Stretches you can do in your office

Finger stretch

Working hard at your desk? To avoid getting sore and worn out, take a stretch break every 20 to 30 minutes. Relaxed and focused after stretching, you may actually complete your work faster and more accurately.

If you spend lots of time clutching a pen or typing on a keyboard, start with the finger stretch. Separate and straighten your fingers until you feel a stretch, keeping your hand in alignment with your wrist (left). Hold for 10 seconds. Next, bend the end and middle knuckles of your fingers (right), keeping your hand and wrist in the same position. Hold for 10 seconds. Relax and repeat.



Back scratch

It may look like you’re scratching your back, but you’re really stretching the back of your arm. Reach behind your head and place your hand on your upper back, keeping your arm close to your ear. Gently hold your elbow with your opposite hand. Pull your elbow toward the back of your head and reach your hand toward the middle of your back until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Relax. Repeat on other side.




Arm and shoulder stretch

Press your hands away from your body to stretch your arms and shoulders.

Lace your fingers together and turn your palms facing out. Straighten your arms in front of you. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds. Relax. Repeat two to three times.



Chest stretch

This stretches the muscles of your chest, upper back and the back of your neck.

Lace your fingers together behind your head, bringing your elbows back as far as possible. Squeeze your shoulder blades together until you feel your muscles stretching. Hold for 20 seconds. Relax. Repeat.



Side neck stretch

To stretch the muscles along the side of your neck, face forward and look straight ahead. Tilt your head toward one side, gently pushing your ear toward your shoulder. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Lift your head into a normal, upright position. Relax. Repeat three to five times on each side.






Head turn

To stretch the muscles along the side and back of your neck and at the top of your back, start facing forward. Slowly turn your head and look to one side until your chin is parallel with your shoulder. Be sure to keep your shoulders straight ahead. Hold for five to 10 seconds. Return to your starting position and relax. Repeat twice on each side.



Chin tuck

The chin tuck also loosens stiff neck and shoulder muscles. Start facing straight ahead. Keeping your back straight, pull your chin toward your chest until you feel a stretch along the back of your neck. Hold for five to 10 seconds. Relax and return to your starting position. Repeat two to three times





Shoulder shrug

The shoulder shrug targets tight neck, shoulder and upper back muscles. Slowly bring your shoulders up toward your ears. Hold for three to five seconds, then roll your shoulders back and down. Relax. Repeat five to 10 times.








Back stretch

You'll feel this stretch along your mid- and lower back muscles. Sit forward in your chair so that there's a little room between your back and the back of the chair. Face forward and cross your right leg over your left. Put your left hand on your right knee, and gently pull toward your left side while slowly turning your head and shoulders to the right. Keep turning until you see the wall behind your right shoulder. Be careful not to force the turn — go just until you feel a nice stretch in your back. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Relax and repeat on the other side.

Always be careful not to overstretch. These gentle moves should feel good — never painful.

Weight loss: 6 strategies for success

Make your weight-loss goals a reality. Follow these proven strategies.

You probably know that hundreds of different fad diets, weight-loss programs and outright scams promise quick and easy weight loss. But the foundation of every successful weight-loss program still remains a healthy diet combined with exercise. You must make permanent changes in your lifestyle and health habits to lose significant weight and keep it off.

How do you make those permanent changes? Follow these six strategies.
1. Make a commitment

Permanent weight loss takes time and effort. It requires focus and a lifelong commitment. Make sure that you're ready to make permanent changes and that you do so for the right reasons.

No one else can make you lose weight. In fact, external pressure — often from people closest to you — may make matters worse. You must undertake diet and exercise changes to please yourself.

As you're planning new weight-related lifestyle changes, try to resolve any other problems in your life. It takes a lot of mental and physical energy to change your habits. So make sure you aren't distracted by other major life issues, such as marital or financial problems. Timing is key to success. Ask yourself if you're ready to take on the challenges of serious weight loss.

2. Get emotional support

Only you can help yourself lose weight by taking responsibility for your own behavior. But that doesn't mean that you have to do everything alone. Seek support when needed from your partner, family and friends.

Pick people who you know want only the best for you and who will encourage you. Ideally, find people who will listen to your concerns and feelings, spend time exercising with you, and share the priority you've placed on developing a healthier lifestyle.

3. Set a realistic goal

When you're considering what to expect from your new eating and exercise plan, be realistic. Healthy weight loss occurs slowly and steadily. Aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week. To do this, you need to burn 500 to 1,000 calories more than you consume each day through a low-calorie diet and regular exercise. Losing weight more rapidly means losing water weight or muscle tissue, rather than fat.

Make your goals "process goals," such as exercising regularly, rather than "outcome goals," such as losing 50 pounds. Changing your process — your habits — is the key to weight loss. Make sure that your process goals are realistic, specific and measurable, for example, you'll walk for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

4. Enjoy healthier foods

Adopting a new eating style that promotes weight loss must include lowering your total calorie intake. But decreasing calories need not mean giving up taste, satisfaction or even ease of meal preparation. One way you can lower your calorie intake is by eating more plant-based foods — fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Strive for variety to help you achieve your goals without giving up taste or nutrition. Cutting back on calories is easier if you focus on limiting fat.

To lose weight, talk to your doctor about setting these daily calorie goals:
Your current weight in pounds Daily calorie goal
Women Men
250 or less 1,200 1,400
251 to 300 1,400 1,600
301 or more 1,600 1,800

Very low calorie diets aren't a healthy long-term strategy. Fewer than 1,200 calories a day for women and 1,400 calories for men aren't generally recommended. If your calories are too low, you run the risk of not getting all of the nutrients you need for good health.

5. Get active, stay active

Dieting alone can help you lose weight. Cutting 250 calories from your daily diet can help you lose about half a pound a week: 3,500 calories equals 1 pound of fat. But add a 30-minute brisk walk four days a week, and you can double your rate of weight loss.

The goal of exercise for weight loss is to burn more calories, although exercise offers many other benefits as well. How many calories you burn depends on the frequency, duration and intensity of your activities. One of the best ways to lose body fat is through steady aerobic exercise — such as walking — for more than 30 minutes most days of the week.

Even though regularly scheduled aerobic exercise is best for losing fat, any extra movement helps burn calories. Lifestyle activities may be easier to fit into your day. Think about ways you can increase your physical activity throughout the day. For example, make several trips up and down stairs instead of using the elevator, or park at the far end of the lot.

6. Change your lifestyle

It's not enough to eat healthy foods and exercise for only a few weeks or even several months. You have to include these behaviors into your life. To do that, you have to change the behaviors that helped make you overweight in the first place. Lifestyle changes start with taking an honest look at your eating habits and daily routine.

After assessing your personal challenges to weight loss, try working out a strategy to gradually change habits and attitudes that have sabotaged your past efforts. Simply admitting your own challenges won't get you past them entirely. But it helps in planning how you'll deal with them and whether you're going to succeed in losing weight once and for all.

You likely will have an occasional setback. But instead of giving up entirely, simply start fresh the next day. Remember that you're planning to change your life. It won't happen all at once, but stick to your healthy lifestyle and the results will be worth it.

Blackheads and Whiteheads

Blackheads and Whiteheads: What is the Difference?

By Anna Lynn C. Sibal

The presence of blackheads and whiteheads on the skin is a common problem for those in their teens and up. Teenagers and people in their early twenties suffer most from them, but even those who are in their thirties and forties can still have them too, especially those with oily skin.

Both blackheads and whiteheads are forms of acne. We may have thought of acne as limited to those red, bumpy pustules, but that is not so. All forms of acne are considered disorders of the pilosebaceous units of the skin, which are made up of the sebaceous glands, the hair follicle, and the hair strand itself. And like all acne, the problem with blackheads and whiteheads starts deep down the sebaceous glands, or oil glands.

You see, the pilosebaceous units are the skin�s self-moisturizing mechanism. The sebaceous glands secrete oils called sebum, which are stored in the follicle. When the follicle is full, the oil is spilled off to the skin. The sebum is supposed to keep the skin healthy and moisturized.

But sometimes, that is not the case. Sometimes, the oil is trapped inside the hair follicle instead of flowing onto the skin. When this happens, bacteria develop in the follicle and leads to the infection we know as the pimple. Sometimes, instead of being infected, the follicle just gets all clogged up and forms comedones � the things we call blackheads and whiteheads.

What is the difference between a blackhead and a whitehead?

A blackhead is a comedone formed when the opening of the follicle becomes wider than normal. Because the follicle opening is wider, the sebum and the trapped dead skin cells there react chemically with the air, resulting in the oxidation of melanin, which in turn causes the dark coloration of the blackhead.

On the other hand, a whitehead is a comedone formed from a hair follicle that is not open to the air. It is also clogged with sebum and trapped dead skin cells, but the lack of exposure to the air does not lead to the oxidation of melanin, so the clogged matter stays white.

How do we get rid of blackheads and whiteheads? Ridding the skin of acne, not just blackheads and whiteheads, takes time, consistency and effort. It is also very simple. Because acne is not exactly triggered by the food we eat, we do not have to go on a diet. Because acne does not exactly mean that our skin is dirty, we do not have to continually wash our skin. Doing this will rob the skin of its natural moisturizer and will only cause irritation. Washing the face twice a day with mild soap or a facial scrub will do the work. It will take time, but it will do the work.

Blackheads and whiteheads can also be treated using antibacterial products like benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin. Benzoyl peroxide is good for mild cases. It treats the hair follicle so as to reduce the clogging. Tretinoin, on the other hand, forces the closed comedones (the whiteheads) to open up. In this way, the materials clogging the follicle can be easily expunged.

Healthiest Ways to Cook

5 Healthiest Ways to Cook Your Favorite Meals

Even if you use the healthiest of ingredients in your recipes, certain cooking techniques can actually eradicate the goodness from foods.
For healthy cooking, give the following techniques a try:

• Avoid using charcoal or gas grills, as these can increase the production of cancer-causing chemicals. Use an electric grill, instead.
• Steam your vegetables. Boiling depletes vegetables of many of their nutrients, while steaming removes far less of the good stuff, leaving vegetables with a wonderful taste and texture.
• To reduce the amount of fat when cooking, use broiling, baking and roasting pans (drizzle your items with extra-virgin olive oil instead of drowning them in margarine). Chinese steamers is also good low-fat cooking option.
• Never microwave anything in plastic wrap or plastic containers. If you must microwave, use glass containers and covers.
• Replace all saturated fats in your kitchen with extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil (organic), grapeseed oil - these monounsaturated fats are much healthier than the saturated ones.

Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Laser Hair Removal - Permanent solution to unwanted hair

By Anna Lynn Sibal

It really depends on who looks at it, but hair found on the face, on the back, on the chest, under the arms, on the legs and in the bikini area is generally thought to be unsightly. Such unwanted hair prevents us from wearing some types of clothes, like sleeveless tops, skirts or skimpy bikinis. It also affects our self-confidence to a certain degree.

We women really spend some time and effort into getting rid of the unwanted hair on our bodies. Shaving is the most convenient way of doing it, but also the most time consuming. Sometimes, shaving the underarms and the legs can be a daily chore, and it puts us at risk of having in-grown hair. Some women resort to plucking and waxing, but oh boy, don't they hurt. Besides, they grow back, anyway.

There is a way, however, of dealing with unwanted hair more permanently, and that is undergoing laser hair removal treatment. In laser hair removal treatment, a dermatological surgeon focuses a laser on the part of the skin that is to be treated. The laser then creates a reaction in the melanin in the hair follicles of the treated area. The reaction is supposed to make the hair strand shed and to discourage the hair follicle from producing new cells that will lead to hair growth. Laser hair removal treatment takes four to six sessions to complete, as hair enters different phases of growth.

Laser hair removal treatment, however, works best only with people who have fair skin and dark hair. The laser machine is set to react to the melanin in the skin, so dark-skinned people stand the risk of having their skin being burned by the laser. The laser focused by the machine also generally does not react to blond or red hair, because hair with such colors does not have enough melanin in the strands.

If you think you are a good candidate for laser hair removal treatment, the first thing you should do is to check out the dermatological clinics in your area. You can come up with a list from the phone directory or from the Internet. Look for a clinic where the one operating the laser machine is a real doctor specializing in dermatology or cosmetic surgery. If you are comfortable with it, you can also go for clinics where the machine is run by technicians, as long as there is a doctor supervising the session. Read reviews as you make your list, or you can ask your friends or family members who have undergone the treatment for recommendations.

Once you have picked a clinic, the next step would be to make an initial consultation with the doctor of your choice. Visit the clinic and take note of how clean the premises are and how friendly and helpful the personnel in the clinic are. When you come face to face with the doctor, ask him questions about the field he or she is in, about the machine he or she is using, and the credentials he or she has. Ask as well what form of payment the clinic accepts.

If you already feel confident with your choice, then go ahead and make a schedule for your first session. On every session, all the people involved in the treatment - the doctor, the technician and you - should be wearing eye protection. After all, it is laser you people will be handling, so it is important to keep the eyes protected on every treatment. The treatment is not really painful, but the doctor or the technician will nonetheless apply a gel on your skin to make it numb.

The parameters of the laser hair removal treatment, such as the condition of the skin on the area to be treated and the condition of the hair, will be entered into the machine. The laser will then be allowed to pulse on the skin briefly to check if the data entered on the machine is correct, and then the treatment commences.

After every session, take a couple of days off to rest if you think it is necessary. Keep the treated area clean and moisturized, and use only products that are gentle on the skin. Avoid exposing yourself to the sun, because if your skin gets darker, the effectiveness of the succeeding sessions might lessen considerably. If there is a little swelling, apply an ice pack or cover the skin with soft and clean cloths soaked in ice water to relieve the swelling.

It is possible for complications to arise after each session of the treatment. If the swelling does not go away and blistering of the skin is present, you should go and see the doctor who did the treatment on you as much as possible. They should be equipped to handle such complications.

Laser hair removal treatment is a good way of getting rid of unwanted hair permanently. However, you must remember that this treatment is not for everybody. Consider your choices carefully before going through the process.

Firmer Breasts

Firmer Breasts

To firm breasts and tighten the skin, mix one teaspoon of vitamin E oil with one tablespoon of yogurt and an egg.

Massage this mixture into breasts and wear an old bra over the mixture for at least twenty minutes.

Rinse off with warm water.

最快速有效的减肥方法大盘点

饮食控制并不是唯一能达到减重、长久维持窈窕的方法，若是不想在成功减重后，再度复胖，那可是需要运动的配合。

运动不同于劳动，劳动通常是费力的，令人腰酸背痛，疲惫不堪的。而运动，尤其是有氧运动，如步行、跑步、骑脚踏车、游泳、跳绳、上下阶梯及有氧舞蹈等，因为需要大量氧气参与，故能刺激心肺功能、促进血液循环、消耗大量热量、减轻体重、增加体适能，并促进身体健康。

对于平日都不运动，活动量极少的人而言，现在就要养成规律运动的习惯，可能是有困难的，而且想到运动，流汗后的湿黏感及汗臭味，就是让人感觉到不舒坦，可能就更难上加难。所以推荐有心想减肥的人，不妨先从日常生活中“动起来”。

拖拖地板、擦擦窗户、栽种花木等等居家活动，可以让身体有适当的活动，又能消耗热量且不会太累。另外走楼梯代替搭电梯；路程较短时，以走路代替搭车，都是可以在生活中落实的“运动”。

轻松消耗100卡热量

以60公斤体重的人而言：

上楼梯
只要7分钟，就可以消耗100卡，还可以锻炼心肺功能的哦！

下楼梯
只要14分钟，就可以消耗100卡热量。

种植花木
在家中阳台种植一些花草，用来美化环境、赏心悦目。而20分钟的园艺工作，就能燃烧100卡热量，一举两得的好差事。

准备三餐
别再抱怨家人不帮忙准备三餐了，洗、切、煮、炒、蒸，只要39分钟，就又少了100卡。

拖地
拖地只要20分钟的时间，便能消耗100卡热量。

扫地
用得时间也不必很多，只要25分钟，就能消耗100卡哦！

逛街
不论是否买了东西，逛个33分钟，就能达成消耗100卡的目标。

日常生活中，还有许多既轻松又有趣的方法，可以在不流汗的情况下，消耗掉热量，让“活动”成为“生活”中一部份，当做养成规律运动前的热身。

当你已习惯在生活中增加不少活动量之后，可以再从周休二日的放假日开始，选择你喜欢的，可以胜任的运动种类，如游泳、骑脚踏车或跳舞等，每次运动15-30分钟，并参考规律的运动去执行，相信你又会瘦得更美丽、更健康、更有自信。


每周三次 每次30分钟

利用规律的运动来增加热量的消耗，以达到减肥的目的，是最具减肥效果的方法。根据研究指出，每周三次慢跑，每次时间30至40分钟，20周后的减肥效果较明显。

就运动的方式而言，散步、慢跑或骑脚踏车都能有效地减肥，以次数而言，每周只运动一次或二次，往往并不具任何效果；至少要每周三次以上的运动，减肥效果才会显著。

以时间而言，每次达30至45分钟的运动是最理想，更重要的是每次的运动量须消耗300大卡以上才会有效。300大卡的运动量约等于中度以上的运动强度持续20至30分钟，一般最常见的方式是慢跑、骑脚踏车或游泳，若是散步的方式，则需持续40至60分钟才够。

单靠控制饮食来减肥，不是最理想的方法，唯有饮食控制加运动、双管齐下，才能减少副作用，增加减肥成功的机会。

“热身运动”的重要性

为了避免减肥不成，还造成运动伤害，运动前最好先做些热身运动。热身运动的好处在于提高体温，改善神经肌肉功能，减少运动伤害的可能性。至于要做多久的热身运动呢？热身运动的强度及时间视个人的情况而定，一般而言，在常温环境中，开始出现汗时，表示“热身运动”做的足够了。

“热身运动”不可做得过分激烈，以免引起局部的肌肉疲劳或心跳、呼吸增加太快，反而会妨害身体健康，因此运动前应衡量自己的体能状况及所从事的运动项目，来调整“热身运动”的强度及时间，才能获得最好的效果。

例如做健身运动之前，最好先做5至8分钟的柔软操、快走或原地慢跑，然后才真正地从事激烈运动，如此不但可以提高神经、肌肉及心脏血管系统的功能，而且可以预防运动伤害。

均衡的营养、正确的饮食控制，加上规律性的有氧运动，是最理想的减肥方式，要想长期保持减肥的效果，必须改变不良的饮食习惯，及养成规律性的运动习惯才有希望达成。


1. 醣类－以低密度糖分食物为主要选择

水果：葡萄柚、水梨、苹果、芭乐、莲雾、李子、西红柿、柠檬、樱桃、桃子、柑橘、奇异果、火龙果淀粉：蒟蒻面、豆米饭、豆粉条、豆薯饮料：矿泉水、无糖茶、健怡可乐、清汤

2. 蛋白质类－选择以低脂蛋白为主之食物低糖优格、无糖豆浆、去皮鸡肉、鱼肉、蛋白、海鲜类、豌豆、黑豆豆花、黄豆、脱脂牛奶

3. 油脂类－不饱和脂肪酸最健康鱼油、橄榄油



介绍果汁断食法给你，看你是否一日就见到成果！

果汁断食法顾名思义，以果汁代替早、午、晚三餐。透过果汁吸收丰富糖分，勉强可应付人类基本所需。

虽然会无可避免地从果汁的糖分中吸收到卡路里，但比起正常的一日三餐，所吸收的卡路里无疑低许多。建议在周末进行这节食法，果汁早、午、晚各饮一次。如果能减至只是下午和晚上各一次，效果更佳。

果汁之外，可饮大量的水或茶，但任何饮品都不该加冰冻饮，因为冻饮会减慢脂肪的新陈代谢，而节食时也不该做剧烈运动。节食后的一天，早上可吃白粥，午餐和晚餐最多吃至八分饱，严禁突然暴食。



其实肉类含有丰富蛋白质，适量摄取可以提高新陈代谢率，对减肥很有帮助喔！

蛋白质对减肥的帮助有：

抑制促进脂肪吸收的荷尔蒙分泌，避免赘肉；由于蛋白质所需消化的时间长，因此不容易感到饥饿；有利于体内盐分排出，消除水肿。

若您担心多吃肉相对的也多吃了脂肪，那您可以选择脂肪含量低，又富有优质蛋白质的鸡胸肉(白肉)。我们特别推荐三道炎炎夏日的鸡胸肉简易食谱，建议消费者在家DIY，为家人烹调出健康又低脂的料理。

（黄瓜鸡丝拉皮）

＊材料：鸡胸肉、小黄瓜、绿豆粉皮、醋、醇米霖、芝麻酱、酱油及蒜末各适量

＊作法：将鸡胸肉蒸熟撕成丝状；小黄瓜切成细丝后加盐；粉皮切条，三者一同搅拌排除盐分；醋、醇米霖、芝麻酱、酱油及蒜末混合成酱汁，淋于三丝上

PS：喜欢吃凉面的人，也可以将此拌于凉面上食用，怕胖的人，芝麻酱份量可减少

（菠萝鸡片）

＊材料：鸡胸肉、菠萝、葱、蒜、蛋白、盐、太白粉、酒少量、糖醋酱

＊作法：菠萝切半，取肉切块备用；鸡胸肉切片加盐、酒、蛋白及太白粉等拌腌15分钟；将鸡片过油后取出，加入葱、蒜片爆炒，再淋上糖醋酱，最后加入菠萝即可

（香芒鸡柳）

＊材料：鸡胸肉、芒果、盐、太白粉、酒少量、蛋白、葱段
＊作法：将鸡胸肉切成条状，加入盐、太白粉、酒及蛋白拌腌15分钟；芒果去皮，切成条状备用；将鸡肉过油后，以葱段爆炒，加盐并加入芒果略炒即可

女人最该吃的10种美容水果

水果向来是美肤纤体的得力助手，不仅可以内服，更可以外敷，尤其是在夏天，来上一杯鲜榨水果汁，清凉解渴，消暑养颜，价廉物美，实在是不可多得的美容佳品，那这里就把最有人气的一些水果汇集起来，大家一起来做水果美人。
　　
　　一、木瓜
　　
　　木瓜具有美白、丰胸等美容功效。既可以生食，也可以熟食。但如果你就是冲着木瓜丰胸而来的话，那熟食的效果会远远好于生食哦，可以用鲜木瓜炖汤或者是加蜂蜜的蒸木瓜都是不错的选择。
　　
　　二、奇异果
　　
　　奇异果含相当丰富的维他命、果胶、果酸等，可以给皮肤补充养分、预防黑斑，使皮肤更加白皙细腻，另外，奇异果还有降低胆固醇、帮助消化等功效。
　　
　　三、西柚
　　
　　西柚富含维生素C以及大量抗氧化元素，更难能可贵的是西柚所含的热量十分低，每个大约只有60卡，所以也是减肥的好帮手，根据美国一项研究表面，如果正常三餐都能吃上半个西柚，减肥效果会非常好。当然如果觉得一下子吃半个西柚实在不行的话，那喝西柚汁的效果也是相当令人满意的。
　　
　　四、柠檬
　　
　　柠檬的美容功效也是颇为丰富的，可以抑制黑斑，美白肌肤，也可以紧致肌肤，使皮肤光洁润滑，当然，减肥的功效也很显着。
　　
　　五、香蕉
　　
　　香蕉润肠通便的功效是大家耳熟能详的了，坚持每天吃一两根香蕉，保证正常的排便，这样有助于排出体内毒素，焕发由内而外的健康美丽。另外，用香蕉和蜂蜜调制的面膜，拥有美白的功效。
　　
　　六、苹果
　　
　　苹果是我们再熟悉不过的水果了，它的保健功能非常出色，同时，它的美容功效也让我们欣喜不已，食用苹果可以帮助我们排出肠道中的铅、汞、锰、铍等毒素，另外，如果保有每天吃苹果的饮食习惯的话，可以使肌肤红润有光泽。
　　
　　七、草莓
　　
　　草莓富含维生素C，经常食用草莓能使皮肤细腻有弹性，此外，草莓所含有的活性物质具有较高的防癌抗癌作用。
　　
　　八、枇杷
　　
　　枇杷富含蛋白质、果酸、维生素、胡萝卜素等。枇杷具有明视的作用，使你的眼睛熠熠生辉，此外，枇杷可以保持肌肤健康。用棉签沾取枇杷汁涂在脸部斑点处，可以淡化斑点。
　　
　　九、火龙果
　　
　　火龙果的营养十分丰富，是一种低热量高纤维的水果，因此深得减肥中人的喜爱，另外，火龙果对防治便秘也很有效果。
　　
　　十、樱桃
　　
　　樱桃含铁量丰富，因此具有促进血红蛋白再生的功能，可以防治缺铁性贫血，另外，樱桃还能使皮肤红润嫩白，消除黑斑。但十分要注意的是樱桃不能多吃，这是因为樱桃含铁量比较多，再加上含有一定量的氰甙，所以如果食用过多就会引起铁中毒或氢氧化物中毒。

Stress Relief

Stress Relief After a Long Day or an Eternal Week
By Cathryn D'Imperio

Constant stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, our minds and our souls. Some medical problems are triggered by continual stress, and emotional trauma, instability and mild forms of depression are also likely to result. By taking a few moments to de-stress when you feel the levels and intensity rising, you can save yourself from undue anxiety and potential health problems. Below are 20 stress relief options to help you eliminate the physical and mental feelings caused by stress.

Take a Hot Bubble Bath - The soothing suds and warm water can wash your cares away while relaxing your tired, aching muscles. If you want to enhance the healing effects, turn on some soft music, dive into a good book, or just daydream the night away.

Pamper yourself with a Pedicure and a Facial - The softness and smoothness returned to your weary feet may be enough to relax you and help you reduce your stress level, but don't stop there! Use a gentle cleanser and apply a mud-mask and sit back for 10-15 minutes while it works its wonders. If you're feeling especially energetic, cut two cucumber slices to place over your eyes. Think happy thoughts and drift away from the things that trouble you.

Throw on your Comfiest Pajamas and Grab a Good Book! - Snuggling up under the covers in your cozy bed with soft, comfortable clothing can be enough to relax you almost immediately. Find your favorite magazine, pull out a book you have been meaning to read or just put on one of those cooling eye-masks to alleviate them from the cares of the day.

Take a 20-minute 'Power-Nap' if you've got more things on your To-Do List - Right when you get home from work, shed your business attire and hop into your bed-set your alarm for 20 minutes if you have other things on the evening's agenda, or allow yourself to awake naturally if you have a free schedule. Your energy should return to you in no time!

Exercise - Go for a jog, do some abdominal workouts, aerobics or lift some weights. Exercising renews the body and gives the mind an easy escape from daily troubles.

Fix yourself a Cocktail! - Don't jump overboard with the bottle, but something as small and innocent as a strawberry daiquiri or a fuzzy navel could turn your mood around in a flash. If you aren't old enough to drink yet, make a milkshake in the blender or find a great fresh fruit smoothie recipe online. Munch on some snacks or enjoy the view from your favorite window. Forget your cares and just revel in the moment while you slowly sip your favorite beverage.

Have some Delectable Desserts in the house and Indulge! - Cakes, cookies, pastries, brownies: they are all comfort foods to me. Treat yourself to something extravagant and delicious.

Light an Aromatherapy Candle and Play some Soft Music - Close your eyes and imagine whatever peaceful moments come to mind. Relax and think about your hopes and dreams for the not-so-distant future. (Be careful not to leave candles burning unattended).

Convince your Sweetheart to give you a Massage! - A simple back massage or foot massage has been known to greatly reduce stress and send the recipient into a super-relaxed state. Just don't forget to return the favor when your sweetie is having a bad day!

Kick Back in Comfortable Clothes and Look through your Photo Albums - Memories of happy times can easily bring a smile to your face and take you back to days when the tides weren't so turbulent. Plan a vacation or a get-together with friends for another photo-taking opportunity to add to your scrapbooks, and the simple act of having something to look forward to should significantly help you cope with your stress.

Start Keeping a Diary or a Journal, just for yourself! - Record your innermost thoughts and feelings, and vent out your angst of the day. It can be very effective to get your troubles off your chest and onto a sheet of paper, where they'll stay for the rest of the night.

Immediate Results for Urgent Needs: Deep Breathing - Take deep breaths when you feel your stress levels begin to escalate. Start by counting to three inhaling and then to three while exhaling. Gradually increase it to five, six or seven as you try to calm yourself from the aggravating element.

Immediate Results for Urgent Needs: Stretching - Especially if you find yourself irritated at work, raise your arms above your head, arch your back and give it a good stretch. Get up from your desk and walk around-five minute breaks are definitely allowed when your sanity is at stake!

Immediate Results for Urgent Needs: Go Somewhere to Be Alone and Have a Good Cry or Confront the Source - I have been on the brink of tears while on the job, and sometimes the best solution to an overly stressful day is to lock yourself in a room (failing that, your car) and let loose. The relief and renewal experienced by letting out a couple of tears rejuvenates the body and the mind. Get mad, get upset, but get over it; cry in privacy or express yourself to the afflicting individual-chances are you will feel much better once you confront the agitating factor.

Do Something for YOU - Play an instrument, knit or crochet, work on a scrapbook or partake in another of your hobbies. Lose yourself in the moment and do not think about your stress until you must. Go to bed early with a light heart and dream of happy and carefree moments ahead.

Enjoy a cup of Herbal Tea and a few Cookies or a Good Book - Soothe yourself with a warm beverage and some sweets or get lost in some good reads. Reading can be a great escape from stress because it requires your mind to focus on something other than your own problems.

Order-Out! Indulge in some Comfort Foods or a cup of Hot Cocoa - Avoid making dinner or dessert for the night and call for a pizza, pick up some Chinese food or find a place that makes great seafood to go. Whatever your palate desires, treat yourself (and your family) to a night of take-out.

Try something like Yoga or Meditation to Relieve the Day�s Stressors - Beneficial results occur by relaxing the body through yoga exercises. Mental, physical and spiritual responses to yoga and meditations can very powerfully reduce stress's effects on your mood and your body in general.

Break out of the Routine! - Do something unusual and avoid the stressors. Your laundry can wait another day or two, run the dishwasher tomorrow and just relax! Get together with a few friends and go on an adventure-leave the town you know and the buildings you inhabit day after day and take a hike, hit up the beach or go sailing on a beautiful body of water.

Spend Time with Loved Ones and Pets! - If they are the ones making you stressed out, you may think about some alone-time, but more times than not, there's nothing quite like that unconditional love freely given by our furry friends who look to us for the same affection.

No matter what stressors affect you from day to day, it is important to try to combat them before they get out of hand. Job related stress could follow you home and may then have an effect not only on you and your body but on your family, too. Do what you can to reduce stress and ask those who are close to you for advice if you can't find a reasonable alternative to the taxing feelings forced upon you by stress.

Remember: worrying does not get you anywhere - all it does is take up time. Get out there and do something about it!

A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT

A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT
By Radika Meganathan

All of us want to look young and beautiful. But how many really stay that way? As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day, and if you want to look attractive and fresh, you should follow not just an efficient beauty regime, but also a regular one.

For busy homemakers and corporate executives alike, it is not always possible to maintain a regular beauty regime, unless it is a habitual visit to the nearest beauty salon. Instead of spending money on artificial and expensive treatments, here is a simple schedule to groom yourself naturally. Just before you go to bed, allot a period of ten minutes. Yes, all it takes is just that little time to keep you looking young and glowing.

Foot Care

Feeling terrible after a tiring day? As soon as you return home, soak your feet in a basin of warm water mixed with a handful of fragrant bath salts. After 10 minutes, wash your feet (a simple soap and water wash is sufficient).

If you aren't feeling sleepy by this time, take a foot filer and scrub your heels. Using a toothpick (orange stick) clean the edges and grooves around your toe nails, to remove the dirt that gets accumulated. Apply cold cream or moisturizer before winding up. This will make the skin soft and prevent people from running away at the sight of your feet.

Face Wash/Scrub

Cleansing your face before going to bed is essential to take away the dirt you might have picked up in your day. Walnut scrub is ideal for oily skin. Make sure you scrub your face in circling motions and wash with cold water. For those with dry or sensitive skin can use baby oil or wet cleansing pads, followed by a night cream.

Night Cream/Moisturizing

The right time to apply any treatment, especially moisturizer - be it for whitening the skin, under-eye cream or simple moisturizing. It will revitalize your facial skin and work wonders on skin, which had been exposed to all the dirt and grime in the daytime. It would be a good idea to use it on your arms and neck, too.

Your Hair

While oil is not the elixir of life to hair, it IS essential in keeping it well conditioned and supple. Leave oil overnight and wash in the morning with shampoo to get better results.

Heat a little amount of oil (olive oil, almond oil, or plain old coconut oil) by placing it in a small container and swirling it in hot water. After the oil gets considerably hot, massage the scalp with your fingertips, in rotating motion, for at least 8 - 10 minutes. You can do this while soaking your feet in warm water.

Castor Oil

Applying pure castor oil to your eyebrows and lashes, particularly those who have scanty growth, will make them grow thick and long. For tired or puffed eyes, place a cotton pad soaked in chilled rose water. Keeping thin slices of cucumber ready in the refrigerator beforehand is ideal.

Grated cucumber, by itself or mixed with carrot juice, can be spread under the eye, to reduce black circles and sagging skin.

Lip Guard

And finally, a smear of Vaseline on your lips, and you can sleep like a child and get up like a fairy!