Category Archives: Health

Health

Chalk Dust Health Concerns for Children

Are you considering using blackboards for a homeschool? Or do your children attend a school that uses blackboards that require the use of chalks? Here is what you need to know before you make a decision.

As paramount as the education of your kids may be, ensuring that they are also healthy is even more important.

Children have immune systems that are still in the process of development. This means that there is a higher chance that some substances that may not affect a healthy adult could result in serious issues for them.

The answer to whether chalk dust could pose a health concern to your kids is a simple “yes,” and if you want to know why that is, you should follow me through the article.

Possible Dangers of Chalk Dust

Writing with the chalk may not pose any threat, since the majority of the dust is glued to the blackboard. The actual problem begins the moment the blackboard gets wiped with a duster.

The dust that was formerly on the blackboard gets wiped, and the dust now is trapped in the air for a while before it falls to the ground. Now imagine in an enclosed classroom with about 20 students that have to breathe or interact regularly, how much of that dust would they have in their lungs before school hours are over?

It is easy to worry about the kids, but the person who is at a greater health risk is the teacher who stands close to the blackboard and talks all day long while teaching the kids.

There are several chalk dust health concerns that could eventually result in more serious issues in the long run.

Naturally, chalks are nontoxic, a long term inhalation and exposure would create a mold of the dust inside the respiratory system, and organs such as the lungs and throat. This may not pose any immediate threat of challenge, but in the long run, it could lead to something much worse.

Some health problems associated with inhalation of chalk dust include lung problems, which occur as a result of clogged airways; asthma in kids with milk allergies; it can result in some skin rashes if the child is directly exposed to it.

In recent times, there have been developments in schools and training centers. More and more people have begun to realize that it is much better to take precautions than to allow something they’re not totally sure of to ruin their breathing.

Both public and private schools have now chosen better alternatives and are surely not going back on that.

Some better alternatives to blackboards include the use of magnetic whiteboards on which you can easily write with a disposable marker and erase with ease; canvas; desire to learn, also popularly known as D2L; presentation lectures using MS PowerPoint; among a variety of other ways.

In conclusion, chalk dust on blackboards may not really pose a big health issue, since the chalk is made of natural substances. What this means is that you shouldn’t have chalk dust health concerns if you are only exposed to it once or twice. The major problem comes when this exposure is constant like in a classroom.

Health

Holistic Dental Care for Kids

The oral health of your kid has been identified by physicians to be a vital part or component of their overall well-being. This is especially why it is never too early to start a holistic dental health care for kids plan to ensure that your child is healthy. 

Generally, baby teeth begin to arrive at exactly six months, and before the baby’s third birthday, he or she would already have 20 primary teeth. With these new teeth already out, you will need to care for it as they are vulnerable to decay and other issues if not properly taken care of. The best techniques to care for your kid’s teeth is to start a holistic dental care.

Holistic Dental Care

Basically, holistic dental care simply refers to the technique or method that considers dental health in relation to the mind, body, soul, and emotions of the patient.

While holistic dental care has been said to be one of the best ways to care for your kids, there are actually a couple of oral health routines that you should instill in your kids. This home dental care should begin before your kid has any teeth. To get started, you are advised to make use of a soft and warm washcloth to clean their gums. You are advised to continue doing this until teeth begin to appear. 

Once your kid starts growing teeth, your oral health routine will have to be adjusted. Instead of using a warm washcloth to clean their gums, you have to make use of a soft toothbrush to clean their teeth every morning and night before they are laid to bed.

While you may begin using toothpaste at the age of 2, it is advised that you search for ones that do not have fluoride, and this is simply because a number of studies have linked early exposure to fluoride to various health issues and toxicity.

The feeding and drinking habits of your kid will also affect their dental care, and this is one of the reasons why it is advised that you never send your kid to bed with something that is not water. According to research, when your kid goes to bed after having juice or milk, the sugar from the beverage will reside on the teeth all through the night and will create a ground for decay.

In addition to this, the snacks your kids consume are of great importance as well. This is because most of them are sticky and can stick to the teeth for a long period of time.

How is Holistic Dental Care Different?

Once you have successfully established a holistic dental health care for kids plan, the next thing to do would be to get a holistic dentist. As mentioned earlier, holistic dentists believe that oral health has everything to do with the child’s overall body and ability to function. In addition to this, a holistic dentist will only make use of some of the biocompatible materials that will not in any way put your kid in danger.

The best way to get started in holistic dental health care for kids is by trying natural health supplements from trusted brands such as Hylands, NOW Foods, or Xlear.

A healthy child is a happy child!

Health

Phys Ed Fitness Tips for Homeschool Students

Are you a homeschool teacher looking for unique ways to provide physical education (phys ed / P.E.) for your homeschooled kids? If you are, then you have come to the right place. 

Homeschooling is an unorthodox approach to educating kids, and as such, you’ll need to think outside of the box to give students the same feeling as they’ll get in a schoolyard. Of course, this may not be so easily achieved since you don’t have the elaborate gym centers and recreation sites that a regular school has. But, do you need an elaborate gym center to give your students the proper phys ed fitness? Probably not. 

Physical education is quite easy for kids in the elementary classes; you only need to get them on a bike for a trip around the block. But as they get older, kids’ desire to go outdoors will begin to decline. As most umbrella and state high schools across the country require a minimum of one phys ed fitness credit for admission, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the need to meet the requirement, especially when your students are not participating in systematized sports. 

But you don’t have to stress. With these phys ed fitness tips, you can give your homeschooled kids a proper physical education. 

5 Phys Ed Fitness Concepts to Focus On

Focus on Fitness

As a homeschool teacher or parent, you may experience difficulty in teaching physical fitness to your children through the orthodox P.E. curriculum. You have to think outside the box. Your home is not a school or college, so stop looking for school-curriculum approaches to educate your children on physical fitness. Instead look for unprecedented approaches to include fitness in everyday life, without compromising your lecture hours.

For example, get your child moving by trying out stretches, lifting light handheld weights, jogging around the block, biking, talking the dog for a walk, trying yoga, or dancing along to a Zumba workout tape or another cardio program. You can also get outside and practice soccer moves, or shoot some hoops at the local basketball park. Community parks or recreation centers are often free and offer fun activities for kids. You can also find free programs and teen team sports outings, groups, and events at your church.

Focus on Health

The first thing to do when homeschooling your kids on physical education and health is to check your state homeschool laws for requirements and reservations. In most cases, health is a prerequisite for graduation, but your child may not need health credit for every class of the high school. For best results, get a great book that covers physical, social, and spiritual health.

Focus on Nutrition

Physical education is a wide course that encompasses almost every activity from eating to personal hygiene and physical fitness. So make it a point to educate your homeschooled kids about nutrition. You can study essential oils, natural remedies, medicinal herbs, and other home-made remedies. You can also refine this course to focus on healthy eating, meal planning, and portion control.

Focus on the Relationship 

Purity and relationship studies are a must for high school and junior high school goers. With the rising epidemic of domestic violence among teen couples, children need all the information they can get on dating. In your P.E. classes, talk about dating, teen relationship issues and solutions.

Focus on First Aid

CPR training and first aid classes certified by the American Red Cross are a must in a physical education curriculum. We recommend that you include these helpful classes in your P.E. course for homeschool kids, as it can help them save a life in the future. This course can also come in handy when your child needs to gain admission into military or police academies.

When it comes to physical education for your homeschooled kids, everything boils down to your ability to think outside the box. You know your kids best, and as such, you should know the best way to encourage fitness and health in them.

What phys ed fitness tips would you like to share?

Health

What Natural Remedies for Cuts & Blisters to Include in Your Herbal Cabinet

Open wounds are annoying and can be painful. They are uncomfortable and do not heal easily. You may have to deal with a scar on your skin afterward, which is as annoying as when the open wound was there.

Apart from that, you have to ensure that cuts or blisters do not get infected, as that could worsen the situation. 

There are a number of commercial ointments that can be applied to cuts or blisters, and some may work, but they aren’t as great as natural methods.

Do you know that a lot of the natural ingredients in your herbal cabinet can do a lot of tricks to help you heal naturally? 

Natural Products for Wound Healing

Some of these ingredients that you use to whip your great-tasting foods can end up helping your body heal as well. 

If you are tired of commercial products and want organic and natural healing products for your cuts, blisters, or open wounds, you should check out products from the brands Tea Tree Therapy, PlusCBD Oil and Badger.

It is no news that CBD oil comes with healing properties when used topically. Apart from that, it possesses antiseptic qualities. You should try out CBD Oil Hemp Roll-On.

If you are looking for a natural ointment that is free of chemicals that can irritate the skin, you should consider trying After-Bug Balm Itch Relief Stick.

The Antiseptic Cream with Tea Tree Oil is something that you should also consider. Below are some household ingredients that can be used in treating cuts, scrapes, blisters, or minor wounds.

3 Natural Ingredients for Your Herbal Cabinet 

Turmeric

The first staple of any herbal cabinet, Turmeric is a spice that is great in bringing out an awesome taste in foods, such as curry. Apart from that, it works as a natural antiseptic and an antibiotic agent. Its features have made it useful for a lot of medical purposes.

Turmeric has curcumin, which allows it to induce wound healing. It does this by modulating collagen. Once you are bleeding, rub some turmeric on your skin. Just be aware that turmeric may temporarily turn your skin orange.

Garlic

Garlic has been used for many years in cooking and treating injuries. It possesses antimicrobial and antibiotic properties. This is why it is capable of ending bleeding, clamping down on pain while enhancing healing.

Apart from that, garlic supplements are capable of increasing the natural defenses that the body has against infection. If a part of your body is bleeding, rub crushed garlic cloves on that spot.

Honey

Honey isn’t only a sweetening agent. It also has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This is one reason that honey can stay for so long on the shelf without spoiling. Bacteria can’t grow on honey. If you have an open cut, apply honey on it before you wash it. Do this regularly.

So what do you have in your herbal cabinet?

Health

How is Plant Resin Used in Aromatherapy?

Aren’t essential oils, and other kinds of plant resin used in aromatherapy, wonderful? It’s amazing how just the smell of something can calm a headache or change a mood. But, how do they get that powerful natural smell in such a tiny bit of liquid? And, how can you use them to your benefit?

What is Aromatherapy?

If you’re new to essential oils and plant resin used in aromatherapy, you might wonder what all the hype is about. Can smell really have that much of an impact on how I feel? In short, the answer is unequivocally, yes! Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years as a major part of holistic healing. It is used as a form of healing for the mind and the body. Essential oils can be breathed in through the nose and mouth, applied to the skin to treat affected areas such as burns, and even ingested if they are certified as food grade. The plant resin used in aromatherapy can have many health benefits, including:

  • Improved sleep quality
  • Treatment for headaches, including migraines
  • Stress and anxiety relief
  • Pain relief, including labor pain and surgery
  • Improved digestion
  • Stronger immune system

Ways to Use Aromatherapy

The uses for plant resin in aromatherapy have become increasingly more convenient in recent years. You can easily find almost any scent you are looking for already pre-made and packaged in convenient little glass bottles. Just make sure you check the manufacturer to ensure you are getting the highest quality oils.

Aromatherapy is used in many lotions, shampoos, perfumes, and bath products, but one of the most popular ways to use them is with a diffuser. A diffuser is used by dispersing essential oils into the air so they can easily be inhaled and absorbed by the body. There are many different types of diffusers out there, so finding one that works with your lifestyle should be easy.

Aromatherapy Process

So, how do they extract the plant resin used in aromatherapy? Most essential oils, such as the pure essential oils from Aura Cacia, are put through a distillation process. Most commonly, the plant is put into a still and steam is forced through, extracting the essence to be used whichever way it’s desired. Scents can be used on their own, or mixed with others to enhance certain capabilities or to create new scents. The most common essential oils that are often used as bases for mixtures are:

  • Peppermint Essential Oil – Alertness, Energy, Headaches, Flavoring for Food
  • Lemon – Cleaning, Detoxing, Immunity, Flavoring for Food
  • Tea Tree – Cleaning, Pain Relief, Anti-Fungal
  • Lavender – Relaxation, Mood, Sleep, Skin Care
  • Chamomile – Sleep, Relaxation

Once you get started using essential oils, most people find them somewhat addicting. Trying new mixtures and exploring their uses can be a lot of fun. Keep in mind though, that it is very important to follow the  included directions on how to use them. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, it is often very important to dilute them properly or use a carrier oil.

How have you benefited from the plant resin used in aromatherapy? Tell us in the comments below!

Health

Wheat Germ Oil for Stretch Marks and Other Remedies

Ugh…stretch marks! They may be caused by weight gain, pregnancy, or just overly dry skin, but once they appear, they can be extremely hard to get rid of. However, there are treatments such as wheat germ oil for stretch marks that work to diminish the look of stretch marks and may even make them disappear completely. Here are some remedies you can try.

3 Natural Remedies for Stretch Marks

Wheat Germ Oil for Stretch Marks

Wheat germ oil is particularly effective for stretch marks because it stimulates tissue regeneration and has antioxidant properties. It is rich in minerals and vitamins (like vitamin E) and proteins, which are not only effective in reducing stretch marks but wrinkles and scars as well.

Wheat germ is very sticky and has a strong odor. If you are using wheat germ for stretch marks, it is best to dilute it with a carrier oil like olive or sweet almond oil.

Pure Emu Oil for Stretch Marks

Emu oil is a liquid made up mostly of fat, which is collected from the deposits below the skin of the emu. It works to penetrate the skin, diminishing the look of scars and stretch marks.

Vitamin E for Stretch Marks

One of the reasons wheat germ oil is so effective in minimizing stretch marks is its high vitamin E content. Alternately, you can go right to the source and apply vitamin E directly to the skin. Vitamin E oil can be purchased in pure form in most drug stores.

Specially Formulated Skin Care Products

There are several companies that sell products that are specially formulated to diminish the look of stretch marks and improve skin health overall. Here are some we recommend.

MiraCell: The Miracell company is known for the strong values they have integrated into creating an exceptional line of botanical skincare and cosmetics. Their Serious Skin Support Cream offers antioxidant properties that can reduce the look of stretch marks, similar to how wheat germ oil for stretch marks works. Their Skin Relief and Support product is rich in vitamin E, offering deep moisturization that can prevent the appearance of stretch marks.

Hyalogic: Hyalogic is an industry leader in the use of hyaluronic acid. They are known for their strong values, honesty, and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. Products like their Episilk Hand and Body Lotion are rich in hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamin E and other nutrients that can keep skin moisturized and diminish signs of stretch marks.

Derma E: Derma E’s story began with a jar of vitamin E skin moisturizer. Since then, they have been creating vitamin E rich products that work to improve the appearance of skin. Their Jasmine and Vanilla Hydrating Shea Body Lotion is effective in replenishing the skin’s natural moisture barriers to renew cells and minimize stretch marks.

Stretch marks can be embarrassing, reducing levels of self-confidence. Fortunately, there are many treatments available, including specially formulated creams and oils like emu oil, vitamin E, and wheat germ oil for stretch marks. Which will you be using to keep your skin looking its best?

Also, if you need to relax while using products for stretch marks, try plant resin for aromatherapy!