I may have posted this once before, however, I am moved to post it today.  It is so simple and the rewards are so sweet.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Live simply

2. Free your mind from worries

3. Free your heart from hatred

4. Give more

5. Expect less

Poison Ivy Remedies  

Here in South Carolina, we have as much posion ivy as we do the infamous kudzu you see growing everywhere.  There can be found not only tons of the three leave variety growing along the ground and on vines, but also (as pictured) the five leaf creeper variety commonly seen hanging from furry looking vines on trees.  Today I found, on Dr. Williams site,  remedies I thought might be useful this time of year should you be unfortunate to have a  run in with these proliferative plants.

 Poison Ivy Remedies

by Dr. David Williams @:  http://www.drdavidwilliams.comThe following suggestions may help you shorten the duration of poison ivy:

• Mix vitamin C powder with water to form a paste that can be applied to sites where the skin has been exposed to poison ivy or poison oak, and the problem will completely resolve within 24 hours. Thanks to Dr. Karen Davis for contributing this Health Hint. Dr. Davis also suggests that you take 2 grams of vitamin C orally for a few days following the episode. The vitamin C helps to strengthen your immune system against the poisonous sap (urushiol) in poison ivy.
• Try the essential plant oils lavender or camphor to help stop the itching and pain and speed healing. [Note: some essential oils could actually exacerbate the problem, so we don't want to send readers looking for just any old essential oil.] One of my favorite products to use for the symptoms of poison ivy is "White Flower Oil." It can be found in larger health food stores and practically all Chinese medicine shops. (In Chinese it's called Pak Fah Yeow.)White Flower Oil is a blend of the natural oils of eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, wintergreen, and camphor. I have found it most useful for treating poison ivy and poison oak. It is a potent product, as the strong smell will indicate. Apply a couple of drops and rub it gently into the skin lesions. The oils actually have a drying effect, so as soon as the lesions have stopped oozing you can stop using the White Flower Oil and instead apply your favorite moisturizing lotion. White Flower Oil is inexpensive and commonly comes in a small 20-milliliter bottle—enough to last a long time.

Well that's all for today.  Until next time, this is your health care advocate,Dr. Laurie Cribben

The Summer Is Upon Us

 It goes without saying that too much sun is not a good thing.  Actually too much of anything isn't good.  With summer, comes those long days at the beach, at the ball park or enjoying those family reunion picnics.  Whatever your event may be take care of your skin exposure to the sun.  I personally am not a big fan of sunscreen lotions and potions, however there are other methods available.  An easy one is to use common sense by wearing a hat or limiting your time in the direct sunlight by getting into the shade (under an umbrella, tree, etc.)

Another idea comes from Dr. David Williams at http://www.drdavidwilliams.com: 

A Fruity Way for Safe Sun Exposure

Sunlight is necessary for life. It stimulates the immune system and aids the production of vitamin D. Studies show that people with high vitamin D intake have high bone density levels. Enjoy it, but do so in moderation. Don't bake your skin, let it dry out or burn.

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is a delicious way to minimize this effect because a diet rich in antioxidants has been shown to have protective effects against skin damage. Taking a good supplement program including Vitamin E, C and trace minerals such as selenium is also recommended.

——————————————————————————

Well that's it for today.  Enjoy your sun filled activity.

…Dr. Laurie Cribben