric powder, ½ cup chickpea flour with a little almond oil or ghee. To this add water and make a paste.
Apply this mask and leave it until it dries and then wash off with water.

Let me know with photographic evidence if you give this a try
Til next week, take care