WISEOPEDIA

Have you suddenly recognized a difference in your skin?

Most women’s skin changes as they get older, especially after they hit 40. Laugh lines, “elevens” between your eyes, those little creases on either side of your mouth–we all have them. Most women find their skin becomes less elastic and thins with age, which can lead to sagging. Before you panic, invest in a good skin care regimen, aimed at improving mature skin.

Wash morning and evening, but be careful not to use harsh products, using gentle cleansers like Cetaphil. Many mature women develop adult-onset acne, but you’ll want to avoid the acne creams and washes sold to teens (such as Proactive). Instead go for a gentler system, such as Dermalogica, which is all-natural and is better tolerated by more mature skin. After cleansing, use a moisturizer that has at least 30 SPF, and let it soak in, and then reapply just before going outside.

Don’t tan at all, ever. Even when on a special trip to a hot beach. Be the palest person on the beach; you’ll also be the person with the fewest wrinkles when you return to that beach in ten years. You’re wise if you always wear your sun hat, hide under a beach umbrella, and follow the shade.

If you see sun damage or scarring on your face, try using Dermalogica’s Multi Vitamin Power capsules to repair some of the damage. When you crack open the little capsule, you’ll discover a wonderful mixture of vitamins C, A, and E, which feels amazing on your face. Most women feel a difference in their skin immediately, and with regular use, see firming and repair results.

If you’re concerned about laugh lines, try iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex, which will plump up skin and reduce fine lines. With these good products, a little goes a long way, so use sparingly and say hello to lovely skin!

Have you decided to run a half marathon? These guidelines will ensure you are ready when the big race day comes.

Make sure you allot adequate time to train. Take into account your starting fitness level (are you truly a novice, or have you run a bit before?) as you plan. Find a reasonable training plan and then tack on an extra week or more to allow room for sickness or injury. A good training program will tell you to go for a long run one day a week, run shorter runs three days a week, and cross train or rest on the remaining days. Take your time building the distances for those long runs.

Buy the right equipment. Make sure you have running clothing that fits right and wicks away sweat, plus good running shoes, and anti-chafing balm. If your training route doesn’t loop (whereas you could place water bottles that you could access on long runs), buy a camelback or bottle belt. You should also have some form of self defense with you, such as mace.

You should plan on running the full thirteen miles at least once before the race. Make sure you leave room to have an easy week before the race, not running the couple days before the actual race. It’s a good idea to eat plenty of carbs those few days before the race.

On race day, get up early and eat something like an egg sandwich or a bagel with cream cheese. A lot of runners like to eat a power bar just before the race, and everyone benefits from a couple energy gels midrace. If you usually drink powerade during your workouts, you can do so during the race; otherwise, stick to water.

After the race, be sure to drink a lot. If you feel even a little bit of stomach upset, drink an energy drink but don’t eat yet. It’s wise to stretch out your muscles and just relax, enjoying your great acheivement as you plan your next race.

If you can’t get to sleep and you have a big commitment the next day, you need solutions, and you need them now. Right this second. What options are available for an insomniac in the middle of the night?

Get out of bed. Much as you may want to lie there and hope you’re going to fall asleep, you’ll be better off if you actually get up, do something, and try going back to bed in a little bit. It may help you to consider falling asleep as being akin to landing a plane properly; if the landing doesn’t go as planned the first time, you may have to circle around and try to bring the plane in for a second try. Your body has gotten used to falling asleep at a certain time, and if for some reason you missed that time, or you were too stimulated at the time you usually fall asleep, you may have to jolt your body into thinking it has another chance.

Drink some warm milk. Many insomniacs find drinking warm milk really does help them fall asleep. If you don’t like warm milk, brew up some decaffeinated tea; Valerian tea will make you drowsy, and Chamomile will relax you.

Do something that will relax you and possibly bore you. Dim the lights, and think of something that will make you get drowsy. Do not use your computer, watch television, or play video games as the stimulation will prevent you from going back to sleep. You’ll do better with something like reading, crocheting, or just thinking positive thoughts.

Make a plan. If you suspect your insomnia is linked to a concern or stress, trying writing out what you can do about it. Don’t send emails or take action; instead just write out what you can do and what you can’t do.

After this, head back to bed and see if you can’t beat your insomnia yet. Sweet dreams!

If you think back to the days when you were growing up, you likely have fond memories of playing outdoors until your parents forced you to come in. The winter was perfect for outdoors because of the snow; the fall was perfect because of the leaves; the spring and summer were perfect because you could play whatever came your imagination devised! You may have grown up playing with other kids in your neighborhood, or with your siblings. And you would play sports or play make believe with these friends and siblings all the way until dark.

Nowadays, however, it seems like the only time most kids go outside is when they are sent outside by the school for recess. And as for the rest of their free time, they spend it plopped down on the couch watching television or playing video games, or they sit staring at a computer screen. When children play outside, they cut down on the potential for childhood obesity, and they become healthier and even more mentally strong; while television, video games, and computers are fine, they should be used in moderation. Here are a few things that you can try doing if your goal is to encourage your own children to start playing outside.

If you “force” your children to play outside, they are less likely to enjoy it; recognize this, and recognize that many children will feel rebellious when they are told they “have to” do something. Your best bet, instead, is to allow your children to “discover” playing outside of their own accord. There are a couple ways by which this can be effectively accomplished: 1) Put a limit on how much “media time” they are allowed each day; 2) Take some time to play outside with them!

As you limit the amount of time they are allowed to spend with video games, television, and computer each day, they will begin to naturally fill their extra time with time outdoors! And as you suggest to your children that you all play outside together, it will draw them out of the house and get them started.

For some children, it is easy to encourage them to play outdoors; if your child does not fall into this category, however, then follow these tips, and they will begin to play outside on their own more and more.