Category: Health
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10 Natural Remedies For Summer Bug Bites
10 Natural Remedies For Summer Bug Bites
Summer is the time of year when people are out soaking up sun and engaging in fun outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, taking trips to the beach and exploring other parts of nature.
While the warm air, sunny skies, free time may be just what the doctor ordered, summer is also a time when people are most susceptible to bug bites.
While virtually harmless, bug bites can be troublesome and painful, too. They can show up just about anywhere on the body and can leave you feeling itchy and sore for days or even weeks, not to mention the unsightly scars they can leave behind.
There are plenty of ointments, creams, and sprays available to prevent and treat summer bug bites, but they’re often filled with harsh chemicals that could harm you in the future.
For those who don’t want to suffer from their bug bites but also want to avoid chemical treatments, there are natural remedies to try that get the job done well.
Try These Natural Remedies
1. Witch Hazel:
Witch hazel is a natural astringent, which means it helps to kill bacteria. Some people use witch hazel for acne and blemishes, but it is also incredibly effective for itchy bug bites. Simply soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and daub the affected area. It should relieve pain and itching and also reduce any swelling and inflammation. Witch hazel can be found in your local grocery.
2. Ice (Packs):
It may sound simple, but a common ice back can help soothe and heal summer bug bites. To tackle the swelling and itching that may occur from bites, stings, and rashes, apply a homemade ice pack. The best way to do this without causing harm is discomfort is to put some ice in a plastic baggy (or frozen veggies), wrap the pack in a towel, and apply directly to the affected area.
The towel should help the skin from getting too cold too quickly, which can lead to pain and further injury. Just the right amount of cold therapy can reduce swelling and soothe itching.
3. Tea Tree Oil:
Refreshing and fragrant, tea tree oil is a great for treating itchy, swollen insect bites. Only a little bit of this oil is needed; simply dip a Q-tip or soak a cotton ball and apply directly to the bite. This remedy should take away the itch and pain of most summer bug bites.
4. Corn Starch:
Corn starch is one of the most common natural remedies out there. You can make a thick corn starch paste by simply mixing the starch with water and mixing well. Once the mixture is done, apply to the bite or sting and wait for the itch to disappear!
5. Lemon Juice:
Fresh juice from a recently cut lemon is a great way to treat painful stings and bites. Cut a slice and place over the bite. It may sting a little at first but the Vitamin C present in this citrus fruit will help reduce pain and promote healing.
6. Garlic:
It may sound strange, but garlic is a wonderful way to stop painful insect bites. Simply mash the clove of garlic and rub it directly into the bite. The pain should instantly go away and any swelling should be reduced as well. You may mind the smell, but this one is a quick fix!
7. Toothpaste:
For both bug bites and pimples, toothpaste is an effective treatment option. Safe and gentle, toothpaste can dry out inflamed bug bites and reduce swelling. White toothpaste is best, but any type you use can do the trick.
8. Mustard:
For poisonous bites and stings, mustard can help draw out any toxins fairly quickly. Ordinary yellow mustard can reduce pain and swelling as well and help the bite heal much more quickly.
9. Charcoal:
Pure charcoal can help remove impurities from a summer bug bite by drawing out toxins and venom. Mix the charcoal with a little water until it creates a fine paste. Once done, rub the paste into the bite, then cover with a band aid, and allow it to heal. This should remedy both itching and swelling fairly quickly.
10. Mud:
That’s right! Mud is another remedy that is perfect if your bite occurs while out at the beach or when camping. This all natural remedy helps stop itching and swelling and creates a sort of natural band aid to protect the bite from further irritants. When rubbed into the bite, it brings relief very quickly.
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Exercise Ideas When You Are Over 50
Exercise Ideas When You Are Over 50
The intent of the following discussion is to give you some exercise ideas when you are over 50.
The fact that you have reached age 50 is not an excuse to give up on getting fit and staying healthy with exercise.
The following tips on exercise ideas for people over 50 are sure to give you some great ways of getting fit, staying healthy and maybe even looking and feeling younger.
Find Your Passion
With retirement not far off, now’s the time to think about joining up to some local groups to keep yourself occupied and active throughout your retirement.
Getting Fit After 50 If you have a garden, it may be a good idea to get out in your garden more often to develop your passion for gardening and to get exercise that you need.
Gardening is a great way to move more, including bending and twisting that is often seen in the activity.
Man’s Best Friend
A dog is not only a great companion to have, but it is also a great way for you to keep healthy over 50. You will need to walk your dog several times throughout the day, and this can be a great excuse for getting out and enjoying some exercise.
Not only is walking the dog necessary, but the dog will remind you when it needs walking. This is a great way to keep you active as well as being a talking point when you meet people walking their own dogs.
Do Not Rush Things
When you are exercising, you should make sure that you have plenty of time to work out. The older you get, the more important it becomes to incorporate a decent warm up and cool down into your routine.
If you want to go out running for example, you should set aside time for stretching your muscles before you begin, and then start off with a
Running For Fitness Over 50 moderate pace to gradually build up your heart rate and warm up your muscles.
If you do not leave yourself enough time to do this, you will find that you end up with tired muscles and even pains and trapped nerves.
Consider Joining A Gym
If you are over 50, you will probably find that you do not know many people who want to work out with you in your age group. In order to stay motivated, it is a good idea to join a gym.
Many gyms have exercise classes and you can choose the class that is best for you from the selection offered. There is no doubt that you are likely to be able to meet other people who have similar fitness goals to you and this will help keep you motivated.
Weight Training after 50 If the classes are not for you, then the equipment at the gym will be a great way for you to work out regardless of the weather. Let’s face it, the older we get, the less time we want to spend out in the cold and rain exercising. The gym is always a pleasant place for you to exercise.
Take Up Swimming
If you have any joint problems, you will know how painful it is to do most forms of high impact exercising. Knee, hip and joint pains prevent most people from doing things like running but there are plenty of low impact exercises you can do. One great exercise that is good for those over 50 is swimming.
This is low impact and there is no way that you could possibly fall or cause any injury to yourself.
You will be able to build muscle, strengthen your joints, enjoy a cardiovascular workout, and enjoy the soothing effect that swimming has on tired muscles too.
It is crucial to add exercise to your routine when you are over 50. So, if you want to achieve or maintain optimal health and longevity take advantage of the above exercise ideas when you are over 50.