WARD OFF WRINKLES IN A SPLASH

To suds away signs of aging, gently rub facial cleanser onto damp skin for 2 MINUTES AND RINSE 10 TIMES with lukewarm water ( I don't think any of us spend long enough washing our faces so try this for a squeeky clean feeling)

WORKOUT TIP-Squeeze the bar

During workouts , the most overlooked point of contact is the hand grip. Wrist, elbow and even shoulder injuries can be prevented by squeezing the bar - dumbbell handle, barbell or any other cable attachment.

This has a snowball effect throughout the body. A tight grip will stabilize the wrist musculature, decreasing unwanted movement of the wrist and elbow( remember , the hand, wrist, and arm are all connected).

If your wrist is isometrically stabilized during most movements, your elbows and shoulders will less likely compensate, leading to a decreased chance of injury.

Also, squeezing the bar sends an automatic response for you abs to contract.

Help for your eyes while on the computer

Our eyes converge, or cross together, in order to focus on a close-up object, like a computer screen. Keeping your eyes in this position for long periods of time causes strain. This can cause dry, burning eyes, headaches, blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
Over time this eyestrain can lead to permanent changes such as nearsightedness

PROTECT YOURSELF
Get rid of the glare. Switch off overhead lights and use lamps, and position your monitor so that windows are to the side instead of in front of or behind it.

TAKE A BREAK
Research shows that people blink half as much as usual- just six to eight times a minute - when they are looking a a computer screen, which can dry out the eyes.
So make a conscious effort to blink every so often.

Also look away from the screen every 10-15 minutes and stare as far off as you can for a few seconds to relax your eye muscles.

ADJUST YOUR SCREEN
You might think moving your computer closer to you is easier on your eyes, but it is best to keep your distance.
Your screen should be 20 -28 inches from your face.

Also tilt the screen so it is 25 degrees lower than eye level ( this angle can reduce vision fatigue

SIMPLE WAY TO EASE NECK PAIN

Doing your own physical therapy can help ease neck pain.

Bend at the hips, allowing your arms to dangle towards your feet and your head to hang without tension. As you breathe slowly in and out, gently swing your head from side to side to loosen the neck.

You will become aware of the joy that lengthening these muscles can offer.

Bend your knees as you slowly come back to a standing position.

SAVE YOUR SKIN

As much as half of your exposure to the UVA rays that cause sun spots and fine lines occurs while you are indoors. The main source is light coming through windows (most glass blocks only UVB rays).

To save skin:
wear a sunscreen every day even if you are staying inside.

(Prevention magazine- June 2008)

EAT DARK CHOCOLATE

The anti-oxidants found in dark chocolate called flavonoids may safeguard your skin from the sun.

Nibble on 2 oz. of dark chocolate a day. Don't mix it with milk though because milk prevents the absorption of polyphenols.

SUN PROTECTION

Eat Brightly Coloured Foods

Colourful foods are high in anti-oxidants, which can help protect your skin from the sun's worst effects by reducing your free-radical load.

The more colourful the plant, the higher it's protection against unwanted rays.

Some of the most colourful plants get their hue from lycopene, a naturally occurring pigment- or type of carotenoid- found in red and pink fruits. Carotenoids help people by clustering in those places most vulnerable to sunlight: the eyes and the skin.

Raw tomatoes are high in lycopene but cooked tomatoes are even better for you since cooking releases lycopene.

You can also get helpful amounts of lycopene from watermelon and pink grapefruit. Other carotenoids are easy to find. Stick to brightly coloured blueberries, strawberries and red, yellow and orange peppers.

(Natural Health Magazine May 2008)