Sunday 23 December 2012

Health Truths Busted

One week caffeine is good and popping multi-vitamins is bad, but sooner or later, we find contradictory research - which apparently is the norm in the science world. How confusing! So, is it good or is it bad? Nobody knows, but here is what I've read in Women's Health October 2012 edition:

Flossing may help prevent heart diseases. 
There is no proof, no solid evidence to support the idea that poor oral hygiene causes heart attacks. However, keep on flossing! As my dentist says, flossing reduces your risk for gum diseases which can lead to tooth loss. So, do the deed at least once a day.

Soy is a no-no if you or a family member had breast cancer. 
Doctors were concerned that tofu and edamame could promote the development of cancer by mimicking estrogen which breast tumors are fueled by. Well, it turns out that Soy foods can be safe for all women, and can protect other cancers, but only in moderation. Avoid concentrated levels of Soy which can be found in soy chips, soy powders, fake-meat products, etc.

Fat free salad dressing is the best choice.
Turns out that adding fat to veggies makes each bite more nutritious. Salads are bursting with important vitamins and minerals, and fat enhances the absorption of compounds in veggies called carotenoids, which may reduce risk of cancer and vision loss. So? The best move is to drizzle your salad with canola or olive oil based dressings, but still avoid creamy Italian or blue cheese dressings.

Popping a daily multi-vitamin is a smart habit. 
Truth is multis may not always help, and could be toxic in high dosage. It would be best to focus on getting vitamins from food. If you generally consume veggies, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains and low fat dairy, and avoid bad fats and added sugar, you should be in good nutritional shape. But if you are losing weight and cutting calories, the multis could be a good idea. 

Yoga is gentle on the body.
Your body needs time to bend, and yoga can hurt you. Do yoga mindfully. Find a good practitioner  and take your time. Expert say to "get the key pieces in place first" as injuries may strike when transitioning from one pose to the next. Pause. Breathe. Take your time.

You should replace your toothbrush every three months.
True. Even if you regularly sanitize your brush, you can't repair worn down bristles, says Nicole Holland, a dentist in Boston. After 3 months, your toothbrush will become less effective. 

It's fine to keep all of your Over-the-Counter meds in the bathroom.
False. You might be better off storing medicine in your bedroom. "A bathroom's moist air and warm temperatures can make medicine expire faster" says Dr. McDonnell. Always keep your drugs in a dry, controlled environment. 


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Thursday 13 December 2012

GlossyBox Canada / November 2012 / Festive Fun

The November 2012 edition of GlossyBox Canada was filled with goodies to get us ready for the Holidays Season. And once again, Glossy included Golden Ticket items to a lucky few - unfortunately, it wasn't me. The box seemed rather bland, and not as exciting as I was hoping it would be, is it really worth the $21? The price increase made me unsubscribe for the next few months until I decide if I'd like to continue. November did not feel 'deluxe' to me at all.

November Box:
Nicole by OPI Kardashian Kolor Holiday Shades / Full size / $10.99
Kryolan For GlossyBox Blusher in Glossy Pink / Full size / $16.73
Nexxus Salon Hair Care: Hydration Kit / sample size / $3 worth
Vitabath Shower Gel / sample size / $4
Maybelline MNY My Gloss / Full size / $7.49
Curel Hand & Cuticle Therapy Cream / Full size / $3.99
UBER Loyalty Card / 50% off

There was also Glossy Magazine, but unfortunately, there is very little value in it.

Grade: C+

Have you received GlossyBox Canada November 2012? Feel free to leave a comment below.





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Sunday 2 December 2012

Product Review: Avene Thermal Spring Water


I've been using Avene Thermal Spring Water for about 3-4 months before I ran out. It's refreshing during summer months, and perfect to use on cold/dry winter days. The product claims to soothe, soften, and restore skin's natural balance: "Clinically proven by over 300 studies to calm, soothe and soften the skin.  Used since 1743 in the Hydrotherapy Center to treat serious dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema." The website even offers an option to view clinical data, and offers a list of uses:

Dermatological care: Post surgery, Post procedure, Redness-prone skin / inflammation, Keratosis-prone, scaly skin Eczema / atopic dermatitis, Allergic reactions / sensitive skin / irritation,  Burning / stinging / itching / tingling Daily care: After cleansing, After shaving/after waxing,  After exercise,  During travel,  Sunburn, burns, Diaper rash,  To set makeup

One of the best uses for the Avene thermal water is definitely after exercise. I spray it a few times on my skin, and wait 2-3 minutes to air dry. It then helps my skin feel much more hydrated and fresh.

Here is a list of benefits from Avene official website:
  • Calms, soothes and softens
  • Rich in silicate and trace elements
  • Low salt mineral content does not dry out the skin
  • pH 7.5 – perfect balance of anions and cations
  • Bottled directly from the source – bacteriologically pure
  • Preservative-free
  • Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
And while it may feel like simply water in a can, the tap water we use to wash our face is not all that great for us. The running water often contains skin drying chemicals and chlorine. Many of us get that tight feeling after washing our faces with regular water. Avene helps to relieve that drying effect of regular water. It's a great toner too.

PROS:
  • Perfect for refreshing my face during the day
  • Makes powder foundation look less powdery
  • Great for toning before makeup application
  • Gentle, without perfume
  • Works well for sensitive and oily skin
  • Hydrating
  • Easy to use
  • High ratings on makeupalley.com : 4.2/5
CONS:
  • Would be better if it cost less
From my experience, Avene Thermal Spring Water spray definitely works, and I will repurchase it again and again. Perhaps, I will let my boyfriend try it out next as he suffers from severe eczema. 

Value: 4.5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$


Overall: 4.5/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

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