Keep Your Health

Doctors define a sprain as a tear or a stretching of a ligament and a strain as a tendon or muscle injury. Sprains are common in the knees, wrists and ankles, while strains are common in the hamstring and the back. If you have experienced a sprain or strain, there are several things that you can do to help treat your injury at home. Taking pain medication and following the RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) method of care can help.

Instructions
1
Rest your injured body part. Be sure to limit any exercise or activity involving the injured body part for at least twenty four to forty eight hours after the sprain or strain occurred. This will allow your sprain or strain to begin the healing process and help you avoid any further injury.
2
Ice the sprain or strain. Apply an ice pack, preferably one wrapped in a towel, to the sprained or strained hour for twenty minutes at a time. Remember to limit the amount of time in which you apply the ice pack to reduce the risk of frostbite. Apply the ice pack to the injured area every several hours for the first one to two days following your injury. This will help reduce pain and keep swelling down.
3
Compress the injured area. If you have a sprain or a strain, applying compression to the injury will help decrease the swelling you experience. For effective compression, use an elastic bandage or wrap purchased from a drug store on your sprain or strain. Alternatively, your doctor may suggest the use of a splint or an air cast instead. Be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations.
4
Elevate your sprained or strained body part. Keep the injured area above the level of your heart to help decrease the swelling. Use a pillow to help keep your injury elevated.
5
Take medication to help reduce pain and swelling. Over the counter drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen can help minimize the pain you feel due to a sprain or a strain and help reduce inflammation or swelling of the affected area. Follow all dosage instructions on the packaging of these drugs.

Do you know how to take care of your dandruff? Dandruff is an annoying and embarrassing problem, but is rarely serious. Dandruff can
be triggered by trauma, illness, hormonal imbalances, improper carbohydrate consumption, and the consumption of sugar. It could be also due to deficiencies of nutrients such as the B-complex vitamins, essential fatty acids, and selenium. Dandruff is usually worse in the winter months.

According to the dermatologist, virtually everyone has the problem to some degree. There is no cure for dandruff, but the condition can be minimized and here's how:

Eat soured products such as yogurt. Avoid fried foods, dairy products, sugar, flour, chocolate, nuts and seafoods.

Before washing your hair, add about 8 tbsp. of organic pure peanut oil to the juice of half a lemon and rub the mixture into your scalp.

Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, then shampoo. Try rinsing your hair with vinegar and water instead of plain water after shampooing. Use 1/4 cup quart vinegar to 1 quart of water. Do not pick or scratch the scalp. Make sure to wash your hair frequently, and use a non-oily shampoo.

To take of your dandruff use natural hair products that do not contain chemicals. Avoid irritant soaps and greasy ointments and creams. Massage your scalp first before washing your hair. Do not use a shampoo containing selenium daily, even if it aids in controlling dandruff.

Some people have found that sun exposure helps clear up dandruffs, but others find that it seems to make the problem worse. So my advice on how to take care of dandruff is to do this:

Thyme is reputed to have mild antiseptic properties that can help alleviate dandruff but you have to make an extra time. You can make an effective rinse by boiling 4 heaping tablespoon of dried thyme in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain the brew and make it cool. Pour half the mixture over clean damp hair, making sure the liquid covers the scalp. Massage gently and don't rinse immediately- let it stay about 15 to 20 minutes. Save the remainder for another day.

It is best not to use over the counter ointments for dandruff. They can do more harm than good. Nizoral A-D is an antifungal shampoo. Dermatologist usually prescribe a cleansing lotion containing a drying agent with sulfur and resorcinol, or a medicated product called Diprosone from Schering Plough, to clear up dandruff.

If dandruff is persistent or symptoms seem to be getting worse, or if it appears in areas other than the scalp, consult your health care provider- it might be dermatitis.

Acne

A pimple starts when the pores in the skin become clogged with a type of oil called sebum, which normally lubricates the skin and hair. Acne is common during puberty when hormones go into overdrive, causing the skin to overproduce sebum. Because many oil-producing glands are on the forehead, nose, and chin, this area — the T-zone — is where a person is most prone to pimples.

Here are some tips to help prevent breakouts and clear them up as fast as possible:

first, Wash your face twice a day (no more) with warm water and a mild soap made for people with acne. Gently massage your face with circular motions. Don't scrub. Overwashing and scrubbing can cause skin to become irritated. After cleansing, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying an over-the-counter (no prescription needed) lotion containing benzoyl peroxide. This will decrease oil and bacteria.
second, Don't pop pimples. It's tempting, but here's why you shouldn't: Popping pimples can push infected material further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring. If you notice a pimple coming before a big event, like the prom, a dermatologist can often treat it for you with less risk of scarring or infection.
third,Avoid touching your face with your fingers or leaning your face on objects that collect sebum and skin residue like your phone. Touching your face can spread the bacteria that cause pores to become inflamed and irritated. To keep bacteria at bay, wash your hands before applying anything to your face, such as treatment creams or makeup.
fourth, If you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose.
fifth,If you get acne on your body, try not to wear tight clothes. They don't allow skin to breathe and may cause irritation. Scarves, headbands, and caps can collect dirt and oil, too.
sixth,Remove your makeup before you go to sleep. When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" on the label. Throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it.
Keep hair clean and out of your face to prevent additional dirt and oil from clogging your pores.
seventh, Protect your skin from the sun. It may seem like a tan masks acne, but it's only temporary. A tan may worsen your acne, not improve it. Tanning also causes damage to skin that will eventually lead to wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer.

If you're concerned about acne, talk to a dermatologist. Dermatologists offer a range of treatments that help to prevent and acne scars. A dermatologist can help you find the treatment method that's best for you and can also give you lots of useful tips for dealing with acne and caring for your skin type. Some salons and spas have trained skin specialists, called estheticians, who can offer advice and skin care treatments.