Cycle Smart!

I used to do a lot of bike riding with my family in the summer when I was younger. We had a blast! So, several years ago I purchased a bike to add cycling into the many things I do to stay active. I have a great time zipping about the neighborhood and exploring areas I never really had time to see because I always had a destination to go to in the car.

Taking a bike for a spin -indoors or out- is a great way to get active and burn calories, according to the experts at the University of Texas Medical Center. However, they say that thanks to cycling's popularity, injuries are on the rise. So be careful! If you plan on going for a bike ride, they advise the following:

-Wear a helmet when biking outdoors.
-Adjust your bike for a proper fit. Too low seats or handlebars can strain your knees, back, neck, arms, and wrists. You don't want this!
-Check pedal resistance. Too much resistance strains your quads and knees, while too little can hurt the back and pelvis.
-Wear padded shorts and make sure the seat is a good fit to avoid saddle soreness.
-Minimize blisters with shoes and socks that fit properly and absorb moisture.
-Stay hydrated! Drink water on rides lasting less than an hour. Bring along sports drinks or energy bars on longer rides.

~Bright Blessings~
Rea

Tips on Summertime Skin Care

Summer is here! That means hot weather, cook outs, family, and friends.That also meams lots of time outside under the sun. Here are some tips and home remedies for sunburns!

Sunburns are caused due to overexposure to the ultra violet rays of the sun resulting in an inflammation and irritation of the skin. When a sunburn is severe it could be accompanied by dizziness, nausea, blisters, peeling of the skin and sensitivity to light.Repeated sunburns cause long term damage such as premature aging of the skin. Therefore take extra precautions to prevent sunburns and treat if effectively if it happens.

Protect you and your family by minimizing your exposure to sunlight between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During these hours the strength of the rays of the sun are at their peak and could do the most damage. However, it is always best to limit your time in direct sunlight especially in high altitudes.

Be sure to apply sun block or if you would rather go all natural use neem oil or coconut oil. Both oils, when used properly, are just effective as sun blocks. (Please note that neem oil is not pure neem oil but a few drops of neem oil mixed with sesame or coconut or any other mild oil.) Whatever you choose do not forget to apply to ears, nose, back of neck, and hands.

Keep your skin moisturized with coconut oil or cream before and after showers. Your diet also affects the condition of your skin. Eat a light cooling diet. Avoid hot pungent and spicy foods.

Home Remedies to Help Soothe Sunburns
Milk and Cream- Milk protein is very soothing. You can apply a pad dipped in cool milk (cow milk) directly at the site of the burn. Apply the compress for 15-20 minutes and repeat every 2-4 hours.
A little fresh cream can also be applied on the sunburned skin.

Coconut Oil or Sandalwood Oil- These oils have cooling properties and therefore are effective on burnt skin. Apply the oil on the affected area.

Aloe Vera-Apply pure aloe Vera cream /gel to the site of the burn. If you have access to the plant then break a part of the leaf and apply the gel found inside the leaf on the affected area.
A note of caution: Test a small area first to make sure you are not allergic to aloe.

Cooling Baths- Cool baths are an alternative to compresses especially for larger areas. Afterward gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your skin dry, as you will irritate it further. The following substances can reduce pain, itching and inflammation:
Mix one cup of vinegar (white) into a tub of cool water.
Generously sprinkle baking soda into tepid bathwater. Instead of toweling off, let the solution dry on your skin.
Go easy on soap as soap can dry and irritate burnt skin. Do not soak in soapy water and stay away from bubble baths.

Note: If your sunburn is very severe or if you experience chills, nausea, fever, faintness, extensive blistering, general weakness, patches of purple discoloration or intense itching then consult a doctor. As with anything before starting any sort of treatment be sure to consult your doctor.

<3 Rea

Strategies for De-Stressing: Writing It Out

Clinicians at the Mind/Body Medical Institute have found that the following journal exercise helps relieve ongoing sources of stress. A single attempt is not enough, though. When you first sit down to write about a problem, you may feel more anxious. The wound, once exposed, may initially hurt more than it did while hidden. But continuing to write about the same problem over the course of several days often enables you to work through difficult emotions and reach resolution or acceptance.

Here's some advice before you begin:

-Deeply troubling events and situations, such as domestic violence, rape, or direct exposure to acts of terrorism or war, are best explored with an experienced therapist. For other situations, you can proceed on your own and seek professional help only if you feel you need assistance.

-If you're physically healthy, choose the most stressful event or problem you currently face. It's usually one that you frequently dwell upon. Or, if you think your current problems stem from past circumstance, write about traumatic events in your past.

-Truly let go. Write down what you feel and why you feel that way.

-Write for yourself, not others. Don't worry about grammar or sentence structure. If you run out of things to say in the time allotted, feel free to repeat yourself.

-Do this exercise for 15-20 minutes a day for three to four days or as long as a week if you feel writing continues to be helpful.

<3 Rea