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JUNE IS NATIONAL SMILE MONTH!

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 BY Emma

Emma-HJoin in Encouraging Americans to Brush for Health

These days, we’re all cutting back where we can. We just have to make sure our dental appointment isn’t one of them-our smiles are just too important. Making and keeping our regular dental appointments is just one focus of the National Smile month campaign.

National Smile month was started to remind everyone of the importance of brushing, good nutrition and regular dental visits.  A regular appointment with your dentist is essential to help prevent or diagnose problems early on when treatment is simpler and more affordable. It never pays to wait. Problems will only get worse over time. Making regular dental appointments – and keeping them – is key to good oral health. In addition to brushing, flossing and regular check-ups, there is a great list of top 10 foods that can help keep your teeth healthy.

 1.    Celery

Celery is an effective weapon against the bacteria inside your mouth. In addition to the obvious health benefits of eating celery, it also causes you to chew more, producing additional saliva. As you generate saliva, it kills the bad bacteria present in the mouth. Celery may not taste as good, but is a healthy alternative to plaque-producing potato chips. The extra water contained in celery is a good way to clean your teeth, sort of like naturally brushing your teeth.

 2. Onions

You may not think so, but eating onions is a great way to eliminate harmful bacteria inside the mouth. When you eat an uncooked onion, the substances in the onion work to destroy the bacteria that are eating away at your teeth. You may be concerned about stinky breath, but the benefits are worth it. Simply follow up with some sugar free gum and you are good to go.

 3. Shitake Mushrooms

Shitake Mushrooms work similar to onions in destroying the harmful bacteria, but they also prevent the buildup of plaque, which can turn into cavities if you do not take care of your teeth properly.

 4. Cheese

A tasty option for keeping your teeth looking great, cheese contains elements that are good for keeping your teeth healthy. Cheese makes you produce additional saliva, which destroys the harmful bacteria inside your mouth. In addition, cheese also works to prevent discoloration of your teeth.

 5. Strawberries

Strawberries are a great natural way to whiten your teeth. Brush your teeth daily with strawberries as a healthy alternative to potentially harmful whitening gels.

 6. Oranges

Like strawberries, oranges are also fantastic tooth whiteners. Rub a little of the skin of an orange rind on your teeth after brushing to take advantage to the benefits.

 7. Milk

Milk is a tasty way to keep your teeth healthy. The calcium in dairy products is effective in keeping the teeth strong. In addition, the Vitamin D helps the calcium to be absorbed more efficiently.

 8. Meat

Meat, fish and eggs are an excellent source of phosphorus that is needed for tooth enamel formation.

 9. Bananas

Bananas are high in magnesium, which is also needed to help the enamel of the teeth form properly. Whole grain foods and spinach are also good sources of magnesium.

 10. Carrots

Carrots and other orange-colored vegetables and fruit are great sources of beta-carotene, which is turned into Vitamin A by the body for strong teeth and bones.

                            

Dental Scrubs


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Stay Safe in the Summer Sun.

Thursday, May 20th, 2010 BY Brie

Brie-HMemorial day weekend is coming up soon and for many people, marks the “official” beginning of summer fun. The sun seems to shine brighter, days get longer and hotter, and more time is spent outside. The American Cancer Society has some great tips for protecting your self from the summer sun.

 

Sun Smarts: Stay Safe in the Sun This Summer

Ah, summer – the days are longer and warmer, which means you have more time to get outside and do the activities you enjoy. Spending time outdoors is part of an active, healthy life. However, as anyone who has ever had a sunburn knows, too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is dangerous.

More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States. That’s more than cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas combined. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to protect yourself. Follow these practical steps — they provide the best protection when used together.

Limit direct sun exposure during midday.
UV rays are most intense during the middle of the day, usually between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Plan your outdoor activities outside that timeframe, if possible.

Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
Tanning lamps give out UVA and frequently UVB rays, as well. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause serious long-term skin damage, and both contribute to skin cancer.

Wear shades and a hat. Invest in a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and a pair of wrap-around sunglasses with at least 99% UV absorption.

Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays, the kind that cause most skin cancers. A higher number means more protection. Sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum” also protect against UVA rays, which also play a role in skin cancer.

Use 1 ounce of sunscreen (a “palmful”) to cover your arms, legs, neck, and face. Reapply every 2 hours — more often if you are swimming or sweating. Don’t forget to protect your lips by using a lip balm with SPF, too. And don’t skip the sunscreen just because it looks overcast outside: UV light still comes through on hazy days.

Check your skin. Check your own skin regularly, and have your doctor check it, too — especially if you notice any moles that have changed size, shape, or color. Skin cancer is most easily treated if found early. Hear from some survivors in this skin cancer prevention and early detection video.

Celebrate “Don’t Fry Day.” Remind your friends and family about the importance of skin cancer prevention and early detection on the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention’s “Don’t Fry Day,” the Friday before Memorial Day, May 28, 2010.

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of skin cancer, visit cancer.org.

Hope these tips are helpful! How are you spending Memorial Day weekend? Share your fun plans and have a wonderful, safe weekend.


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Go Green for Earth Day & Beyond in Eco-Friendly Scrubs!

Thursday, April 15th, 2010 BY Celia

Celia-HHappy Earth Week to you!  Earth Week 2010 starts on Monday April 19 (and goes through Friday April 23) which means it’s your chance to celebrate the ways you help keep our planet clean and green!  Don’t worry if your “carbon footprint” has been a little bit larger than others…Earth Week is a time for all of us to discover how we can do better year-round!

First, if you’re wondering what is a “carbon footprint”, you are not alone :) .  Try this in-depth quiz to Find Your Carbon Footprint.  MyFootprint.org did a great job with this quiz, and they also have helpful tips scattered throughout their site.

Or maybe you’ve heard all the news about Going Green, but you’re not sure where to start.  Here are a few easy ways to get started provided by Go Green Money Tips:

√ Install energy efficient, compact fluorescent light bulbs:  These light bulbs are actually a tad more expensive than the regular ones, but they’ll outlast them by up to 20 times

√ Turn the thermostat down:  Take it down a couple degrees, especially during cool Spring and Summer nights.  Windows and fans use little to no energy and give you the same level of cool, plus everyone could use a little more fresh air!

√ Wash clothes in cold water:  This is recommended for most of your clothing anyway. Why waste the hot water? Less chance of shrinkage and damage, and cuts down the hot water bill.

√ Cruise your way to savings:  When you’re on the highway, set your vehicle to cruise control close to the speed limit. You’ll save money by using less gas and the environment will love you for cutting back on the toxins that your car is spitting out.

√ Lighten up…your car!  Unload an weight in the vehicle that you don’t need. For every 100 pounds you reduce, you will significantly save on fuel mileage.

√ Use a reusable mug for your morning cup of coffee, and take a few minutes to make it at home!  The first thing you should do is start drinking your coffee out of a reusable mug. Typically, coffee shops will give you discount on the price of your coffee if they aren’t using one of their take-out cups. But if you have an extra 5-7 minutes, why not brew your own coffee? You’ll save even more money now that you’re not buying it one cup at a time from the local coffee shop.

 And of course, the best way to show your Green lifestyle is in Eco-friendly medical scrubs!  Scrubs have gone Green with wonderful fabrics and bold colors in chic styles.  Try any of these eco-friendly scrubs that are sure to make you and Planet Earth very happy:

   

Yes, it’s true:  Medical Scrubs Go Green for the Environment!!

   

Are there special ways that you Go Green at home or at work?  Strike up a conversation with someone and share your knowledge…the best way to start awareness is to spread awareness!  Have a happy and safe Earth Day, Earth Week and Beyond!  Until next time…


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Stressed Out? Try these 8 Foods that Fight Stress!

Thursday, March 25th, 2010 BY Celia

Celia-H

 We’re happy that it’s springtime, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t still stressed out from winter.  Perhaps, if you’re doing some sort of weight-loss program, you might be stressing because you’re not seeing the results you want instantly.  Or maybe you’re feeling pressure from family, friends, or co-workers.  No matter the source, we all face stress at one time or another.  And what do most people do when stressed? They eat!  Luckily, I stumbled across this article yesterday from Woman’s Day by

8 Foods that Fight Stress: Chow down on eats that
tame hunger and reduce anxiety

Eat It to Beat It!  We all know that tension can wreak havoc on our eating patterns. But the right (healthy!) foods can often help tame mindless munching and cravings and, better yet, actually lower overall anxiety and its symptoms. Eight of our favorites:

darkchocolateDark Chocolate
High in flavonoids, which are lauded for their relaxing properties (chamomile tea is another great source), chocolate also contains phenethylamine, a chemical that enhances your mood. The darker the chocolate, the more healthy substances you’re getting in your diet, so look for bars that are 70 percent cacao or higher.

milkSkim Milk
Turns out that a glass of warm milk really is calming. One study found that women who drank four or more servings of lowfat or skim milk every day were about half as likely to experience stress-related PMS symptoms than those who drank less than one serving a week.

oatmealOatmeal
Carbs help you produce serotonin, a calming hormone that helps fight anxiety’s negative effects-which is probably why many of us crave them when we’re stressed. Go with the craving and choose healthy sources. Oatmeal is high in fiber, which means that your body will absorb it slowly. In one fell swoop, you’ll prolong the serotonin boost, keeping yourself feeling full for longer (and on less) and making sure your blood sugar’s in check.

salmonSalmon
Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids-abundant in fish like salmon-can help reverse stress symptoms by boosting serotonin levels, and that an omega-3-rich diet can also help suppress the production of the anxiety hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

walnutsWalnuts
They’ve been shown to help lower blood pressure, which is critical for those whose hearts are already working overtime thanks to high adrenaline levels. In fact, research so strongly backs their health benefits that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration goes so far as to recommend 1 1/2 oz per day.

sunflowerSunflower Seeds
A good source of folate, which helps your body produce a pleasure-inducing brain chemical called dopamine.

 

spinachSpinach
Studies show that magnesium, which you’ll find in leafy greens like spinach, improves your body’s response to stress.

 

blueberriesBlueberries
Their antioxidants counteract the effects of stress hormones like cortisol on your body.

 

Let’s make healthy choices every day!  Hopefully, you won’t be stressed, but when you are try one of these yummy treats to combat it!  Until next time…


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Good Health, A Laughing Matter.

Thursday, March 11th, 2010 BY Emma

Emma-HAnyone who wears scrubs knows that after a long day, no matter what you did, you’re probably going to be tired. Whether you’ve spent most of your waking hours processing patients, starting IV’s, or scrubbing in for surgery, the last thing you want to do is come home to more work. Instead, shutting off your mind, re-energizing and escaping for awhile sounds like a much better idea. The phrase “laughter is the best medicine” is famous for a reason. It’s true, and maybe that’s why it sounds so inviting to watch a good comedy sitcom after a long day. (One of my new favorites is Big Bang Theory which I think is laugh-out-loud hilarious!!!)  Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

Laughter is good for your health

  • Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
  • Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
  • Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
  • Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

 

Create opportunities to laugh!

  • Watch a funny movie or TV show.
  • Go to a comedy club.
  • Read the funny pages.
  • Seek out funny people.
  • Share a good joke or a funny story with friends and co-workers.
  • Organize game night with friends.
  • Play with your pet.
  • Have fun and be silly with your children.
  • Make time for interactive fun activities (e.g. bowling, miniature golfing, karaoke).

When you go home after a hard day, flip on the TV, put on a good comedy and curl up in a comfy pair of scrubs. You don’t have to worry about finding that perfect “lounging around” outfit because you’re already wearing it. Sure, you may want to put on a clean pair, but the comfort of scrubs, and the affordability, mean you can always keep an extra pair around for “chilling out”. Ok so you may be tired of wearing scrubs, but they’re just so easy. And easy is good.

Good Buys for comfy wear:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a great weekend!


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Spring is on the way – are you ready?

Thursday, February 25th, 2010 BY Brie

Brie-HAh, the beautiful, breezy, lighthearted thought of Spring. Time for cheerful colors, soft sundresses, and of course, sandals. Who doesn’t love sandals? Are your feet ready for Spring? Chances are your feet have been stuck in boots and shoes all winter, and are craving the freedom of spring sandals. Even if you haven’t had a pedicure all winter, don’t worry, you can get your tootsies sandal ready yourself, with these easy steps.

.Tool Time.  Quality clippers, exfoliators and cuticle pushers are essential, and well worth the investment. Not only are they important for home use, should you decide to splurge on a spa pedicure, bring them with you for your salon professional to use for your session. Doing so can help prevent any bacterial infections stemming from poorly sanitized publically used tools. You will also need a toenail brush for cleaning above and below the nails, pumice stone to slough off dry skin,  nail files or emery boards, foam toe dividers or cotton balls, and a nail buffer. All are easily available at your local drugstore or beauty supply store. If you really want that spa feel, consider getting an electric foot soaker and a massaging foot roller for that extra bit of relaxation. Now that you’ve got your tools ready, gather up your girls for a fun, relaxing pedicure party!

. Soak Session. Start your treatment off with a soak in warm water. If you ist1_1323207-foot-massage-2don’t have a bubbling foot tub, your bathtub will do nicely. Soak your feet for at least 10 minutes to soften the dry skin and ease exfoliating. Adding scented oils to the water can set the tone of your treatment. For instance, adding lavender or rose oils add a calm, relaxing air. Peppermint and rosemary oils are more stimulating and are said to increase energy. Adding tea tree oil or cloves can battle fungal infections, and pine, tea tree, lemongrass or eucalyptus oils will help alleviate any foot odor problems. The Body Shop and Target both carry some great oils at a bargain price. As your feet soak, use the toenail brush to clean your nails and feet.

.Scrub In.  After soaking, the skin on your feet will soften. Gently scrub the bottoms, giving the heels some extra attention, with an exfoliating scrub and pumice stone. Make your own exfoliating oatmeal scrub by mixing 1/4 cup of oatmeal with 1/8 cup of water until it is the consistency of a grainy paste, then gently rub it all over your feet in small circular motions. Or, for a small splurge, Aveda makes an amazing Caribbean Scrub with sea salt, cane sugar, coconut, and avocado to smooth and soothe your skin. Towel dry, being sure to get between your toes, and your ready for the next step!

. Cuticle Care. Massage a cuticle cream into the cuticles, and the base of your toe nails. Regular olive oil from the kitchen also produces excellent results. Gently push back the cuticles with your cuticle pusher, but don’t cut them since they provide protection between your nail and nail bed. You can also take the orange stick and gently run it along the undersides of your toenails to clean them. Dab another bit of your cuticle cream, or olive oil on the nail and buff with the nail buffer to add strength and shine.

.Roll Away. Using small, circular motions, massage your feet and ist1_11244012-care-for-beautiful-woman-legsankles with a moisturizing lotion. You can add a drop or two of scented oil to your lotion to carry on the vibe from your soak. Give yourself a home foot massage with the foot roller. Roll each foot for about five minutes, and then slip on a pair of cotton socks for about 15 minutes to help your feet absorb the moisturizer. Relax with friends, read a magazine, or just take a few minutes to sit and breathe while the lotion sets.

.Clean Cut. Toenails are easier to cut after moisturizing. After you have set for 15 minutes, trim nails with a straight edge toenail clipper. Be careful not to clip them too short to avoid ingrown toenails. File and shape the nail with the emery board. Be sure to file in one direction, a back and forth motion across the nail will weaken it, causing cracks and breakage. Remove any excess lotion and oils with a cotton swab and nail polish remover.

.Polished Perfection.  Now that you’ve pampered your feet, pretty 4080_01them up with a coat of polish. Starting with a base coat will lengthen the wear of any polish and help speed up dry time. Generally two coats of color work best, for darker tones, you may want to bump it up to three. Finishing up with a top coat adds shine and an extra bit of protection. For easy French Manicures or fun details, try Sally Hansen’s polish pens. They are so easy to use, come in a ton of colors and are available at drugstores everywhere.  

 

Beautiful toes need beautiful shoes to show them off! Did you know that Scrubs & Beyond carries sandals from Alegria? The same great, walking on air feeling of the Alegria Classic in a fashionable, foot freeing sandal!

 Is Spring ready for you?

ist1_5513488-pedispa


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