5 Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Walgreens via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Walgreens

Though signs of spring are slowly beginning to appear – it’s still winter and it could last for several more weeks. We’re very happy, mama especially, that this winter wasn’t marked with a lot of coughs, colds or time spent at the doctor’s office. In fact, other than a sniffle here and there, we had a very healthy winter! That makes mama happy! I know we can’t always avoid getting sick – but we can be proactive in trying to protect ourselves in an effort to stay healthy. Here are a few things we focused on this winter.

1. Taking Vitamins

Walgreens brand vitamins (and supplements) are a staple in our home. It’s amazing how much better I feel when I take the vitamins that my body needs. We’re all different and will have different needs – but there are a few that each member of our family takes. At the top of our list is Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and D. We also make sure to get a lot of calcium! 

When shopping for vitamins, you might find it useful to know that you can help a child in need with every vitamins or supplements purchase at Walgreens. Millions of children around the world are suffering from ‘hidden hunger’, a lack of micronutrients that can lead to disease and even death. In fact, 45% of all childhood deaths are attributable to under-nutrition. Walgreens is giving a portion of all vitamin retail sales to Vitamin Angels to help 100 million children in the U.S. and abroad get the vitamins they need to live well.

2. Keep Hands Clean

We touch a lot of surfaces and objects throughout the day. That can add up to a lot of germs collected and transferred to our face, lips and mouth. I think my kids touch everything they see when we are out grocery shopping, etc. While I’m working to remind them that we can’t go around touching everything we see – I’m also reminding them to wash their hands often. 

If we’ve been out an about – I have them wash their hands when we return home. Hands are also washed before handling food and meal time. When water and soap aren’t available, we use hand sanitizer. Remember to monitor your child’s use of hand sanitizer to help keep them from using too much or ingesting any of the gel.

Not a fan of hand sanitizer? Baby wipes are also great for keeping hands clean! I keep a pack in the car and if we’re hiking, enjoying a festival or amusement park – they are toted around with us.

3. Eat Healthy

I think we (at our home) are more tempted to have unhealthy eating habits when the weather has turned cold and we spend more time indoors. When we’re curled up on the couch, the comfort foods are just a little more appealing for some reason.

Make it a point to include fruits and veggies into your diet during these winter months. You may need their nutrients more than ever during this time of year. We’ve made sure to have at least one meal that includes a salad each week and to keep fruits and vegetables available for snacking.

4. Stay Active

The winter is a great excuse to stay inside and become inactive. The short days and long evenings can easily keep us on the couch. Make sure to remain active during these months. A brisk walk or ice skating with the kids can help to keep you feeling better, boost your immune system and relieve any tension that builds up from being indoors too long.

Can’t make it outside? Include an exercise routine to your day. Order a video exercise series or search online for free instructional videos. You’ll find that there are even exercises your kids can enjoy alongside you.

5. Proper Rest

Getting the right amount of sleep is important no matter the time of year. I’ve noticed that it’s easier for me to stay up later working or watching movies when the days have become shorter and I’m inside more. However, for my vitamins, nutrients and foods to be used properly by my body – my body needs rest. Ensure that you are getting to bed at a good time and sleeping long enough for your body to get the rest it needs.

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Retinol Moisturizer - Professional Grade 2.5% Retinol Cream - 46% Off

Moisturizers with Retinol have been at the top of my beauty list since my teenage years. I learned very early on how beneficial they were for me and my (oily) skin type. Yes, oily skin can be a benefit for looking younger longer - but it has its obvious drawbacks such as also having acne prone skin.  This is a great Retinoid treatment for acne prone skin.

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Directions

Apply on your face and neck after cleansing and toning. If using a serum, apply the serum prior to the moisturizer. Can be used under makeup. For normal to oily skin, use morning and night. For dry or sensitive skin, use only at night. Apply sunscreen if stepping out in the sun. If you are a first time Retinol user, apply once every other night until your skin is ready to use it daily. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If skin sensitivity occurs or if you suspect an allergic reaction, stop use and consult your doctor. Keep out of reach of children and animals.

What others are saying

"My skin is really dry and sometimes flaky even though I exfoliate like crazy. I have been looking for a product that contains Retinol that doesn't make my skin even drier and I really think this is it. After applying this I feel the plumping properties working, its a nice light tingle that absorbs quickly leaving nice smooth moisturized skin. The green tea, vitamins E and B5 and plant derived hyaluronic acid leaves my skin hydrated so I haven't had to worry about any extra dryness.

This is a moisturizer that has it all. A little extra plump to fill in those lines for those of us with more mature skin and a nice preventive for those of us that are trying to get on a good skin care regiment before their skin shows signs of aging."  Read more reviews here.

Product Details

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Note: This deal may change at any time. Grab this deal while it's still available.



{This post contains affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy here.}

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Whiter teeth for the new year! Luster Pro Light Review

This morning, Savannah asked me why my teeth were so white! She seemed amazed, confused and curious as she leaned toward me and examined my mouth. I drink a lot of coffee and love sweetened tea which means that I have to put some effort into keeping my teeth from staining. I use whitening treatments and I consistently use whitening toothpastes. This month, I set out to brighten my smile for the new year and find out how to get whiter teeth fast! So I swapped out my beloved whitening strips for a quicker method. It's difficult to completely combat the staining that my favorite drinks cause - but I've finally found a great set of products to counteract the effects of my java habit.

The first is Luster Premium White's Pro Light. I've seen similar products and have always hesitated to purchase them since the whitening strips were working find and I wasn't sure how a light was going to whiten my teeth. Now I wish I had tried this a long time ago because I could have had a much whiter smile in just 60 minutes!

Luster Pro Light

• Visibly whitens teeth in as little as 30 minutes
• Works 2X faster than strips and trays
• Does not cause tooth sensitivity
• Enamel Safe
• Includes flexible whitening options so you can whiten on your schedule
• Features the same light-activated whitening technology found in dental offices
• Includes a gentle, cleaning mouth rinse to pre-treat teeth and a whitening gel with active dental peroxide to whiten surface and deep stains

You can choose a time frame that fits your needs and schedule. I opted to whiten my teeth in a one hour period. This means that for one hour, I did up to 20 of the 2 minute treatments. I actually lost count and may have only completed 18 or 19, but it didn't matter. The results were enough to satisfy me and not worry about 1 or 2 missing treatments.

3 Easy Steps to a Beautifully Whiter Smile:

1. Rinse with the Accelerator Mouth Rinse
2. Brush with the Super Whitener Gel
3. Apply the Activating Whitening Light

Repeat steps 1-3 as-needed to achieve your desired whitening results

I loved the ease of using Luster Pro Light but was worried that it would irritate my teeth or cause them to be sensitive, especially since I did the 1 hour whitening treatment.  I haven't had any sensitivity issues with it and love the quick results. 

Where can I buy Luster Pro Light?

You can find Luster Pro Light on Amazon! Click here to find our more about Luster Pro light and other items offered by Luster Premium White.










This post contains affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy here.

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7 Super-Foods to Keep Your Kids Healthy

It’s hard for us adults to keep away from junk food and sweets. Obviously, keeping kids away from such treats is going to be a tough task.

But keeping your child away from junk food is not all that’s necessary. It’s equally important for you to make sure you’re feeding him the right things.

Here are seven super-foods that you can easily source and that will do wonders for your child’s health.

Oatmeal

Steel-cut, instant, or rolled- whatever you prefer, all types of oats are good for health. Oats are rich in fiber and have a low amount of fat content. They are also rich in iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin A, and have small amounts of niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and magnesium present.

The high fiber content of oats helps kids feel full for longer and also improves bowel movement. As oats have a low Glycemic Index, they are less likely to be stored as fat, thus reducing the risk of juvenile diabetes, heart disease, and pediatric obesity.

Oats have more protein and fewer carbohydrates than other whole grains and are believed to help reduce the risk of asthma in children. Furthermore, sugary cereals can cause the blood-sugar levels to rise and fall dramatically, thereby affecting mood, concentration, and memory. On the other hand, oats are absorbed slowly and the gradual rise in blood-sugar levels keeps kids energetic up to lunch time.

By opting for oats and making sure you're not buying sweetened ones, you can be sure that your little one is eating right. Even if you’re picking freebies samples, take note of the nutritional information.

If your kid doesn't love eating oats, you can add honey; skim milk; dried fruit such as apricots, raisins, or cranberries; nuts; or fresh fruit like bananas or apples to enhance the taste of oatmeal.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a perfect balance of all things good. It has protein, carbohydrates, fats, and essential minerals. Moreover, it's densely packed with nutrients. Such foods are important for kids as they have small tummies and you'd want them to get as many nutrients as possible even if they eat a small amount of food.

Additionally, yogurt is much easier to digest than milk. As it is cultured, it helps boost immunity and aid digestion. It also helps your child absorb vitamins and minerals better.

Eggs

This simple food is not only a hit with adults but kids too. Eggs are easy to cook and you can make them in many ways. You can also incorporate vegetables into egg recipes like quiches for a complete meal.

Eggs are densely packed with nutrients and though they have lesser calories packed in, they are a rich source of amino acids that are essential for your child's growth. Eggs are also loaded with other vital nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, choline, and selenium.

Amino acids in eggs are important for growth and they are the building blocks of hormones, tissues, skin, and more. Choline helps in brain development, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. In addition to this, an egg or two for breakfast will keep your little one feeling satisfied and full for longer.

Beans and Lentils

Beans and lentils are great sources of proteins for kids who don't eat meat. These foods are also high in fiber and have a low Glycemic index, and will thus keep your kid's mood and energy levels stabilized. Beans are also rich in calcium and help reduce the risk of cholesterol and heart diseases.

If you're buying canned beans, drain and rinse them to get rid of excess salt. You can also make your own beans. It's not that difficult to get kids to eat beans, but if you have a picky eater, use them mashed, in soups or stews, or use beans to make nachos or quesadillas, veggie burgers, burritos, hummus, etc.

Nuts and Seeds

Kids are bound to reach for unhealthy items like fries or soda whenever they feel hungry. Encourage your child to snack on some nuts and seeds instead. Sure, they are rich in fats too, but nuts and seeds are sources of good fats compared to the unhealthy fats found in fried foods.

Nuts and seeds are also rich in fiber, vitamin E, sterols, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. All these nutrients promote overall health and reduce the risk of heart and circulatory diseases, and stroke. Nuts and seeds also contain trace amounts of different minerals like copper, manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, etc.

Make sure your kid only eats a handful of nuts or seeds every day. Some nuts and seeds to snack on include walnuts, almonds, pecans, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. Note that peanuts aren't real nuts, they are legumes and as such, less nutritious.

You can roast these nuts and seeds or add them to salads or steamed vegetables. You can also treat your kid to nut butters instead of the usual peanut butter. Be sure to pick a jar of unsweetened nut butter (cashew, almond, or blended) when you go grocery shopping next time.

Salmon

Fatty fish like salmon is the best source of DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids that are an important component of brain cells. These fats can boost brain development, fight depression, and are anti-inflammatory.
Studies show that consumption of oily fish such as salmon lowers the risk of diseases like cancer, asthma, diabetes, Alzheimer's, Macular Degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, etc.

Blueberries

Blueberries are what you can call a true super-food. They are rich in anthocyanin, vitamins C and E, flavonoids, iron, and manganese. This fruit is also packed with anti-oxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Make sure your kid eats a handful of this super-fruit at least thrice every week. This shouldn't be tough; blueberries are tasty and can be eaten on their own. You may also want to include a few in your kid's breakfast cereal or along with his favorite dessert.

Conclusion

You don’t have to deprive your kid of comfort food that he loves. But it’s important for him to eat healthy. With this list of super-foods at your fingertips, you’ll be able to ensure your child eats right.

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5 Skin Issues & Treatments For Pregnant Women

When you're expecting a baby, you always have a beautiful pregnancy glow, right? Well, not exactly.  The truth is that the glow may not be perfect. In fact, there are several skin conditions that can be an issue during pregnancy. It is not uncommon to be bothered by changes to your body and your skin. Here are some of the skin problems that can show up when you are expecting.

The Mask of Pregnancy

If you’ve heard of this one, you know that it’s the not-so-affectionate name given to melisma, caused by an overproduction of melanin. This condition shows up as brown patches on your face and possibly other areas of your body. If such patches bother you talk to your doctor and ask about a prescription or nonprescription cream or lotion that can help reduce the appearance.  And as always, use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.

Stretch Marks

This is likely one of the most common skin conditions to affect pregnant women. During pregnancy, the our body grows to accommodate the growing child.   For many women, our skin and body does not easily return to its pre-pregnancy condition. When this happens, red or purple lines appear and they turn white over time. Caused by fibers breaking under the skin, they are common on the abdomen, breasts, thighs and buttocks. Ask your doctor about creams and ointments that can help blend away the marks. Also consider herbal products including those that contain a variety of natural oils.

Red Bumps

Some women break out in light red bumps that can become a few inches in diameter. These bumps are called pruritic urticarial papules and they grow on the arms, legs, buttocks and stomach. Sometimes a patch of them, merge together to form a big area; this is called pruritic urticarial plaques. They can be particularly annoying because they can itch or burn. Avoid hot showers - bathe with lukewarm water and hold cool, wet cloths on the bumps. Do not put soap on the rash. Ask your doctor about using steroidal creams or taking an antihistamine if the itching is bad.

Skin Tags

You might also see little tags of tissue form off your skin, especially on your neck, chest and back. You might not like the sight of them, but they are usually not uncomfortable unless your clothing rubs against them. If your skin tags don’t go away and they bother you, speak with your doctor and look into ways to remove skin tags naturally such as with healing oils or other methods that can work for you.

Acne

If you think acne is just for teenagers, think again. Some women experience a resurgence of pimples during pregnancy. The good news is they usually go away after baby is born. Meanwhile, avoid heavy makeup and treat your skin with mild cleansers and over-the-counter acne creams.

As you progress in your pregnancy, know that certain skin conditions are a normal part of the process. You are not the only one to experience them. If you are concerned, ask your doctor to check them out and recommend treatment options. Some of these conditions will go away after you deliver your baby and others will become less noticeable.





The material on this site is intended to be of general informational and entertainment use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.

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