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How to Make Blackberry Syrup for Cough and Cold Care

February 1, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Are you fighting off the ravages of cough or the common cold? Whip up a batch of this blackberry syrup for natural relief.

Getting sick is always stressful. Depending on if you have the flu or a cold, you might be bedridden for days. This is where medicine comes in. The problem is that most over-the-counter medications don’t shorten colds. They’re full of additives and dyes that you don’t want.

There is a growing trend of people ditching modern medicines and going back to our natural roots. One of the remedies used since ancient times is blackberries. The entire plant has medicinal purposes and is consumed in various ways like tea or syrup.

Today, we are going to discuss the health benefits of blackberries. We are also sharing a recipe on how to make your blackberry cough and cold syrup. This recipe will help with the common cold and flu symptoms, such as fever, coughing, and weakness. Based on the research, it will shorten your cold’s duration, so you’ll feel better sooner.

Why You Should Eat Blackberries

The blackberry has been around since the beginning of time. The specific history of blackberries isn’t known. However, some texts support the medicinal use dating back to the Greeks.

The Greeks used blackberries for the treatment of gout. The Romans used to brew tea to remedy various illnesses. Native Americans use it for stomach ailments. It turns out that their thinking wasn’t far off.

Blackberries provide many health benefits that are well documented by science. Modern natural medicines include blackberries in their ingredients. The blackberry plant itself can be used up from the roots to the leaves. Each part contains various medicinal properties and antioxidants.

The Benefits of Blackberries

There are many health benefits associated with blackberries. Many of which are documented in aid of helping illnesses, including cancer. Benefits to blackberries are as follows.

1. Full of vitamins and antioxidants

Blackberries contain vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. Potassium, magnesium, calcium, and the antioxidant anthocyanins are also present. Vitamins are a crucial part of anyone’s diet and health.

A single cup of blackberries contains half of the recommended dose of vitamin C. Vitamin C has many benefits. It aids in the healing of wounds, shortens the duration of colds, absorbs iron, and prevents scurvy. It reduces free radicals by acting as an antioxidant.

Vitamin A is essential for eye health, healthy immune system function, skin health, bone growth, and healthy teeth.

Vitamin K helps the clotting of your blood and aids in bone health. Deficiency in Vitamin K can result in bone fractures, bruising, or blood in your urine or stool.

2. Boost brain health

Studies show that blackberries can help boost cognitive skills because of the high concentrations of polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that battle free radicals. They may reduce brain inflammation and memory loss that is often seen in aging.

3. Help reduce inflammation

Blackberries don’t only reduce inflammation in the brain. Studies show that it can help with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

4. Treat stomach issues

One study found that those who suffered from stomach ulcers benefited from blackberries. It reduced the size of their ulcers by as much as 88%.

5. A high concentration of phytoestrogens

Research shows that blackberries are especially beneficial to women. They have lots of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant estrogens. Recent studies show that phytoestrogens may help in the prevention of both breast cancer and cervical cancer for women.

6. Reduce blood sugar levels

Blackberries contain the mineral manganese. This mineral is frequently overlooked but is key to a healthy immune system and bone development. It’s responsible for metabolizing cholesterol, forming collagen, preventing osteoporosis. It also reduces blood sugar levels. Polyphenols have shown to lower the risk of diabetes and boost insulin sensitivity.

7. Help treat the common cold

Vitamins and antioxidants play a significant role in your immune system function. Vitamin C, in particular, can help shorten your cold and relieve your symptoms faster. Blackberries contain many of the vitamins proven to shorten colds and coughing.

8. High tannin content

Blackberries have a high tannin content. Tannins help to reduce diarrhea and hemorrhoids, lessen bleeding, and tighten up tissues. In Germany, blackberries are often used as an astringent. They recommend them for irritations of the mouth. Sore throats due to coughing or infections should also use them.

9. Good source of fiber

Getting enough fiber remains an issue for many people. Low fiber diets have shown to cause health issues such as constipation and stomach pains. It can even lead to more severe health issues like an increased risk of heart disease. High fiber diets will help you lose weight, lower your cholesterol and blood sugar, and provide healthy gut bacteria.

It turns out that a high fiber diet can ease depression…learn why.

10. Prevention of heart disease and cancer

Cancer and heart disease link to a poor diet, among other factors. Studies found that the extracts found in blackberry juice may lower your risk of heart disease.

The specific extracts found may prevent the spreading of cancer and tumor growth. While it’s not a definite cure-all, it’s promising results. However, more research will need to be completed.

Elderberry Versus Blackberry

Elderberries have become popular lately because of the antioxidants and healing properties they have. Many natural medicines are currently including them in their common cold syrups and for a good reason.

It’s part of the berry family and is like the blackberry when it comes to the benefits. One difference is that it contains more antioxidant properties than blackberries.

This doesn’t necessarily make the elderberry better. Elderberries are still undergoing research, so the true benefits aren’t known. However, many homeopaths will make elderberry syrups and include blackberries for added benefits. Whether this truly makes a difference or not is not known.

The main difference blackberries have, and their advantage is the research. Countless studies have been conducted for decades on blackberries and their benefits. This gives the blackberry an edge when it comes to making any type of remedy.

Try it out for yourself and see what your results are.

Read the research regarding elderberry supplementation.

How to Make Your Own Blackberry Cough and Cold Syrup

Nobody likes getting sick. Unfortunately, it happens to even the healthiest people. When a cold or the flu strikes, you can be stuck with symptoms like fever, headaches, chills, coughing, and a stuffy/runny nose. Even after your cold ends, you could still be suffering from coughing that won’t go away.

The good news is that you don’t have to suffer. Making your own cough and cold syrup is surprisingly simple. It merely takes a few steps and a few ingredients, although you do have the option of adding in different herbs and spices too for combined effects.

Without further ado, these are the steps to making your cough syrup.

Blackberry Syrup Ingredients:

4 cups blackberries
1 cup raw honey
1 tsp of cinnamon
2 quarts water
1 cup of vinegar (optional)
1 Tbs whole cloves (optional)

Directions:

There are two ways to make this with the first set of instructions being a long way, but you will get more syrup out of it.

Blackberry syrup #1

Wash your berries thoroughly.
In a large saucepan, combine the berries and water and bring to a boil.
Simmer until the berries are very soft. This will take around one hour.
Strain into a glass or stainless-steel bowl.
Run the pulp through a food mill.
Discard any seeds and pulp.
Return the juice into the saucepan, add in the spices of your choice, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Strain the spices and let the juice cool to lukewarm.
Add in honey and stir until dissolved.

Blackberry syrup #2:

Wash berries thoroughly.
Place berries in a glass bowl and pour vinegar over them.
Let stand for 24 hours while stirring and pressing occasionally.
Strain the mixture and squeeze as much juice out as possible.
Place into a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
Add honey and cinnamon and stir frequently.
Bring to a hard boil for five minutes, then leave to cool.
Store in a glass jar.
When you want to use the syrup, add 1 to 2Tbs to a glass of hot water and sip.

There are various types of syrup you can make and add as many or as little spices as you want. You can even add elderberries for additional benefits.

Final Thoughts on the Blackberry as Medicine

Blackberries have been used as medicine since ancient times and are still used today. Studies support the use of medicinal purposes because of the health benefits it has. It’s full of antioxidants and vitamins that will help your well-being. Blackberries are the ingredient you need to have if you want a more natural approach to medicine.

Whether you consume them raw or make jelly out of them, you can still reap the benefits. If you hope to shorten your cold’s duration or lessen cold symptoms like coughing or a fever, then give the recipe above a try.

Doctors Explain What Happens to Your Body if You Develop Osteopenia

February 1, 2020 by Power of Positivity

For those who are unfamiliar with osteopenia, it is a condition that causes a decline in bone mineral density. And if left untreated, low bone mineral density can eventually lead to osteoporosis, which is a condition that makes bones more susceptible to fractures.

December of 2019 statistics show that over 34 million Americans struggle with osteopenia, and a significant number of these individuals do not realize that they have developed the condition. Although osteopenia is usually part of getting older, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. The best way to go about lowering your chances of developing this bone-robbing disease is by familiarizing yourself with the symptoms and taking steps to safeguard your bone health.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING OSTEOPENIA?

When it comes to osteopenia, also known as low bone density, the condition can affect both men and women alike. However, statistically speaking, the disease is far more common among women. And this is for several reasons. Firstly, from a purely physiological standpoint, women naturally have less bone mass than men. They also can’t absorb as much calcium as men either. These two factors alone can significantly increase their chances of developing low bone density as they get older. Beyond that, women who have entered menopause, among many other symptoms, also must contend with lower estrogen. Additional factors that can increase the likelihood of developing low bone density in both men and women include

1 – Age factors

According to an article published in Johns Hopkins Medicine, the publishing arm of Johns Hopkins University, the rate of bone resorption naturally starts to outpace bone formation by the time an individual reaches the age of 50. And this is especially true for women who are either transitioning into or who have already settled into menopause.

2 – Eating disorders

While they may not be as common among older adults, many individuals are struggling with an eating disorder that can significantly increase their chances of developing low bone density. Some of these disorders include anorexia and bulimia, both of which can deprive the body of the nutrients needed to support healthy bones. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, more than 69 percent of older Americans between the ages of 50 and 94 have an eating disorder of some kind.

3 – Underlying health problems

Along with age, low bone density can also be brought on by underlying health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and celiac disease. That said, effectively treating and managing these chronic health problems can improve bone health.

4 – Medication

Much like other underlying health problems, low bone density can also be brought on by specific medications. That’s especially relevant when you take prescriptions over a long period. Some of these medications include anti-seizure, cancer, and steroid drugs. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should stop taking these medications if you need them; however, it might be worth speaking with your physician about possible alternatives, especially if you are already at high risk of developing low bone density.

Read to learn the connection between Vitamin D and healthy bones.

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY IF YOU DEVELOP OSTEOPENIA?

To better understand how low bone density impacts the body, it helps to know a little more about bone tissue first. As we go through life, our bones are constantly changing. When new bones grow, old bones are broken down and absorbed by the body. And this ongoing chain of events is what contributes to strong, healthy bones. However, as we get older, this process slows down considerably. Once an individual turns 50, the body starts to break down old bones faster but creates new ones slower. When this happens, bone mass starts to decline.

Also, the chances of suffering a broken bone or fracture become more likely. Sadly, most people don’t realize that they have low bone density until they have experienced a broken bone or fracture. After all, there are few tell-tale signs to alert individuals of these changes when it comes to their bone health.

DIAGNOSING LOW BONE DENSITY

An excellent way to lower your chances of developing low bone density as you get older is by scheduling regular bone density screenings with a physician. These screenings can provide invaluable insights relative to the strength of your bones. Most physicians will use a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) test to measure the density and overall health of a patient’s bones.

These tests, which consist of low-radiation x-rays, allow physicians to accurately assess the bone mineral density levels in a patient’s spine, hips, wrists, fingers, shins, and heels. The results of these tests are calculated based on a “T-score” and will be used to signify one of the following:

Healthy bone density – +1.0 to –1.0
Low bone density – -1.0 to 2.5
Osteoporosis – 2.5 and higher

It is important to note that the results of a DEXA test may also be used in conjunction with a FRAX score. The combined feedback determines how likely an individual is to suffer a fracture or broken bone within ten years.

NATURAL REMEDIES AND PREVENTION FOR LOW BONE DENSITY AS YOU GET OLDER

Getting older doesn’t necessarily have to include low bone density; there are things that you can do starting today that will keep your bones healthy as you get older, some of which include

1 – Consuming a healthy diet

A great way to fend off low bone density as you age is by getting more vitamin D and calcium. Both of these can strengthen bones. Some of the foods that are rich in calcium include spinach, broccoli, salmon, and dairy products. As far as vitamin D, the body naturally absorbs this valuable nutrient whenever you expose your bare skin to sunlight. Vitamin D is also available in eggs and most oil fish.

2 – Exercise regularly

Regular exercise, especially strength training, can go a long way toward keeping your bones strong and healthy. Studies show that a sedentary lifestyle coupled with poor nutrition can result in individuals over the age of 40 losing as much as 1 percent of their bone mass every year. Exercising regularly not only prevents this from happening but also help trigger new bone growth.

3 – Smoking

If you’re a smoker, you now have another reason to quit. According to an article published by Medical News Today, a leading online resource for medical news, smoking makes it difficult for bones to absorb calcium even if an individual is consuming plenty of vitamin D and calcium-rich foods.

4 – Cutting back on soda

Along with being bad for your teeth, drinking too much soda can also impact bone health. Studies show that the phosphate, the chemical derivative of phosphoric acid, found in most sodas can decrease calcium in bones and also lower bone mineral density. That said, cutting back or even eliminating these beverages from your diet will ensure your bones remain healthy as you get older.

5 – Consuming less sodium

Reducing your sodium intake is yet another way to keep your bones healthy as you age. Along with contributing to hypertension, excessive sodium can lead to a reduction in calcium and bone mineral density. According to the American Heart Association, for good overall health, adults should limit their sodium intake to between 1,500 mg and 2,300 mg per day.

Learn the red flags that warn you that you’re eating too much salt.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON OSTEOPENIA PREVENTION

In summary, if you’re at risk for osteopenia, follow the tips outlined in this article. That’s important because you can help improve your bone health. Therefore, you will also prevent the condition from developing and giving way to osteoporosis. Your efforts will pay off in terms of healthier bones and maintaining an active lifestyle for longer. And prevention is always better than seeking a cure.

Yogis Reveal the Pros and Cons of Hot Yoga

January 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Hot yoga is one of the most popular forms of exercise combined with relaxation. It’s performed in a heated room, usually above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There are many different forms, with Bikram yoga being the most popular. While many people swear by the effects of this type of yoga, it’s not for everyone. We’re here to give you the pros and cons.

What Is Hot Yoga?

A man from India by the name of Bikram Choudhury invented the hot form of yoga. Back in the 1970s in San Francisco, Choudhury opened a studio. He believed the excessive heat helped the body move better and remove impurities in the body. Today there are different types of these classes. All of them involve the main ingredients of excessive heat and yoga poses.

9 Pros of Hot Yoga

1 – Overall Benefits of Yoga

Basic yoga has been around for thousands of years. It combines breathing, stretching, and posing, helping to connect your body and mind. Most people use it as a meditation technique as well. The overall health benefits of yoga include a mental health boost, help with asthma, alleviate back pain, and relax the body.

2 – Detoxes Your Skin

This type of yoga is just plain hot. The benefits of yoga in a heated environment start with sweating a ton. Your body naturally sweats a lot in temperatures over 100 degrees, helping to detox your skin. Every pore of your body is sweating. All of the sweat leaving your body means you’re getting rid of impurities and toxins in your skin. Your body is cooling off by sweating as well as giving yourself a natural facial.

3 – Reduces Depression

Cortisol levels often lower during yoga in excessive heat. This stress hormone often limits the production of serotonin. Yoga combines meditation with working out, meaning the positive thinking combined with endorphins lowers cortisol levels. Yoga alone might not be able to cure depression, but it can boost your endorphin levels.

4 – Provides A Challenge

Many people love a good workout challenge. The feeling of running a marathon is one of the benefits of yoga. That feeling afterward of completion is something many people crave. Getting through a 90-minute yoga class gives that feeling to many in a class. It’s not easy, but it’s fulfilling. Once they figure out the poses and realize they’ve pushed through an entire class sweating and posing, a feeling of accomplishment washes over them.

5 – Increased Flexibility

Flexibility is just one of the many benefits of yoga. Add heat to regular yoga, and you have the perfect equation to increase flexibility. Many people stretch when it’s cold outside, making it dangerous for muscles. High temperatures and high humidity help muscles to bend and flex easier. Muscles become loose, making it easier to get into yoga poses.

6 – Good For Your Lungs

Those that have asthma aren’t advised to take a yoga class with intense heat. If you don’t have lung issues, the heat in the room is great for your breathing capacity. The air in the room is hot and humid, opening your airways. This makes breathing easier letting you rid of excess air in your lungs.

7 – It’s Different

The great thing many people love about this type of yoga is it’s different than your everyday workout. Instead of lifting weights and running, you’re pushing your mind and body differently. You get to work on freeing the mind of the day and bend in different ways. It’s not a high-intensity cardio workout as if you were running on a treadmill. However, you feel like you ran a marathon after the class is over. Many people that crave a change in their workout routine find it.

8 – May Help Boost Immune System

This type of yoga might help your immune system. Many illnesses can get worse or better, depending on our body’s energy. If the body is stressed and down, our energy is usually off, leading us to get sick due to being drained. Yoga isn’t a magic pill. However, it can help the body function at a higher level due to being better balanced, both emotionally and mentally.

9 – Alleviate Joint Pain

Yoga done in excessive heat can do wonders for joint pain. Many people that do this type of yoga say it helps alleviate their pain. Muscles get stronger as they work to do each pose and stretch. This means they are better able to support the joints enabling better movement. Many people with arthritis do yoga in the heat to help alleviate their pain.

9 Cons of Hot Yoga

1 – May Cause Dehydration

Yoga in extreme heat is works the mind and body for over an hour. In such high temperatures, the body profusely sweats. The more water your body loses, the more you become dehydrated. This is why it’s important to drink as much water as possible in the 24 hours leading up to it. Continue to drink water after you leave the class as well to replenish the fluid lost during it.

Read up on tips to help you avoid dehydration.

2 – Heat-Related Illness

Many people need to make sure their body is ready for the toll of the heat and intensity of a yoga class in a room over 100 degrees. The heat and intensity of the class can cause heat-related illnesses. It’s important to speak with your doctor before a class if you have a history of heart disease, frequent dehydration, are pregnant, and/or have had a heat stroke.

3 – You May Injure Yourself

You’re bending and flexing in new ways during each yoga class. If you push yourself too hard, you could tear a ligament or hurt your muscles. Be ready to try new poses while knowing your body’s limitations. Stop when your body hurts. You’re already pushing it with the high temperature, so be careful when adding new poses. As with any new workout, it’s important to monitor your body. Yoga is all about working with the joints and muscles to help them stretch easier, but it can also be harmful if you keep pushing without listening to those joints and muscles.

4 – It’s Time Consuming

Most Bikram classes last about 90 minutes. For some people, that’s a short workout, but for others, that is too much time. It can take a large chunk out of a busy day. You’re also going to sweat a ton, so you need to take more time for a shower.

5 – It’s Not A Place To Rehab The Body

Some people enter a Bikram yoga class thinking the stretches will help heal their injuries. This class is a good place to stretch joints and ligaments to help alleviate pain if the body is not injured. If you have an injury, you could be pushing your body to extreme measures. This could further injure it. Go to a rehabilitation clinic to repair injuries. Leave hot yoga class for after your body is healed.

6 – It’s Not A Rapid Weight Loss Secret

Many people enroll in hot yoga thinking it will help them lose weight. Some do it thinking they can detox the body from years of eating junk food with one class. Most of the weight people lose during a class is water weight. This means it isn’t truly killing fat cells.

Although yoga, over the long-term, is useful in losing weight, it is not a wham-bam magical weight loss solution.

Learn what exercises will help you melt away stomach fat and love handles.

7 – It’s Not Really A High-Intensity Workout

Many people join heated yoga classes thinking they’ll go in to burn a million calories due to the heat and shed a few dress sizes in a class. Yoga in intense heat is actually a bit of a low-intensity workout. This class’s benefits to the body are more about stretching to better move and sweating away toxins. It’s about the overall health effects of exercise instead of a quick fix. Those looking to burn off their pizza pigout session may burn a lot of calories, but won’t necessarily melt away unwanted fat cells.

8 – Not A Hangover Solution

Some people enter a yoga class thinking they’ll get rid of a hangover. It’s not the cure to prevent the aftermath of your alcohol-fueled night. You’re already losing sweat and water during a class. This added to the dehydration provided by a hangover can be a bad combination. Let your body do the detoxing when you’re hungover.

9 – You Might Get Bored

Some people love a routine workout, while others want it to change each time. Many classes of hot yoga go through the same poses each class. Some instructors will change up the routine while others stick to a schedule. Some like to heighten the intensity each workout while other instructors like those in the class to be experts at the same poses. If you like change each class, you might want to go for another class.

Final Thoughts: Give Hot Yoga a Try and Form Your Opinion

Try hot yoga for yourself to form your own opinion. Many people are hooked after the first class and view it as a part of their lifestyle. The benefits of yoga as a whole keep many people returning to class. The journey to a whole new you could start with one class.

4 Workout Moves That Will Melt the Body Fat

January 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Are you looking for some new moves that will help melt body fat, tone muscle, and make you feel better?

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” – John. F Kennedy

At one point or another, most of us have felt disdain at the notion of “working out” or “getting fit.” Why? Because we (incorrectly) associate working out with an incredible amount of hard work.

Now, make no mistake about it, to develop a “first-class” body does require an incredible amount of hard work. The thing is that many of us don’t care about that. Most people do, however, care about their appearance and their health.

Are you ready to hear an incredibly painful truth?

We can’t improve our appearance without changing our lifestyle.

A second difficult truth?

We can’t improve our health without changing our lifestyle.

Sure, we can go on a binge diet, lose a bunch of weight and look “better,” but our overall health will inevitably suffer – and we’ll most likely gain the weight back, regardless. Therefore, we must strike an ideal balance between the three variables: (1) our health, (2) our appearance, and (3) our will to commit to both (1) and (2).

Our body needs movement.

If you look at the physiological makeup of the human body, you begin to realize how inordinately complex it is. This complex system needs movement; else, we sacrifice both our appearance and health.

And it doesn’t require that you spend hours at the gym.

What it does require is some discipline and a bit of time. The former is what most people have trouble with. It’s much easier to catch that additional 15 to 30 minutes of shuteye than it is to put your body in motion.

In this article, we describe four movements that will restore and improve your energy, motion, and strength.

Below, you’ll see four basic exercises with instructions. For those visually inclined, you can see illustrations of each via a quick Google search.

4 Moves That Melt Body Fat When You Perform Them Daily

1. Upward Row (with light dumbbells)

Reason: A “pull” exercise, rows will make everyday movements much more fluid. The muscles are then less prone to pain.

Movement: (a) stand with feet shoulder-width apart, (b) Slightly bend forward at the hips while keeping abdominals “clenched,” (c) Move elbows in back past the hips (keeping them close to the body); engage and squeeze the back muscles, (d) return to starting position.

2. Abdominal Twist (with or without light dumbbells)

Reason: Our fast food habits tend to manifest into flabby abs. This rotating exercise engages your core abdominal areas and oblique muscles. The movement may also help prevent lower back injuries.

Movement: (a) sit with knees bent at a 45-degree angle, feet flat on the floor, (b) place both hands (with or without dumbbells) in front of the chest area, (c) maintaining a long, straight back while tightening the abs area, (d) lean back a bit, with feet a few inches above ground level, (e) slowly twist torso to the right and bring hands beside right hip, (f) repeat movement towards the left side.

3. Dumbbell Thrust

Reason: Various. Picking things up, reaching upwards, and other daily tasks require activating the lower body and core muscles.

Movement: (a) Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, weights held in hand, arms should be straight out above the shoulders, (b) Keeping the back as straight as possible, get into a squat position. Abs (core) should be tight, and chest lifted, (c) raise directly upward from the (b) position and press weights directly overhead.

4. Modified Planks

Reason: The plank position is arguably the best for strengthening the core abdominal areas. The movement also strengthens the back muscles while engaging the chest, glutes, legs, and shoulders. Modified planks are perhaps the complete exercise movement, as it involves various parts of the body in a fluid motion.

Movement: (a) Begin on all fours (pushup position) with wrists underneath the shoulders, (b) Press both heels back while engaging the core, glutes, and thighs. Your body should remain in a straight line at all times throughout the movement, (c) Maintaining the (b) position, tap one hand to the opposite shoulder and bring it back to the floor. (d) alternate and repeat. (Note: Ensure that breathing pattern remains consistent – in through the nose and forcefully out through the mouth – this will also help keep the core areas engaged throughout the movement.)

Final Thoughts on Melting Body Fat With Exercises At Home

These body fat-blasting exercises don’t require you to spend hours at the gym. Nor do they cause you to spend a fortune on special equipment. With little more than an exercise mat and some lightweight dumbbells, you can be on the way to a better body. Better yet, you’ll get there from the privacy and comfort of your home.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

12 Things to Never Say Or Do Around A Capricorn

January 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you are interested at all in learning about the different zodiac signs out there, then you probably already know that the Capricorn sign is the tenth astrological zodiac sign in the lineup of twelve. The Capricorn zodiac sign is most often known as the sign that has the most control with their inner-self. Thus, they have considerable potential to be a great helper for people.

A Capricorn is likely to aid people because they can feel a great deal of empathy within themselves. That fact also means that a Capricorn makes for a great friend as they will always seek to understand what their loved ones are going through. And, they’ll always be there for them.

Capricorns are also a very independent zodiac sign because they know their capabilities. Furthermore, they rarely trust other people to do work when they see what they can do. For example, once they start a task, they’ll do it on their own to guarantee that it gets done right.

Since a Capricorn zodiac sign is so independent and self-controlled, it is essential to know some things that you should never say or do around this zodiac sign to stay on their right side.

12 Things to Know Around Your Capricorn Friend

1.) Stay out of their way when they are in a bad mood

When a Capricorn is in a bad mood, it is best to get out of the way and leave them alone. When they are upset or angry, they will not care about what they say or do at the moment. In fact, they can very well end up hurting your feelings if you get in the way.

If you make Capricorns angry, be ready to hear them go off on you without much of a filter. Worse yet, they tend to cut you off and act like you do not exist without a second thought.

2.) Never lie to Capricorns

Capricorns are very intuitive people and can see people for who they are with tremendous ease. If you are not telling the truth to a Capricorn, they’ll know. They may not say anything to you about it or call you out on your lie, but their strong intuition alerts them that you are lying.

Capricorns do not do well when they are lied too and will not take a fib lightly. Therefore, it’s always best to be upfront and truthful with Capricorns. Telling the truth will help you to avoid the negative outcome that arises out of lying.

3.) Do not ask them to follow your rules

As stated above, Capricorns are very independent people. They are people who rely on themselves and typically only on themselves. It is true that they sympathize with people and want to help others as much as possible. However, this does not mean that they will bend easily to any rules made by someone else.

They want to help, but they will only do it their way. You will get ahead in a relationship with Capricorns if you request rather than rule. Or, set a general guideline to stay in and let them do the rest for themselves. Realize that they are self-made, and you will get a better outcome.

4.) Pushing Capricorns away is a hazardous game to play

Capricorns are very loyal people. Once you are friends with them or have any type of close bond, they will always have your back and be there for you. If you want a friend to support you and have your back, then this is the person that you want in your life. However, this is not a zodiac sign to take advantage of.

If you choose to tell a Capricorn that your relationship is over or push them away with your actions, do not expect them ever to come back or grovel to have you again. Though they are loyal to a fault, Capricorns are also not going to beg to remain in your life.

Once they are out of your life, they are not coming back. So take care to treat that relationship with respect.

5.) Do not expect them to give up on their career goals or ambitions

One of the worst things you can ask of this sign is for them to walk away from their beloved career. There’s an exception to this. That is unless you know that they feel stuck in a career-low, and you motivate them to push towards their next phase.

Capricorns live to crush goals and reach for the stars. Indeed, they work hard to get to their ambitions and do not stop working until they achieve what they are working towards. Then, they start all over again with a whole new set of goals.

Asking them to leave their careers can push them away from you or cause them to be resentful of you. If there is a significant life change coming up, it is best to figure out a way that allows them to keep their careers instead of asking them to give their careers up.

6.) Do not imply that they are boring

Capricorns pride themselves not only on being a person that can provide excellent entertainment and fun but also as a person that can give their friends stimulating intellectual conversation.

If you choose to cross a line and insinuate that your Capricorn is boring, then you should be prepared to lose a friend instantly. They will automatically pull away when you do that and find people find them interesting to hang out with.

7.) Capricorns do not have time for your boasting tendencies

It is not in your best interest to try to boast or show off your material things to this sign. In truth, they do not care about your material stuff. Nor do they care about how much you have or how shiny your stuff might be. In fact, Capricorns care about the hearts of the people they spend time with.

If you go boasting around Cappies, you can be sure that you will quickly lose a friend as they will soon cut you off without a second thought. Capricorns are in it for the heart of the person, not the things they have to offer.

8.) Act smart around Capricorns

Capricorns pride themselves on their intellect. They work hard to make sure that they are intelligent, well-read, and can have intellectual conversations with people of any circle. If you choose to say foolish things around Capricorns or act like a fool, be ready to be cut off from them. They do not have the time or the patience to sit around and listen to any foolish talk and will leave you in the dust without an ounce of guilty feelings about it.

9.) Call them slow and feel their anger towards you

Capricorns do not rush progress for the sake of progress. They choose to take their time on things to make sure the result is perfect, and just as they want it. To them, slow and steady wins the race. Calling them slow would be very unwise as they know that they are merely taking their time to make sure every detail is perfect down to the last detail.

10.) Do not ask Capricorns to rethink their thoughts or decisions

When you go to Capricorns and ask them to rethink something or reconsider some of their choices it can come across as very offensive to the Capricorns. This sign takes pride in thinking through every detail of their thoughts and considering the outcome of the decisions they make.

They take time to think through all of their thoughts before acting, so when someone asks them to reconsider their views it can seem very offensive and degrading, causing them to be taken aback and distance themselves from you.

11.) Do not ask them to share their inner thoughts and secrets

Capricorns are very reserved and tend to keep their emotions and inner thoughts bottled up deep within. Asking them to open up and share what is close and personal to their hearts can cause them to clam up even more and feel less inclined to share anything personal with you in the future.

12.) Do not ask them to divulge secrets from other people

Along the same lines as above, Capricorns not only keep their matters close to the chest, but if their loved ones share something personal with them, it is not going anywhere. Asking them to divulge secrets fro other people will cause them to feel betrayed by you and will end up getting you cut off instead.

Final Thoughts on Remaining on Even Keel With A Capricorn

The Capricorns in your life are very loyal people and will be fierce friends to have in your corner. If you treat them with respect and honor, then they will be some of the most loyal people in your corner, and you will have won a fun, smart, loyal, exciting person in your corner for the rest of your life.

10 Hidden Dangers of Wearing Eyelash Extensions

January 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Around the world, humans consider long, dark eyelashes an attractive and desirable trait. Like the hair on our heads, we perceive lush lashes as indicators of physical health (some medical conditions can make eyelashes fall out). Thus, eyelash extensions are a fashion and beauty trend on the rise.

On a purely visual level, these extensions also make our eyes appear larger and brighter. Both are characteristics that evoke feelings of warmth and trust from admirers.

For millennia, human beings have attempted to make their natural eyelashes appear longer, thicker, and darker. We have tried curling them, lengthening them with mascara, and applying adhesive “falsies.”

However, we’ve most recently moved on to eyelash extensions. Some salons charge hundreds of dollars or more for each application of these realistic-looking temporary lashes.

Though eyelash extensions can lend you a little extra touch of glamour, there are some drawbacks and risks. Indeed, you should be aware of these possible complications before investing in a set of your own. Being informed ahead of time can make the difference between having healthy eyes or unpleasant eye health problems.

Hidden Eyelash Extension Dangers to Watch Out For

1. Irritation of the Eyelids

Wearing the occasional set of eyelash extensions probably won’t cause any harm to your eyes, but frequent use can irritate your eyelids. Not only can the adhesive used to attach the lashes be harsh on the tissues surrounding the eye, over time, the extensions can cause blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid that can also hinder tear production.

Tears aren’t just a visible expression of strong emotions; they’re also an essential component of eye health. Your tears help keep your eyes moisturized and also flush debris and irritants away from your corneas. Blepharitis can be acute or chronic, and unfortunately, it cannot be cured.

2. Eye Infections

Your eyelashes help keep airborne debris from getting into your eye. If your natural lashes can protect your eye against infection, can’t eyelash extensions do the same?

Unfortunately not. In fact, lash extensions and false eyelashes can trap harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), causing a range of harmful infections.

These infections can include a sty – a white bump on the eyelid, causing itching, swelling, pain, and discharge – and bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Pink eye can cause redness of the eye, tearing, pain, and discharge.

If you choose to wear lash extensions, it’s important that you take care to keep them sanitary by washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your eyes.

3. Bloodshot Sclera

One of the side effects of irritation to the eye can include a bloodshot appearance to the sclera (the white part of the eye), which is the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve by wearing eyelash extensions in the first place. False lashes are supposed to be a beautifying tool, and the last thing you want is for them to call extra attention to red, inflamed, watery eyes.

If you find that eyelash extensions cause visible irritation and redness in your eyes, consider switching to mascara instead.

4. Allergic Reactions

Before purchasing eyelash extensions, or any other kind of false lashes, you should do your research and find out exactly what ingredients are found in the adhesive. Many consumers will be shocked to learn that some eyelash adhesives contain formaldehyde, a respiratory irritant, and a known carcinogen.

Commonly used as a chemical preservative in medical laboratories and morgues, this caustic chemical can be incredibly harsh on the delicate skin surrounding your eyes, and it can even cause allergic reactions. Avoiding products containing formaldehyde is simple to safeguard your eye health and overall health.

If you have your heart set on lash extensions or self-adhesive false lashes, we recommend using only formaldehyde-free adhesives.

5. Loss of Eyelashes

Eyelashes don’t exist just to make your eyes look prettier. In fact, your eyelashes are one of your body’s natural defenses against injuries to your eye, and the frequent use of lash extensions can put this important defense mechanism in jeopardy.

One of the risks of lash extensions is a condition known as traction alopecia, a form of hair loss that occurs when excessive tension is placed on your hair shaft for a prolonged period of time. Additionally, because the lash extensions are bonded directly to your natural lashes, removal can sometimes pull the lashes out altogether.

Not only is eyelash baldness visually unappealing, it actually leaves your eyes more vulnerable to injury and infection. In the same way that our skin acts as a barrier against pathogens entering our bodies, our eyelashes help filter out dust, debris, and microbes that can cause injury to the cornea, bacterial infection, and more.

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6. Rashes

An allergic reaction is the most severe response to the irritation lash extensions can cause, but there are other, milder reactions that can be equally bothersome. If the chemicals in your lash adhesive irritate your skin, you may experience an itchy, uncomfortable breakout in the eye area.

Rashes around the eye can be especially bothersome because they’re in such a delicate location, and the scratching and rubbing people commonly do to achieve some relief can further injure the already delicate, inflamed skin of the eyelids and under-eyes.

7. Tearing

Most of us can manage to keep our hands away from our eyes when we’re awake, but sleep is a different matter. You can actually tear your lash extensions away while you’re sleeping, either by rubbing your eyes or simply rolling over and trapping them between your cheek and your pillow.

Often, when lash extensions are torn out, they take your natural lashes with them. In addition to the lash loss discussed above, this can cause pain and discomfort.

8. Your Eyelids Can Stick Together

If you pay a spa professional to perform your lash extension installation, odds are you won’t experience this problem. But if you go the budget-friendly route and attempt to apply them yourself, you might end up with a sticky situation on your hands.

If the glue used to stick the extensions to your natural lashes is applied too heavily, you run the risk that your upper and lower lashes will get stuck together, sealing your eyes shut in the process. If this occurs, it can be very difficult to remove the glue without causing yourself pain as well as permanent damage to your lashes.

9. Breakage of Eyelashes

In addition to the hair loss caused by your extensions pulling your natural eyelashes out, extensions can also cause lash breakage. This can leave your natural lashes with an uneven appearance that’s hard to disguise with mascara. To cover it up, some people will simply apply more extensions, thus perpetuating the cycle of hair breakage and loss.

In addition to their undesirable appearance, broken lashes can leave your eyes more vulnerable to irritation from your environment and infection.

Beyond the cosmetic concerns, damaged lashes can also affect the overall health of your eyes. Natural eyelashes serve as a protective barrier, keeping dust, debris, and other irritants from reaching the sensitive surface of your eyes.

When lashes are broken or sparse due to the strain of extensions, they lose their ability to provide that protection, leaving your eyes more susceptible to irritation. This can result in discomfort, redness, or even more severe eye issues if left unaddressed.

To help restore and strengthen your natural lashes, incorporating an eyelash booster into your routine can be incredibly beneficial. These boosters are designed to nourish and promote the growth of your lashes, helping to reverse the damage caused by overuse of extensions.

With consistent use, you’ll notice your lashes becoming fuller, healthier, and better able to protect your eyes, all without the need for additional extensions. Investing in the health of your natural lashes is a far better long-term solution than risking further damage with quick fixes.

10. Possible Long-Term Consequences

Most of the side effects we’ve discussed here have been short-term and finite in nature. However, because no long-range studies have been conducted into the risks of lash extensions, it’s possible that there may be more lasting effects we just don’t know about yet.

One important consideration is the cancer risk associated with the ingredients in the lash adhesive. Consistent use of any cosmetic products containing carcinogens can increase your total cancer risk over your lifetime.

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How to Safeguard Your Eye Health

Your eyes are some of your most delicate bodily organs, and your sense of sight is irreplaceable. With that in mind, here are some steps you can take to help preserve the health of your eyes.

Be conscientious about how you use lash extensions and false lashes. You should pay a professional to apply them inside a salon. In addition, check the label to avoid any ingredients that contain irritants and cancer-causing chemicals.
Be extremely careful about their removal. Tearing or breaking your lashes can put you at an increased risk of infection, which can negatively impact your eye health.
If you suspect you’re having an allergic reaction or you’re exhibiting signs of an infection, don’t delay: see your doctor right away. The importance of eye health should never be underestimated, as even a seemingly minor infection can intensify and potentially cause irreversible damage to your eyes.
If you want your eyelashes to look thicker, longer, and darker, consider using mascara instead of false lashes or extensions. Nowadays, there’s a huge range of affordable mascaras available that won’t cause dry, clumpy-looking lashes. And, that route doesn’t come with the risks associated with false lashes.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of irritation or infection, you can find relief by applying warm, moist, sanitary compresses to your eyes. You should always take care to wash your hands and to avoid touching your eyes if possible.
Consider sleeping with a satin eye mask over your eyes to protect against tearing in the middle of the night.

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Final Thoughts on Taking Care When Deciding to Get Eyelash Extensions

When we look at our best, we feel our best, and it’s understandable that many of us want longer, more luxurious lashes. But when it comes to the health of our eyes, cosmetics should always be secondary to self-care. If possible, we recommend choosing an alternative to lash extensions that bring fewer risks to your eye health.

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