Category: Healthy Living

One of my favorite spaces in my house is my fitness room. Over COVID I transformed a storage room into a home gym. I have slowly accumulated weights, machines and now I have the Plankpad PRO. This a plank and balance board that gives you a few options to motivate you as you work your whole body to get fit. You can see and feel the quality of this board right out of the box. The app has been flawless as well.

If you incorporate one exercise into your day, above all you may want to master and learn to hold a plank. When you hold a plank, you are working your arms, shoulders, back, abs, glutes and legs simultaneously. It is such a great exercise for the entire body. I always incorporate plank holds in my warm up before weight training. Now, I am even more motived to fit a warm up in with the fun games I can play as I work my body.

Once you download the free app you have options to choose a game that all have levels of easy, normal or hard. You can also choose workout videos and challenges. You also get a poster of a 30 day challenge. As you move through your 30 days you can choose to incorporate the workout choices to get your time in. I started with some Fruit Ninja because I have always loved that game. You get a timer in the upper corner so you know when it’s quit time. I dare you to stop cutting fruit right at 30 seconds or 1 minute…you’ll hold on just a bit longer!

The Plankpad PRO belongs in every gym for those times your motivation slips. I am in love with how fast I began holding my planks longer than I ever have. 2 weeks in and it has been a smooth incline through the challenges. This will make a great gift for the fitness enthusiast this year! Visit Plankpad PRO online and when you are ready to shop, find it available on Amazon.

The start of back to school season always triggers the start to stocking up on immune support products. I work at our local high school and our youngest starts at that same high school this year. School has always been the culprit of germs and viruses turning into colds. Zicam has been a brand I have used in my home and that I keep at my office for years. At the very first sign of a cold or knowing someone around me has a cold, I reach for Zicam. This season I am starting with Zicam Daily Immune Support.

For those that need sleep support + immune support, Zicam has the Blackberry Lavender flavor Zinc gummies with 3mg of melatonin. Just chew 3 gummies near bedtime and you get 100% daily value of Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin D for immune support.*

I keep this bottle of Zicam Immune Support available. Just 3 gummies a day when I need extra support and I get 100% Daily Value of three key nutrients: Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin D. They have a great citrus strawberry flavor. Visit Zicam to find the right immune support for you, whether it be for cold viruses or allergies.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Coconut oil reduces protein loss from hair

Researchers have discovered that using coconut oil in hair care routines can significantly decrease protein loss. This substance is a triglyceride of lauric acid, which is highly compatible with the proteins in follicles. The low molecular weight of coconut oil helps it penetrate the follicles shaft.

If you’re aiming for thicker, shinier locks, a follicle stimulating mask with a coconut oil base is an excellent remedy. Hibiscus leaves can be ground to a fine paste and mixed with a cup of curd and two tablespoons of coconut or almond oil. This mask should be applied to the scalp and hair for around half an hour, and then rinsed out with cool water.

Those with medium follicles, which have strands the same thickness as a thread, can also benefit from using coconut oil in follicles care routines. It can prevent follicle damage and make it stronger and more manageable.

Amla and shikakai stimulate hair growth

Amla and shikakai are effective herbal remedies for follicles. These herbs are safe for everyday use. Their antibacterial properties make them an excellent choice for shampoos. If you’re looking for a great hair growth mask, this could be a contender. In addition, they promote follicle stimulation by prolonging the anagen stage, which is the first phase of follicle stimulation.

Amla and shikakai have the ability to strengthen hair follicles and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. They are also capable of treating scalp rashes and preventing premature graying. Both Amla and shikakai contain antioxidants, which protect the hair from exposure to environmental aggressors and chemically treated cosmetics.

Jojoba oil fights free radicals

Adding jojoba oil (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jojoba_oil) to your follicles care regimen is a simple and effective way to nourish your strands. The oil can be mixed into your conditioner or used directly on your skin. For easier application, you can warm the oil in a microwave-safe bowl or a clean pan on the stove.

To use it as a follicle stimulating mask, apply five to 10 drops to each one hundred ml of conditioner. Jojoba oil contains a high concentration of antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients are important for maintaining the skin’s barrier, including follicle stimulating.

Aloe Vera gel locks in color

The aloe Vera plant is slow-growing, but the benefits of aloe gel for the scalp and follicles are significant. To harvest the gel, you must wait until the plant is mature. Select a plant with thick, smooth leaves with rosy tips.

The leaves should be deep green and large, and you should harvest the top foliage only. Avoid cutting too many leaves from the same spot, as the upper leaves have more gel than those with blemished surfaces.

You can either use a liquid aloe gel, or a solid coconut oil. Coconut oil should be room temperature. You can also microwave solid coconut oil to melt it. For the best results, you should apply the mask on wet follicles. It should stay on your follicles for 30 to 60 minutes before washing it out. For best results, use this mask once or twice a week.

Onion stimulates hair growth

There are several ways to use the juice of an onion to stimulate follicle stimulation. It can be applied directly to the scalp or to the length of the follicles. It does not appear to have any adverse side effects, except for a mild sting at the application site. Those with sensitive eyes should wear goggles to avoid the sting.

People with a history of allergy to onions should avoid using this method. This juice can also cause irritation to the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can use the juice of an onion directly on your scalp, rub a few drops on your follicles and massage them in. Leave on for about half an hour. 

Rinse the follicles afterward with lukewarm water. You can also mix the juice with a teaspoon of honey and drink the mixture. It is best to drink at least three ounces of onion juice per day to see significant results. The onion is rich in vitamin C and selenium, which can prevent thin follicles and enhance follicle stimulation.