Healthy and Glowing Skin From Within

Antioxidants can help delay aging. This is so because it can prevent damage in the body cells . It also improves the immune system.

Antioxidants can be found in fruits and vegetables. A lot are manufacturing supplements with antioxidants as well. This just proves that many already know the importance of antioxidants for a healthier body.

An effect of antioxidant in our body is a healthy and glowing skin. Though we find antioxidants in lotions, facial cream, moisturizers, etc., it is believed that eating fruits and vegetables is more effective and natural.

No-Odor Fridge

Baking Soda is used not only in baking breads, cakes, etc. but it can be useful in other things as well. One very popular is that of baking soda used as underarm deodorant.

Baking soda is safe to use as this is a compound that can be found in the environment -- in soil, in nature and even in our bodies. Since it is of natural form, thus, this can't be of harm in our environment.

One of the many uses of baking soda that I personally like is that it can be used as a deodorizer for the refrigerator. The refrigerator can sometimes smell nasty. A little help of a small amount of baking soda can solve this little odor problem:

Clean your fridge and freezer with dry soda sprinkled on a damp cloth. Rinse with clear water. Put some baking soda in an open container and put it inside the fridge and freezer. The baking soda will absorb odors. Stir and turn over the soda from time to time and replace every 2 months or as needed.

Calories Under Control

• Reducing serving sizes. Stick to moderate portions of food. Savor each bite. Eating slowly lets your brain get the message that your stomach is full, before you over eat. You'll find it also allows you to appreciate the flavor of the food.
• Cut dietary fat and cholesterol by selecting low-fat foods; switching to low-fat dairy products; and limiting use of eggs and cheeses.
• Increase fiber by eating whole-grain products; dry beans; peas; fruits and vegetab;es.
• Minimize sodium by cutting back on salt in food preparation and at the table; and processed foods high in salt.

When You Meet Someone with Disability

Being introduced to a person in a wheelchair or someone who's blind may catch you off guard. Some of us are unsure of how to act and afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers a few suggestions for making a good impression.

If the person...

... is visually impaired. Never pet or play with a guide dog; you'll distract the animal from its job.

... has a speech impediment. Be patient, listen attentively, and resist the temptation to finish his sentences or speak for him.

... is in a wheelchair. Sit down, if possible, so you can chat eye to eye. Don't touch the wheelchair (or, similarly, someone's crutches or cane), because it's considered within the boundaries of an individual's personal space.

... has a hearing loss. Always speak directly to the person, not to her interpreter or assistant if on is present. If you raise your voice, it becomes distorted and even more difficult to understand. Just speak clearly and slowly, facing her. People who are deaf depend a lot on facial expression and gestures for communication cues.

Preventing Foot-Care Problems

To protect feet, observe the following:

• Wear leisure shoes when walking on rough grounds to lessen the chance of corns and calluses.
• Wear flexible-soled shoes with wide, rounded toes and low heels when walking long distances. It is said that the heel of a shoe should not be more than two inches high because higher heels tend to jam the toes to the front of the shoe.
• Wear socks with tennis shoes to absorb perspiration and protect feet from blistering caused by irregularities in the shoe's lining.
• Wear elastic stockings and elevate the feet each day for about an hour, if your feet tend to swell.

Prepping for Pregnancy

1. Get a prenatal check-up --- six months to a year before you plan to conceive. If you have a pre-existing health condition or are taking any medications, ask your doctor how they might affect your pregnancy.

2. Take your vitamins. Start about three months prior to concpetion to build up a good supply in your system before pregnancy. Don't go overboard with the vitamins though. Some can be toxic in high doses.

3. Give up your vices. Both smoking and alcohol consumption increase risk of miscarriage, low birthweight, birth defects, and other problems.

4. Get to your ideal weight. Women who are at least 35 percent above their ideal weight are more apt to have very large babies.

5. Eat a well-balanced diet.

6. Start exercising. You want to prime your body for labor with workouts that strengthen your heart and tone your muscles.

Fresh Fish

Check the following when choosing fish from the market:

• Eyes must be clear and bright, not red. They must be full and often protruding not sunked.
• Scales must be shiny and intact.
• Gills must be pinkish red and not slimy.
• Flesh must be firm, tender, and should spring back when lightly pressed with the fingers.