Archive for the 'Health, Fitness & Beauty' Category

How to Be Plus Size Chic

Do you get sick of looking for jackets without any shape or style?.. Especially if you are a plus size girl? You see all these nice jackets displayed at the front of the store, only to find moo moo style jackets in your size at the back.

Well not any more, with 6 out of every 10 women being plus size. (Which is considered size 14 and up) the fashion designers are finally starting to come up with some trendy and chic styling.

When you have a nice fitted jacket or top, that is the right size for you (remember do not go by that nasty number on the tag, go by the fit) you will actually look slimmer and sleeker. If you choose a size too small or a size too big, you will look awkward and sloppy and this will make you look bigger.

The problem is, that many women, and especially young girls, are so focused on that number (or size) on the tag, that they buy the wrong size, and the outfit does not do them any justice.

If you want to look your best, find a style that you like and will work with your body style, and will fit over your tops, blouses etc. (This rule applies no matter what size you are!) and get the right size to fit you. A nice fitting jacket, will allow movement and you will carry yourself proud and feel your best.

If that nasty tag really bothers you, then cut it off when you get home, no one needs to know your size, other than you and the sales person. Besides, everyone will notice how good you look in your new jacket, and they will not focus on the size.  click here for some great stylish plus size jackets

Foods That Are Good For Your Heart

Fish:

Fish,it seems are not only friends but very good food too!Fish like salmon,tuna,pomfret are rich in omega-3- fatty acids. These are a class of essential fatty acids and cannot be synthesized in the human body( some other fatty acids can be converted to omega-3-fattyacids though but the reaction rate is very slow).Important ones in this class are ALA,EPA ,DHA.Benefits of consumption include decrease in blood pressure,reduced blood triglyceride levels,stimulated blood circulation,reduction of varicose veins.Vegetarian sources of omega-3-fatty acids include flax seeds and soy.Flax seed oil can also be used as good source of omega-3-fatty acids(Yellow flax however has a completely different oil profile.)
Cooking tips:
Instead of frying fish grill it,or stir fry it in a pan lightly greased with oil.Fish which has been previously marinated in herbs taste just as good when grilled or lightly stir fried ina greased pan.

Walnut:

15% of fats found in walnuts is MUFA(Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acid).Walnut is known to lower LDL and lipoprotein A.It makes blood less likely to clot in blood vessels,prevents irregular heart rhythms(also known as arrhythmia).Walnuts also hinder inflammation and hence the formation of artery clogging plaques.Omega-3-fatty acids in walnut actually inhibit the action of arachidonic acid and its derivatives which promote inflammation.Walnuts are also known to have cardioprotective properties.Polyphenols ( walnut has ellagic and gallic acid) ,16 antioxidant phenols and some tannins prevent free radical formation in the body and makes walnut a great antioxidant food item.
Cooking tip:
Sprinkle chopped walnut on your breakfast cereal along with fresh strawberries bananas,
use walnuts in your chocolate cake,or to a roasted trail mix.

Oats:

Oats are known to lower LDL(Low Density Lipoprotein or BAD cholesterol) and decrease the risk of heart disease.Oats are rich in soluble fibres- a class of pollysacharides called beta glucans.These polysaccharides,unlike cellulose are soluble and are found in the endosperm.Oat is the only cereal to contain legume like proteins as 80% of its protein content.
Cooking tip:
Make oat porridge with milk,add roasted oats to breakfast cereals.

Olive oil:

High content of monounsaturated fatty acids(mostly oleic acid) and antioxidants makes olive oil lower LDL and raise HDL in blood.Also beneficial in ulcers and gastritis.Increses concentration of good phenols in the blood which have high antioxidative properties.Extra virgin olive oil from the first pressing is the richest in phenols ,vitamin E and MUFA because it is the least processed.

Green tea:

Rich in epigallocatechingallate(EPCG),a catechin gallate which is a very powerful antioxidant.Green tea is also known to fight against cancer cells and lower LDL in blood and hence reduces abnormal clot formation.Green Tea is also beneficial in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis,high cholesterol levels,cardiovascular disease,infection and impaired immune function.Avoid an overdose though,it is also known to cause insomnia.Flavoured green tea is readily available in departmental stores these days.

A Review Of Acne Scar Removal Treatment

Certain ordinary ailments are as old as mankind. Among the more ragged ones is the skin disorder called acne. You may also know this skin problem as pimples, blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads and zits. What is there in the name, the reaction will be no different. you are disgusted by acne. Come on, after all we are human beings. Needless to say, none of us want to grapple with this burden if we do not have to. Well, whether you are in the stage of battling off daily acne outbreaks or past the eruptions and now dealing with the aftermath, many treatments and cures are available. Anything from acne prevention to acne scar removal is totally feasible in this day and age. Let us start changing your complexion the right way.

Acne scar removal treatments were not available almost until the 80’s. regardless of age profile, human beings have been dealing with the ugly looks created by acne pimples, but those who were more mature, and simply burdened by the aftermath of zits, could only cover up their acne scars. It is all history now. Cut back to a optimistic future where gentle/elegant complexions are possible, even if you had severe acne at one point in your life. Some of the more recommended and popular cures for acne scar removal are chemical peels, Microderm abrasion and laser treatments. One thing you should realize right off the bat with chemical peels is that they rapidly exfoliate multiple layers of skin, thereby turning your face sensitive for a few days afterward. This means you should try to be away from direct sunlight and rough actions like scrubs. Studies suggest that a lot of people who opt for a chemical peel are a bit red for several days. Microderm abrasion is one of the best remedies for acne scar removal these days. This is a amiable/smooth way to eradicate remove dead surface skin so that it displays the the real radiance.

All of you who want the most advanced acne scar removal procedure on the market, you will want to think about laser scar removal. This new-age process burns lifeless material like layers of epidermis, and transforms your complexion fir the better. Obviously all of these acne scar removal treatments require involvement of a professional.

You can visit a local spa or dermatologist and regain the glow of your skin - lazar acne scar removal - cost for laser acne scar removal.

3 Tips for Natural Beauty

Beauty is a feature of a place, idea, person or object, which gives a perceptual experience of satisfaction, meaning or pleasure. A perfect beauty is a person whom people admire, or who has features largely ascribed to attractiveness in a specific culture. Several historic women such as Helen of Troy, Cleopatra VII and Marilyn Monroe have become symbols of beauty.

Often the subjective experience of beauty comprises of an explanation of some entity as being in harmony and balance with nature which ultimately results in feelings of emotional well-being and attraction.

Not everyone desires a complete make over, as some prefer to maintain a more natural appearance. So how can women attain an attractive look without the use of heavy makeup and cosmetics? Following are a few natural beauty advices and tips which will place you on the path to an unaffected, beautiful you.

1.   Practice a healthy lifestyle:

Natural beauty is analogous to a general healthy appearance. Begin with a better lifestyle. Your daily life and attitudes reflect on how you appear to others. It will not be a cause of concern only if people take care of their body.

Eat a suitable, well-balanced diet. Nutritious food results in proper functioning of your internal organs, which shows on the outer surface as well. The trick is to go through the labels cautiously and consume nutritious foods with negligible preservatives. Good nourishment is the key to a person’s longevity and beauty.

The world’s best skin will not be able to defeat a flabby body. If an individual has been slacking off make it a point to get in good physical shape. Set some practical fitness targets to make your body trim and fit. Start with short-term targets and once they are attained, set new ones.

2.   Take care of your skin:

Water plays an important role in maintaining your skin’s natural beauty. For radiant skin, it is necessary to drink water to keep the skin supple and soft. Bear in mind to apply lotion to damp skin after taking a shower.

Look for herbal, organic and natural beauty recipes for basic problems of the skin. Whether it is blemishes or dry skin, a person can target the regions, which need it most without using chemicals that irritate the skin.

To avoid leathery skin, you need to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by not exposing much to the sun’s hazardous rays. Make it a point to use a sunscreen with SPF of about 15 when enjoying outdoor activities.

3.   Reduce Stress:

These days, stress is inevitable because of the fast lifestyle and often reflects in a person’s eyes and skin. Make it a routine to pamper yourself and relax everyday if possible. This will enable an individual to plan the subsequent day properly.

When stressed out, be alert of your facial expressions. For instance, if individuals often raise their eyebrows, there will be a possibility of getting permanent wrinkles on the forehead. Thus, try to replace such expressions with fidgeting.

Makeup For Enhancing Natural Beauty:

Individuals need to make use of only the best beauty tools and cosmetic brushes to cover imperfections and add to their finest features. This enables you to use only the required amount while blending in any surplus color.

Apply a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer with a damp sponge. This will show your natural skin tone while covering minor flaws. Use liquid brush or crème coalesces more naturally then powder. Apply outwards to your cheek’s apple and into your hairline to avoid makeup lines.

A person can now improve the beauty of eyelashes without using colors or clumps. These days, clear mascara is accessible to give your eyelashes shine and luster.

Gluten Free Cornbread to Die For!

There are so many great recipes out there now for gluten free living, that the rest of your  family will want to eat these with you, as they taste so good.

 
Here is a great old-fashioned recipe for No Flour Cornbread that has no sweetener in it, as some of the modern versions have.  Some of the old fashioned recipes tend to have more fat in them, but if you don’t have a cholesterol problem, then check out the taste.

 
2 eggs

2 cups buttermilk

2 cups white cornmeal

1-teaspoon baking powder

1-teaspoon baking soda

¼ cup bacon grease

 
1 old fashioned skillet that is oven proof.

 
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

 
Mix first 5 ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix with a whisk.

 
Put bacon grease in the 10” skillet over medium high heat, and watch it carefully (don’t want a grease fire!) when it gets good and hot, pour into the batter, stirring as you pour.  Then pour the mixture back into the skillet.

 
Place the skillet on the middle rack of your oven, and bake until springy and pulling away from the sides.

 
Remove from oven and tip onto serving plate and serve with plenty of butter!

 
You can make different versions of this recipe.  You can replace the bacon grease with margarine or other cooking oils, you can also cook the bread right on the stovetop for 15-20 minutes on med heat.. but watch it carefully. 

 
This cornbread is great for stews, chili, anything… 

 
So, if you have had to change your diet because of wheat gluten, then start collecting recipes, and keep some ingredients on hand for some of these great tasting recipes.  You can also purchase many gluten free mixes now, and these would be great to keep in your pantry, for those days, you just don’t know what to eat.  When eating gluten free, it can be hard in the beginning, but if you stock your pantry and kitchen with lots of good gluten free choices, you will feel better, and your family will eat them right along with you.  It doesn’t hurt them to switch their grains once in a while!  click here  for more great gluten free products and a free recipe video.

Finding New Work Assignments as a Travel Nurse

Have you ever tried looking for a job? How many days (months?) do you spend looking for the right job when you are in between jobs?

Have you ever wondered how come traveling nurses simply seemingly float from one assignment to the next on completion of a tour of duty? Don’t you find it odd that they can do so without the benefit of poring through classified ads looking for the right job?

What most people are unaware of is that good and exceptional travel nurses do not need to spend days, weeks or even months to look for a job or an assignment. The fact is, weeks before their present assignment or tour duty is due for completion, travel nurse already have the next assignment lined up, ready and waiting – if they want it! A good and reliable travel nurse does not necessarily have to go back to her point of hire after an assignment if they schedule their assignments with care and properly plan the dates for completion of duty. At the time one tour ends, a reliable traveling nurse can just pick up from there and proceed to the next city or state where he or she would be assigned.

The reason for this, which is often overlooked by most people, is that travel nurses are not employees of hospitals or the medical facilities where they are. They are instead directly employed by the nursing agency that hired them, provide for their per diem allowances including travel, board, and lodging and sometimes even relocation allowances! The travel nurse’s own agency ensures that takes care of everything for the traveling nurse, from work permits and licenses to travel expenses and allowances.

It is therefore the agency that originally hired the traveling nurse where their new assignments come from. Although there are varying assignment matching parameters from one agency to the next, in general an agency does it well in advance of assignment duty completion and advises the concerned nurse regarding the availability of the next assignment. They also post notices on company websites for the nurse to check even if they are on assignment or send them emails depending on whether or not they are qualified for the upcoming posting. Some nurses even contact their agencies for possible assignments in the area where they are presently assigned.

If a travel nurse requests for an assignment, the agency ensures that the requesting nurse is eligible and well-experienced for the requested position. As soon as this is verified, the agency then determines if the traveling nurse is legally allowed to practice her profession in the state where the assignment is located. Should it be necessary to file any paperwork to secure a license or permit, it is the agency who handles the necessary paper work as soon as possible.

On approval of the travel nurse’s necessary permits and licenses, it is also the agency who finds accommodation for their employee for the duration of the assignment. It is one of the big responsibilities of the travel nurse’s agency to guarantee that their nurses have regular assignments. It actually works to the agency’s advantage to have their traveling nurses employed continually as this is where they make their money from. The better the assignments, the happier the travel nurse is in staying with the agency and in return it means more income for the agency as well!

A Peek Into a Traveling Nurse’s Regular Day

A nurse’s work day is normally either the tumultuous and fast-paced tempo of an emergency situation or the quiet and tranquil air of watching over recuperating people. This depends on the type of assignment a traveling nurse decides on – they actually have the luxury of choosing their assignments! Whether it is in the emergency room, operating room or patient recovery ward – the final choice is theirs to make!

More often than not, considering that the traveling nurse’s assignment is temporary – they are required to work in an assortment of clinical settings. And since their assignments only last for four to six weeks at a time, traveling nurses also agree to handle such diverse duties regardless of their specialization since they are trained to work under almost any conditions. Considering the perks of a traveling nurse who can work anywhere in the country, nurses agree to take on other duties in order to further their nursing knowledge and career. Also, the additional experience becomes an added asset to securing future assignments.

Normally, traveling nurses fill up jobs not only in other states where specialized care may be required but also in cruise ships that travel around the world. How would you like to be on board one of those expensive floating hotels, enjoy the various sights of the ports of call, have you own on-bard accommodation, not pay a single cent for your passage and instead get paid for just being there? Of course, you would love that. I would too! Being a traveling nurse and getting assigned to a cruise ship is the dream assignment of most travel nurses!

On the other end of the assignment roster is the probability of getting assigned to disaster areas where field hospitals are constructed in times of crisis and disasters. More often than not, state and local governments are always hiring nurses to travel to disaster areas to provide aid in times of crisis. Concrete examples are Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 disaster where a lot of traveling nurses were employed for this medical disaster.

The duties and responsibilities of a traveling nurse are both rewarding and sometimes even more challenging than your regular nursing jobs. Because of the situation, traveling nurses are required to learn new skills on the fly, often under great pressure during emergency situations. There is always the chance that the clinical procedures you are familiar with are not the same as the ones observed in your new place of assignment. It’s a matter of having the aptitude to learn and execute new techniques and styles of doing things right then and there.

A traveling nurse regularly comes in contact with the stimulating experience of working in various areas of nursing, with different peoples and personalities while at the same time having fun and excitement in traveling to new and interesting locales in the performance of her duty to provide assistance in the treatment of people medically. Aside from these, the most obvious enticement is that they get paid more and have more job perks compared to other nurses!

Necessary Requirements to Become a Traveling Nurse

Being a traveling nurse takes on a new meaning due to the combination of two words – travel and nurse. To travel and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of a new place is every individual’s dream. And to those men and women who would like to emulate Florence Nightingale pursuing a career in nursing is the pinnacle of success. Nursing include independent and shared care of individuals regardless of ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing also involves the promotion of good health, prevention of illness, and the care of sick, disabled and dying people. Nurses also participate in the advancement of a safe living environment, research, determining health policy including patient and health systems management, and education.

Combining the two diverse fields makes it a challenging but adventurous and rewarding career at the same time. To But how do you become a traveling nurse in order to be part of a select group of people who travel and work at the same time?

The very first thing is to take up nursing in college and become a Registered Nurse. You also need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You then need to acquire the necessary one year experience by working in a clinical / hospital environment in your field of specialization. There longer the experience you have accumulated before applying as a traveling nurse, the higher the pay and more benefits you will get. The minimum requirement set by majority of traveling nurse agencies is one year.

After acquiring the necessary experience, you need then to identify the various traveling nurse agencies that suit your requirements and apply with them. Make sure that you carefully study and analyze their hiring benefits, bonuses, contract provisions as related to travel, board and lodging. Make a worksheet in order to better compare the plus and minus factors of each agency with another. Not all traveling nurse agencies have the same hiring and compensation package.

As soon as you have narrowed down your list to a manageable and realistic number, then you can engage in a more thorough research. Feel free to ask questions from the agencies and nurses who are working for them. Ask for a list of referrals and industry affiliations.

Once you have determined which particular agency you wish to work for, submit your resume. On approval of your application, you can then begin to choose the available positions which can literally be anywhere across the continental United States.

Make sure you are aware of the duration of the assignment (type of facility, duties and responsibilities including work hours), travel and accommodation arrangements etcetera before signing a contract. As soon as these are settled, the agency will have to do its responsibility of securing the necessary permits and licenses to allow you to work anywhere in the United States.

You can now enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of your new place of assignment as a traveling nurse. While on assignment, you can still be in touch with your home office through the Internet or telephone and be constantly advised of upcoming openings as the completion of your assignment nears.

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