A small victory

I used to love swimming. I learned fairly young (five or six, maybe younger–I can’t really remember) and it was pretty much the only PE activity I enjoyed at school. I did it out of school as well, once or twice a week. I’d go to the school pool after hours, or the public pool in the town centre. I wasn’t afraid to go on my own, either. I swam across rivers, I swam in tarns, I swam in lakes. I swam underwater, my hair swirling out around me. I’d pretend to be a mermaid (shut up). I could swim underwater for the length of the pool. I loved it.

Then, at some point during my late teens (between sixteen to eighteen), I had to stop. It wasn’t down to depression, because I was never constantly depressed. It was because of the scars and marks on my arms. I had to keep them hidden from my family, so I couldn’t go swimming with my mother any more. When we rented a holiday house in France with a private pool (yes, middle class, I KNOW), I couldn’t swim with the rest of my family. I had to wait until they went out for a walk before I could venture in–and even then I kept a light cotton long-sleeved top on, in case theneighbours could see.

I didn’t go swimming for another four years after that. Which takes us to 2006, and the onset of Graves’ Disease. I’ve already mentioned that it was rather debilitating at the time, and that I put it down to my simply being out of shape rather than physically unwell. So I decided to try and get back into shape by going swimming. The scars on my arms had faded, as I hadn’t been cutting for two years. My hands and feet were covered in horrible psoriasis (one day I might talk about how that completely destroyed any body confidence I had and how desperate I am to avoid another flare like that one) but I hoped that wouldn’t be too visible in the water. And I’d been a good swimmer, right? Obviously it wouldn’t take me too long to get back into shape!

It was a complete disaster.

The minute I kicked off from the wall I realised something was wrong. I was doing breaststroke, one of the easiest swimming styles known to humanity, but I wasn’t getting anywhere. My arms were doing the right movements. My legs were doing the right movements, but there was no strength behind them. I was unusually out of breath, and my limbs were absolutely useless. Weak. I was trying to propel myself forwards, but I was barely treading water. I could hardly keep myself afloat.

And like a genius, I’d climbed in at the deep end.

I actually thought I was going to drown before I’d made it three metres from the side. I made it to the other end of the pool eventually, clinging to the rail at the side until I reached the point where I could touch the bottom. You’d think my common sense would have kicked in then, and I’d have tried something less strenuous — like treading water in the shallow end or simply walking in the water — but no. There were a few other people in the pool, and I was utterly mortified at the thought that they might have seen how out of shape I was.

So, like a muppet, I forced myself to do another three laps. I’m surprised I managed to pull myself up the ladder to get out of the pool when I finally gave up. I was shaking. Breathless. My legs felt like lead weights as I dragged myself out.

And I didn’t think about swimming again for quite some time. I missed water, I missed the feeling of weightlessness and grace as I dove–but there was no way in hell I was getting back in a pool. The psoriasis got worse, too, so I started hiding my hands and feet at all times. I’d always hidden my arms, so it was really just one step further. It took a long time before things started to get better.

When I got the fibro diagnosis, last July, my rheumatologist recommended hydrotherapy. And the thought of sitting in a heated pool, doing gentle exercise, sounded absolutely wonderful. However, I’d become incredibly self-conscious about my body–mostly because hiding it had become so completely ingrained–and Australian doctors were always so sodding nosy about my scars I simply couldn’t face it.

But I hurt so damn much I needed it. I needed water. I needed to float. To be weightless. To take the pressure off my joints. So after a while, I made tentative plans to Go Swimming. I found a gym close to where I lived–in a quiet suburb filled with families and retired people. No teenagers. No threats. You could get a swim and a session in the steam room for $8. The pool was heated, too, so it would ease my muscles.

And yet every time I made plans to go, I talked myself out of it. My partner didn’t want to go with me, and I couldn’t possibly go alone. People would give me funny looks because of my arms. My swimming costume didn’t fit properly. There’d be too many people there. There’d be an aqua class going on at the same time, so there’d be no room. I’d turn up, and the place would be closed to non-members. All complete nonsense, because the open hours and class timetables were posted online, but I’m good at making excuses.

Well, the flare I’ve been for the past two weeks or so has put an end to all that. It’s the worst I’ve had since I was diagnosed (although thankfully it has been manageable today). So today I finally did it. I went swimming. For the first time in three and a half years. And yes, I had to take a Valium before I could leave the house. And yes, I had to talk my partner into coming with me because I couldn’t have gone alone. And yes, I did need her to hold a towel out to me as I climbed out of the pool so the other people using it didn’t see my scars (not that they were looking, but whatever). And yes, I did overdo things slightly and will probably pay for this at some point.

But I still went swimming. And you have no idea how good it felt to be able to do it. To have the muscle strength to do it. To be able to make it from one end to the other without the fear of drowning. To float. To feel my hair fan out around me in the water. To feel weightless, like a mermaid.

This is a pretty small victory, I know. It’s not like I scaled the Empire State Building or sailed around the world in a teacup or anything. Right now, though, I don’t care. I feel like I reclaimed something of mine today. A small victory, but it’s mine.

[Via http://jeneli.wordpress.com]

Of psoriasis and skin care products natural scar treatment success

Many of us can choose a variety of skin diseases, in our lives at any point. Some of these conditions can be serious for some people, but for people, they can become chronic. Each one of these conditions include a natural skin care products, essential oils, can be an effective part of the solution. In some conditions, essential oils have been used to treat these diseases, boils, warts, scars, eczema, dermatitis and dry skin. Our health"Skin is, including genetic, diet, smoking, alcohol factors into account our skin color and type. If a man have a fair skin, they burn more easily exposed to the sun. These people who have dark skin, and be better able to resist the sun, because their skin contains more melanin, a pigment.

Some people may suffer from dry skin, including me. This situation may occur in certain seasons, such as theIn winter, whereas others may have chronic daily conditions. In natural skin care products containing this disease for the treatment of dry and conducive to the use of essential oils. These people who the management of chronic disease than those who suffer from this problem, the seasonally longer treatment. Is usually in the fitness room, sauna and massage or good exercise, many people go to. The therapeutic device issued by the heat high,And to those who should avoid dry skin. Instead, you can take neither cold nor hot or cold bath after exercise. In addition to essential oils mixed with a variety of massage your body. Ah, I was using formula is 3 drops of geranium, jasmine 5 drops, 4 drops of chamomile 3 drops of ylang ylang. In addition, you have this combination, coupled with a mixture of lamp oil, as it is soothing dry skin. 2 1 tablespoonCarrier, such as almond or grape seed oil, but also should include this as grapefruit seed extract as natural preservatives formula, together. When you add all the ingredients, shake the formula, so that they can completely mixed.

Many of us will create a scar in an open wound or surgery. If the scars of the arm or leg, we can hide the facts, it is easy with our clothing area. If you have a facial scar may be hidden make-up, you can alsoCollagen or to consider treatment and grinding. A natural way to treat scars is to use essential oils. The oil is an effective scar treatment, because they treat infection and inflammation, and can prevent the development of scars. Amount of scar tissue that can lead to wound depends on how quickly we can address the extent of their injuries. A number of important is that in order for the treatment of wound infections and oil, is chamomile, tea tree oil, lemon oil, lavender. Once the woundHas been closed, and now it is necessary to prevent the scar it. An anti-scar formula, I use include the following essential oils: 15 drops lavender 6 drops of juniper, 5 drops of eucalyptus and frankincense oil droplets 6. In addition, each additional 1 tablespoon of calendula and olive oil, half teaspoon of wheat germ, of which a quarter of a teaspoon of carrot seed oil. I also have 1 million international units of vitamin 600 international units of vitamin E, A mycelized this formula, as theThese nutrients help to fight infection. This formula should only be used for closing the wound, at least two three times daily. In addition, it may need to repeat the treatment a few weeks to achieve positive results. As in any medical conditions, looking at the first consultation or any other treatments your doctor.

Many people may develop into boiling is called the skin. This situation may result in bacteria and ingrown hairs and acne. PeopleThis weakens the immune system more prone to this situation, and should consider certain vitamins, minerals and herbs to your daily diet. Such as Echinacea, goldenseal, lomatia and OSHA some herbs are antibiotics that can help fight infection. Astragalus and other herbs, pharmaceuticals and shiitake mushrooms maiitake aimed at effectively improving the functioning of the immune system. These natural compounds, oral, when it has been found to contribute toOur B-number, T and NK cells. Many doctors also have antibiotic treatment, ulcers, because they are the treatment of bacterial infections.

Natural skin care products containing essential oils have been used to treat ulcers with good results. One possibility is that it can also be used, it is the hot compression, so that infection. Some in dealing with this situation, chamomile, tea tree oil useful essential oils,Lemon, eucalyptus and geranium. That is, an open wound only suggests that lavender and tea tree oil. Once the closure of the wound scar formation, and can be applied, such as frankincense, juniper oil, and bergamot. Since health is a factor in prevention of ulcers, and maintained hands and body clean is a natural plant essential. In addition, you should consider whether to cook with a bandage open so that infection does not spread to another part of the身体.

Important thing is to buy essential oils, for those who choose organic varieties. Bio-oil is not in conformity with pesticides, spraying herbicides and fungicides. These chemical sprays every reason to some people allergic skin reaction. In addition, these toxic chemicals would seep into the skin, you accept our blood and our bodies accumulate. Some, such as DDT, alar pesticides, and received U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned because of the health effects ofWith their use. Other chemical products, can now be sprayed plants, plants also can cause skin and health problems, should not be used. On the use of essential oils from organic plant plants get we use a more secure place, and is better than cure properties are not organic production. If you are any kind of skin condition, consult your dermatologist first to determine which combination of essential oils for your benefit案例.

[Via http://naturalskincareproduct.wordpress.com]

Relief from Psoriasis and a vacation – part one

If you suffer from psoriasis, then you are no stranger to the endless round of lotions and creams you use to try and alleviate the effects of psoriasis. If, like me, you feel that none of them really seem to work, it may well be many years since you last had a really good vacation where you felt free enough and confident enough to wear a swim suit for fear of the looks and unkind comments you might get because of the psoriasis.

Well, a friend of mine told me about an article about the Dead Sea and the great effect it has on psoriasis. She was so enthusiastic that I looked into it and soon found loads of info in the library, at my doctors and on the net about psoriasis and how a couple of weeks at the Dead Sea can make years of psoriasis signs disappear and stay away for many, many months.

I must admit, that I was doubtful that anything could make a big a difference to my psoriasis as everything I read and heard about the Dead Sea indicated. I had almost decided to carry on with the creams and other "cures" when my husband had a great idea – lets go on vacation to the Dead Sea, I’ll have a course of treatments for psoriasis in a five star hotel and we’d spend the rest of the time exploring and relaxing with the children.

He even showed how we would end up saving money because, if the effect on my psoriasis was as good as every source suggested, I would save a small fortune in creams, lotions and treatments for almost a year.

In the end, he was so persuasive and I was so intrigued to see if everything I had heard was true, that I gave in and we went for a "psoriasis" vacation to the Dead Sea . I’ll tell you all about that in my next article.

[Via http://deadseahealth.wordpress.com]

Merawat Wajah - Best Face Cream Untuk Dry Skin, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea dan Acne

perawatan wajah

Apa alasan anda untuk menggunakan krim wajah Kita semua menggunakan krim wajah untuk alasan yang berbeda. Beberapa dari kami menggunakannya karena kami tidak suka terlihat tua dan beberapa orang menggunakannya untuk membersihkan jerawat dan mencegah dari yang berulang sementara yang lain menderita dari kulit atau kulit kering kondisi seperti eksim psoriasis dan rosacea.

Tidak peduli apa alasan anda untuk menggunakan krim wajah Anda selalu prihatin tentang produk yang Anda beli. Anda mungkin bertanya-tanya apakah produk yang Anda gunakan adalah krim wajah terbaik untuk kebutuhan anda.

Artikel ini akan membantu membimbing Anda melalui berbagai produk perawatan kulit mereka menggunakan dan bahan-bahan di dalamnya.

Pertama mari kita mulai dengan beberapa informasi dasar tentang kulit.

Kulit kita di garis depan setiap hari. Ini membantu melindungi kita dari radiasi matahari bakteri dan kuman yang sebenarnya ada pada kulit kita dan membantu untuk mengatur suhu tubuh kita. Namun kami terus-menerus dengan penyalahgunaan overexposing ke matahari mengambil panjang mandi air panas atau mandi dan menggunakan bahan kimia di atasnya.

Tetapi ada cara-cara yang kita dapat melindungi kulit kita memberinya makan mengembalikan dan mempertahankan kelembaban yang kita kehilangan dan meremajakan penampilan kita.

Salah satu bahan yang paling penting dalam setiap wajah krim vitamin B. Vitamin ini membantu kulit kita tetap mempertahankan kelembaban. Bahan-bahan penting lainnya dalam perawatan kulit dan perlindungan adalah antioksidan vitamin E dan CoenzymeQ .

Sekarang mari kita lihat beberapa alasan perawatan wajah mengapa orang menggunakan krim wajah dan berbicara sedikit tentang bahan-bahan yang akan di krim wajah terbaik untuk setiap kondisi.

Krim wajah yang terbaik untuk Anda alami akan mengandung minyak zaitun dan minyak biji anggur. Bahan-bahan yang paling mirip dengan minyak alami tubuh. Mereka membantu untuk membersihkan dan melembabkan wajah.

Jika Anda khawatir tentang jerawat krim wajah yang terbaik untuk Anda akan berisi madu Manuka dengan UMF rating. Hal ini menawarkan perlindungan antibakteri yang kuat terhadap bakteri biasanya ditemukan pada kulit seperti dan MRSA Staph. Tindakan pembersihan yang mendalam menghilangkan kotoran dan kotoran dari pori-pori dan madu bertindak sebagai penghalang untuk mencegah wabah lebih lanjut jerawat.

Anda tidak boleh menggunakan krim wajah yang mengandung minyak mineral. Sebenarnya kelom pori-pori dan mendorong jerawat wabah.

Sekarang bahwa Anda dipersenjatai dengan informasi ini saya berharap bahwa ini akan membantu Anda menemukan seperti yang telah saya wajah terbaik krim untuk kulit Anda. Jangan puas dengan produk yang hanya memberikan hanya beberapa dari bahan-bahan yang Anda butuhkan. Anda pantas mendapatkan yang terbaik.

[Via http://perawatanwajah.wordpress.com]

Wellbeing Benefits Of Hemp Oil

November 12, 2009 – Hemp Oil has long been recognized as one of the most versatile and beneficial substances known to man. Derived from hemp seeds (a member of the achene family of fruits) it has been regarded as a superfood due to its high essential fatty acid content and the unique ratio of omega3 to omega6 and gamma linolenic acid (GLA) – 2:5:1.

It is this ratio that is believed to be optimal in terms of improving skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. It has been reported that those using hemp oil as a supplement begin to experience noticeably softer skin, stronger nails and thicker, smoother hair after only a few weeks.

The oil is approximately 57% linoleic (LA) and 19% linolenic (LNA) acids, the EFAs known as omega6 and omega3 respectively. EFAs are the building blocks of the fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are of course associated with the health benefits as noted above, alongside their benefits to almost every cell in the body and are widely accepted as beneficial in warding off and treating degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Hemp oil is also the only food oil that contains not only omega3, omega6, but also GLA. This GLA content means that hemp is a rival to Evening Primrose Oil as well as flax seed oil, as GLA is the chief EFA that is believed to relieve symptoms of pre-menstrual tension (PMT).

Hemp oil is also ideal for those who are concerned about taking fish supplements due to the reported contamination of fish with mercury and other toxins. This is particularly prevalent for pregnant women and nursing mothers who are looking to reduce their fish intake but still maintain a desired level of EFAs.

Seeds

EFAs can also be obtained from eating hemp seeds. These seeds also pack a significant protein punch, which rivals that of soy. Hemp seeds contain many essential amino acids, have high fibre content and are also high in Vitamin E, Vitamin C and chlorophyll.

The added benefit of hemp seeds is that there has been no known genetic modification of hemp plants, unlike with other sources of protein and antioxidants. Hemp also grows in such a way that no pesticides or chemicals are needed to grow the crops. The growing of hemp plants creates almost zero waste and the byproducts of these crops are also useful in other commercial applications.

Hemp Oil Preparation

As with all essential fatty acids, hemp oil must not be heated or fried and it is very susceptible to heat and light. The oil is extracted from the seed by a slowly rotating press. The pressure from this press squeezes the oil from the seed and leaves only the remaining ‘seed-cake’. This is always done in an oxygen-free environment, as exposure to oxygen can rapidly depreciate the value of the oil.

Always ensure that your oils are prepared in such a way (i.e. without excessive heat, light and oxygen) and always store hemp oil in the refrigerator, use quickly, and never heat.

Is it Illegal?

In short, no. The Latin name Cannabis sativa actually translates as ‘useful hemp’!

The confusion and concern frequently arises due to the fact that hemp seed/oil is derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, which is often incorrectly linked to the psychoactive substance, marijuana. The psychoactive ingredient of marijuana is the chemical THC, however the quantities of THC in hemp oil are so small that they are regarded as insignificant. In fact, for commercial hemp oil products to comply with Government regulations, they must contain less than 10ppm THC, which is very, very little. However, in the majority of products absolutely none can be detected. It would be almost impossible for this level of THC intake to measure even close to illegal levels during a drug urine test.

Although the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced a worldwide ban on the sale of all hemp based foods and oils in 2001, this decision was condemned as illegal in 2004 following a successful appeal to the Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

Source.

La psoriasis

Hoy en La Supergalaxia os hablaremos de esta enfermedad que padecen cada vez más gente. Es una enfermedad de la piel que causa inflamacion (dolor, calentamiento, hinchazón y coloración). Se produce orque las celulas epiteliales más jovenes que surgen del interior de la dermis hacia el exterior se sitúan en la parte externa en tan solo dos dias, cuando lo normal es que tarden de 3 a 4 semanas. Esta renovacion celular excesiva causa psoriasis.

Suele causas parches en la mayoria de los casos o placas de piel gruesa, con escamas plateadas; estas placas son las que producen dolor y picor. Se suele encontrar en codos, rodillas, cara, palma de la mano, pantorilla, entre otras.

Afecta principalmente a adultos ya sean hombres o mujeres; parece que esta causado por un gen que se vuelve loco y causa estos problemas en la piel.

La causa principal que se le da a esta enfermedad es un mal funcionamiento del sistema inmune, ya que los linfocitos t no se activan debidamente y provocan una respuesta inflamatoria exagera que causa una rapido emplazo en celulas epiteliales. Otros factores que potencian esta enfermedad son  las infecciones, estrés, cambios climaticos y la accion de ciertos medicamentos.

El diagnostico no es facil, se emplea una muestra de epitlio dañado y se examina al microscopio.

El tratamiento depende de la gravedad de la enfermedad; se utilizan cuatro tratamientos:

Fototerapia: la luz UV tanto solar como artificial produce una mejora del cuadro de la enfermedad, siempre que se use un medicamento que sensibilice la piel a la luz.

Tratamiento tópico:  suavizan la piel, disminuyen la reaccion inflamatoria, desactivan parcialmente el sistema inmunitario y además ayudar a descamar la piel y reducir los poros.

Tratamiento sistemico: Si la psoriasis es fuerte, el medico te recetará unos mediamentos especificos y unainyección. Tambien algunos antibioticos si se demuestra que está causada por bacterias, aunque no es lo más recomendable.

Terapia combinada: se usa la fototerapia, el tratamiento sistemico y el tratamiento tópico mediante cremas todo de forma combinada, pero en menor dosis. Asi se estan dando buenos resultados.

 Y hasta aqui mi post de salud. Espero que os haya sido de gran ayuda.

Soothing Psoriasis Cream with Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis)

Several months ago, I had a customer who was using a couple of my products combined to relieve his Psoriasis ailment. He emailed me an article which is also blogged here “Doctors Find Natural Psoriasis Treatment – Indigo Naturalis” and we got to work on creating the cream utilizing this wonderful herb along with some other proven ones for skin problems.

Since then more customers have started using it and all are reporting amazing results. One testimony: “Dear Debby, Two weeks ago, I bought your psoriasis cream. I wasn’t sure it would work, but the results have been amazing. Several sores are now GONE.” – Roger
Also the original customer Juris, my inspiration for this creation, sent me before and after pictures to monitor the success.

With such wonderful results, this is now available via the website Gaia Essentials as an natural alternative.